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HAPPY 14 YEARS OF IPKKND!!! God! Isn't 14 special? So, here's a little something for it... Click on the link and dive in....

Blazing Garnet

Khushi's fingers couldn't get enough of the fabric that belonged to the gorgeous maroon saree that lay beside her and her eyes stayed fixed at the dainty diamond set that accompanied it.

She was expected to attend this fancy charity auction with her husband, and so these had been sent over from AR. She didn't know whether the event had been organised in the last minute or she had been shoved with the information that she'd been joining, in the last minute. Either way, she was in no mood to attend a Gala. But, did she have the option to sit out? Absolutely Not!

She sighed in resignation. The happenings of the previous day had completely shaken her and left her feeling numb. She had told the truth and Arnav had chosen not to believe her. There, Khushi was still stagnant there, still unable to process what he thought about her. How could she? How could anyone? He'd questioned the very morals around which she'd built her whole life, the very base of her belief system.

It felt like life had been drained out of her and her insides felt like they'd been iced to numbness, expect a fresh jolt of pain ripped through her everytime she thought of his accusations.

She couldn't feel anything, not the tears she'd been shedding, not the anger that'd been simmering underneath nor the disappointment that'd been lingering, She couldn't feel anything but the raw glaring emptiness that was eating her from inside out.

She had thought, proving him wrong would make her feel better. The only way she could do that, was to involve her family or have the snake confess and either way was out of question. She'd finally resorted to trying to convince him, speak sense into him.

So, she had spent the whole of the previous day at his office waiting hour after hour to talk to him, she hadn't got the chance to and suddenly she hadn't felt as hopeful anymore. When he'd finally come home, not only had the words failed her, but, she'd let him have the final say! He'd told her to only do what she was told to do by him.

Or, her efforts had been subconsciously half hearted to the least, because, she could no longer see what the point was, what she would do if he decided to still remain unconvinced.

So, Khushi had decided on it. She was going to follow whatever he asks of her until the contract comes to an end. Because, there weren't anymore fights left in her. She convinced herself, lesser the drama, easier the parting.

That morning, when he'd instructed her about the event, she simply nodded, no questions asked and she could see it, the glint of surprise in his eyes, when she hadn't offered any resistance.

With only an hour left before Mohan could pick her up and drop her at the venue, Khushi willed herself, to get up and get ready.

It was time for Khushi to become Arnav Singh Raizada's Wife, a decoy no less, with the over-priced saree and the expensive jewellery and all the glitz and glam. She was pretty sure, she was going to feel horribly foreign in her own skin and she was going to hate every bit of it. But that was what Arnav had wanted and she was going to give him that!

°°°°°°°°

Arnav paced back and forth in front of his car. He was at the venue and Khushi hadn't arrived yet. He was getting frustrated by the minute.

That very familiar tiny rational part of his brain reasoned 'You coming early to the venue, doesn't mean she's late. You had barked at her to be here by 6.30 sharp and it's only 6.15..'

But, he couldn't the shut that voice out as easily as before. He had confronted her, exposed her, that meant the voice should have stopped existing all together! But, instead it had gotten louder, clearer, persistantly ringing, telling him that he was frustrated at himself and not at her!

Along with his conscience, something else was also bothering him, something about Khushi, about her behaviour. It didn't sit right with him. She'd been looking so..so lost, so not herself... So much so it was beginning to scare him. He had deemed it all an act to her face, that she only portrayed herself pitiful. It'd stung him after he'd uttered those words, maybe because he truly didn't believe in them. Even that, hadn't elicited a response from her either.

'Or you finally managed to break her' the voice spoke up and a chill ran down his spine.

Her version of the events, it made sense to him. It fit ... infact a little too perfectly. How could it be so, if it wasn't all concocted?

'But, What if it wasn't?'

No! He couldn't think like that! Because, that would mean he was wrong and how could he be wrong? He had seen her, heard her. Yes, he had. He couldn't be doubting his senses, Could he? That meant what he'd thought about her was right? Why was he even questioning all this? Why was he beginning to distrust his judgement?

Arnav's hand flew up to massage his temple. Eversince, that fateful night on the terrace, his head and his heart had constantly been in battle and after yesterday it had only gotten naggingly pulsatile.

In his peripheral vision, he caught the glimpse of a Raizada car rolling in. He sighed in relief walking towards it.

The car parked on a clearing and out, Khushi got down and Arnav stopped dead on his tracks.

He could feel the world around him blurring, fading and she ensnaring the entirety of his focus. He was being held captive, by even her subtlest movement, the mere flicker of her eyes as she assessed the surrounding.

Swallowing hard, he cursed under his breath. How had he not thought this through? He'd asked one of his designers to send something over to his wife for the event. Of course, she had chosen one from the latest collection - The Forbidden Rose, that was inspired by Khushi and extensively developed with Khushi in mind. His staff didn't know that, but, it was their newest collection, so, it only made sense to choose from it.

The deep red fabric was dotted with an ombre of crystals along the edges to mimic dew on roses - just like the ones he grew in his carefully tended garden. The diamonds she wore were delicate vines entangling each other around tiny red garnets , ending in a teardrop, with matching drop earrings.

Ofcourse, he'd envisioned her in this attire when he'd overlooked the design. But, nothing, nothing could have prepared him for this. She was just simply breathtaking... simply ethereal...

The colour on her, perfectly illuminated her skin, drawing out the warm honey of her eyes, softening her features. The fluid drape, clung to her in a way that it left little to his imagination. Her hair rested in gentle curls over her shoulder and he couldn't take his eyes off her even for a fleeting moment.

And, like she'd felt his gaze bearing her down, her eyes flew to meet his. The earth stilled beneath him, a silent, short gasp trapped in his throat and something heavy settled on his chest.

Her eyes carried a frailty, an unsurety, breaking a little something inside of him. She quickly averted her gaze and headed in his direction. All the turbulence in his mind, suddenly withdrew and only the aching reminder, he'd done this to her, remained.

°°°°°°°°

Honestly, seeing Arnav at the venue before her, she'd expected some berating her way, but, that hadn't happened. After she'd met him at the parking, he'd simply led her to the entrance. Then, all they had to do was their well rehearsed dance of an ideal couple.

Khushi's heart felt much lighter, now that the event had got over. She usually quite enjoyed social gatherings, but, this one had wrecked her nerves. This had been nothing unlike the ones the Raizadas usually organized. But, she could socialize in those events. Today, had been suffocating for her. Because, she could feel it, people walking around with the air of sophistication. Usually, she wouldn't be bothered by it, but, today it'd felt like she was way out of place in this crowd. Maybe, it was an uncomfortable reminder of how different his world was from hers and how delusional she'd been to think she would fit in.

But, she'd managed to handle it. She'd tried to channel Anjali Di and her sister and it had somewhat helped her.

All that was left to do was get to Shantivan, get out of the saree and jewellery and get it ready to be returned to AR. So, Khushi spent the car ride back, keeping count of every turn that led to the mansion.

Arnav felt more perturbed than before. She definitely wasn't herself. She'd been nervous and so unsure of herself throughout the evening, very unlike her. She'd spoken only when spoken to, kept her replies curt and smiles polite. That was all.

He should be okay with that, but he was not.. He couldn't convince himself that it was all an a act as well. Because, he could see it, her trying to hold herself together for the sake of the party.

Khushi usually would've made everyone fall in love with her, charmed them into conversation, blended in effortlessly in her own way.

At the least, would've gotten people to sign up as customers for her catering service.

Yeah right! she had decided to no longer run the catering service. A pang of hurt clenched in him, his thoughts ran haywire.

"I'm the daughter of a confectioner and the wife of a businessman"

The memory flashed before him. How adorably had she claimed the rights of being his wife, when she'd begun her catering venture. She was now letting it go.

"Half of the room is yours, half of it is mine"

How confindently had she gone about decorating his room with all her knick knacks, making it equally hers in the process. Now, it was all gone, the chimes, the stars, even the damned poster... She had decided to make their room, his again.

And it was killing him in the inside as she'd gone and done that.

It wasn't just about her business or the room. It was as if she was undoing everything they'd built upto this point - however flawed, however wrong, it had been rightfully theirs and she was detaching herself from it, from him.

So much so, she had decided to make his Khushi into this ghost of a person.

And, whose fault is that?

Arnav clutched the steering wheel hard. His inner voice was right... He was responsible for this, and this was his punishment... What hurt him more was, she was punishing herself as well...

He glanced at her, she was gazing out the window but watching nothing in particular.

The pain was getting unbearable.

No... He decided, bringing his attention back to the road. He shouldn't care this much. He couldn't...This was a liability, this was temporary.

Maybe, he was reading too much into this or maybe, this was how it was supposed to be for the remainder of the contract period. He'd have to get used to this.

°°°°°°°°

The agonizing silence from the car had followed them into the confines of his room as well.

Khushi, watched as he carried out his routine- the one she had memorized. The shoes near the TV unit, socks in the Laundry basket, then the tie would come off, followed by the waistcoat, then he'd reach for his closet. It was the same everyday, except today he seemed more over the edge than usual.

Khushi contemplated whether to ask the question lingering in her mind. Judging by his demeanor, it didn't seem ideal. But her mind reminded her, that it was always going to be this way. So, she braced herself and let the words frame a coherent question.

"Will your staff come to pick the saree and the set, tomorrow?"

Her voice cut through the room, claiming his attention. A tinge of annoyance bubbled inside Arnav, at the words. What the hell was she getting at? He'd just managed to put thoughts about her, past him and she comes up with something like that?

He couldn't care less about such triviality, Could he?

"Just keep it! I don't care what you do with it, Okay?!" He snapped, grabbing a towel and heading to the bathroom, slamming the door shut!

The day's vexation finally got to Khushi. She settled before the mirror, hurriedly but gently getting off the choker and earrings, placing it in the box that it came with, and kept it on the coffee table, where his office bag sat.

She perched on the edge of the dresser bench, trying to calm her restless heart. Her hand pulled out the bobby pins that held her hair and tied it into a bun.

She stared at her reflection. How could he ask her to keep it? Like she was after his stuff or something?!

A whimper broke out of her lips and hot, angry tears clouded her vision. He closed her eyes letting them spill, taking in deep breaths trying to will away her agitation.

She didn't realise how long she sat like that, before she heard the click of the bathroom door. She needed to get up and get going about the day. But, moving her legs had become a task in itself.

Through the corner of his eye, Arnav noticed Khushi standing up from the dressing table, wearily moving across the the room and the familiar twinge of hurt consumed him.

He sighed. He needed a distraction, he concluded. He couldn't let this keep affecting him. He needed to work himself to exhaustion, he thought, settling himself on the recliner. That was when the jewel box caught his eye. The one with his company's label.

Something ticked off in him. "Khushi, wait!" he said in a low voice.

Clutching the box, he walked to her "What are you trying to do?" He asked, holding it out to her. His voice had a steady calmness to it.

Khushi tried to be as unfazed as possible, before she spoke "I'm not doing anything... Arnav Ji " she uttered, trying to side step him. She wasn't ready to do this now.

"I asked you to keep this." he stated, blocking her.

"I don't want it."she answered numbly, her eyes fixed to the floor.

How he hated when she spoke without meeting his eyes.

"Khushi..." He took in a deep breath. Something about her was keeping his temper in line. "Look at me, listen to me...please..."

She took a moment, as if deciding something, but then her eyes found his and she didn't miss the hint of softness in them.

"It's no big deal, it's just a necklace." He emphasized.

Khushi shook her head, denying. It wasn't just a necklace, and her defiance definitely wasn't about just a necklace.

"It's because of what I said the other day, isn't it? That you get to reap the perks of being a Raizada! " He questioned, his tone still steady

"No..." She replied, her gaze shifting back to the floor

"Then, what is it? What are you trying to prove?" He could feel his patience beginning to slip away.

That question stirred something inside Khushi. Her eyes shot to meet his... "Haven't I already told you, I have nothing to prove?" she asked, her voice heavy.

She could see his face tense up, his jaw clench.

But, he held his stead. "Oh really? Is that why you waited the whole day in my office yesterday?" He scoffed.

"Yes, I waited! I was stupid enough to think you'll actually listen to me..." She retorted, sounding shaky.

"I don't need to listen to you... I know what I saw, what I heard...."

Khushi cut him off, all the bottled up inside her, seeking an escape. "No! You don't know!" she cried.

"Stop it, Khushi!" Arnav was seething inside, but held on to very last bit of his restraint.

"Whatever you plan on doing to convince me otherwise, it's not going to work. So, I'm telling this one last time, wrap up all this drama." he concluded, gesturing between her and the jewel box.

He turned away, placing the box on the night stand, all prepared to leave the place, when he heard Khushi calling after...

"Yes! Walk away, like you always do! That's what you do best!"

She had had enough. She no longer cared that she hit a nerve. He'd been the one insistent on pushing her to speak and the minute she gave into it, he turned the other way.

That was it for Arnav. That was his final straw.

He crossed the length of the room in two long strides.

"What was that supposed to mean?" hissed Arnav, backing her in a corner, holding her by her arms. The impact, unknotting her hair from its twist.

Khushi's gaze matched the fierceness in his own. "You know exactly what I mean.... You run from reality, because it scares you!... Why else would you be okay with choosing to believe a twisted opinion of me over... " Khushi's breathing was harsh and sharp but she continued, " over the truth?" A sudden wave of fatigue washed over her, her body shivered and tears didn't seem to stop.

Arnav stood rooted to the spot, his face blanching, his fingers sliding down the length of her arms and back to his side. She'd read and recited him like a book and he couldn't deny she was right.

He took one look at her and realised how fragile she was, barely holding herself together. The truth that she spoke of, was not about the wretched brother-in-law, or the terrace and it struck him, it never was, never had been about that.

Khushi's silent sobs slowed and her breathing gradually deepened. Catching a glimpse of him still weighing what she'd blurted, her heart betrayed her once more, a tiny hope blooming in her.

When he finally shook off his daze, his eyes meeting hers, "No...." breathed Arnav, his vain attempt at holding his stand, at his disbelief on her. But, it came out a lot like a plea.

Accepting her truth meant, his actions towards her were unforgivable.

He searched into the depths of her eyes, to find some form of pretense, something at all.

And, like she could perceive his doubts, Khushi spoke again, with whatever little that was left of her "Why couldn't you see it... The truth was right here...I...." She whimpered "I..I have always been here...."

"Always?" he mouthed.

"Hamesha...."

The instant that word slipped out her mouth, he knew to his bone what she was conveying, what her words implied. That for her, It had always been him and only him. Nothing else mattered to him, every doubt, every uncertainty, every baseless accusation, vanished into thin air.

He took a step towards her. And for once, she didn't take a step back. Instead, she was looking up at him, beholding him in her gaze, her breath hitching, her lips quivering ever so slightly.

And, before he knew it, his hands found the side of her face, his lips were on hers

°°°°°°°°

Khushi gasped at the contact. It was supple, tentative, merely a tug sending jolts of sparks through her. But, soon her lips melted into his.

Arnav took the cue to deepen the kiss, eliciting a soft sound from her, sending his senses over drive. She felt her knees give away, her body mould into his, either for support or craving more proximity. Her muddled brain couldn't tell.

His hands slid to her waist, steadying her. The flimsy drape of her saree, giving way for his fingers to slip beneath, his fingertips lingering on her skin in a delicate pressure. While, Khushi's fingers skimmed over his neck and tangled in his hair.

Reminding himself to not get carried away. He gently pulled away, resting his forehead on hers. Her breathing was still uneven, her chest rising and falling , colour blossoming in her cheeks, her clothing barely holding up.

His hand flew up, brushing away the wisps of hair off her face, tucking it behind her ear, before pressing a soft kiss to her temple. The faint scent of her hair, a mix of citrus and something subtly floral - jasmine, enveloped him, a familiar comfort after the storm that'd weathered.

She looked at him through fluttering lashes, her warm hazel orbs, glinting in anticipation and Arnav's world shifted on it's axis. A surge of affection flooded through him. This was the woman who'd seen through his icy walls, who'd seen his darkest, yet, held on to him, anchored him back to her, even when he'd given her no reason to. She was his Khushi. Irrevocably his.

Khushi reached out him, her hand trembling a little, as it settled against his chest, his heart thundering under her fingers. This was beyond surreal for her, like her mind was playing a trick, like if she moved or blinked, the moment would dissolve, he would disappear - again....

"Khushi..." he exhaled, the sound a low rumble against her ear as he pulled her closer, his arms tightening around her waist, as if he'd sensed her thoughts, tethering her.

This was real... He wasn't going anywhere.

He tilted her head back, a soft moan escaping her throat, and she arched into him as his lips found the curve of her neck, lazily tracing every inch of it, sending shivers down her spine, dizzying her.

He could feel the desperate cling of her fingers, beckoning him to face her. Standing on her tip toes, she pulled him into a peck - slow, hesitant, her movements precise, testing, learning.

Arnav leaned into her, indulging in her taste, drinking in her sighs, her intoxicating scent, pushing her threshold, merely parting owing to their lungs.

The whisper of desire, lulled between them. How could they ever get enough of each other, the pull growing undeniably intense. The air around them, crackling with their unspoken yearning.

"There's no going back..." His voice hoarse, words heavy, a statement of both warning and unwavering resolve.

"I know..." she said, her voice a soft murmur against his shoulder, her arm wrapping around him, pulling him further into her embrace.

"Are you sure?" He asked, his voice raw with vulnerability, completely overwhelmed by her blatant trust in him.

"Yes," she nodded, her breath warm against his skin, her palm resting against his jaw, feathering kisses on his cheek. Each light touch, sent an aching heat rushing through his veins..

The last of his self-control snapped, and this time their lips met with an urgency, a new fervor.

Khushi barely registered being lifted off her feet, her back hitting the mattress.

Every thought remained suspended in her head and all she remembered, was the subtle burn of his stubble against her skin, the tenderness of his kisses trailing down her body, the ripple of his muscles under her fingertips, the hum of electricity, coursing through her very being.

And, Arnav cherished her, etching her to memory, completely baring himself to her. Every touch, every caress, every kiss a silent promise of no longer running, no longer hiding, but staying, holding on and making it up to her for the rest of his life.

He'd found his way back to her and he was never letting her go.

______________________

Was randomly looking up gemstones one day, and learned that Garnets are apparently symbol of passion, loyalty and longevity. It's safe to say, that inspired this one shot.

Hope you like it!

Lots of love,

Titaliya

Tagging: @arshifiesta @featheredclover @hand-picked-star @hand-written-dreams @jalebi-weds-bluetooth @pyaargulzar

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