Husband and Wife talk

Khushi sat, thinking about what to discuss. This wasn't a simple issue. Her feelings for Arnav weren't easy to overcome. She was preparing herself for the conversation.Arnav was curious about Khushi's move. He observed her being unusually quiet, doing her usual work mechanically. He decided to let her be however she was, assuming she would be nervous about talking to her husband. After dinner, Arnav went to the study room, seeking a quiet place to make the call without any disturbance.

Khushi waited eagerly for the call from her husband. Exactly at 10 PM, her phone rang. She picked it up, her heart racing.

Khushi – Hello.

Arnav could feel a pang of jealousy, a weird sensation. He thought, If she's so invested in this relation, why did she fall for me as Arnav?

Arnav – Hi Khushi. (There was silence) You there?

Khushi – Hmmm.

Arnav – You just want to hold the call, with me on the other end?

Khushi – No... (Takes a deep breath) I'm in love.

Arnav – Okay, so you want to end this thing between us?

Khushi – Depends on you.

Arnav – What does that mean? (Arnav enjoyed this cute conversation with his wife)

Khushi – I love him, but he doesn't love me. There are things I haven't told you about what happened between him and me during our message exchanges.

Arnav – Any reason you want to share it now?

Khushi – You want to give our relation a chance. I can't accept your offer with this secret.

Arnav – Who is he?

Khushi – Let's not talk about who he is. But I promise, if you still decide to continue our relation, I'll ensure I never cross his path again and be a loyal wife to you.

Arnav sensed something strange in her tone. He was getting worried. This wasn't going to be an easy conversation.

Arnav – I'm all ears; you can tell me.

Khushi – Please hear me out completely, don't interrupt. You can ask questions at the end.

Arnav (in mind) - Has she prepared a speech? I mustn't say anything stupid to hurt her. (To Khushi) Okay, I'll listen silently till you say you're done, without interrupting.

Khushi – Thanks... (Takes a deep breath) It started one morning when I found myself sleeping on the bed. The last I remember was crying, thinking about not being able to find you, and sitting on the terrace after doing 101 rounds in the temple, praying to God to give me a clue about you. My swelling on the leg was tended to. It was the first time anyone cared about me and my pain after my parents' death. I can't explain that feeling. I felt good that he was the one who took care of me.

Arnav connected the dots to this incident.

Arnav (in mind) - Did it make an impact on her? But she had warned me the next morning, to stay away from her.

Khushi  - When I got your message for the first time, I shared it with him, asked for his help to find out about you. I had even asked him to keep it a secret. I felt better talking to him about my personal problem. His one assuring word would make my day. I felt nice when he enquired if I replied to your message or not.

Her voice was filled with emotion Arnav felt a pang of discomfort.

Arnav (in mind) - I was testing her motives, and she was finding solace in me.

Khushi - One day I fell into a pool, and he saved me. He took care of me like a glass doll. He helped me when I was unwell, made me feel better. I never felt shy, even when he was so close. He lifted me, held me so tight...I liked that feeling, being in his arms. I couldn't feel it as dirty, even after being married to you. (takes a pause) He made porridge for me; I told him openly I liked being cared by him that day.

Arnav (in mind) - Khushi, no...please don't feel this way. I was assuming you to be my sister-in-law. I did that with my full senses, I wanted you to be safe. The liking of the touch was mutual, Khushi...I loved making you eat that porridge. I was so excited when you said it was yummy.

Khushi - I got a chance to help him with his personal issue. I loved that phase. The way he planned everything...We spent so much time together. After I shared my nightmare, he sacrificed his room for me, making me comfortable. I was melting in his care.

Arnav (In mind) - I had done a background check on you. I was sure you were harmless. I didn't want to trouble my sister-in-law. You never used the bed...I still feel bad for making you sleep on that recliner. You had every right to sleep on my bed, Khushi.

Khushi - The day of Karvachauth, he broke my fast. I showed fake disappointment, but I enjoyed that...seeing him through the sieve, eating sweets from his hand, drinking water.

Arnav (in mind) - I knew you were my wife, you idiot. Why are you detailing this to such an extent, Khushi? Please stop.

Khushi - When I messaged you about that bad person at home...He somehow guessed I was physically abused and came suddenly to my room when I was tending my wound, when I was in a semi-nude state. He saw me like that; I was shocked, but I could see that he cared for me, genuinely worried about me being abused. I always liked when he showed that extra care for me...When he listened to me, when he gave me private time...When I played games with him...

Arnav (in mind) - I hated myself for not standing up for you, Khushi. I was a cowardly husband. I didn't do anything great. I had to do much more than that...Maybe hit that Shyam for touching you. I liked every bit of the time we spent, Khushi. I needed time to let you know the truth.

Khushi - When my hand was injured, he held me so close when the doctor was dressing it. I felt out of the world...Just wanted that time to freeze. The warmth in his hug was so motherly.

Arnav (in mind) - I played a dual role, confusing Khushi and manipulating her feelings. After hearing her side of the story, now I feel a deep sense of regret. Sorry Khushi. I cant see you stuggle like this.

Khushi - I was accused of stealing at his house. I was thrown out of the ashram; I called him, but his number was switched off. That's when I tried messaging you. You never replied, so I stopped messaging you. But he came searching for me, and all those hidden feelings came out. I hugged him, not caring where I was or how wet my clothes were. Nothing had mattered. I just wanted him to hide me in his hug.

I couldn't bear the humiliation I was going through. I found solace in his tight hug. The next morning, I let my heart out, let him know I had feelings for him. But he was calm and composed. He spoke with utter maturity, never making me feel low. That's when I started distancing myself from him. I don't want to burden him with my love.

I'm trying to bury these feelings, but I'm not sure when I can. (She pauses) Now, tell me, will you be able to accept me as your wife with all these feelings I have for him?

Khushi's tears pierced Arnav's heart.

Arnav (in mind) - You love is pure, but I manipulated you into liking me as Arnav, knowing you were my wife. I felt no shame in being close to you. Nothing can be wrong between us Khushi. I dont know what to tell you

She waited for his answer, but after a long silence, When no reponse came from him she spoke up in a sad tone.

Khushi - Can I take it as a no?

Arnav - I love you, Khushi. I love you so much that it hurts to see you this vulnerable. (his voice was laced with emotion)

He disconnected the call, his heart was heavy with emotion. He rushed out of the study room, left the house, and went for a long drive. On the other end, Khushi was shocked at her husband's reply.

Khushi (in mind) – Did he just tell me that he loves me? Then why didn't he come back and take me along with him? And he just disconnected the call?