21. OS 18. Too Tempting to Resist (Part 21)

Part 21


Arnav parked the car before his house.

Khushi made to get out.

"Wait," he said brusquely.

Khushi looked up at the heavens situated beyond the roof of the car. What now? she wondered.

Arnav left the vehicle, walked up to her side and opened the door for her, all chivalry and manners.

Her eyes widened. Ab kya hua inhe? she wondered. Bade tameez and all after kicking her door and breaking her poor bed!

She looked at him, the gentleman version of Laad Governor.

His face was impassive as he stood still, feeling her incredulous eyes on him.

She alighted from the vehicle at great speed.

As he shut the door and turned to escort her into his house like an honoured guest, he found her missing.

His searching eyes saw her march towards the entrance of his house without waiting for him.

He clenched his fists. It was a close call between wanting to strangle her and wanting to throw her into his car and take off for places new.

Grinding his teeth in exasperation at her non-cooperation, he marched after her.


By the time he entered his house, he found his whole family greeting her happily and inviting her to join them in applying mehendi.

Khushi sat down by Payal and began flipping through the pages of books of mehendi design, very aware of hot glares directed at her by a very cross and grouchy Laad Governor standing by Akash jiju.



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Khushi sat quietly by Payal as a lady drew intricate designs with mehendi on her jiji's hands and legs.

"Khussi, which desijjn hab you selected?" mami asked, excited. "Try mamijj desijjn of peacocks."

Khushi smiled without trying to reply. Could she draw Tom and Jerry on her palms? she wondered.

Tom and Jerry were more suitable for her than peacocks, ASR mused crossly. They suited her mental age and her temperament.

"Khussi, take this. It will suit your hands," Garima suggested, pushing an open book into her hands.

"Ji," she agreed with a smile. How soon could she go home? Her skin felt as though a hundred heat balls had struck her, all thrown at her by molten chocolate eyes.

Soon the mehendi lady finished adorning her hands with a simple but beautiful design and Khushi sat back to admire her artistry.

Garima said, "Don't stain your dress, Khussi."

ASR looked at Khushi with intent eyes. The short sleeves revealing the long, creamy length of her arms, the low neck, the flowing skirt of the top and the pink dupatta....He was mesmerised.

Khushi shuddered, feeling his hot eyes on her. Was there no end to the wedding festivities? she thought. 'He Devi Maiyya, please finish the haldi fast. I don't think I can survive this torture for long!' she begged.