Chapter 1: Khushi
On the plane. Relax, I'll be with you soon. I love you. I miss you.
It was 11.30 at night, and Khushi had just received this message from Arnav-ji. There was still half an hour before his flight left London.
Aap bas jaldi se laut aayiye. [Please come back soon.]
She knew he didn't like her worrying, but this was the first time he'd left her since he had been kidnapped. She couldn't banish her fear, wanting him back beside her as soon as possible.
Khushi, stop worrying. Sab theek hai. I'll be with you in ten hours. [Khushi, stop worrying. Everything's fine. I'll be with you in ten hours.]
Ten hours. What was ten hours compared to the seventeen days he'd been away, she asked herself. And yet, it seemed like the next ten hours would be unbearably long.
Hum aap se milne aayenge. Airport mein. [I'll come to meet you. At the airport.]
No. Mohan will meet me there, Khushi. Relax. Stay with Aarav.
It was easy for him to tell her to relax. He wasn't the one sitting alone in their bed, thinking of the last time he'd gone to the airport. She was typing a reply saying that Aarav would be in school when another message came through.
Have to go, plane ready to take off. Please get some sleep. I love you, dammit.
Khushi smiled wanly. It had become a joke between them, the way he'd admitted he loved her by angrily shouting those words at her.
I love you too, dammit.
Author's Note: This story is set after the end of the TV serial. Arnav goes on an international business trip for the first time after his kidnapping. The story is intended to be a glimpse into their married life and into their role as parents, and also explores Khushi's anxiety over his travelling.
I haven't labelled it Mature, but there are (suggested) sexual situations. I can change it to Mature if need be.
The story will be told in close third person and each chapter will alternate points of view between Khushi and Arnav.