Coerced Alliance: Chapter 16

Writer's Comments

Okay...So I am on a roll here with my updates but what to do...! I guess I really want to finish this FF as soon as possible! So I can write others!

Well I hope you like it!

Love, 

Mishty

Chapter 16

The next morning they woke up early and tried to get out of the room as quickly as possible. Today they were going to visit the city of Rome, with it fountains and the beautiful Colosseum. Arnav had arranged a car for them which would take them around the city of Rome but as most of it had to be seen on foot, they parked the car somewhere and started to walk. It was quite chilly weather and so they were both wrapped up nice and warm.

They began walking and reached the famous Colosseum. The architecture was just beautiful from the outside and it just looked magnificent. They both entered to see the beautiful ruins of the Colosseum and the inside was just beautiful. They roamed around.

The architecture is so beautiful gasped Khushi.

Hmm....it is a theater, one of the largest in the world, it could seat about 500,000 spectators. Explained Arnav.

Wow....it looks so big from the inside.

I never knew that you were so fond of the architecture.

I am but I never got a chance to pursue it as a career, I was fortunate that my family let me carry on studying something, and I didn't argue on that fact, and they only made a deal that I pursue business and how it works, so I didn't say much.

Ohh...do you still want to do architecture?

I would love to but I don’t have a choice do I? I mean I am in my last year...of doing my masters, then it would be a waste of time, going back to architecture again.

Why did your family want you to do business rather than architecture?

They felt that I wouldn’t be able to grasp architecture because I am a woman and that business would be much better, plus they thought that after marriage I wouldn’t work so they let me study further until I suddenly got a call that I was to come straight to Lucknow and then I think you know the rest.

Your family seems really conservative.

Tell me about it...most of the women in my family are really scared of their husbands, I mean if dad even hold mama’s hand then she gets scared.

Didn't you even try to convince them a little?

I would have but what was the point...they would have probably slapped me and locked me in a room and then told me that I couldn’t study at all....so studying business was the better option.

Hmm.

They left the Colosseum and grabbed some quick lunch. Suddenly Khushi saw a balloon seller with different types of balloons.

Look...they’re so colorful Khushi said purely out of excitement. Arnav turned around to look at what she was staring at.

She’s a complete child woman! He thought.

Khushi...come on lets go.

Nahi....I want to buy a balloon.

What?

Yes....I want to buy a balloon! Let’s go...

Khushi...stop being demanding and lets go.

No....she said. They she happily walked off to the balloon seller and bought a bunch of colorful balloons. She then came back and told Arnav to hold on to them.

Please can you hold them for a bit, she said and gave them to him, without even letting him reply back. She then opened her handbag and got out a piece of paper and a pen. She then began writing, “May God protect our family from all the evils in this world! Love Arnav and Khushi.” She then rolled the piece of paper and tied it to the balloon strings. Then she let them go into the air, like a an excited girl.

Arnav just stared at her in amusement. He didn't know that Khushi was so enthusiastic about such things and lives life in such a happy manner. He started feeling a little guilty of the way he thought she was a gold digger but it’s the complete opposite. She was the shining light that could turn anyone’s world upside down. She knew how to live life in a happy way. Her innocence was maybe the best thing about her but the unfortunate thing was that this world was full of evilness which left people in vulnerable situations.

They then went to visit St. Peter’s cathedral as it displayed more architecture, something that both of them had in common for once.

-

It was soon night time and they were returning to the hotel. They were walking when they passed a fountain.

Arnav...lets go there...thats so beautiful.

They both saw a crowd, gathered at the fountain, and Arnav seeing that didn't want to go anywhere near it.

Khushi...look it’s too much crowded....

Oh don’t be a spoiled sport please! Look there are so many people there! Saying that she pulls him with her.

Look...these are the Trevi Fountains. I have read about them before. If you throw a coin and wish something, the wish definitely comes true.

She then got a few coins out from her bag and gave one to Arnav.  She turns away from the fountain, closes her eyes and chucks the coin into the fountain, standing backwards. She then wishes something. Arnav stares at her angelic face, looking so serene in the moon light. Arnav followed the same thing but when he closed his eyes, all he could see was her angelic face. He then did the same thing as her and quickly wished for something.

Although he didn't believe all this but at that moment, it felt like something special that he should do and that's why he went with the whole idea. He opened his eyes to see her staring at her.

It was fun right? Asked Khushi.

Hmm...he answered in monosyllables.

Thanks for bringing me here...it so wonderful! I have never been outside of India anywhere...now all this seems wonderful...thanks..

You should be thanking Nani...it was her idea in the first place, he said thoughtfully.

Hmm...Arnav I know that we hated each other in the first instance and that we thought that we would make each other’s life miserable but unknowingly, you have actually done a lot of things for me that no-one has done before. I also know that we are husband and wife but we do not share that type of relation yet. Plus it becomes hard for me to call you something when I think about what type of relationship we share... So Friends? She threw her hand out for a hand shake.

Arnav just stared at her for a few minutes more, trying to comprehend what she was saying. Then he grabbed her hand and shook it.

Friends...but Khushi..its not easy to become friends with ASR!

Really?

Hmm...so what do I have to do?

That...I will tell you some time later!

He then walked off leaving a stunned Khushi.

-

They then took the car back to the hotel and grabbed something quick to eat. Khushi was in a flowery dress and just did not wish to change, especially with him staying in the room with her. She knew what Nani was planning to do and she just did not want to follow anything at that moment. She saw Arnav come out of the shower and sit down on the bed. She then sat down on the bed on the other side.

Are you not going to change? Asked Arnav.

Umm...woh...no...I don’t feel like it! She said quietly.

Why is she behaving so differently? She was fine in the day time, then what happened so suddenly. Is it to do with the fact that Nani packed all those clothes for her. Oh yes...how can you forget Arnav...the only reason she doesn't want to change is because all the night clothes of hers are....but she could have told me and we could have got her something else to wear. Oh this girl....he thought.

He then got up from the bed and started walking out.

Where are you going? Khushi asked.

I am coming in sometime....you rest! He said and then walked outside the room.

After half an hour Arnav returned to the room with a few bags in his hands. He then went to Khushi’s side of the bed and made her sit.

Go and change your clothes. He said firmly, while looking deep into her eyes.

Khushi then took the bags and walked into the washroom. She then opened the bags to see full sleeved night dresses.

Oh no...that means he knew why I didn't want to change! Oh god...what will he think now? This is so embarrassing. Hey devi mayyian..help! Now how will I go outside? She thought.

She then quickly changed into the nightdress. She felt thankful towards him because she was feeling uncomfortable before but now she felt relaxed in her bed clothes. She quietly tip toed out of the washroom and went to the other side. She felt at ease since she saw him sleeping. He looked so cute when he was sleeping so peacefully but a total Rakshas Raizada when he was awake. She carefully slid into bed. She was just about to turn when she felt a strong arm that pulled her closer to him. She was now sleeping in his protective arms which were like iron grip, not letting her go anywhere. She could smell the strong manly odor which pulled her closer to him. She soon slept like that, having the most peaceful sleep that she didn't have in years.