Chapter 43 Matured

Chapter 43

Both Arnav and Khushi bent down together to touch Devyani’s feet. She placed a hand on their head, blessing them to be in good health and bear her grandchildren as soon as possible. Rising slowly, Khushi gave a side glance to Arnav who was holding in his own smile. Old people have this weird fascination with grandchildren which Khushi and Arnav could witness in Devyani’s blessing.

Arnav was to drive his Nani, Lavanya and NK to the airport. Their flight was scheduled to leave in three hours. Khushi hugged Lavanya and bid her goodbye. She thanked NK for making it to the wedding and providing a helpful hand wherever possible. In return, NK smiled and nodded.

“Help me with these bags, will you, Akash?” Lavanya spoke to Akash, who stood in a corner, watching the exchange.

“I’ll do it” NK interjected but Akash was already holding a suitcase in his hand, walking towards the main door.

“He’ll do it” Lavanya said and followed Akash out of the hall. She dragged another trolley with her.

When she reached the car with the trolley, Akash was already putting her suitcase in the car. He gave a quick glance around and then pulled her to other side of the car, so they were blocked from the view of the main door.

“I wish you were staying” He said to her, holding her hand.

“I wish that too, Akash. But, you know Nani. I can’t just go up to her and tell her I want to stay here with you” Lavanya replied, her fingers looping around Akash’s.

“How do we know this is the right way? You leaving?” Akash asked, voice dipping as he gazed at Lavanya’s face.

“We don’t know. But, we have to tread slowly. As discussed, I’ll go back to Delhi and tell Ma that I do agree with her proposition. I am hoping she’ll manage the rest. Until she does, we’ll talk every day. Texts and video calls. And, you can come to Delhi anytime you feel like. I’d love to see you there” Lavanya said, making Akash nod.

They had already discussed this and more last night. After a long talk, both of them had agreed that it would seem abrupt if Lavanya stayed, especially when no one knew how they felt about each other. So, she’ll leave for now and he’ll go meet her parents in a couple of weeks, depending upon how things proceed.

“Call me when you reach” Akash said, leaning closer to her.

“Don’t skip meals. Sleep on time. Worry less about work” Lavanya said in return.

Akash nodded and then pulled her closer. He gazed at her face for a few seconds before kissing her cheek. Lavanya inhaled deeply and closed her eyes as Akash kissed her other cheek. He was about to kiss her forehead when the sound of more bags being dragged disturbed them. Both of them quickly disengaged and stood apart from each other.

“Need help with those?” Akash asked as NK appeared in view.

NK gave a silent look to both Akash and Lavanya before shaking his head and hauling the bag into the trunk.

Then, he walked back inside.

~~**~~

Doctor Shailesh Kumar watched from afar as Devyani interacted with Arnav and Khushi. She was leaving finally. Last evening, he had been walking alone on the terrace when he had seen her going towards the orchards. She was assisted by Hema, the house-help. Doctor Kumar had stayed on the roof until he had seen Hema returning to the Mahal all alone. It appeared as though Devyani had asked to be left alone at the grave of his daughter.

He hadn’t been able to stop himself. Climbing down three flights of stairs, he had made his way to the same section of Aamra Kunj where he knew he would find Devyani. As expected, he had noticed the small figure hunched over the grave from a distance. From the angle, he could see that Devyani was sitting cross-legged on the grassy floor. One of her hands was resting on the headstone and she seemed to be caressing it as one caresses a newborn. The flowers on the earthy grave were beginning to wither and the shrubs required trimming. If not for the shiny marble headstone, the grave would have been hard to notice.

Yet, there she was. An old, aching woman who lost her child too early! To suicide! That must be a pain of its own kind, one that he would never have to endure. He didn’t have any children of his own; had never even considered the prospect. Birendra had been enough for him. And Akash! Khushi! Also Arnav! All of these people were his family but the one who tied all of this together for him was Birendra. And now he was gone!

Doctor Kumar could now feel some of Devyani’s pain, if not all then maybe a small fraction of it. Like him, Devyani Singh Raizada had also lost someone who meant the world to her. He understood it a little better now. The void that remains inside; left by the person who is no more.

Nothing can fill this void. Neither time nor anyone else!

He watched, taking slow steps towards the grave, as Devyani’s soft words turned audible.

“I could have been a better mother, I know. I could have done a hundred things in hundred different ways to save you from the life you had. I failed you. I know you wouldn’t complain, but I know it in my heart. It’s as much my mistake as anyone else’s. Do forgive your mother. I will see you soon. Once this old body has given up, I will see you again. We’ll have a lot of time to catch up. Until then, I miss you” Devyani was saying.

The words were morbid. Devyani hoped to see Sujata in the afterlife. As a doctor, Kumar believed the idea of afterlife to be ludicrous and a hoax. But, now that Birendra was no more, he wanted to believe it! He wondered if that made him a hypocrite.

He watched as Devyani placed some flowers on the grave, realizing that she must have brought some with her from the garden. Then, she tried getting up but seemed to struggle.

Without giving it much thought, Kumar reached forward and placed his hands on her shoulders, wanting to help.

“You? What are you doing here?” Devyani Raizada jerked away, her eyes flooding with wariness.

“Trying to help you” Kumar replied and reached for her arm to stabilize her.

“I can manage” She answered, gaining her footing.

Kumar let his hands drop.

“This is not the age for you take long walks without a cane. Your back is bent and you’re extremely weak” Kumar commented, using his medical gaze to assess her.

Devyani Raizada let out a long sigh.

“You’re not my doctor. I don’t need your opinion” Devyani answered as she began trudging through the grass, inching towards the Mahal which was out of sight from this distance.

“Did you lose every ounce of civility once Sujata died? I am trying to help you” Doctor Kumar’s voice became aggravated at Devyani’s outright refusal.

“Did you grow an extra bone of compassion in your body after Malik died?” The sharp response made Kumar’s gaze turn icy.

“What do you want from me Devyani ji? What would it take for you to let go of the hatred and the bitterness? Malik is dead. What more do you need? Hasn’t his death given you enough respite?” frustration dripped from Kumar’s voice as he followed after Devyani.

Devyani stopped and turned to face Doctor Kumar.

“Respite? I’ll have you know that I draw no pleasure from Malik’s death. I wished him a painful death ever since I lost Sujata. I hoped once he would die, it would lessen some of the bitterness from my life, but it hasn’t. All I can see is pain. Chote is devastated with his loss and I can never be happy when my grandson is suffering. So, no, I am not pleased with what has happened” Devyani answered, her eyes pointed at Doctor Kumar.

It took Doctor Kumar a few seconds to process the words. That means her indifference to Malik’s death is real. She hasn’t been sad but she isn’t jubilant as well. It explains why she has not said anything inappropriate about Malik’s death.

“But you still blame us for Sujata’s death” Doctor Kumar spoke. Devyani did not reply. She resumed walking and Doctor Kumar increased his pace so he was ahead of her, standing in front of her.

“You blame us? Still?” He asked.

Devyani Raizada tried to side-step the man but Doctor Kumar placed a hand on her elbow, forcing Devyani to look up.

The amount of frostiness in Devyani’’s gaze staggered Doctor Kumar for a second.

“I shouldn’t blame you and your beloved? My daughter was MARRIED to him. She was his wife. No matter what she did to get that alliance fixed, marriage is a sacred bond. But, you wouldn’t understand it. That’s why the two of you defiled that bond of marriage. When you two decided to lay with each other, both of your wronged my daughter. Malik cheated on her and you actively participated. Did the two of you ever feel sorry for that? Did Malik ever feel sorry for sullying the vows he had taken before everyone? Did you two ever apologize for it? You two had no respect for anything apart from your twisted sense of love for each other”

Doctor Kumar let his hand drop from Devyani’s elbow and he looked at the ground.

“It wasn’t that simple” His answer was hushed.

“How complicated could it have been to write me a letter? Tell me to take her away? I would have forcibly removed her from here had I known what sordid relationship you shared with my daughter’s husband. I would have never let her live here. But, neither of you tried that because you were cowards. You did not have the courage to openly live the life you wanted. The Malik name would have lost its glory. So, at the expense of my daughter’s life, under the pretence of being a married, respectable man, Malik and you continued to live together. Why didn’t you two tell the world that you were in fact perverse men? Why the world knows you two as morally upright men while my daughter died with the reputation of being mentally unstable? You bought your dignity and earned your name at the cost of her life and I would never forget that. The Malik name and its legacy is a lie”.

Doctor Kumar had no answer. Devyani was not all wrong. Yes, Malik had wanted a divorce and Sujata had refused but being married in had shielded both Malik and him from society’s prying eyes.

“You’re right, Devyani ji. I am a coward. The day before the wedding, after Malik had met Sujata and told her he couldn’t marry her because he did not prefer women...he had come home disappointed. Sujata didn’t want to believe him. He had begged me that we leave the city. He had a job offer from UCLA. He wanted us to pack our bags and leave the same night. But, I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t leave my family behind. I knew Malik’s father would make them pay the price of my absence. So, I refused. And next day, he got married. So, yes, I was coward. But, as you were saying earlier, before Sujata’s grave, that you would have done a hundred things in hundred different. The same applied to Malik and I too, Devyani ji. We too could have done a hundred things differently. But, we couldn’t, for whatever reasons. We made mistakes. Just like you think you did with Sujata. Given the power, all of us would choose so many things differently. But, we can’t. And that’s our burden” Doctor Kumar said.

Devyani Raizada stared at his face, unblinking.

“And I am sorry. I apologize for my part in Sujata’s death. I accept it. It was wrong of Birendra and I to..be together..when he was married to Sujata. But, you have to understand that it was a one-time thing..and we didn’t plan it. I never wanted to hurt Sujata” Doctor Kumar spoke further and noticed the way smoothness took over Devyani’s features.

“Thank you for your apology” She answered in shaky words.

Silence spread for a while during which Kumar tried to ease the maelstrom of emotions swirling inside him. Talking about Birendra had freshly raked his pain. He wondered what Malik would think of this apology. Most likely he would agree.

As Doctor Kumar tried to pull himself together, Devyani Raizada began walking again.

“You can help me walk back to the Mahal” She said when she was few feet ahead of him.

Kumar nodded his head and reached her, offering his arm to her.

.

.

Snapping back from his memory from yesterday, Doctor Kumar watched Arnav help Devyani. By the time he reached downstairs, both Arnav and Devyani were out of the hall, heading towards the car. Lavanya was already inside the car and NK was waiting for Devyani to get in. Akash stood in a corner, looking at the car with a gloomy face. Doctor Kumar wondered why that was the case.

He ignored that for a while and watched Devyani settle into the car. Arnav got into the driver’s seat and NK took the passenger’s seat. Doctor Kumar stepped forward and looked at Devyani.

“Have a safe journey” He said to her. Devyani nodded, unaware of the surprised faces around them!

“Bye Khushi” Lavanya spoke as Arnav started the ignition.

“Bye Lavanya” Khushi waved her hand and the car finally pulled out of the driveway.

“You wished her safe journey? And she didn’t say anything mean? What was that about?” Akash walked up to Doctor Kumar and asked. Even Khushi looked at Doctor Kumar.

“We came to a mutual understanding” was all Doctor Kumar said before walking back into the Mahal, Akash and Khushi following after him.

“I am happy to hear that, Doctor Uncle” Khushi said once they were inside.

Doctor Kumar nodded and began making his way back to his room when Akash cleared his throat.

“I like Lavanya”.

“WHAT?” The word stumbled from Khushi’s mouth in a surprised exclaim while Doctor Kumar smiled.

“Is that why you were looking at the car so longingly?” He asked Akash.

“WHAT? Was he? When?” Khushi still seemed confused while Akash gave an impish smile.

“Since when? Why don’t I know about this? And why did you let her leave then?” Khushi was immediately upon Akash, giving him a narrowed look.

“Did you tell her at least?” Doctor Kumar asked.

“Wait! Is that why Arnav’s mami wanted to get Lavanya and you together? Because you two like each other” Khushi recalled the information Akash had given her several weeks ago.

“Arnav’s Mami? She’s involved?” Doctor Kumar asked.

Akash listened to all the questions and realized he’ll have to go into the details.

“It all started when Lavanya contacted me. She thought I had put the idea of marriage in her mother’s head. That’s when we first started talking..”

Akash narrated how he and Lavanya planned to get Devyani to Lucknow for the wedding and what Lavanya expected from him in return. Then he explained how he began to feel attached to her and Lavanya felt the same about him.

“So, all the constant bickering was your childish attempt to deny the attraction both of you felt towards each other?” Khushi asked, still unbelieving that she had missed noticing what was going on with her friend.

“Maybe” Akash gave an embarrassed look to Khushi and Doctor Kumar who listening patiently.

“You are telling us now because you want us to talk to Devyani ji?” He asked.

“Yes, but not right now. The timing...I feel..is not right” Akash said.

Doctor Kumar nodded.

“Let me know whenever you’re ready. I’ll be here to talk it out with Lavanya’s parents and Devyani ji” Doctor Kumar replied.

Akash nodded with gratitude in his eyes.

“I’ll be in my room” Doctor Kumar said and then walked away, leaving Khushi and Akash around.

“You!” Khushi reached forward and smacked Akash on the arm.

“What?” Akash winced.

“You hid it from me” Khushi said, directly an angry glare at her friend.

“Technically, I wasn’t hiding. I told you all as soon as I realized it” Akash said.

“Yeah, right! I forgot how slow you are in these matters” Khushi commented and then offered a warm smile to him.

“I am so happy for you” She said, giving a slight shove of her shoulder against Akash’s.

Akash’s smile bloomed too.

“So am I. I just hope Bhai doesn’t react the same you did. My arm hurts” Akash said.

“I would love to be there when you tell him. It would be entertaining” Khushi said, grinning wide.

“You’re such a sadist” Akash said and then looped his arm around her.

“I am hungry. Let’s see if there’s something to eat” He said and the two of them headed towards the kitchen.

~~**~~

Two weeks later Khushi was sitting in the drawing room of her house with her father. Shashi Gupta was explaining Khushi why it wasn’t a good idea to hire help at the shop.

“It takes too much time for a new person to learn their way around everything. I wouldn’t have the time to train them” Shashi said, making Khushi shake her head.

“We can find someone who wouldn’t need too much training. Someone who already has a good knowledge of handling sweets and book-keeping” Khushi countered.

“Someone like that would expect a good pay” Shashi answered, putting away the neatly diced cucumbers and moving onto the tomatoes.

“He’s right, Khushi. Book-keeping and sweets handling? Those are two different things. It seems like you’ll have to hire two people and that will cost money” Arnav spoke from the kitchen.

“Which is why I am not hiring anyone” Shashi answered, dicing the tomatoes in round shape for the salad plate.

“But you need the extra hands, Babuji. Doesn’t he, Arnav?” Khushi said.

Arnav walked over from the kitchen into the living room, wiping his hands on the apron he was wearing.

“I think Shashi uncle can decide that better” He answered, earning a pointed look from Khushi.

“..Or not. Maybe he does need help” He added, shrugging his shoulders.

“I worked there. I know. We anyway needed extra set of hands and now I am not there too. So, we definitely need to hire someone. You’re doing too much of work by yourself, Babuji” Khushi directed the last sentence towards her father, who was now neatly arranging the salad onto the plate.

“Work is good. It keeps me occupied” Shashi replied.

Khushi’s face turned sad for a moment and Arnav coughed, making Shashi look at his daughter’s face.

He sighed and then shook his head.

“Alright! I’ll post a note outside the shop. If someone applies, I’ll consider” He answered.

“Problem solved. Now, let’s eat. I am famished. Cooking gets me hungry” Arnav said and Khushi gave a smile.

“I’ll help you” She said and followed Arnav into the kitchen.

“See! Got him to agree, didn’t I? You just have to know the right strategy” Khushi spoke in a soft voice but proudly.

“Yeah! Your long face out there was definitely a good strategy” Arnav smirked and leaned for a quick brush of his lips against Khushi’s.

Khushi smacked him on the arm in return.

“Babuji is right outside” She spoke.

“So? He knows we’re married. He’s the one who gave you away, remember?” Arnav answered, his smirk still in place and Khushi shook her head at him.

“I am taking these dishes to the table” She said and lifted some serving bowls, carrying them outside.

Once the table was set, Arnav, Khushi and Shashi began eating.

“So, when will you be coming back, Arnav?” Shashi asked, referring to Arnav’s trip to Delhi the next day.

“I am not sure, Uncle. There’s too much work that needs my attention. It might take a week at least. Besides, Akash is also going with me” Arnav replied.

“Right. Khushi told me on the phone earlier. Devyani ji wants to meet him and talk about the marriage proposal. I was very glad to hear of it. Lavanya is a good girl. If Devyani ji agrees to this, both the families will finally be able to move forward” Shashi said.

“I think she would agree. My Maami ji has been at it for days. Lavanya has her own convincing abilities. Even Doctor Kumar is ready to get involved if the need arises. So, it looks good. Besides, I think Nani ji has already made up her mind. That’s why she has called for Akash to come see her” Arnav replied and thereafter dinner became a quiet, comfortable affair.

Once they were done eating, Khushi volunteered to do the dishes. Shashi said that he would go for his walk and Arnav asked if he could join.

The two of them, stepped outside the house and began walking.

“Is there something that you need my advice about?” Shashi Gupta asked his son-in-law after a few minutes of walking.

Arnav smiled and nodded his head.

“How do you always know that I have something on my mind?” He asked.

“It’s one of the specialities of being a father” Shashi answered.

Arnav nodded and then asked, “Do you think Khushi would be interested in running a school?”

Shashi Gupta considered the question for a while and then spoke.

“She has never expressed an interest in such a thing. Running a school..it requires discipline, dedication and a lot of diplomacy. Also a bit of experience! Khushi..she has a kind heart which will definitely help when running a school for kids..but it can also be very challenging. It would be too much responsibility”

“I know. I have considered all of this. But, she wouldn’t be doing it alone. There would be a management board with experienced people. She will be heading the board in my stead. I can’t give the school the time and dedication it requires. With my business in Delhi and now here in Baba’s company, I barely have enough time. I feel this can be a good opportunity for Khushi to explore her interests. I really want her involved in this. I know she would be good at this” Arnav said.

Shashi thought over Arnav’s words.

“Then you should ask her. I know she might refuse at first but once she sees your faith in her, I am sure she would agree” Shashi answered.

“Yeah. I plan to ask her before I leave. The school’s opening is in next month” Arnav said as they began a second round of walking.

“Yes. I have seen the building while passing by. It looks impressive. I am very proud of you for doing this, son” Shashi remarked, and gave a pat on Arnav’s shoulder, making him feel a little proud of himself too.

“Thank you, Uncle” He answered.

~~**~~

After wishing good night to Shashi Gupta, Arnav walked into Khushi’s room and found her frowning at her bed.

“What did the bed do? Why are you looking at it like that?” He asked her, closing the door after him.

“It’s too small for the both of us” She answered, hands on her hips.

Arnav surveyed the bed too.

“I wouldn’t mind sleeping on you” He gave her a wicked grin making Khushi’s face flush with color.

“No way! There would be no sleeping ON me. Not in my house” Khushi said, shaking her head.

“Is that a challenge, Mrs. Raizada?” Arnav asked her, immediately plopping down on the bed.

“Hey! Get off” Khushi said.

“Why?” Arnav asked, removing his slippers and discarding his t-shirt in a flash.

Khushi gawked at her husband’s perfect body and then blinked.

“I can put a cot next to the bed. You can sleep on it. You wouldn’t be comfortable if both of us slept in this tiny bed” She replied, chewing her lip when Arnav removed his trousers.

“No, thanks! I am VERY comfortable right here” Arnav said, patting the bed.

“Besides...” He drawled.

“You have no idea how many times I have thought about being in your bed with you” He said, looking intently at Khushi.

“You have? When?” Khushi asked, eyeing the little space next to where Arnav sat on her bed. He was huge compared to her. She’ll practically be sleeping on him.

“When? Before we were married, of course! I specially remember thinking about it on your bday. When you were standing there..”, he pointed towards the mirror, “and I helped tie the knot of your kurta”.

Khushi recalled the day and her breathing became uneven. He was standing so close to her, his fingers brushing her back.

“Then on the rooftop, when I gave you the locket. I wanted to stay the night and kiss you all over” Khushi’s mouth fell open at his brashness.

“And I know you wanted the same” He spoke.

“I did not” Khushi said, feeling too charged up by the way he was looking at her.

“You did. I could see it in your eyes. You wanted me”

Khushi didn’t know whether to be offended or turned on by his words and she knew she couldn’t be offended. Because he was right. That night on the roof, when he had given her the pendant and then kissed her cheek, her heart had been beating like a drum. She had wanted him to stay too.

“Move over! I am sleepy” She replied, and then got into the bed.

“So, you’re not going to admit it?” Arnav asked, peering at her as she lay down next to him, practically touching his side. There really wasn’t enough space. Which was good for him!

“How does that even matter now? We are married now, Arnav. All of that..”

“Still matters! It would make me happy to know that you too felt it that night” Arnav said, lying down with a elbow behind his head, so that he was looking over Khushi’s face.

Khushi gaze at his face and recalled the night.

The way he had turned her around to face him. His eyes had been as intense as they were right now. She gulped and nodded.

“Yes” She spoke.

Arnav smiled and then wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her even closer.

“Yes,what?” His voice had become deep, huskier.

“I wanted you to kiss me. I wanted you to stay” She answered, unable to break away from his holding gaze.

She watched as his eyes became darker and he brought his face closer, his breath mingling with hers.

“And I wanted more than that. I wanted to be inside you, to make love to you”

Khushi eyes widened at his words. He so rarely talked like this. He was more into showing his love than talking about it. But, tonight he seemed to be in the mood of tormenting her not just with his hands and mouth and but his words too.

Khushi whimpered as he dipped his head and captured her lips into a searing kiss. All thoughts left her head and her hands began running up and down his naked chest, his broad shoulders and his flexing biceps.

“I have something to ask you” Arnav whispered against her ears as Khushi placed small kisses on his neck.

“Right now?” She asked, turning a little so Arnav could help her out of her Kurta. He removed it in one swift motion and then she removed her leggings.

“Right now is as good a time as any” Arnav spoke, as Khushi placed her hands on his chest and got on top of him.

“I thought I was going to be on top of you” He hissed as Khushi’s lips moved onto his abdomen and then further south.

He had to close his eyes when Khushi pulled at his boxers and then clasped her hand around him.

“Khushi..” words evaporated from Arnav’s mind when she began to stroke him, keeping her eyes fixed on his face.

“Is this also something you wanted that day? On my birthday?” She asked, feeling emboldened by his scrunched face and the groans he was clearly holding back.

“I..unh..maybe..yes” He spoke with difficulty.

“I don’t want to do any talking tonight. Just this” Khushi said as she replaced her hands with her lips.

Arnav knew he too wouldn’t manage to ask her about school tonight. Tonight, he was going to die of too much pleasure if he let her continue what she was doing.

So, he sat up and flipped her over.

Khushi gave a soft yelp at the sudden shift and hissed as he buried himself into her in one quick motion. No matter how many times they did this, she never got used to the feeling. And it appeared that he didn’t get used to this too. Every time, it only seemed to get better.

“Say it” Arnav grunted as he held himself inside her.

It had become their thing. Saying the words. He wanted to hear it every time they did this. As if he couldn’t get used to the words too.

“I love you” Khushi replied, and he began moving into her, letting their primal desires take over.

Khushi closed her eyes, losing herself in the moment and his love.

~~**~~

Arnav and Khushi bid goodbye to Shashi Gupta in the morning and Arnav drove his car towards Sheesh Mahal.

Khushi seemed to be in a good mood and Arnav decided now was the time to pose the question.

“I want you to run the school” It came out as a sentence and Khushi was looking at him with a surprised face.

“Me?” She asked.

“I can’t do it myself, you know that already. I am too swarmed with everything else. And there’s no one else who I trust to do it better than you” Arnav said, giving a quick glance to Khushi and then back at the road.

“I am not qualified enough, Arnav” Khushi answered.

“You won’t be doing it alone. There would be more people to help you. And I’ll be there too, behind you” Arnav answered.

Khushi shook her head, opening her mouth.

“Don’t refuse, Khushi. Please. I don’t have anyone else. Just say yes and try to do it. If you don’t like it, if you feel you can’t manage it..you can quit. I’ll try to find someone else. But at least give it a try. For me” Arnav’s earnest voice made Khushi hold in her words.

“I’ll think about it, Arnav” She said.

“Yes. Good” Arnav smiled and Khushi sighed, knowing she’ll have to say yes. She wanted that smile on his face again. She will do it.

~~**~~

When Arnav got off his flight and switched on his phone during the car ride to Raizada Mansion, he was surprised to see ten missed calls from NK and Lavanya.

“Lavanya has been calling” Akash spoke, as he turned on his cell phone too. Both of them had taken the flight together and Arnav had repeatedly assured Akash that his Nani would surely give her blessing for the marriage.

“Do you think everything is alright, Bhai?” Akash asked while Arnav called back NK.

“NK is not picking up” Arnav said.

“Neither is Lavanya” Akash said, trying her cell phone.

Both the brothers sensed that something was definitely wrong. They remained quiet during the short ride to Raizada Mansion, exchanging looks.

Once they reached the house, Arnav practically jumped off the moving car and began taking long strides into the house.

Upon entering in, he found the entire family sitting in the hall, grim-faced.

“What happened?” Arnav demanded as he hurried into the hall, posing the question to everyone.

“It’s Ma. She’s passed away” It was Manohar Singh Raizada who answered Arnav’s question, the news dropping on Arnav like a bomb.

His knees gave out and he stumbled, reaching for the couch.

This was not possible. He had spoken to his Nani just this morning. How can this happen in five hours?

“Her kidneys gave up” Manorama expressed, and went on to explain how she had been sick since yesterday and the doctors had told them that dialysis was not going to help anymore.

Arnav realized that his Nani knew that she might not make the night. And she hadn’t let it express in her morning phone call. She had wanted him to not know about this.

And with that realization, he wept. Now, he was an orphan in the truest sense.

____________________________

A/N: So, the next chapter will be the epilogue of the story. We are only one step away from finishing this story. 

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