Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Humein Tumse Pyaar Kitna Yeh Hum Nahin Jaante
Magar Jee Nahin Sakte Tumhaare Bina

Suna Gham Judaai Ka Uthaate Hai Log
Jaane Zindagi Kaise Bitaate Hai Log
Din Bhi Yahaan To Lage Baras Ke Samaan
Humein Intezaar Kitna Yeh Hum Nahin Jaante
Magar Jee Nahin Sakte Tumhaare Bina
Humein Tumse Pyaar

Arnav looked over at Khushi, as the song drifted through his Ferrari. She was snoring lightly, with her pouty mouth slightly open. It had been a long day and fatigue had finally caught up with her. The entire group of elders and children had finally returned to Ashadaan, late in the evening. The Raizada family had first left for Shantivan, considering Devyani Raizada's health. Arnav had stayed back with Khushi, to help her settle things at the orphanage. Akash too had left for the day, after checking with Khushi if she needed a lift. But of course, with Arnav around, she did not require anyone else... at least... not today. It had been a monumental day for both, with an overflow of emotions. After finishing all the tasks on hand, Arnav and Khushi had quickly grabbed a bite at a nearby caf and were now headed home. Arnav had switched on their favourite music, which had lulled Khushi into a deep slumber.

Tumhein Koi Aur Dekhe To Jalta Hai dil
Badi Mushkilon Se Phir Sambhalta Hai dil
Kya Kya Jatan Karte Hain Tumhein Kya Pataa
Yeh Dil Beqaraar Kitna Yeh Hum Nahin Jaante
Magar Jee Nahin Sakte Tumhare Bina

Humein Tumse Pyaar Kitna Yeh Hum Nahin Jaante
Magar Jee Nahin Sakte Tumhaare Bina

Arnav looked over once again at her serene face. She looked happy and relaxed, unlike the restless look she had been sporting for days now. He mulled over their conversation, her proposal and her knowledge of the ring, her innocence and her declaration of love. His heart filled with immense love for this woman, threatening to consume his entire being. He brushed away the loose tendrils of hair that were disturbing her sleep. She really was an angel sent into his life, to make it whole. It was time to honor her and tell his parents about them. An official engagement would douse the rumors that kept floating about his link-ups. He planned on officially introducing Khushi into his family. Even though his mother and grandmother were expecting this kind of news, he definitely needed to seek his father's blessings. He was also feeling terrible about hiding something so important from his little sister.

Soon he turned onto the Dilerganj Street and felt a bout of unhappiness take over him. Why did he have to part from Khushi? Why couldn't he just take her home and keep her with himself forever? It was this thought that made him realize, that he needed to tell his family as soon as possible. Maybe...tomorrow morning, he considered. The car came to a halt, as Arnav noticed another car parked ahead of him... Sumer's car. He smiled involuntarily, knowing exactly why Sumer had cancelled his plan to come along with them for the picnic. "Khushi," Arnav nudged her softly, brushing his hands across her soft cheeks. "Wake up... we are home." Khushi stirred a little, but did not open her eyes. He smiled at her adorableness and imagined how life would be, to wake her up every morning. He got out from the car and walked around to her side. Opening the door softly, he snapped open her seatbelt and scooped her up in his arms. Khushi stirred slowly as she realized where they were and what Arnav was doing. "Arnav, put me down... I am awake now. I can walk," she mumbled. By this time however, Arnav was already at the door, ringing the bell to her home. The door opened to show a surprised Payal and a grinning Sumer. "Payal, go and quickly get a pooja ki thali. Our bride and groom are home," Sumer teased, making Khushi turn beet red. Arnav set Khushi down and responded to his best friend's comment, "And what have Payal and you bee doing, may I ask? She had work hence she backed out... but what about you? You are already acting like a joru ka gulaam." It was Khushi's turn to laugh, as they entered the house. They settled comfortably in the living room, while Payal quickly went in to the kitchen to brew some tea.

"Oh my God! Is that a ring on your hand? Khushi... Arnav??" Payal screamed dramatically, making Sumer close his ears in mock irritation. Khushi looked at Arnav for some help and he quickly followed her cue, by taking over and telling the other two, the entire happenings of the day. Payal looked at Khushi in complete disbelief. She could not believe that her timid best friend had planned such a huge thing, and not even bothered to tell her about it. Sumer was extremely thrilled with the news and congratulated them both. "So...what should I call you now... bhabhi?" Sumer teased Khushi, who could not stop blushing. "Sumer, stop teasing my fianc and you had better behave yourself now," Arnav retorted quickly. Not one to keep quiet however, Sumer teased again, "Look now who is acting like a joru ka gulaam? Biwi mil gayi, toh dost ko bhool gaya! Dost - dost na raha..." Everyone laughed at his filmy antics, bringing in a new wave of happiness into their lives.

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It was Sunday morning, an exact week after the eventful picnic, when the Raizada family awaited the entry of their to-be daughter-in-law. Anjali was silently squirming with excitement, unable to speak about Khushi and her bhai to anybody. Ananya and her mother were busy with their own planning and Ajay Raizada wondered how he should react, when Arnav officially introduced Khushi to their family. The previous night, Arnav had informed his family, that he would be inviting Khushi for breakfast and both of them wanted to speak about something important. Everyone had pretended to be indifferent and casual to the entire conversation, curbing their desire to openly show their excitement. Anjali had sprung from her seat to make an urgent call to stop herself from grinning broadly, while Ananya had gone into the kitchen to clear the mess. It had been an extremely hilarious situation, where everyone knew the truth, yet no one wanted to be the first one to talk about it. However, Arnav had made up his decision and had finally brought home, an extremely anxious and uncomfortable Khushi.

Khushi's dhak-dhak was deafening and even Arnav could feel her nervousness, as he held her hand within his. She had dressed in one of Payal's stunning designs, constantly asking Arnav for some assurance about her looks. As they stood at the Shantivan door, Arnav gripped Khushi's hand tighter and kissing the top of her head tenderly said, "Khushi... you look beautiful... but today, it is about how beautiful you are as a person. My family knows that... so don't worry. They are going to welcome you with open arms and you are going to be so choked by their love... then, don't come running to me, complaining that my family is crazy." He tried to lighten the situation for her, understanding her nervousness and apprehension about being accepted.

As the couple entered the grand hall, they were welcomed with bright smiles by the family. Ananya hugged Khushi and inquired about how things were going on at the orphanage, while Anjali focused on the changing expressions on her brother's face. Arnav could not stop staring at Khushi all the while that she chatted with his mother and Nani. Their amused smiles were slowly turning into wide grins... everything about her affected him in a way that anyone who looked at him could tell, how crazily and completely he loved her. Anjali sent a silent prayer of thanks to God, at having given so much happiness to the brother, she loved so dearly. As everyone between the constant chatter and laughter, relished the lavish breakfast spread, the two Raizada men just stared at the gorgeous ladies on the table. Arnav constantly held one of Khushi's hands under the table, silently conveying that he was with her at every given moment. Khushi felt her heart swell with love for the man, whose caring family she was coming to love so much. When the dishes were cleared, and all of them were settled in the living room comfortably, Arnav looked over at Khushi, his eyes telling her that it was time to share the good news.

"Maa and dad... I have to make a confession," Arnav said, gaining everyone's attention and after a moment continued, "Every time I looked at you two, I saw the deep loving bond a couple share. As the years passed by, I have grown up dreaming about a woman, who would be just like what maa... is to dad. And today I want to introduce her to our family... I love Khushi... Nani, Maa, Dad, Anjie ... If all of you could bless us... we would like to get married." There was complete silence for a few seconds, and then Ananya Raizada looked at her husband who was staring at Arnav sternly. "Arnav... what is all this? You should have spoken to us before getting Khushi home. You are our only son and we have really high expectations from you. I have nothing against Khushi, but there is a huge difference between your lifestyles and that will sooner or later catch up with you," Ajay Raizada spoke making the silence even more uncomfortable.

Arnav looked at his mother for help, but she refused to speak up. Khushi had almost stopped breathing, her eyes misting with unshed tears. She should have known that reality was very different from her fantasy world. She heard Arnav trying to convince his father, "Dad... I love Khushi. It is all that matters to me. And I can't believe that you are talking about the class differences. You have brought us up with values that completely differ from these ideologies... I am..." His father interrupted Arnav, who now spoke, addressing Khushi, "Khushi beta, come here..." Khushi mutely got up and sat beside Ajay, her heart thundering in her chest. She was trembling in fear of what was about to happen next. He patted her on the head softly and said, "When I spoke about lifestyle differences, in no way had I any intention to hurt you, beta. My intention was not to talk about the classes, but about your habits." He turned towards Arnav and said, "Arnav, you are a spoilt boy, who is dependent on Hari Prakash, to pick up every scattered object in your room... whereas Khushi is an independent girl, who has taken the entire responsibility of her life, her career and her home." The reality of what his father was actually trying to do, finally dawned on Arnav. He looked over at his mother and Nani, who were trying hard to control their laughter and he shook his head and smiled at his crazy family.

Khushi was confused when she noticed Arnav grinning silently. His father was talking about how different they were, most likely, not agreeing to their marriage and there sat Arnav, smiling like a fool. She was miffed with him, when she finally heard the entire family burst into peals of laughter. Ananya quickly got up and sat beside Khushi, enveloping her into a warm hug. She kissed her forehead gently and said, "Khushi beta, we already had an inkling about Arnav and you. We were merely waiting for the two of you to come and tell us. Ajay was merely joking, trying to scare my son... and in no way, did he have any intent to hurt you beta." Khushi breathed a huge sigh of relief, hugging Ananya yet again, finding the comfort of a mother in her arms. Ananya cradled Khushi's head, knowing very well the fear and worry that Khushi must have been feeling for days.

"Dad! That was so mean... I did not expect this kind of drama from you. Now-a-days you are spending too much time, watching those saas-bahu soaps on television with Maa and Nani. And Maa... Nani and you knew?? I had suspected as much! You women are too sharp for your own good. Unnecessarily, you scared Khushi. Come here, angel..." Arnav spoke in a breath, and to the surprise of Khushi and the entire family, pulled her up from the sofa, into his warm arms. "Ooo... Angel!!! Is that what you call Khushi bhabhi, bhai?? I can call you bhabhi right?" Anjali teased the duo, making the entire family laugh loudly again. Khushi blushed and nodded, trying to pull herself away from Arnav's hold. He let her go reluctantly, as she walked over to Nani and touched her feet.

"Khushi bitiya, hum bahut khush hai ki aap hamare parivaar ka hissa banne wali hain. We can't wait to have another daughter in this house, to strengthen our women gang and dominate the men of this house," Nani said mischievously, making Khushi feel lighter than what she had felt in years. When she went to touch Ananya's feet, she stopped Khushi and hugged her yet again. "You are like Anjali to me, beta... I am so happy with Arnav's choice. I could not have found a better daughter-in-law myself." Khushi then went ahead to touch Ajay's feet. He blessed her and said jokingly, "I will accept you as my bahu, only on one condition..." and he paused dramatically. While Arnav just shook his head in resignation, Khushi looked at him in bewilderment. Without troubling her more, he continued, "...only if you promise to make the badam kheer today, which I have heard is your specialty and Ananya can't stop raving about."

Khushi smiled brightly and said, "Of course Ajayji... I will definitely make the badam kheer." However, Ajay Raizada stopped her once again and said, "One more thing Khushi, beta... If it's not too much to ask for, can you call me papa? It has been ages since any of my two children have called me that... The word dad' sounds too firangi for my desi heart." Khushi's eyes filled with tears, as Ananya and Nani requested the same from her, and all she could do was simply nod in acceptance. Arnav was by her side in a moment, rubbing her back to soothe her. "What is this Maa - Dad? You have made her cry, on the first day of introducing her into our family. I am telling you, please stop watching those horrible saas-bahu dramas!" he tried to lighten up the atmosphere, while Anjali added quickly, "Yes... please stop watching those boring shows and start watching my hottie, Barun Sobti in Iss Paar Ko Kya Naam Doon!!" Khushi's eyes brightened up at her statement and she could not stop herself from asking, "You watch that show too? Ohh... I just love Barun Sobti."

Arnav was the first one to react, as he looked at her excited face and said, "What the! Love Barun Sobti?? Really? And me?" Khushi flushed in embarrassment, as the entire family laughed at the couple. Anjali pulled Khushi away from Arnav and dragged her to the poolside, chatting about their favourite show, while Arnav sat between his parents, talking about how to proceed with the wedding. He told his parents, that they were in no hurry to get married. Khushi's book launch was in two weeks, which would keep her extremely busy for the entire month and he did not want to burden her with any kind of rituals or functions. He also told them about Payal's parents, who were the closest family she had. Ananya suggested that, they could travel to Lucknow and officially take Arnav's rishta to them and ask for Khushi's hand in marriage. Arnav seemed thrilled at the idea and went to look for Khushi to give her the good news.

The rest of the afternoon seemed to have just zoomed away. Khushi had prepared her special badam kheer and also helped Ananya in cooking lunch. The entire family chatted, joked, laughed and discussed, allowing Khushi to get comfortable with everyone. Her mind was at ease and her heart filled with warmth for his entire family... now her family. After a leisurely lunch, Arnav pulled out his car keys, to drop Khushi home. "Khushi, now you have to keep coming here as often as you can. This is your home and we want you to make demands, just like Anjali does. Don't ever have a meal alone... just drop in here and we can enjoy the meal together," Ananya said lovingly, to which Khushi readily agreed. Arnav was more than thrilled with this opportunity, of getting to meet Khushi more often from now on. What he did not realize, that an overtly loving family, could definitely become kabab-mein-haddis soon.

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"Sumer, please stop... it tickles," Payal managed to push Sumer away, who had been kissing her ears and neck. They were comfortably settled in Payal's house, knowing very well that Khushi would be away with Arnav all day. After a lot of boasting, Sumer had cooked lunch, which had consisted of slightly dry pasta that was almost inedible and a mushroom soup that had to be poured down the drain. Payal had eventually, cooked Maggi noodles to satisfy their hunger pangs. They comfortably lay in her room, randomly discussing each other's likes and habits. "What would be happening right now at Shantivan? Will Arnav's parents accept Khushi readily?" Sumer looked at the concerned face of Payal, threaded his fingers through hers and put her out of misery saying, "PG, aunty and uncle are the most loving and endearing people in this world. They love me like their own son. I regard them as my parents, much more than my own mom and dad. They are going to be thrilled to have Khushi in their family."

Payal smiled at him and asked the question that was bothering her for a while. "And what about your parents, Sumer? Will they accept us?" Sumer stiffened at her question, not because he hadn't imagined a life with Payal, not because they had never discussed the topic of marriage. It was because; he himself was unsure of their reaction and was hesitant in letting Payal see his discomfort. "Let's cross that bridge once we get there, PG. Let's not spoil what we have, in fear of what would happen. But just to let you know, I love you... no matter who thinks what!" She smiled at him. She knew his feelings and commitment towards her was far greater than what she had reciprocated. Now was not their time. She still had to debut as a solo fashion designer, and was contemplating taking up Arnav's offer. She waited anxiously for Khushi to return, wanting to know the good news and also to tell her about her decision. This was something that she wanted her best friend to know before she told her boyfriend, who was once again busy kissing her, making her lose her train of thought.

Chapter 30

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Hey everyone,

Hope you enjoyed the update. Thank you for all those wonderful comments on the last chapter... I am really happy that you'll are enjoying the story and Peek-a-boo gives you those few minutes of happiness every week. There are about 5 updates before the wedding happens, and I am wondering how much should I elaborate the wedding rasams, which might extend the story a bit. Let me know what you would like to read... See you next week! 🤗