Chapter 126

1 Oct - Monday - Around 6.30am

Khushi quickly shut off the alarm, before it could wake up Arnav. She lay still, listening if he is awake, but he only stir a little. Khushi carefully move away his arm from her stomach and slowly climb down from bed. She look back to both her husband and baby, both were fast asleep.

She went to washroom, took a shower taking care not to wet her hair. Then she went to the wardrobe area and selected an orange saree to wear. She went out and move towards her dressing table. She wore jewelry, bangles and put sindoor in her mang.

"Khushi?", came Arnav's voice from behind.

Huh, so much for going slow and taking care not to make a sound, but her husband has still woken up, thought Khushi as she turn and saw Arnav probed up on his elbow, looking sleepily at her.
Khushi went to his side. Arnav register her all duck up and asked, "Why are you all ready up? Do we have to go somewhere?", irritation starting to build up in him thinking, if there is another rasam he have to do but wasn't told by anyone.

"Not you", said Khushi as she sit beside him, "Nani wants me to do pooja today as the elder bahu of this family", she kept her voice low so that Arush too didn't wake up, "So I will be just down stair ok, I am not going anywhere. So relax and go back to sleep".

"God, another pooja", said Arnav irritatingly as he lay back on bed.

"Arnavji, please. Remember we talked about it that we will respect our elders' wishes in regards with religious stuff. You might not believe in it, but our elders do.", said Khushi giving him a pleading look. She didn't want to start her day, officially as a Raizada Bahu, today with making him upset.

"Fine, go", said Arnav as he turn to other side. Khushi smile and lean ahead, gave him a kiss on his temple and whisper I love you. Arnav just smiled in return and Khushi, satisfied that he was not upset anymore, went down. She went to the Mandir area and saw Naniji coming out of her room. Naniji look at her up and down and give appreciative nod with a smile. Khushi give a shy smile in return. They both went into mandir area and started preparing things for the pooja while waiting for the other ladies to join them.

Half hour later Mamiji, Anjali, Shalini Masi and Minnie joined them for pooja. Nani lit the diya on the pooja thal and then asked Khushi to do the pooja. Khushi took the thal from Naniji and face her favourite Devi Ma, she smiles and starts doing the arti. Just then the male members join them as well and Khushi started chanting softly...

Jai Ambe Gauri, Maiya Jai Shyama Gauri.
Tumako Nishadin Dhyavat, Hari Bramha Shivari. Om Jai Ambe Gauri
Mang Sindur Virajat, Tiko Mrigamad Ko.
Ujjval Se Dou Naina, Chandravadan Niko.
Om Jai Ambe Gauri ...

(Thankyou Sunitikapoor for the lyrics🤗 love you)

All got engrossed in the melodious voice of Khushi with their eyes closed and hands folded in front of them.

Arnav, who was not able to sleep more, had come down to go into kitchen for his coffee. He stopped hearing the soothing voice. His feet automatically started moving towards mandir. He knew the voice is of his Khushi. He stood just outside the mandir area and watched Khushi chant while doing the arti. He just stood there listening to Khushi until she finished.
Khushi turn and give the pooja thal to Mamiji. Her eyes caught Arnav behind Akash and Rahul, her eyes widened in surprise and then an elated smile appear on her face seeing him standing there because she was wishing to do this pooja with her husband seeing Mamiji, Anjali and Shalini masi standing with their husbands. She looks at her Devi Maiya silently thanking her to bring her Arnavji here. She moves back as Mamiji and Mamaji started doing arti together. She stood in front of Arnav and folded her hands. They didn't say anything, didn't move. She was just glad for his presence here. When everyone did the Arti, Nani look around for Khushi and was surprise to see Arnav.

He never comes to this area of the house, only once in the start when they had move into this mansion and Nani did the pooja first time in this mandir. After that he never set foot inside this area. Anjali followed Naniji's eyes and she too got surprise seeing Arnav.

Khushi turned and softly whispers not to go and then she went to Naniji. She bends down and takes her blessings and then took Mamiji, Mamaji, Shalini Masi and her husband's blessing. Then she went to Rajat, who had also come there and took his blessing as well. She then took the Prasad thal from Naniji and went straight to Arnav. She picks a small piece and gestures him to bring forward his hand. Arnav roll his eyes and extended his right hand, inwardly happy that Khushi came straight to him to offer the first Prasad. Khushi smile as she put the small piece in his hand and waited till he ate it. Arnav look up and down at her, taking in her appearance. He lean forward, "Achi lag rahi ho (You're looking good)". She give him a shy smile and then went back to give parsad to everyone.

Anjali came to him and mock coughed, "Chottey How come you are here today?".

"Anji, you should understand na, he is newly married. He can't be away from his wife for long", said Rahul. Both are in a teasing mood.

Arnav just stood there; his eyes fixed on Khushi and didn't say anything in return. Anjali smile teasingly seeing him watching Khushi, who was also looking back again and again at Arnav. After giving parsad to everyone Khushi went back to Arnav.

"Arnavji, Arush?", asked Khushi, in her elation of seeing Arnav here she forgot to ask about her baby. Arnav bring forward his left hand which was behind him all this time and Khushi saw a small tablet in his hand.

"He's sleeping", said Arnav as he showed the live video feed of Arush's crib. Khushi look up at him astonished. Arnav shrugged reading the questions in her eyes, "I install the baby monitor device so that we can keep an eye on him when we are away while he sleeps".

"Awwhh that's so sweet Chottey", said Anjali in teasing tone. Rahul was also giving teasing looks to both Arnav and Khushi. Arnav who had forgotten about them rolls his eyes and take Khushi's hand and move away.

"Arey arey, where are you going?", said Anjali as she followed them.

"Pooja is done, so we are going to our room", said Arnav as he stopped and turn back to his sister. Before Anjali could open her mouth Arnav said little sternly, "I remember you told me that there is no more rasam, just reception. Did you by chance miss something which I was not informed of?".

Anjali give him a sheepish smile while Khushi tug his hand. "Arnavji, everyone is awake so we should start with breakfast preparations, you go and take your shower".

"Hari Prakash will take care of breakfast, lets go", said Arnav and take step forward. Khushi stopped him again, "But I want to help".

"Khushi?", Arnav said her name in warning tone.

"Arnavji please na, see today I did the pooja officially as the elder Bahu. Now I want to make something sweet for everyone in breakfast. Everyone did so much for our wedding, so it will be little treat from us to them for doing so much for us", said Khushi. Anjali smiled as she understood that Khushi didn't tell him directly of the first rasoyi rasam. She liked Khushi's approach towards the topic. So she quietly went to the kitchen.

"Please Arnavji, let me do this na", said Khushi giving Arnav her best innocent look, "And besides when you take shower and change, what will I do just sitting in the room".

"You can join me", said Arnav giving her a mischievous look.

"Haww Besharam", said Khushi as she swatted his arm, her mind playing the images from previous night of their love making in the shower.

"What? Don't tell me you didn't enjoyed it last night when we ...", Arnav was saying when Khushi put her hand over his lips stopping him. She looked around seeing if Anjali is still here.

"I have already taken my shower, I don't want to get cold", said Khushi hurriedly and push Arnav, "You go now. I am going in kitchen". And without waiting for his answer Khushi move towards the kitchen, she turn her head back and saw Arnav still standing, so she fasten her steps and went inside Kitchen. Arnav chuckles at her escape and went upstairs thinking she cannot escape from him for long.

Half hour later Arnav came down with Arush in his arms; the baby had woken up and was asking for his mama. Arnav saw Naniji, Anjali, Rahul and Akash sitting around the dining table conversing. They stopped seeing him. Arnav went inside kitchen. Anjali quickly followed, in case if she needed to cool down the situation.

"What the? Why are you cooking alone?", asked Arnav when he saw Khushi busy at stove and Hari Prakash sitting on the stool in corner of kitchen, who stood at once, receiving an angry glare from Arnav.

"Don't look at him like that. I told him to sit there, because I want to cook myself", said Khushi as she stir spoon in the pot and then roll the pori dough.

"You told me you will be making only something sweet", said Arnav as he come near her.

"I don't remember using the word 'only'", said Khushi and then she saw Arush, "Arey don't bring him near, there is hot oil on the stove", said Khushi pointed towards the kerhayi.

"He wants you, now come. Hari Prakash will look after all this", said Arnav and tried to take Khushi's hand but she move back, "No. I want to do it and I will do it", said Khushi giving Arnav a determine look, "Now you go out", said Khushi and look at Anjali standing few feet behind, "Anjali Di, please take Arush".

"Mama pass", said our baby extending his hand. Khushi kissed on his hand making Arush smile, "Mama is making yummy yummy for my baby ok shona, now go with bua ok".

Arush turn away when Anjali tried to take him again, "Nahi bua nahi".

"Arey my shona baby, go with papa ok. Chachu give you the new red car na baby (Arush nods his head at that) go my shona, show papa your car", said Khushi and Arush turn to Arnav, "Papa talo, car lena ha (Papa lets go, I want car)".
Arnav look at Khushi irritatingly but she shsh Arnav and Anjali out of the kitchen.

"Khushi didi, please let me help or else Arnav bhaiya will get more angry on me", said Hari Prakash in worried tone.

"Ok fine, you fry the pooris, I will finish cooking this halwa", said Khushi pointing to another pot on stove.

"Your mama is not good. Always ready to work, but no time for us", said Arnav to Arush while climbing the stairs.

"Mama achi (Mama is good)", said Arush.

"Mama nahi achi(Mama is not good)", said Arnav quickly.

"Mama achi hai(Mama is good)", said Arush again.

"Mama nahi achi(Mama is not good)", said Arnav.

"Mama achii hai(Mama is good)", said Arush this time in a loud scolding tone.

"Acha ji, Mama achi hai aur papa kia hai? (Ok ji Mama is good and what is papa?)", said Arnav entering his room.

"Papa ache(Papa is good)", said Arush, "Alush acha (Arush is good)".

"But mama achi nahi hai Arush ko uthaya bhi nahi hai na(but mama is not good, she didn't even picked Arush)", said Arnav bribing him not to talk to Khushi.
"Mama Alush nahi uthaye(Mama did not picked Arush)", said Arush.

"Hai na, bus phir hum mama se baat hi nahi karain gey (Right? So we don't talk to mama now)", said Arnav as he put him down on bed and pick his toy box containing cars. Arush quickly open the box and started to show different colors cars to his papa.

After half hour, everyone was settled on the dining table. Hari Prakash and Khushi bring out the bowls and place on the dining table.

"Its smells good", said Shalini Masi.

"I hope it tastes good too", said Khushi slightly worried. It's the first time that she had cooked this large amount of food.

"I am sure it will taste good Khushi", said Anjali as she pour alu sabzi on her and Rahul's plate.

Arnav came with Arush in his arms. Khushi smiled and extended her hands and Arush happily went to Khushi.

"Traitor", murmurs Arnav as he sit down, looking at mother and son smooching each other. All his talks went to vain as Arush can never be upset with his mama.

Khushi sit beside him and settle Arush on her lap, then she grabs Arnav right hand under the table. Arnav look up at her and Khushi give him a tender smile. Arnav's heart melted seeing the love in her eyes. He squeezes her hand in response. Even Arush's papa cannot be upset with his mama.

Soon everyone was saying praises of the food. Khushi felt happy that it turns out good. All were enjoying their meal and conversing about various topics. Hari Prakash brings out the halwa for everyone. Khushi stood up with Arush in her arms as she remembers something and went in the kitchen. She came back with a glass bowl and set in front of Arnav.

"This is for you", said Khushi as she sit down again. Arnav look up at her, raising an eyebrow.

"This one is sugar free, I haven't forgotten", said Khushi with a smile. There were teasing coughs around the table. Khushi flushed red as Akash, Rahul, Anjali and Mamiji tease them. But Arnav as usual didn't pay any attention to them and took a spoonful of halwa.

Khushi look at him hopefully as he chews. Arnav took another spoon full and then look at Khushi. "It's good".

"Arey Arnav just say it yaar, its delicious", said Rahul and everyone chuckled around the table. Arnav just shrugged and to the surprise of nearly everyone Arnav finished the full bowl. He never had the sweet tooth and usually takes only 3-4 spoons of halwa or kheer whenever Anjali or Nani made it.

When everyone was finished, Anjali told them to go to living room for tea and asked Minnie to come with her. Khushi was chatting with Shalini Masi, who had asked the recipe of halwa, when her eyes fell on Anjali who had come there with 2 boxes in hand.

"Anjali Di, please no", said Khushi as she understood what those boxes are for.

"You shut up and sit quietly", said Anjali in a loving tone as she sit on the sofa beside Mamiji and hand her one box. Arnav who was sitting on the adjacent sofa with Mamaja looked on. Then Anjali gesture Rahul and they both came to Khushi with a rectangular box in Anjali's hand.

"This is for you", said Anjali as she handed the box from Khushi and Rahul took out his wallet and give 5,000 rs to Khushi. Khushi pouted as she took the both gifts. Anjali had given her a beautiful gold bracelet.

Next came Mamiji and handed the square box to Khushi, "This is from me and your Mamaji". Khushi gasped as she saw a delicate diamond jewelry set, "Mamiji this is so beautiful", said Khushi. Arush who was sitting beside Khushi stood up on his knees to see the shining set. Khushi shut the box, didn't want Arush to throw the contents.

Shalini Masi took the box from Minnie and came to Khushi. "Masi please", said Khushi as she saw Shalini Masi giving her another jewelry set.

"No please, its our love beta", said Shalini as she run her hand over Khushi's head. Her husband also bless Khushi.

"Di, where is mine?", asked Akash.

"oh haan, wait", said Anjali and quickly went to Naniji's room.

"Whats all this?", asked Arnav looking around as Rajat took out his wallet, "Uncle there is no need for this", as he stood up to stop Rajat from taking out money from his wallet.

"Son it's not for you, its for Khushi, her shagun for cooking the first breakfast", said Rajat.

Arnav look questioningly at Nani who quickly avert her eyes and engaged Mamiji in conversation.

"Di, whats all this?", asked Arnav as soon as Anjali came there with a small square box in her hand. Akash jumped and took the box from her hands and went over Khushi, "Bhabhi ji shukeriya for the yummy halwa (Bhabhiji thank you for the yummy halwa)", said Akash as he bends down on knee and handed Khushi the box. Khushi blushed as others chuckles and she thanked him, taking the gift.

"Di, it was another rasam of cooking breakfast right?", asked Arnav giving a stern look to his sister.

"Sorry Chottey", said Anjali touching her one ear, "I didn't wanted to upset you further, but you didn't have to take part in it that's why I didn't tell you".

"Arnavji", said Khushi giving him a look, saying not to argue. Arnav pressed his lips and went back to sofa. Hari Prakash came there with a big tray full of tea cups.

As everyone settle with their tea they all looked at Arnav. "What?", he raised his eyebrow.

"Aren't you going to give her gift?", asked Akash. Arnav looked questioningly at Khushi and then Anjali.

"Yes bitwa, Khushi cooked her first rasoyi so everyone give a gift or shagun to the bahu, even her husband", said Mamiji

"I didn't know about that", said Arnav looking at Khushi who shakes her head a little, "Its ok Arnavji, there is no need. I don't need anything please".

"Arey aisey kaisey, Arnav have to gift you something", said Shalini Masi.

Before Khushi could say something Arnav speak up, "Don't worry Masi, she just needs to ask and it will be hers".

"ohoo ...", there were teasing chorus at his remark. Khushi blushed as she hid her face behind her tea up.

"Khushi think carefully what you want ok. You won't get this kind of deal again", said Anjali with teasing smile. Khushi just smile in return.

The conversations carry from teasing to reception preparations. Nani stood up after finishing her tea and asked Arnav to come with her to her room.

"Sit down bitwa", said Nani as she went to her cupboard. Arnav sit on the bed and look at her as she took out a jewel box from cupboard and sit beside him.

Arnav's got nostalgic recognizing the box. It was his Mama's box.

Nani smile as she opens the box, "When your mother was preparing for Anjali's wedding she set aside these bangles for her only Bahu. It was pure luck I guess that she gave these to me for safe keeping or else it would have gone just like her other stuff due to your chacha's mis-doings", she took out 2 gold, beautiful bangles and trace her fingers over it. "I think of it as Ratna's blessings for your wife, which is Khushi. Today she did the pooja and her first rasoyi as a Raizada bahu so I think it's the right occasion to give her this", said Nani and then take out a piece of paper, "There is also a letter from Ratna, for her bahu. She wrote it incase she was not here" Nani's voice shakes a bit. She take hold of her emotions and put both letter and bangles back in the box and put it in Arnav's hand who gulped down his emotions.

"Ratna will always be here, in you and Anjali", said Nani as she run her hand over Arnav's head, "She would have been so happy to see you settle down and I am sure she would have love Khushi bitya very much." Arnav look up at her at this.

"Yeah she would have love Khushi", said Arnav softly.

"We all do", came Anjali's voice as she come inside the room, "Your choice is beautiful Chottey, right Nani?". Nani nodded her head.

"You know since the time Khushi came in this house we have wanted her to be part of our family", said Anjali.

"So true, and I really wanted her for you", said Nani. Arnav was astonish to hear this.

"But you two were planning to hook Akash and Khushi together", said Arnav.

"Oh that was just to make you jealous", said Anjali and immediately straighten up, realizing what she has said.

"What?", said Arnav looking at both Nani and Anjali.

"I am just kidding", said Anjali quickly and move away but Arnav caught her hand, standing up and look at her with serious expression. Anjali bit her lip and peak at him and then lower her eyes.

"Seriously Di?", said Arnav.

"Well we just wanted to know how much you feel for her and what is better way to make one jealous to figure it out", said Anjali.

"Did you know how much angry it made me?", said Arnav shaking his head, "And I lashed out on Khushi thinking that she might be interested in Akash when she went out with him".

"Precisely, you got angry and that told us you were really affected by her", said Anjali with a knowing smile, "And then all we had to do was make sure Khushi is around you so we plan accordingly".

"Di, you and your plans", said Arnav shaking his head and then went out of the room. Nani and Anjali share smile together.

"Khushi?", Arnav called for her when he didn't see her in the room.

"Coming Arnavji", came Khushi's voice and then after few seconds she went out of ward-robe area, "I was just putting away the jewellery".

"Arush?", asked Arnav as he extend his hand towards Khushi.

"Dhruv and Minnie take him out in the lawn", said Khushi as she put her hand in his.

Arnav went to bed and gesture her to sit down and he himself sit beside her. He gives the box to Khushi, "This is for you".

"Arnavji, you didn't have to give me something", said Khushi in complaining tone.

"Its ... (Arnav paused) from Ma", said Arnav, his eyes fixed on box in Khushi's hand.

Khushi heart thudded as she open the box.

"Nani said that Ma when she was preparing for Di'w wedding years so she selected these for her Bahu", said Arnav, "And Nani kept it safe all these years".

"They are beautiful Arnavji", said Khushi as she take our the bangles.

"There is a letter for you too", said Arnav and Khushi looked in the box and found a small yellowish folded paper. She took it out and opens it. She looks at Arnav who was looking to other side. Khushi put the bangle on her lap and grabs his hand and hold the letter with another.

To My Bahu and My Arnav's wife,

I hope to be around when my Arnav marry you and to welcome you in our family with open arms. But if by some chance I am not there, I am writing this down to let you know that my blessing will always be there for you.

Everyone says that my Arnav is very short tempered and no girl live ever be able to handle his anger, but I know in my heart that there is someone made only for him and that is you now.

(Khushi and Arnav both look at each other, knowing well that they are made for each other).

I want to tell you that he may get angry on smallest of things but he has the biggest heart, filled only with love. So don't be afraid of his temper, just answer it with your love and you will get tenfold of it in return. When he loves, he loves with all his heart and always protects what is his.

With lots of love and blessing,

Your Ma, Ratna

Khushi couldn't help the tear which slipped from her eyes. She looks up at Arnav who was looking down at the box. Khushi put the letter in box and cup his cheek, making his face turn to her.

"Arnavji, won't you make me wear it", said Khushi as she extend the bangles. Arnav took the bangles from her and lift her right hand. He slowly slips one on her wrist and put the other on her left wrist.

"Looking beautiful na", said Khushi and Arnav just nodded his head, caressing the bangles with his fingers. Khushi put the box on bed and move closer. She pulls him in a hug, rubbing his back.

"Do you think Ma would have liked me?", asked Khushi after few seconds.

Arnav break the hug and holding her arms, "She would have loved you Khushi", said Arnav.

"Really?", asked Khushi with moist eyes. Arnav nodded hurriedly, "Yes, Nani and Di thinks the same". Khushi gives a big smile and look down at her wrists.

Just then his cell phone ring and he took it out from his trouser's pocket.

"Yes Mr. Roy", said Arnav picking the call. It was his lawyer telling him that the papers were ready which he had asked for. Arnav told him to wait in the office, he will come there.

"Khushi I have to go office", said Arnav, "But I will be back in afternoon".

"It's ok Arnavji, take your time", said Khushi as she squeezes his hand.

Arnav bring her hand to his lips and kiss it, "I want to be here with you, so I will be back quick".

"Ok I will wait for you", said Khushi and Arnav kiss her hand again and then went to the wardrobe area to change clothes. Khushi look down at her wrists admiring the bangles.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

I know, i know ... its small and not what was mentioned in the previous update. But i only got time to write this much and i didnt want to delay the update more.

I will try to make the next chapter a looong one . 😊

Let me know what you think of this one.