Special Friend

Arnav walked into the house with his parents, Aravind and Ratna, looking subdued. Ratna noticed his expression and asked, "Arnav, beta, what's wrong? You look upset."

Arnav sighed, flopping down onto the couch. "Khushi's gone to stay with her Nana and Nani."

Aravind and Ratna exchanged a knowing glance. Aravind asked, "What can you do about that?"

Arnav scrunched up his face. "I don't like it. I'm going to miss her. And I don't think it's fair that she had to leave."

Ratna sat down beside him, putting a comforting arm around his shoulders. "I know it's hard, Arnav. But sometimes, families make decisions that are difficult, but ultimately for the best. You are still a small boy to understand all this."

Arnav looked up at her, his eyes searching. "But why did Khushi have to leave? What did she do wrong? They should have sent that irritating Kashish out of the house."

Aravind, who was sitting across from them, smiled. "I think Arnav has a point, Ratna. Kashish hasn't exactly been kind to Khushi, has she?"

Arnav crossed his arms, looking determined. "I'm going to miss Khushi. And I'm going to tell Kashish that she's mean and should say sorry to Khushi."

Ratna consoles him "No, Arnav. If you do that, she will get angrier on Khushi. Just keep quite."

Arnav pouted, still looking determined. "But I want Khushi to play with me! Can't we just ask her to come live with us?"

Aravind chuckled. "Arnav, beta, you're a very kind friend. But Khushi's family needs to make decisions about what's best for her. We can't just invite her to live with us."

Arnav looked up at his parents, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous idea. "Can I go to her Nana's house every day after school. I can play with her. You can pick me later in evening?"

Ratna and Aravind exchanged a glance, both of them smiling at Arnav's persistence. Ratna spoke up, "Arnav, beta, that's very sweet of you. But every day might be too much. How about we ask Khushi's parents if it's okay for you to visit her at Nana's house once or twice a week?"

Arnav's face lit up with excitement. "Really? Can I? Please?"

Aravind chuckled. "We'll ask, beta. But you have to promise to behave and not disrupt Khushi's routine."Arnav nodded eagerly, already imagining all the fun he would have with Khushi at her Nana's house.

Finally after lot of discussion it was decided that Arnav would visit Khushi twice in weekday and would spend entire Saturday and Sunday with her. Arnav beamed with joy, pumping his fist in the air. "Yes! I'm going to see Khushi so often!"

Ratna and Aravind smiled at each other, happy to see their son so excited. Ratna ruffled Arnav's hair. "We're glad you're happy, beta. But don't forget to do your homework and behave yourself when you're at Khushi's Nana's house."

Arnav nodded vigorously, already planning all the adventures he would have with Khushi. "I will, Ma! I promise!"

The next day, Arnav set off for Khushi's Nana's house, his backpack full of toys and games to share with his friend. As he walked up to the door, he could see a sad Khushi sitting in a corner still in uniform.

Arnav's face fell as he saw Khushi sitting alone, looking sad. He quickly opened the door and ran to her, dropping his backpack on the floor. "Khushi! What's wrong? Why are you sitting here all alone?"

Khushi looked up, her eyes welling up with tears. "I...I miss Ma and Papa," she sniffled, her voice trembling.

Arnav's heart went out to his friend, and he sat down beside her, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders. "I understand, Khushi. But I'm here now, and we can have fun together, okay?"

Khushi nodded slightly, still looking down. Arnav tried to think of something to cheer her up. "Hey, I brought some toys and games from home! Want to see?"

Khushi looked up slightly, a hint of interest in her eyes. Arnav grinned, relieved that he might be able to lift her spirits.

They both play together happily. Nana and Nani is relieved that Arnav came to help out little Khushi.

Nana and Nani watched from the kitchen, smiling at the sight of Arnav and Khushi playing together, their laughter and giggles filling the room. Nana nodded in approval. "That Arnav is a good boy. He's just what Khushi needs right now."

Nani agreed, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Yes, he's been a godsend. Khushi was so down when she first arrived, but Arnav's presence has really lifted her spirits."

As they watched, Arnav and Khushi played a game of hide-and-seek, their shrieks of laughter and delight filling the air. Nana and Nani exchanged a warm glance, feeling grateful for the friendship between Arnav and Khushi.

Just then, Arnav's mother, Ratna, arrived to pick him up. She smiled at the sight of the two children playing together. "Looks like Arnav's visit was just what Khushi needed!"

Nana and Nani nodded in agreement, thanking Ratna for allowing Arnav to visit. As Ratna and Arnav said their goodbyes, Khushi comes and shakes hand with him. "Thanks for coming, Arnav! I had so much fun!"

Arnav grinned, "No problem, Khushi! I'll see you on Saturday again!"

Like this their friendship turned strong in next 2 years which Kashish was not aware of. She was happy that Khushi is no more in the house. One fine day both families have a gathered together at Arnav's school ground for his cricket match.

The sun shone brightly on the school ground as the two families gathered to watch Arnav's cricket match. Arnav's parents, Ratna and Aravind, were seated on the bleachers, cheering him on along with Khushi, who was wearing a bright smile and a "Good Luck Arnav" placard.

Kashish, who had been avoiding Khushi for the past two years, looked uncomfortable as she sat down beside her parents, trying to ignore Khushi's presence.

But Khushi was selfless, so she came near Kashish "Didi, how are you? You never came to meet me with Ma and Papa? Don't you still love me?"

Kashish looked back "I was busy, anyways I am happy that I am all alone at home. And I love you for giving me this space" this made Khushi sad.

Khushi's face fell as she heard Kashish's words, her eyes welling up with tears. She had been hoping that Kashish would apologize and show some affection, but instead, Kashish seemed happy to be rid of her. She silently goes back and sit with Arvind and Ratna to watch the match.

As the match began, the crowd erupted into cheers, with Arnav's family leading the charge. Khushi joined in, cheering loudly for Arnav's team.

As the match heated up, the tension in the crowd grew. Kashish, who had been quietly observing the game, suddenly spoke up. "I'm bored," she said, rolling her eyes. "Can we go now?"

Khushi's mother, who was sitting beside Kashish, frowned slightly. "Just a little longer, Kashish. Arnav's team is doing well, and I'm sure he'd appreciate our support."

Kashish scowled, crossing her arms over her chest. "I don't care about Arnav's team. I care about getting out of here."

Khushi, who had been oblivious to Kashish's boredom, suddenly turned around, her eyes shining with excitement. "Didi, Arnav's team is winning! Let's cheer for them!"

Kashish's expression turned even more sour. "No, Khushi. I'm not going to cheer for anyone."

Raj was clearly frustrated with her tantrum. " I will send you back to home with Driver come."

Kashish's face fell, and she pouted. "Fine," she said, crossing her arms and looking away.

Raj nodded to the driver, who was standing nearby, and handed him the car keys. "Please take Kashish home. We'll stay and watch the rest of the match."

The driver nodded and escorted Kashish out of the stadium. As they left, Khushi turned to her parents with a concerned expression.

"Ma, Papa, is Didi okay? She seemed really upset," Khushi asked, her brow furrowed with worry.

Her mother, Nalini, smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, beta. Didi's just a bit spoiled, that's all. She'll be fine once she's home and gets what she wants."

Khushi nodded, looking thoughtful. "I wish Didi would be nicer to me, Ma. I miss playing with her."

Raj, Khushi's father, put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "We know, beta. But sometimes, people grow apart, and that's okay. You have Arnav, and he's a wonderful friend to you."

Khushi's face brightened at the mention of Arnav's name. "Yes, Papa! Arnav is the best!". She then turned her attention back to the match, cheering loudly as Arnav's team made a great play.

The crowd erupted into cheers as Arnav's team was declared the winner. Arnav, beaming with pride, was lifted onto his teammates' shoulders as they cheered and chanted his name.