FF: Keeping Khushi: Th 8 part 76 Pg 124 - Page 65

Originally posted by: smitar

Hoping to post one more part tonight!

Originally posted by: smitar

Hoping to post one more part tonight!

Waiting!!! 😃

Smita,😊

Here is my interpretation for Part 74.

DE FACTO meaning In Fact, the entire installment is what exists in reality.

When Aarti called Gopi Kaka who was hovering behind the door guarding her, a slight smile played on her lips showing her love for him. The respect she accorded him with, made her stand up and clasp his arm and introduce him to her guests.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage" ~ Anas Nin

"This is Gopi Kakka, my first wealth."

All stared at the elderly man with wide eyes.

"Gopi Kakka, this is Arnav Singh Raizada, the businessman. These are his two brothers, Akash & NK. You know NK. You met him at the hospital."

Kakka nodded.

"This is Arnav Singh Raizada's Nani. This is his Mami. His wife, Khushiji. Akash's wife, Payalji."

Kakka nodded at them.

"This is Payalji's Buaji."

He nodded at Buaji.

Being the father figure in Aarti's life, true to his stature he asked what would they like to be served with.

"Will you have coffee or tea? The Raizadas, NK, & Buaji looked at each other, and finally, Arnav said, "Coffee, please."

Kakka nodded.

"I can't take sugar", Arnav said.

Gopi Kakka nodded, and left the room.

"When you love someone you let them take care of you." ~ Jodi Picoult

"I am afraid I can't do without Gopi Kakka. He keeps my house going.", Aarti smiled. "If you will accompany me, I will show you my second wealth."

They were taken to Amma's bedroom, a huge spacious room, with a small figure lying in the middle of a huge bed, dwarfed by its size.

"This is my Amma, Kamla Mishra. Buaji, Khushiji, Payalji, you wanted to meet her, didn't you?"

They nodded.

Aarti helped her mother sit up leaning on the stacked up pillows behind her back. Kamala Mishra was panting even at the slight exertion.

She looked at the family that she had heard so much about from Aarti, while Aarti introduced each person to her.

"Amma, this is Naniji."

Kamla Mishra smiled at the old lady and folded her hands in greeting. "I hope Anjaliji is happy in her husband's house?", she asked smiling.

"Haan. Yes, she is very happy.", Naniji smiled.

"Good. Good.", Kamla Mishra smiled.

"Amma, this is Mamiji."

"Aarti told me about you, about how you selected 10 sarees for her.", Kamla huffed and puffed to get the words out. "Thank you. I...", Kamla Mishra looked at her own weak body, "... can't do anything for her. Thank you for looking out for her."

"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world" ~ Desmond Tutu

Mamiji swallowed and smiled.

"This is Buaji."

"You thought she was a man!", Kamla gasped. "I don't blame you. When I see her in these clothes, I often feel she is my son rather than my daughter."

Buaji smiled.

"Arnav Singh Raizada and his wife."

"Khushiji!", said Kamla MIshra.

All nodded.

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love" ~ Lao Tzu

"Aarti spoke about all of you, about how loving you all are. How many months...?"

"Three.", Khushi smiled.

"May you have many healthy children.", Kamla Mishra blessed her.

"Akash & Payalji."

"The doctor! You couldn't recognize her in the mechanic's clothes, could you?"

"No.", laughed Payal.

"NK."

Kamla smiled at NK, and lifted her arm to touch him. NK strode to her, sat on the bed by her, and hugged her.

"The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer" ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"How are you?", he asked, his eyes taking in the slightly puffy face, the shortness of breath, the strain in her eyes...

"Getting better.", Kamla smiled.

"Please sit down.", Aarti invited the guests. "I will help Gopi Kakka bring in the coffee.", she told her mother, and left the room.

All the available seats were occupied and NK chose to sit by Kamala on the bed.

"Please don't be angry with Aarti for not telling you who she is.", Amma said softly. "She is used to being alone, by herself, taking care of everything without letting others know... She is not used to sharing her troubles, talking to others. That's why..."

"Anxiety's like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you very far"

~ Jodi Picoult, Sing You Home

"It is alright, Nandkisore!", Buaji said, smiling at the sick lady. "You don't worry. It is just that we thought she was a mechanic and a driver..."

Telling them about Aarti's her nature to the guests,

"She is. Mechanic. Driver. Gardener. Peon. Don't be surprised if you find her on a ladder fixing lights for Diwali at one of her offices.", Kamla smiled sadly. "She is used to doing all these and more."

"Moral wounds have this peculiarity - they may be hidden, but they never close; always painful, always ready to bleed when touched, they remain fresh and open in the heart."

~ Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

Gopi Kakka and Aarti came in loaded with trays of coffee mugs served the guests. With help of Gopi Kaka, Aarti made her mother lie down. To NK's querry about Kamala not being served coffee, Kamala replied as per doctor's order she consumes only a limited amount of it. Taking a sip of water she rested on her pillow.

Aarti stood against the wall, silent, watching the Raizadas, Buaji, & NK chatting easily with her mother. She smiled as her mother laughed at Mamiji's quips, the Sunflower's jokes, Buaji's statements...So this was normal life. Chatting with friends, laughing freely...Her mother had missed so many of life's simple pleasures...

"Magic exists. Who can doubt it, when there are rainbows and wildflowers, the music of the wind and the silence of the stars? Anyone who has loved has been touched by magic. It is such a simple and such an extraordinary part of the lives we live" ~ Nora Roberts

Kamla Mishra who was not used to entertaining guests got tired quickly necessitating the rejuvenating sleep.

"Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together" ~ Thomas Dekker

The guests wishing her a speedy recovery and hoping to see her again got up to leave, making

Kamla smile. Aarti followed them out of the bedroom.

"Aarti Bitiyaa...", Buaji asked, "..is it only the three of you in this big house?"

Aarti swallowed. "No, Buaji. There are two more people here."

"Kaun he, Nandkisore?", asked Buaji.

"I will introduce you to them.", Aarti said, smiling.

Aarti took them up the majestic stairs. At the top floor opening a door along a long corridor, the Raizadas', Buaji and NK were led into a bedroom.

"Yesterday was the history, tomorrow is the mystery, but today is a gift, that's why it's called present"

Aarti loves and respects Gopi Kaka. Even though a house help has a place as a family member in Mishra household post Mohan Mishra. She is proud to introduce him to her guests as her wealth. Gopi Kaka faithfully discharges his duty even though he is considered as a family member. Introducing her mother as her asset, Aarti has shown how attached she is to her mother and is ready to bend backwards for her. Kamala Mishra's feeling of helplessness of not being able to do much for Aarti but of only taking her help always. Kamala Mishra with heartfelt words of appreciation thanks all for all the love and help her daughter has received, from them. Knowing Kushi is the reason behind all the good things happening right now in Aarti's life, blesses Kushi with healthy babies. (Are Kushi and Arnav blessed with twins???) The bond of love exists between Kamala Mishra and NK. Aarti is not averse to serve her guests herself even though she is the head of a company. NK is concerned for Kamala. The comfort level, camaraderie between the guests and her mother is witnessed by Aarti. Recognition of the reality of how the life would be for her mother if given a chance is seen by Aarti. The genuine concern of Buaji of only three people residing in such a huge bungalow are all the realities that exist. In fact, they all come under DE FACTO.

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

You have this uncanny ability to know just when to stop a part, keeping us on tenterhooks.

kyun sata rahe ho hum becharo ko...

humse ka bhooolll huyi..
jo ee saja humka miliii ...

rabba veyyy... 😆

Plz post, cant wait more.:-)

wat a cliff hanger.. i hv exams nt able to concentrate nw... plz update soon..
btw a very good update.. the coversation b/w kamal mishra nd the raizadas was amazing.. it just shwd the bond b/w arthi nd her mom... bravo!!

cliffhanger !!!!

👏😲