THE HIDDEN SECRET - Page 8

The Raiada's and Maliks of Lucknow were the most influential families in India and they were family friends and were involved in a partnership business for many generations.Aarav Singh Raizada and Nikhil Malik were the sole heirs of their respective families.They were born and brought up in London in the same home o it was not a surprise that these 2 turned out to be the closest of friends more like brother's .They did everything together.They even married best friends and lived together.Later when a boy was born to Aarav and nandhini it was celebration time in the house.

On Sept.14 1994 at London night 11:50

Nandhini Raizada was taken into the operation theater.Aarav was totally scared it was her first pregnancy,she suddenly had a pain and all 4 of them brought her to the hospital.Drom then he never left Nikhils side.He was sticking to him like feviglue.Even Nikhil was very tensed for his dear bai and bhabhi but he was very happy that he would become a chotepapa.Anu couldn't help but give out a small chuckle seeing the 2 business tycoons who ruled the business world sitting scared like schoolkids.They kept on pestering her by keeping on asking why they were not hearing a cry as they usually saw on movies when they were small.Anu was stunned she asked "Aarav bhaiyya and Nikhil haven't u guys learnt bio in higher classes? Or has the tension really got into your brain that you 2 forgot to think rationally?" she asked with amusement.They were embarrassed.Later just after the clock stroke 12 the doctor came out with a blue napkin in his hand.All rushed towards him they saw a very small baby who was sleeping in his hands.Nikhil was the first one to take him later the baby was passed to Aarav who shrieked with surprise much to the amusement of Anu

Aarav:'Anu what happened to the baby why is he so small?Is this a real baby or what is he malnutritioned.

Anu's jaw dropped when she saw her husband also repeating the same question with his eyes.She gently took the baby into her arms and saw both the men looking at her ith expectation.She shook her head in disappointment and moved into Nandhini's room.When the men entered her room they were surprised to see the 2 women laughing to their hearts content and the lil baby as they called him was in Anu's hand sleeping off .The two of them got really pissed when their wives laughed again when the same doubt was voiced again by Nikhil.Later afer a long session of convincing by botht the ladies the two were satisfied for the time being when they realized that the baby was ok and that he would grow with time.

The next day when Nandhini and the baby was brought home they were welcomed traditionally by anu but all three of them including Aarav was surprised when they ntered their bedroom. A portion of the room wa painted blue.There were ble balloons and a beautiful crib.A new wardrobe was placed in the corner and it had all kinds of dresses and toys a baby would ever want in his growing period.Nikhil was standing there with a is this enough look.Aarav ruffled his hair with love.From then Nikhil was seen staying back at home giving all kinds of foolish reasons much to Aarav's amusement.The man who was so immersed into work was here sitting at home making up reasons so that he could play with his nephew.The next day was the naming ceremony. All the decorations were done traditionally. Anu wasn't allowing Nandhini to even move out of her room much to her amusement.She told her "Anu now I'm not pregnant pls let me help you" but when anu refused nandhini had enough and blasted all her frustrations on her.This was followed by a session of hugs cries and cajoling.It was then decided that the new mother would help her sis in law.

In the evening all the guests arrived.The panditji was also ready.All the four were dressed in traditional dresses.The ceremony began.According to customs Nikhil sat with the baby carefully held in his hand.When the pandit asked for the name Nikhil whispered into the baby's ear.All including Aarav nandhini and anu were eager to know the name of the new raizada.Nikhil put them out of their misery and said loudly.Myprince will be named Arnav Arnav Singh Raizada. All the three were happy a grnd name with a good meaning for their prince.Arnav grew up and was now a chubby and cut 2 year old.Anu was hevily pregnant.Here Nandhini was not letting Anu even move her finger.She was scared 4 her lil sis.Anu was frustrated it had been 6 months since she had come out of her room other than for check ups.The dining table ven had been shifted to their room.Anu"Didi kya he yeh mene to tumko bed se udne ko mana nehi kiya he na?"Nandhini;'s one glare was enough to shut her up.Aarav and nandhini had been praying from the day they came to know about anu pregnancy that let it be a girl a princess 4 them. Little Arnav had made it a ritual to kiss his mamma's bulged tummy everynight where he thought a lil baby would come and sit within some days ands then come out as he was told.Finally the day of the delivery arrived it was the day before Arnav's birthday.All 5 were at the hospital .It wass almost 12 in the night the men were yet again a nervous wreck.Little Arnav was waiting impatiently for the baby he was fighting his body urge to sleep.The men still had uestions but knew better not to voice it seeing Nandhini's glare.Finnally just after the clock stoke 12 the same doctor who operated nandhini came out with a small cute baby girl wrapped in a pink blanket.The over excite aarav went and held his princess in his arm.He was smilling with tears in his eye because god had granted his prayers.It was a aprety girl.They entered the room with the baby and anu was the first to wish arnav happy b'day.All were shockd and said OMG they were born on the same day at same time Aarav who was still not ready to give the baby to anybody else said "They'll be inseperable forever."Arnav gave her a small kiss on her chubby soft cheeks and anu had a tough time putting him to sleep because he didn't consent to do the same till the baby opened her hazelnut eyes and scanned the room.They reached home and this time it was Aarav who surprised them with all the pink decorations .The ladies had a tough time sending the earlier grumpy raizada to office who now didn't want to leave his princess.The naming function was held.Aarav was thinking of a name.But as pandit jee asked him to name her the now 3 year old arnav an towards the baby and called her kushi.All were surprisd but Nikhil said that would be the name of the princess.So aarav whispered her name to the baby and said loudly She's Kushi Kushi Malik.Thus little Arnav had named his princess kushi.Kushi was loved by arnav the most who had no complaints when she was being taken care of very lovingly because she had brought him happiness in his lonely life becoz he didn't have friends to play with as he was not sent out of the mansion due to security reasons.She was correctly named as with her birth their business flourished manifold.Both the parents adored both of their kids.They wished to marry Arnav and Kushi when they were ld enough but didn't tell the kids because they wanted to let themselves decide their future.Arnav and kushi were brought up together.Arnav being elder had instantly started being over protective.Kushi was not allowed to play with other kids other than him or Akki who was arnav's relative.Akash instantly started liking kushi as his adorable Barbie doll sister.The three shared a great bonding.Kushi was treated like a princess by both of them .She was never refused.Literally they spoilt her with all their pampering that she ruled over them like a real princess.Kushi and arnav used to call arnav's parents as mummy & daddy and they called kushi's parents as mumma dadda.Later as Kushi became 4 yrs old Akash as sent to India to join his sister.Things were pretty god till 2003.The house which was named arshi as brimming with happiness and love.But they were unaware of the impending sorm the storm that would change their lives forever.