Thanks for the likes & comments for the previous part!
Note: Long update.
Translation for Part 124A
Khushi: Oh no! (frowns) This scooter..
Arnav: What happened?
Khushi: Kaartik's scooter is the automatic type, its totally different from my old scooter! I dont think I'll be able to drive this!
Arnav: Get down & allow me to drive.
Khushi: Alright.
Arnav was turning the scooter towards the bylane when Khushi yelled "Wait! Wait!''
Arnav halts the scooter with a jerk.
Arnav: What the..!?
Khushi(calls loudly): Susheela bhabhi..!
The family walking ahead of them turn around when they hear her.
A girl of about 8 yells: Khusi buaji!
Khushi hops off the scooter and runs towards them,without saying anything to a befuddled Arnav.
Khushi(taking the girl in her arms): How are you?
Girl: I'm fine buaji. How are you?
Khushi: I'm very well!
She puts the girl down only to take her younger sister in her arms.
Khushi: And how's my dear Buchiya?
Arnav joins Khushi by this time.
The girl of about 4 winds her arms around Khushi's neck and laughs when she tickles her.
Arnav was about to speak to Khushi when he hears her exclaim Hey Devi Maiyya!
Khushi puts the child on the ground and rushes to hug her mother.
Khushi(breaking the hug): Thats not fair bhabhi! I no longer stay over here but that doesnt mean that you treat me like an outsider!(looking at her protruding belly)Why didnt you share the good news with me?
Bhabhi: Jiji, its like I dont believe in sharing good news through the phone. I would much rather share it face to face!
Arnav is shocked when Khushi is addressed as 'jiji' by someone who looked visibly older than her.
Bhabhi: I was waiting and wondering when Khusi jiji will visit here and when I'll get the chance to feed her jilebis and share my good news!?
Khushi: So.. Here I am!
Bhabhi: Yeah so come down to our place! Me & Raniya will prepare the snacks & jilebis while you catch up with your bhaiyya.
Khushi(realizes): Oh, I completely forgot to greet bhaiyya! (turns towards him) How are you,bhaiyya?
Bhaiyya: I'm fine,you tell me. No,dont tell me anything! First of all,introduce me to jijaji!
Khushi: Oh ya! (turns to Arnav)It completely escaped my mind!
Arnav throws her a look of displeasure before nodding at the couple.
Bhaiyya: Namaste! My name is Garv kumar and.. (pointing to his kids) these are my daughters- Muniya, Buchiya & Raniyaand .. (pointing to his wife)thats their mother, Suseela..
Bhabhi: Ji namaste!
Arnav(nods): Namaste. My name is Arnav Singh Raizada.
Bhaiyya: Who doesnt know you! You're a bigshot!
Arnav: I'm not here as a bigshot today. I'm here only as Khushi's husband! So I would prefer if you'd also think of me in the same vein and not as The Arnav Singh Raizada.
Bhabhi looks at Khushi and nods to indicate that she appreciates Arnav's words.
Bhaiyya: I appreciate your noble thoughts! Please come with us to our house..
Arnav: Ya,we'll definitely visit you but.. Khushi wants to meet chachiji first.
Bhaiyya(frowns): But amma is..
Khushi(interrupts): He means Lailaa chachiji.
Bhaiyya: Oh,okay.
Khushi: Ever since I heard about.. Thanveer chacha, I was waiting to meet chachi. So let me see her first then we'll gradually visit all the neighbours.
Bhaiyya: Ya,sure!
Bhabhi: Take your time, jiji. The jilebis will be ready by the time you visit our house!
Khushi: Oh no bhabhi! Please dont take any troubles for me..
Bhabhi: I wont take any trouble! And anyways, Raniya is the one who runs my kitchen these days! She's the one who prepares lunch for her father and sisters.
Khushi: Really?
Bhabhi(nods with pride): Yes! She not only takes care of her sisters, but also of the entire house. I'm only able to do a few chores. She's the one who does most of the household chores!
Khushi(appreciative smile): Thats great,Raniya! You're doing the right thing,beta! Every daughter should help her mother!
Bhabhi: Today you'll get to savour jilebis prepared by Raniya! Am I right,bitiya?
Raniya(confidently): Yes buaji! I'll make delicious jilebis for you!
Arnav suppresses the urge to mutter unbelievable.
Raniya(turns to Arnav): And.. for phuphaji as well!
Khushi: Your phuphaji cannot have sweets,beta.
Raniya: oh no..
Bhabhi: Doesnt matter! My Raniya will prepare samosas for him. Just come down to our place and dont worry about anything else!
Raniya: Thats a great idea,amma! Khusi buaji and Muniya both love samosas! So I'll prepare both samosas and jilebis!
Arnav: No,no,no! Its fine. You dont need to do all that. You just make sure that you take time out to study daily and do well in school. Thats enough.
Bhabhi: Thats what my daughter does. She doesnt miss school even for a day! Shes able to devote time to her studies daily. Occassionally the workload increases when there are guests at home. But I'm confident that she'll manage perfectly well!
Bhaiyya: Dont worry about her. (proudly) My bitiya is very sensible and mature! Please dont hesitate to visit us!
Arnav: Sure,I wont!
Khushi: We'll see you in a while..
While going back towards the scooter,Arnav asks the questions which were bothering him.
Arnav: How old is Raniya?
Khushi: 13 years or so..
Arnav(shocked): She does all the household chores at this age?! And her parents allow her to do so?! Unbelievable man!
Khushi: So what? When I was her age, I used to do all the household chores as well.
Arnav: Really?!
Khushi: Of course! We,I mean,people over here dont have the privelege of hiring servants,Arnavji.
Arnav: Ya but theres a right time and a right age for everything, including housework.
Khushi: When did I deny that? The girls are taught to do the lighter chores till they turn 10 years old. After that, they're taught and made to do everything because of the belief that the girl will have to handle an entire household in a new environment later on. So the earlier she learns the better it would be for her. So by the time the girl gets married, she would excel in everything!
Arnav: Okay. And another thing..
Khushi: Yes?
Arnav: That.. bhabhi.. Why was she calling you jiji? I mean she must be my age and she kept referring to you as jiji!
Khushi: Didnt I tell you that the husband's brothers are called bhaiyya or bhaisa'ab over here? Similarly, the husband's sisteres are called jiji or didi, no matter if they're older or younger to oneself.
Arnav: Okay.
Khushi: Anything else that you'd like to know?
Arnav: How many chaachs are there in this neighbourhood?
Khushi(frowns deeply): What? Cha.. chis?
Arnav: Jus' so that I don' get confused..
Khushi(amused smile): We have close relations with all the neighbours over here. They're like extended family. So you'll find either mausi- mausa or chacha-chachi in every house! And then there'll be younger brothers, sisters, bhaiyyas, bhabhis, jijis, jijajis, neices, nephews..
Arnav(loudly): Okay,I got the drift!
Khushi(smiles): So, dont be shocked if someone calls you jamai babu or daamaadji or jijaji or phuphaji or mausaji!
Arnav nods while mounting the scooter.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Arnav noticed the change in Khushi's expressions as she rang the doorbell.
He held her hand and squeezed it gently.
Khushi withdrew her hand when a man in his late twenties answered the door.
Khushi: How are you,Suhail bhai?
Suhail(surprised): I'm.. fine. How are you? And.. when did you come to Lucknow?
Khushi: I'm fine. We're in Lucknow since yesterday but we came to the neighbourhood only today. I badly wanted to meet Chachiji so we came to your house first.
Suhail: But ammi is not at home. In fact,shes not in town.
Khushi(shocked): What?
Suhail: Ya.. I'll tell you everything. Come in.. (glances at Arnav)Is that your husband?
Khushi: Yes (turns to Arnav) And thats Suhail bhai, Thanveer chachaji's son.
He nodded at Suhail who shook his hand and led him inside the house.
Suhail: Please have a seat. (calls loudly)Aapi..!
Khushi(surprised): Tuhina baaji is here?
A voice was heard before Suhail could reply.
"What happened?"
Arnav turned around to find a lady in her early thirties wiping her forehead with the back of her hand.
Khushi: Baaji!
She ran upto the lady and embraced her.
When they parted, Arnav noticed tears in Khushi's eyes.
Khushi: I'm so sorry for your loss! Believe me when I say that when I entered the house through the porch, it felt.. empty. Despite knowing everything, I was expecting to see chachaji and his rocking chair in the porch. I was looking for him and.. waiting for him to ask me: Where are you off to, bitiya?
Tuhina(gulps): I know.. This house feels so quiet and desolate without abba.
She paused when a trinking sound was heard.
Tuhina whispered while wiping her tears: Shifu is here..
Khushi nodded while composing herself.
A girl of about 7 peeped from behind the curtain.
Tuhina: Why are you feeling so shy? (extends her hand) Come here, beta..
The girl gingerly walked inside the room and clutched her mother's hand.
Khushi(smiles): Shifa! (cups her cheek)How are you my dear? Did you recognize khaala(maternal aunt)?
The girl flatly declined: Nope!
Tuhina(prods): Try to remember.. Khaala used to live next door..
Shifa(unable to believe): Really?
Khushi: Oh yes! And Shifa loved to have the halwa which khaala would make for her! And when.. me & jiji would do the rangoli during
Diwali,Shifa would sit close by and watch us.
Tuhina: And she would not budge from there until you finished the rangoli!
Khushi: Ya! Do you remember me now?
Shifa(smiles): Yes,I do!
Khushi(kisses her forehead): Thats my girl! (taking her in her arms)Come here..
Shifa: Have you brought halwa for me?
Khushi: No but I've got chocolate laddoo for you!
Shifa(licks her lips): Chocolate laddoo!?
Khushi: Yes! I'll give it to you once you meet your khaalu(maternal uncle)!
Arnav smiled when Khushi approached him,still holding Shifa in her arms.
Arnav(waves): Hi!
Shifa gave him a small shy smile in response before turning to Khushi.
Tuhina: Say hi,beta..
She waved briefly before turning to Khushi.
Shifa: Now will you give me the chocoalate laddoo?
Khushi(pulls her nose): You naughty girl! You're only bothered about the chocolate ,arent you?
Shifa(openly admits): Yes!
Khushi(smiles): Here are your laddoos..
She opened her purse & stuffed a ferrero rocher in each of her small hands.
Khushi(placing her on the floor): I'm sure she'll remember her khaala now!
Suhail(smiles): Yeah! (opening the wrapper) I bet she'll remember her Khala and the laddoo,both!
Khushi: Baaji and Shifa's presence over here will have a healing effect on you and chachiji.
Suhail nodded while patting the child's head.
Tuhina: Come here, beta..
She left Shifa in her bedroom before returning to the living room where a sombre mood had descended with the departure of the child.
Khushi turned to her left where a freshly framed photograph graced the wall.
Khushi: chachaji's smile stands out,even in the photograph!
Tuhina: This smile will now be seen only in the photographs.. (sighs)We'll never get tired of talking about abba. Excuse me, I'll get you some tea..
Khushi: Np baaji. We're just here to meet you. I'm so glad I could meet you & shifa apart from bhaiyya! I wouldve have loved to meet chachiji as well! Tuhina: Phoophie is not keeping well so ammi had to leave for her place. She'll be back in 3-4 days.
Khushi: It'll be a nice change for her.
Tuhina: Only the city will change. The environment will hardly change since everyone will be gloomy and sad over there as well.
Khushi: How's jijaji?
Tuhina: He's fine.
Khushi: And how's everything at your sasuraal?
Tuhina: Everything's fine over there. I'm only worried about my mother's place!
Khushi: Thats given. (with a hand on her shoulder)But dont worry too much, everything will eventually be fine over here..
She turns towards Arnav who gives a short nod.
Khushi: Its time to leave,baaji.
Tuhina: No,no. Atleast have some tea..
Khushi(interrupts): We'll have it next time around.
Tuhina: Okay,wait.. I'll just be back.
Upon coming back, she handed 2 sets of 21 rupees to Khushi.
Tuhina: 1 for you & 1 for Paayal. Give her my love & regards!
Khushi(hugging her): Sure,thanks for this!
Suhail was visibly embarassed when he handed 51 rupees to Arnav.
Suhail: a.. I'm so sorry! You're here for the first time and.. the atmosphere is so gloomy..
Tuhina: Please forgive us. We couldnt do anything special for you..
Arnav: You both are embarassing me by saying such things. I'm not here to get special treatment, I'm just here to meet Khushi's neighbours! (turns to Suhail) And I'm so glad to have met you!
Suhail(smiles): Same here!
Tuhina(smiles): It was nice to meet you!
Arnav smiles at her before addressing Khushi.
Arnav: Next time get some more chocolates for Shifa.
Khushi: Sure!
Tuhina: Two are enough for her.
Khushi: Okay baaji, I'll see you next time. Please take care of yourself else you'll fall sick with worry.
Tuhina: You too take care. And please take some time out to call ammi, once in a while. She'll feel better..
Khushi: Of course I will!
Suhail: Please visit us again.
Arnav(nods): Sure!
Khushi: Bhaiyya, do you have the keys of my house?
Suhail: No,I guess you'll find them at Kartik's place..
Khushi: Okay..
As they were leaving the house, Khushi glanced towards Gomti sadan.
Fresh tears gushed to her eyes as she took in the weary appearance of her house.
Sensing her feelings, Arnav placed his arm around her.
Arnav: Don' worry! Very soon this house will be back to its old self!
Khushi smiled through her tears and nodded.
Khushi: I trust you & I know for sure that you'll turn this empty house into our beloved home!
They gazed into each other's eyes to find unconditional love and unwavering trust.
Their reverie was broken when someone yelled loudly.
"Khushi..! Beta, how come you're in Lucknow? When are you coming to my house?"
Khushi(blinking back the tears): We came to Lucknow just yesterday. And we'll be there at your place in a short while,tayiji!
Tayiji(smiles): Alright,I'm waiting for you!
Arnav: Where do we go now?
Khushi(points out): To Kaartik's house..
Arnav: Okay.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
There were some 6-8 people standing at the small porch outside the house.
As soon as they saw ArShi,they all rushed towards them, evidently excited.
Since they all were speaking at the same time, it was difficult for Arnav to comprehend what they were saying.
So he simply stood there, smiling and nodding.
Khushi,however, was able to understand and respond to everyone.
Finally she turned towards him with a suspicious look.
Khushi: You.. got what they want us to do?
Arnav: uh.. I.. a..
Khushi: Where's your kerchief?..
Arnav(confused): My kerchief? What do you want to do with that?
Khushi: Hey Devi Maiyya! (turning towards the others) Listen everyone..
They stopped talking amongst themselves and turned to Khushi.
Khushi: I got what you want us to do but.. he didnt really get that. So.. chachaji, if you dont mind,will you tell him about it again?
Man1: Why not bitiya!?
Man2: For sure! I'll tell you everything,damaad babu!
Arnav(thinks): Okay so.. here we have two chachajis in the same house.
The older of the two chachajis spoke to him.
Chachaji: So, daamaad babu, since you both got married in Delhi, all the post wedding rituals took place over there.
Arnav: Yeah.. so?
Chachaji: So Khusi didnt have her pagphera over here, I mean in Gomtinagar. And niether did you have your moonh dikhaai.
Arnav: My.. moonh dikhaayi?
Chachaji(nods): We have a custom over here which says that when a daughter visits her maternal home for the first time after her wedding, the daughter and son-in-law are welcomed with an aarti. Thereafter there's a ritual which keeps them safe from bad vibes. And its only after these rituals are performed that the newly weds enter the house. So what if Sasi bhaiyya & Garima bhauji are not here!? We're right here! And for us, Khusi is no less than our bitiya! And that makes you our damaad babu. so we'd like to perform a couple of rituals,if thats okay with you?
Arnav: Ya, sure!
The younger chachaji spoke this time.
Chachaji2: I hope you dont mind us doing these rituals?
Arnav: Why would I mind it? Please dont hesitate to do whatever you want to do.
Chachaji2: Alright! so,before we begin,you'll have to cover your head with your kerchief. And bitiya,you'll have to cover your head as well..
Khushi promptly covered her head with her pallu.
One of the chachis came forward with an aarti ki thaali and performed an elaborate aarti.
Once she was through, the other chachi came forward with a bunch of red chillies which she held in her right hand and rotated around their heads thrice.
When she threw them in a small vessel they smoked out,which resulted in Arnav having a coughing fit.
One chachaji patted his back while the other offered him water.
Khushi(concerned): Are you alright?
Arnav could simply nod in response.
Chachi2: Did you see that,Khusi? Look at the way the chillies are dancing! That means someone had cast an evil eye on you!
Chachi1: That was bound to happen since Khusi is looking just like a new bride in this saree! And daamad babu is looking so good in this outfit!
Chachi2: You're right,jiji! Khusi, now you can step inside the house,bitiya..
Chacha2: Please come in daamad babu. (folding his hands) Welcome to Gomtinagar!
********
By the time they went inside the house, Arnav was sweating profusely.
To top it, he felt uncomfortable since he knew that each pair of eyes in that room was upon him.
Thus he gulped down the glass of cold water offered to him at one go.
Khushi(smiles): The water from the earthen pot has a different charm altogether!
Chachi2: Dont you have an earthen pot at your in-laws' place?
Khushi: No. We only drink water from the filter and fridge.
Chachi2: Oh.. (smiles) Look here,ammaji and jiji have returned from the temple at the correct moment!
Khushi(surprised): Buaji's here as well? Thats great!
Chachi2: Ya,you've chosen the right day to visit us,bitiya! Had you chosen to visit us tomorrow, you wouldnt have got a chance to meet jiji, since she's leaving for her yatra early tomorrow morning.
Khushi got up and Arnav followed suit when two ladies, dressed in white, entered the hall.
The older of the two seemed to be older than nani while the younger was around buaji's age,or so thought Arnav.
Khushi: That's dadiamma and this is badi buaji.
Arnav(nods): Namaste!
Dadiamma(smiles): Jiyat rahau! What is your name babua?
Arnav: Arnav Singh Raizada..
Chachi1: Why ammaji,dont you remember? We saw his photo in the newspaper a couple of weeks back. Archu's bauji had shown you the photograph and informed you that this is Khusi's husband..
Dadiamma(holds her head): Oh yes! I forgot all about it! My memory is as week as my eyes are!
Khushi: Didnt you undergo an eye operation a couple of months back?
Dadiamma: Yes. Only my left eye was operated. The vision is still dim because of the right eye.
Khushi: Oh.. Please take care of yourself. And dont go outside in the afternoons.
Dadiamma: We'll talk about my health some other day,bitiya. Today I want to speak to babua! Come and sit next to me babua..
Arnav was about to sit when Khushi stopped him.
Khushi: Lets take buaji's blessings first..
Buaji hugs Khushi after blessing them.
Buaji: Stay together and stay happy forever! They make sucha wonderful couple!
Everyone gives apppreciative comments.
Khushi(blushes): Thank you!
Buaji(points to the sofa): Please have a seat.. (once Arnav is seated)So,how are you, damaad babu?
Arnav: I'm fine,how about you?
Buaji: I'm fine as well. How's everyone at home?
Arnav: They're all fine.
Buaji(smiles): And how's your bua saas, I mean my Phoolmatiya!?
Arnav(turns towards Khushi): Phoolmati.. buaji?
Khushi(smiles): She's talking about Madhumati buaji. She,I mean Indumati buaji is a good friend of our Madhumati buaji.
Arnav: I see..
Khushi: Now she's thin and tall,like baans(bamboo) while our buaji is rolly-polly! (smiles) So they tease each other by calling the otherBaansmati and Phoolmati!
Arnav: Oh,okay.. (turns to buaji)Buaji is fine as well.
Buaji: I could've met her had you brought her along!
Arnav: Next time,for sure!
Buaji(takes balaiyyan): Jiyat rahiye!
Chacha2: Let me introduce you to the others now.
Once he greeted the entire,extended family, the older chachaji folded his hands.
Chacha1: We just have one more request..
Arnav: Sure,please tell me what it is..
Chacha1: The tilak ceremony usually takes place after the roka & before the wedding. And it provides an opportunity for the bride;s family to welcome their son-in-law into their fold. Now.. we know you've been married for a year or so but.. none of your wedding rituals were performed here and niether were you formally introduced to us before today. So we'd like to perform your Tilak today. Please think of it as a gesture on our part to make you feel loved and welcomed in Gomtinagar!
Arnav: Okay..
Chacha2: You must be wondering as to how we could perform these rituals since we're neighbours. But our Gomtinagar is like one,big joint family. And now that you're a part of our family,we'd like to show our love and respect towards you through the medium of these ceremonies.
(turns to Khushi)Khusi would recall that..both of us were present,alongwith other friends from our neighbourhood,for the tilak ceremony of.. Payalia's fia'nce.
Khushi nods while trying to control the tears which threatened to spill from her eyes.
Chacha2: We hope you.. understand our feelings. And we sincerely hope you dont.. mind us doing your Tilak..
Arnav: Of course not! Please go ahead and perform the rituals..
Khushi's heart surged in her chest and she felt an urge to embrace her husband and shower him with numerous kisses.
As if on cue, Arnav turned to her at that exact moment.
Her eyes promised rewards while his eyes promised acquisence for performing every ritual which made her happy.
They smiled at each other and were lost in their thoughts until Kartik snapped his fingers.
Kartik: Where are you,didiya?
Khushi(embarassed): I'm right here!
Kartik: Please shift aside and allow us to do the Tilak.
Chachi2: Wait bitwa. Neerav bitwa is not here yet..
Arnav(turns to Khushi): Neerav?
Chachi2(answers for Khushi): Yes. Thats my son's name. He'll be back from his toosan(tuition) shortly.
Kartik: We wont have to wait any further coz they're here!
Entered two teenagers who were elated to meet Khushi while they appeared awkward when they greeted Arnav.
Khushi: That's Barkha, Neerav's twin sister..
Barkha(folds her hands): Namaste jijaji!
Arnav(nods): Hi!
Neerav: Hi jijaji!
Arnav: Are you Neerav?
When he nodded, he recieved a full smile from Arnav.
Arnav: Hi! Nice to meet you!
Before he could reply, his mother asked him to freshen up and come back for the ritual.
While the family got busy with the arrangements, Khushi bent her head and whispered.
Khushi: I know exactly why you were so happy to hear Neerav's name and happier to see him! The moment you heard his name, you were reminded of your dream in which.. our son was called Neerav. Am I right?
Arnav leans towards her while whispering conspiratorially in her ear.
Arnav(admits): Yes,you are! And I also thought of our conversation. You remember you told me that our son's name cannot be Neerav,since he'll be just like me and.. the word Neerav means silence?
Khushi: Yes,and I was absolutely right!
Arnav: So,according to you,what should be our son's name?
They were interrupted before Khushi could answer.
Chachi1: What are you two whispering about?
Khushi(sitting up straight): Nothing much chachiji. You tell me, how's Archana jiji?
Chachi1: She's fine and very happy in her sasural! She has gelled well with Vinay babu and his family! Especially with his mother.
Khushi: Thats nice! Jiji has asked for her mobile number. She's lost touch with her ever since she got married.
Chachi1: Archu doesnt have a mobile but you ask your chachaji for Vinay babu's number. And tell Payalia call her either on sundays or on weekdays, but only after 6 pm.
Khushi: Okay,I'll do that.
Chachi1: And.. come to my room.. once the tilak ceremony is over. I want to show you Archu's wedding saree and jewellery.
Khushi: Sure,why not!?
Arnav: We're yet to visit many of the neighbours..
Chachi1: Dont worry daamad babu! We wont take long..
Meanwhile,the gentlemen returned with the neccesary items for the tilak.
Khushi watched with a smile plastered on her lips and tears glistening in her eyes as chachaji annointed Arnav's forehead with vermilion.
The younger chachaji did the same. Then he placed 51 rupees in his hands.
The older chachaji placed a dry coconut in his hands and welcomed him officially as the son-in-law of Gomtinagar.
Kartik and Neerav hugged Arnav after annointing his forehead and feeding him small pieces of laddoo.
Chacha1: Okay,so we're through with this ritual. Now its time for Khusi bitiya to recieve her sagun!
Chachi1: Sagun is ready but.. we'll need 5 fruits and 5 married ladies for the ritual. Thats why I've sent Barkha bitiya to our neighbour's house. She'll be back any moment..
Soon some other ladies from the neighbourhood joined the two chachis for the ceremony in which they perfomed Khushi's aarti once again.
Then they placed 5 different fruits, 5 betel nuts,5 betel leaves,5 1 rupee coins and 5 10 rupee notes in the pallu of her saree.
Chachi2(kisses her forehead): Doodho nahaao, pooton phalo! (Blessing someone to be affluent and fertile.)
Khushi(in a broken voice): Thank you so much!
They placated her while Khushi sobbed in the older chachi's arms.
Arnav watched this from afar even though his heart yearned to take her in his arms and comfort her.
*******
Once refreshments were had, Khushi asked for the keys of her house.
Khushi: Suhail bhai told me that the keys are with you.
Chacha1: They were with me,bitiya.But when Sasi bhaiyya came here a few days back, he took both the keys.
Khushi: Is it? (wonders aloud) Why did babuji do that?
Chacha1: He said that the house needs to be cleaned so he'll come back with bhauji and bitiyas in a week or two.
Khushi(frowns): He knew that I was going to come here today and that I didnt have the keys.. yet he didnt give me the keys?
Arnav: Is the house in a poor condition?
Chacha1: What do I say,daamaad babu? I've got the house cleaned twice already. Earlier a cat had given birth to 4 kittens out of which 1 mustve been weak so it died.
Khushi: Hey Devi Maiyya! In the house itself?
Chacha1(nods): After that the cat became mad and she wasnt allowing anyone to enter the house. I cant describe the foul smell that was coming from the house! I managed to get her out of the way with a lot of difficulty.
Chacha2: Since the house has been closed for a long time, cats and dogs keep roaming freely around the house and they spoil the cpurtyardThe outer walls of the shop had a lot of seepage. When I informed Sasi bhaiyya about it,he told me that the inner walls of the house were also showing signs of seepage and the paint was peeling off from a lot of places.
Arnav: Yes,babuji told us about it. Then I told me that I'll take my architect to Lucknow and he'll inspect the house. But we couldnt get his
appointment.(turns to Khushi) Maybe that was another reason, I mean.. he knew that the renovation work wouldnt start just now.Besides, he knows he knows how sentimental you are about the house and the shop, so thats why he didnt give the keys.
Khushi: Possible..
Chacha1: Renovation? But he was talking about selling off the house..
Arnav tells them about how he and Aakash planned to renovate the house,as per Khushi and Paayal's preferences so that they could use it as a weekend home.
Buaji(impressed): Thats sucha wonderful thought! That way my Phoolmatiya will also get a chance to visit us sometime!
Chachi2: Indeed,damaad babu is a gem of a person! Khusi & Payalia are so fortunate to have husbands like you both!
Chacha1(pats Arnav's back): It gives me a lot of pleasure to see that despite being daamaads, you're doing so much for your sasurji and wives! You'll occassionally come to stay in the house but.. what will you do with the shop?
Arnav: Babuji was saying that he'll ask someone to manage the shop for him.
Chacha1: Thats nice. That way the house and the shop both will be in a good condition and we'll also get a chance to meet you frequently.
Khushi: We'll take your leave now
Buaji: Why dont you stay back for lunch?
Khushi: I'm sorry,we cant do that buaji! We're yet to meet everyone else. So if we stay back for lunch then we wont be able to return to thehotel by evening.
Buaji: Alright but you must have lunch with us the next time you're here,okay daamad babu?
Arnav: Ya,sure!
Chacha2: You came to visit us,spent some time with us and agreed to do all the rituals... all this is more than enough for us!
Kartik: No,it isnt, chacha! I wanted to welcome jijaji by bursting crackers! But then I thought of .. Thanveer chacha and decided against it.
Arnav: You did the right thing. And anyways, bursting crackers increases the pollution.
Khushi: Yes and he doesnt like crackers.
Kartik(makes a face): Oh no! I was thinking of bursting them the next time you're here..
Khushi: You only need an excuse to burst crackers! I remember how you would tie up nazi bombs in between the string of crackers and burst the entire lot together during Diwali! The kind of noise they made,uff! My ears would ache even though I'd put cotton buds in my ears and cover them with pillows!
Everyone laughs.
Arnav: Shall we?
Khushi: Ya,ya. (smacks her forehead)The conversations will never come to an end! And tayiji has been waiting for us,so lets go to her house now.
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Samita !!
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