Chapter 5
As Arnav walked down to the lounge in a new crisp white shirt ready for dinner with Jenifer and the family he took in his stride what was around him.
Khushi at a distance in the kitchen walking to and from. Little pari looking at him with her big brown eyes because Adi and Bubbly were off playing in the garden and she was too young to join in their games.
He had the uttermost warmth in his eyes for this little one. She was like both her parents more so like Akash. In the time that Pari lost her mother, Her badepapa and Badima had become essential in her life.
Picking her up with one crayon still to hand and a scrap of paper Arnav tries to makes out Paris little masterpiece but struggles.
“I love it” he says with a smile nuzzling Paris little stomach to make her laugh. Her smile and laughter adorable.
“Now let me show you one your papa drew”
Arnav takes Pari who is all bundled comfortable over his shoulder to the coffee table. He takes a seat on the sofa behind it and Pari adjusts to his lap like it was second nature now.
“See this your papa drew this for me .. not finished yet” he says as he unrolls a large print on the coffee table. It was a sketch of his dream home the one he wished to escape to with Khushi.
Khushi who was in the kitchen could hear and see the pair of them and smiled, her husband couldn’t help but go back to his dream time and time again and the way he was with Pari could melt the coldest of hearts never mind hers.
“There’s a garden, a balcony, bedrooms” he points out to pari who looks at the sketch trying to make out the shapes.
“There seems to be a nursery or two missing we”ll have to ask your Badi ma how many cousins you need..” he says with a hint of sugariness.
Not that Pari understood what he was saying but his wife who walked in just at the right time had a answer for that.
“Badi ma thinks Is ghar mein kaafi batche hai (And aunt thinks there’s plenty of kids in this house already!)
“Uff”sighed Arnav to which Pari giggled at.
“Aap doe minute kitchen mein aa sakte hai” (Can I borrow you for two minutes) she says carrying herself elegantly in her Saari.
“Sure” he agrees putting Pari down amongst her soft toys on the floor.
On entering the kitchen he finds Khushi holding out a spoon filled with the new dish she had especially made for this evening. He takes a spoon full.
“Kaisa laga” (How’s that ..?) she asks
“It’s beautiful”Arnav compliments whilst Hp brings over his cufflinks which Arnav thanks him for.”
Whilst Arnav has a taste of the different dishes that make up the evening meal Khushi washes her hands at the skin.
Drying them she walks over to Arnav to help him with his cufflinks.
He draws his wrist out .. Khushi unrolls the sleeve of his shirt bringing together the cuffs and fastening them neatly whilst he watches.
“Thanks for doing this at short notice ..
I know you’re not sure about a All this but it Means a lot to me. As he speaks his expression highlights how much Khushis support means for him.
As ever Khushi finds his ask effortless.
“Joh aap ke leyey maayne rakhta hai woh hamare leyey bhi Bohot khaas hai.”
(What means a lot to you means a lot to me too.)
Something about the way Khushi dealt with life always put him at ease and reminded him of her significance in life. All which he captured in his eyes as he watched her.
She was just about to finish fastening his second sleeve she wished to make him aware of one thing.
“Aur Sune Just one nursery..” (and listen, just one nursery is all we need)
He looked surprised that she’d even latched onto this never mind decided on how many children.
Arnav smiling at the fact that his wife was coming around to his ways, slowly but surely.
“Think about it I mean there’s plenty of room for more in that house of hours”.
Khushi glanced up at him partially speechless partially embarrassed at where this conversation was going.
As the bell to Raizada house sounds it’s a sign that the guest has arrived.
Khushi watched Jenifer and Nk walk in that too hand in hand. It was nice to see NK smiling. Jenifer through the eyes of Khushi was a tall dark short haired brunette lady walking towards them. She had expressive green eyes pale skin. She was indeed a pretty lady with a beautiful figure.
As she walked in her repo with the gentleman was telling of their working relationship. Akaash mentioned something work related and exchanged a hug and Jenifer crept up to Arnav exchanged a french kiss greeting which Khushi watched with stern judgement.
Maybe she was wrong to put on the critical lenses too soon however it was too late. When they were finished with their interaction Arnav made a introduction.
This is my wife Khushi, Khushi passed a smile and then exchanged her hug as Jennifer seem to welcome one.
“I’ve heard lots about you from everyone, she said with a smile. “They’re all extremely fond of you.” She adds to which Khushi looks around at the family smiling at her.
Nk takes Jenifer away for a moment to introduce her to the Children.
..
Sat around the dinner table are Arnav, at the head of the table. Next to him on the left Khushi, followed by Akaash, Jenifer Nk and Shyam.
Arnav seemed to think everything was going pleasantly well. They talked about Anjali, Dadi, Mama and Mami little bit about the background of the family. After which Jenifer talked about herself.
All interesting to Khushi until she mentioned some nice things about NK but happened to mentioned her former boyfriend on the dinner table. Something Khushi found a little awkward glancing at Arnav who took it lightly but knew exactly what his wife was thinking.
To change the subject Arnav asked the table for drinks which only hit another sore spot with Khushi when Jenifer asked for a red wine.
Undoubtedly the Raizada men could sense Khushis observations actively trying to turn them into positive ones.
Whilst Arnav poured the drinks Khushi announced she’d get dessert just as she is about to leave the table she hears Jenifers suggestion to fill Arnavs empty glass too.
As Khushi walks past his chair she brushes the palm of his hand over Arnavs shoulder in the form of a gentle reminder.
“Shayad Davayi ke phele Nahin sahab..” (Maybe not before your evening medication sir.)
As ever her words are spoken lovingly, respectfully only adding to her husbands prestige if anything.
Putting his hand over hers on his shoulder he appreciates her care with his eyes.
“Hmm you’re right love, you’re right”
The onlooker new to this fascinated by how loving a relationship this couple seemed to have
“They’re a really beautiful couple Nk says Jenifer to Nk who is already well aware of this but shows pride in his family.”
...
Sometime later as most of the adults are outside in the garden with drinks Arnav takes the opportunity to speak to NK and Jenifer. Joining them with a smile, “i think you both make a brilliant couple I’d love to have you as a part of my family, here in Raizada house. I don’t know what the pair of you are thinking but I’d like you to know you have my blessings.”
Naturally making NK smile from ear to ear and Jenifer incredibly pleased with the sense of acceptance.
“Thank you.. “they both say in sync .. whilst Jenifer has one question she’s been wanting to ask all night now.
“ASR how did you meet Khushi..?”
Arnav smiling for it had been a long time since anyone had asked him this.
NK who already knows the ins and outs of this excuses himself to socialise elsewhere.
Well, Arnav starts his eyes telling of how just mentioning Khushi was enough to put a smile on his face.
“Khushi was in charge of the catering at AR. Every afternoon she bought me a meal waited outside my office until I was done... she was beautiful, not just on the outside but on the inside too, It didn’t take me long to fall for her and the rest you’ll have to ask her.. !”
“oh come on ASR can’t not finish the story!” Complained Jenifer.
He smiled before leaving her side not that he couldn’t carry on he’d just rather use this as a excuse to get Khushi and Jenifer to bond.
.....
Inside Raizada house Nk who doesn’t see his Khushi bhabhi anywhere is on the look out for her.
He finds her at in the kitchen preparing Arnavs nightly medication.
“Bhabhi”, Khushi turns to Nk with a smile.
She notices apprehension on Nks face.
“Bhabs do you think it will be alright, I really love her.. really do Magar yey bhi jaanta hoon ke she’s not your average raizada Bahu..”
Maybe Khushis uncertainty was easily read my Nk and that’s why he seemed so worried.
Turning to him with reassurance Khushi felt terrible seeing NK worried.
She placed the Palm of her hand on his cheek and comforted him.
“Mein aur tumare bhai hai na, fikar kis Baat ki” (you’ve got us, so don’t worry)
Feeling as if he was certainly disturbing something Arnav apologises for interrupting.
“Nk it’s getting late, set up the guest room for Jenifer.”
“Ji bhai” NK leaves Khushi and Arnav in one space.
“Is everything alright?” He says based on the last few moments as he walks towards the counter next to her for his meds.
Nahin, Woh Theek nahin hai” (She’s not right for this family)
He understands, he’d seen her reservations throughout the night.
“we’ll help her fit in “ he says gently ..
And she gets only part way “Dadi aur di kabhi..” before he jumps in.
“This will go my way Khushi because I’ve given them both my word that they’re apart of my family. I’d choose NK over Dadi every time just like I chose you.
She heard him yet wasn’t sure he understood the implications of what he was saying..
“aap Nahin samjenge” she throws out before walking off defeated by his conviction.
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Sports
Hindi TV Shows
172