ARSHI TS - HER ONLY SUPERHERO
The constant humming of phone broke Arnav from his sleep induced state.The day has taken a toll on him with the continuous brainstorming meetings one after the other.And like it happened in those rare time,sleep didn't have a mercy on him easily. He has fallen into a fitful sleep after turning and tossing in the bed for the umpeenth time,accustomed to as he was sleeping with Khushi in his arms.
He was in New York since past 4 days to handle the emergency that come up in the AR here.Rubbing his sleepy eyes,he glanced at the time and panicked instantly.It was half past 3 in night here and he has set the alarm to wakeup in time to talk to her.But the damn alarm hasn't buzzed off.
The phone sprang to life again and as Arnav answered it knowing who was on the other line of the phone.Bringing the phone near his ears,he was greeted by the sweetest voice ever.
"Papa". His 6 year old daughter Amaira called out to to him.
Arnav closed his eyes in contentment hearing his daughter's voice after an whole day.
"Papa when are you coming back?".Came the direct question from the other end.
Arnav felt the corner of his lips lifting up.His daughter was his replica in more ways than one.Never beating round the bush,she was always direct but she was as much Khushi's daughter as his and the smile only grew wider when she didn't give him an opportunity to answer her question as she went on saying.
[CREDIT - TAMMY .It just goes perfectly with it that I have to use it]
"I wanted to stay awake last night for your call but Maa said you were busy in meetings and she refused to wait up anymore.She didn't even let me open the new Barbie Doll set,you have bought before going.I just came back from the school and right now she is after me to drink milk but I came downstairs to call you".
"What did you promised me before I left Amaira?".Arnav asked ,his voice gentle yet firm as he continued.
"You promised Papa that you will look after your Maa in my absence and now you are troubling her.This is not what my ASR does?".
Realisation struck immediately.Her father called her ASR only in two scenarios.One when he was upset with her and other when he talked in all serious wanting her to understand something and this time it was the former case.One thing she can't ever bare was seeing her father upset as she took no time in apologising to her father.
"I am sorry Papa.I will apologise to Maa but when are you going to come back.I miss you so much and the competition is after 2 days.I won't perform if you are not there".
"Now that's my girl.Finish the full glass of milk that your Maa is holding".Just as she turned around,she found her mother standing there holding the glass of milk as her father said.
A mystery that her young mind couldn't solve nomatter how much she tried.How her Maa and Papa could guess each other's every action every single time.Khushi handed over the glass to her and the parents waited though miles apart but together in all ways that mattered.
Once finished the father and daughter duo talked their heart out and Amaira would have continued talking if her Maa wouldn't have gestured her to give the phone to her.Arnav bought an end to their conversation by the words,their daughter needed to hear.
"Ill be there day after tomorrow.You only concentrate on your performance.Remember what I always say,you can achieve anything if you set your heart at it.Papa loves you always".
A full blown smile on the little child's face and she squinted off dropping a swift kiss on her mother's cheeks with a "Sorry".Khushi ruffled her hair telling her she was forgiven and her heart gushed with love fully aware on whose doing it was.But with that thought hit the fact that he was not here changing her mood 360 Degrees.
"Khushi".Arnav started but was cutoff as Khushi started speaking.
"No you listen to me.This girl is driving me crazy".
"But Khushi she can't possibly do that because you are already crazy".Arnav teased clearly envisioning her doe like eyes flashing at him.
"I am not in a mood to joke.You have spoiled her.She will not wakeup easily because its you who wakes her up daily.She would have trouble sleeping because her Papa is not there to read her bedtime stories.Then there is the tantrum of not being able to travel in your SUV when I drop her to school when the truth I she is point blank missing you".
Khushi didn't even stopped to breathe and Arnav knew better then to intervene.Noone can stop his wife when she was on a roll.He was very well aware what being away from each other did to them and thus he kept silent letting Khushi vent out all her emotions.
"Yesterday she was about to fall flat on her face because you always tie her shoelaces and when I offered to do that,she refused me remarking Ill do myself and surprise Papa when he comse back.And if she is not enough then I have to keep a vigil on you 24*7.Calling Aman time and again to ensure you have your food and medicines and don't go overboard while working.Why did your conference had to be at a time when we can't accompany you.Everything feels so hollow and incomplete without you".
Her voice choked up at the end and Arnav felt the similar ache within himself.Her longing was clearly palpable and he didn't need to hear her voice or see her to know what she was going through.They were entwined so intricately that even after being miles apart,they could feel each other's every heartbeat.
"You and Amaira are together whereas I am on my own here".
The words escaped from his mouth on their own and Khushi felt like smacking himself for venting out all her frustration on him.It wasn't that he enjoyed being away from them.It had only been after her hundred reassurances that he has left.Inevitable as it was since no other than ASR who could handle the chaos that has occurred there.
"Arnavji.I am sorry.I really didn't mean it.I know if it was in your hands then you would have never let me and Amaira alone".
He hated when she apologised for no reason but Khushi was Khushi.And since he was not physically present there all he could do was console her the best he can.
"I know you didn't mean it Khushi and besides I love it when you are angry.Makes you all the more beautiful".
There it was again,her cheeks and nose adoring his favourite even after so many years of marriage.The conversation flowed naturally and Khushi questioned aware of crisis there though she knew he would do whatever it took to be there on time.There wasn't a flicker of doubt Arnav would miss anything related to their daughter.
"So are you actually going to come back day after tomorrow?.Ill handle Amaira Arnavji,you shouldn't leave your work hanging in between" .
"And miss Amaira's performance.Are you kidding me Khushi?.Nothing is more important than her.I have promised her and I am going to be there,work will be taken care of,You don't worry".Arnav answered shrugging all her unnecessary worries off.
"The great ASR is scared of her 6 year old daughter.Unbelievable".Khushi mocked him.
"Not only his daughter,he is very much scared of his mother as well,especially when she turns my female counterpart".
She bit her lips as her husband got back to her in his trademark form which was when Khushi saw the time.After whispering words of love to each other,Khushi ended the call half heartedly ordering him to sleep.
CONTINUED BELOW
Anupamaa
18