Thanks for the likes & comments! Once again,I'm really sorry for the massive delay in posting the..
Translation for Part 116
When Arnav entered the bedroom,he found Khushi exiting the bathroom with a worried expression.
Arnav: What happened?
Khushi: That which I feared would happen soon!
Arnav(frowns): What?
Khushi: That which should not have happened!
Arnav: Exactly what has happened?
Khushi: I've got periods,what else!?
Arnav: What the..!? But your date is far away..
Khushi: I know! I dont know why it started today? All this is because of that stupid medicine!
Arnav: Relax! In a way its good that your periods started today itself..
Khushi: Hows it good?
Arnav: Had it started around teej,you wouldnt have been able to keep a fast.
Khushi(agrees): Ya,thats true. I'm glad that I chose to wear a black kurta today. Else I wouldve.. roamed throughout the market with a.. stain!
She proceeds to highlight the date in her cellphone calender.
Arnav: Do you have enough pads?
Khushi: Yes,I do. But I was thinking of buying another packet. It has started after so many days. so who knows for how long the flow will continue?
Arnav(walks up to her): Dont be so tensed. And let it last for as many days as it wants to! Its good for your body!
Khushi: Ya. Had it remained inside my body it wouldve caused serious problems. Its better this way. But..
Arnav: What?
Khushi(sad face): We'll have to.. stay away from each other for the next few days.
Arnav: Why?
Khushi: Areh!?How will we.. have sex?
Arnav: I agree,we wont be able to have sex. So what!? No sex doesnt mean that we have to stay away from each other! Remember?
Khushi nods as she recalls their conversation in Paris.
Arnav cups her face & pecks her lips.
Arnav: I'm with you. Always remember that,okay?
Khushi nods before wrapping her arms around him.
Arnav: Now go & change into something comfortable. And tell me if you're in pain. I'll get the hot water bag for you.
Khushi: No,I'm fine. Lets go downstairs after changing..
Arnav: You could take rest..
Khushi(interrupts): No,no! If I stay in the room,my mind will only be on my periods. I'll feel better if I chat with everyone. And then I need to distribute the gifts which I've bought from Chandni chowk.
Arnav: Okay. I'll tell OP,he'll make some soup for you.
Khushi: Okay. I'll feel better after having hot soup. I guess you should have some as well. You'll feel less tired after having it. And please dont sit with your laptop tonight! It'll just add to the fatigue.
Arnav: No,I wont sit with it. I'll be with you throughout,okay? So dont worry!
Khushi(smiles): Thanks a lot!
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*Later that night*
Arnav sat in bed with his face towards the bathroom.
The door opened a minute later and out came a visibly tired Khushi.
Arnav: How's the flow?
Khushi: Its heavy.
Arnav: Are you gettin cramps?
Khushi shook her head as she got into bed.
Arnav gently ran a hand through her hair.
Arnav: Relax..
Khushi: I'm having sucha heavy flow after a long,long time. The last time it occured when I was.. 11 or 12 years old.
Arnav: When had your periods started?
Khushi: I was in 5th grade at that time. You know what? I was the second student in my grade who had got periods that early. The first one was my friend Rani who had got them when we were in 4th grade. The rest of the girls had fun till the 7th or 8th grades! Whereas both of us would go through the pain every single month!
Arnav: Awww!
Khushi was about to say something when a yawn interrupted her.
Arnav(kisses her forehead): Go to sleep. We'll chat tomorrow.
Khushi: We'll be able to chat only if we get to meet! You left without waking me up today.
Arnav: I'll wake you up before goin for a jog tomorrow mornin.
Khushi: And listen..
Arnav: Ya,tell me?
Khushi: I wont be able to.. sleep in your arms tonight. So.. just be alert. And wake me up immediately if.. I.. climb onto your back,like last time!
Arnav: Okay,I'll do that. Now,stop thinkin bout all these things or else you wont be able to sleep.
Khushi: hmm.
Arnav(covers them with duvet): Goodnight!
Khushi(holds his hand): Goodnight!
But it did not turn out to be a good night for Khushi.
Sleep evaded her as she kept tossing and turning in her quest to find a comfortable position.
Eventually she gave up and decided to sit up for a while.
Khushi(thinks): I might feel sleepy after sitting like this for sometime.
Her gaze fell on her husband who was sleeping soundly.
Khushi(thinks): There was that night when he was unable to sleep & I was trying my level best to put him to sleep. And then there's this night when I'm unable to sleep! Counting sheep,counting backwards.. nothing has worked so far! I wish I could use buaji's tip to get some sleep! But I cant do that because of the periods! (sighs)He was having a craving back then &.. I'm having a craving right now! Despite knowing that there's no scope for.. doing anything right now! I'm surprised.. how can honey sleep well? Why is he not having a craving now?
She smacked her head to clear her muddled brain.
Khushi(thinks): Silly Khushi! You think too much! Honey is tired. Thats why he's sleeping so soundly. Actually,you're no less tired. But this dratted stomachache is not allowing you to sleep. Its wierd! I was fine while he was awake. And now that I'm in pain.. he's deep in sleep. And I cant even wake him up! He needs to go to office tomorrow. So.. (clicks her tongue)This periods is so.. I dont know what to say?! If it doesnt occur,then you're in trouble! But if it does occur then it troubles you! But then.. you cant do anything about it. Its so essential to have.. kids. If it doesnt happen then.. I wont be able to.. have kids. And if I.. dont.. have kids then.. ?
She shook her head to get rid of such thoughts.
Khushi: Dont think like that,Khushi! Your periods have started,havent they? So then why wont you have kids?! You'll definitely have kids!
Arnav(in a sleepy voice): Who?
A shocked Khushi turns to him to find him raising his head from the pillow.
Arnav: Who will definitely have kids?
Khushi: Me,who else!?
Arnav(frowns): What?
Khushi: Nothing! go back to sleep!
Arnav had barely put his head on the pillow when Khushi exclaimed: No,wait!
Arnav: What the..!? (switches on the bedside lamp)Whats your problem?
Khushi: I.. I'm having stomachache. So will you please go downstairs & get the hot water bag for me?
Arnav: Sure!
********
Khushi felt better after pressing the hot water bag to her lower abdomen.
Khushi: I'm feeling better now!
Arnav: Great!
Khushi: You can switch off the lamps. I'll guess I'll be able to sleep now.
Arnav: Okay.
He turned to her after switching off the lamp.
Arnav(props himself on an elbow): Listen..
Khushi(turns to him): Ya,tell me?
Arnav: Even if we dont have kids,its fine! (kisses her cheek)This kid is enough for me!
Khushi(smacks his chest): But this kid is not enough for me! What about that,haan?
Arnav: We can always adopt 1! Science has progressed immensely in this department..
Khushi: I know..
Arnav(smacks her head): Still you keep worryin bout it. You're thinkin too much! The dr. never said anythin. So dont assume things just because your periods got delayed this month.
Khushi: I was telling the same thing to myself!
Arnav: Its time you say goodnight to yourself! There's not much time to sleep anyways. Make sure you make the most of whatever is left of the night.
Khushi: Okay,I wont talk now. (caresses his cheek)I disturbed your sleep because of all this.
Arnav: So what!? I'm glad that you woke me up! Or else you wouldve talked to yourself all through the night while dealin with the pain!
Khushi: You're right!
Arnav: do wake me up if you're unable to sleep right now. I'm ready to stay awake by your side..
Khushi leans closer and kisses his cheek.
Khushi(smiles): Thank you so much!
Arnav holds her hand in his and drifts off to sleep.
Khushi closes her eyes and eventually falls asleep.
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*The next day,2 p.m.*
Khushi(answers the call): Ya,tell me..
Arnav: Did you have lunch?
Khushi: Yes,I did. What about you?
Arnav: I was just bout to have mine..
Khushi(looks at the clock): So late?
Arnav: hmm. There was a meetin so.. I got late. Anyways,how was your shoppin?
Khushi(smiles): It was great! Lavanyaji enjoyed herself as much as I did! And then we had that a.. frankie!
Arnav: How was it?
Khushi: It was yummy!
Arnav: And how's your flow?
Khushi: Its still heavy. Thats why I'm sitting with a hot water bag right now.
Arnav: Thats what I was bout to say.. In case the pain increases,you take that medicine from Paayal.
Khushi: Okay.
Arnav: BTW,what happened to your.. mehndi and catchin up session?
Khushi: That has been postponed till tomorrow coz everyone is going to Sharma auntieji's place this evening.
Arnav: What for?
Khushi: For a satsang..
Arnav: Really?
Khushi: Yes. Now.. I cant go in this condition. Lavanyaji wanted to stay back with me but.. naniji insisted that she accompany them. And so she agreed to go with them.
Arnav: So,you'll be alone at home?
Khushi: Of course not! Om Prakashji and Lakshmiji will be there with me.
Arnav: Great! Lakshmi's company is all that you need!..
Khushi: You bet! Its been a long time since I watched TV with her.
Arnav: All that is fine but dont run after her. Let OP handle her.
Khushi: Ya,you dont worry about all that. You take care of yourself. And have your lunch asap!
Arnav: Okay.
Khushi: So.. should I end the call?
Arnav: You didnt ask me when I'll come home..
Khushi: I wont ask that question right now coz I know that you'll call me once again in the evening! So I thought of reserving that question for the evening chat!
She knew that he was smiling after hearing her answer.
Arnav: Alright. So I'll give you the answer in the evenin itself.
Khushi: Thats alright!
Arnav: Take care.
Khushi: You too. Pay attention to your work. And I..
Arnav(interrupts): And it'll be better if you reserve 'that' for the evenin chat as well!
He cut the call after saying that.
Khushi gave her trademark,shocked expression.
Khushi(ending the call): Lard governer kahin k!
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*Later that day,8:00 pm*
OP(hands her a bowl): Please take this,bhabhiji..
Khushi: Tomato soup? But.. I never told..
OP(interrupts): Anjali di had asked me to prepare this for you.
Khushi(smiles): Oh.. Thank you!
OP: I'm going to feed Laksmi. Will you please sit in the haal(hall/living room) for sometime?
Khushi: Ya,sure! I'll open the door when the family arrives.
OP(smiles): Thank you!
*****
The bell rang 10 minutes later.
Khushi(surprised): You?
Arnav(smiles): Bang on time for dinner!
Khushi: Ya.. thats alright. But.. werent you saying that you'll come home later than usual..?
Arnav: The meetin got cancelled so..
Khushi(doubtful): Meeting got cancelled or.. you got it cancelled?
Arnav: Make me some coffee..
Khushi: Understood! You're too much! You suffered a loss just..
Arnav(interrupts): No,I havent suffered any losses! The meetin has been rescheduled for tomorrow afternoon. And I'll be workin for an hour or so,post dinner. So chill!
Khushi: Okay. You go & freshen up. I'll bring your coffee in the bedroom.
Arnav: No,its okay. You stay here. I'll come downstairs once I'm done. I'll have coffee alongwith the dinner..
Khushi: As you wish!
*****
OP: I've reheated the food,bhabhiji. And I've also set the table..
Khushi: Okay. The coffee is ready. Do 1 thing-get the..
Arnav(enters the kitchen): Om Prakash..
OP: Yes bhaiyya?
Arnav: Go upstairs & sit with Lakshmi for a while. I'll call you if we need something.
OP: Alright..
He gives a shy smile to Khushi before leaving the kitchen.
Khushi(thinks): I dont know what OPji must be thinking right now!?
Arnav(holds her arm): Come..
He pulls a chair for her.
Arnav: I'll serve the food.
Khushi: No,let it be. You've worked hard in the office so you must be very tired. Sit down,I'll serve you..
Arnav: You must be tired yourself. Besides,you mustve served lunch to the family. So,you sit down..
Khushi: No,you..
The landline interrupted Khushi.
Khushi: I'll answer the call..
She left to take the call while Arnav waited for her.
Khushi: Hello..
A man spoke from the other end: Please give the phone to Nanhe..
Khushi: Nanheji is not at home right now.
Man: Then where is he? He's not even answering his mobile phone.
Khushi: Everyone has gone to attend a satsang. So.. may be his phone is on silent mode?
Man: Is that.. bahuriya on the line?
Khushi: Yes. I'm sorry but.. I didnt recognize you..
Man: I'm Jugalkishore..
Khushi(turns to Arnav): Jugal.. kishore..? (whispers)Who's that?
Arnav: NK's dad..
Khushi(holds her head): oh oh! Namaste mausaaji!
JK: God bless you,bitiya!
Khushi: I'm so sorry,mausaji! Since this is the first time I'm talking to you.. I.. just couldnt recognize you.
JK: Thats alright! Now tell me,how are you?
Khushi: I'm fine. I hope you & mausiji are fine as well.
JK: Yes,we're fine! How's everyone over there?
Khushi: Everyone is fine.
JK: Once Nanhe is back,ask him to call me immediately.
Khushi: Ya,sure!
JK: Actually bitiya,I needed your help..
Khushi: Regarding?
JK: I need to send Nanhe bitwa's wedding card to your babuji. So please help with the address.
Khushi tells him the complete postal address.
JK: Thank you! Give my regards to everyone at home. And convey my pranaam to ammaji!
Khushi: Sure! Please convey my namaste to mausiji!
JK: Yes,I will! You stay healthy,stay happy and give us a good news really soon! I'll end the call now. Namaste bitiya!
He cut the call before Khushi could say anything.
Arnav: What happened? Why are you starin at the phone like that?
Khushi: I guess he had a misconception.. May be he thought it was.. jiji on the line.
Arnav: what makes you say that?
Khushi: He asked me to give them a good news soon. Now.. why would anyone say that to.. me? I'm not..
Arnav: May be because you addressed him as mausaaji?
Khushi: huh?
Arnav: Thats why he thought it was Paayal on the line.
Khushi nods while replacing the cordless in its socket.
Arnav(serves the food): Why were you callin him mausaaji in the first place? He's Akash's mausaa,not ours.
Khushi(walks up to him): So what? Jijaji's mausaaji is like our mausaaji. How do you address him?
Arnav: As uncle,what else!?
Khushi(sits next to him): He didnt sound like he was living abroad since a long time. He seemed good natured and simple.
Arnav: Well,thats how he is. He's really simple and grounded. And.. he's a desi at heart!
Khushi(smiles): Thats nice! Thats how everyone should be..
Arnav: Wait till you see NK's mom!
Khushi: Why do you say that?
Arnav: Coz she's just like mami!
Khushi(smiles): Then I'm sure it must be quite entertaining when mamiji and mausiji would be together,isnt it?
Arnav(smiles): Right! Lets have dinner now..
He tears a piece of chappati,dips it in the dal and brings it to her mouth.
Khushi (shakes her head): You dont let go of 1 chance to do this!
Arnav(feeds her): We wont get such chances every now and then! So we should cherish these moments!
Khushi nods as she prepares a morsel for him.
The family returns soon after ArShi are through with the dinner.
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ArShi retire to their bedroom after a quick chat with everyone.
Khushi: Dont work for too long..
Arnav: Didnt I tell you? I'll just work for 1 hour. Its time you changed your clothes and go into bed.
Khushi: Right!
When Khushi came out of the bathroom,Arnav noticed that her hand was on the lower abdomen.
Arnav: Are you gettin cramps?
Khushi nodded while getting into bed.
Khushi: This hot water bag is fine but I was thinking that..
Arnav(interrupts): Even I was thinkin that you should have that medicine now..
Khushi: No,I was thinking about calling amma tomorrow morning. She has a special oil which she would heat up before giving me a massage. That oil gave me a lot of relief during my periods!
Arnav: Why didnt you tell me earlier? You couldve called amma today itself..
Khushi: I thought I wont need the oil since the hot water bag was providing sufficient relief. Its usually enough for me. But.. this time the cramps are frequent and way more painful..
Arnav: Thats why I'm askin you to take the medicine. Else you wont be able to sleep well. Make sure you call amma tomorrow mornin itself. Gimme the name of that oil. I'll ask Mohan to get it from the medical store.
Khushi: That oil is available in ayurvedic medical stores. I guess amma has a bottle at home...
Arnav: In that case,I'll send him to buaji's place to collect it.
Khushi: No,let it be.
Arnav: Why?
Khushi: 1 of Nanheji's friends is in Delhi right now. So Lavanyaji was telling me that they'll go to meet him in Cafe wink tomorrow.
Arnav: Where's that?
Khushi: Its in Anand vihar. Then Lavanyaji asked me to accompany them. That way we could leave for shopping directly from the cafe. Otherwise,she'll have to come home to pick me up or I'll have to take a ricksh..
Arnav(interrupts): Dont take a rickshaw! Its better if you accompany them.
Khushi: Thats exactly what I thought! And.. Anand vihar is close to Lakshminagar so I'll go home & collect the oil from amma.
Arnav: Alright but make sure you take it tomorrow itself.
Khushi: Ya,I'm definitely getting it tomorrow. For now,I'll get the medicine from jiji before she falls asleep.
Arnav: Wait,I'll get it for you.
Khushi(shocked): Yy.. you?
Arnav: Yes,m.. me!
Khushi: No,no! Why will you get the medicine?
Arnav: Relax! I'm only goin to get the medicine,not the pads! BTW,what's the name of that tablet?
Khushi: Baralgan..
Arnav: Fine,I'll get it for you.
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When Arnav reached PaYash's room,he saw Akash near the door with a glass of saffron infused milk in his hand.
The brothers smiled at each other.
Arnav: Is Paayal takin rest?
Akash nodded.
Arnav: Can you get Baralgan from your first aid box?
Akash: Sure bhai! Wait a minute..
Akash returned very soon with a strip of tablets.
Akash: Here you go..
Arnav: Thanks! I'll return this tomorrow mornin..
Akash: You can keep it in your room. Anyways,Paayal doesnt need it right now
Arnav: Ya.. right.. Okay,fine.
Akash(smiles): Goodnight bhai!
Arnav(nods): Goodnight!
Arnav walked back towards his room only to find Anjali approaching him.
Arnav: What happened,di?
Anjali: Chhotey,I'd got a rakshaa dhaaga for you. But I totally forgot about it after coming home!
Arnav(extends his right wrist): Thats okay. You can tie it now..
Anjali nods while tieing the holy thread on his wrist.
Arnav notices the gold kangan in her hands.
Arnav: Didnt you like the bangles?
Anjali(confused): Which bangles?
Arnav: The ones which Khushi had bought from Chandni chowk.
Anjali: a.. yes,I love those bangles! But I thought of.. wearing those on.. Khushiji's birthday. I mean.. I'll wear those.. once you both are back from.. Lucknow.
Arnav was about to say something when she continued.
Anjali: I'm very hungry so I need to have something right now! And nani is also.. waiting for me. So.. Goodnight!
She left in a haste failing to see the wet sheen which had appeared in Arnav's eyes.
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*The next night,11 p.m.*
A weary and tired Arnav entered Shantivan to find Om Prakash waiting for him.
Arnav: What are you doin here?
OP: I was waiting for you,bhaiyya.
Arnav: What the..!? You need not wait for me! Go to sleep!
He was about to leave for his bedroom when OP spoke in a tensed tone.
OP: How can I sleep,bhaiyya? Khusi bhabhiji has not had her dinner till now.
Arnav(shocked): Why? Is she alright?
OP: She was not feeling well. So she told me that she'll have her dinner later. When naniji sent me with her food to your room.. I heard her sobbing. And I..
Arnav did not wait for a second after hearing that.
He sped up the stairs and reached his bedroom in no time.
Khushi raised her head from her knees when the door flung open.
Arnav: Khushi.. (runs up to her)Are you alright?
Khushi patted the bed and Arnav sat down beside her.
That is when Arnav noticed the tears in her eyes.
Arnav(cups her cheek): Whats wrong,baby? Why did you switch off the lights? And.. why are you cryin?
Khushi: I met babuji when I went to collect the oil from amma this afternoon..
Arnav: When did he come back from Lucknow?
Khushi: He came back this morning itself. And.. he was saying that.. our house in Lucknow is in bad shape. He wants to.. sell.. the house before it gets further damaged.
Arnav: Oh.. no! Listen Khushi..
Khushi(sobs): We wont be able to stay in that house,Arnavji! I wont get to.. celebrate my birthday over there! My house isnt mine now.. babuji wants to get it repaired so that.. he can sell it.. as soon as possible.
Khushi paused when Arnav pulled her into his arms.
Khushi: He told me to.. sort out my stuff when I visit.. that house. And also.. jiji's stuff. He asked me to bring whatever's useful to Delhi and.. sell the rest. I havent told jiji about it. How could I?
Arnav: I cant understand as to why babuji wants to sell that house?
Khushi: Niether can I. I dont know what has come over him? Why does he want to sell.. the house and the shop? Amma seemed unhappy. And I? I was barely able to.. control my tears. I just ran away from there. I just heard.. amma saying that.. babuji will not be able to.. sort out the things and vacate the house alone. So I & amma.. need to help him.
Arnav: So.. are.. amma and babuji coming with us to Lucknow?
Khushi: I dont know if they're coming with us or not but they're surely going to Lucknow! And now.. I'll have to do the tough job of clearing up my stuff from the house! That is 1 thing which I hate to do! Which I never want to do for any house! But.. I have to do it,time & again!
Arnav(frowns): What do you mean?
Khushi: I had to leave my.. house when amma babuji.. passed away. I had to sort out.. my stuff.. I had to.. donate amma's green saree.. The one which I would hold while running after her.. Babuji's clothes met the same fate.. That bed on which I slept with them was sold.. alongwith the other furniture.. The house turned empty in front of my eyes. Totally empty! The house where you've lived with someone for sometime and.. where you've seen toys lying here & there,when that house becomes empty.. you're unable to believe that its the same house which was full of life a few days back! And when.. you realize the truth.. you're taken aback. I could never forget the image of that empty house and niether will I be able to forget the image of babuji's house once.. its vacated! (gulps) Niether could I see an empty house back then nor will I be able to.. see it now! So I've decided to tell amma,babuji that I'll help them in sorting out the clothes and other stuff but.. I wont be there while they're vacating the house and the shop! I wont help amma in.. cleaning up the.. empty house! I have innumerable memories attached with that house.. I've spent the greater part of my childhood over there. So.. how can I..? (shakes her head)no! I wont help them this time around!
Arnav: You wont need to do anythin like that,Khushi!
Khushi(confused): What?
Arnav: Niether will that house be vacated nor will it be sold!
Khushi: But babuji is..
Arnav(interrupts): I'll talk to him. (kisses her forehead)You wont have to sort out your stuff or vacated the house! Trust me when I say that! I'll get that house renovated and I'll make sure that it stays just the way it was when you left it! The room which you shared with Paayal,the cupboards,the bed,the curtains.. everythin will remain the same! There'll be no changes,unless you approve..
Khushi: Really?
Arnav(nods): Yeah,really!
Khushi wanted to thank him but she was so overwhelmed that no words came out of her mouth.
So she allowed her lips to convey the message.
Pretty soon her fingers found themselves in the mesh of hair that they loved!
Her tongue found its way into his mouth.
Her lips tingled as his stubble rubbed against them.
Her body ached for a different reason altogether.
She longed to kiss him for as long as she could.
But something broke the momentum.
A tear rolled down Arnav's cheek and fell on their cojoined lips.
Khushi broke the kiss when she tasted the salty drop.
Khushi(leans away): What.. happened.. honey? (caresses his cheek)Why.. are you.. crying?
Arnav: Coz.. I know how.. you're feelin! I know how.. it feels to.. vacate your house.. to step inside your empty bedroom. I know how it.. feels when you have to.. leave your house.. even when you.. dont want to. When you have to.. sort out your clothes.. When everythin.. that belongs to you.. is snatched away!
Khushi wiped his tears before embracing him.
Arnav: When you visit that.. house where you've spent a large part of your life after years.. and.. it feels strange!.. Where you dont find.. anythin apart from memories..(takes a deep breath)I've seen that as well. But,I swear,you'll never have to see that! That house where you lived with your amma babuji before their death was the last house which.. you had to vacate! Nothin like that will happen this time around!
Khushi(cups): I trust you,completely! (kisses his widow's peak)I know you'll make everythin alright! We may not be able to.. live in that house this time. But once its renovated,we'll go there and.. spend some time together! And.. fulfill some of my dreams!
Arnav: We'll do that this time. We may not be able to stay in your house,but we'll definitely celebrate your birthday in Lucknow!
Khushi smiles through her tears.
Arnav(wipes her tears): Come on,stop cryin!
Khushi: You too.. (caresses his cheek)Your beard has started poking me. Please shave it off before we head to Lucknow.
Arnav: Deal! You freshen up now. Then we'll have dinner together..
He gets up from the bed and carries her to the bathroom in his arms.
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*The next morning,8 a.m.*
Arnav waits impatiently as the landline at Gupta Niwas continues its tring tring.
Finally buaji picks up the phone.
Buaji: Helloo Nandakisore!
Arnav: Namaste buaji!
Buaji: Stay blessed,babua!
Arnav thought buaji's voice sounded unusually dull that morning.
Buaji: How are you?
Arnav: I'm fine. Can I speak to babuji?
Buaji: Wait,I'll call him. (loudly) Ae Sasi babua..! Arnav babua has called on the landlinewaa..!
He could hear babuji's distant voice: Coming,didi..!
Half a minute passed before he heard babuji's voice.
Babuji: Namaste Arnav babu!
Arnav: Namaste babuji!
Babuji: You're calling so early in the morning. Is everything alright?
Arnav: Yes. I wanted to.. ask something..
Babuji: Sure! What is it?
Arnav: Babuji,why do you wanna sell your house in Lucknow?
Babuji(sighs): I.. dont want to sell it. But.. I'm forced to do so.
Arnav: Why?
Babuji: I & Garimaji wont be staying in that house now or in future because we cant leave jiji alone over here. . And.. it has suffered serious damages while lying unused. The interior walls have seapage and moisture so the paint has started peeling off. The exterior walls are covered with moss. The tiles are making noise. The roof is leaking. I cant leave the house to rot in this condition. Thats why.. I was thinking of.. selling it to Banwaarilal. That way the house will be maintained and his problem will be solved.
Arnav: Who is Banwaarilal?
Babuji: He's my neighbour and friend. His son got married recently and he's been on the lookout for a separate house for bitwa. If he gets a house in the same neighbourhood,it'll be better for his family as well as for me. Banwaarilal is an honest and noble man! I dont mind selling my house to him. Niether would Garimaji or the daughters mind it.
Arnav: Please dont sell the house to him,babuji..
Babuji: But Arnav babu,selling the house to an unknown..
Arnav(interrupts): If you really wanna sell the house,then we will buy it. We as in me & Aakash. Please allow us to buy your house.
Babuji: What will you do after buying that house? It wont be possible for you to stay there.
Arnav: First things first,we'll get it renovated. And then we'll send Jai Prakash o'er there. Currently he's the caretaker for our farmhouse in Chhatarpur. We'll send him to your house from there. He'll stay there and take care of the house. So your house will be maintained. And most importantly,Khushi and Paayal will be able to stay in that house whenever they want!
Babuji was about to say something when Arnav stopped him.
Arnav: Please listen to what I have to say,babuji.
Babuji: Okay,tell me..
Arnav: We're ready to pay whatever amount you desire. That house is priceless for Khushi and Paayal! No matter how much we pay for it,it'll be less! I wont let anyone else buy that house coz Khushi's happiness is linked with that house!Thats why I'm requestin you: please sell that house to your sons-in-law. We'll complete all the formalities while makin sure that Paayal & Khushi are named as the official owners of the house. As such,if you go to see,they'll be the rightful owners of the house after you.
Babuji: You're right. I'll give the house as inheritance to you'll. I wont sell it..
Arnav: Why babuji?
Babuji: Arnav babu,you & Aakas babu are more like my sons and less like my sons-in-law. And.. I dont want to crack a deal with my sons! To be honest,I never wanted to sell the house or the shop. But I was forced to take this decision after seeing their miserable condition.
Arnav: I can understand,babuji. As far as the shop is concerned,you can rent it out to a trustworthy halwaai. He'll run the shop in your name and that way,your shop will also be maintained. Niether will you loose your house nor will you loose your shop! You'll be able to stay in that house with amma and buaji! Whenever you want! I'm sure buaji wont mind stayin in Lucknow for some days. And 1 more thing, I take the entire responsibility for the renovation! I'm anyways goin to Lucknow with Khushi. I'll take my architect along as well. Once he's thru with the house inspection,I'll make sure that the renovation work starts immediately! You wont need to take the trouble of goin there once again.
Babuji: As you wish. But the cost..
Arnav: Will be borne by me. And you wont stop me coz you yourself have admitted that I'm like a son for you!
Babuji: Arnav babu,you're..
Arnav: Didnt I tell you,babuji? That house is priceless for Khushi! No matter how much money I spend after it,it'll not be enough! Please dont worry! The house will remain as it was earlier,even after the renovation. And then we'll throw a grand house warmin party!
Babuji: And we'll have a Satyanarayan kathaa as well.
Arnav: Sure! Whatever you say,babuji. All you need to do is hand over the keys of that house to me.
Babuji: Sure Arnav babu! You may start the renovation whenever you want. I & Garimaji will visit it in a few weeks. I'll supervise the renovation work and she'll meet some old neighbours.
Arnav: Fine. I'll end the call now.
Babuji: Okay. Thank you so much! Stay happy forever!
Arnav: Thank you!
Khushi entered the room a few minutes after Arnav ended the call.
Arnav(smiles): Congratulations,Mrs. Raizada! Babuji agreed!
Khushi(smiles): I knew he would! Thats why I've made piping hot sugarfree jilebis alongwith the breakfast!
Arnav: Thats great! So,lets celebrate!
Khushi: Not now. You go & have a bath. We'll celebrate while having breakfast with the family!
Arnav: We can have the jalebi celebration later on. (smirks)Right now its time for a private celebration!
He pulls her closer by the waist.
Khushi: Careful!
Arnav: Oops! Sorry! BTW,how's the flow?
Khushi: It's a little lesser than what it was all these days. Now,I think,it'll be over in 5 days i.e. by Friday.
Arnav(smiles): That gives us 1 more reason to celebrate!
He was about to place his mouth on hers when she created a barrier by placing her hand on his mouth.
Khushi: I'll allow you to celebrate only if you make a promise.
Arnav cocked his eyebrows.
Khushi: If my periods are over before we head to Lucknow then.. we'll try a.. new position in the Lucknow hotel! Promise?
Arnav nodded vehemently.
Khushi(smiles): alright! So,where were we?
Arnav pressed his mouth on hers as soon as she removed his hand.
They were so lost in the kiss that they failed to notice that the door was open.
Initially Paayal thought of closing the door.
But she ditched the idea as she knew that the door would make noise, which would disturb the couple.
Paayal(thinks): I just have to chat with Khushi today! It'll be so much fun to tease her!
She hid her smile as she quietly walked back towards her room.
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Precap: Devi Maiyya's birthday surprise for Khushi.
Kindly ignore typos & mistakes.
CID
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
703