Arshi FF: Jeene Laga Hoon (NOTE pg. 68) - Page 23

Aman walked out of his and Anjali's bedroom, closing the door behind him. He leaned his head back against it and closed his eyes. Once again, he didn't get any reaction out of her. She had remained silent, even while he practically begged her to share her pain with him. Even though Khushi had said that this wasn't his fault, Aman somewhere deep down felt responsible. He shouldn't have fought with her. Maybe she wouldn't have gotten stressed. Maybe that was also a factor in her miscarriage. In his heart, he felt truly guilty for what had happened. However, Aman knew that it was neither his or Anjali's fault. Sometimes, things just weren't meant to be.

Aman came back to reality and opened his eyes as he heard footsteps down the hall. He found Khushi walking up to him, nervously fidgeting with her blue dupatta. She stopped right in front of him and gave him a small smile, hoping it would give him some comfort.

"How is she?" she asked.

"Still the same," Aman sadly reported.

"Amanji-."

"Khushi, just call me Aman. We talked about this."

"Right...Aman...can I talk to Anjaliji? Please?"

He looked at her for a moment before nodding, "Sure. Don't be surprised if you don't hear her respond. She barely acknowledged my presence in the room."

"I understand."

"And Khushi?"

"Yes?"

"Just call her Di. You know you can stop being formal with us, especially after everything you've done to help."

Khushi nodded. Aman stepped aside and opened the door for her. He watched as she cautiously stepped in, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. Her eyes scanned the place before landing on Anjali, who was standing in front of the large french doors that led out to the balcony. She was staring out with her back towards Khushi. Aman heard her inhale before walking slowly over to his wife. He stood in the doorway and listened, curious to see how Khushi would go about this.

Khushi made her way to Anjali. As she reached her, she neither touched nor moved her. She simply stood by her and gazed out the glass doors, seeing exactly what Anjali was seeing. It was night now, and the stars were visible in the sky. There was a slight breeze judging by the gentle movement of the plants in the pots. It was a calm night, and Khushi knew nature was on her side tonight.

"Anja-," she paused. "Di?"

Anjali didn't move or respond.

"It's stifling in here. Why don't I open the doors and let some air in?"

No response.

Khushi opened the doors anyways and took a step out onto the balcony. She took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air the breeze flowed through. She rested her hands against the railing of the balcony and looked up at the sky. Even now, she could see the stars that represented her Amma, Babuji, and Buaji, twinkling to let her know that they were there. She turned back to Anjali and gave her a soft smile.

"See?" she said. "Isn't that a little better? When I was younger, I always had my head in the books. My Buaji used to tell me to always go outside and enjoy the fresh air. I always told her it's not like there isn't air inside'. She used to pull my ear when I said that."

Khushi pouted and held her ear as she recalled that memory. She looked at Anjali and saw that she still hadn't moved a muscle. She was still standing in the same spot with her arms crossed against her chest. However, her eyes seemed as though they were focused on Khushi. It was possible that she was listening and watching her. If this was true, then Khushi wasn't going to let this chance go to waste. She had Anjali's attention and she was going to make sure she didn't lose it.

In a softer voice, Khushi spoke, "I miss my Buaji. When she died, I felt a part of me had died with her. She practically raised me after my parents had passed away."

Anjali's eyes flickered with pain, understanding how it felt to lose her parents. The sadness hidden behind the half smile was evident to her, and Anjali felt her heart go out to the woman in front of her. She unknowingly moved closer to Khushi. This movement stunned Aman, who was standing in the doorway. It was the first reaction he had seen out of Anjali in weeks. He continued to watch intently.

Khushi was just as surprised to see her come forward, but hid it well because she didn't want her shock to stop Anjali. She continued speaking as Anjali came closer.

"I miss them," Khushi confessed. "I miss them a lot. I wish there was something I could've done. Something that could've protected them so that they would be here with me today. But I know that I can't reverse the clock, no matter how much I want to."

Anjali was now by her side, listening to what Khushi was saying, but not uttering a single word in response.

"You know in Manali, Arnav and I sat up on a cliff one night and looked up at the stars. I told him about how I had lost my parents and Buaji. He even told me about both of your parents. I saw how hard it was for him to talk about it, to even think about it. You know what I mean? Of course you do, you're his Di. But I told him something, and it actually made him come to terms with the loss of his parents. Do you want to know what that is?"

Khushi's gaze met Anjali's. Although she didn't respond, she knew that she wanted to know. The concentrated, beckoning look in her eyes said so. Khushi turned around and pointed up at the sky. Anjali turned and looked to where she was pointing.

"His parents never left him. They are always with him, not just in his heart, but up there. They're the stars in the night sky, looking down on him. They'll always be there, watching over him. My Amma, Babuji, and Buaji are up there too. Whenever I miss them or feel lonely, I go outside and look up at the stars because I know that they are there, and then I don't miss them or feel so alone anymore. Sometimes, I even talk to them. I know they can't reply back, but sometimes just talking to them makes me feel better. Watch." Khushi cleared her throat. "Amma, Babuji, Buaji. This is Anjali Di. Remember I told you about her? She's my very good friend. I'm sure you've watched me spend time with her, right? Anyways, I need you all to do me a favor. Well this isn't for me, but for Di. Will you look after her baby up there?"

Anjali shot Khushi a surprised look. She felt Di looking at her, but continued to look up at the sky and talk to her family.

"Please look after Aman and Di's baby. Since it hadn't made its appearance in the world, it won't know anyone up there. Please watch over it so it is never alone. Watch over the baby and protect it, just as you had done with me. Please?"

When Khushi looked back at Anjali, she found tears streaming down her cheeks. She shook her head and wiped Di's tears.

"Di, your baby will always be with you as a star in the sky. Don't worry, my parents and Buaji will look after it. And anytime you feel sad or miss your baby, just come out here and look up at the night sky. Your baby is there and you can talk to it anytime you want, about anything. Even if he or she isn't here physically doesn't mean they're gone. Your baby is with you...always. Not just as a star, but in your heart. And no one, not even Devi Maiyya, can take that from you."

Anjali finally broke down. She fell to the ground on the balcony and cried, holding on to Khushi all the while. Khushi held her close, cradling her against her chest to comfort her. She thanked her Devi Maiyya that she was able to get through to Anjali. The fact that she was crying was a good sign. It meant that she was finally beginning to mourn the loss of her child. Once she is done mourning will she be able to move forward.

As Khushi fought back tears, she stroked Anjali's head and assuringly whispered, "Everything will be okay. It will take time, but I promise you...everything will be okay."

Her gaze went up to the balcony doorway, where Aman now stood. He had tears in his eyes as he watched the sight before him. He was thankful that Khushi had finally gotten through to Anjali and that she was finally letting go. He had watched and listened to everything that Khushi had said, and couldn't believe that this woman had gone through so much. Even though she had every reason to be sad, she was using her situation to help others get over their losses.

Aman made his way over to the two women. He was on his knees in front of Anjali. He glanced at Khushi and gave her a nod, which she too repeated at him.

"Di," Khushi whispered. "You know, there's someone else who loved your baby as much as you. I'm sure he's going keep the baby in his heart too."

Anjali opened her eyes and looked at Khushi before catching sight of Aman in front of her. Her sobs increased as she moved out of Khushi's arms and into his. He held onto her tightly against his chest as she finally began to share her pain with him. He also began to cry. Seeing that they no longer needed her, Khushi slowly and quietly left the balcony and their room. As she closed the bedroom door, she took one last glance at the couple, thankful that they were finally going to be able to mourn the lost of their child together.

Khushi shut the door and took a few steps before stopping in her tracks. There, standing directly in front of her, was Nani. She looked at the elderly woman questioningly. Nani had tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. She had been standing beside Aman in the doorway just moments ago, watching as Khushi spoke to Anjali. She stepped closer to Khushi and held her cheek in her hand.

"Nani?" Khushi said.

"Thank you Khushi bitiya," she replied. "For everything you have done. Thank you for being here when grief struck this family. Thank you for intervening between Nandkishore and Chote when none of us had the courage to. And thank you for everything you did with Anjali just now. I will always remain indebted to you."

Khushi shook her head. She took Nani's hand away from her cheek and held it in both of her hands, "No Nani, you don't need to thank me for any of this. Ever since Nanhe introduced me to you, you've treated me like family. That is more than anything I could ever ask for. So please, don't say you are indebted to me. The fact that you treat me like family is more than enough."

Khushi gave Nani a quick hug before stating that she should go home, but not before promising that she will be back the following day to check up on Anjali. Nani watched as Khushi left Shantivan. This girl who had been a friend to her grandsons had become a vital part in restoring balance into their home. She hadn't known what Khushi had gone through until she had heard her talk about it with Anjali. Even after everything, she continued to give and help others. She was truly a gem of a person. As Nani went back to her room she silently thanked God for bringing that girl into their lives.

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That was quite emotional for me to write. Let me know what you think by leaving your comments and feedback below!

Next update: Arnav vs. NK: Khushi intervenes.

Thanks for reading!