**Flashback in red italics.A year later,
Khushi and Asha stood there, clapping as Arnav's book was unveiled. Finally, his efforts had paid off.
"The Hidden" by ASR flashed brightly in contrast to the black background. How rightly he had named it! Every single incident, right from their first meet as strangers to their progress as a married couple, flashed in her mind. Khushi found herself brushing back happy tears as Arnav's teasing remark from the morning flew to her mind.
"From when did you start becoming emotional? And yeah come to the book launch with a tissue box, shayad kaam pe aayega. (Perhaps it will be of some use.)" She swatted his arm away from her face and punched him lightly.
"Are we pregnant?" What? Her jaw dropped open. At her glare, he continued, "I have heard only pregnant women cry at the drop of the hat." He winked at her.
"Oh this all started from the day we met. So, blame yourself Mr. Raizada."
"So much for flattery." He grumbled.
Asha was proud of her Chithappa. He had become their strength and role model. She was extremely ecstatic to see his book being launched. She knew the book had lot about the hidden beauty of Connoor, something which she and her Chithappa had discovered together. Khushi had read out few parts for Asha. This was their little secret as Arnav had forbidden them from reading it before the launch.
Today, her chithi looked very happy. Yes, she missed her Amma, Appa, Paati and thatha. They were always in her memory. But her Chithi and Chithappa had made sure she had never felt any sorrow. They had managed to fill the small vacancy in her heart. Once, she had called them her Appa and Amma. But Khushi had been adamant that she call them as Chithi and chithappa only. Raahul and Pooja will always be her parents. She wanted Asha to always remember her family. But in both their minds, they were a family. Mother, father andand daughter. Asha's young heart thanked God for giving her two sets of parents.
The voice on the microphone brought them back to the present. Arnav was called to speak a few words and sign the first few copies.
"First of all, thanks for being a part of this launch. I would like to thank my Publisher, Aakash. I owe it you bro, for trusting and believing me. Before signing the copies, I would like to share a few words about the book. The Hidden really did give me a chance to explore and find. It made me see the beauty hidden very cleverly by the nature. This book was instrumental in helping me find the women of my life too. Connoor is definitely a basket of magic and joy. Thanks again."
A round of applause broke out and the loudest was from two young fans.
"Mr. Raizada we have two of your fans, who are adamant that they get your first copies."
If Arnav was surprised, he did a good job of masking it. A giggling Asha and Khushi made their way towards him to collect his book. He chuckled at their childishness and handed over the first two signed copies to his women.
*
Arnav waited for Khushi to remove her jewelries and change into her night dress. He was pampered and loved the whole day. Both Asha and Khushi were responsible for that. How come he had become so lucky to have them? He mused. Soon after their marriage, Khushi had shifted to Delhi. He had tried coercing her to stay in Connoor and he had decided to move there. But she had put her foot down and refused. He was really surprised to learn about her least attraction towards nature. He had then given up and the two of them had moved to Delhi. A year had passed since then and it was their anniversary tomorrow. Their first anniversary and he was determined to make it special. His book launch had definitely made her forget that or so he assumed.
They had come a long way since that rainy night. Many things had changed. One major change was she had become Mrs. Raizada from Ms. Gupta. She wondered as she saw her husband waiting impatiently for her. It was their day tomorrow, their union. His tired face gave her an indication that he might have forgotten.
She sauntered gracefully into his waiting arms as he whispered, "Happy First Anniversary Wifey".
"You did not forgot our anniversary?"
"People do not forget the day they receive a very hard punishment."
At her gob smacked expression, he kissed her, while she shoved him away. "Of course, a very delectable punishment. Now do you want to sulk on this day or know about my plans?" Her reply was cut off as a soft rap was heard.
They heard Asha's soft whisper and rushed to open the door. Asha grinned at them before showing the cake she had brought. The whole family came behind her.
As they blew the candles off, they drove off every hopeless sadness. Their life was indeed garnished with joy.
Life does seem bland and hopeless at many stages.
This story is an attempt to show that a minute is enough to overthrow your happiness and the same minute is enough to bring back the lost happiness. "Hope" is never far away. There are chances that "Sunshine might streak in at Midnight and shower warmth on you".
"...The enchanting spread of green holds you a captive and showers rays of peace and harmony. Connoor is definitely one of those hidden treasures of India."
- The Hidden
Here is that poem by alwaysarshi :
Originally posted by: alwaysarshi
Sadh dear, I read your Midnight Sunshine just now and for a few moments I was speechless. You have weaved a beautiful story. There is magic in your words dear to hold the reader in their place. I couldn't help but pen down this:
"There she stood holding on to her Hope.
Moving on to the lap of nature
A shell that was Happiness.
Lost in the sorrow,
Engulfed in darkness,
The soothing silence roared at her.
He loved nature.
The serenity of silence
Engulfing him in its warmth.
He searched for the contentment
In the nature's lap.
She was his guide to places.
He was the guide to her soul.
As Hope found its place in the Ocean's heart,
The Ocean wanted Happiness to laugh.
The Ocean roared; the dam broke,
The tears washed away grief and sorrow.
A Midnight Sun shining through her darkness;
Guiding her to a new dawn.
The new dawn rose
Bringing forth -
A joy in Happiness;
A peace in Ocean;
Innocence in Hope.
Time flew building a family.
A Hope with an Ocean of Happiness."
Its not much and am not that good with words. But your story inspired me to write this. Keep writing dear. Hope you come out of your writer's block soon.
Regards
Hamsa.
Thanks a ton Hamsa..You have summed up the whole story really well and I have no clue why IF isn't allowing me to bring the poem into the quote. Someone tell me please.
Anupamaa
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