Arshi FF: Jeene Laga Hoon (NOTE pg. 68) - Page 30

That night, when Arnav and Khushi had returned to Shantivan, they went to discuss the idea of adoption with Anjali and Aman. Initially, Khushi was hesitant, but with Arnav's support she managed to get her point across to the Mehra's. Anjali and Aman listened to everything she had to say, calmly and cooly. However, when the topic of the process itself came up, Anjali became skeptical. There was a lot of work in the adoption process, and even after doing it all they still wouldn't be guaranteed a child. She worried about getting her hopes up for nothing. She had just reached a stage where she could think about her miscarriage without bursting into tears, and she felt that if she failed somewhere in this adoption process she wouldn't be able to handle it.

Aman, on the other hand, thought differently. He hadn't thought about the idea of adoption, but now that the topic was brought up he couldn't help but think that it was a great idea. Anjali would be able to become a mother, and he would be able to be father. So what if the child wasn't actually their blood? This child would be theirs in every other sense of the word. As Khushi explained more and more about adoption, Aman felt that this was the best option for them.

After discussing it with Anjali, the two of them decided, despite their doubts, to go through with the process. They both agreed that, even though they didn't talk about it, there was a void in their marriage that had to be filled with a child. The most important thing for them, however, was to receive Nani's blessings for this. They were worried because Nani was rather traditional in her mindset, and they weren't sure if she would accept a child that wasn't their blood. But, to their surprise, she was more supportive than ever. She blessed them to be good parents for the child, and was eager to know when the little miracle would arrive. With Nani's assurance, Aman and Anjali told Khushi that they wanted to go through with the adoption process.

The following days were busy for Aman, Anjali, Khushi, and Arnav. After telling her their decision, Khushi took it upon herself to handle everything. She got all the information regarding the process, including the requirements and paperwork. She came after work with everything they needed, and Arnav helped Anjali and Aman fill out the paperwork. Khushi had them mailed off before her hospital shift started. Khushi brought the social workers to Shantivan, to prove to them that Anjali and Aman would be good parents and provide a good home for the child that would be given to them. Arnav pushed the system to give the couple higher priority because they were part of the famous Raizada family. Khushi barely got a moment's rest, but she didn't care. She didn't want Anjali to be dejected again, because if that happened, she may not recover this time. And if that happened, then Aman would never forgive her. Helping Anjali and Aman meant the world to Khushi, and she wouldn't be at peace until she gave them what she had promised.

A little over a month had passed before the Raizada family had received the news they had been waiting for: a child had been selected for Aman and Anjali. Khushi had called them as soon as the child had been delivered at the hospital where she worked. Due to some circumstances, the mother gave the baby up for adoption. The social worker, who was brought in, gave Khushi the green light and now she was eager to take the child to Shantivan. However, the newborn had to stay in the hospital for a few days to be examined to make sure it was healthy. The infant also needed all of its shots. Khushi was given the responsibility to look after the child until it was brought home.

Until then, everyone in the Raizada family was busy preparing for the arrival of the baby. Aman and Anjali were setting up the empty spare room in the home as a nursery. Arnav was in charge of the finding clothes for the child. Despite their attempts otherwise, he insisted on designs the outfits for his Di's child. It was put on top priority at AR and he managed to get a decent amount of outfits completed in less than a week. Nani was preparing for the baby-naming pooja they would hold once the baby came home. NK was busy reading about how to baby-proof Shantivan, while Akash was following his orders on how to do so. Payal, who came and went from the home, was on Anjali's beck and call, getting her everything that she needed at the last minute: from blankets, to bottles, to toys. Everyone was eager for the newest member of the family to come home.

~

Two weeks later, the baby was given a clean bill of health from the hospital and was allowed to come home. Khushi, who was just getting off her shift, was told to take the baby. The other nurses and doctors she worked with watched as she took the infant in her arms and left the hospital, off to take it to the home it deserved.

Everyone at the mansion was eagerly waiting for Khushi to come. Nani was sitting on the couch with Anjali and Aman, holding them down so they wouldn't keep running around anxiously, as they had done all morning. Akash was helping Payal and the pundit set up the supplies for the pooja they were holding for the newborn. NK and Arnav were standing around, glancing at the door every now and then. They were all dressed in their best attire for the arrival of the baby: with the men (even Arnav) wearing kurtas and the women wearing saris.

NK looked at his watch and then glanced at the door, "It shouldn't take her this long to get here."

"Relax," Arnav said. "She'll be here. It's Delhi. There's a lot of traffic."

"Khushi needs to get here soon. Di and Jiju are getting anxious."

Arnav looked at Aman and Anjali, who were fidgeting in their seats next to Nani. They were both anxiously waiting for the arrival of their baby. Arnav could see the excitement and nervousness etched upon their faces. It was obviously justified. Just as he was about to speak, he felt a sudden shift in the air. The atmosphere became calm as a gentle breeze flowed through the house. However, it seemed that he was the only one who noticed it. Arnav felt his heart begin to beat louder and faster. Even though his mind didn't understand what was happening to him, his heart already knew.

He looked at the entryway, "She's here."

NK looked from Arnav to the entryway and found Khushi walking in, cradling a small bundle in her arms. She was smiling and staring down at it lovingly as she walked and rocked it against her chest. She had just gotten off her shift at the hospital and hadn't had time to change. Hence, she was still in her red, cotton kurta with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows and white pants. Her bag was slung over her shoulder so it wouldn't fall while she carried the baby in her arms. When she entered the home, Khushi stopped in the doorway and looked up at the family. No one, except NK and Arnav, had noticed her presence yet.

NK looked at Arnav, "How did you know she was here even before she walked in?"

Arnav shrugged his shoulders. "Sometimes you just know."

Khushi smiled at the two men before turning her attention to the now-parents of the baby in her arms. They looked so eager, but they hadn't even noticed that she was here. She smiled to herself. It was clear that this was a big step for them, and there was still some hesitation, but she knew that would all melt away soon enough.

"Di. Aman," she spoke.

Recognizing her voice, everyone stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to the door. Gasps filled the home as they took in the sight before them. Anjali and Aman's head shot up in her direction. They stood up at the same time as they gazed at the bundle in Khushi's hands in awe. Anjali's eyes brimmed with tears as she covered her mouth. Aman wrapped his arm around her shoulder, not just to support her, but to assure himself that he wasn't dreaming. His mouth was agape as he tried to say something, but couldn't find the words. Neither of them could believe it. Was this actually happening?

"Don't you want to meet your daughter?" Khushi asked.

No sooner had the words left Khushi's mouth did Aman and Anjali rush up to her. Anjali stood right in front of her, with Aman just a step behind. Her hand was still on her mouth to hold back her happy sobs as she saw the baby for the first time. It was her baby. Her daughter. No one would have been able to guess that she wasn't her child based on how her sleeping form looked. The baby could've been a carbon copy of Anjali herself, but the skin tone, which was a shade slightly darker than hers, was almost a perfect match to Aman. Anjali finally understood why Khushi pushed to have them adopt this child.

She looked at Khushi, then at the baby, then back at Khushi. In this gesture, Khushi understood and simply nodded. A huge grin broke out on Anjali's face as she was handed the baby. She nestled the child against her chest, stroking her softly as she continued to sleep. As if sensing that she was in her mother's arms, the baby shifted her head towards Anjali's chest and clasped on to her sari. The tears that had pooled her eyes had finally escaped as Anjali realized she was holding her daughter for the first time. In this moment, she became a mother.

Anjali looked at Khushi in disbelief, "This is my daughter?"

Khushi nodded, "Yes, Di. She is yours."

"Ours, you mean," Aman came up behind Anjali to peer at his new daughter. "She is beautiful. Anju, have you ever seen anything more perfect in this world?"

Anjali shook her head as she rocked the baby back and forth, "I can't believe it. We're actually parents."

NK, who was watching the scene from where he stood, cleared his throat loudly and said, "Oye hello! There are others here who want to meet the newest member of the family!"

Anjali and Aman laughed and turned to the rest of the family so they could see the baby. Everyone had gone completely gaga over the newborn, cooing and aweing at the first sight of her. It seemed that the baby girl had made her way into every Raizada's heart. Even Arnav, who wasn't too fond of children, couldn't help but smile as he saw the child in Anjali's arms. Nani stroked the baby's head and blessed it, hoping that she would live a long and wonderful life. Khushi stepped into the house and watched as the rest of the family members all adored the baby. She thanked her Devi Maiyya for allowing her to bring happiness back into this family.

The pundit stood up from his seat on the floor and gestured everyone over to him. Now that the newborn was here, they could begin the pooja. Everyone sat down, while Aman and Anjali sat in the front to perform the pooja. She placed the baby in her lap and patted her to make sure she remained asleep. Even though she had only had the baby for a few minutes, Anjali acted like a natural mother, attuned to the child's every need. At Nani's behest, Khushi stayed for the pooja. They all seated themselves down on the ground as Aman and Anjali performed the pooja for their daughter's wellbeing.

When the time came for the baby to be named, Aman and Anjali stood up, making everyone else stand up in confusion. They looked at each other with a smile before looking down at their daughter in Anjali's arms. Aman turned his attention to everyone as they stared at him, wondering what they were doing. Then his eyes fell on Khushi.

"Khushi," he said. "We want you to name the baby."

Khushi's eyes widened in shocked, "M-me?"

"Yes you," Anjali laughed.

"B-but isn't naming the baby the job for the parents?"

"Anjali and I knew we wanted you to name our baby when we agreed to the adoption process," Aman answered. "If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't even be parents. We would be honored if you named our daughter. Please? Name her."

Khushi's eyes filled with tears. This moment overwhelmed her. Never in her wildest dreams had she believed that they would bestow upon her such an honor. She looked at everyone around her: Nani, Arnav, NK, Akash, and Payal. They were all staring back at her, smiling and nodding. They all agreed that Khushi deserved such a responsibility because of everything she had done for Aman and Anjali. They agreed with the decision, showing her that they all wanted her to do so.

Slowly, Khushi stepped forward and observed the baby in Anjali's arms. She pondered and contemplated for a moment. As the name came to her, she leaned down and kissed the infant's forehead. When she stood back up, Khushi looked at Aman and Anjali with a smile.

"Aditi," Khushi answered. "Aditi Mehra."

"It's perfect," Anjali looked down at the baby. "Aditi."

Akash grinned, "Nice name! I like it!"

"Aditi. Doesn't that mean free'?" Payal asked.

Nani nodded, "It suits her perfectly."

As the pooja was finally completed, the Raizadas welcomed the newest member to their family: Aditi Mehra. Everyone wanted a turn holding her, even though Anjali didn't want to let her go. Aman was the first after Anjali to hold Aditi. He was left breathless as she opened her eyes for the first time. The large brown orbs melted his heart. He whispered in her ear that she was daddy's little girl' and always would be.

Arnav came next. He was hesitant to hold the baby, but was forced to by his Di, who stated that he had as much to do with the adoption as Khushi. He held Aditi and couldn't believe that he had helped make Anjali's dream come true. After Arnav, came Nani, then Akash, then Payal, then NK. It wasn't long before Khushi got to hold Aditi once again. She cooed and assured the baby that she would get all the love she deserved here, and if something ever happened she could always come to her Khushi Aunty'. Anjali laughed and hugged her tightly, thanking her once more for giving her her heart's desire.

Nani wiped the single tear that left her eyes. She thanked Devi Maiyya for bringing Aditi, this miracle, to them. She stared at the beautiful glow on Anjali's face, the glow of becoming a mother. She watched as Aman placed his arm around Anjali and kiss her hair, before gaazing at his daughter full of pride. Nani's eyes trailed around her family as everyone adored the child who was in Khushi's arms, staring at her with wide eyes. NK, Akash, and Payal hovered around Khushi, trying to get Aditi's attention, but her gaze remained on Anjali and Aman, as if she already knew that they were her parents.

It was in the midst of this that Nani caught sight of NK and Arnav, who were standing a little ways away from the rest of the eager crew. They weren't far from her, and she was able to hear their conversation. Both men were looking at everyone else going crazy over the baby, and they couldn't help but smile.

Without looking away from the scene, NK patted Arnav's shoulder and said, "This is amazing, isn't it Nanav?"

Arnav nodded, not removing his gaze from Khushi holding the baby.

"Khushi really is something special isn't she?"

Arnav looked at NK as he strode over to try and get Aditi's attention like everyone else. He then fixed his gaze on Khushi as she handed the baby back to Aman, who was all too excited to hold his daughter again. Arnav thought back to all the things Khushi had done for this family, going out of her way for a family that wasn't even hers. She was different from everyone else, a good different, truly unique.

Nani observed closely as Arnav focused on Khushi, and only Khushi. She saw how she looked to meet Arnav's gaze, and how he silently thanked her with a nod of his head. Nani even saw how Khushi's cheeks tinted pink before she gave a nod back and popped her collar, implying that this was no big deal. Arnav smirked and Khushi smiled at him before turning her attention back to the baby. It made Nani wonder if there was more between the two of them than met the eye. And as she watched this scene play out, Nani didn't miss the words that Arnav spoke softly to himself before going over to Anjali, only sparking her theory more.

"Yeah, Khushi really is special."

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Awww there's a baby in the house! Yay! Let me know what you think by leaving your comments and feedback below!

Next update: Wedding preparations resume!

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