Arshi FF: The Broken Hearts #3 NEW LINK ADDED pg 146 - Page 59

Leaving the children at home with Arnav, both Anjali and Khushi went out for shopping. Anjali had to buy stuff relating to the hawan and Khushi wished to buy presents for Arnav and Sia.

Every month Arnav would give her salary that she'd save, so money wasn't issue...but what to gift them was.

Arnav had arranged everything for Sia's party, be it her dress, clips, toys, decorations , cake..not a single thing had been missed out.

Khushi walked outside various showrooms, glancing at the objects that were displayed.

Suddenly she stopped and smiled. Got it.

" di, how are these sandals?" Khushi asked Anjali showing her a pair of pink and white sandals.

" very cute. Sia will love these sandals."

" look they have lights and they make sound when you walk." Khushi couldn't contain her excitement and Anjali could see the joy of buying something beautiful for a child, in her mother's eyes.

" I hope the size is right." Khushi sounded a little unsure.

" they'll fit her perfectly. You won't be wrong." A mother couldn't be wrong.

" di, are you done?"

" yeah. Should we head home?"

Khushi looked a bit confused. " actually I haven't bought anything for Arnav ji."

Anjali smiled at her.

" he has everything and that too the best..what can I gift him? Why don't you help me?"

" okay, let me think..my chotte is really fussy..he wants everything to be the best."

Both of them were thinking and looking around when Khushi asked, " silk kurta and pyjamas? I haven't seen any in his wardrobe."

" hmm he's not into traditional clothes."

" but for hawan he can't sit in a designer suit." Khushi grinned.

" you're right. And I guess, Dadi will also be happy to see him in Kurta pyjamas."

Khushi pointed at a showroom. " I think we can find something there."

The salesman showed them various kurtas and pyjamas in different colors, fabrics and design .

If Arnav was fussy then Khushi was no less , like him , she was also particular about everything, color, texture, neckline and what not. Watching Khushi select the Kurta didn't annoy Anjali on the contrary she was amused and glad to see someone thinking so much about her brother.

She couldn't stop remembering the day Arnav also searched every shop to find something special for Khushi. It was years ago but the feelings between Arnav and Khushi hadn't changed. Both always desired to give the other the best. Probably circumstances had changed but their love hadn't.

" di, how's this cream colored suit? see the work on it isn't heavy and the neckline seems comfortable..what do you say?"

Anjali nodded. " hmm it looks simple and classy. You should take it."

After getting Anjali's approval, Khushi paid the bill. She hoped he'd like it.

Saturday night.

" why this noise, can't you people sleep peacefully?" Dadi complained when Anjali brought her a glass of milk.

" Dadi, chotte has organized a small get together for Sia..she shares her birthday with chotte."

Dadi jerked her head. " but that's tomorrow..why this chaos from tonight itself?"

" just close friends have been invited for dinner, which is almost over. At twelve we'll cut the cake and then everyone will leave. Just an hour to go."

" I don't understand why is chotte doing all this? That girl isn't his daughter!"

Anjali sat on the bed and pressed Dadi's hand, only she could handle Dadi with patience.

" you know what Lavanya did to him..he lost his child and now he's grown really fond of Sia. He wants to make her birthday very special. From midnight he wishes to start the celebrations. Tomorrow after havan, he's planned to take the kids to an amusement park and then a doll museum followed by dinner."

Dadi opened her mouth to show her annoyance but Anjali continued. " I know you don't like all this but see the brighter side...today our chotte is so happy..we both love him,right?"

" yeah..but."

" so for his sake can't we be part of what makes him happy?"

" Anjali, I'm telling you that mother and child are only using Arnav and he's being a fool."

Anjali smiled. " Khushi and Sia are wonderful. They have brought joy to chotte's otherwise dull life. Please for him, give them a chance." Urged Anjali but Dadi's views hadn't changed.

" as long as they both stay away from my eyes, I'm kind of okay."

Just then Khushi knocked at the door. " di, Arnav ji, is calling you."

Dadi pressed her lips firmly and turned away her face when Anjali got up to leave.

" shut my door and turn off that blaring music you're playing outside. I want to sleep in silence."

Anjali closed the door and went out, she lowered the volume slightly but didn't turn it off, how could she? Neha, anuj, divya and Sia were all laughing and dancing to the music. There was a clown who was making the kids squeal with his funny antics. The atmosphere was absolutely blissful.

" di, is Dadi okay?"

Anjali blinked her eyes. " she's fine, chotte..relax."

" I just don't want her to create any scene and spoil the party."

" she's sleeping and she won't come out..I assure you."

" good. I'll go and check if the cake is ready?"

Arnav was moving to the kitchen when he collided with Payal.

" oh I'm sorry." He said without realizing who he had bumped into.

" no, I'm sorry." Said Payal. Arnav nodded and moved to walk past her.

" Arnav, can I have a minute?" She stopped him.

For a long time she wished to have a word with him but failed to get a chance.

" I know I gave been rude to you..never been cordial but that was because I was mad at you for what you did with Khushi." She paused before continuing. " that's past and no matter how much we try, we can neither erase it nor change it..you made a big mistake, in fact we all made a few mistakes but now I can see the efforts that you're making to amend those mistakes. " Payal glanced at Khushi who was playing with the children by making a train. She was leading the train and all the kids were holding each other from behind.

" you broke her heart..you brought tears to her innocent eyes." Arnav flinched hearing that. " but today she's smiling..she's happy..and you're the reason." Payal peered up at Arnav. " I'm nobody to punish you..but I can no longer ignore that you genuinely love Sia...and Khushi." Her eyes turned moist as she concluded. " I don't wish to see her heartbroken...again."

Arnav inhaled deeply. " I don't know what will happen tomorrow. But Khushi and Sia are my life..and I will guard, protect and love my life..always."

Payal pushed back her tears and nodded.

" and thanks Payal." Arnav said before leaving to get the cake.

The lights turned dim as Arnav wheeled in the beautiful two tier cake. It had Sia and Khushi's favorite Mickey mouse and Donald duck on it.

Holding Sia in her arms, Khushi stood before the cake and smiled. Sia clapped in joy on seeing the cute cake, eager to taste it.

" let me light the candles." Said Khushi and passed Sia to Arnav.

" now, shona blow the candles."

" wait, wait. First make a wish."

Arnav shot Khushi a confused look. " how can Sia make a wish."

" okay I'll make for her." Khushi immediately closed her eyes and started murmuring. Arnav smiled down at her, it was his birthday as well so he wished that Khushi's wish came true.

Anjali, Aakash, Payal and children started singing and clapping as Arnav held Sia's hand and cut the cake.

" happy birthday shona." Arnav said as he fed her a piece. Khushi too joined in with Anjali and Payal to put cake in Sia's mouth.

Anjali moved to her brother and offered him a piece. " many many happy returns of the day, chotte." She was truly delighted to see happiness floating in his eyes.

Aakash hugged and congratulated Arnav but Arnav's eyes were on Khushi who was busy serving the cake to the guests. Everyone was wishing him but she wasn't even looking at him. Did she forget that it was his birthday day too?

No, how could she forget, along with Sia, his name was also on the cake.

Arnav felt disappointed. She wasn't ignoring him but she wasn't even caring to congratulate him. Was she upset at the way he had reacted to her love confession? Probably she was hurt and which was why she was maintaining distance with him. But he didn't wish to hurt her. He loved her too but there was so much she didn't know about the past and after knowing it, he was sure she'd hate him..possibly even leave him..and he dreaded that .

With a slight heavy heart and a sulking face, Arnav bid the guests goodbye, all the time hoping that Khushi would wish him. But she didn't.

" Arnav ji!"

" yes." His eyes lit up.

" the party was so much fun." Said Khushi.

Arnav frowned , " you don't have anything else to say?"

She shook her head and he rolled his eyes in response . fine!

Arnav went to his room and changed into his night clothes, ready to hit the bed when Sia came in holding Khushi's fingers.

" you want something?" Arnav asked Khushi, sounding a little grumpy.

Khushi shook her head again and picked up Sia then walked to Arnav's bed.

She glanced down at Sia and softly sang. " happy birthday." She stopped and looked at Sia then pointed at Arnav.

Sia opened her mouth and said, " Paa." Shocking Arnav. His eyes darted in Khushi's direction in disbelief. Khushi smiled knowingly. She'd felt the same when Sia had called her maa.

Khushi repeated, " happy birthday.."

" paa." Sia added and giggled at Arnav who had tears brimming in his eyes. She really called him paa? God, this was unbelievable!

He pulled Sia in his arms. " shona, say that again." He insisted. Talking past the lump formed inside his throat.

Sia glanced at Khushi and then Arnav. Khushi stepped forward and asked Sia, " who's he?"

" paa."

" Khushi!" Arnav looked at Khushi with immense love and happiness.

For three days she had been secretly teaching Sia to say paa. She was glad to see that Sia could bring that joy on his face.

" Arnav ji, wish you a very happy birthday."

Without saying anything, Arnav moved forward and embraced Khushi. He held her close and shut his eyes to savor this moment. It was the best gift that she could have given him.

It was beautiful...priceless and unforgettable!

Thanks for reading

Rose