Hi guys - sorry been away for a long time, been very busy but home to write a few new stories over Easter.
one of my readers asked me if i would re-right something along the lines of my SS deedar but in a Christmas setting.
sorry this was at Christmas time and i never got chance to post it so here it is.
Home for Christmas?
The British family over the road had just bought the very first seasons greetings of the year with a box of chocolate to go with them an iconic box of quality street chocolates. Aarav who was colouring In on the carpet along with his little sibling Pari had obviously seen the box of chocolates' which Khushi tried to cleverly hide.
"Mom are we having Christmas this year? he spoke over to his mom who had just shut the door after saying thank you and bye to the neighbours.
"Hmm if you're good maybe Dadi won't mind this year but you'll have to ask her.. nicely. She added because she knew Aarav didn't really get on with his grandmother as much as she would have liked him to. She was a little too traditional at times for Aarav who was more like his father. Khushi sometimes felt like she was the only reason peace was withheld in this home. Her traditional values kept dadi happy most of the time.
Ignoring all that she walked over to her son and Pari the little lioness who was too innocent and beautiful to even care. Khushi ruffled Pari's hair a little and then looked over to Aarav who know put his crayons down having seen the box of chocolates in his mothers hands. He opened them put whilst the box was still in her in her hand and she let him. just one Aarav' ..she warned like a mother did. Pari on the other hand couldn't care less which Khushi liked girls were always clever. !
Back to the matter in hand Khushi paid attention as her son. He always reminded her of her husband but there was something about him that was a bit like his mother too.
Yes Khushi was Aarav's step mom but it didn't matter their bond was ever so strong. She smiled at the way Aarav was more and more like his father day by day.
"not dadi ...I'll ask dad instead but if you talk to him before I do you ask him? Khushi liked his thinking. It was smart.
Sure ..Khushi smiled with motherly eyes as she watched Aarav unwrap a toffee but well aware Today was Wednesday it meant Khushi wasn't really likely to speak to Arnav till Monday. Each member of ASR's family had a scheduled time slot for a call with Arnav. Monday through to Friday 9am that didn't mean they couldn't call him at other times but that privilege only seemed to be taken up by the children. Beyond that he was a very busy man and the adults in the family were all aware of that and more than anyone Khushi who missed him above all.
Walking along the upper floor of Raizada house still with that box of sweets to hand to make sure the children don't get their hands on it.
Without letting it on Khushi was on her way to look for the Christmas dcor in the attic when she could hear a voice unmistakable from any others.
It was Arnav on a call to Aakash they were talking business. The conversation was around shares and prices and deals and meetings and her husband leading an the conversation. Khushi knew to pry on others talk was rude and she wouldn't normally but it was just nice to hear his voice and so she paused. Just outside Aakash's room for a couple of seconds, that's all it would be.
Well at least that was the thought yet before she knew it she wasn't just around the corner from Akash's room but also visible to him.
A good brother in law he was he walked up to clarify his suspicion and Khushi it was.
Akash was a gentle sort of human being a father and husband and so a lady perching at his door listening to a conversation he knew was just a lonesome sole reminding herself of her love.
He smiled as he saw Khushi who was about to explain but he was too much of gentleman to let such a moment prevail that and too much of a child too.
He was interested in the box of chocolates' she had tucked under her arm.
"May I? ..his eyes asked her. And khushi smiled.
"Bhai . .. I think there's someone who'd like to speak to you..
He said as he unwrapped a chocolate into his Bluetooth whilst Khushi pulled a face and was about to walk off ..she didn't mean to interrupt.
When she heard Arnav reply from Akash's ear piece her heart skipped a beat like a teenager rather than the fully grown woman she was.
"Hm .. okay.. he said over the phone most probably reading something work related as he agreed on the other side of the world.
Akaash pulled out this ear piece and handed it to Khushi.. which baffled her a bit as did this whole moment they did a swap he took away her box of chocolates leaving the couple in privacy.
Her heart must have longed this enough for the moment just to fall right in front of her this way.
She took a look at the earpiece walked into the room a little more and perched on the armchair in front of Aakash's laptop. Pressing a button gently on the keypad if she was to talk to him she prefer to hear him properly.
"Hello - he spoke first..
She didn't know what to say because it wasn't like they were talking for a reason.
There was silence for a moment as she took in his presence even if it was over the phone.
Khushi?' he recognised her non the less ...he always surprised her.
"Ji..its just me .. she paused a second, she usually refrained from asking him this all the time but on this occasion it was important.
"Aap Christmas par ghar loat rahe hai na..? the children are looking forward to it.
Khushi held her breath a little although she knew he wasn't going to refuse there was a little bit of her that didn't want to get her hopes up too much.
"Of course I'll be there..
Thank you .. she replied not knowing why she thanked him.
For what? He asked in surprise because he was probably paying more attention to her words then she realised listen give the kids my love'. He'd put the phone down briskly probably because he had another meeting.
...
Khushi smiled as she too ended the call it felt like such a long time since she'd seen him although it could have only been a few months if that. When his sister Anjali walked into the room better than she had ever walked now without the need of any walking aids yet with a limp still it was a reminder that her husbands work and his distance from his family was a well worth the cause. The smile on Anajli's face had never been so bright and Khushi didn't want it any other way.
Arnav aa rahe hai na ..? Anjali knowing full well that Khushi had just spoken to her husband that was the only time she glowed blissfully the way she was.
Khushi nodded about to get up to help Anajli into the room however Anajli insisted she wanted to walk the length towards her on her own.
This is my gift for chote- think he will like it.. she added as she finished struggling her way towards Khushi.
It was the best present her husband could ever receive she thought her eyes tearing up a little as she watched for she knew how much Anjalis healing meant to Arnav.
...
Arnav had spent millions, worked countless hours over years abroad in business so he could commission hundreds of scientists doctors and pharmaceuticals to come up with an effective treatment for Anajli now she was nearly cured years of sacrifice would come to an end not just for Anajli but for Khushi and Arnav too. Khushi held a framed portrait of her husband in front of her at bed time but put it down to a side when
Aarav and Pari both trundled into her room walked towards the bed and climbed up onto the bed.
They both dressed the same in two bright red Christmas jumpers. Aaravs had a Rudolph on it whilst little pari's had a Gingerman imprinted on it. The news they had bought was tomorrow apparently was Christmas jumper day at Raizada house. That was fine by Khushi she quite liked the idea but wasn't too sure what the old grandma would make of her bahu's in Chrismas jumpers but she tried not to bring that up in front of the children just yet. Instead it was time for a bedtime story something Christmassy of course.
...
And so it was Christmas jumper day in Raizada house. Akaash had cleverly dropped nani off to satsang so she wouldn't get in the way Christmas eve was just one day away, excitement was in the air. Aarav was helping Aakash put up the Christmas tree whilst Anjali was baking cookies for the children in the kitchen and Khushi was sorting through a box of decorations with Payal. Pari on the other hand was just having fun on her own colouring but she however was the first one to notice the arrival of someone familiar.
Unexpected but familiar. When Arnav walked into Raizada house even before he could look around he found little Pari at his feet. She was little taller than he remembered her from a few months. Tugging the lower leg of his trousers with a excited grin to see her bade papa, Pari's green eyes, adorable smile filled him with even more warmth. He could have a better welcome. Leaving his suitcase to a side Arnav picks up little pari at once. "hello sweetheart he whispers caressing one of her rosy cheeks as she puts her arms comfortably around him whilst he tucks her in his arm.
She smiles profoundly at him. She was an intelligent little girl, and she was her bada papa's favourite as was he hers.
There was nothing like home, the warmth, the atmosphere, even aroma of home baking had travelled right to him.
Just as he looked around the first person he set eyes on was his sister. Coming out of the kitchen with a tray of baked goods it wasn't just her presence that that caught her of course he was delighted to see her but he noticed something more. Her ability to walk from the kitchen into the lounge without a walking aid. That was sight he had been waiting to see for ages.
Seeing that her bade papa was distracted by another now Pari carefully riggled away and Arnav put her down. It was a mix of elation, of surprise of overwhelmed as she walked over to his sister and she too him.
His eyes filled with overwhelm. He looked at her and then maybe a little disbelieve caused him to look his sister down from the feet up. Yes he had just seen her walk. It was a moment like no other. Whilst Anjali was surprised to see her brother, he was was surprised to see her walking. They shared a hug and ASR a man who never let on any emotion let some concealed tears astray.
You couldn't really figure if it was happiness or sadness that was being shared but after a moment or two when the heightened emotions had eased did the siblings part.
Thank you chote.. Anajali said..
Whilst Aarav who had spotted his dad and alerted Khushi but was more excited by the baked goods rushed up to lighten the mood. Taking the tray away from his aunt, Khushi had to scold him from afar to which Anajli laughed. Khushi on the other hand who like all others hadnt expected to see Arnav till another day is a little baffled for actions.
Apart of her wished to run up to him but she was far too sensible a sort because that's what being in the family called for. What dadi's traditions called for, her own personality had matured . There was that and there was also the fact that Khushi never dressed the way she was dressed in front of him. she was always dressed like a wife. He'd never seen her in anything other than Indian attire and now she was jeans and a casual red jumper to co-incide with festivities.
Non the less he had now laid eyes on her so as she walked his way and stopped before him there wasn't much she could do about how he would perceive her in this moment.
As he saw her walk toward him he just felt even more elated. He noticed her in everyway shape or form. How she was dressed to how she was hesitant of being seen this way by him but right now he was more interested in knowing why she had kept him in the dark about Anjalis recovery.
Mrs Raizda didn't think of sharing this with me did she not ..? And her husband had a very stern aura about him.
She dipped her head at once knowing she was being told off and even though Anjali made it her business to defend Khushi she was still under his glare . As she raised her eyes with sincerity her pause was her way of apologizing yet she had something to add., "aap ne bhi toh nahin batayey ke aap aaj laut rahe hai. (you didn't mention coming home today either. )
He found her rebellion attractive and he couldn't keep serious for too long he broke out into a smile.
He stepped a little closer put his arm around kissed her lips. Something she'd never forgive him for.
She wasn't one for public displays of affection she found it embarrassing but he didn't care for her hesitation or any norms. He was too pleased right now for any sort of denial.
"Where do I get myself one of these jumpers he whispered in to her ear as she tried to brush him off a little wary of any onlookers.
...
The day seemed to just get better and better, the children had presents under the tree. The family was together There was only what could be describe as bounds of happiness in the air. They ate together at the dinner table although there wasn't much chance for actual conversation or interaction between husband and wife being in one space as a family was as fulfilling to both hearts.
..As the rest of the family were downstairs.
Anjali and Khushi are retiring out of their western outfits In time for dadi's return. Anjali had changed into a pale yellow saari whilst Khushi was trying to reach over her shoulder to affix a pin to her palu yet she struggled.
Khushi had being struggling from a chest come arm ache over the past few weeks. Anjali was there just in time. thanks di.. Khushi said as she watched her sister in law help her in the mirror reflection and kept her hair held aside to help.
"You should see a doctor Khushiji.
"Nahin .. ham theekh hai di .. (no I'm fine di )and there it was the signature Khushi response. Even when things weren't okay.
"Aap kaise kar leti hai Khushiji..apne pati se dur rehna.. is parivar se itna pyaar aur badle mein. How do you do it Khushi ji how do you manage without him and yet so in love with his family.
"I'm sorry khushiji..hamari vaje se Arnav ne aur aap. (I'm sorry Khushiji I'm the one to blame. )
Anjali knew that because of her condition had Arnav deprived Khushi of his time for years.
Even though this conversation saddened Khushi a little she wasn't going to leave Anjali feeling sad about this. It wasn't like that at all.
"Nahin di, aisi koi baat nahin hai.. she brushed off the conversation at once.
...
When Khushi went on a search for little Pari and Aarav not finding them anywhere she finally she finally ended up re-checking their master bedroom and to her surprise found both of them snuggled up to Arnav who slouched on the bed reading them a story. In one corner of the room sat dadi too on a chair it looked like dadi had failed to entertain the children with her story and so Arnav had to read them a English fairly tale.
Thinking it was probably better she give them some space khushi was about to walk away when Arnav's eyes caught her. He stopped to invite her in ..the story was nearly over and the children were calm now. Contently listening, Aarav had his head balanced on Arnav's right shoulder whilst Pari on his left.
Now khushi had been invited into the room she quietly joined to listen to the end of the story.. wary of dadi Khushi took a seat at the foot of the bed quietly.
When the story was over dadi whom had obviously seen that there was a need for the couple to be in one space alone insisted she'd walk the children from here onwards. Maybe she wasn't all that bad after all thought khushi in her mind for a moment.
Once they had left Arnav mentioned something he had noticed from the moment he spotted Khushi at the door.
I hope you didn't change on my account. He referred to the red saari she was dressed in now. Not that she didn't look beautiful in it.
She nodded a no even if some of it may have been for him.
She didn't have much to say it seemed or she had a lot to say but no real way of saying it.
Doh hafte baad aarav ki parents meeting hai aap yaha honge? Its parents day for Aaarav in a week or so, do you think you will be here?..she asked pondering.
His wife was asking him how long he planned to stay this time around. Instead of answering her question he observed her. It was routine now all this. This uncertaintly of when he would be around if he would be around. It had become a painful norm now. He didn't doubt his fault in this for a moment.
"Come closer .. she looked at him with incredible warmth in his eyes.
She couldn't defy and had no reason to either. She moved closer and sat in front of him now.
"You're my strength, my courage, my pride, my self esteem those things are apart of me they're beautiful, bold and they speak their mind they don't sit at my feet.
It was nice to hear that from him. It was a compliment as well as telling off or so it felt so for her.
That's what Khushi was for Arnav, when they married he uncovered behind the traditional girl was a powerful bold and beautiful, woman. A woman that had helped him every step of the way in his endeavours silently, bravely fighting battles he knew nothing of. They both did that in their own ways and so neither of them could blame each other for where they were now. He felt a little sad to see her this way.
Now she was sat that little closer. Khushi felt him take her hand within his for a second. When she looked at him she felt reassured even if he hadn't answered her question she felt comforted. Seeing her a little more at ease now he trails his hand up her arm to her shoulder. Gently unhooks her saari at her shoulder At first she looked at him in a sense of surprise but soon she realised There was no real notion to stop him either.
She just looked away as she felt him uncover her chest her saari falling to the bed as he unpinned it at the shoulder. His view was now her breasts cupped in that red blouse. Intimacy between the couple on his return was common and always initiated by him. Khushi thought it to be just that. She felt his lips caress her neckline down to her chest, his fingers undoing her blouse after which there was a strange sensation as he was carefully caressing her shoulder with his lips. That shoulder that caused her a lot of discomfort from time to time as it was now. She was surprised that he knew of it when she hadn't spoken of it one bit.
his words muffled as he caressed her shoulder.
"Does it bother you often?
her affirmation was a confused one it seemed. When he looked at her he saw reluctance
ASR knew enough to know that Arm pain could often a sign of distress. A sign of unhappiness.
Her innocent, dismayed eyes were telling of his failure as her husband. Now was not the time for that conversation he instead resorted to love, kissing her gently on her lips seemed appropriate as did making love to her.
...
It was Christmas morning and why was it so clear that was the case well the smell of toast and jam, coffee and ginger bread, chestnuts and roast. Yes Raizada house always turned a little western for all just for the children for one day. It always pleased arnav as he has was quite western at heart with a lot of things and today gave him an excuse to ban all the things he hated about conservative Indian culture.
Starting off with not bothering his wife even if it was 9:30 am, the sun was out hitting them lightly as Khushi lay in Arnavs arms. He looked down at her beautiful, still comfortable. He caressed her shoulder a little running his fingers down her arm and then holding her hand within his.
Innocent, fragile, beautiful, neglected and hurt those were the things that came to mind all because of him and yet on one end her sacrifice their sacrifice had bought them to a day where his sister was on the road to leading a normal life.
He didn't know whether to be happy or sad.
Hearing the door to their room open and some little footsteps trail in his attention was diverted to little Pari who he could just about make out walking around his bed and then climbing up with a bit of a trouble but she managed to crawl beside him and just her sheer presence put a smile on his face.
"Good morning sweetheart.. .he said with glowing eyes as he picked up little Pari in his hands pecked on cheek. Pari could only use a few words put she had obviously learnt merry Christmas from Aarav no doubt even if it was a slight lisp.
She was the most adorable thing in this family and he was a proud uncle. He wished her merry Christmas back.
It wasn't long before there was a knock at the door . Payals voice could be heard from behind the now partially open bedroom door.
Sorry to disturb you but pari..
Yeah she's here not to worry he replied back loud enough to be heard.
Loud enough to stir Khushi who opened here eyes to now find her sisters baby crawling over her face.
Khushi awoke with a smile and who wouldn't. a little tired a little of a daze normal to all first thing in the morning.
Before she knew it she was up in bed playing with little pari..
Arnav in that time noticed the natural spark of motherhood Khushi carried and when Khushi reassured payal that it was okay to enter their room to come and collect Pari. Even though Payal walked in apologetically and incredibly embarrassed khusderhi was a little understanding of the awkwardness whilst Arnav was far too occupied thinking of khushi. He had witnessed the way in which Khushi's eyes were so mesmerised by the sight of pari and payal. She had a craving for motherhood they'd never been able to satisfy because of Arnavs other commitments and her commitment to him.
Good morning she said turning to him when she noticed that he was looking her way.
He replied.. softly.. good morning and watched her reach to the beside table drawer.
It was the morning after pill she looked for.. took out like routine per every time he visited.. every time he was here.
She was taken by surprise when he took them away.. and put them to aside.
"Do you remember what we agreed khushi..?"
To be honest khushi had no idea what he was talking about..
"Once di is better we would concentrate on us.."
Oh that she thought and nodded not sure where this conversation was headed.
Its time we did that..he explained.
"I'm not going anywhere now khushi.."
"I'll be here for every parents evening, every ache and pain you have , every day, night so we can wake up like this together."
She just smiled, her eyes telling of her overwhelm and his of his promise. If she didn't believe it he was to show her exactly what he meant with every kiss, every touch, every moment, and day that was to follow in their lifes.
..
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