Very emotional chapter .. May be this will change the equation she shared with her father.
Very emotional chapter .. May be this will change the equation she shared with her father.
Originally posted by: -Grace-aaaah wonderful update but i really wished it was longer, thats the thing with good writing you just want to keep reading.
I loved the moment between Khushi and Satya. Was hoping to have a moment between Khushi and Arnav when she was emotional but im sure there will be in the upcoming chapters.
Im hoping there is an update tomorrow as today's counts for wednesday haha
Hope everything it well with you,
Take care :)
Thanks hun!! đ¤ My update schedule is out the window đ I knew I was being too optimistic when I initially planned to update 3 times a week... nowadays, it's a mission to write one chapter per week đ
Originally posted by: divan_arshiSuch an intense convo between khushi n abhira..
N how true is that, as a patient family, we think how doctors aren't doing enough n they don't understand pain...whereas its opposite..
How easily u explained the intricacies of thier profession.
Loved the convo between satya n khushi.. mothers are same..
She handled her so amazingly..
Felt khushi's pain n today as a matter of fact, felt khushi's father alokji's pain..
I hope today khushi also felt her father's pain..
Because irrespective of wat he has done with his children, irrespective of his behaviour, his ego n pride, he has truly loved his wife n still does n he is constantly in pain.. who doesn't show it as he is rough n rigid man but he is holding on a single thread of hope that his garima will wake up some day...
I know he hasn't been a great father but I hope some day alok n khushi talk it out..
I hope garima is that thread that bridges the gap between khushi n his father..
Hehe this time I caught u here đ
Loved how u made narration of intense scenes so easy ..đ
Thank youuu! I'm so happy you see Alok's pain regardless of what he has done to his children... that is his single most redeeming quality. And you're right, Khushi has to eventually bridge this gap between her and her father... she can't just ignore him of the rest of her life (which is her plan right now đ). But Arnav hain na? đ
Originally posted by: UziiOh very emotional update my heart went for the family who lost their 9year old in one night n the way her sister argued with khushi abt her sisterâs soul not willing to leave the body was so heart wrenching I cried while reading that part of the chapter but thankfully satya was there when khushi needed a shoulder to cry.Just to let you know that sometimes I comment on your Wattpad account by the name uzmatarin.
Yup, I read and love your comments on wattpad too đ¤
Thanks so much hun... this chapter actually was quite personal for me. I lost my nine-year old cousin to meningitis a few months ago, that's where my inspiration for Adya's case came. I just wrote this chapter in memory of her... it means a lot to see all of you be touched by it â¤ď¸
Originally posted by: aarushhEmotional update yaar...thank you so much for the lovely update... thanks a lot for mentioning about khushi dressing I always needed to know that how arnav and khushi dressing from your prespective.,.
The way arnav ask khushi are you okay just made my day yaar ..the best thing is Satya is so understanding...I love every character u wrote..there is so much of positivity in your way of writing...I loved it so much..
you know your every update just makes me smile whatever the situation I am in.... thanks a lot for the update.... Never stop writing yaar ...
Thanks hun đ¤ I always love suggestions, send me more!
Originally posted by: BizzykizzyI simply have no words. This update brought back my saddest memory from my first terminal extubation. He was an 8 year old boy. Throat cancer. His parents were there. His uncles and aunts too. His brother. And the music therapist started playing the melody of his favorite song. The room felt heavy. I stood there for about 5 minutes until I couldnât anymore. I watched his parents just stare at him. I stared at him. He had memories. He had friends. He deserved to live. I still pray for his soul. Oh man Iâm a mess right now. Heâs in a better place right now. Heâs in a much better place right now. And heâs watching over us.
Bizzy
Sending you lots and lots of love and hugs Bizzy đ¤đ¤đ¤ This chapter was hard for me to write too... I lost my nine year old cousin to meningitis last year and I still remember the look on everyone's face when after four days of being on life support, she passed away... I don't think I can ever forget that. But you are right, they don't go far from us... they are always watching over us â¤ď¸
Originally posted by: xBabyAngelxEmotional update, beautifully written
Loved the bond between khushi and her mother in law. I really wish my mother in law was like her.
BTW , are you doctor or medical student?
Looking forward to read more
Thanks hun! I'm a medical student actually... hopefully will graduate and practice one day (I'm having many doubts looking at the state of the world right now đ)
Hello hello,
Hope all of you are at home, safe and well â¤ď¸
Thank you for the wonderful response to the last chapter.... I lost my nine-year old cousin to meningitis a few months ago, so I had written this chapter in memory of her. It meant a lot for me to read your heart felt comments đ¤
________________________________________________
The content of this story belongs strictly to the author, -Archi-. Any unwarranted use/copy of it is not encouraged and is strictly prohibited.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Riant
Khushi took a deep breath as she entered Abhaya Hospital, steeling herself for what would be another long day. She had received the latest reports of Adyaâs case earlier that morning. Needless to say, they didnât look too good. Not only was there no change in brain activity, but Adyaâs heart was also slowing down. The Vigs would have to make a decision about keeping their daughter on life support sooner than later.
And Khushi was already dreading watching the family struggle with that choice.
To her great relief, however, the Vigs were in a much better shape than yesterday when Khushi stopped by for a routine check-up. Although all three of them looked hollow, dejected and sleep-deprived, they did not badger her like yesterday. In fact, none of them even spoke as Khushi updated the charts and adjusted the medications.
Wondering how they were faring, Khushi was just about to speak to Abhira when she received an urgent pager from Dr. Awasti. Excusing herself, she sped off to her seniorâs office without another thought.
A beckoning by her mentor usually meant something was serious.
Surprisingly, Dr. Awastiâs usually strict voice was quite polite when Khushi arrived. âCome sit,â she said, closing the file she was pouring over.
Khushi obeyed, wondering if this was a âsocialâ call.
âHow is the meningitis case going on?â she asked, surveying her closely.
âNot too good,â Khushi answered. âThe patientâs vitals are erratic, but on average, are slowing down. I have adjusted the medications for now, but she has to be monitored continuously untilâŚâ
Khushi couldnât finish as Abhiraâs haunting face came into focus.
âUntil the parents decide on signing a DNR,â Dr. Awasti finished.
Khushi nodded. DNR or âdo not resuscitateâ was the legal order that allowed Adya to pass away without any medical intervention. It was the agreement her father had refused to sign for her mother.
âAre you okay?â
Khushi was caught off guard. âOf course, whyââ
âI had assigned my best resident doctor this case in the hopes that she would have everything sorted by now⌠instead, I find her not being able to complete her sentences.â
Khushi didnât know what astonished her more. Dr. Awasti asking her about her âfeelingsâ or Dr. Awasti saying very casually that she was her best resident doctor. Her mentor wasnât known for giving out compliments.
âPlease donât misunderstand me,â Dr. Awasti continued. âBut I was expecting to find you here yesterday evening, monitoring Adyaâs vitals, not Dr. Durga⌠to be very honest, I have never seen you leave your shift on time, especially when handed an urgent case like this one.â
âIâm sorry, I justââ
Dr. Awasti intervened. âNo, no⌠donât apologize. You are not supposed to be working overtime, and I will never encourage you for that either. Your days as an intern are long past. Iâm just saying that itâs not like you to leave and I want to make sure itâs not something serious.â
Khushi was touched, as she realized why she had been summoned so early in the day. Dr. Awasti was worried. Perhaps her tough exterior and no-nonsense attitude were all because of years in a field where one had no choice but to be emotionless. But underneath all that, it seemed she was still a human who cared deeply about her students.
âDr. Gupta?â
Khushi blinked. âErr, Iâm not sure what to tell you⌠I may have left abruptly yesterday, but trust me, I am on top of this caseââ
âI know. What I want you to tell me is why this case is so different from all the ones you have treated so far?â
Khushi gulped, deciding to stick to the truth. âMy mother accidently fell down the stairs almost two years ago and has been on life support ever since⌠my father refuses to sign a DNR, because he hopes that she will wake up one day.â
Understanding dawned to Dr. Awasti as sympathy flooded her eyes. âI didnât know⌠Iâm sorry for your loss.â
Khushi tried to smile. âItâs fine⌠Iâve⌠Iâve dealt with it. Well, sort of. What bothered me yesterday, actually, was Adyaâs sister asking me why Adya was technically still breathing if she is⌠you know, gone. And I-I didnât have an answer.â
Dr. Awasti pursued her lips.
âIt kind of brought back everything my father has been saying all these months about my motherâs case, and I⌠I didnât know what to believe anymore.â
Dr. Awasti was silent, making Khushi vaguely wonder how stupid she mustâve sounded. She was a trained professional for crying out loud, why was she taking a fourteen-year oldâs words so seriously?
âMy husband asked me that once,â Dr. Awasti finally said with a sigh. âHis father passed away when he was young, so he kind of stopped believing in modern medicine. He says, in the end, what is destined to happen will happen⌠we doctors end up kidding ourselves that we can save lives, when really we are just pawns in the hands of fate.â
Khushi couldnât believe what she was hearing.
âAnd when you see cases like this,â Dr. Awasti continued. âYou canât help but believe him.â
âWhat do you believe?â
âI do believe in fate,â Dr. Awasti answered truthfully. âBecause I remember every patient of mine who I couldnât save, and it wasnât because I didnât try hard enough. Sometimes, the day is just not in our favor⌠but I also believe that if I donât work as hard as I do, then many of my patients wonât survive.â
Khushi was confused.
âWhat I mean to say is yes, there are many things outside of our understanding. We need to respect that. But there are also many things that are within our understanding, so believe in it and do not second guess yourself. You are a capable doctor, do whatever you must to make sure your personal life doesnât change that. Dr. Khushi Gupta and Khushi Gupta cannot be the same person.â
And she finally understood.
Whatever Khushiâs beliefs and questions may be, none of them should ever interfere with her duty. She had been trained to not waver in moments of stifling pain, panic or pressure. People counted on her to keep a leveled head at all times, and thatâs what she must deliver. Simply put, there was no place for doubt in the hospital.
âHow about you take the day off?â Dr. Awasti suggested unexpectedly. âMaybe spend time with your family and⌠sort yourself out. Every doctor deserves a break once in a while.â
Khushi shook her head. âIâm fine, thank you. Adyaâs case is delicate and itâs probably best if I continue⌠the Vigs are quite upset with us already.â
The senior doctor smiled â a rarity for her. âSomeone is always upset with us⌠but I wonât put anything before the health of my staff.â
âReally, Iâm fine. I want to keep working â if thatâs okay?â
Dr. Awasti sighed, shrugging to herself in a way that said, âat least I triedâ. âOkay then, if you insist.â
Khushi smiled, happy. âAlso, I wanted to talk to you about Dr. Soodââ
Dr. Awasti waved off her concern. âHe is on probation and a full inquiry is being launched⌠putting an intern in charge in the middle of the night was crossing the line. It doesnât matter who he knows on the hospital board, but he wonât step foot here again once Iâm done with him.â
Khushi was relieved. âThe interns will be very happy to hear that. So, should I get going then? Or is there something else we need to discuss?â
âJust one more thing actually â Iâm sending you on the Nainital trip.â
âThe medical camp?â
âYes, Dr. Mangat will be going on maternity leave, so Iâm sending you as a replacement. You will get an email by the end of the day with all of the details.â
Khushi nodded and stood up to leave. âThank you Dr. Awasti⌠your advice means a lot.â
She smiled kindly in response. âJust make sure you take time off once in a while Khushi. As much as this hospital is important, itâs not worth getting lost in⌠Keep me posted about Adyaâs case.â
It was a dismissal.
So, bidding her goodbye, Khushi resumed her shift in much higher spirits.
Fortunately, the rest of the day didnât hold many difficulties. Adyaâs fluctuating vitals eventually stabilized by evening, allowing Khushi and Durga to retire home, both relieved that the dreaded DNR order need not be discussed until tomorrow.
By the time Khushi entered, the penthouse was flooded with dying embers of vermilion colored light as the sun disappeared behind the horizon.
âArnav?â she called, wondering if he was once again working late.
Much to her delight, he wasnât.
âIn here!â came his muffled voice in answer.
Dropping her handbag and white coat on the couch, Khushi crept to the kitchen to find Arnav bustling away, amidst preparations for dinner.
âWelcome home,â he said jubilantly. With an apron thrown over his track pants and a toque to match, he looked nothing less than a professional chef.
Khushi giggled at her own naivety.
âSomething funny?â he asked.
âNothing⌠I was just thinking how you looked like a professional chef, when I realized that you actually are a professional chef.â
âVery good Dr. Genius, glad to know you are paying attention.â
Khushi rolled her eyes and sat down on a stool at the kitchen island. âCut me some slack, okay? Itâs like youâre a whole new person nowâŚâ
He shrugged. âOr Iâm the same person, just in different clothes.â
âIf you say so⌠so whatâs special today? You seem very happy.â
Arnav beamed. âI am very happy⌠we closed a deal this afternoon. You know that mall they announced a couple of days ago?â
Khushi shook her head in negative. Keeping up with the news was not her forte.
He sighed, disappointed. âOkay, well thereâs going to be a new mall in the city⌠and yours truly will be the one building it.â
Her eyes widened in surprise. âThatâs a big contract!â
Arnav took a bow. âWhy, thank you. It is a big contract and thatâs why I decide to celebrate.â
Khushi clapped her hands in applause. âVery impressive! How happy is your Dad?â
âPapa is ecstatic. I mean, in the grand scheme of things, itâs not a big contract money wise⌠but the fact that someone completely new wants to do business with us means that we are still worth something on the market.â
âOf course youâre worth something on the market, you underestimate yourself too much.â
Arnav ignored that. âSo how was your day?â
Khushi twiddled her thumbs. âBetter than yesterday⌠Iâm going to Nainital next week.â
âHow come?â
âMedical camp⌠one of the doctors is going on maternity leave, so I will be replacing her.â
âAre you excited?â
âI guess. This will be my first camp, so Iâm quite clueless about what to expect.â
Arnav smiled reassuringly. âIâm sure itâll be fun. Why donât you get changed? Iâm just finishing up here.â
Khushi hopped down from the stool in answer and disappeared into the bedroom. A hot shower later, she was once again standing in the kitchen, watching Arnav load the dishwasher. He was quite meticulous in that sense; everything in the kitchen had to be in its place. It was a big wonder how he ever let Lata take over the reins once upon a time.
Clearing her throat, Khushi asked, âWhatâs on the menu today?â
He straightened up. âHakka⌠itâs been a while since Iâve had it.â
Khushi frowned. âBut you couldâve just ordered it from down the street.â
âLet me rephrase, itâs been a while since Iâve had good hakka.â
âOverconfidence is not a good thing Chef Riant.â
He raised an eyebrow. âChef Riant?â
âYou call me Dr. Genius.â
âDid you search the dictionary for that?â
Khushi narrowed her eyes, unimpressed. âI do know English.â
âSo do most people⌠but whatâs with words like âriantâ?â
âIt means happy and cheerful, which is basically what you are most days youâre cooking.â
âThat still doesnât explain how you even know this word exists.â
âAre you kidding me? I had an English tutor.â
He snorted. âOh thatâs right, I forgot you Guptas had to speak like British royalty â my bad.â
If Khushi had paid a little more attention, she would have caught his sarcasm. But alas, she didnât. So, shrugging her shoulders, she said in complete honesty, âItâs alright, me and Vihaan hated it; we tried our best to keep it a secret.â
Arnav stared at her, half bewildered and half amused. âYou actually had a tutor to perfect your English?â
She nodded, wondering why that was so shocking. âIt was a part of the whole Gupta parade⌠By age ten, I had the dictionary memorized. My tutor was very strict.â
Arnavâs eyes, wide in disbelief until now, settled in understanding. âThat explains a lot actually.â
âLike what?â
âLike why youâre such a nerd for starters. If you spent your childhood memorizing a dictionary, I donât even want to know what you did during high school.â
Khushi crossed her arms, slightly irritated. This was exactly why she hated talking about herself. Everyone made her feel abnormal, as though she was an alien from mars. Sure, she had an unconventional father with insane rules, but she turned out alright, didnât she? There werenât horns sticking out of her.
âAnd what was your high school like?â she retorted spitefully. âBooze and bimbos?â
âOuch.â
She was unapologetic.
âIf you must know,â he explained. âI went to a boarding school⌠they were pretty strict too. There was no dictionary memorizing involved of course, but they took exams and studying very seriously.â
âSo then you have nobody to blame for your lack of English knowledge but yourself. Riant is a word.â
Arnav sighed. âOkay fine, you win. Now can you please grab a plate? Iâm hungry.â
Khushi grinned, triumphant. âShould I set up the table?â
âWhy donât we eat on the balcony today?â
That was a first.
Khushi instinctively glanced at the windows to find a tranquil night waiting for them outside. The sun had vanished completely to reveal a blanket of twinkling stars while a cool breeze played silently along. It was beautiful and not to mention, perfect.
âYou are full of surprises today,â she murmured, retrieving a plate form the cupboard.
He grinned and proceeded to uncover the dishes he had cooked.
âSo, hereâs presenting,â he said with added flair. âSchezwan fried rice made extra spicy for this fine evening, sesame chicken withâ whatâs wrong?â
Khushiâs smile, which had been excited until then, faltered slightly. Of course, it hadnât gone unnoticed by Arnav.
âErmâŚâ she said hesitantly. âI donât eat meat.â
Arnavâs mouth was agape.
âSorry,â she muttered quickly, feeling quite bad that he made so much effort for nothing. âBut I will eat the rice, no problemââ
âSince when do you not eat meat?!â he asked indignantly.
âSince I was a kid⌠I thought you knew that.â
He continued to stare at her in total disbelief. âBut⌠Lata used to cook meat too⌠you were fine eating thatââ
âActually no, Lata always made sure there was something vegetarian for me.â
Arnav appeared as though he had been punched in the gut. After two full minutes had passed, he finally looked away, disappointed.
âIâm so stupid,â he muttered, more to himself than her. âI should have known. I always just assumed you ate meat, I never bothered to pay attentionâŚâ
An awkward silence settled between them at that point. It wasnât a shocking admission to be honest. Khushi had always known he assumed many things about her, and she let them slide because she enjoyed keeping her life private. Less eyes meant less judgements.
However, to Arnav, this revelation seemed to be quite earth shattering; as though everything he had thought about her was somehow wrongly and grossly miscalculated.
âItâs okay,â she said finally. She hated making him feel like that. âReally⌠I will eat the rice, not a problem.â
Arnav nodded slowly. âIâm very sorry Khushi.â
âDonât be! Whatâs that?â she asked, pointing to an unopened platter.
âOh, I made honey chili potatoes,â he explained. âAs an appetizer.â
âSo what are you sulking about then? I have enough to eat.â
And without waiting for his answer, she served herself some food and walked off to the balcony, making herself comfortable on a plush garden sofa, arranged attractively in between an assortment of house plants. Khushi knew it was her mother-in-lawâs taste. Satyaâs adoration for gardening and interior decorating was an open secret in the family.
Arnav eventually followed her out into the balcony, holding his own plate of dinner and settling down beside her, leaving enough space between them for an invisible third person.
âReady for the verdict?â Khushi teased, taking her first bite.
Arnav simply watched her, perhaps wanting the results firsthand.
There was no room for comparison. Khushi was blown away the minute the food touched her lips. The chili and garlic flavors were blended together so perfectly that they danced off her tongue in flawless harmony before melting in her mouth.
All she could manage to say was, âWow.â
A knowing smile spread across Arnavâs soft lips. âLike it?â
âYou are definitely allowed to be overconfident,â she mumbled, wolfing down the rest of the rice. âThis is amazing!â
He laughed.
âYou have also effectively ruined take out for me,â she added as an afterthought.
âCareful now,â Arnav replied with mock disapproval. âThe restaurant down the street might be heartbroken to hear that.â
âIâm sure theyâll live.â
He dug into his own plate. âSo other than meat,â he asked slowly. âDo you have any other dietary restrictions I should know about?â
Although his tone was casual, Khushi could tell he was far from it. âAre you still upset about not knowing of my vegetarianism?â
He dodged that question. âIs that a no? Are you sure you arenât allergic to something? Peanuts? Lactose?â
âNope. Itâs just the meat.â
Arnav breathed in relief. âThank the lord.â
âWhy? Did you make something else?â
âI made dessert⌠I would be devastated if you couldnât have it.â
âWhat is it?â
Arnav smirked in answer. âNot so fast⌠finish your dinner first.â
Khushi was now extremely curious. What was so mysterious about dessert that he couldnât tell her right then and there? She couldnât come up with an answer no matter how hard she racked her brains. At last, after what felt like eternity, Arnav finally stood up.
âWait here,â he said, collecting her now empty plate along with his and disappearing inside. Two minutes later, he was back, holding two bowls. Khushi eagerly accepted hers, only to findâ
âIce cream?â she asked, confused. âThis was the big reveal?â
Arnav was a little exasperated. âTake a bite and tell me.â
Khushi did as told and to her astonishment, it wasnât ice cream at all. It was kulfi. And it was no ordinary kulfi either⌠no, it tasted exactly like the one she used to have as a wayward teenager, bought from a little roadside stall across from her high school.
âSo?â he asked, a little nervously.
She stared at him bewilderment. âHow did you know this was my favorite?!â
He let out a sigh of relief. âDoes it taste like the one you used to have after school?â
Khushi couldnât believe it. âHow?!â she repeated, staring at the scoop of kulfi sitting innocently in her bowl.
âI asked Vihaan,â Arnav said. âYou were so upset yesterday⌠and I wanted to cheer you up, so I called Vihaan and he told me that you love the kulfi from this particular store near your old high school.â
âYou went to that little stall⌠for me?â
Arnav grinned sheepishly. âWell, that stall is gone⌠I asked around and luckily someone knew someone who knew the guy who used to own it. I called him andââ
Khushi stood up, unable to hear the rest. She walked to edge of the balcony and looked down at the almost deserted streets, numb to the emotions running rampant through her.
âWhatâs wrong?â came Arnavâs voice from behind her. âDoes it not taste the same?â
She shook her head. âNo, no⌠It tastes the same.â
He inched closer to her, hesitant. âThen whatâs wrong?â
âI⌠I justâŚâ she croaked, unable to find words.
Arnav now stood beside her, waiting patiently for her to get it together.
Khushi stubbornly kept her eyes downcast, before taking a deep breath and answering:
âMy mother was the one who took me to that stall the very first time⌠I was upset about not getting into some stupid club at school one day, so to cheer me up, she bought me kulfi from there. I loved it so much that ever since then, it became our thing. We would go there every time something happened⌠happy or sad, this kulfi made everything better⌠so⌠so I canât believe you⌠you got me this⌠when I was missing her so much.â
Arnavâs warm hand slid on top of hers. âYouâre missing your mother?â
Khushi bit her lip. âIâm being silly⌠I know⌠itâs been two years already.â
He gently turned her around, so that she was facing him. âTell me from the beginning.â
âThereâs not much to tell. Iâm got a new case yesterday at the hospital⌠a nine-year old girl is on life support and the family has to make a decision about pulling the plug. But when I was talking to the girlâs sister⌠she said that itâs not fair to take away someoneâs right to die.â
âThatâs an odd thing to say.â
âIs it really though,â Khushi countered in a small voice. âI mean we donât really know why some people just go into this limbo state between life and death⌠but what if itâs because the person doesnât want to leave? What if they are holding on for a reason?â
Realization struck to Arnav as he quickly connected the dots. âYou think your mother will wake up?â
Khushi shuffled her feet, not daring to meet his eyes. She still remembered very distinctly how coldly she had snubbed him the first time he found out about her mother and tried to give her hope.
Yes, itâs impossible! You people act as though the body works on magic, that if you have some extra blessings to spare, you will miraculously heal from anything. But it doesnât work like that. There is no brain activity in my mother, she is brain dead. I looked at the MRI scans myself, she is gone.
She probably appeared like the worldâs biggest hypocrite.
Arnavâs index finger slipped beneath her chin, nudging her to meet his eyes.
âThere is no rule anywhere that you canât second guess yourself,â he said gently.
Khushi snorted. âDr. Awasti said there is no room to second guess myself.â
âIâm sure she mustâve said something else too.â
How did he know so much about her?
âShe did,â Khushi admitted sheepishly. âShe said I should keep my job and life separate.â
âI always knew Awasti was sensible.â
âBut my life is the hospital.â
âThatâs unhealthy Khushi, you must know that,â he said with a disapproving frown. âMaybe you should take a few days off and go spend time with Vihaan⌠or even your mother?â
Khushi violently disagreed. âNo way, Iâm not going back there! As long as my father is around, I canâtââ
âDonât you think maybe thatâs why your mother is holding on?â Arnav interrupted.
She didnât follow.
âAs long as you and your father are at loggerheads, you mother wonât be at peace⌠so maybe itâs time both of you sorted out your differences?â
Khushi bit her lip, forced into thought.
Could that really be it? There was no denying that Arnavâs point made sense. Her mother had been the bridge that kept her and her father together. Perhaps even in death, Garima wanted that, to see her daughter and her husband united.
âWhat are you thinking?â Arnav asked. His eyes were watching her carefully.
Khushi sighed. âNothing⌠I donât really have an answer to this situation.â
Because there was no way her father would ever forgo his beliefs and reconcile with her. That much she was sure of; but what that meant for her mother, she didnât know.
âItâs fine if you donât have an answer,â Arnav said kindly. âNo one is expecting you to have everything figured out. All Iâm saying is sometimes the solutions to our problems are very simple.... you taught me that.â
She had?
âYou feel so miserable right now because you never said goodbye to your mother, because somewhere you feel guilty that even though she is technically alive, you have been classifying her as dead.â
Khushi was stricken. âI did what I thought was right...â
âDonât you think she knows that? She is your mother, she knows just how desperately you want her to be with you and perhaps, she is making it happen the only way she can.â
âSo you want me to let her go?â she asked, horrified. âHow can I ever be okay with her being dead?!â
âYou will never be okay with it Khushi... you will only get better at managing it. But by avoiding your mother or that house or your issues with your father, you are only giving your mother more cause to stay. One day, you will have to face them, donât you think?â
Khushi was quiet. That one day will have to wait⌠after so many years she was finally having a life worth living for. Why would she put all of that in jeopardy by talking to her father? Couldnât she be selfish for a bit longer and enjoy the moment for what it was?
âOkay enough of the heavy talk,â Arnav said unexpectedly. Perhaps he understood all of the conflicted thoughts running through her head and decided not to confuse her even more. âI made so much effort to cheer you up, but it seems the opposite is happening.â
Khushi smiled, happy for the change in topic. âYou did cheer me up. Thank you... I still canât believe you got me kulfi.â
âI made it... took me three trials to get it right actually.â
âThree trials? But how did you know you got it right? You never had kulfi from that stall before, did you?â
He leaned in, so that he was looking directly into her hazel colored eyes.
âI know you,â he murmured, his breath fanning her face. âSo how can I not know what you like?â
It was the omelette all over again. He just miraculously knew what she would like.
âSo basically,â she said clearing her throat, unsettled with the sudden proximity. âYouâll never tell me what addictive things you are adding to my food?â
âItâs FDA approved if thatâs what youâre worried about.â
âHa ha... very funny. Can I eat my kulfi now?â
He grinned and retrieved their bowls from the table. âSure, I hope you like kulfi milkshakes just as much though.â
Khushi chuckled in answer.
________________________________________________
Please like & comment!
Archi
P.S. - Will update again sometime next week (most likely Wednesday) đ
P.P.S. - Yes, I had to look up 'riant' in the dictionary đ
Excellent update!
Loved the update. Yes, there are so many things that Arnav assumed and slowly he is learning that he is wrong about khushi and same goes with khushi. Letâs hope that khushi Nainital trip will bring some more positive Changes in their relationship.Waiting for the next update.
OMGGG i cant tell you how excited I got when I saw an update.
Firstly, I am sorry for your loss I can understand that it wasnt easy for you to write the previous chapter, you did a wonder job writing it though.
Now coming to this update.
Needless to say it was amazing! I loved every single part of it.
Loved the way the scene between Arnav and Khushi was written. I am in awe. I like the scene between Khushi and Dr Awasti as well, it was good to know someone is looking out for her.
That kulfi scene got me, it is actually being prepared in my house right now, and on top of that I am craving Schezwan rice too lol thanks.
Thanks for updating, hope everything is okay with you.
Take care â¤ď¸
So sorry for your loss. I know losing a loved one young can never be the same. More power to you people.
And the update.
Beautiful update! Dr Aswathi turned out to be surprise! Nice. That conversation between then was indeed really helpful! And she's got a Nainital trip? Will Arnav tag along?
They deserve a break from everything and some tiek for themselves, I know it's too early, but, considering they've started opening to each other it's important they spend more time so that the exchange more.
Dinner was lovely and glad Khushi opened up to him. He was mature and responsible. Spoke the right words and yes. She has to make peace with her dad. Won't be easy, but, has to. And then probably mother would be in peace too!
Lovely update!
Cheers
Loved the update â¤â¤
I loved how Awasthi and Arnav tried to make Khushi understand their p. o. v. I wonder if Khushi will try to mend things with her father. I just loved the Arshi scene. It was so beautiful !!
Keep writing...
So well written.. it took a 14 year old for Khushi to realise her feelings towards her mum.... the relationship between saas n bahu is slowing germinating...
Aw ASR is concerned..... hope their relationship develops soon and he gets to know the truth behind his previous relationship
Superbbb update
well written
loved the bonding between Kushi and Arnav
Mother
Difficult to put in words her role and importance in a child's life.
Ma is most selfless person ,a gift,a blessing,solution to all troubles,problem solver, the most sweet, lovable, caring person.
with her love,care and blessing one has peace,happiness and prosperity.
Kushi's pain is so tough and emotional.
Very well expressed all emotions in the update.
đ
đ
đ
đ
đ
comment:
p_commentcount