New ArShi FF: Birds of a Feather Link to Thread 2 on Pg. 1 [20/04/'20] - Page 106

I have a different take on jealousy factor everyone is mentioning here. When there is trust is there a reason for jealousy? This story is little different. Arshi relationship base now is friendship and trust that each have on others.

I think I can sum up my view in just a few words:

GIVE ME YOUR ARNAV NOW!!

He is just too darn perfect.

My issue with Khushi not voicing her marital status is just that she could perhaps say, it’s an arranged marriage and it’s complex? Like she is already a pro at deflecting questions and keeping people away if the need arises. But I’m sure Ved might propel them ahead or something so I will (im)patiently wait for it! :)

Originally posted by: Thatgirl16

Okay this story is a powerhouse in itself 😍. Started off at 5 in the evening and just pulled on till I was done with the last updated word. You write beautifully.

Your Arnav is lovely. Just hoping he did have enough of a closure for the Myra chapter of to not let in come in between him and his marriage ever again.

Its amazing how their relationship is progressing. No hurry but just trying to know each other.

Looking forward to next 😍

Firstly, WELCOME to the story 🤗

Thanks so much! It means a lot to hear you read it one go ❤️ Arnav definitely has gotten the closure he needs to never let Myra affect him again, so don't worry.

Originally posted by: TwilightStar_JP

They are way past an easy camaraderie and now more into a easy going companionship! I'm sure this will change to love soon!

She definitely needs to loosen up a bit and say it's okay to be taken care off! I know it's hard considering how she grew up! But, it's important to accept what's in front.

How come Arnav didn't get irritated at the constant Ved mention? I'm sure he's just keeping it in check thanks to her health.

Cheers

Thanks hun! How come Arnav didn't get irritated at the constant Ved mention? Well... why should he? 😆 Khushi hasn't given any indication so far that she likes Ved romantically... plus, his entire focus was on her health, not really what she was saying.

Originally posted by: Bizzykizzy

I binged The Witcher haha without even knowing the premise of the show and more than half the time, I was so confused by the plot but loved the character delivery by the cast!

Loved this update. Glad Arnav wasn’t ticked off by the constant mention of Ved. Shows his maturity level. But also, he doesn’t much have a reason to be jealous right now. He’s just starting to feel super comfortable with Khushi. I kinda want to read more on how he will further take care of her. She better not go to work man. Lol more than Arnav, I’ll be tight. Like Khushi girl come onnnnn be easy on yourself for once girl. You got the flu! And you can give it to your patients too. Want to see her stay home and spend more time with Arnav.

Archi, this is going to be a VERY silly question. But I want to get a proper feel of both Arnav and Khushi in their physical appearance so I can visually imagine them better when they’re in conversation. Like does khushi wear the same Pom Pom type dresses at home with hair braided or she’s more dressed in post marriage track outfits which btw were my fav on her or does she wear comfy lounge wear at home. Pom Pom gota dresses seem unlike this Khushi’s character for sure. Arnav is easier for me to imagine.

Thank you!

As always, your updates have been a breather during this crazy time girl. Hope you and the family are staying safe. It’s getting crazier at the hospital. Please keep me and my family in your prayers.

Best,

Bizzy

" binged The Witcher haha without even knowing the premise of the show and more than half the time, I was so confused by the plot" 😆😆😆 Oh same! I had to go read a summary after every the first few episodes to understand the timeline lol

"more than Arnav, I’ll be tight. Like Khushi girl come onnnnn be easy on yourself for once girl. You got the flu! And you can give it to your patients too. Want to see her stay home and spend more time with Arnav." - hehe... no worries, Arnav won't let her out of his sight until she recovers. Our chef is thorough 😉

"But I want to get a proper feel of both Arnav and Khushi in their physical appearance so I can visually imagine them better when they’re in conversation." - Not at all silly! Will include it in the coming chapters... it just seemed silly describing them in the beginning because they were just not in the headspace to notice the other person's physical appearance. But now, they will 😃

" It’s getting crazier at the hospital. Please keep me and my family in your prayers. " - Sending all my love and prayers to you and your family Bizzy! I can't even imagine what you must be going through right now, me (and the rest of the world) is very very grateful. Thank you for stepping up in these times ❤️❤️❤️

Originally posted by: rag1

I have a different take on jealousy factor everyone is mentioning here. When there is trust is there a reason for jealousy? This story is little different. Arshi relationship base now is friendship and trust that each have on others.

I loved your comment and my thoughts are precisely... why be jealous when there is trust? And like you said, Arnav and Khushi are not in an all consuming state of passion right now. Their love is different, and Arnav especially appreciates it for that...

Originally posted by: Gurmeet4Drashti

I think I can sum up my view in just a few words:

GIVE ME YOUR ARNAV NOW!!

He is just too darn perfect.

My issue with Khushi not voicing her marital status is just that she could perhaps say, it’s an arranged marriage and it’s complex? Like she is already a pro at deflecting questions and keeping people away if the need arises. But I’m sure Ved might propel them ahead or something so I will (im)patiently wait for it! :)

😆😆😆

I'm okay to share this Arnav loll

"My issue with Khushi not voicing her marital status is just that she could perhaps say, it’s an arranged marriage and it’s complex?" - Yeah, I do understand that... but the way I'm imagining Khushi right now is that she is completely oblivious to Ved's advances. So she doesn't see the need to bring up her marital status... And Ved's questions were also very specific. He asked if she was in love with someone, and for now, she isn't. But anyway, she will have to face the consequences of her actions one day... she will have to come clean to Ved eventually and at that time, she may wish she reacted differently 😊

Hello,

How are you all doing?

Thank you for the wonderful replies to the last chapter... my comments are on the previous page (Pg. 144) 😊

Click here for the Raizada Family Tree (if you need a refresher!)

_____________________________________

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 Forty-Two

Holi

“Sona, can you please give these files to Dr. Durga? And tell her to message me when the patient in room 112 wakes up.”

“Yes yes Dr. Gupta, now go and enjoy Holi! You are not supposed to be working today.”

Khushi snorted. “Holi can wait.”

The nurse simply shook her head in exasperation.

It was indeed Holi today and instead of preparing for it in the Raizada Mansion along with the rest of her in-laws, Khushi had snuck into the hospital at the break of dawn, determined to put in some hours before the celebrations began. She had already lost a week of working –thanks to her stupid Influenza infection– there was no way she could afford to miss any more days.

The hospital, of course, was bustling with activity as per usual. In fact, they were expecting a higher than usual amount of cases that day. They called it the “Holi madness”. If it wasn’t for her mother-in-law’s annual Holi party, Khushi might have been working too. It was no secret that she thrived in emergencies.

Not that she was complaining though. Holi under her father’s regime had been utterly boring, involving nothing but a prayer and perhaps a cocktail party where colours were completely absent (they weren’t classy enough for the Gupta family). And so, Khushi had grown up not really understanding what the hype was around this festival.

However, this year, it was different. She knew by now that Arnav’s family did nothing normal as per her father’s traditions, so it was given that their Holi celebrations would be fun. And maybe, just maybe, she will understand why everyone went a little crazy on this one day.

“Khushi? I didn’t know you were working today!”

Khushi let out a sigh, having no trouble recognizing the excited voice. So much for getting in and out of the hospital undetected, she thought drily, turning around to meet Ved – incidentally for the first time after their Nainital trip.

“Woah,” Ved said, catching sight of her face.

Khushi instinctively touched her cheeks; was her makeup by accident? “What’s wrong?”

“You look... beautiful.”

Khushi beamed.

Being grounded at home for the past week had given her ample amount of time to figure out what to wear for the party. So instead of throwing on the first item she found in her closet as per habit, this time she did her research (and also a little online shopping), settling for an a-line ivory maxi skirt paired with a denim crop top embellished with pearls. It was so different from her usual outfits –mainly formal kurtis at the hospital or embroidered palazzo suits with her in-laws– that she had hesitated for the tiniest of seconds while getting ready that morning.

Her reluctance didn’t last for long, however. Her life had changed so much in the last few months that she didn’t see why her wardrobe couldn’t be updated too. And her hard work seemed to pay off.

Well... almost. Arnav was yet to see her –he had been fast asleep when she left that morning– and for some reason she couldn’t really pinpoint, his judgement mattered the most to her.

“Thank you,” she told Ved, who couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off her. “Now please stop looking at me like a buffoon.”

He blinked. “Sorry... but hey, it’s a compliment. Whose heart are you planning to stop today?”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m late for a Holi party.”

He pouted. “Why am I not invited?”

“Because you’re working... someone has to rescue all the drunk people.”

“Will you be one of them?”

“I don’t drink Ved.”

He sighed. “Ease up a little Khushi... please have fun, at least on behalf of all the doctors on duty today.”

She laughed. “Sure... I have to get going though, see you tomorrow.”

“Wait!”

Khushi paused.

“Why have you been ignoring my messages?”

“Because they were annoying,” she replied, unabashed. “You messaged me every hour all of last week asking how I was feeling. That’s a little obsessive and frankly, unhealthy.”

He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, reminding her unbelievably of Arnav. “Sorry... I was worried.”

“I was in good hands.”

“Sure sure... but I was messaging to see when it would be an appropriate time to drop by your house.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Why did you want to come to my house?”

Ved dug into his pockets and withdrew a small jewelry box. “Happy Holi,” he wished in answer, holding it out for her.

Panic arose alarmingly fast in Khushi at that. Was it norm to exchange gifts during Holi? Because if it was, Arnav was sure to get her one and she was going to look very insensitive for forgetting.

“Open it,” Ved urged with a grin.

She hesitantly took the box and opened it to find a delicate rose gold necklace inside with a stethoscope shaped locked through which looped a glittering heart. There was no denying it: it was beautiful.

“This is gorgeous Ved,” Khushi murmured. “Now I feel very bad for not getting you anything.”

He shrugged. “Nahh don’t worry about... I saw this in a store, and you were the first person I thought of.”

“That’s so sweet... thank you.”

“Should I put it on?”

She shook her head for there was no guarantee how wild the Raizada cousins were going to get.

“No, it’s okay. I don’t want it to get ruined during holi…”

Ved shuffled his feet in answer. “Oh.”

“But I love it,” she promised. “You’re such a gem!”

He smiled. “Don’t get all senti on me... go have fun at your party.”

She laughed and bid him goodbye, tucking the jewelry box safely away in her handbag.

By the time Khushi arrived at the Raizada Mansion, the Holi party was raving. Clouds of colours streaked the air as Balam Pichkari played deafeningly in the background. People swarmed all over the perfectly kept lawns –her mother-in-law would probably faint when assessing the damage done to them tomorrow– while servants rushed to keep the food and drinks stocked. Judging by the number of people smiling and waving at her as she made her way inside, most of the guests seemed to be compromised of the Raizada family itself.

Khushi was sorely reminded of her brother, who, if present, would have taken great pleasure in drenching her with colours. Vihaan had politely declined her invitation to attend the event a few days ago, saying he had some urgent matters to take care of and that he would explain in person over coffee next week. Khushi didn’t press for too many details, deciding that she would worry about him when the time came and not in advance.

“There you are Bhabhi! About time!”

Khushi turned to find Samriddhi and Mitali running towards her, both almost unrecognizable being covered from head to toe in a mélange of Holi colours. The two girls were about to give her a hug, when they suddenly stopped and leaned back.

“Sorry,” Mitali said. “Don’t want to ruin your pretty dress.”

Khushi rolled her eyes and stopped an attendant passing by holding trays of colours. Grabbing a magenta pink colour, she smeared both Mitali and Sam’s cheeks with a wide grin, saying, “Happy Holi!”

To her surprise, neither of the girls retaliated. They simply smiled and said in unison, “Happy Holi!”

Khushi was stumped. She was pretty sure applying colours on each other was a thing. So, why weren’t they applying colour on her?

“Why don’t you go inside and say hi to everyone?” Sam suggested, breaking the awkward silence.

“Isn’t everyone playing Holi?” Khushi replied eyeing the crowd around them.

“She meant go say hi to Satya Aunty and the rest,” Mitali explained. “And then come out and help us. We are losing against the boys!”

Khushi grinned. Of course, they picked a fight with the boys or perhaps only with Dev, the most mischievous of them all.

Promising to be back, Khushi stepped inside the mansion, which –surprisingly– held none of the chaos of the outside. Her mother-in-law was seated with two other ladies in the living room, both of who held strikingly similar features as her. Khushi recognized them as Satya’s younger sisters.

“Oh Khushi,” Satya greeted upon spotting her. “Come come… was just going to call you!”

Khushi smiled, an inexplicable warmth spreading through her. After talking to Satya that day in the penthouse, she found the last of her hesitance disappear. Her mother-in-law may never compensate for the loss of her mother, but she still came pretty close. And that was good enough for her.

So bending down and touching her feet in blessing, she said cheerfully, “Happy Holi Maa!”

Satya pulled her into a hug instead. “No formalities Betiya.”

“In that case,” she replied, grabbing a fistful of red colour lying innocently on the coffee table and liberally covering Satya’s cheeks with it. “Bura na mano, Holi hai!” (Translation: Don’t mind, it’s Holi!)

Satya’s sisters burst out laughing. “Nicely done Khushi,” one of them said.

Satya, who appeared a little horrified at first, grinned. “Happy Holi to you too, always remain happy!”

And to Khushi’s astonishment, she only took a pinch of the same red colour and dotted her forehead with it where the bindi usually went. And to make matters even more mysterious, both of Satya’s sisters did the exact same when Khushi took their blessings and applied colour on their cheeks.

What was going on, Khushi wondered utterly confused.

“I invited Alokji too,” Satya said, as though nothing was amiss. “But he said he was busy, I hope he didn’t feel bad–”

Khushi shook her head. She knew her father wouldn’t come. “No, it’s not your fault… After Maa’s accident, he prefers to spend all the holidays alone.”

Pity covered Satya’s eyes. “I still sent some sweets over though,” she said. “Chote made them.”

Khushi’s heart quickened. “Really? W-where is he?”

“In the kitchen,” Satya’s youngest sister, Sanvi, answered. “Why else do you think we are sitting here so bored? Arnav kicked us all out… apparently we are taking the day off.”

That sounded a lot like him.

Smiling, Khushi had just excused herself and began to head to the kitchen when there was a scuffling of feet and in came NK and Dev, both completely covered in colours and both looking like they were direly escaping from someone. They skidded to a halt upon catching their mothers’ disappointed faces.

To Khushi’s great surprise, Lavanya came running in after them. She too froze upon seeing Satya and very tactfully tucked her hands behind her back and said, “Oh hi Khushi… about time you came.”

Khushi raised an eyebrow. Lavanya –always so prim and proper– looked almost comical with her hair awry and her face splattered completely with indigo blue pigment.

It was Satya’s middle sister –Sneha– who spoke, a look of utter disapproval on her face.

“What did I tell you all about keeping the house clean?!”

“It’s okay, they’re kids,” Satya chided her sister. “Let them have fun!”

“Exactly Maa, stop freaking out,” NK said jumping in. And then giving Khushi a wink, he added, “Hey Bhabhi!”

Sneha narrowed her eyes. “Is that how you wish your Bhabhi?”

NK held his ears in mock apology. “Sorry sorry,” he said, before coming forward and touching Khushi’s feet. “Happy Holi Bhabhi!”

Khushi smiled, feeling a little odd at being asked for blessings. Then taking the same red pigment she smeared on Satya, she ran her hands all over NK’s face as though giving him a massage. “Happy Holi Devarji,” she said with a giggle.

Lavanya chortled at the sight and gave Khushi a thumbs up in approval. NK bit his lip, and simply turned away, like everyone else not throwing anything on her in vengeance. It was quite amusing watching him resist the urge to colour her face, but definitely not as amusing as watching Dev, who also came forward to touch Khushi’s feet and appeared almost mutilated when she polished his face with the red pigment. But like NK, he too didn’t retaliate.

Had they all taken some kind of vow not to touch me, Khushi wondered to herself. Deciding that Arnav would know what’s going on, she silently slipped away from the hall and into the kitchen.

“Is this how appetizers should be served HP?!” came Arnav’s voice.

Khushi stopped at the kitchen entrance, taking in the sight in front of her. Dressed in faded jeans and a crisp plain white shirt, Arnav was engrossed in managing five people, all –it appeared– in charge of making a specific dish. He inspected their strokes as they made jalebis, supervised the drinks they mixed and instructed every tray they took out to serve. It was there, as she watched him so in control of the room, that she realized how good he must have been as a restaurant owner.

Maybe he gave up his passion a bit too quickly.

“Why are you standing here? Go inside na!” said a giggling voice.

Arnav’s eyes snapped up at the interruption –none other than Mitali and Sam wearing identical smug looks standing behind her– and locked onto Khushi’s. And although he maintained his calm posture, she could tell he was taken aback to see her dressed so differently. And after a few moments of complete silence which to her felt only like an instant, a small smile, probably invisible to his watching family, touched the corners of his mouth.

Khushi couldn’t hold his gaze anymore, for a strange kind of anxiety gripped her, so she blinked and instead turned around to face the two girls.

“Err, I’ll come back later – Arnav is busy,” she mumbled.

“Khushi!” Arnav called.

Muttering instructions to the cooks, he was by her side in an instant. “When did you come?” he asked.

“Just now,” she replied, noticing that not even a speck of colour covered him.

“Ahem,” Sam said, clearing her throat and holding up a tray of rose coloured pigment.

Arnav rolled his eyes. “Oh, so am I allowed to play Holi now?” he asked, exasperated.

“So they were acting weird with you too?” Khushi confirmed, throwing weary looks at the girls.

“Okay stop whining,” Mitali intervened. “It’s your first Holi.”

Arnav was confused. “How is this my–”

“It’s your first Holi after marriage,” Sam clarified. “And we thought it’s only fair if Bhabhi puts colour on you first and vice versa.”

Understanding finally dawned to Khushi. She had to hand it to them, it was a good plan and not to mention a sweet one. No wonder the whole family was waiting for her to come from the hospital.

“So go on,” Mitali urged when neither Arnav or Khushi moved.

“Mitu seriously,” Arnav said with a sigh. “This is childish.”

The girls disagreed. “Of course not,” Mitali answered. “The first Holi is always special!”

Khushi crossed her arms. “Forget it na Mitu,” she said, haughtily. “Arnav wouldn’t dare to put colour on me.”

She was pretty sure she heard Arnav’s mouth hit the floor in response. Khushi didn’t know what made her say it, only that it would push him to forget his hesitance. Besides, didn’t he have full rights to put colour on her first?

Sam chuckled. “Oh, now I get it!”

“You really don’t want to do this Khushi,” Arnav warned, recovering from his shock.

“See?” Khushi told the girls with a smirk. “He’s scared already.”

And then out of nowhere, Arnav’s hands clasped the pink coloured powder Sam was holding in a tray and threw it in full force towards Khushi. She ducked, missing being hit by a mere few hairs.

“It won’t be so easy Mr. Chef!” Khushi baited with a giggle.

And before he could try again, she ran without a backward glance.

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Okay don't throw belans at me for ending the chapter like this... you will understand why in the next chapter which I will try to post by Monday 🤗

Please like & comment!

Stay safe ❤️

Archi

Lovely update, but, yeah why a cliff hanger! ;'(. Monday is so far off!

Also, holi was very well written! We knew it's their first holi and so they have to colour each other first. But, loved how everyone complied to it. Especially the boys! 🤣🤣 She's in for trouble once she's got coloured by her husband. No breaks and resistance then!

On another note, if I didn't know better, I would seriously hope Ved gets his love. He's being lead on unnecessarily! I hope Khushi realises soon! Her innocence and being ignorant can lead this a bit deeper. The guy needs to know she's taken.

Cheers

I was just browsing to check of you updated and alas there it was.Such a lovely update...want the next part now😳. Looks likes this Holi will be monumental for their relationship.Poor khushi seriously has no idea about guys...ved is crushing on her and this girl is not catching the signals...but that's how she has been...waiting to see how this Holi turns out for them...

I am so happy that I am following this story on Wattpad. It gives notifications whenever you update. I hope Arshi have a wonderful holi celebration with their cousins and family!! Waiting eagerly for the next part...

I cant tell you how excited I got when I saw the update!

I am really loving this story, and chef Arnav is my favorite (i mean if you havent figured it already haha)

And noo monday is SO far and this chapter was so short :(

I guess ill have the same complaints after every update lol

But im looking forward to the next update, i have a feeling it will be a mad holi between the two and not to mention the after affects haha

Stay safe <3

wow............an update........so excited .........

woah, what just happened.........Ved not only got a gift for Khushi, but even wanted to make her wear it....... that was too intimate, if Khushi didnt get a hint now, its shocking........ i wish she speaks to Sam and Mitali at least, so that they can tell her that Ved is falling hard for her...... it will hurt her only in the long run, if she has to break his heart in future.....not to mention, might create a misunderstanding between her and Arnav.......

but maybe that misunderstanding is needed, so that when Khushi chooses Arnav, he will realize that someone can love him for who he is.....

the family wanting Arnav-Khushi to apply color to each other first was so awwww........i wanted the same.......actually i was worried when Ved entered, thinking what if he puts color on her first......

Looks like I have missed a couple of chapters,

Anyway, I will read one by one and comment

later today