The delicate fragrance of freshly prepared Lucknow sweets infused the whole Raizada Mansion with a festive atmosphere. The small mandir was at its best decorative form with flowers adorning it, giving a resplendent look that was more than appropriate for the occasion. An occasion that topped the priorities of all brothers and sisters on this day; an occasion symbolising a sister's prayers and love for her brother's well-being; and an occasion where a brother vows to protect his sister ' Raksha Bandhan. Every year Raksha Bandhan was celebrated without any fail among the Raizadas and this year would be no exception.
"Good morning gorgeous wife" uttered Arnav in a sleepy voice still in bed seeing Khushi getting dressed up in a beautiful saree.
"Good morning Arnavji, you know that today is a special day! Come on, wake up quickly" Khushi said.
Arnav immediately got up and held Khushi by the waist from the back side for a morning hug, which was very soon reciprocated. The previous day Arnav and Khushi had devoted all their time in planning the celebration of Raksha Bandhan in an attempt to make it one of the most special ever. Right from the decorations to the gifts, they had joined forces to make everything look irreproachable. But clearly their main aim was to cheer Anjali Di and give her every single reason to smile, especially due to all the stress related to her marital life. Arnav always tried his level best to make each Raksha Bandhan a memorable one, and now that Khushi was with him, he was guaranteed perfection.
In the living room, Anjali had already been frantically sorting last minute preparations. Her thaal was ready, beautifully ornamented with a burning lamp, flowers, one sugar-free laddoo and of course most importantly rakhis. As much as Raksha Bandhan meant to Arnav, Anjali's belief in this festival knew no bounds, especially after the death of their parents where her pappad ka tukda became the most important part of her life. She had willingly put aside her own tensions to ensure that this day became one of the most memorable ever and she deeply knew that her Chotte would always act in her interest and for her well-being.
"Good morning Di" said Arnav hiding his hands behind his back.
By now, everyone had joined in the living room, and Anjali' eyes nearly popped out and her mouth formed a perfect O shape when realisation struck her that he was wearing a Sherwani.
"Chotte'nahin'Mr Arnav Singh Raizada is wearing a Sherwani! Please someone pinch me!" Anjali said before giving a tight hug to Arnav.
"Yes Di'I thought you would like to see me in a sherwani and since today is a special day, I have to make sure that I cater to your wishes!"
A big smile could be seen on the face of each member of the Raizada family in front of Arnav's sweet gesture.
"Happy Raksha Bandhan, Chotte! May you live as long as possible! You are looking like a real prince today" Anjali uttered with the largest smile ever while putting a tikka dot on his forehead.
After circulating the thaal for innumerable times, Anjali fed Arnav with a piece of laddoo and affectionately tied her hand-made rakhi to his wrist.
"Di, this year the rakhi is even more beautiful. Just superb'I really love it!" Arnav answered before asking his Di to close his eyes to welcome her gifts.
Once Anjali opened her eyes, she was overwhelmed by delight when she saw all the gifts.
"Di, it has been so long since I last chose a saree for you. I hope you like it'.this one is a complete kit for new moms, I guess it will be of help'and I have reserved the best in the last position'."
It was a big photo frame which was unique in the sense that it contained snippets of numerous pictures of Arnav and Anjali right from their childhood till now, mirroring the journey their relationship had travelled.
"Chotte, you did this? Wow, it is so beautiful! Thank you Chotte for giving me the best gift ever!" Anjali voiced in an emotional tone and teary eyes which were also reflected on Arnav.
"If the emotional talks are over Di, can I also have my Rakhi please? Akaash is still on his business trip, so my turn now!" an impatient NK asked.
"Sure NK bhai" said Anjali quickly starting all the ritual all over again with NK.
Both Khushi and Payal looked at the effervescent celebrations with a happy smile, yet they wore a melancholic look which conveyed their gloom of not having any brother who would also vow to protect them and who would pamper them. Despite not being much affected, it was obvious that seeing such pure brother-sister ties made them indirectly crave for the same to some extent. Noticing the dull expressions on Payal's face, Arnav quickly approached her and asked softly as if understanding her inner turmoil:
"Payal, where is my rakhi?"
"Hmm rakhi?" asked Payal inquisitively, clearly surprised.
"Yes, you are like my sister as well! And I am like your brother, isn't it?"
With tears, Payal could not voice any word and immediately took the thaal that Nani handed to her to accomplish the role of a sister to her new brother, a brother whom she knew would always be there for her and would care for her happiness.
"Nannav, you made Payal your sister! Are you planning to do the same to Khushiji?" asked NK teasingly.
"Shut up NK! Actually I have a better idea! Why don't you become Khushi's brother'yeah you"!
"Me'I mean as in, really me?" asked NK taken aback on the spur of the moment before finally agreeing "Why not? As a friend, I have always protected Khushiji, so why not! Khushiji, will you mind me getting a promotion and becoming your new bro? Half-friend, half-brother!"
Khushi smilingly rushed towards NK and tied an extra rakhi to his wrist and added:
"Nanheji, I have always considered you as being my dear one! You have always been there with me even in testing times ' that's a duty that exceeds a friend's. I am so proud to have gained a new brother who always aims at making me smile"
"If all brothers and sisters have finished, shall we go and have lunch now?" asked Nani.
The whole family spent time together on that day, with the brothers pampering their sisters and vice versa. Anjali had finally found her lost smile and Khushi and Payal found the joy of being given a new brother ' a brother of the heart.
"Thank you Arnavji" said Khushi at night, hugging Arnav tightly in bed. "Jiji was so happy today when you suggested her to tie a rakhi! It was such a pleasant surprise! I know how she must have felt! And Di was on cloud nine'feel so good to see her smile again!!!"
"And what about you?"
"Me'I am more than happy! You've given me a new brother'my pyare Nanheji"
"Pyare Nanheji?'it's good I made him your brother! Since the beginning, I did not like him roaming around you Khushi!"
"Oh I see! That's why! Jealous laad governor!"
"Am not jealous'just a little bit possessive as you are my wife" told Arnav before giving Khushi a loving kiss on the forehead.
Both thanked each other for the best Raksha Bandhan ever'a memorable one that would always be imprinted in their minds.
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