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Awesome update...When Arnav is in the field , no body can beat him...I am impressed by the way heis trying to woo his Khushi...Thanks for the PM
[Raizada Mansion, later that evening]
The atmosphere is palpable with excitement and so are the faces of the Raizadas who are hovering around the sitting lounge waiting for the doorbell to ring. Most of all, it is Mamiji who is bustling around much to the amusement of Naniji and Anjali.
"HP, hum tumka tells kare rahe na, humko sirf Ladoo hi chahiye!" Mamiji is seen telling HP impatently. "Go go and gets it ready quickly! Humra bitwa ghar ko return kar raha hai aaj. Hum to happiness ka balloon ban gaye hain!" she smiles at HP dazedly who turns around shaking his head in exasperation. The Raizadas could be downright crazy sometimes.
"Manorama, aap kyun itni chinta kar rahi hain? HariPrakash sab theek thak vyavastha kiye rahenge," Nani tries to soothe Mamiji's eratic nerves.
"Yes Yes Maasiji," NK joins in too. "Aisa to hai nahin ki Aakash kisi foreign country se return kar raha hai. Aap pichle week Lucknow mein to poore time unke saath hi thi na?" he asks.
"Oho! Tum understanding nahin kar rahe ho!" Mamiji immediately counters. "Humra beta homecoming kar raha hai with the khoon bhari taang. Sab cheej bilkul perfect hone ka chahiye na!" she exclaimes. Just then the main door opens and Mamiji gasps out, "Oh! Woo dono aai gaye! HP!! Ladoo laye ki naahin? Iss ghar mein humka sab kaam self service hi kari ka padi!" she exclaims walking up to the door with her Pooja thaal.
*meri saanson mein tu muskuraye BG*
She does Aarti for Aakash and Payal who are both smiling happily at Mamiji. Then the couple seeks her blessings.
"Khus raho!" Mamiji gushes happily. "Aur humka God promise karo, ki iske baad se tum kabhi yii ghar chod ke naahin jaoge," she adds a little emotionally to her son. Aakash glances at Payal once and then looks back at his mother.
"Jab tak Payal iss ghar mein khush hai, tab tak main kahin nahin jaunga Maa," he responds and hugs his mother. Both Mamiji and Payal look surprised at hearing Aakash's words. Payal bows her head, smiling to herself feeling immensely happy with her husband's clear stance. Mamiji awkwardly caresses Payal's head.
"Haan haan, of course. Yii ghar Payal ka bhi hai," Mamiji concedes and stands aside to let them inside for Payal to meet everyone else and be warmly welcomed back home.
Suddenly, Arnav is seen walking up from behind Nani. He smiles warmly at Aakash and the two brothers hug. "Welcome back, Aakash!" Arnav says. Aakash nods back happily. Then Arnav turns to Payal. "Welcome home, Payal," he repeats. Payal regards him coolly and then nods her head, not displaying any affectionate feelings like her husband had. The couple walks towards the other members of the family and conversations immediately kick off. Arnav stands back quietly watching the happenings in the living room, realising Payal is still upset with him.
Ah well. Payal's actions confirmed the one thing Arnav knew all along; the Gupta women are damn difficult to please.
[Gupta House, later that night]
The Guptas are sitting on the dining table having their dinner.
"Buaji," Khushi says. "Kal humari dost Nandini ji Lucknow se aa rahi hai. Unhe yahan naukri mil gayi hai. Hum soch rahe the, jab tak woh khud ke liye ek ghar nahin dhoondh leti, kya woh hamare saath yahan reh sakti hain?" she finishes, looking pleadingly at Buaji.
Buaji looks slightly suspiciously at Khushi. "Achhi dost hai ya sirf jaan pehchan wali hai? Hum naahin chahat hain ki hum mandir se laut kar aayen aur dekhen ki humaar TV gayab hui gawa hai." Khushi chokes on her food and starts coughing loudly.
Garima pats her back immediately, gives her a glass of water and turns to Buaji. "Aisa nahin hai Jeeji. Hum Nandini ko bahut ache se jaante hain. Woo lucknow mein humre ghar aavat jaat rahati thi. Bahut pyaari bachhi hai," she explains patiently. Buaji looks thoughtful. "Fir theek hai," she agrees.
"Aur Buaji, aapko kya lagta hai, humare hote hue aapke TV ko koi haath bhi laga sakta hai?" Khushi finally finds her voice after her bout of coughing subsides.
"Arre naahin nandkishore. Sankeswari ke rehte, kisi ki khopadiya ghoomi jaye woo hi churane aayega," Buaji replies teasingly. Garima bursts into laughter and Shashi chuckles as Khushi makes a face listening to Buaji's words.
[Raizada Mansion, much later at night]
Arnav is lying on the bed, trying to sleep but looking restless. Finally he sits up and turns the bedside lamp on. He looks thoughtful and at the same time slightly disturbed. The whole day had passed since they had arrived in Delhi. Khushi had seen the roses and by now she had probably unpacked the box too. But she hadn't dropped him any hints that she had. How can it be possible for her to still avoid me despite the surprises? Arnav wonders as he gets off the bed and starts walking towards the poolside.
He stands at the door and looks up at the night sky, remembering their conversation at the airport.
Tum kab tak mujhse baat nahin karogi Khushi?
Humne aapse baat karna band kahan kiya hai?
He takes out his phone from his pocket and stares at the screen. It's close to midnight. She might be asleep. After another moment of struggle, he dials the number.
[Gupta House, Khushi's room]
Khushi is lying on her bed, her fingers idly caressing the velvet like rose petals scattered all over her bed. Her bags are still lying around her bed clearly indicating that she hasn't unpacked them yet. She's looking up at the silver and gold stars hovering over her head, hanging down from the edge of her bedstand, but not seeing them. Her mind is thinking about her conversation with Arnav from earlier that morning.
Tum kab tak mujhse baat nahin karogi Khushi... Tum mujhe kal se avoid kar rahi ho. Mujhse door kyun bhaag rahi ho? Main tumhe kha thodi jaunga...
The sudden ringing of the phone disturbs her thoughts. She looks sideways towards her bedside table where her phone is kept. Itni der raat humein kaun phone kar raha hai? She wonders as she picks it up in her hand. Then she stares at the screen in disbelief.
Arnav calling.
She immediately presses a button to silence the ringing tone, but the phone goes on buzzing in her hand. Her eyebrows furrow in a frown. Hum abhi to inke bare mein soch rahe the... Was she dreaming? She pressed the receive button at the final ring.
"Hello?" she says warily. Arnav opens his mouth to respond but the seems to be stuck in his throat. He keeps quiet. After a moment, she repeats little impatiently, "Hello?"
"Hi," he whispers. Khush straightens up on her bed, her heartbeats picking up slowly. Another silent moment passes between them, before she gathers the strength to speak.
"Aap?" she enquires . Arnav's eyebrows furrow in surprise this time.
"Haan main." He confirms. "Tum kisi aur ka phone expect kar rahi thi kya?" he counter questions.
"N...nahin!" she stutters.
An awkward silence again descends between them. All that they can hear is each others heavy breathing in the other ear phone. Arnav suddenly feels stupid to ask her about the roses and the gift and he keeps silent. Why was this so difficult? He wonders running his fingers frustratingly through his hair. This is just Khushi, tumne pehle bhi usse baat ki hai. Khushi looks straight ahead, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion at his silence. Baat nahin karni thi to phone kyun kiya? She wonders but goes on holding the phone.
"Kuch kehna tha aapko?" Khushi asks, a faint desperation in her voice. Arnav's heartbeat starts racing. Speak you idiot! Bolo ki tumhe usse baat karni hai, bolo ki tumhe usse milna hai, kuch to bolo Arnav!
"Mujhe... mujhe bas ye poochna tha ki tum ghar theek se pahunch gayi?" he blurts out in a rush. And then he freezes, his eyes widening. What the! Why did I ask that?
Khushi is amazed at hearing the question. Aapko bas yahi poochna tha Arnavji? She wonders to herself. "Haan..." she replies with a sigh.
"Ok, bye," Arnav replies as soon as he hears her reply and abruptly disconnects the call. He stands by the poolside, taking deep breaths. Then he slowly brings the phone to his forehead and he gently starts tapping it against his temple. On the other side, Khushi keeps the phone down back on the bedside table and then slides back into a lying position. After a few moments she again stares at her phone, wondering again if it was indeed just a dream.
[Gupta House the next morning]
Garima and Shashi are sitting in the living room. Garima is making Shashi exercise his limbs. First she moves his wrist in small round movements and then lets him slowly clench his fingers into a limp fist. She then stretches his left leg and make him squiggle each of his toes. Buaji sits from a distance sipping her tea and watching the couple patiently working, smiling happily to see the progress being made by her brother. Khushi is no where to be seen.
"Bahut badhiya Shashi babua!" Buaji exclaims joyously as he moves his toes together. "Bas kuch din aur ki baat hai. Phir tum chalne phirne lagoge." She says. Garima smiles at Buaji.
Suddenly they hear the screech of brakes in the courtyard and all three look towards the door together. Moments later, Arnav appears on their door looking dapper in a sleek black suit and bright blue shirt and black silk tie. He has some files in grasped tightly in his hands. He slowly takes off his aviators and nods his head to greet Garima and Shashi.
Garima smiles and walks to the door to invite him inside. Shashi too looks at him smilingly. Buaji however narrows her eyes as Arnav nods her head towards her, no doubt remembering their last meeting when Buaji had lovingly thrown him out of this very house when he had shouted at her to tell him Khushi's whereabouts. Arnav gulps at the memory while Buaji purses her lips disapprovingly.
"Arre Arnav bitwa!" Garima exclaims. "Aao na, bheetar aao," she summons him inside.
"Ab Uncle ki tabiyat kaisi hai?" Arnav asks as he takes a seat next to Shashi.
"Operation ke baad se kaafi behtar hai, bitwa," Garima replies. "Yii apni ungliyaan aur haath hila pa rahe hain." As if on cue, Shashi lifts his hand and offers a trembling handshake to Arnav. Arnav looks at him in momentary surprise, but extends his own hand and shakes Shashi's hand gently,
"Great!" Arnav says smiling at him. Then he turns to Garima and hands her one of the files. "Aunty, iss file mein Uncle ke physiotherapy appointments ke details hain. Maine pehle se hi doctors se baat kar li thi. Treatment ghar pe shuru ho sakti hai par aapko ek baar Uncle to iss clinic par lekar jana hoga," Garima takes the papers from Arnav.
"Arnav bitwa, yii sab ki kaa zaroorat thi?" she mumbles embarrassedly.
"Agar yahi sab Aakash karta to kya aap usse bhi yahi question poochti aunty?" Arnav asks her flatly. Garima stares at him with wide eyes. She exchanges a glance with Buaji who too is looking surprised at Arnav's questions.
"Nahin na?" Arnav prods again. Garima shakes her head. "To yahi samajh lijiye ki ye sab kuch Aakash kar raha hai aapke liye." Garima looks at him, rendered speechless. The subtle implication of Arnav's words on not being accepted as a part of their family is not lost on her. And she can see a flicker of pain which just confirms her understanding. And suddenly, she realises how desperately Arnav wants to be in Khushi's life again.
"Hum yii bhi to samajh sakat hain na, ki yii sab aap kar rahe hain?" she counter questions. "Apne parivar ke liye." She adds kindly. Arnav stares at her speechless, unable to think what to say anything in reply and then he bows his head, feeling suddenly light headed. Garima gets up and gently pats his shoulder. Then, firmly holding the file in her hands, she starts walking towards her room without another word.
He then notices the second file still on the table. He looks up to see Buaji still watching him with scrutinising eyes. Let's get it over and done with Arnav. Don't worry she won't bite you, he motivates himself.
"Buaji? Ye file aapke liye hai," he says extending the file out to her. Buaji's eyes widen.
"Par humein to koi doctor ki zaroorat nahin hai. Hum bael ki tarah bilkul chust durust hain," Buaji exclaims. Arnav suppresses a chuckle at hearing Buaji compare herself willingly to a bull. He walks closer to her.
"I know aapki health bilkul theek hai Buaji. Ye papers aapke doctor ke liye nahin hain." He says handing the file to Buaji. She reluctantly takes it from him and opens the flap of the file. "Ye iss ghar ke papers hain." Buaji looks up from the file to gape at him. Arnav continues, "Aapko shayad meri Dadi ne bataya tha ki ye ghar maine Khushi ke naam kar diya tha. Par Khushi ne kabhi in house ke deeds par sign nahin kiye hain. So technically ye ghar abhi bhi mere naam par hi hai. Main iss ghar ki ownership main aapke naam par transfer karna chahta hun." When Arnav finally finishes, Buaji just goes on staring at Arnav as if he had just spoken gibberish to her.
"To iska matlab, uss raat hum tum ko tumrehi ghar se bahar nikale rahe?" she asks Arnav in a horrified voice. This time Arnav does smile at her indulgently.
"Technically haan," he admits. Buaji clasps her hand to her mouth in mortification. "Par..." Arnav slowly makes Buaji sit down on of the chair of the dining table and sits down next to her opening the file on the table. By then Garima to walks out of the room and looks at them curiously. "Par main wohi deserve karta tha. Main nahin chahta ki aaj ke baad, agar aapko kisi ko bhi iss ghar se bahar nikalne ki naubat aaye, to aap 2 minute ke liye bhi hesitate karein," Arnav adds good humoredly. "Ye ghar aapka hai aur hamesha aap hi ka rehna chahiye Buaji." He finally says. He pushes the file towards Buaji.
"Iss file mein do copies hain. Ek bank ke liye aur ek aapke liye. Waise to maine apne real estate lawyers se ye papers banwaye the and they are the best. Par phir bhi aap apni tassalli ke liye, sign karne se pehle apne lawyer se in papers ko check karwa lijiyega," Arnav announces as he gets up from the chair again.
"Arnav bitwa, kuch chai nashta?" Garima says suddenly remembering her manners to treat him. But he shakes his head.
"Aunty, abhi to mujhe office ke liye der ho rahi hai. Shayad phir kabhi?" Arnav replies. Then he turns to Buaji again. "Buaji, jab aap papers sign kar dein to bas mujhe ek baar inform kar dijiyega. Main apne driver ko bhijwa kar aapse papers collect karwa dunga. Acha Aunty, chalta hun. Take care, Uncle." He greets the residents of the Gupta house with a Namaste again and walks out of the house.
A silence descends in the house, its residents still unsure of the whirlpool meeting that just took place.
A while later, Khushi rushes into the house like a hurricane and walks straight to the kitchen to drink water.
"Buaji!! Humein abhi station jana hai! Nandini ji ki train aane wali hai ek ghante mein. Yahan se pahunche mein time to lagega hi. Aur upar se Happy Singh ji bata rahe the ki Chandni Chowk ke aas paas naka laga hua hai. Pata nahin kis mantri ko aaj hi Dilli bhraman karne ki soojhi hai. Aur haan, khane mein woh kaali daal bana dijiyega please, Nandini ji ko kaali daal bahut pasand hai... kya hua? Aap sab aise chup kyun ho?" Khushi finally asks, as she realises no one is responding to her non-stop monologue. Then without waiting for an answer, she picks up her jhola and quickly rushes out of the house.
"Yii Sankeswari aur woo Sankeswar bilkul ek dooje ke liye hi bane hain," Buaji finally says.
ENGLISH VERSION
[Raizada Mansion, later that evening]
The atmosphere is palpable with excitement and so are the faces of the Raizadas who are hovering around the sitting lounge waiting for the doorbell to ring. Most of all, it is Mamiji who is bustling around much to the amusement of Naniji and Anjali.
"HP, I told you didn't I? I want only ladoos!" Mamiji is seen telling HP impatently. "Go go and gets it ready quickly! My son is returning home today. I've become a balloon of happiness!" she smiles at HP dazedly who turns around shaking his head in exasperation. The Raizadas could be downright crazy sometimes.
"Manorama, why are you worrying so much? HariPrakash will do everything properly," Nani tries to soothe Mamiji's eratic nerves.
"Yes Yes Maasiji," NK joins in too. "And it's not like Aakash bhai is returning from a foreign country. Weren't you with him all last week in Lucknow?" he asks.
"Oho! You don't understand anything!" Mamiji immediately counters. "My son is homecoming with the khoon bhari taang. Everything should be perfect no!" she exclaimes. Just then the main door opens and Mamiji gasps out, "Oh! They both are here! HP!! Where are those ladoos? I have to do everything by self service in this house!" she exclaims walking up to the door with her Pooja thaal.
*meri saanson mein tu muskuraye BG*
She does Aarti for Aakash and Payal who are both smiling happily at Mamiji. Then the couple seeks her blessings.
"Stay blessed!" Mamiji gushes happily. "And God promise that you won't leave this house ever again," she adds a little emotionally to her son. Aakash glances at Payal once and then looks back at his mother.
"Til the day Payal will be happy in this house, I won't go anywhere Maa," he responds and hugs his mother. Both Mamiji and Payal look surprised at hearing Aakash's words. Payal bows her head, smiling to herself feeling immensely happy with her husband's clear stance. Mamiji awkwardly caresses Payal's head.
"yes yes, of course. This home is Payal's too," Mamiji concedes and stands aside to let them inside for Payal to meet everyone else and be warmly welcomed back home.
Suddenly, Arnav is seen walking up from behind Nani. He smiles warmly at Aakash and the two brothers hug. "Welcome back, Aakash!" Arnav says. Aakash nods back happily. Then Arnav turns to Payal. "Welcome home, Payal," he repeats. Payal regards him coolly and then nods her head, not displaying any affectionate feelings like her husband had. The couple walks towards the other members of the family and conversations immediately kick off. Arnav stands back quietly watching the happenings in the living room, realising Payal is still upset with him.
Ah well. Payal's actions confirmed the one thing Arnav knew all along; the Gupta women are damn difficult to please.
[Gupta House, later that night]
The Guptas are sitting on the dining table having their dinner.
"Buaji," Khushi says. "Tomorrow my friend Nandini ji is coming from Lucknow. She has got a job here in Delhi. I was thinking, till the time she hasn't found a place of her own, could she stay here with us?" she finishes, looking pleadingly at Buaji.
Buaji looks slightly suspiciously at Khushi. "Is she a good friend or only an acquaintance? I don't want to return from the temple one day to find the TV stolen from this house." Khushi chokes on her food and starts coughing loudly.
Garima pats her back immediately, gives her a glass of water and turns to Buaji. "It's nothing like that, Jeeji. I know Nandini well. She used to come to our home often in Lucknow. She's a very sweet girl," she explains patiently. Buaji looks thoughtful. "Then, okay," she agrees.
"and Buaji, do you think that me being here anyone will dare to touch your television?" Khushi finally finds her voice after her bout of coughing subsides.
"Oh no, nandkishore. Sankeswari is here, no need to fear. Some idiot only will dare to steal anything," Buaji replies teasingly. Garima bursts into laughter and Shashi chuckles as Khushi makes a face listening to Buaji's words.
[Raizada Mansion, much later at night]
Arnav is lying on the bed, trying to sleep but looking restless. Finally he sits up and turns the bedside lamp on. He looks thoughtful and at the same time slightly disturbed. The whole day had passed since they had arrived in Delhi. Khushi had seen the roses and by now she had probably unpacked the box too. But she hadn't dropped him any hints that she had. How can it be possible for her to still avoid me despite the surprises? Arnav wonders as he gets off the bed and starts walking towards the poolside.
He stands at the door and looks up at the night sky, remembering their conversation at the airport.
Till when do you plan on not talking to me Khushi?
When have I stopped talking to you?
He takes out his phone from his pocket and stares at the screen. It's close to midnight. She might be asleep. After another moment of struggle, he dials the number.
[Gupta House, Khushi's room]
Khushi is lying on her bed, her fingers idly caressing the velvet like rose petals scattered all over her bed. Her bags are still lying around her bed clearly indicating that she hasn't unpacked them yet. She's looking up at the silver and gold stars hovering over her head, hanging down from the edge of her bedstand, but not seeing them. Her mind is thinking about her conversation with Arnav from earlier that morning.
Till when are you planning on not talking to me Khushi... You have been avoiding me since yesterday. Why are you running away from me? I'm not going to gobble you up...
The sudden ringing of the phone disturbs her thoughts. She looks sideways towards her bedside table where her phone is kept. Who's calling me so late at night? She wonders as she picks it up in her hand. Then she stares at the screen in disbelief.
Arnav calling.
She immediately presses a button to silence the ringing tone, but the phone goes on buzzing in her hand. Her eyebrows furrow in a frown. I was just thinking about him... Was she dreaming? She pressed the receive button at the final ring.
"Hello?" she says warily. Arnav opens his mouth to respond but the seems to be stuck in his throat. He keeps quiet. After a moment, she repeats little impatiently, "Hello?"
"Hi," he whispers. Khush straightens up on her bed, her heartbeats picking up slowly. Another silent moment passes between them, before she gathers the strength to speak.
"You?" she enquires . Arnav's eyebrows furrow in surprise this time.
"Yes, me." He confirms. "Were you expecting someone else?" he counter questions.
"N...no!" she stutters.
An awkward silence again descends between them. All that they can hear is each others heavy breathing in the other ear phone. Arnav suddenly feels stupid to ask her about the roses and the gift and he keeps silent. Why was this so difficult? He wonders running his fingers frustratingly through his hair. This is just Khushi, you've talked to her plenty of times before. Khushi looks straight ahead, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion at his silence. If he doesn't want to talk, why has he called me? She wonders but goes on holding the phone.
"Did you have something to say?" Khushi asks, a faint desperation in her voice. Arnav's heartbeat starts racing. Speak you idiot! Say that you want to talk to her, say that you want to meet her, say something Arnav!
"I... I just wanted to ask did you reach home fine?" he blurts out in a rush. And then he freezes, his eyes widening. What the! Why did I ask that?
Khushi is amazed at hearing the question. That is all you had to ask, Arnavji? She wonders to herself. "Yes..." she replies with a sigh.
"Ok, bye," Arnav replies as soon as he hears her reply and abruptly disconnects the call. He stands by the poolside, taking deep breaths. Then he slowly brings the phone to his forehead and he gently starts tapping it against his temple. On the other side, Khushi keeps the phone down back on the bedside table and then slides back into a lying position. After a few moments she again stares at her phone, wondering again if it was indeed just a dream.
[Gupta House the next morning]
Garima and Shashi are sitting in the living room. Garima is making Shashi exercise his limbs. First she moves his wrist in small round movements and then lets him slowly clench his fingers into a limp fist. She then stretches his left leg and make him squiggle each of his toes. Buaji sits from a distance sipping her tea and watching the couple patiently working, smiling happily to see the progress being made by her brother. Khushi is no where to be seen.
"Excellent Shashi babua!" Buaji exclaims joyously as he moves his toes together. "Just a few more days to go and then you'll start walking around too." She says. Garima smiles at Buaji.
Suddenly they hear the screech of brakes in the courtyard and all three look towards the door together. Moments later, Arnav appears on their door looking dapper in a sleek black suit and bright blue shirt and black silk tie. He has some files in grasped tightly in his hands. He slowly takes off his aviators and nods his head to greet Garima and Shashi.
Garima smiles and walks to the door to invite him inside. Shashi too looks at him smilingly. Buaji however narrows her eyes as Arnav nods her head towards her, no doubt remembering their last meeting when Buaji had lovingly thrown him out of this very house when he had shouted at her to tell him Khushi's whereabouts. Arnav gulps at the memory while Buaji purses her lips disapprovingly.
"Oh Arnav bitwa!" Garima exclaims. "Come in, come inside," she summons him inside.
"How is Uncle's health now?" Arnav asks as he takes a seat next to Shashi.
"Post the operation there has been a lot of improvement, bitwa," Garima replies. "He's able to move his fingers and hand." As if on cue, Shashi lifts his hand and offers a trembling handshake to Arnav. Arnav looks at him in momentary surprise, but extends his own hand and shakes Shashi's hand gently.
"Great!" Arnav says smiling at him. Then he turns to Garima and hands her one of the files. "Aunty, this file contains Uncle's physiotherapy appointments details. I've had a talk with the doctors already. Treatment can very well start at home itself, but you'll have to take Uncle to this clinic once," Garima takes the papers from Arnav.
"Arnav bitwa, what was the need to do all this?" she mumbles embarrassedly.
"Had Aakash done all this, would you have asked the same thing to him aunty?" Arnav asks her flatly. Garima stares at him with wide eyes. She exchanges a glance with Buaji who too is looking surprised at Arnav's questions.
"No, right?" Arnav prods again. Garima shakes her head. "Then imagine that it is Aakash who is doing all this for you." Garima looks at him, rendered speechless. The subtle implication of Arnav's words on not being accepted as a part of their family is not lost on her. And she can see a flicker of pain which just confirms her understanding. And suddenly, she realises how desperately Arnav wants to be in Khushi's life again.
"But I can also think that you are doing all this, can't I?" she counter questions. "For your family?" She adds kindly. Arnav stares at her speechless, unable to think what to say anything in reply and then he bows his head, feeling suddenly light headed. Garima gets up and gently pats his shoulder. Then, firmly holding the file in her hands, she starts walking towards her room without another word.
He then notices the second file still on the table. He looks up to see Buaji still watching him with scrutinising eyes. Let's get it over and done with Arnav. Don't worry she won't bite you, he motivates himself.
"Buaji? This file is for you," he says extending the file out to her. Buaji's eyes widen.
"But I don't need any doctor. I'm fit as a bull," Buaji exclaims. Arnav suppresses a chuckle at hearing Buaji compare herself willingly to a bull. He walks closer to her.
"I know you are completely well, Buaji. These papers aren't for your doctor." He says handing the file to Buaji. She reluctantly takes it from him and opens the flap of the file. "These are the papers for this house." Buaji looks up from the file to gape at him. Arnav continues, "I guess my grandmother told you that I had this house transferred to Khushi's name. But Khushi never signed on the deeds of this house. So technically, this house is still in my name. I want to transfer the ownership of this house in your name now." When Arnav finally finishes, Buaji just goes on staring at Arnav as if he had just spoken gibberish to her.
"So that mean, that night I threw you out of your own house?" she asks Arnav in a horrified voice. This time Arnav does smile at her indulgently.
"Technically yes," he admits. Buaji clasps her hand to her mouth in mortification. "But..." Arnav slowly makes Buaji sit down on of the chair of the dining table and sits down next to her opening the file on the table. By then Garima to walks out of the room and looks at them curiously. "But I deserved it. And I don't want you to hesistate even for two minutes the next time you wish to throw someone out again," Arnav adds good humoredly. "This house always belonged to you, Buaji." He finally says. He pushes the file towards Buaji.
"This file has two copies. One is for my bankers and the other is your copy. I've had these papers prepared by my real estate lawyers and they are the very best. But for your satisfaction, please have these papers checked by your lawyer as well," Arnav announces as he gets up from the chair again.
"Arnav bitwa, won't you take some tea?" Garima says suddenly remembering her manners to treat him. But he shakes his head.
"Aunty, I'm getting late for office right now. Maybe another time?" Arnav replies. Then he turns to Buaji again. "Buaji, when you have signed the papers, just inform me. I'll have my driver collect them from you. Okay aunty, I'll beg your leave now. Take care, Uncle." He greets the residents of the Gupta house with a Namaste again and walks out of the house.
A silence descends in the house, its residents still unsure of the whirlpool meeting that just took place.
A while later, Khushi rushes into the house like a hurricane and walks straight to the kitchen to drink water.
"Buaji!! I need to go to the station right away! Nandini ji's train is expected to reach in an hour. It will take me time to reach obviously. And moreover, Happy Singh was telling me that there is a barricade near Chandni Chowk today. God knows which minister decided to go for Delhi sightseeing today itself. And ya, please please prepare the black daal for lunch, Nandini ji loves black daal... what happened? why are all of you so quiet?" Khushi finally asks, as she realises no one is responding to her non-stop monologue. Then without waiting for an answer, she picks up her jhola and quickly rushes out of the house.
"This Sankeswari and that Sankeswar are completely made for each other," Buaji finally says.
Writer's note: So people!! I know the story is picking up pace slightly now. Uhm that is because I'm planning to write... *drumrolls* a MAHAEPISODE for Karwachauth!!!! yes yes yes you read it correctly. I have NEVER written a ME before and this one will be a one time MASSIVE attempt (all three scenes combined in one, I'm afraid).. watching the serial and reading the spoilers on the forum, I'm expecting some disappointment for the reel life ME (heard Arnav is going to break Sheetal's karwachauth and what not 😭) and so I decided, what the F, I'll write one for my FF and people I have a BRILLIANT plan for it, so stay tuned for it. Chapter 21 will be Karwachauth ME (timing it for 03rd Nov).
okay, that said, FEEDBACK please!! 😊
cheers!!
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