Mother's day OS: The best surprise*Translatn up*

The best surprise

"Ha Aman. Bhatias' k saath meeting fix hui?" asked Arnav as he fastened the buttons of his waistcoat.

Arnav: No,no,no! Parso nahi hoga. Agle hafte tak meeting postpone kar do. Aur agar wohlog na maane toh deal cancel kar do! I'm not going to leave Delhi,not for the next 2 weeks,atleast.

He paused when he felt a familiar tug on his trousers.

Arnav: Main tumse office aakar baat karta hoon.

He switched off the bluetooth device before bending down & scooping his 4 year old son in his arms.

Arnav(cocks his eyebrow): Bua ki complain karni hai ya NK chachu ki?

"Kisi ki nahi! Main toh aap se 1 bahut hi zaroori baat karne aaya hoon,papa!" answered Aarush,wrapping his tiny arms around his father's neck.

Arnav: I see.. Kya baat hai?

Aarush: 2 din baad yaani Sunday ko Mother's day hai. Mujhe amma ko ek bahut hi pyara sa surprise gift dena hai!

Arnav(smiles): That's really sweet of u! Kya laana hai mumma k liye?

Aarush(smiles): Chhota baby!

Arnav(frowns): Chhota baby?

Aarush: Ha! Bilkul waisa jaisa amma ko chahiye!

His face fell as he continued.

Aarush: Jabse amma ka pair toota hai,tabse amma kitni sad ho gayi hai. Woh ghoom-phir bhi nahi sakti hain aur mere saath khel bhi nahi sakti hain. Kitne dinon se unhone jilebiyaan bhi nahi banaayi. Bua keh rahi thi ki unki tabiyat kharaab ho gayi hai. Isiliye woh badi nani k saath unk room me rehne chali gayi hain. Isiliye uss din unko vomit ho rahi thi. Hai naa papa?

Arnav gave a small nod.

Aarush: Baby aa jayega toh amma aur baaki sab kitne happy ho jayenge! Phir amma apni tabiyat bhi jaldi se theek kar lengi. Aur phir hum sab milkar baby k saath khelenge! Isiliye main aap k paas aaya hoon,papa. Amma ne bataaya tha ki amma aur aap kuch mahino baad kisi secret jagah se baby lekar aanewale hain. Aap Saturday ko office se aate waqt wahaan se chhota baby lekar aana. Phir main aur bua usse achchhe se wrap kar denge,jaise pichhle saal humne amma k gift ko wrap kiya tha? Waise hi! Aur phir Sunday subha ko amma ko jagaane k baad hum unhe chhota baby gift kar denge!

Aarush cupped Arnav's cheek with his left hand.

Aarush: Aap Saturday ko baby lekar aayenge naa papa?

Arnav: Nahi beta. Baby.. abhi nahi aayega.

Aarush: Toh kab aayega?

Arnav: Mumma ne aapko bataaya tha naa? Baby 7 months k baad aane wala hai. Tab mumma aur papa uss secret jagah se jaakar baby lekar aayenge.

Aarush: Nahi papa! Aap Saturday ko hi baby ko lekar aaiyye! Main 7 months tak wait nahi kar paunga..

Arnav: Come here..

He sat on the recliner and made Aarush sit on his lap.

Arnav(with an arm around him): Aarush,try to understand. Abhi papa baby nahi laa sakte hain..

Aarush: Kyun nahi?

Arnav: Kyunki mumma ki tabiyat kharaab hai,beta. Woh 1-1 1/2 months tak chal nahi paayegi. Aapne dekha naa,dr aunty ne mumma ko kitne saare medicines diye hain?

Aarush nodded grimly.

Arnav: Jab tak woh khud theek nahi ho jaati hai tab tak woh baby ko kaise sambhaalegi? Aur ek baar baby aa gaya phir mumma ko aapko aur baby ko dono ko sambhaalna padega. Aur ghar ka kaam bhi karna padega. Yeh sab mumma kaise karegi? Socho..

Aarush: Toh kya.. mumma ko theek hone me 7 months lag jayenge?

Arnav: Nahi beta. Mumma toh.. thode time baad theek ho jayegi lekin baby ko aane me utna time lagega.

Aarush: Kyun? Uss secret shop me baby khatam ho gaye hain kya?

Arnav: Ha.

Aarush: Toh doosre shop se doosra baby lekar aaiyye naa. Pichhli baar bhi aisa hi hua tha. Aapne kaha tha ki aap dono baby laanewale hain lekin uss shop me baby khatam ho gaya tha. Phir mujhe baby mila hi nahi! Iss baar plz kisi aur shop se baby lekar aaiyye naa papa.. Mujhe Saturday ko hi baby chahiye..

Arnav: Zidd mat karo beta. Mumma ko woh hi shop wala baby chahiye. Uss hi baby to dekhkar mumma happy ho jayegi. Kisi aur baby ko dekhkar mumma happy nahi hogi. Toh agar aap mumma ko happy dekhna chahte ho toh aapko wait karna padega. Okay?

Aarush(with a sad face): Okay.

Arnav(cups his cheek): Aarush,mujhe pataa hai ki aap lonely feel kar rahe ho. Palaash (PaYash's son) ko chicken pox ho gaya hai aur Aarav summer camp pe gaya hua hai. Aapki mumma ka pair toot gaya hai. Papa ko office jaana padta hai aur aapk friends holiday manaane gaye huye hain. Mumma ki tabiyat theek nahi hai isiliye hum iss saal Disneyland nahi jaa payenge yeh sochkar aap aur bhi zyaada sad ho gaye ho.

Aarush leaned against his father,resting his head on Arnav's chest and seeking warmth from his strong arms.

Arnav(hugs him): I can understand ki aapko kaisaa lag raha hai. Lekin beta mumma ka theek hona zyaada zaroori hai. Baby toh kabhi bhi aa jayega! Waise hi,hum kisi aur vacation me Disneyland chale jayenge! Par agar mumma theek nahi hui,toh hum kya karenge? Kya main aur aap mumma k bina reh paayenge?

Aarush: Nahi papa.. (with tears in his eyes) Main mumma k bina nahi reh paaunga!

Arnav: Aarush? Look at me..

Aarush slowly lifts his head to stare at Arnav with tear filled eyes.

Arnav(wiping his tears): Dont cry beta. Aap chahte ho naa ki mumma jaldi theek ho jaaye?

Aarush nods.

Arnav: Toh us k liye aapko good boy bankar rehna hoga. Mumma ko pareshaan mat kiya karo. Use zyaada se zyaada rest lene do. Ghar me bua hai, mami dadi hai,masi hai naa? Aap unlogon k saath khel liya karo. Thode dinon me Palaash bhaiyya ka chicken pox theek ho jayega phir aap unk saath bhi khel paaoge. Aur phir 2 weeks k baad toh aapk Aarav bhaiyya bhi camp se waapis aa jayenge,hai naa?

Aarush: Ha!

Arnav: Tab tak aapki mumma ki tabiyat bhi pehle se better ho jayegi. Thode dinon ki baat hai,bas! Phir sab theek ho jayega,okay?

Aarush(nods): Okay!

Arnav: So b a strong boy! Jab aapki mumma aapko bulaaye toh unse baatein kiya karo. Aap unko dekhkar rone kyun lagte ho? Jab aapko fever hota hai toh mumma roti hai kya?

Aarush shook his head.

Arnav: Woh aapki tabiyat ka kitna khayaal rakhti hai. Waise hi,ab aapko mumma ki tabiyat ka khayaal rakhna hoga. Agar aap mumma ko dekhkar ro-oge toh mumma aur sad ho jayegi. But agar aap mumma k saamne strong aur good boy bankar rahoge toh mumma happy ho jayegi!

Aarush: Sach papa?

Arnav: Ha beta. Aur.. shaam ko,mere office se aane k baad, hum mother's day k liye koi achchha sa surprise plan karenge!

Aarush(smiles): Okay papa! Aap office me sochna aur main ghar par sochunga ki mumma ko kya dena hai?

Arnav: Okay. (kisses his forehead) Abhi aap bua k paas jaao. Main aapko shaam ko milta hoon.

Aarush left after saying bye to him.

Arnav went into the washroom & splashed water on his face.

The last week had been torturous for both the Raizada & Gupta families. Especially for Khushi & him.

They had lost a ten week old unborn baby in the previous year.

This time around,even though they were careful about pretty much everything,Khushi had slipped in the temple & fractured her leg.

His heart thumped inside his chest as he recalled how tensed he had been while the doctor was examining Khushi after her fall.

He let out a huge sigh as he remembered the smile on the doctor's face as she told him that their baby was safe.

Since that day onwards he had been extra careful with Khushi.

Though he tried to behave as normally as possible,especially in front of his son,deep inside only he knew how tensed & anxious he really was.

He took a deep breath and splashed some more water on his face,unmindful of wetting his waistcoat.

Arnav(thinks): Khushi ki haalat waise hi theek nahi hai. Aarush bhi bahut dukhi hai. Mujhe uss k liye strong rehna hi hoga..

Anjali: Chhotey?

He wiped his face with a towel before coming out of the washroom.

Arnav: Kya hua di?

Anjali: Humne tumhara tiffin gaadi me rakhvaa diya hai. Samay par lunch kar lena aur dawaai bhi le lena.

Arnav: Ji. Aarush ne breakfast kiya?

Anjali: Kar raha hai..

Arnav(nods): Di,main chalta hoon. Main jaldi se jaldi aane ki koshish karunga.

Anjali(cups his cheek): Tum apna kaam dhyaan se karo aur Khushiji ki bilkul chinta mat karo! Hum aur nani unka poora dhyaan rakhenge!

Arnav(holds her hand): Thanks di!

Anjali: Ab jaldi jaao,Aakash neeche tumhari raah dekh raha hai.

Arnav left immediately.
__________________________________________________________________

**Later that day 1:30 pm**

Arnav(wonders): Ab tak Khushi ka phone kyun nahi aaya?

He was about to call her when he got a call from her.

Arnav: Hello..

Khushi(in a rude tone): Hum aapse naraaz hain aur koi baat nahi karna chahte hain.

Arnav: In that case,tumhe phone nahi karnaa chahiye tha..

Khushi: Hum aapki tarah nahi hain.

Arnav: Matlab?

Khushi: Matlab aapko bhale hi humara khayaal na ho,humein aapka khayaal hai. Isiliye humne yeh jaanne k liye phone kiya hai ki aapne khana khaya ya nahi? Aur apni dawaai li ya nahi?

Arnav: Tumne apni dawaai li?

Khushi: Ji. Aur humara khana bhi ho gaya hai. Aapne khana khaya?

Arnav: Ha aur medicine bhi le li hai.

Khushi: Theek hai. Toh hum phone rakh rahe hain..

Arnav: Khushi,wait! I'm sorry! Mujhe office k liye late ho raha tha aur Aakash mere liye wait kar raha tha isiliye..

Khushi(interrupts): Bina bataaye,bina mile office chale gaye. Hai naa? Ek baar bhi nahi sochha ki bichari biwi na jaane kaisi hogi? Chalo jaakar usska haal poochh kar aaun. Honewale bacchhhe se do baatein kar aaun.Ya kamaskam di se ya Hari Prakashji se kehkar usse itella kar doon ki main office k liye nikal raha hoon. Lekin nahi! Aapne toh aisa kuch bhi nahi kiya! Aur hum pareshaan huye jaa rahe the yeh sochkar ki aaj aapko itni der kahaan aur kaise ho gayi. Baad me jiji se humein pataa chalaa ki aap toh jijaji k saath pehle hi nikal chuke! Aur yahaan hum..

Arnav(interrupts): Ssshhh! Hold it,Khushi. Meri baat suno.. Look,I'm really,really sorry! Pataa nahi yeh baat mere dimaag se kaise nikal gayi?

Khushi: Subha se ek baar bhi aapko nahi dekha. Pataa hai hum kitne bechain ho gaye the? Khud chal,phir sakte toh aapk paas aa jaate lekin.. ab toh woh bhi nahi kar paa rahe hain. Aur ek aap hain! Kamaskam office pahuchkar toh 1 phone kar diya hota. Woh bhi nahi kiya! Lard governer!

Arnav: Maine phone kiya tha par di ne kahaa ki tum so rahi ho. Main tumhe disturb nahi karna chahta tha isiliye.. maine unse kaha ki woh tumhe na jagaayein.

Khushi: Di ne humein bataaya kyun nahi?

Arnav: Shaayad woh bhool gayi hongi.

Khushi(sniffs): Aaj kal sab humein bhool jaa rahe hain..

Arnav: Aisa nahi hai,Khushi! Tum kyun yeh sab soch rahi ho? Ro-ro kar apni tabiyat mat kharaab karo. I promise! Main shaam ko jaldi aa jaunga aur phir tumhare saath bahut sara time spend karunga! Aur ab,kabhi bhi tumhe bina bataaye office nahi jaaunga. Okay?

Khushi: hmm.

Arnav: Come on sweetheart..

Khushi: Ha,theek hai. Maaf kiya!

Arnav: Jalebi khaane ka man kar raha hai?

Khushi: Bahut man kar raha hai! Humare haath chhatpataa rahe hain jilebiyaan banaane k liye!

Arnav: Banana toh.. possible nahi hai but.. Main di se keh deta hoon. Woh shaam ko tumhare liye thodi si jalebiyaan banaa dengi.

Khushi: Theek hai.

Arnav: Lekin zyaada mat khana,okay?

Khushi: Hum Aarush nahi,Aarush ki amma hain!(imitates him) Zyaada mat khana!

Arnav: I know. Lekin kabhi-kabhi Aarush ki amma Aarush ki tarah behave karne lagti hai. Isiliye tab usse waise hi samjhana padta hai jaise Aarush ko samjhaata hoon!

Arnav imagined Khushi scowling at her phone.

Arnav: Ab main phone rakhoon?

Khushi: Hum manaa karenge toh aap nahi rakhenge?

Arnav: Nahi.

Khushi: Ha toh mat rakhiye!

Arnav: What the..!

Khushi: Aap hi ne kahaa na ki hum Aarush ki tarah pesh aa rahe hain? Toh lijiye!

Arnav: Khushi, enough now. Phone rakho aur so jao.

Khushi ends the call without saying anything.

Arnav sighs audibly.

Arnav: Pehle toh Aarush lonely feel kar raha tha. Ab toh Khushi bhi lonely aur depressed feel kar rahi hai. Kuch karnaa padega in dono k liye..

He calls Aman.

Arnav: Ha Aman. Mere cabin me aao,right now!
_______________________________________________________________

**Later that day,5:00 pm**

Arnav smiles as he answers the call from Raizada residence.

Arnav: Bolo Aarush..

Aarush: Areh! Aapko kaise pataa chalaa ki mera phone hai?

Arnav: Papa ko pataa chal jata hai. Aap bataao,kya decide aapne?

Aarush: Kuch nahi. Main bahut confused hoon..

Arnav(surprised): Aap kya ho?

Aarush: Confused hoon,papa. Sabne milkar mujhe confuse kar diya hai!

Arnav(smiles): Ab kya kiya sabne?

Aarush: Maine jab sabse poochha ki mujhe mumma ko kya dena chahiye toh sabne alag-alag jawaab diye. NK chachu ne kaha ki mujhe Salmanji ki movie ki dvd deni chahiye. Mami dadi ne kaha ki mujhe achchhha sa perfume dena chahiye. Mama dada ne kaha ki mujhe bouquet dena chahiye. Masi aur masa ne kaha ki mujhe card banaana chahiye. Badi nani ne Devi Maiyya k bhajan ki cd dene k liye kaha,kyunki usse mumma ka man shaant ho jayega. Bua ne mujhe gotewali saaree dene k liye kaha. Ab mujhe samajh nahi aa raha hai ki main kaunsa gift choose karoon?

Arnav: Choose kyun karna hai? Aap saare de do!

Aarush: Nahi papa. Saare dunga toh mumma naraaz ho jayengi. Kahengi ki maine aapk paise fizool me kharch karvaa diye.

Arnav: Point! Toh aap masi k saath baithkar card banaa do aur main Saturday ko mumma k liye roses lekar aaunga. Okay?

Aarush: Not okay! Iss me special kuch bhi nahi hua papa!

At that moment Aman knocks on the door.

Arnav: Beta abhi mujhe jana hoga. Aap socho ki hum aur kya kar sakte hain mumma k liye? Phir main jab ghar aaunga tab aap mujhe bataana.

Aarush: Theek hai. Toh aap jaldi ghar aaiyyega.

Arnav: Done..

Arnav was about to end the call when he heard Aarush copying his mother.

Aarush: Suniye..

Arnav(sighs): Boliye..

Aarush: Aapko jab time mile tab sochte rahiyega,surprise gift k baare me.

Arnav: Okay.

Aarush: Aur suniye..

Arnav: Now what?

Aarush: Bahut gussa mat kariyega! Aur Aman uncle ko mat daantiyega. Aur lard governer mat baniyega. Theek hai papa?

Arnav: Theek hai Aarush. Mumma ki mimicry karna band karo aur phone rakho!

Aarush: Bye!

Arnav: bye.

Arnav(smiles): Chhoti Khushi..

*Flashback*

Khushi: Ji nahi! Chhota lard governer ban gaya hai aapka beta!

Arnav(amused): Mera beta?

Khushi: Aur kya?! Aapka naak-naksha toh ussme hai hi ab toh baatein bhi aapki tarah karne lagaa hai. Uski school ki kavita usse yaad nahi hoti lekin what the..! what the..! toh ratt gaya hai! Subha school jaate samay zidd kar raha tha ki usse papa wala hairgel lagaakar jana hai. Kal jab amma ka phone aaya toh lard sahab zidd karne lage ki woh aapki tarah bluetooth se hi baat karenge! Jab humne kaha ki humare paas bluetooth nahi hai toh ussne amma se baat hi nahi ki! Uss din ghar ka phone(landline) theek karne k liye aapne jinhe bheja tha unse poochta hai ki ghar k phone k saath bluetooth kyun nahi hota hai? Sawaal poochh-poochhkar unhe pareshaan kar diya!

Arnav smiles.

Khushi: Aur toh aur, kal jab humne usse kaha ki chameli ka tel lagaane se baal achchhe ho jaate hain toh kehta hai "unbelievable!"

Arnav's smile turns to a lopsided grin as an image of his son saying "unbelievable!" pops up in his mind.

Khushi: Kehta hai ki Jis cheez ki badboo itni gandi ho use lagaane se kuch achchhha kaise ho sakta hai? Hum toh thak gaye usse chameli k tel k gun samjhaate-samjhaate lekin woh nahi maana! Aapka beta jo thehra!

Arnav: Relax Khushi! Iss me itna worked up honewali kaunsi baat hai?

Khushi: Aap toh khush honge hi,beta aap k naksh-e-qadam par jo chal raha hai! Par aap hi bataiyye,kya what the..! gaali nahi hai? Itne chhote se bachhhe ka yeh kehna achchha lagta hai kya?

Arnav: Okay, fine. Main usse samjha dunga ki usse what the..! nahi kehna chahiye.

Khushi: Aur aap bhi uss k saamne mat kahaa kijiye. Aise shabdon ka bachchhon par galat asar padta hai.

Arnav: Theek hai,main nahi kahunga. Ab khush?

Khushi: hmm.

Arnav cupped her face & inched his face closer to hers.

Khushi closed her eyes.

At that moment the door swung open & in walked Aarush.

Aarush: Papa!

Khushi pushed Arnav away.

Arnav: What the..!

Khushi(mutters): Phir se what the..!? Lard governer kabhi nahi sudhrenge!

*Flashback ends*

Aman(entering the cabin): Sir?

Arnav(startled): Huh?

Aman: Chalein?

Arnav: Ha. Lets go.
________________________________________________________________

**Shantivan 6:30 pm**

Aarush ran to embrace Arnav the moment he entered the house.

Arnav(concerned): Kya hua beta?

Aarush(elated): Nan'kishore nani ne ek bahut achchha idea diya hai,papa!

Arnav: Kaunsa idea?

Aarush: Jilebi aur rabdi!Amma unhe khaakar bahut khush ho jayengi!

Arnav: Okay! Toh main Saturday ko Chandni chowk se jal..

Aarush(interrupts): Nahi papa. Hum jilebi banaayenge!

Arnav(shocked): Hum?

Aarush: Ha! Aur rabdi bhi! Aur jab mumma uthengi naa,toh hum unhe breakfast me humari banaayi hui rabdi aur jilebi khilaakar unhe surprise karenge! Okay papa?

Arnav: Par beta.. papa ko.. theek se jalebi banana nahi aata hai. Aur rabdi toh bilkul bhi nahi aata hai!

Aarush: Par bua ko toh aata hai! Hai naa bua?

Anjali(smiles): Ha,hum toh dono cheezein banana jaante hain!

He runs to Anjali,who was sitting on the sofa and puts his arms around her neck from behind her,resting his face on her shoulder.

Aarush: Aap papa ko jilebi aur rabdi banana sikhayengi naa bua?

Anjali: Ha beta,hum toh sikha denge. Par kya aapk papa banaa payenge?

Aarush(confidently): Ha! Mere papa sab kuch kar sakte hain! Hai naa papa?

Arnav: Ha.. beta.

Anjali: Aap jaakar Hari Prakash kaka ko bolkar aao ki jilebi aur rabdi banane ka samaan taiyyaar rakhe.

After he leaves..

Anjali(pats his shoulder): Aaj se practice karna shuru kar do,Chhotey! Tumhare paas aaj ko ginkar 3 din hain..

Arnav: dont worry di! Main Aarush k confidence ko tootne nahi dunga!

Anjali: All the best!

Arnav: Thanks!
________________________________________________________________

**2 days later**

An impatient Aarush paced the length & breadth of nani's room.

Nani: Sabar kijiye,bitwa. Aapki amma thodi der ma uth jayengi.

Aarush: Amma aur kitni der baad uthengi,badi nani? 8 bajne aaye hain. Amma toh kabhi itne time tak nahi soti hain.

Nani: Aapki amma kal raat bahut der tak jaagat rahi ae hi liye aaj oo deri se uthengi,bitwa.

Aarush: Kyun?

Nani: jaun oo ko 2:30 baje tak neend naahi aayi taun oo dawaa liye rahi. oo dawaa lene se bahut neend aavat hai. Ae hi liye oo aaj deri se uthengi. Waisan tau aap bhi deri se uthte hain,aapki chhutiyaan jau chal rahi hai. Par aaj Mother's day hai ae hi liye aap subha se uchchhal rahe hain!

Aarush: Main uchchhal thode hi na raha hoon! Main toh kab se yaheen,good boy ki tarah wait kar raha hoon!

Nani: Aap k papa kahaan hain?

Aarush: Woh jilebiyon ko fry kar k laa hi rahe honge. Ab bas amma jaldi uth jaaye. Agar jilebiyaan thandi ho gayi toh unhe khaane me amma ko bilkul mazaa nahi aayega!

Just then Arnav opened the door & wheeled in Khushi's breakfast.

Nani: Areh waah! Khushboo tau bahutai badhiyaa aavat hai!

Aarush(smiles): Mere papa ne jo banaaye hain! Khushboo hi nahi swaad bhi bahut badhiyaa hoga,badi nani!

Nani: Ha,ha zaroor!

Aarush: Papa,hum mumma ko jagaayein kya?

Arnav: Nahi beta. Mumma ko khud se uthne do. Jaise hi woh uthe,waise hi tum unpar koodna mat. Mumma ko chot lagi hui hai. Yaad rakhna ,hmm?

Aarush nodded.

Arnav: Unhe aaraam se uthkar baithne dena. Usk baad tum unhe wish karna.

Aarush: Okay.

Arnav: Aur ha,jalebi garam hai isiliye usse dhyaan se uthana. Aur ekdum se moonh me mat dal dena. Aur..

Aarush(interrupts): Papa,ab toh aap bhi mumma ki tarah bol rahe hain!

Arnav(smiles): I guess yeh sangat ka asar hai!

Aarush: Woh kya hota hai?

Arnav: Baad me bataaunga..

He turns to leave when..

Aarush: Aap kaheen jaa rahe hain,papa?

Arnav: Main.. baahar wait kar raha hoon.

Aarush: Kyun?

Arnav: umm.. Mujhe kuch important calls karne hain. Aap baith jaao aur mumma k uthne ka wait karo.

Aarush(pouts): Okay.
_________________________________________________________________

When Khushi opened her eyes,she saw her son gazing at her with a broad grin on his happy face.

Khushi: Laddoo?..

Aarush(holds her hand): Happy mother's day,amma!

Khushi(smiles): Thank u beta!

Aarush: Jaldi jal..

He stops abruptly when he remembers his father's words of caution.

Aarush: a.. Mera matlab tha aaram se uthiye, amma! Dheere-dheere..

Arnav,who's peeping from the gap between the door,smiles as Aarush keeps a pillow behind Khushi's back.

Aarush: Iss taqiye ka tekaa lekar aaraam se baith jaiyye.

Khushi: Hum aaraam se hi baithe hain,beta. (to nani) Namaste naniji!

Nani: Khush rahiye bitiya! Ab kaisan hai aapki tabiyat?

Khushi: Theek hai naniji.

Nani: Devi Maiyya aapko bahut jald puri tarah se theek kar dengi!

Khushi: Dhanyavaad! (to Aarush) Laddoo,ab aap bataiyye,aap itne khush kyun hain?

Aarush(gestures): Kyunki ab main aapko 1 nahi 2 nahi 3 surprises dene wala hoon!

Even though Khushi could guess what the surprises were,courtesy the combined aroma of rose and jalebis,she pretended to b excited for her son's sake.

Khushi: Sach?!

Aarush: Ha!

Khushi: Areh waah! Subha-subha 3-3 surprises! Humara toh din banaa diya aapne! Ab jaldi se bataao ki surprises hain kya?

Aarush: Abhi lijiye!

He gave her the rose first.

Aarush: Yeh papa lekar aaye hain,dadi wale bageeche se!

Khushi: Woh toh hum isse dekhkar hi samajh gaye the! Aapk pa..

Aarush(interrupts): Aur yeh maine banaya hai,aap k liye!

Khushi(reads aloud): To the best mother in the world! (opens the card) Dearest Amma, Happy Mother's Day! Love,Aarush!

Aarush(admits): Thodi-thodi madad ki thi.. masi ne. Par.. colouring poori maine ki hai.

Khushi: Bahut hi sundar colouring ki hai aapne! Aur card bhi bahut achchha hai!

Aarush(with a twinkle in his eyes): Aur ab,teesra aur sabse... special gift!

He uncovered the tray of jalebis.

Khushi(gives fake shocked expression): Jilebiyaan!?

Aarush(uncovers rabdi): Aur saath me rabdi bhi hai!

Khushi: Bahut,bahut shukriya beta! Amma k paas aao..

Aarush slowly climbed on the bed & came closer to Khushi,keeping a small distance from her body.

Khushi kisses his cheeks,one after the other.

Khushi(cups his face): Humare Laddoo ne kitna kuch kiya amma k liye! (kisses his forehead) Aapka surprise amma ko bahut,bahut achchha laga!

She opens her arms to hug him.

Khushi: Amma k gale lago..

Aarush: Aapko.. chot toh nahi lagegi naa amma?

Khushi: Nahi beta. Chot kyun lagegi? Aa jao,amma ki godi me baitho..

Aarush: Nahi amma. Aapko lag jayega..

Khushi: Nahi lagega,beta. Amma k baaye pair me chot hai par aap toh daayi taraf se baithoge naa? Isiliye amma ko zara bhi dard nahi hoga. Aa jao..

Aarush looks towards nani for her approval.

Nani: Dhyan se baithiyega,haa bitwa? Amma ka pair bachaakar..

Aarush(smiles): Ji badi nani!

He carefully sits in Khushi's lap.

Aarush: Ab aapki tabiyat kaisi hai,amma?

Khushi: Theek hai,beta.

Aarush: Aapko dard ho raha hai kya?

Khushi(shakes her head): Nahi toh! Humara Laddoo humare liye jilebiyan aur rabdi banaakar laaya hai,itna sundar card aur gulaab lekar aaya hai! Humein dard kyun hoga bhalaa? Hum bilkul theek hai! (holds his hand)Jab hum aapk haath se jilebi khayenge naa,toh aur bhi achchhe ho jayenge!

Aarush: Main aapka brush lekar aaun?

Khushi: Brush kyun?

Aarush: Papa kehte hain naa,brush kiye bina kuch bhi nahi khana chahiye?

Khushi: Ha! Bilkul sahi baat hai!

Nani: Aap aapan amma k paas baithiye,bitwa. Hum brush lekar aavat hain.

Khushi: Nahi naniji. Aap kyun taqleef lengi? Laddoo lekar aayega. (to Aarush)Jao beta,bathroom se humara brush lekar aao..

Aarush: Abhi laaya!

While going to the bathroom,his sharp eyes catch the sight of his father peeking inside from the ajar door.

Aarush(shocked): Papa, aap wahaan kyun khade hain?

He goes & opens the door,catching Arnav unaware.

Arnav: a.. Main..

Nani(covers up): Aap humein ee bataane aaye honge ki Anjali bitiya humein aarti ki khaatir bulaaye rahi hain. Hai naa Chhotey?

Arnav: Ha.. nani. Di.. bula rahi hain aapko..

Nani: Hum neeche hokar aavat hai,bitiya.

Khushi nods.

Nani: Aarush bitwa,aap bhi chaliye. Aap naahi aayenge tau aarti maa ghanti kaun bajaayega? Humare saath chaliye. Hum aapko motichoor k laddoo wala prasaad denge.

Aarush(mouth waters): Motichoor k.. laddoo!?

Nani: Ha! Mahendra bitwa oo laddoo lekar aaye hain! Aapko tau maalum hi hai ki oo ko laddoo bahutai pasand hai! Jaun aapne jaane maa der kar di taun aapki khaatir 1 bhi laddoo naahi bachega!

Aarush: Par.. badi naniji amma..?

Khushi: Koi baat nahi beta! Aap aarti me jaakar aao. Lekin 1 laddoo se zyaada mat khana,theek hai?

Aarush(smiles): Theek hai amma. Par pehle main aapko brush dekar jaata hoon..

Nani: Aap oo ki chinta naahi kijiye. Aapk papa hain naa! Oo aapki amma ko brush karvaaye denge. Aap chaliye. Jaldi se aarti kar kar aur prasaad khaakar aa jaiyyega. Chaliye,chaliye! Aarti karne k baad humka mandir aur anaathaalay bhi jana hai. Jaun abhi aarti karne naahi gaye taun huaan jaane k liye deri hui jayegi.

Aarush: 1 minute.. (to Arnav)Papa,mere waapis aane se pehle aap mumma ko jalebi ya rabdi,kuch bhi mat khilaiyyega! Main waapis aakar unhe apne haath se khilaaunga. Okay?

Arnav: Okay!

Aarush: Aur.. (gestures)idhar aaiyye..

When Arnav bends down,Aarush whispers in his ear.

Aarush: Aap mumma ko yeh mat bataiyyega ki maine rabdi me daalnewale kaju kha liye the..

Arnav(whispers): Okay.

Khushi: Kya khusar-pusar chal rahi hai wahaan pe? (looks suspiciously at Aarush)Laddoo, koi sharaarat toh nahi ki naa aapne?

Aarush: Kuch bhi toh nahi,amma! (whispers in Arnav's ear) Papa plz mat bataiyyega..

Arnav(whispers): Nahi bataaunga beta.

Aarush(whispers): Gentleman's promise?

Arnav(rolls his eyes): Gentleman's promise!(pats his back)Go now!

Aarush: Bye mumma! Bye papa!

Arnav: Bye! (mutters) Chhoti Khushi!
_________________________________________________________________

Arnav is about to go the washroom when..

Khushi: Suniye,hum brush baad me kar lenge. Filhaal humein aapse ek bahut hi zaroori baat karni hai..

Arnav immediately walks up to the bed & sits beside it on a chair.

Arnav(concerned): Kya hua? Tabiyat toh theek hai naa?

Khushi: Aap.. yahaan aakar baithiye,humare paas.

Arnav sits on the edge of the bed and holds her hand.

arnav(cups her cheek): Ab bataao,kya baat hai?

Khushi: Hum nahi,aap bataiyye.. (holds his hand) Kya.. humein kuch ho gaya hai? Humara matlab.. koi jaanleva beemaari ho gayi hai kya?

Arnav(shocked): What the..! Kisne kaha tumse ki tumhe kuch ho gaya hai?

Khushi: Kisine nahi kaha. Humein.. khud aisa lagne lagaa hai. Hum dekh rahe hain ki.. pichhle kuch dino se.. aap.. humse door rehne lage hain. Aap office se toh jaldi aa jate hain lekin.. humare paas kuch hi samay k liye rehte hain. Har waqt humein aisa lagtaa hai jaise.. aap humse kuch chhupa rahe hain. Humein kal naniji aur di ki baaton se bhi aisa lagaa jaise.. wohlog bhi humse kuch chhupa rahe the. Boliye naa Arnavji.. (touches her tummy) Kaheen.. (anxious) humare bachhhe ko toh.. kuch nahi hua naa?

Arnav(not looking at her): Aisa kuch bhi nahi hai!

Khushi: Agar aisi baat hai toh aap humse nazrein kyun chura rahe hain. Humari taraf dekhkar baat kijiye naa..

She holds his chin & forces him to look at her.

Khushi: Arnavji,kya baat hai? Sach-sach bataiyye.

Arnav(holds her hand): Koi baat nahi hai,Khushi! Tum theek ho. Tumhe koi beemaari ya infection ya kuch bhi nahi hua hai! (with his hand on her tummy) Na hi baby ko kuch hai. Woh bhi bilkul theek hai.

Khushi: Toh phir aapne humse door rehna kyun shuru kar diya? Pehle humein naniji k kamre me rehne k liye kaha. Phir aapne humse milna-julna kam kar diya. Jab hum so rahe hote hain tab aap humse milkar chale jaate hain. Jab hum aapko phone karte hain toh aap bas humari tabiyat, dawaai aur Laddoo k baare me baatein karte hain. Aur yeh aapne khud ka kya haal banaaya hua hai, Arnavji? (cups his cheek) Chehra kitna pheenka padh gaya hai aapka. Aur aapki sehat bhi theek nahi lag rahi hai.

Arnav(holds her hand): Main theek hoon,Khushi. Its just that.. kaam thoda zyaada hai.

Khushi: Ghar aane k baad bhi aap kaam karte rehte hain. Itna zyaada kaam kaise badh gaya? Aur.. agar aapko bahut zyaada kaam hai toh thoda sa kaam Amanji aur jijaji ko baant dijiye naa. Apni sehat ka dhyaan rakhiye. Ab hum toh iss haalat me aapki sehat ka dhyaan nahi rakh sakte naa.. Oopar se aapne humein kamre se bhi baahar kar diya hai.

Arnav: Khushi,tumhe maine nani k room me shift hone k liye isiliye kaha kyunki mujhe dar tha ki Aarush kaheen neend me tumhare pair ko hurt na kar de. Tumhe pataa hai naa woh kaise sota hai?

Khushi: Ha. Par pair tootne se pehle bhi toh hum teeno ek hi bistar par so hi rahe the. Aap beechh me sote the aur Aarush aur hum dono kone me. Toh ab hum waise kyun nahi so sakte hain?

Arnav: Tab ki baat aur thi. Ab tumhe sone k liye zyaada space ki zaroorat hai. Tumhare pair k neeche taqiye rakhne padhte hain. Bedpan bhi hai. Yeh sab k saath hum teeno uss bed par kaise so payenge? Isiliye maine tumse kaha ki tum yahaan shift ho jaao taaki tumhe zyaada space miley aur tum aaraam se so paao. And besides wahaan tum rahogi toh Aarush kuch na kuch kar k tumhe pareshaan kartaa rahega. Yahaan rehne se tum zyaada rest le paogi aur jaldi theek ho jaogi!

Khushi: Yahaan hum aaram toh kar rahe hain par.. hum khush nahi hain. Naa hi hum yahaan theek se so paa rahe hain.

Arnav: Tumne kal sleeping pill liya tha?

Khushi: Ji. Humne liya toh tha lekin humein lagtaa hai ki humein yeh dawaai nahi leni chahiye..

Arnav: Dont worry,Khushi. Dr ne kam dosage diya hai. Usse tumhe ya baby ko koi nuksaan nahi pahuchega.

Khushi: Baat nuksaan ki nahi hai. Hum apne kamre me hi khush rahenge,Arnavji.. Wahaan rahenge toh khud se neend bhi aa jayegi aur humein iss goli ka sahara nahi lena padega.

Arnav: Khushi..

He wraps his arms around her.

Arnav: Thode dinon ki hi toh baat hai! Ek baar tumhara plaster nikal gaya aur physiotherapy shuru ho gayi phir main khud tumhe humare room me lekar aaunga. Aur dr bhi keh rahi thi k..

Khushi(irritated): Dr na huye Bhagwan ho gaye! Hum aapse keh rahe hain,hum aaj se yeh neend ki dawaai nahi lenge! Ek toh iss dawaai ki wajah se humein neend zyaada aati hai aur jab uthte hain toh humara sir bhaari ho jata hai. Aur doosri baat, hum agar yahaan sone k bajaay apne Laddoo aur aap k saath soyenge toh humara man bhi shaant rahega ,humein neend bhi samay par aayegi aur humara beta bhi khush ho jayega! (sighs) Kabhi-kabhi humein lagtaa hai ki jitni taqleef humein ho rahi hai utni hi taqleef Laddoo ko bhi ho rahi hai. Chhota sa,bhola sa bachhha jise kuch pataa bhi nahi hai ki jo bhi hua woh kyun hua,kaise hua,jab humse kehta hai ki woh humein miss kartaa hai toh humein zaraa bhi achchha nahi lagtaa! Humare ghar par hote huye bhi usse humse alag rehne ki koi zaroorat nahi hai!

Arnav: Khushi tum..

Khushi(interrupts): Bas! Humein mat rokiye! Aapko yaad hai,jab Laddoo honewala tha tab aapne humein uss ki taraf se mother's day ka tohfa diya tha?

Arnav nods.

Khushi(keeps his hand on her tummy): Aaj aap humein baby ki taraf se tohfa dijiye.. jo aane wala ya aanewali hai aur.. uss ki taraf se bhi jo.. pichchhle saal.. nahi.. nahi aa payi ya aa paya.

Arnav(cups her face): Kya chahiye tumhe?

Khushi(hugs him): Aarav camp k liye gaya hai isiliye humein 1 mahine k liye uss se door rehna pad raha hai. Jo.. pichhle saal nahi aaya ya aayi.. uss se toh humein.. majbooran alag hona padaa,hamesha k liye!.. Lekin aapse aur Laddoo se hum aur baby alag nahi rehna chahte hain! Aap humari baat maan lijiye aur humein humare kamre me le chaliye. Ab hum aur baby waheen rehna chahte hain,aap dono k saath!

Arnav kisses the top of her head.

Arnav: Theek hai. Breakfast k baad tumhe wahaan shift kar deta hoon.

Khushi(grins): Bahut,bahut dhanyavaad!

Arnav: I'm sorry! Tumhe aur baby ko maine pichhle 1 hafte se khud se,room se aur Aarush se door rakha,iss liye..

Khushi(kisses his chest): Koi baat nahi! Kamaskam aapne aaj humari baat maan li,iss baat ki humein bahut khushi hai!

Arnav: 1 baat poochhun?

Khushi: Ji?

Arnav: Kya mother's day par father ko koi gift nahi mil saktaa hai?

Khushi: Kyun nahi?! Humse kya chahte hain aap?

Arnav: Promise me,Khushi- jo kuch bhi pichchhli baar hua uss k baare me tum nahi sochogi. Jab bhi tumhe dar lage ya tumhare mind me koi bhi bure khayaal aaye toh tum apna mind divert kar dogi,promise karo! Main nahi chahta hoon ki jo pehle hua uss ka zaraa sa bhi asar baby par pade!

Khushi: Theek hai,hum waada karte hain! Achchha suniye..

Arnav: Hmm?

Khushi: Laddoo ne.. phir kuch poochha,baby k baare me?

Arnav tells her about Aarush's idea of giving baby as a mother's day gift to her.

Khushi is touched to hear that.

Khushi: Aapne usse kya kaha?

Arnav: Maine usse samjhaa diya hai ki baby 7 months k baad aayega.

Khushi(doubtfully): Aayega naa?

Arnav: Of course aayega,Khushi!

Khushi: Agar.. iss baar bhi.. pichhli baar ki tarah..

Arnav places his finger on her mouth.

Arnav: Iss baar kuch galat nahi hoga! So dont worry! (smiles)I'm sure,1 saal baad tum apne dono bachchhon k saath Mother's day celebrate karogi!

Khushi: Aur aapk saath bhi!

Arnav: That goes without saying! (kisses her cheek) Now cheer up! Lets celebrate mother's day,hmm?

Khushi(smiles): Ji!

Arnav: Main tumhara brush..

Khushi(interrupts): Rehne dijiye. Hum brush baad me kar lenge. Pehle aap Laddoo ko le aaiyye. Ab tak toh ussne sabko 10-20 sawaal pooch hi liye honge!

Arnav(smiles): Theek hai. Waise.. tumhe usse yeh nahi kehna chahiye tha ki hum dono kisi secret jagah se baby lekar aayenge.

Khushi: Hum aur kya kehte? Agar hum yeh kehte ki.. baby humare pet me hai toh woh humse zaroor poochhta ki baby wahaan kaise pahucha? Aapko toh pataa hai,woh 1 sawaal se shuru kartaa hai aur sawaalon ki poori potli khol deta hai!

Arnav: Woh toh theek hai but.. aage kya hoga? I mean.. thode time k baad jab tumhara bulge dikhne lagega toh tum kya kahogi uss se?

Khushi: Keh denge ki.. hum mote ho rahe hain.

Arnav: Aur agar uss ne.. actual baat baahar kisi se suni aur tumse poochha toh?

Khushi: Tab ki tab sochenge! Filhaal aap usse yahaan le aaiyye.

Arnav: Okay. Main yeh jalebiyaan bhi lekar jaata hoon aur inhe garam kar k lata hoon.

Khushi: Theek hai. Achchha, suniye..

Arnav: Boliye..

Khushi: Aap shaam ko Laddoo ko ice-cream khilaane lekar jaiyyega.

Arnav: Tum bhi chalna. Chhoti si drive par jaakar aayenge. Main tumhe uthaakar car me bitha dunga.

Khushi: Theek hai. a.. Aur suniye..

Arnav: Ab kya hai?

Khushi: Hari Prakashji se kehkar Laddoo k liye woh.. kaali,neeli chidiya wale gubbaare mangvaa lijiyega!

Arnav: Angry birds wale?

Khushi: Ha,woh hi! Usse woh gubbaare kitne pasand hai naa?

Arnav: Theek hai,bol dunga. Ab main jaaun?

Khushi: Ha,jaiyye.
________________________________________________________________

"Aaplogon ki baatein ho gayi?" asked Aarush as he gave prasaad to Khushi.

Khushi: Ha,ho gayi. Aa jao,amma ki godi me baitho.

Arnav: Careful Aarush..

Aarush: Aaplogon ne kya decide kiya?

ArShi look at each other.

Arnav: Kis baare me?

Aarush: Bua keh rahi thi ki mumma mujhe surprise return gift dena chahti hain,jis k baare me aaplog decide kar rahe hain.

Khushi: Oh! Ha.. toh.. woh toh surprise hai! Bataa dene se mazaa thode hi naa aayega?

Aarush: Ha,woh toh hai!

Arnav: Mere paas tum dono k liye bumper surprise hai!

Aarush(super excited): Kya hai papa? Dikhaiyye naa..

Arnav: Aarush aapko Disneyland jana tha naa?

Aarush: Nahi papa. Jana tha nahi,mujhe Disneyland jana hai!

Arnav: Ha,woh hi. Toh.. hum July me Disneyland jayenge!

Aarush(shocked): Kyun mumma? Tab tak aapka pair theek ho jayega naa?

Khushi: Ha beta par tab tak aapka school shuru ho jayega. Aur vilaayat jaane ka matlab hai lambi chhuti lekar jaana. Aur a.. (to Arnav) paanchve mahine me toh..

Arnav(interrupts): Dont worry! Tum aaraam se travel kar paaogi,without any hassels. And besides hum 4-5 dinon k liye hi jayenge toh Aarush ka school bhi zyaada miss nahi hoga. Aur hoga bhi toh woh aa k cover up kar lega. Right Aarush?

Aarush: right papa!

Arnav: Waise.. mujhe kuch aur bhi dena tha. 1 minute..

He walks towards the door.

Aarush: Kya hai papa?

Arnav: Aapki mumma k liye surprise hai, beta!

Khushi eagerly glances in the direction of the door.

Arnav brings a wheelchair inside the room.

Aarush: Pahiye wali kursi?

Arnav: Yup! Isse wheelchair kehte hain. Ab tum jab chahe,jahaan chahe jaa paaogi,Khushi!

Khushi(elated): Bahut,bahut dhanyavaad Arnavji!

Arnav: Lekin.. (points towards the door) Yeh hamesha tumhare saath rahengi..

A nurse comes inside the room & smiles at Khushi.

Arnav: Ink bina tum kaheen nahi jaogi. Okay?

Khushi(smiles): Manzoor hai!

Arnav(to the nurse): Aap kal subha 10 baje se duty shuru kar dijiye.

Nurse: Ji sir.

After she leaves..

Aarush: Isiliye aap baahar khade the papa?

Arnav: Ha beta.

He sits on the chair next to the bed.

Khushi: Hum bistar se uthkar iss par baithenge kaise?

Arnav: Jab main ghar pe hounga toh main tumhe uthaakar bitha dunga. Aur jab main ghar par nahi hounga toh nurse aur nani tumhari help kar denge.

Khushi: Aapki baat se yaad aaya,ab naniji ko bhi yahaan bula lijiye. Kab tak woh neeche intezaar karengi? Unhe mandir jaane k liye taiyyaar bhi hona hoga..

Arnav nods.

Aarush: Badi nani thodi der baad aa jayengi,mumma. Aap unki baat chhodiye aur meri baat suniye! Mujhe kuch chahiye aapse?

Khushi(cups his cheek): Kya chahiye humare bete ko?

Aarush(smiles): Golgappe!

Arnav: Noways,Aarush! Garmi me roadside se golgappe nahi khane chahiye. Aur waise bhi,tumhari mumma ki tabiyat abhi theek nahi hai isiliye thode dinon tak hum me se koi bhi baahar ka kuch nahi khayega. Understood?

Aarush: Understood! Lekin main toh ghar k bane golgappe khaane ki baat kar raha tha,papa. Woh golgappe jo bua banaanewali hain,mere liye!

Khushi: Areh waah!

Aarush: Main bas yeh chahta tha ki aap woh mujhe golgappe khilaaye. Aap khilaayengi na mumma?

Khushi: Ha beta! Aur hum aapk saath khayenge bhi. Waise bhi humara kuch chatpataa khaane ka jee kar raha hai. Ab hum dono khoob maze lekar golgappe khayenge!

Aarush(extends his hand): De taali?

Khushi(high 5s him): Teri moochh kaali!

Aarush(leaning his head against her chest): Pataa hai mumma,abhi HP kaka mere liye mango shake banaa rahe hain.

Khushi: Kya baat hai! Aaj toh lard sahab ki khoob khaatirdaari ho rahi hai!

Arnav : Exactly! Aaj aisa lag raha hai jaise mother's day nahi,(pulls Aarush's chubby cheeks) Laddoo's day hai!?

Aarush(angry): Papa! (whines)Mumma,papa ko boliye na! Kitni zor se mere gaal kheench diye!

Khushi: Aap kyun humare bachchhe ko chhed rahe hain Arnavji? Ab usse mat chhediyega!

Arnav: Okay! (tweaks her nose) Toh ab tumhe chhedoon?

Khushi glares at him.

Aarush: Nahi! Mumma ko bhi mat chhediye!

Khushi: Ha!

She kisses Aarush's cheeks one after the other.

Khushi: Ab theek hai beta?

Aarush: Hm. Pataa hai mumma,kal raat ko papa ne mujhe daanta bhi tha,woh bhi do baar!

Khushi: Haww! Arnavji, kyun daanta aapne Laddoo ko? Aapko pataa toh hai,aapki oonchi aawaaz se isse kitna dar lagtaa hai.

Arnav: Yeh so hi nahi raha tha! Isiliye mujhe daantna padaa..

Aarush: Woh toh main aapko gift dene k liye excited tha na amma,isiliye!

Khushi: Hum samajhte hain,beta. Par aapko bhi samajhna chahiye naa.. Papa office se thak-kar aate hain tab unhe aaraam karne ki zaroorat hoti hai.
Jab tak aap nahi soyenge tab tak papa kaise so payenge,hmm?

Aarush: Sorry mumma! Sorry papa!

Arnav: Its okay! Ab jaldi se mumma ko jalebi khila do varna phir se thandi ho jayegi.

Aarush lovingly feeds one jalebi to Khushi.

Khushi: Yeh toh bahut hi swaadisht hai!

Aarush: Ab yeh rabdi chakhiye,mumma..

Khushi: Hmmm! Yeh bhi bahut achchhi hai! (cups his cheek) Yeh sab Laddoo ne banaaya?

Aarush: Nahi mumma maine toh sirf help ki. Yeh sab papa ne banaaya hai!

Khushi(feigns surprise): Papa ne banaaya? Aapk papa ko khana banaana aata hai?

Aarush: Ha mumma! (proudly) Mere papa ko sab kuch aata hai! Lijiye papa..

He is about to feed Arnav when..

Khushi: Nahi beta,papa nahi kha sakte hain! Iss me cheeni hai naa?

Aarush: Nahi hai,mumma! Iss me sugarfree hai,dono me!

He feeds a jalebi to Arnav.

Arnav(surprised): Yeh toh seriously achchhi bani hai!

Khushi: Iss baar itni achchhi kaise ban gayi?

Aarush: Papa 3 dinon se bua se jalebi aur rabdi banana seekh rahe the,tab hi toh itni achchhi bani hai!

A shocked Khushi looks at Arnav to find him smiling at her.

Aarush: Papa office se aane k baad seedhe kitchen me chale jaate the!

Khushi: Hey Devi Maiyya!

Aarush: Kya hua mumma?

Khushi: Aap k papa humare liye itna kuch kar rahe the aur hum bina wajah unse naraaz ho gaye!

Aarush: No problem,mumma! Aap papa ko sorry bol dijiye. Woh aapko maaf kar denge!

Khushi: Sorry Arnavji!

Arnav: Its okay.

He leans towards her to kiss her when Khushi stops him by firmly placing her hand on his shoulder.

Khushi(glares): Kya kar rahe hain aap?

Arnav: Tumhe kiss kar raha hoon. (turns to Aarush)Aarush,jab aap papa ko sorry bolte ho toh papa aap k cheek pe kiss karte hain naa?

Aarush: Ha!

Arnav: Toh kya papa mumma ko kiss nahi kar sakte hain?

Aarush: Kar sakte hain!

Arnav(to Khushi): Suna tumne?

Khushi: Ji.

He leans closer & kisses both her cheeks one after the other.

Khushi blushes & lowers her gaze.

Aarush: Ab mumma aap papa ko jilebi khilaiyye toh woh aur zyaada khush ho jayenge!

Khushi gets teary eyed while feeding Arnav.

Aarush: Mumma,aap ro kyun rahi hain?

Khushi: Kuch nahi,beta. Bas.. hum yeh hi soch rahe the ki.. bade dinon k baad humne aap k papa ko apne haath se kuch khilaaya hai..

Aarush(wipes her eyes): Aap roiyye mat,mumma. Aapko pataa hai? Jab aap roti hain toh papa ko bilkul bhi achchha nahi lagtaa hai!

Khushi(looking at Arnav): Achchha? Yeh aapse kisne kaha?

Aarush: Papa ne! Jab aap sad hoti hain naa toh papa bhi bahut sad ho jaate hain. Aur main bhi bahut sad ho jaata hoon..

Khushi puts an arm around him & extends an arm towards Arnav.

Arnav gently shifts towards Khushi & hugs her & Aarush.

The three of them stay in each other's embrace for a long time.

Arnav: Ab hum koi sad baat nahi karenge,okay Aarush?

Aarush: Ha papa! Ab hum sirf enjoy karenge aur masti karenge! Hai na mumma?

Khushi: Ha beta. Thodi der baad hum humare kamre me chalenge.

Aarush: Aur phir hum teeno waheen rahenge naa,pehle ki tarah?

Khushi nods.

Aarush(super happy): Yayyy!

He throws his arms around her.

Arnav: Careful Aarush! Mumma ko lag jayega..

Aarush(realizes): Sorry!

Khushi: Koi baat nahi! Shaam ko hum teeno ghoomne chalenge!

Aarush: Aur dopeher ko hum Salmanji ki picture dekhenge- (shows off his muscles) bodyguard!

Arnav: Nope!

Khushi & Aarush: Ha!

Arnav(sternly): Aarush..

Aarush: Aap so jana papa,main aur mumma kam volume pe dekhenge! Okay?

Arnav(smiles): Okay! (pulls his cheeks) Copycat!

Aarush(whines): Mumma..

Khushi(sternly): Arnavji!

Arnav(smiles): Sorry!
______________________________________________________________

**Later that day (night)**

Khushi: Chalo Laddoo. Bahut ho gayi masti. Ab so jao,beta.

Aarush: Kya aaj bhi papa beechh me soyenge?

Khushi who was changing the pillow covers,stopped.

Arnav: Ha beta. Aaj bhi hum waise hi soyenge jaise 1 week pehle sote the.

Aarush: Mujhe beechh me sone dijiye na papa. Kitne dinon se main mumma k saath nahi soya hoon! Sone dijiye naa..

Arnav: Aapne neend me mumma ko kick maar di toh? Mumma k pair me waise hi bahut dard hai. Aapne neend me kick mar di toh mumma ka dard badh jayega.

Khushi: Aaj ki raat isse humare paas sone dijiye naa..

Arnav: Khushi?

Khushi: Plz.. Hum apne aur uss k beechh me taqiya rakh denge,bas?

Arnav: Theek hai. Toh tum dono bed pe so jao. Main recliner par so jaata hoon.

Khushi: Kyun?

Arnav: Taqiya bhi rakhogi toh mere sone k liye jagah hi kahaan bachegi bed par? Tumhara beta toh waise hi aadhe bed par sota hai. Ab taqiya bhi rakh diya toh main toh neeche hi gir jaunga.

Aarush supresses a giggle.

Khushi: Rehne do Laddoo. Papa ko beechh me sone do,beta. Papa bhi toh bahut dinon se amma k saath nahi soye hain naa?

Aarush(reluctantly): Theek hai.

He moves to the right side of the bed while Arnav helps Khushi lie down on the left.

After covering Aarush with his small blanket,Arnav slips between him & Khushi.

Khushi(extends her hand towards Aarush): Goodnight Laddoo!

Aarush(holding her hand): Goodnight mumma! Return gifts k liye thank u!

Khushi: Welcome! Aapko mazaa aaya naa beta?

Aarush: Ha mumma,bahut mazaa aaya! Yeh ek last gift ,sirf aap k liye..

He blows a kiss in the air & Khushi imitates him.

Aarush(kissing Arnav's cheek): Goodnight papa! Bumper surprise k liye thank u!

Arnav(ruffles his hair): Goodnight! And u're welcome! Ab toh aap sad nahi ho naa?

Aarush: Bilkul bhi nahi!

Arnav: Great! Chalo,ab eyes close karo. Main aapko dragon wali story sunaata hoon..
_________________________________________________________________

Arnav turned towards Khushi after Aarush fell asleep.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and nuzzled her neck.

Arnav: Aur tum?

Khushi(confused): Hum.. kya?

Arnav: Ab toh tum dukhi nahi ho naa?

Khushi: Hum bahut khush hain! Kitne dinon k baad aaj neeche gaye,ghar se baahar nikle,sabk saath baithkar khana khaya,baatein ki,kitna achchhha lagaa! Aur sabse achchhi baat- hum apne kamre me waapis aa gaye!

Arnav: Mujhe nahi pataa tha ki tum iss room se itni attached ho..

Khushi: So toh honge hi! Yahaan, jab aap paas nahi hote hain tab bhi aapk paas hone ka ehsaas hota hai. Aap k kapdon ko, taqiye ko,paudhon ko,poolside ko-inn sab cheezon ko dekhkar aisa lagtaa hai jaise aap aas-paas hi hain. Yahaan ki hawaa me aapki mehek hai. Wahaan toh aisa lag raha tha jaise.. aap humse bahut door chale gaye hain! Devi Maiyya k bhajan me bhi humara man nahi lagtaa tha. Har samay bechaini si rehti thi. (smiles) Par ab yahaan aa gaye hain toh humein vishwaas hai ki humari tabiyat jaldi theek ho jayegi!

Arnav: Tumhe apnaa mood aur tabiyat dono ko theek rakhna hi hoga!

He gently strokes her belly.

Arnav: Hum sabko tumhari zaroorat hai. Jab tum khush rahogi toh hum sab automatically khush rahenge!

Khushi: Aur aapko apni sehat ko theek karne ki bhi zaroorat hai. Kal se kaam kam aur aaraam zyaada,hmm?

Arnav: Deal!

He is about to kiss her when..

Aarush: Papa!

Arnav immediately removes his arm from around her waist.

Khushi(whispers): Door hatiye..

Arnav: Ha beta?

No response.

Arnav(hand on his shoulder): Kya hua Aarush?

Aarush: Ha,ha! Main aap k saath hi baithunga! Bas?

Arnav smiles & turns back to his previous position.

Arnav: Sapnaa dekh raha hai..

He cups her cheek.

Aarush: Papa,camel humein giraayegi toh nahi naa?

Arnav: What the..!?

Khushi: Aapka beta hai! Haathi,ghode par toh baithega nahi! Aap dono k liye oont ki sawaari hi theek hai.

Arnav: Tumhara beta hai,tab hi aise sapne dekhta hai!

Aarush: Mami dadi aap bhi aa jaiyye! Doosre wale camel par mama dada k saath baith jaiyye. Mazaa aayega!

Khushi(wonders aloud): Iss k sapne me hum kahaan hain?

Arnav: Tum kyun uss k sapne ki details me jaa rahi ho? Usse camelride enjoy karne do. Tum so jao. (pecks her lips) Goodnight!

Khushi: Goodnight!

**2 minutes later**

Khushi: Arnavji..

Arnav: Hmm?

Khushi: Neembu ka achaar khaane ka man kar raha hai..

Arnav: What the..!?

Khushi: Rasoi se thoda sa achaar lekar aaiyye naa.. plz..

Arnav(sighs): Okay..

He gets up & switches on the bedside lamps.

Khushi: Sambhalkar jaiyyega. Aur seedhiyon wali batti bhi jalaa dijiyega.

Arnav: Main Aarush ka papa hoon,Aarush nahi!

She calls NK as soon as Arnav leaves.

Khushi: Ha Nanheji,aa jaiyye..
________________________________________________________________

Hari Prakash was shell shocked to see Arnav in the kitchen at midnight.

HP: Kya chahiye Arnav bhaiyya?

Arnav opens his mouth to say something when..

HP(interrupts): Aapne humein aawaaz lagaa di hoti toh hum hi aa jaate..

Arnav: Mujhe neembu ka achaar chahiye.

HP: Kaunsa?

Arnav(losing his cool): Abhi toh bola,neembu ka!

HP: Humara matlab tha meetha wala ya khatta wala,kaunsa chahiye?

Arnav: umm.. Dono dedo.

HP: Achchha,abhi dete hain.

He walks two steps ahead & then comes back.

Arnav: Ab kya hua?

HP: Saath me ajwain ki pooriyaan khayenge ya raat ki chapaati aur dal garam kar k laayein?

Arnav stares at HP for a few seconds with an open mouth and a frown on his forehead.

Arnav: R u..? Main aadhi raat ko achaar kyun khaaunga? Mujhe Khushi k liye chahiye.

HP(scared): Samajh gaye. Abhi laate hain.

Arnav: Jaldi laao! (mutters under his breath) unbelievable!
________________________________________________________________

Arnav(gives her the bowl): Yeh lo..

Khushi(smiles): Aur aap yeh lijiye!

She hands him a gift.

Arnav(surprised): Yeh.. kis liye?

Khushi: Humara aaj ka din itna khaas raha,sirf aap ki wajah se! Toh.. humne socha ki.. aap ko return gift dena toh bantaa hai! Toh yeh lijiye!

Arnav: Yeh aaya kahaan se?

Khushi: Nanheji lekar aaye.

Arnav(shocked): Abhi?

Khushi: Ha! Tohfa toh woh pehle hi le aaye the par.. aapne humein aaj 1 minute k liye bhi akele nahi chhoda! Toh hum unse yeh kab lete?

Arnav(realizes): Oh! Tab hi tumne mujhe neeche bheja,achaar k bahaane?

Khushi: Ji!

Arnav: Wow! I'm amazed! Thank u!

Khushi: Isse kehte hain shikaari ka khud shikaar ho jana!

Arnav: Huh?

Khushi: Matlab.. Suprise denewale ka khud surprised ho jana!

Arnav: Absolutely!

Khushi: Waise.. pehle toh man nahi tha par ab.. yeh achaar dekhkar sach me khaane ka man kar raha hai! Toh aap tohfa kholiye jab tak hum iss k chatkaare lete hain!

Arnav is shocked beyond measure upon opening the gift.

It was a photograph of a 3 year old Arnav sitting on his mother's lap & nani standing behind them.

Arnav: Yeh photo tumhe kahaan se mili?

Khushi: 3-4 din pehle naniji humein purani albums dikha rahi thi. Unhi me se 1 me yeh mili. Humne Nanheji se kehkar uss hi din isse badaa karvaane aur bandhwaane k liye de diya tha. Humne socha tha hum aapko maaji k janamdin par yeh denge. Yeh baat humein baad me pataa chali ki iss saal maaji ka janamdin aur mother's day ek hi din par hai. Humari aankhein bhar aayi. (cups his face) Aapne.. apnaa gham bhulaakar,humare liye aur Laddoo k liye iss din ko itna khaas banaaya yeh jaankar humein bahut achchha lagaa! (smiles) Badle me hum itna toh kar hi sakte hain aap k liye! Hai naa?

Tears run down Arnav's cheek as he hugs her.

Arnav: Thank u so much Khushi!

Khushi runs a hand through his hair,soothing him.

Khushi: Hum jaante hain ki aaj aapne maaji ko aur bhi zyaada miss kiya hoga. Lekin aapne humare saamne kuch jataaya hi nahi! Poora din humein aur Laddoo ko khush rakhne me lage rahe. Aur naa hi gharwaalon ne kuch jataaya. Sab humare liye,humari khushi me shaamil ho gaye! Devi Maiyya ki bahut kripa hai hum par jo humein aise pati aur aisa parivaar mila hai!

Arnav(breaks the hug): Thats bcoz sabne kayeen saalon tak maa ka birthday dukhi hokar manaaya hai. Isiliye aaj,jab sab ko khush hone ka chane mila, sab tumhare saath khush ho gaye! I'm sure maa bhi aaj bahut khush hongi!

Khushi: Woh toh hongi hi! Aur aap par unhe bahut garv ho raha hoga!

Arnav gazes longigly at the photograph.

Khushi(points to the bedside table): Isse hum yahaan rakh de?

Arnav nods.

Khushi(closes her eyes): Devi Maiyya,maaji ki aatma ko shaanti dena!

She keeps the photo frame on the bedside table.

Arnav: Thank u once again,Khushi! Return surprise gift ne mere saare surprises ko peechhe chhod diya! It was the best!

He kisses her hands.

Khushi(wiping his tears): Welcome! Ab so jaiyye. Aaj aapne bahut bhaag-daud ki hai. Aap thak gaye honge. Kal subha office bhi toh jana hai naa?

Arnav nods.

Arnav helps Khushi lie down and then he lies down with his head on her tummy & his feet towards Aarush.

Arnav: Bas.. 5 minute k liye aise let raha hoon. Agar tumhe uncomfortable lage toh bataana.

Khushi: Agar aise letne se aapko achchha lag raha hai toh aap raat bhar aise let sakte hain. Humein ya baby ko koi diqqat nahi hogi!

Arnav: Noways! Tumhe pain hone lagega. Bas.. thodi der k liye..

Khushi: Theek hai.

Arnav closed his eyes and heaved a sigh. He felt content & peaceful after a long time.

Khushi gently stroked the back of his head,imparting solace to him through a simple gesture.

Eventually they fell into blissful slumber.

In his sleep Aarush shifted closer to his father,resting his head on Arnav's thigh and wrapping his leg around his (Arnav's) leg.

All three of them slept like that till the next morning.

***********************************************************

Dedicated to: a) My mother. She's everything for me. This is the first mother's day when she's not with me & I'm missing her like hell!

res aww dat was so beautiful arush so cute arnav supporting khushi in tough tymes... d care luv everythng im in luv wid ur arush.. ausum os

Beautiful OS..
Thanks for the pm..

so beautiful os
happy mothers day to all

it is just beautiful

res

waiting for your translation. Thanks

Loved it. That was a lovely tribute to mother on Mother's day!

Wow Smitaji, this was one of the sweetest OS I have ever read and moreover it covers up the most pure & serene relationship of everyone's life "Mother". This is the most beautiful dedication ever. Made me miss maa more than usual, its been 15 months since I met her and god knows when next I will be able to go to India so I can understand your emotions too! Coming back to OS, it was sweet, adorable, exceptionally well written and I loved the conversations "very realistic and natural", it looked like a scene from our life, a husband & son taking care of most important lady in their life, awesome! Aarush was so cute & Khushi's gift in the end was best, so heart warming. Lovely update, thanks for writing it 😊