Mother's day OS: The best surprise*Translatn up* - Page 8

beautiful os...

it is one of the cutest os i have ever read! loved it

awsumm os loved it

Such an Awesome OS 👏

really beautiful OS...as well as emotional nd fun...:)

Awesum OS 👏 👏
Superbly written.. ⭐️

Translation: The best surprise

"Ya Aman. Did u fix the meeting with the Bhatias'?" asked Arnav as he fastened the buttons of his waistcoat.

Arnav: No,no,no! Day after wont b possible. Postpone the meeting till next week. And if they disagree, cancel the deal! 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: I'll talk to u after coming to office.

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

Arnav(cocks his eyebrow): So,u want to complain about bua or NK chachu?

"None of them! I'm hear to tell u something very important,papa!" answered Aarush,wrapping his tiny arms around his father's neck.

Arnav: I see.. What is it?

Aarush: 2 days later i.e. Sunday is Mother's day. I want to give a lovely surprise gift to amma!

Arnav(smiles): That's really sweet of u! What should I bring for mumma?

Aarush(smiles): A small baby!

Arnav(frowns): Small baby?

Aarush: Ya! Just like the one amma wants!

His face fell as he continued.

Aarush: Ever since she broke her leg,amma has become so sad. Niether is she able to walk around nor is she able to play with me. She hasnt made jilebis since so many days. Bua was telling me that she's not well. That's y she has shifted in badi nani's room. And thats y she was vomiting that day. Right papa?

Arnav gave a small nod.

Aarush: Once the baby comes home,amma & everyone else will b very happy! Then amma will "get well soon". And all of us will play with the baby! Thats y I've come to u,papa. Amma told me that u & amma will bring a small baby from a secret shop in a few months' time. But I want u to bring the baby while coming back from office on Saturday. Then I & bua wrap it nicely like we'd wrapped amma's gift last year? Just like that! And then I'll wake up amma on Sunday morning & give her the small baby as a gift!

Aarush cupped Arnav's cheek with his left hand.

Aarush: U'll bring the baby on Saturday, wont u papa?

Arnav: No beta. Baby.. wont come right now.

Aarush: Then wen will he come?

Arnav: Mumma had told u naa? Baby will come after 7 months. At that time mumma & papa will get that baby from the secret shop.

Aarush: No papa! Plz bring the baby on Saturday itself! I cant wait for another 7 months..

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. papa cant bring the baby on Saturday..

Aarush: Y not?

Arnav: Coz mumma is not well,beta. She wont b able to walk for another 1-1 1/2 months. Didnt u see how many medicines dr aunty has given to ur mumma?

Aarush nodded grimly.

Arnav: Till she is not well,how will she take care of the baby? And once the baby is here,mumma will hav to take care of both u & the baby. And she'll hav to do the housework as well. How will mumma manage to do all this? tell me..

Aarush: So.. will it take.. 7 months for mumma to become alright?

Aarush: Y? Is it out of stock in that secret shop?

Arnav: Yes.

Aarush: Then u can bring it from another shop! The same thing had happened last time. U told me that u both will bring a baby for me. But that baby was out of stock and finally I had to remain without the baby. Dont do that this time,papa! plz... Get me a baby from some other shop.. I want a baby on Saturday itself..

Arnav: Dont b stubborn,beta. Mumma wants a baby from that shop itself. She'll b happy only if we get a baby from that shop. If we get a baby from some other shop then mumma wont b happy. So,if u want ur mumma to b happy then u'll hav to wait. Okay?

Aarush(with a sad face): Okay.

Arnav(cups his cheek): Aarush,I know that u're feeling lonely. Palaash (PaYash's son) has got chicken pox & Aarav has gone for his summer camp. Ur mumma has fractured her leg. Papa needs to go to the office & ur friends hav gone on a holiday. Since mumma is not well,we wont b able to go to Disneyland this year. And this has made u even more sad..

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 how u must b feeling right now.But beta mumma's health is more important. We can get a Baby later on. Similarly we'll go to Disneyland in some other vacation. But what will we do if mumma does not become well? Will we b able to stay without mumma?

Aarush: No papa.. (with tears in his eyes) I wont b able to stay without mumma!

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. U want ur mumma to get well soon naa?

Aarush nods.

Arnav: For that u'll have to behave like a good boy. Dont trouble mumma. Let her take rest. bua, mami dadi, masi,they're all here naa? U can play with them. And once Palaash bhaiyya's chicken pox is cured u'll b able to play with him. And then, 2 weeks later ur Aarav bhaiyya will b back from the camp. Isnt it?

Aarush: Yes!

Arnav: By then ur mumma will b better. So,its only a matter of few days! Then everything will b alright,okay?

Aarush(nods): Okay!

Arnav: So b a strong boy! Talk to ur mumma when she calls u. Y do u start crying? Does mumma cry wen u hav fever?

Aarush shook his head.

Arnav: She takes such good care of u. Similarly,u need to take care of mumma. If u keep crying in fron of her, mumma will become even more sad. But if u behave like a strong boy in front of her, mumma will b very happy!

Aarush: Really papa?

Arnav: Ya beta. And.. once I'm back from office we'll plan a nice surprise for mother's day!

Aarush(smiles): Okay papa! U think about it in office while I'll think about it at home.

Arnav: Okay. (kisses his forehead) Now u go to bua's room. I'll c u in the evening.

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: Yes di?

Anjali: I've kept ur tiffin in the car. Hav lunch & medicine on time.

Arnav: Ya. Has Aarush had his breakfast?

Anjali: He's having it right now..

Arnav(nods): Di,I'll take ur leave now. I'll try to b back asap.

Anjali(cups his cheek): Dont worry about Khushiji!I & nani will take good care of her! U concentrate fully on ur work!

Arnav(holds her hand): Thanks di!

Anjali: Now go fast,Aakash is waiting downstairs!

Arnav left immediately.
__________________________________________________________________

**Later that day 1:30 pm**

Arnav(wonders): Y hasnt Khushi called me till now?

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

Arnav: Hello..

Khushi(in a rude tone): I'm angry & dont wish to speak to u.

Arnav: In that case u shouldnt hav called me..

Khushi: I'm not like urself!

Arnav: What do u mean?

Khushi: U may not care about me but I do care about u. Thats y I've called to ask whether u've had ur meal & medicine or not?

Arnav: Did u take ur medicine?

Khushi: Yes,I did. And I've had lunch as well. What about u?

Arnav: I've had both lunch & medicine.

Khushi: Okay. Bye..

Arnav: Khushi,wait! I'm sorry! I was getting late for office & Aakash was waiting downstairs thats y..

Khushi(interrupts): U left without meeting me. Isnt it? U never thought about ur poor wife. U didnt feel like meeting her or talking to ur unborn baby. Niether did u feel the need to ask di or Hari Prakashji to inform me that u've left for office. U never felt anything like that! And here I was getting worried & wondering what was taking u so long? Jiji told me much later that u'd left with jijaji! And over here I was..

Khushi: I havent seen u since morning. Hav u any idea how restless I was? Had I been able to walk around I'd hav come to look for u but.. now I cant even do that. And u! U didnt even think about talking to me after reaching office! Lard governer!

Arnav: I had called u but di told me that u were sleeping. Hence I asked her not to disturb u.

Khushi: Y didnt di tell me about it?

Arnav: May b she forgot to tell u..

Khushi(sniffs): Nowadays everyone is forgetting me..

Arnav: That's not true,Khushi! Y r u thinking like that? Dont cry & ruin ur mood & health. I promise! I'll come home early & then I'll spend loads of time with u! And henceforth I'll never leave for office without telling u. Okay?

Khushi: hmm.

Arnav: Come on sweetheart..

Khushi: Ya,okay. I forgive u!

Arnav: Feel like having a jalebi?

Khushi: Yup! I'm craving like mad for a jilebi! My hands r itching to make some!

Arnav: It.. wont b possible for u to make them but.. I'll ask di to make some for u in the evening.

Khushi: Okay.

Arnav: Dont hav too many of those,okay?

Khushi: I'm not Aarush! I'm his amma in case u forgot!(imitates him) Dont hav too many!

Arnav: I know. But sometimes Aarush's amma starts behaving like Aarush. Thats wen I need to make her see some sense like I do with Aarush!

Arnav imagined Khushi scowling at her phone.

Arnav: Shall I end the call now?

Khushi: If I say "no,dont!" will u listen to me?

Arnav: Yes.

Khushi: Okay,so dont end the call!

Arnav: What the..!

Khushi: Didnt u say that I was behaving like Aarush?!

Arnav: Khushi, enough now. End the call & go to sleep.

Khushi ends the call without saying anything.

Arnav sighs audibly.

Arnav: First Aarush was feeling lonely. And now Khushi's feeling both,lonely and depressed. I'll hav to do something for them..

He calls Aman.

Arnav: Ya Aman. Come to my cabin,right now!
_______________________________________________________________

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

Arnav smiles as he answers the call from Raizada residence.

Arnav: Tell me Aarush..

Aarush: Areh! How did u come to know that it was me?

Arnav: Papa knows such things. Tell me,what hav u decided?

Aarush: Nothing. I'm super confused..

Arnav(surprised): U're what?

Arnav(smiles): now,what did they do?

Aarush: When I asked everyone as to what I should giv to mumma,they all gave different answers. NK chachu asked me to get a DVD of Salmanji's movie. Mami dadi asked me to give a nice perfume. Mama dada asked me to give a bouquet. Masi & masa asked me to make a card. Badi nani asked me to give a Devi Maiyya bhajan cd since that'll help mumma in calming down. Bua asked me to give gotewali saaree. Now I'm confused as to which gift should I choose?

Arnav: Y do u want to choos? U can give all of those to ur mumma!

Aarush: No papa. If I giv all those things mumma will get angry & tell me that I've wasted ur money.

Arnav: Point! Do 1 thing,take masi's help & make a nice card. And I'll grt roses for mumma on Saturday. Okay?

Aarush: Not okay! There's nothing special about it, papa!

At that moment Aman knocks on the door.

Arnav: Beta I gotta go now. U think about the special gift & if u come up some thing then u can tell me about it once I'm home.

Aarush: Okay! Come home soon.

Arnav: Done..

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

Aarush: listen..

Aarush: U also keep thinking about the gift whenever u hav time.

Arnav: Okay.

Aarush: And listen..

Arnav: Now what?

Aarush: Dont get angry on small-small things! And dont scold Aman uncle. And dont behave like a lard governer. Okay papa?

Arnav: Okay Aarush. Stop doing a mimicry of ur mumma & end the call!

Aarush: Bye!

Arnav: bye.

Arnav(smiles): Chhoti Khushi..

*Flashback*

Khushi: Of course! Ur son has become a Chhota lard governer!

Arnav(amused): My son?

Khushi: yeah,ur son! He already has ur features & now he's even started talking like u. He is not able to remember his school poems but has memorized what the..! what the..! He wanted to apply papa wala hairgel before going to school today. Yesterday when amma called to speak to him, lard sahab was adamant that he'll talk only thru a bluetooth. When I told him that I dont hav a bluetooth he refused to talk to amma! Remember u'd sent someone to repair the landline the other day? He started asking him as to y doesnt the landline hav a bluetooth? He drove him mad with his questions!

Arnav smiles.

Khushi: And yesterday wen I told him that chameli ka tel is good for the hair,he said "unbelievable!"

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

Khushi: The thing which smells so bad cannot b useful for hair! I kept telling him about the advantages of chameli k tel but he didnt agree to apply it Since he's ur son!

Arnav: Relax Khushi! U need not b so worked up about it!

Arnav: Okay, fine. I'll explain to him & he wont say what the..! from now on.

Khushi: And u also dont say it in front of him. Such words hav a wrong effect on kids.

Arnav: Okay,I wont say. happy now?

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): Again what the..!? Lard governer will never change!

*Flashback ends*

Aman(entering the cabin): Sir?

Arnav(startled): Huh?

Aman: Shall we leave?

Arnav: Ya. Lets go.
________________________________________________________________

**Shantivan 6:30 pm**

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

Arnav(concerned): What's the matter,beta?

Aarush(elated): Nan'kishore nani gave a superb idea,papa!

Arnav: Which idea?

Aarush: Jilebi & rabdi!Amma will b very happy,I'm sure!

Arnav: Okay! So I'll get them from Chandni chowk on Sat..

Aarush(interrupts): No papa. We will make jilebis!

Aarush: Ya! And rabdi as well! And after waking mumma up on Sunday,we'll surprise her by serving r home-made rabdi & jilebi to her for breakfast! Okay papa?

Arnav: But beta.. papa.. doesnt exactly know how to make jalebi. And he doesnt know how to make rabdi toh at all!

Aarush: But bua knows how to make those. Right bua?

Anjali(smiles): Right!

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: Wont u teach papa?

Anjali: Ya beta,I'll teach him. But will ur papa b able to make them?

Aarush(confidently): Yes! My papa can do everything! Right papa?

Arnav: Ya.. beta.

Anjali: Go & tell Hari Prakash kaka to keep ingredients needed for jilebi & rabdi ready.

After he leaves..

Anjali(pats his shoulder): Start practicing from tonight,Chhotey! Counting tonight,u hav 3 days..

Arnav: dont worry di! I wont let down Aarush's confidence at any cost!

Anjali: All the best!

Arnav: Thanks!
________________________________________________________________

**2 days later**

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

Nani: Hav patience,bitwa. Ur amma will wake up anytime soon.

Aarush: At exactly what time will amma wake up,badi nani? Its nearly 8 am. Amma never sleeps till this time.

Aarush: Y?

Nani: When she couldnt get sleep till 2:30 am,she took a sleeping pill. The one who takes that pill sleeps for a long time. Thats y she'll wake up late. Nowadays even u wake up later than usual since u're having holidays. But since today's Mother's day u've been jumping since morning!

Aarush: Wen did I jump? I've been waiting like a good boy since so long!

Nani: Wer's ur papa?

Aarush: He's frying the jilebis. Now I want amma to wake up fast! If the jilebis turn cold,amma wont enjoy them one bit!

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

Nani: Wow! It smells lovely!

Aarush(smiles): Thats bcoz my papa has made it! I'm sure,not just the smell even the taste will b lovely,badi nani!

Nani: Yeah sure!

Aarush: Papa,should we try to awaken mumma?

Arnav: No beta. Allow mumma to wake up on her own. And dont jump on her the moment she wakes up. Remember she's, hurt..

Aarush: Okay.

Arnav: And yes,the jalebis r hot. So hold them carefully & dont stuff them into ur mouth! And..

Aarush(interrupts): Papa,now u've started talking like mumma!

Arnav(smiles): I guess that's sangat ka asar!

Aarush: What is that?

Arnav: I'll tell u later..

He turns to leave when..

Aarush: R u goin somwer,papa?

Arnav: I'm.. waiting outside.

Aarush: Y?

Arnav: umm.. Coz I need to make a few important calls karne. U sit down & wait till mumma wakes up.

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: Come on! Get up fa..

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

Aarush: a.. I meant get up slowly, amma!..

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

Aarush: Use this pillow for support. Sit comfortably.

Khushi: I'm comfortable,beta. (to nani) Namaste naniji!

Nani: God bless u,bitiya! How r u feeling now?

Khushi: I'm okay,naniji.

Nani: By the grace of Devi Maiyya u'll b perfectly fine soon!

Khushi: Thank u! (to Aarush) Laddoo,now u tell me,y r u so happy?

Aarush(gestures): Coz I'll b giving u not 1,not 2 but 3 surprises!

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: Really?!

Aarush: Yes!

Khushi: O,wow! 3-3 surprises in the morning! U made my day! Now quickly tell me, what r those surprises?

Aarush: Here u go!

He gave her the rose first.

Aarush: Papa got this from dadi's garden!

Khushi: I knew it! Where's ur pa..

Aarush(interrupts): and I've made this especially for u!

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

Aarush(admits): I took some help.. from masi. But.. I've done the colouring entirely by myself.

Khushi: U've done a good job with the colouring! And the card is very beautiful!

Aarush(with a twinkle in his eyes): And now,its time for the 3rd &... most special gift!

He uncovered the tray of jalebis.

Khushi(gives fake shocked expression): Jilebiyaan!?

Aarush(uncovers rabdi): Alongwith rabdi!

Khushi: Thanks a lot,beta! Come to amma..

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): My Laddoo did so much for his amma! (kisses his forehead) Amma loved all ur surprises!

She opens her arms to hug him.

Khushi: Come on,gimme a hug..

Aarush: Wont u.. get hurt amma?

Khushi: No beta. Y will I get hurt? Come here,sit on amma's lap..

Aarush: No amma. U'll get hurt..

Khushi: No,I wont,beta. Amma's left foot is hurt but u'll sit on my right foot naa? So amma wont get hurt. Now come here..

Aarush looks towards nani for her approval.

Nani: Sit carefully ha bitwa? Make sure u dont hurt amma's leg..

Aarush(smiles): Ji badi nani!

He carefully sits in Khushi's lap.

Aarush: How r u feeling amma?

Khushi: I'm okay,beta.

Aarush: R u in pain?

Khushi(shakes her head): Nope! My Laddoo has made jilebiyan & rabdi for me,he's designed sucha lovely card for me! And he's also given me a rose! How can I be in pain after all this? I'm pretty good! (holds his hand)And after having jilebi from ur hands I'll b much better!

Aarush: Should I bring ur toothbrush?

Khushi: Brush? Y?

Aarush: Coz papa says that we shouldnt hav anything before brushing r teeth.

Nani: U sit with ur amma,bitwa. I'll get the brush.

Khushi: No naniji. Y should u take the trouble? Laddoo will get it. (to Aarush)Go beta,get amma's brush from the bathroom..

Aarush: I'll get it right now!

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

Aarush(shocked): Papa, what r u doin over there?

He goes & opens the door,catching Arnav unaware.

Arnav: a.. I a..

Nani(covers up): U must've come here to tell me that Anjali bitiya is calling me for aarti. Right Chhotey?

Arnav: Ya.. nani. Di.. is waiting for u..

Nani: I'll b back soon,bitiya.

Khushi nods.

Nani: Aarush bitwa,u also come along. If u dont come with me,who will ring the bell during aarti? Come,I'll give u motichoor k laddoo for prasaad.

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

Nani: Yes! Mahendra bitwa has got those laddoos! U know naa? He loves them! So if u're late u wont get even 1 laddoo!

Aarush: But.. badi naniji amma..?

Khushi: Its okay beta! U can go for the aarti. But dont hav more than 1 laddoo, okay?

Aarush(smiles): Okay amma. But I'll get u ur brush first..

Nani: Dont worry about it. Ur papa will get it for her! Oo aapki amma ko brush karvaaye denge. U come with me. U can come back after doing aarti & having prasaad. come,come! I need to leave for the temple & orphanage after doing aarti. So if we dont go right now,I'll get late.

Aarush: Wait a minute.. (to Arnav)Papa plz dont feed jilebi or rabdi to amma while I'm not here! I'll feed those to her after coming back. Okay?

Arnav: Okay!

Aarush: And.. (gestures)come here..

When Arnav bends down,Aarush whispers in his ear.

Aarush: Plz dont tell mumma that I ate the cashewnuts which were supposed to go inside the rabdi..

Arnav(whispers): Okay.

Khushi: What r u whispering? (looks suspiciously at Aarush)Laddoo, hav u played some mischief?

Aarush: No,I havent,amma! (whispers in Arnav's ear) Papa plz dont tell her..

Arnav(whispers): I wont tell her,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: I'll brush my teeth later on. Right now I need to talk to u about something. Its important..

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

Arnav(concerned): What is it? I hope u're fine..

Khushi: Come & sit here.. next to me.

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

arnav(cups her cheek): Tell me now. What is it?

Khushi: U tell me.. (holds his hand) Has.. something happened to me? I mean.. some life threatening disease or something?

Arnav(shocked): What the..! Who told u all this?

Khushi: Nobody did. I myself hav.. started feeling like that. I've observed that.. since the last few days.. u've started.. maintaining a distance from me. U come back early from office but u dont stay with me for a long time. I dunno y but.. I feel as if u're.. hiding something from me. Yesterday I felt that even naniji & di were.. trying to hide something from me. Tell me the truth,Arnavji.. (touches her tummy) Has.. (anxious) something happened to.. r baby?

Arnav(not looking at her): No Khushi! Nothing is wrong with anyone!

Khushi: If that is the case then y r u not looking at me? Look at me while talkig to me..

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

Khushi: Arnavji,what is the matter? Plz tell me..

Arnav(holds her hand): Its nothing,Khushi! U're fine. Its not as if u're suffering from some disease or infection or anything of that sort! (with his hand on her tummy) Niether has anything happened to r baby. He/she is fine as well.

Khushi: Then y hav u started staying away from me? First u asked me to stay in naniji's room. Then u started avoiding me. U come to meet me while I'm asleep. When I call u,u only talk about my health,my medicines & Laddoo. What hav u done to urself, Arnavji? (cups his cheek) Ur face looks so pale. And u look weak as well.

Arnav(holds her hand): I'm fine,Khushi. Its just that.. work pressure is more.

Arnav: Khushi,I asked u to shift to nani's room coz I was scared that Aarush would hurt u in his sleep. U know how he sleeps,right?

Khushi: Ya. But all 3 of us were sleeping on 1 bed before I broke my leg. U'd sleep in the middle & me & Aarush would sleep on both the sides. So y cant we sleep like that now?

Arnav: That was a different issue. Right now u need more space to sleep. U need to keep pillows under ur leg. Plus there's the bedpan. How will all of us sleep on the bed with all these extras? Thats y I asked u to shift here,so that u get more space & u can sleep comfortably. And besides if u stay there,Aarush will keep bugging u with something or the other. Over here,u'll get more rest & u'll recover faster!

Khushi: I agree. I'm comfortable over here but.. I'm not happy. Niether am I getting sleep.

Arnav: Did u take a sleeping pill last night?

Khushi: Yes,I did. But I feel that I shouldnt b taking this pill..

Arnav: Dont worry,Khushi. Dr has given a lesser dosage to u. So it'll not harm u or the baby.

Khushi: Its not about harming me. I'll b happy once I'm in r room,Arnavji.. Besides,I'll get good sleep over there so I wont need to rely on these pills.

Arnav: Khushi..

He wraps his arms around her.

Arnav: Its only a matter of few days! Once ur plaster is removed & physiotherapy starts,I myself will take u back to r room. And dr was also saying that..

Khushi(irritated): U're talking as if she's God! I'm telling u-I wont hav this sleeping pill from today onwards! And I hav my reasons for doing so. First of all, I oversleep bcoz of this pill. When I wake up my head feels heavy. And secondly if I sleep with u & my Laddoo instead of sleeping here my mind will b calm. Plus I'll b able to sleep on time & the biggest plus point- it'll make my son happy!(sighs) Sometimes I feel that Laddoo is going thru as much pain as I am. Poor,small,innocent kid! He doesnt even know why things happen like the way they do. I hate it when he tells me that he misses me! He need not stay away from me,especially when I'm living in the same house!

Arnav: Khushi u're not..

Khushi(interrupts): Enough! Dont stop me! Do u remember,u'd given me a mother's day gift from Laddoo when I was pregnant?

Khushi(keeps his hand on her tummy): Today I want u give me a gift from baby and also.. from the one whom.. we lost last year.

Arnav(cups her face): What do u want?

Khushi(hugs him): Since Aarav has gone for his camp,I'm staying away from him for a month. I was forced to stay away from the child whom we lost last year,forever..! But now I & baby hav decided that we dont want to stay away from u & Laddoo! Plz listen to me & take me back to r bedroom. I & baby want to stay there,with both of u!

Arnav kisses the top of her head.

Arnav: Okay. I'll take u there post breakfast.

Khushi(grins): Thank u so much!

Arnav: I'm sorry! I kept u & the baby away from myself,Aarush & r bedroom since the last 1 week..

Khushi(kisses his chest): Thats okay! I'm glad that u listened to me today!

Arnav: Can I ask something?

Khushi: Sure!

Khushi: Of course he can! What do u want from me?

Arnav: Promise me,Khushi- U wont think about.. whatever happened last time. Whenever u feel scared or ur mind generates negative thoughts,u'll divert ur mind,promise me! I dont want ur fear to hav a wrong impact on r baby!

Khushi: Okay,I promise! Listen..

Arnav: Hmm?

Khushi: Has Laddoo.. mentioned the baby again?

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: What did u tell him?

Arnav: I've made him understand that the baby will come after 7 months.

Khushi(doubtfully): It will come naa?

Arnav: Of course it will,Khushi!

Khushi: What if.. this time also I hav a..

Arnav places his finger on her mouth.

Arnav: Nothing will go wrong this time! So dont worry! (smiles)I'm sure,1 year later u'll b celebrating Mother's day will both ur kids!

Khushi: And with u as well!

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

Khushi(smiles): Alright!

Arnav: I'll get ur brush..

Khushi(interrupts): Let it b. I can brush my teeth later. U bring Laddoo over here. By now he must've asked atleast 10-20 questions!

Arnav(smiles): Okay. Actually.. u shouldnt hav told him that we're goin 2 bring the baby from some secret place.

Khushi: What else could I tell him? Had I told him that.. the baby is in my tummy,he'd hav surely asked how it landed there? U know how he starts with 1 question & then gradually opens a box of questions!

Arnav: All that is fine but.. what'll happen in future? I mean.. ur bulge will b prominent after sometime. What will u tell him at that time?

Khushi: I'll say that.. I've become fat.

Arnav: And what if.. he comes to know about the actual thing from someone else?

Khushi: We'll think about it later! Right now plz bring him to me.

Arnav: Okay. I'll take these jalebis along & reheat them in the microwave.

Khushi: Ok. a.. listen..

Arnav: Yeah,tell me..

Arnav: U also come along. We'll go for a small drive. I'll help u inside the car.

Khushi: Okay. And listen..

Arnav: Now what?

Khushi: Ask Hari Prakashji to get those blue & black bird balloons for Laddoo!

Arnav: The Angry birds ones?

Khushi: Yea,the same ones! He loves them so much!

Arnav: Okay,I'll tell him. May I go now?

Khushi: Yes,u may!
________________________________________________________________

"R u done with ur talking?" asked Aarush as he gave prasaad to Khushi.

Khushi: Yes. Come & sit on amma's lap.

Arnav: Careful Aarush..

Aarush: So,what did u'll decide?

ArShi look at each other.

Arnav: About what?

Aarush: Bua told me that mumma is planning to give me a surprise return gift & u're deciding about it.

Khushi: Oh! Ya.. so.. its a surprise! U wont enjoy if I reveal it right now,will u?

Aarush: No,I wont!

Arnav: I hav a bumper surprise for both of u!

Arnav: Aarush,u wanted to go to Disneyland right?

Aarush: No papa. I still want to go to Disneyland!

Arnav: Ya,ya,I know! So.. we're goin 2 Disneyland in July!

Aarush(shocked): Y mumma? Ur leg will b better by that time.

Khushi: Yes beta but ur school will reopen before that. And going abroad means taking a long leave. And.. (to Arnav) it'll b the fifth month..

Arnav(interrupts): Dont worry! U'll b able to travel easily,without any hassels. And besides we'll go 4-5 days so that Aarush doesnt miss much of school. and even if he does,he'll cover up after coming back. Right Aarush?

Aarush: right papa!

Arnav: I wanted to give something else as well. Wait a minute..

He walks towards the door.

Aarush: Now what is that papa?

Arnav: Its a surprise for ur mumma, beta!

Khushi eagerly glances in the direction of the door.

Arnav brings a wheelchair inside the room.

Aarush: A chair with wheels?

Arnav: Yup! Its called wheelchair. Now u can go wherver u want,Khushi!

Khushi(elated): Thanks a ton,Arnavji!

Arnav: But.. (points towards the door) she'll b with u,always..

A nurse comes inside the room & smiles at Khushi.

Arnav: U wont go anywer without her. Okay?

Khushi(smiles): Agreed!

Arnav(to the nurse): U can join ur duty from 10 am tomorrow.

Nurse: Right sir.

After she leaves..

Aarush: Thats y u were standing outside,hai naa papa?

Arnav: Yes beta.

He sits on the chair next to the bed.

Khushi: How wil I get up from the bed in order to sit on this?

Arnav: I'll help u when I'll b at home. And nurse & nani will help u in my absence.

Khushi: Speaking of naniji,plz tell her that she can come here. For how long will she wait downstairs? She needs to get ready to go to the temple..

Arnav nods.

Aarush: Badi nani will come in a while,mumma. Lets talk about something else! I want something from u?

Khushi(cups his cheek): What do u want my baby?

Aarush(smiles): Golgappe!

Arnav: Noways,Aarush! U should not hav roadside golgappe in the summer. And in any case,ur mumma is not well. So for some time none of us will hav any street food. Understood?

Aarush: Understood! But I was talking about home-made golgappe,papa. The ones which bua will b making for me!

Khushi: That's great!

Aarush: I only wanted u to feed me those golgappe. U'll feed me naa mumma?

Khushi: Yes beta! And I'll also hav golgappe with u. I wanted to hav something tangy & spicy anyways. Today both of us will gorge on golgappe together!

Aarush(extends his hand): De taali? (Hindi version of high 5)

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

Aarush(leaning his head against her chest): U know mumma,right now HP kaka is preparing mango shake for me.

Khushi: Wow! Today lard sahab is being pampered like anything,ha!

Arnav : Exactly! Today seems less like mother's day,(pulls Aarush's chubby cheeks) and more like Laddoo's day!

Aarush(angry): Papa! (whines)Mumma,ask papa not to pull my cheeks! He pulls them so hard!

Khushi: Y r u troubling my baby,Arnavji? Dont tease him!

Arnav: Okay! (tweaks her nose) So should I tease u now?

Khushi glares at him.

Aarush: No! Dont tease mumma either!

Khushi: Ya!

She kisses Aarush's cheeks one after the other.

Khushi: Feeling better, beta?

Aarush: Hm. U know mumma,last night papa scolded me,that too 2-2 times!

Khushi: Haww! Arnavji, y did u scold Laddoo? U know how scared he gets when u raise ur voice.

Arnav: He was not ready to sleep! Thats y I had to scold him..

Aarush: That was bcoz I was excited about ur gift,amma!

Khushi: I understand,beta. But u should also understand.. Papa is so tired bcoz of his office work. He needs to take rest. Unless u go to sleep,papa will not b able to sleep naa..

Aarush: Sorry mumma! Sorry papa!

Arnav: Its okay! Now feed jalebis to ur mumma or else they'll turn cold again.

Aarush lovingly feeds one jalebi to Khushi.

Khushi: Its delicious!

Aarush: Here,taste the rabdi,mumma..

Khushi: Hmmm! This is too good! (cups his cheek) Did Laddoo prepare all this?

Aarush: No mumma,I only helped papa. He's the one who made all this!

Khushi(feigns surprise): Papa made all this? Does ur papa know how to cook?

Aarush: Yes mumma! (proudly) My papa knows everything! Hav this,papa..

He is about to feed Arnav when..

Khushi: No beta,papa cant hav this! This has sugar,isnt it?

Aarush: No mumma! Both the sweets wer made using sugarfree!

He feeds a jalebi to Arnav.

Arnav(surprised): This is seriously good!

Khushi: How did it turn out so good this time around?

Aarush: Papa was learning how to make jilebi & rabdi from bua since the last 3 days. No wonder these r yummy!

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

Aarush: Papa would head straight into the kitchen after coming from office!

Khushi: Hey Devi Maiyya!

Aarush: What happened mumma?

Khushi: Ur papa did so much for me & I got angry with him for no fault of his!

Aarush: No problem,mumma! Say sorry to papa. I'm sure he'll forgive u!

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): What r u doin?

Arnav: I'm kissing u. (turns to Aarush)Aarush,when u say sorry to papa,papa gives u a kiss on ur cheek,right?

Aarush: Ya!

Arnav: So can papa kiss mumma similarly?

Aarush: Yes,he can!

Arnav(to Khushi): Did u hear that?

Khushi: Yes.

Khushi blushes & lowers her gaze.

Aarush: Now mumma,feed 1 jilebi to papa. That'll make him very happy!

Khushi gets teary eyed while feeding Arnav.

Aarush: Mumma,y r u crying?

Khushi: Nothing,beta. Its just that.. I'm feeding ur papa with my hand after a really long time..

Aarush(wipes her eyes): Plz dont cry,mumma. U know what? papa hates to see u cry!

Khushi(looking at Arnav): Is it? Who told u that?

Aarush: Papa did! Whenever u r sad papa also becomes sad. And I also bcum very sad..

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: Now we wont talk about anything which would make any of us sad,okay Aarush?

Aarush: Okay papa! Now we'll just enjoy & hav fun! Right mumma?

Khushi: Right beta. We'll shift to r room after some time.

Aarush: And then we'll stay there only like we used to earlier. Isnt it?

Khushi nods.

Aarush(super happy): Yayyy!

He throws his arms around her.

Arnav: Careful Aarush! Mumma will get hurt..

Aarush(realizes): Sorry!

Khushi: Its okay! All of us will go out in the evening!

Aarush: And we'll see Salmanji's movie in the afternoon- (shows off his muscles) bodyguard!

Arnav: Nope!

Khushi & Aarush: Yup!

Arnav(sternly): Aarush..

Aarush: U go to sleeo papa,me & mumma will watch the movie. We'll keep the volume low! Okay?

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

Aarush(whines): Mumma..

Khushi(sternly): Arnavji!

Arnav(smiles): Sorry!
______________________________________________________________

**Later that day (night)**

Khushi: Come Laddoo. U've had enough fun. Now u need to sleep,beta.

Aarush: Will papa sleep in between us tonight?

Arnav: Yes beta. We'll sleep the same way we were sleeping 1 week ago.

Aarush: Lemme sleep between u two,papa.I havent slept next to mumma since so many days! Plz papa..

Arnav: What if u kick mumma in sleep? Mumma's leg is anyways troubling her. If u hurt her unknowingly while sleeping,it'll only create more trouble for mumma.

Khushi: Plz let him sleep next to me tonight..

Arnav: Khushi?

Khushi: Plz.. I'll keep a pillow between him & me. Okay?

Arnav: Okay. So u both sleep on the bed while I'll sleep on the recliner.

Khushi: Y?

Arnav: If u'll keep a pillow as well,where will I sleep? There'll b no space left for me since ur son takes half the bed anyways. Now if there's a pillow as well,I'll definitely fall down!

Aarush supresses a giggle.

Khushi: Let it b,Laddoo. Let papa in the middle,beta. Papa also hasnt slept next to amma since so many days,naa?

Aarush(reluctantly): Okay.

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! Thank u for the return gifts!

Khushi: Welcome! Did u enjoy,beta?

Aarush: Ya mumma,I enjoyed a lot! This is 1,last gift ,only for u..

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

Aarush(kissing Arnav's cheek): Goodnight papa! Thank u for the bumper surprise!

Arnav(ruffles his hair): Goodnight! And u're welcome! I hope u're not sad anymore..

Arnav: Great! Now,close ur eyes. I'll tell u the story of the mighty dragon..
_________________________________________________________________

Arnav turned towards Khushi after Aarush fell asleep.

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

Arnav: What about u?

Khushi(confused): What?

Arnav: I hope u're not sad either..

Khushi: Thats bound to b! Over here,even wen u're not with me,I feel as though u're close by. By looking at clothes,pillow,plants,poolside I feel that u're here even wen u're not. The air in this room bears ur fragrance. Over there I used to feel as if u're way to far from me! I couldnt even focus on Devi Maiyya's bhajans. I would feel very restless & unsettled. (smiles) But now that I'm here,I'm sure I'll feel better pretty soon!

Arnav: Now u'll hav to take care of both, ur health & mood!

He gently strokes her belly.

Arnav: All of us need u. So,wen u'll b happy,all of us will automatically b happy!

Khushi: And u need to take care of ur health. From tomorrow,less of work & more of taking rest,hmm?

Arnav: Deal!

He is about to kiss her when..

Aarush: Papa!

Arnav immediately removes his arm from around her waist.

Khushi(whispers): Shift that side..

Arnav: Yes beta?

No response.

Arnav(hand on his shoulder): What happened Aarush?

Aarush: Yes,yes! I'll sit with u! Okay?

Arnav smiles & turns back to his previous position.

Arnav: He's dreaming..

He cups her cheek.

Aarush: Papa,we wont fall down from the camel's back. Will we?

Arnav: What the..!?

Khushi: He's ur son,afterall! Ordinary animals like elephant & horse r not for him! Camelride is the best option for both of u.

Arnav: He's ur son,thats y he sees such wierd dreams!

Aarush: Mami dadi u also come & sit on the other camel with mama dada! U'll enjoy the ride for sure!

Khushi(wonders aloud): Where am I in his dream?

Arnav: Y r u getting into the details of his dream? Let him enjoy his camelride. U go to sleep. (pecks her lips) Goodnight!

Khushi: Goodnight!

**2 minutes later**

Khushi: Arnavji..

Arnav: Hmm?

Khushi: I feel like having lemon pickle..

Arnav: What the..!?

Khushi: Plz get me some pickle from the kitchen.. plzzz..

Arnav(sighs): Okay..

He gets up & switches on the bedside lamps.

Khushi: Go carefully. And dont forget to switch on the lights of the staircase.

Arnav: I'm not Aarush,I'm his papa, in case u forgot!

She calls NK as soon as Arnav leaves.

Khushi: Hello Nanheji. U can come now..
________________________________________________________________

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

HP: What do u want Arnav bhaiyya?

Arnav opens his mouth to say something when..

HP(interrupts): Had u called me I would've come over there..

Arnav: I want lemon pickle.

HP: Which one?

Arnav(losing his cool): I told u just now,lemon pickle!

HP: I meant,the sour one or the sweet one?

Arnav: umm.. Give both.

HP: Okay.

He walks two steps ahead & then comes back.

Arnav: Now what?

HP: Will u hav ajwain ki pooriyaan with it or should I reheat the leftover chapaati & dal for u?

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

Arnav: R u..? Y would I hav lemon pickle in the middle of the night? I need it for Khushi.

HP(scared): Understood. I'll bring it..

Arnav: Hurry up! (mutters under his breath) unbelievable!
________________________________________________________________

Arnav(gives her the bowl): Here's ur lemon pickle..

Khushi(smiles): And here's ur gift!

She hands him a paperbag.

Arnav(surprised): What for?

Khushi: Today was so special only bcoz of u! So I thought that u deserve a return gift! So here's it!

Arnav: From wer did this come?

Khushi: Nanheji got it..

Arnav(shocked): Right now?

Khushi: Ya! He'd got the gift much earlier. But.. u didnt leave me alone today,not even for a minute! So I never got a chance to take it from him.

Khushi: Yup!

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

Khushi: This is what is called "shikaari ka khud shikaar ho jana" in Hindi!

Arnav: Huh?

Khushi: It means.. The one who gave a suprise became surprised himself!

Arnav: Absolutely!

Khushi: I really.. didnt feel like it earlier but.. now,after looking at the pickle,I feel like having it! So u open ur gift meanwhile I'll enjoy the pickle!

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: From wer did u get this photo?

Khushi: 3-4 days earlier,naniji was showing me old albums. I found this in 1 of those. I told Nanheji to get it enlarged & framed on the same day. I'd initially planned to giv this to u on maaji's birthday. But I came to know much later that this year,mother's day & maaji's birthday r on the same day. And when I did come to know of it,I had tears in my eyes. (cups his face) I felt... so happy to learn that u kept ur own feelings of loss aside & did all that was possible to make this day special for me & Laddoo! (smiles) In return I can do atleast this much for u. Cant I?

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: I know that u must've missed maaji all the more today. But u never expressed ur feelings! U spent the whole day trying to make me & Laddoo happy. Niether did anyone at home express their sorrow. Everyone made sure that I enjoyed this mother's day! Devi Maiyya has been really kind to me thats y I've got sucha loving husband & doting family!

Arnav(breaks the hug): Thats bcoz they've all spent maa's birthday in grief for many years. So today,wen they got a chane to b happy,they included themselves readily in ur happiness! I'm sure maa must b happy today!

Khushi: She'll definitely b very happy & very proud of her son!

Khushi(points to the bedside table): Shall I keep this over here?

Arnav nods.

Khushi(closes her eyes): Devi Maiyya,plz grant peace to maaji's soul!

She keeps the photo frame on the bedside table.

Arnav: Thank u once again,Khushi! Ur return surprise gift was way,way better than all of my surprises put together! In fact,it was the best!

He kisses her hands.

Khushi(wiping his tears): Welcome! Now u must go to sleep.U've done a lot of work today. U must b tired. Plus u need to get up on time & go to office tomorrow,right?

Arnav nods.

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

Arnav: I'm lying like this only for.. 5 minutes. Lemme know in case u're uncomfortable.

Khushi: If u feel better wen u lie this way,then u can sleep like this tonight. I dont mind! Niether does baby mind,I'm sure!

Arnav: Noways! U'll get hurt. Its only for.. a few minutes..

Khushi: Okay.

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 was the first mother's day when she was not with me & I missed her like hell!

This is beautiful...Waqai she had best surprises on mother's day...Arnav arush bonding is shooo cute...thsi was amazing...