The plate almost slipped from her hand as a memory from the Basketball Match flashed in front of her eyes,

Khushi was sitting on the bench watching Arnav play basketball with Aarav and Sheetal when she heard some voices

"They're looking so adorable together. Like a perfect family" She heard a man

Khushi looked back at the Basketball court and saw the three laughing while playing Basketball. Arnav's carefree laughter brought a beautiful smile on her face.

"The parents have such a great bond with the kid." She heard and the smile dimmed.

"Khushi bitiya"

"Khushi.. Tum theek ho?"

That's when she noticed that she was standing on the same spot for quite a while now and had also started crying. Khushi wiped her tears and moved towards the rest of the family.

"Khushi"

"How was the game?" Khushi asked

"Oh it was amazing. We had so much fun!! It was as if the Harvard Days were back!!" Sheetal exclaimed excitedly.

"I see you had a lot of fun." Khushi smiled at Arnav and he nodded with a smile.

"Thank you for arranging the day out Khushi. I really did need it, There's no denying that." Arnav said softly.

"I'm glad. I'm sorry I left in the middle." Khushi whispered.

Arnav frowned at her lack of enthusiasm "What happened Khushi, Why are you off?" He asked concerned.

"Nothing, Just.. I am a little upset. I'll be fine." Khushi confessed.

"What happened love? You've not been yourself for quite a few days now" Arnav asked anxiously.

"Oh Khushi you're such a spoilt sport, Arnav won the game, He is in such a good mood and you are all set to spoil the atmosphere by your gloominess and drama." Sheetal shook her head in disapproval. "I know what is making you upset, The fact that you didn't know Basketball and couldn't play with us. Isn't it Khushi?"

"No Sheetal-ji. First of all I am not trying to spoil the atmosphere or his mood, I am upset.. Arnavji saw it on my face and asked me what's wrong. I told him.. because he has every right to know something is bothering me. Secondly I do realise that there are things I'm not good at, No one can be good at everything Sheetal-ji. Basketball is something you are good at while I'm not. There must be things that I know and you don't" Khushi replied calmly.

"Yeah. Like Cooking and Housework" Sheetal said sarcastically.

"That and Horse Riding, Skating, Ice Skating, and Ice Hockey" Khushi said.

Sheetal stood stunned for a minute before bursting into laughter "Did you come up with that in these five minutes only Khushi?" She asked between her laughs.

"How the hell dare you Sheetal!! That's my wife you're talking to, Be in your limits!" Arnav screamed angrily.

"It's okay Arnavji, You don't have to lose your cool, And sheetal-ji I don't have to prove my talents to anyone, It's their problem that they don't want to believe me. Just because I don't go around flaunting my talents or educational achievements doesn't mean I don't have any.. Or that I am not proud of myself. I just don't believe in flaunting about them to my family. Because for them I'm their Khushi and I want to remain just like that in their eyes" Khushi said with a smile which seemed mocking to Sheetal.

Sheetal fidgeted with her fingers embarrassed.

"I'm sorry.. actually I have always seen you as a homemaker, I..uh- haven't seen you talking in english I thought-" Sheetal fumbled with her words.

"Keep your assumption to yourself Ms. Kapoor, Aisa kaun si kitab mein likha hai ki jo auraten homemakers hoti hai, Educated nahi hoti? It's just a Matter of choice. Or in some cases compulsion by the family. Assuming so biasedly and generalizing homemakers is something I hadn't expected from a modern woman like you sheetal. (In which book of the world is it stated that woman who are homemakers aren't educated enough?)" Arnav mocked at her.

"I.. I You're right Arnav." Sheetal said.

"It's ASR for you Sheetal. Arnav is for my family." Arnav said firmly.

"I'm sorry ASR" Sheetal lowered her head in embarrassment.

"And as far as my English speaking skills are concerned, I can assure you that they're very polished. But english is neither my first language, Nor my family's. It's hindi that we use in normal day-to-day conversation and that is probably why you've never had the chance to witness my 'Modern' as you put it, side. For example, Let's assume that you know Chinese, Or maybe French, But you don't go around speaking any of these languages as none of the people around you would understand a word, And even after knowing that.. If you insist on flaunting and speak a foreign tongue, in a house where no one understands a word of it, You'll only end up making a big fool out of yourself!" Khushi said with a smile making sheetal burn in jealousy and humiliation.

"You're still upset, aren't you?" Arnav asked settling beside her on the bed.

Khushi sighed.

"Sheetal ended up making it worse. But I am so proud of you for doing what you did today.. I was pleasantly surprised at seeing your confidence and the way you defended yourself." Arnav beamed at her.

Khushi gave him a small smile.

"What is it Khushi? What's making you upset?" Arnav asked softly as Khushi kept her head on his chest and snuggled into him.

"I'm fine. I am just overthinking. Nothing important!" Khushi whispered

"Mujhe nahi bataogi? (You won't tell me)" Arnav asked lovingly caressing her hair

"I'm-"

"Bolo Khushi (Say Khushi)"

"I was watching the match.. when I heard someone say that you sheetal and Aarav are looking like a perfect.. family. They said, that the parents had such a great bond with the kid." Khushi recounted the incident to Arnav

"I.. know this doesn't mean anything. I know those people didn't even know anything, But I felt really bad when they said those things." Khushi said with a childlike manner.

"Oh Khush" Arnav kissed her forehead wiping the tear that had rolled down her cheek.

"I don't want people assuming that they're your family" She said in a low whisper

"Aur bhi kuch hai, Haina? (There's more to it, Right?)" Arnav asked.

"No.. It's just. It's nothing Arnavji" Khushi shook her head.

Arnav sat up and made her sit in front of him.

"Let it out Khushi. Bottling up of everything never does anyone good. You're my wife, I can't see your beautiful eyes sad and teary." Arnav cooed softly.

"Arnavji.. I-"

"Trust me, It'll help. I'll help. You don't have to do this alone, You have me right next to you." Arnav assured cupping her face.

Khushi looked at him sighing softly, Arnav nodded encouragingly at her.

"Naniji.. and Mamiji and Anjali di think that Aarav is a replica of you. A junior version of you but.. Arnav-ji he is not Aarav is not your replica Arnav-ji. He's not like you. He doesn't have the golden heart that you have. Aarav doesn't know how to respect his elders like you respect Naniji and Mamiji, You are arrogant because.. You are a businessman and you have to deal with the world on a daily basis. He is a freaking child, His arrogance.. His nuisance, It's not normal, Even for a fatherless child. You are not so insolent Arnavji, Our child, Your child, The little life that will have a part of you will never be like Aarav and I know it, Why can't everyone else see that Aarav is not like you? Why can't see that.. He is not like my Arnavji? Why can't they stop comparing the two of you?" Khushi whispered in tears. Arnav again wiped her tears, Which he was doing every few minutes while she talked.

"Go on" He urged softly as she looked up to meet his eyes.

"I know and trust you, I know that Sheetal was your past and I am your present, I.. I know your relationship with her is that of.. friendship and nothing else. But I can't stop myself from feeling scared. When you.. reminisce your Harvard days.. with her, I don't know why I get scared that I'll lose you. I know it doesn't matter. But... The fact that she's your ex-girlfriend is not letting me be in peace.. I-I trust you, I do.. but.." Khushi trailed off

"I know Khushi. I know what you feel" Arnav assured softly

"I'm so sorry"

"Sshh Khushi, Its normal, You aren't a superhuman. Insecurities, Fear of losing, This is human. It's okay, You don't have to apologise for anything." Arnav whispered soothingly

"You're not upset with me right?" She asked hopefully.

"I'm not, Why'd I be? For you being scared of losing me? After knowing how much importance I hold in your life? Yes, I am upset but with myself, For not seeing your fears earlier and not being able to comfort you way earlier, For unintentionally ignoring you and letting this fear, This insecurity grow inside of you. My little butterfly was facing so much behind my back, and I had absolutely no idea of everything that was going on. I was just busy catching up with my college mate I'm so upset with myself for letting you reach this point." Arnav spoke guiltily

"It's not your fault Arnavji." Khushi said softly

"It is. Of course it is. But Khushi, You have nothing to fear. Sheetal is an acquaintance Khushi, and nothing more to me, The past relationship that we shared was long forgotten and doesn't mean a thing to me. Just that I bumped into her after so long that it triggered a lot of memories You are the first and the last girl, I have been affected by. You taught my heart to beat, You made me realise the meaning of love and It's importance to me. You are the only girl, Who has had the courage to stand up to me and I fell in love with your feisty and strong personality Khushi and as I've always said, My Khushi is the only one in this entire universe. My unique piece. No one, Absolutely no one Khushi can ever replace you in my life. I love you, Only you!" Arnav assured her pecking her forehead.

Khushi smiled feebly.

"Sheetal" Arnav called sheetal later at the dining table

"Yes Arnav?" Sheetal responded excitedly her heart galloping in her chest.

"It's ASR sheetal, How many times do I have to remind you the same thing?" Arnav asked tiredly

"Uh.. I'm sorry." Sheetal mumbled

"Anyway, You had said that your apartment will be handed over to you in two days.. But now it's been two weeks, Is your apartment not ready yet?" Arnav asked frowning

"I.. I don't know Ar.. ASR. The broker says that the apartment is taking time." Sheetal fidgeted with her fingers.

"It's okay sheetal ji" Anjali started

"No di. It's not okay. I agree that Sheetal is my friend but there's something called personal space in a married couple's life. And according to me, That personal space gets repeatedly invaded in the presence of guests I have no issues in confessing that I don't feel very comfortable with Sheetal around, And I won't be surprised if Khushi shares my opinion too. Yesterday only, I and khushi were talking after dinner when Sheetal came into our room with the intention of discussing a project." Arnav said solemnly

Sheetal paled. There was no way she could stay after such a direct indication from ASR that he didn't want her in his house anymore.

"The work must be important Chotte." Anjali tried to defend

"Di.. even if it was, Khushi has the right to demand my time which I am not able to give her because of the presence of Sheetal and Aarav, Yesterday Aarav held me up to play chess with him, Today half of my day was spent in playing Basketball with Aarav and Sheetal while Khushi didn't even enjoy the game because she didn't know how to play it. She was just sitting outside the Basketball court and watching." Arnav said

"But after coming back you were with her only right?" Sheetal mumbled.

"She's my wife sheetal.. anyway you won't understand, You've never been married. No woman would be happy if her husband doesn't give her proper time." Arnav said shaking his head.

"Khushi Ji-"

"Now.. please di, don't ask her if she feels this way, Coz I know she'll decline even if she does, being her selfless self. Know that I don't feel comfortable with guests in my house, And I am going to arrange their stay in the AR employee quarters because of this very reason. It's not like I'm leaving them to look for their accommodation." Arnav said firmly.

"You need..-"

"But.. chotte Aarav" Anjali's concerned voice reached his ears. Arnav sighed.

"Di, Aarav is sheetal's son. Her responsibility! and It's not like she's going to handle him alone for the first time. She has been doing that ever since he was born. Even if she stays another few days, She'll be leaving later on. Or are you planning on making her stay forever?" Arnav asked

Anjali looked at him lost in thought.

"You're right chotte." She agreed after a few minutes.

"So, That is sorted now. Sheetal you should pack your bags tonight. You can shift to the employee quarters tomorrow morning. Even you would be uncomfortable living at someone else's house for so long. And you can stay at the employee quarters for as long as you like. If you want you can cancel your apartment. Your rent will automatically be deducted from your salary." Arnav explained.

"Yes.. Yes ASR. I'm sorry for being an.. unwanted guest and making you uncomfortable with my presence." She looked down embarrassed.

"Oh no Sheetal. You weren't an unwanted guest, My wife.. My Khushi had invited you to stay. Just the stay prolonged a little too much and I wasn't mentally prepared for the same. No offence to you. And now that you're leaving for good both you and I will be living in peace and will be back to our comfort zones." Arnav shrugged.

"Ye..Yes You're right. I should just, Go and pack." Sheetal said nervously.

"We're going Mom?" Aarav asked sadly.

"Yes Aarav we have to leave now. It's been too long that we are living in their house." Sheetal explained.

Aarav glared at Khushi who was serving him curry.

"I don't want it!!" He snapped angrily pushing the plate away due to the impact of which which curry almost fell on Khushi's hand

"Are you okay?" Arnav almost jumped in reflex taking her hand in his and began examining for wound or burn marks.

"I'm fine." She assured Arnav

"And you Aarav," Khushi sighed in exasperation barely preventing the plate from shattering into pieces. "Behave!"

"Don't talk to me like that!!" He snapped

"There was food in the plate Mr. Aarav Sheetal Kapoor, You don't disrespect food even if you're angry at some silly thing out of nowhere." Khushi said sternly

"I'll do whatever I want, You won't dare talk to me in that fashion." Aarav warned

"BE IN YOUR LIMITS AARAV, SHE'S NOT YOUR SERVANT BUT THE MISTRESS OF THIS HOUSE." Arnav screamed angrily making Aarav flinch

"He's a child ASR." Sheetal tried to intervene

"Then ask him to behave like one. He's a lot younger than Khushi and has no right to misbehave with her!" Arnav glared at both the mother and son duo. Khushi rubbed soothing circles on his hands calming him down

"I apologise on behalf of him ASR. Aarav.. Ap.. apologise to Khushi aunty now!" Sheetal tried to act stern

"No Mom.. I.. I won't do anything of that sort!"

"Aarav behave and apologise now!" Sheetal said a bit more sternly.

"I'm sorry."

"You're not doing anyone a favour by apologising Aarav. Say it like you mean it." Arnav said firmly.

"I'm sorry Khushi aunty." Aarav looked down at his lap embarrassed.

"I'm sorry too ASR"

"You're going tomorrow morning sheetal, There's no use holding grudges at this point. But teach your son to behave or it won't do any good to him in future." Arnav said.

Sheetal nodded.

Aarav got up from the table and ran to his room. Anjali looked at his retreating figure in concern and was about to get up to comfort him, When Arnav's voice stopped her

"Let him go Di. He will come around, You sit and eat. You're not going to be there from tomorrow!!" He said sternly.

"But chotte."

"If you go to cajole him, He'd think his misbehaviour is acceptable which clearly isn't. Stay here and eat. I'm sure Sheetal will handle him." Arnav said eyeing her meaningfully.

Sheetal scurried away hurriedly.

"You didn't have to do that." Khushi whispered softly

"Of course I had to. And whatever I said was not exactly a lie. I do feel uncomfortable with their presence and I am also not able to give you my time which is not at all right." Arnav explained.

Khushi looked at him adoringly

"I love you. Thank you Arnav."

"Love you too butterfly.. wait-what?? What did you say?"

"I-I love you? Thank you??" Khushi frowned

Arnav shook his head

"A-Arnav?" She repeated

Arnav smiled and fused his lips with hers taking her into a toe curling kiss.

"I love you so much Khushi!!" Arnav confessed joining their forehead regaining their breaths after a few minutes.

"No one can ever come between the two of us." Khushi sighed in contentment

"No one. Never." Arnav cocooned her in his arms kissing her forehead.

Happy birthday Birthday girl!!

MrsASR

Oh my god I'd been working on it for a week I hope you like it.

I've tried yet again on the Sheetal Track. The one of the two tracks I hate More than anything!! The other being.. well not important. What is important is that whether you like THIS STORY or not.

Do let me know what you think.

EVERYONE!!

Do let me know what you think of this shot?

And I'm extremely sorry for not being regular. But that'll be cured once my exams are over. that's 15 of December. I can only be regular in late December. Thank you for being patient.

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Vinny