Their Happiness
I've written After so long it's almost surreal.
So.. This update is dedicated to a number of my patient readers and writer friends who have been holding on to me for so so long. I love you all from the core of my heart. And I want you to never forget that.
I hope you enjoy the shot.
This OS is based on Salman Khan-Preity Zinta-Rani Mukharjee Movie Chori Chori Chupke Chupke.
Obviously, This is ArShi story so there will be major changes.
"Thank you so much Khushi. You have no idea what you've done for us." Advay spoke gratefully as he led Khushi inside the airport.
"I haven't done anything Advay, You and Shikha deserve this. Every couple in this world deserves to experience parenthood at least once in their lifetime. I have just helped you get your due, like a good friend." Khushi smiled at Advay.
"You're really an angel Khushi, Just like your name you've showered our family so much happiness and.. and love." Advay said softly.
"They have done no less for me Advay." Khushi wiped a lone tear that had escaped her eyes.
"I'll miss you Khushi." Advay said genuinely.
"I know." Khushi grinned "I'm like that."
Advay handed her an envelope, "These are the keys to your new house, a little cash and a few signed cheques. I can never repay the favour that you've done to us but consider this to be a small gift." He closed her palm over the envelope.
"Advay, If I accept this, It'll be like I've traded my daughter for my gain. I would never be able to live with that. And besides, I already have my gift. A beautiful family, Maa, Papa, Mama-ji and Mami-ji, A great friend in you, a little sister in Shikha, I am taking all these wonderful people and their memories along with me, What more would I need?" Khushi asked rhetorically.
"But Khushi.."
"Actually, There is something that you can give me." Khushi said with a twinkle in her eyes.
"I would give you anything."
"Give me the right to name your daughter. If you can, Please name her Arushi." Khushi said hopefully.
"I would love to do that. Arushi is a beautiful name." Advay exclaimed happily.
Khushi chuckled softly, "I should be leaving now, It's getting late." She said.
Advay nodded, "Take care Khushi"
Khushi was walking towards the waiting area of the Airport, as her flight had delayed when she felt herself being pulled into a hug from her left. She was about to scream due to the unexpectedness when she heard the person speaking.
"Shh butterfly.. It's me."
Khushi let out the breath she was unknowingly holding recognising the touch and relaxed in the enclosure of those protective arms.
"Arnav.. You scared the hell out of me." Khushi scolded.
"Sorry baby." Arnav whispered hiding his face in her hair and inhaling her intoxicating scent. "I missed you butterfly."
"We met a week ago Mr. Raizada." Khushi stated matter-of-factly "How can you miss me in such a short period of time?"
Arnav turned her around, "Mean you Mrs. Raizada." He pouted.
"Adorable you Mr. Raizada." She chuckled kissing his cheeks
"That meeting, a week ago was not a meeting though. It was more of a disaster." Arnav said.
Khushi sighed, looking down. "I know.. I'm really sorry that I became selfish."
Arnav closed his eyes, tilting her chin upward he made her look at himself. "I do know what you were going through and.. and I don't blame for reacting the way you did Khushi." He assured her softly.
Khushi snuggled into his chest "I was not thinking straight." She mumbled
"I know.. and it's okay." Arnav said running his fingers soothingly through her hair "Everything fell into place eventually and that's what matters."
The family was enjoying the baby shower ceremony, Wherein the to be mother was supposed to perform a religious ceremony for the well-being of the baby in her womb. She was sitting in the place of Shikha whilst covering her face with a veil as Shikha wanted her and Advay's baby to get the blessings of the almighty along with their family and friends. Advay was standing a little away from her near his father while Shikha was watching the whole ceremony from a distance smiling.
"Bahu ne apna chehra ghoonghat mein kyon chupa rakha hai bhai? (Why has DIL hidden her face behind a veil)" Asked one of the ladies who had showed up for the baby shower.
Khushi fidgeted with her fingers nervously.
"If I know Advay enough, he's going to handle it just fine. Don't fret butterfly" Arnav spoke through the earpiece that Khushi had worn so that he could be with her for the special day.
"Hmm"
"Kya hai na aunty, Mein nahi chaahta ki meri patni yaa humaare bacche ko kisi ki nazar lagg jaaye. Vaise bhi woh aaj kal kucch zyaada hi sundar ho gayi hai.(Actually aunty, I don't want any evil eye to fall upon my wife or our baby. She has grown so much more beautiful)" Advay said smirking.
"He does know that it's you under the veil doesn't he?" Arnav asked
"No Mr. Possessive." Khushi whispered "I'm surprised how you're able to hear my voice amid all the chatter and chaos."
"I don't need to hear your voice butterfly, It's our hearts doing the talking." Arnav exclaimed from the other end of the call.
Khushi chuckled.
"Good going Romeo Raizada." Came a hoot from somewhere behind her.
"Who was that?" Arnav asked
"Nanhe-ji" She answered.
"Now.. Let's start the veneration." Ratna exclaimed disrupting the brewing banter between the youngsters.
"Baby.. I'll have to call you later. I'm receiving an important call. Sorry Jaan" Arnav apologised sheepishly
"It's Okay you go."
Advay was made to sit beside Khushi and the veneration started. The priest asked the names of the various relations of the baby, including the father and the mother's name.
"What is the child's Father's name?" Asked the priest, and suddenly the smile on Khushi's face was wiped away.
"Advay Singh Raizada" NK beamed at Advay.
No.
Shikha Singh Raizada, Someone answered the priest when next he asked for the name of the baby's mother causing Khushi to let out an inaudible gasp and wrap her arms around her swollen belly protectively.
The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur for Khushi who was too dazed and emotionally vulnerable to notice the happenings around her. Soon, She was led back into her room and asked to change.
"Take rest, I'll be around if you need something." Shikha said caressing Khushi's cheek before she left the room.
Khushi sat on the bed with a thud, "It's my baby." She sobbed. "Mine!"
A few minutes later, Khushi's phone rang flashing Arnav's name. She took the call
"Hello?" Khushi spoke through constricted throat.
"You're crying?" Arnav asked concerned.
Khushi sobbed, "I can't do this Arnav."
"What happened Khushi?" Arnav asked softly "I was talking to you barely an hour ago."
"Arnav I can't.. I'm sorry I can't give my baby up to them."
Arnav sighed, smiling sadly. It would be a lie if he said that he hadn't seen that coming. He was just surprised at the amount of patience that Khushi had had all these months before. "Come to the temple near the house. Can you manage it? I'll meet you there and we'll go somewhere isolated from there. Leave a note for Shikha that you're in the temple so that they don't get worried."
"Arnav.. Please."
"Calm down first butterfly. Stop stressing yourself, You know the baby won't like it, don't you?" Arnav spoke softly. "Do you want to hurt him?"
"No"
Arnav and Khushi reached the temple around the same time, Arnav got down from his car and reached near Khushi holding her securely in his arms.
"Khushi" Arnav breathed wrapping his arms around her securely, taking care not to hurt her or the little one inside her.
"Arnav" Khushi sobbed into his chest. Arnav scooped her in his arms and carried her to the car. After making her sit comfortably he settled on the driving seat and drove off. After a drive of about ten minutes, He stopped his car in front of an Ice-Cream cafe. It was late night and thus there weren't many people
"Ice-Cream anyone?" Arnav exclaimed, attempting to divert her mind from whatever had happened.
Khushi didn't reply
"Fine. Talk to me" Arnav spoke tenderly holding her face between his palms. "Tell me what happened."
Khushi looked at him, her eyes were red from constant crying. Arnav nodded at her in encouragement. Khushi recounted the events of the baby shower after Arnav had to disconnect the call. "Arnav.. He will never call me Maa or you Papa. He will never know that we are his parents. He will never know us Arnav." Khushi spoke with so much pain and innocence in her eyes that Arnav felt his heart going out to her.
Khushi was his wife, the mother of his unborn but before that Khushi was his best friend, His support system, His strong butterfly who was never let him see herself gloomy or sad. Khushi, like her name signified was the source of all the happiness in his otherwise robotic lifestyle, She was the one person, Arnav could read inside and out. A tear in her eyes was like a thousand stabs in his heart.
He knew that she was not in the right state of mind presently. And yet, Arnav reached out for her, to hold her and to try and make her understand the situation. He felt his hands shaking with the effort that it took. He knew what she felt in that moment because he was more or less fighting the same emotions.
If she was the mother, He was the father too.
"Khush.."
"Arnav I can't do this, It's our baby." Khushi rasped.
"Khushi they're our family. Our baby is going to brighten up their world. The baby is going to be pampered by all of our family, all of them. The baby will have such loving parents butterfly. Think about it." Arnav explained to her.
"We'll also love the baby." Khushi whispered
"Of course we will baby, but then it'll be deprived of the love of our family and love we had decided months ago that this baby will be Shikha and Advay's and not ours. Sweetheart, They've been dreaming a life with this child from the moment you had conceived. You only were telling me that Shikha is glowing with happiness right? Khushi, This child is Advay and Shikha's only hope at ever having parenthood." Arnav cupped her face. These were nothing but a modified version of her own words, Words she had spoken months ago when they had decided to give their baby to Advay & Shikha.
Khushi was still sobbing softly.
"Of course, at the end of the day, The decision is yours. You have carried this baby in your womb and no one has the authority, the right to take him/her away from you not even I will object your decision and as you said, we will love the baby to no limits. But sweetheart, it's you who needs to think wisely and arrive at a decision." Arnav said calmly. He knew her, probably even more than he knew himself. He knew that the girl that his Khushi was would never take a wrong decision with respect to their family, Her consent was the essential prerequisite of any of their decisions and he had never forced her to do anything against her heart and he wouldn't do it today. At this moment, Khushi was driven by emotions. Once she was thinking straight, He knew she would feel guilty about even thinking like this.
His wife was a cute crazy mess, He thought to himself.
Khushi was about to reply when she received a call from Advay
"Breath.. Stop crying, Calm down and then take the call." Arnav instructed handing her a small bottle of water from the dashboard of the car.
Khushi nodded.
Later that very night, Khushi went into labour. Advay and Shikha took her to the hospital where after hours of excruciating labour Khushi gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.
"She's beautiful." Khushi heard Advay saying in child-like wonder as he carefully took the little life in his arms.
Khushi smiled. Advay took the baby to her and allowed her to look at the girl.
"She has your mumma's eyes" Khushi whispered smiling
Arnav's
"Right. She's so tiny." Advay spoke through his tears.
"You'll learn to handle her with time." Khushi assured, not tearing her gaze away from the little girl.
You were right Arnav. She's their baby.
"Thank you so much Khushi" Shikha thanked her genuinely.
Khushi just smiled.
"Go with the baby. The Raizadas are arriving." Doctor Chopra ushered the couple out of the room. Khushi followed the couple's trail till they turned inside another room Vanishing from sight. A lone tear trailed down her cheeks.
Doctor Chopra patted her head affectionately, "You should sleep now bacche." He spoke.
"I need to make a call." Khushi said. Mr. Chopra nodded and left the room as the Raizadas made an appearance.
Khushi took her phone to call Arnav, It was 6 in the morning and Arnav was supposed to be up for his jogging routine.
The call connected after three rings.
"It's a girl." Khushi breathed as soon as the call connected.
"Khushi.. Good Morning. Are you okay?" Arnav asked completely missing what Khushi had spoken earlier.
"I'm fine Arnav. I went into labour at around two last night. We are parents.. I.. I mean Advay and Shikha, they're parents." Khushi told him happily.
For the next few seconds, There was complete silence on the other end of the call.
"Arnav? Are you listening?" Khushi asked
"Y-Yeah.. You went into.. into labour. Is it a boy or a girl? Are you okay love.. Is the baby.. How does.." Arnav asked feeling overwhelmed.
"A girl. She's beautiful Arnav and she.. she has your eyes Arnav. She has.." Khushi told him. "I wish you were here."
"I wish I was too baby. Are you okay?" Arnav asked.
"I'm fine." Khushi assured him.
"Sleep for a while you must be tired right?" Arnav asked.
"Yeah. I just wanted to tell you first." Khushi said softly.
"I love you butterfly. Take care of yourself for me." Arnav said mock-sternly.
"Ay Ay Captain."
"You were right Arnav. She's Advay and Shikha's lifeline." Khushi said smiling at her husband.
Arnav smiled back.
"I know my butterfly isn't heartless and selfish. Even if you wouldn't have given the baby to them I would've understood, but I knew my Khushi doesn't function that way." Arnav chuckled softly
Khushi pouted.
"You're teasing me?" Khushi frowned
"Yes, Any problem?" Arnav raised his eyebrows at her
"Mumma hoti na toh tumhe daant pad chuki hoti abhi tak mujhe tang karne ke liye. (If Maa was here, she would've scolded you for troubling me!)" Khushi said confidently
Arnav looked at her amused "Accha bacchu? (Oh really?)" He tickled her.
Khushi began to laugh uncontrollably as a result of his tickling. "Enough Arnav.." She spoke between her laughter.
"Mumma would've scolded me for troubling you?" Arnav asked smiling.
Khushi nodded adorably.
"You love them don't you baby?" Arnav asked
"They're very loving Arnav. How can anyone dislike them? And why?" Khushi asked
"I know." Arnav said, losing himself in the past.
Khushi and Arnav had met during their college, in an interdepartmental IQ contest between the Fashion and Psychology departments of their college. The contest was won by the Psychology department but the fashion department lead by Arnav had given them a tough competition. Arnav had found Khushi, a live fluttering butterfly with hazel eyes, long hair and an enchanting laughter, a little too fascinating for his own good. Arnav approached Khushi a few weeks after the contest. Soon the two of them were inseparable friends. They would do everything together, be it eating and drinking or studying, or even random things like going for an outing. They were the couple who hadn't yet realized that they were dating when they actually were.
Months later, When Arnav when Arnav was all set to leave the college to go back to delhi to join his family, He realised that he was leaving a part of himself behind in the US. It didn't take long for Arnav to realise that he had fallen in love with his little butterfly. On their farewell, Arnav decided to propose to Khushi and to no one's surprise, Khushi said yes without a moment's thought.
Arnav brought her to Delhi along with himself planning to introduce her to his family and vice versa.
"Mumma, I'm thinking of inviting a friend of mine over for dinner dinner tomorrow."
"You can't, Arnav. I've already invited Mr. Dasgupta and his family over tomorrow. His daughter really likes you and I think you should get married now. This alliance will benefit our public image as well." Arvind said smiling.
"Dad.. I don't want to marry your Mr. Dasgupta's daughter." Arnav said plainly.
"Why?" Arvind asked
"Because I'm already in love with someone else. Her name is Khushi and she was a fellow student with me back in the US." Arnav told his family.
"So you've already decided who you want to tie the knot to?" Ratna asked happily.
"Yes Mumma.. She's amazing. She was the topper of her batch and has recently grabbed an internship with one of the city's best psychologists." Arnav told his family
"What do her parents do?" Arvind asked keenly
"Dad her parents are no more. She lost her parents when she was six in an accident. She was brought up in an orphanage." Arnav revealed.
Arvind looked at him shocked. "You mean to say that you are marrying a girl practically off the road."
"Dad.. She's a decent girl and is pretty firm on her morals and principles. She has worked really hard to get herself access to education without any external help." Arnav defended his love.
"Clearly she has worked even harder to trap a rich bachelor and why not, you can afford to fulfill all her whims and fancies which will be impossible for her if she loses you." Arvind said sarcastically.
Arnav sighed, "Dad, She is not the kind of girl. You are misunderstanding Khushi."
"Marrying Sheetal Dasgupta will give both our Financial Position and Public Image a great push Arnav. While your 'Khushi' will bring with herself nothing. We don't even know what family or blood-line she belongs to." Arvind argued.
"How could I have stayed back after that?" Arnav asked.
"You shouldn't have walked away just like that." Khushi said softly.
"Dad was saying god knows what about you. He wasn't ready to listen to me or even meet you once to try and understand you. All he cares about is his business, and their god-damned reputation." Arnav scoffed.
Khushi sighed, "What do you want to do now?"
"Dad is asking me to choose, between you and my family." Arnav said, shocking Khushi to the core. Khushi's hand slipped from Arnav's.
"Is.. Is this a good.. Goodbye then?" Khushi asked trying her best to keep her tears at bay and her voice from cracking.
"No butterfly, Of course not Dammit! This is not a goodbye. I choose you." Arnav said
Khushi's eyes widened in shock. "Why?"
"Because it's you." Arnav smiled
"And they are your family."
"So are you butterfly, if they want me to remain a part of their family, they'll have to accept my family into theirs as well." Arnav said calmly.
"I wish they loved you the way you love them." Arnav whispered sadly.
"I got their love for all these months, It's enough for me Arnav. I found a mother in Mumma, A father in Dad, A partner in crime in Dada-ji, A brother in Nanhe-ji, Advay and Shikha were the best friends that I could ever ask for. I found myself so many relations, I found a family in which I was loved just like a daughter, Even if it was for a short time. What more could I have asked for?" Khushi questioned.
"I love you Khushi." Arnav pulled her in his arms.
Khushi smiled into the hug.
"You were supposed to be in USA right?" Khushi asked
"Hmm"
"You stayed back to take me along?" Khushi asked
"No. We aren't going back to America." Arnav told her.
Khushi frowned.
"Come let's get our car." Arnav led her out of the Airport.
"We're staying in Delhi?" Khushi asked surprised as Arnav fastened her seatbelt.
"Yes butterfly."
"Why where.. Arnav what's running in your head?" Khushi asked confused
"We're going home." Arnav said
"Home?"
Arnav turned to the main road, out of the Delhi International Airport. "Home."
She knew, by default what he meant when he said 'home' Home was something Khushi had never really had before Arnav showed up in her life and made her feel at home in his presence. For the last seven years of their lives, Arnav was Khushi's home and vice-versa but there was another home they'd both been craving for, for more than half a decade now.
Arnav's family, His Home.
For the next few minutes, None of them spoke. The only sound in the car was the faint sound of the FM which was playing a beautiful old Melody "Kal Chaman Tha" from the 1965 classic "Khandan"
"Do you want to turn the volume up? I know you like 'em old classics." Arnav spoke out of the blues.
"No I'm good." Khushi said quietly.
"Did they ever mention me, while you were there? Mumma, Papa, Dada-ji, Mama-Mami, anyone of them? " Arnav asked Khushi
"Dad is angry with you Arnav, for not listening to you and marrying me without his consent but that doesn't mean he will forget you. You told me that everything will get better eventually, that they will accept me. It's just a matter of time." Khushi said softly
"I don't think that answers my question Khush." Arnav said
"They miss you Arnav, Mumma-Papa, Dada-ji. Everyone does. They mention you, they talk about you, they love you." Khushi said smiling.
"I know you're right. I'm just worried that they might not accept you with open arms." Arnav confessed.
"They will Arnav. It's been years." Khushi assured him.
"I hope so, I don't want them to hate the person who has loved their son and supported him so unconditionally." Arnav said softly.
"Nothing of that sort is going to happen I assure you Mr. Raizada." Khushi smiled confidently.
"They're looking for a surrogate mother ASR, Shikha Mam had a miscarriage a few weeks ago and that has rendered her permanently infertile." Aman informed his boss, This was a kind of a ritual for Arnav and Khushi. Once every few weeks, Arnav and Khushi were updated on the situation and the new happenings concerning their family. Five years ago, Arnav had married Khushi in a small temple on the outskirts of the city despite the clear disapproval of his father (and consequently the rest of the family) and moved to the States to start his own venture. In the Last Five Years, AR had seen great heights and even greater success on a worldwide scale, Khushi was now working as a Psychology professor in a reputed university in Boston whilst pursuing her Ph.D. side by side, both of them were fairly content and happy in their lives but, The absence of their family to share their every little happiness and success with always pricked them.
"Why didn't you inform me earlier?" Arnav asked sternly
"I just got to know myself Sir." Aman answered
Arnav looked at his side where Khushi was sitting with her laptop open in front of her, looking just as distressed as him.
"Any success so far?" Arnav enquired.
"No sir, I'm afraid. It's hard to find one keeping in mind the amount of secrecy Advay Sir and Shikha Mam require." Aman said.
Arnav nodded. "I know, The family won't be welcoming of the news." He acknowledged with a sigh. "Even with them being a lot more liberal, Infertility is a huge problem. They need to keep her problem a well-gaurded secret."
Khushi smiled at him, shifting a little closer to him. "We're going to figure out something very soon" She assured him.
Arnav nodded "I hope we do. I really hope we do."
"I want to meet them Arnav" Khushi spoke suddenly, minutes after she done Arnav's tie knot for him causing Arnav to look at her bewildered.
"What?" He asked.
"I want to meet Advay and Shikha." Khushi clarified.
"They live in Delhi butterfly, How will you meet them here. And why on earth do you want to in the first place. You know everything.. They might not even want to meet you." Arnav told her.
Khushi smiled, "I won't tell them who I am"
Arnav frowned.
"They've never seen your wife Mr. Raizada." Khushi smirked
"Why would you.. Khushi I don't understand you at times." Arnav sighed exasperated.
"Arnav, You said that everything that happens needs to be kept under wraps, right? Who better than me can accomplish that job?" Khushi explained.
"Tum theek ho? (Are you Okay?)" Arnav asked cupping her face.
Khushi nodded with a smile.
"What did Dr. Uncle say?" He asked
"They've done basic tests. We can start the procedure in another few weeks. Adi says we'll have to travel to London." Khushi informed him.
"London?"
"The family is sending Adi and Shikha on a kind of second honeymoon uh.."
"You're supposed to accompany them for the procedure." Arnav completed for her.
"Yeah, I will probably have to leave sometime this week." Khushi informed him.
"Will my butterfly miss me?" Arnav asked
Khushi nodded. "But I know you won't miss me." She said
"Really? How do you know?" He asked amused
"You have your US branch and your First wife to keep you occupied, so you won't miss your butterfly. On the contrary, Now that I'm not going to be around you'll give all of your time to my sautan" Khushi teased him.
"You're wrong about me not missing you." Arnav contradicted
"Am I? How?"
"When you'll be gone, who will irritate me with her constant stupid yet cute blabbering?" He asked
Khushi blushed profusely hearing his words.
"No actually you're right, I won't miss you because I will be around you for the next three months at least."
Khushi smiled broadly. "Really?"
"Actually, I have been meaning to check on the London branch for quite a while now. That way it serves both the purposes." Arnav winked
The vehicle stopped in front of the Raizada Mansion, Arnav looked at his side. The Raizada Mansion was decorated in the wake of the celebrations of the recent new addition to the family of Raizadas. Arnav smiled as the hand of his better half slipped into his own
"Are you sure?" She asked, still skeptical about her husband's abrupt decision to meet his family after five long years of being away from them.
"Don't tell me that you're scared" Arnav teased.
"I am, I have spent the most memorable moments of my life in this house. I have been showered with so much love from all the people here, I wouldn't want any bitterness to tarnish the good memories I have had in here." Khushi confessed.
"Come" Arnav pulled her towards the front door of the house with himself.
He reached for the doorbell, Taking a deep breath to calm himself down, He pressed the bell and took a step back.
Khushi squeezed his hand gently. A few minutes later, The door was opened by the old house-help
"HP" Arnav smiled at the man in recognition.
"Arnav Bhaiyya" HP exclaimed, surprised beyond belief, his eyes wide as saucers.
"You've rubbed in well on everyone, I see." Arnav chuckled looking at his wife standing next to him all nervous and fidgety.
Khushi hit his shoulder playfully.
"Can we go inside?" Arnav asked.
HP nodded hurriedly and moved out of the way.
"What's taking so long HP, Who is at the door?" Ratna asked coming towards the door.
Arnav smiled softly at his mother.
"Miss me?" He asked
"Chotte." Ratna took careful steps towards her son, fearing that he might disappear any moment.
"Took me too long to return this time, right?" Arnav asked hugging his mother tightly.
By the time Ratna found the will to come out of the hug the rest of the family had also gathered around in the corridor.
Arnav wiped Ratna's tears, "Do you want to make yourself sick?" He asked
Ratna shook her head.
"Arnav?" Arvind gasped, His eyes brightened up on seeing his son in front of himself.
Arnav smiled at him, glancing back at his wife who hadn't made any effort to move from her place and disrupt the beautiful family moment.
"Come on butterfly" Arnav held his hand out for her, Khushi put her hand on his to stand next to him.
Turning to his family he spoke, "Meine suna hai, Ki patni ke bina kiya gaya koi bhi accha kaam adhoora mana jaata hai, Now that I'm here to try and reunite with my family.. I couldn't do that without her by my side. (I have heard that any good deed done without your wife besides you is meant incomplete,)"
"Khushi." Ratna and Arvind had similar expressions of shock written all over their faces.
Khushi and Arnav bent down to take the blessings of their parents.
"Why didn't you tell us earlier?" Advay asked Khushi, He along with Shikha walked up to the couple.
"I was scared that you might not be as friendly as you were." Khushi replied "I didn't want to lose the one chance I had at having a family."
Advay sighed, "I think you're right, We're sorry." He apologized to the couple.
"Are we supposed to talk in the corridor only?" Arnav asked
"Of course not! Come in chotte.. Khushi beta come." Ratna tugged at Khushi's wrist but she was busy looking at her father-in-law who had an impassive face on.
"Pa.. Uncle?" Khushi called him.
Arvind looked at Khushi, a tear escaped his eyes. "It was your and Arnav's child."
"Arnav.. Its not working, Artificial Insemination is not working for us. My body is not accepting it." Khushi tells Arnav two weeks after their second attempt at insemination.
"What do the doctors say?" Arnav asked
"They've done all the tests, They say that there's nothing wrong." Khushi told him.
"Are you okay sweetie?" Arnav asked
"They're disappointed, Shikha and Advay are losing hope. I can't see them that way."
Khushi said sadly.
"I'm aware butterfly, What are the options?"
"The doctor has told me, that if Artificial insemination doesn't work we should try the traditional way. Since it's going to be my first conception. But.. of course I won't-"
"Yes! We could conceive the traditional way."
"What are you suggesting?" Khushi asked.
"We" Arnav pointed between the two of them "could conceive the.. traditional way and you can.. tell them that.. that you conceived after the earlier insemination. We could talk to your doctor about the slight manipulation about the time maybe.. I mean.." Arnav struggled with the explanation.
"I get it." Khushi stopped him mid-sentence. "We will give them our baby"
Arnav froze.
"Yeah I mean that's the only way left. There's no point in being here if I don't conceive in another month. We need to do this." Khushi spoke quietly.
"Our baby"
Khushi smiled "It's said that elder sister-in-law is like a mother to her husband's siblings. They're like our children Arnav and I'm sure they'll love the child more than their lives." She said
"I know. But how will we do it? We can't risk them finding out." Arnav said.
"Adi and Shikha are going to Shikha's brother's house for a week. I'll be.. alone in the house for those days starting tomorrow. At least in the day." Khushi informed him.
(This is officially so weird. Please don't look for logic and kindly spare me with the technicalities of the insemination I'm not aware of how that works and I might've messed up with that part..)
Khushi gasped.
"The baby.. you lost, that still born child-" Arvind's voice cracked.
"Dad.." Arnav moved towards his father trying to comfort him.
"Its as if all the happiness of this house has been jinxed." Arvind whispered.
"That's not true.." Khushi spoke comfortingly.
Arvind smiled softly at her. "Take her inside Arnav. She must be tired."
Arnav nodded.
"With all the rituals chotte." Dada-ji added.
Arnav and Khushi frowned.
"Ratna, Bahu ka Greh-Pravesh karwaana hai (Ratna, Her Greh-Pravesh needs to be done.)" Dada-ji spoke sternly
Ratna nodded and hurried to the temple area closely followed by Shikha.
Khushi looked at her husband apprehensively, who blinked trying to assure her. Khushi nodded.
By the time the couple was done, Ratna and Shikha returned with a veneration plate and a pot full of rice respectively. Ratna made Khushi and Arnav to stand side by side and did their Aarti after which Khushi was asked to push the pot of rice with her right foot and enter the house.
"Now, Carry her inside the house according to the family tradition." Dada-ji instructed Arnav who was all too happy to oblige did so with a grin on his face.
"Arnav!!" Khushi gasped.
"For a few minutes forget the complex stuff and enjoy your Greh-Pravesh. Now hold on tight."
Khushi on the other hand could only shake her head hopelessly at her husband and smiled at him nervously.
Fifteen minutes later, The whole family was still recovering from the shock of discovering that the girl who they thought of as a stranger to them till a few days back when in reality the Elder Daughter in law of the house.
"You say you had no idea?" Ratna asked her younger son, who was looking just as clueless as everyone else.
"No Mumma. No one knew anything apart from the two of us." Arnav said, throwing a look at the couple which secretly screamed 'Don't say anything, unless told otherwise.'
"Yes.. Uh- Aunty. I introduced myself to Advay and Shikha as one of their business associate's wife. Arnav and I had been living in The UK for a year by the time I had.. conceived. Around the second month of my pregnancy, Arnav had to leave forThe US due to some issue and he couldn't take me along because the doctor had instructed me not to risk travelling in the first trimester. Arnav got to know.. Through his personal assistant and best friend that.. these two are also in London and we decided that I should stay with them. We had to lie to them about my identity because we still didn't know whether they would want me to stay with them or not considering that I wasn't exactly welcomed in the house.. earlier." Khushi informed
"It wasn't good for her to stay alone during that time. I was originally supposed to take her with me as soon as she was fit to travel but.. by the time that happened, Shikha, Adi and she had bonded so well. I didn't have the will or the courage to snatch from her what appeared to be the only chance she had of being wwillingly accepted by my family." Arnav said "Or at least a part of it."
"You weren't planning on returning even now?" Arvind asked, trying hard to mask his disappointment.
Arnav sighed, "I hadn't even planned on leaving Dad, then how can I plan on returning?" He asked
"Arnav" Khushi glared at him sternly.
Arvind smiled "Don't scold him beta, He's right. He hadn't left with his own free will, It was my stubbornness that had made him act the way he did." He said
"Uncle.."
"Dad.." Arvind interrupted her
"Ji?"
"Dad or Papa, Not uncle." Arvind clarified.
Khushi frowned.
"I know it's a little abrupt and sudden. I know you expected me to behave completely differently but.. whatever I said and did five years back was wrong, I accept that. I know that he took the right decision, he did exactly what he should've in that situation." Arvind acknowledged.
Khushi looked at him wide-eyed.
Arvind chuckled, "I know.. Surprising."
"Shocking!" Arnav spoke from beside his wife.
"Shut up Arnav!!" Khushi whispered
"I will be honest, When Arnav had left the house five years back, I had blamed you for being the reason my son went against me. That's how us elders react to such things, don't they? We find it difficult to accept our bad decisions and mistakes and that's exactly what happened in this case but I've had a lot of time to think about everything, and realise where I went wrong, I shouldn't have forced him for accepting my decision, not before I had met you at least once." Arvind confessed apologetically.
"When I finally realized that I was wrong, I wanted to approach you people and maybe even apologise but the famous Raizada ego held me back every time I wanted to take a step in your direction. I'm sure you've had plenty of first hand experience with the ego problem." Arvind added
Khushi smiled.
"I'm sorry bacche, because of my anger and stubbornness you and Arnav had to stay away from your family for so many years." Arvind apologised to Khushi to which she instantly shook her head.
"You don't have to apologize for anything.. Papa. You're elder to me." Khushi spoke urgently.
"Even elders can be wrong sometimes, and when that is the case, they should always apologize. I know I'm extremely late, but as it is said.. Better late than never, isn't it?" Arvind asked.
Khushi nodded with a smile, as her eyes teared up.
"Always be happy my dear." Arvind blessed her with all his heart.
"Thank you papa." Khushi said softly.
Just then, Shikha entered the hall carrying a crying Arushi in her arms.
"Look at this little devil, She has not stopped crying from the minute she has woken up, despite all my attempts." Shikha spoke whilst rocking the baby in her arms.
Khushi stiffened for a nanosecond, her mind reeling back to her breakdown from days back. Arnav squeezed her hand.
Ratna took the baby in her arms and started to coo to her.
"Maa, Let me try once." Arnav volunteered when she didn't stop crying even in Ratna's arms.
"Bhai hasn't even met his niece, Ma give her to bhai. I think she has sensed his presence too." Advay said.
Ratna smiled, handing the little girl to Arnav.
Arnav held her protectively against his chest. The baby instantly stopped crying and snuggled into him resting her head against her father's chest.
Like mother like daughter.
"There you are. She has stopped crying and I didn't even have to do anything." Arnav exclaimed.
The family sans Khushi looked at him surprised.
"What?" Arnav looked at them questioningly.
"She has never calmed down that instantly with any of us." Ratna clarified.
"She's a week old mumma, don't talk like you guys have spent forever with her and to answer your question, I'm special." Arnav said proudly.
Khushi smacked him lightly on his arm.
"Mrs. Raizada, that hurt!" Arnav cried.
Khushi shrugged. "Serves you right."
Arnav pouted. The rest of the family chuckled at his expressions.
"Shikha, now at least you know he can calm her down if no one else can." Arvind said.
"Of course. I'll always be ready." Arnav smiled
"Thank you bhai." Shikha smiled back.
"What made you decide on returning though, bhai? Not that I'm not happy that you are back. I'm just a little curious I guess about the reasons" Advay said rather sheepishly
Arnav smiled, "Truth be told, The idea of returning was always lurking in the back of my mind. I always wanted to come back one day or the other but the 'Famous Raizada Ego' as our old man here puts it always held me back. I didn't want to be the first one to bow, because in my mind I wasn't wrong. On the other hand, I was worried that Khushi might not be welcomed and Dad might still be bitter about my.. 'stunt' as Khushi likes to call it, from years back."
"In conclusion, I was the villain of the story." Arvind stated
"I don't think so.."
"It was probably just your stubbornness and I was thinking too much." Arnav completed for his wife.
"We have had this conversation so many times in the last five years that I have her words memorized. For the record, Khushi wanted me to come and apologize to Dad much earlier but I had my ego issues and I didn't relent. We really were missing our family when we were away after all even my ego has to accept that. And Khushi was happy here, The last few months I've practically heard the happiness in her voice and all the midnight rants about you guys that I had to listen to told me that my butterfly was getting attached to you guys. I knew it was going to be hard for her to leave her 'Home' behind and I didn't want to snatch her smile from her just because of my ego and my own stubbornness, so I made arrangements to permanently shift my base to delhi and make an attempt at reconciliation with Dad." Arnav concluded.
"Khushi is really the happiness of this house." Arvind commented.
"True that." Arnav agreed and dropped a chaste kiss on the said woman's forehead.
"The happiness is here to stay." Khushi smiled.
"Forever."
~The end~
One clarification, Shikha and Advay are of the opinion that the baby is a result of Artificial insemination and thus they never doubt Arushi not being their child and ArShi never reveal it either.
This story came out of a very messed up and kind of blocked brain. I've been trying to write something since ages but wasn't able to concentrate on writing. If this story is a little.. confusing please forgive me. Also this kind of ended abruptly for me but that's all I had.
If you have any questions, Feel Free to ask.
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