Red, the color of blood and fire, is associated with meanings of love, passion, desire, heat, longing, strength, vigor, willpower, rage, anger, and determination.

._._._.

Gupta Sadan
GR

'Does he even remember me?'

She was adjusting her red dupatta around her swan-like neck, the tinge of red reflecting on her cheeks too.

Styling her hair in a braid, she applied a perfect stroke of Kohl in her large eyes.

'What if he has found someone else? US have very beautiful girls.'

Her heart skipped a beat.

'You should be optimistic, Lavi! Maybe he still has feelings for me.'

She felt the blush creeping as she tried to imagine his reaction when he would see her...now after so many years.

Putting red bangles in her hands, along with a bindi on forehead, she looked last time in the mirror.

'Red doesn't look good on me.'

But it was Arnav's favorite, 'I should have worn that golden Anarkali'.

She pouted putting those pearl Jhumkas in ears.

Arnav Singh Raizada was returning to India today, after 6 long years, completing his MBA from the most prestigious 'Harvard University, Massachusett, USA.'

He was 22 when he had gone there, after completing his graduation in Finance and Accounts.

Although he wanted to go on scholarship but Shashi Gupta, Lavanya's father had insisted on sponsoring him.

Instead of returning back after his MBA, Arnav had taken an internship in fashion designing there, simultaneously managing the US branch of G&R.

'He wouldn't have returned even now, but the incident last month.....'

The sound of her phone brought her into reality.

"Lavi Didi, we left airport!"

The message was from Mohan, their driver, which made her to hurry up as she ran downstairs seeing the message.

"OP kaka, are you done with kheer?"

She entered the vast kitchen brimmed in modern lights, designed with a mixture of wood beams with sleek cabinets and a slight contrast of beige and grey.

"Yes Lavi Didi...", Om Prakash answered with a hint of mirth in his voice, "I have made that sugar free kheer as you have asked me."

Om Prakash or OP was the oldest servant of Gupta House.

Since the time their Bhabhiji had come to the Gupta House, as the newlywed bride...OP and his family was serving the Guptas.

In the last 30 years, OP had seen all ups and downs of this house.

From the tragedy of Bhabhiji's death 20 years ago, the growing up of the Gupta sisters, the aging of his Saabji Shashi Gupta-including his heart attack last month!

"Kaka, did you add Shahi masala to Paneer? You know na, how much Arnavji likes your Kadhai Paneer."

Voice of their Lavi didi sounded so anxious today.

"JP bhaiyya, don't make Puris now, Arnavji likes it hot."

She quickly turned the burner off.

"Arey HP bhaiyya, why did you add carrots in salad, Arnavji doesn't like it."

She was running from one corner to other corner, almost on the verge of a panic attack, as she continued, "OP kaka...."

Only to cut by another voice....

"He is not coming here first time!"

The loud voice of Khushi roared,

"Already a freeloaders that we even have to arrange royal Dawats for them?"

There came the sarcastic comment!

All three Prakashas tensed, seeing their Madam ji, still in her tracksuit after her morning jog.

Although both Khushi and Lavanya were sisters but their nature was poles apart.

While Lavanya was sweet, vibrant, down to earth; Khushi Madamji was not even 1% of her name.

"Khushi please. Don't create any scene."

Lavanya stopped her sister. According to het everything was falling into normal now.

"After so many days Papa is doing well, Arnavji is coming...and you!" Lavanya was irritated.

Khushi was always sour towards Arnav and his family. They were so loving, and kind but Khushi had to only taunt them.

"If you don't want to enjoy it then let it be, but just don't spoil it". Lavanya spoke, looking in the eyes of her sister.

"I am spoiling it! Come to reality Lavanya!"

Khushi's cold voice was a notch higher, as she gritted her teeth,

'That Raizada has affected everyone so badly that they don't want to hear anything bad about him.'

Khushi thought. For her nothing was stable yet, neither her Papa nor the company.

She continued, "Just because your boyfriend is coming, it doesn't mean that the whole world should celebrate."

Now this comment triggered Lavanya.

"I don't know why you hate Arnavji so much."

She couldn't help but ask Khushi, and also adding the last part, in a lower tone though, "And he is not my boyfriend.".

Well, Lavanya didn't have any problem with relationships. Only if, Arnav had never reciprocated her feelings openly.

Six years ago, when Arnav had gone away from them, she was only 17.

That time Arnav had just completed his graduation. His stay in Gupta Sadan only of two weeks, had brought Lavanya closer to him.

"You are pretty Lavanya..."

Lavanya could remember his sentence, when they had gone for ice cream together. It was a treat from her side for his help in her studies.

But then he had gone to Mumbai for a workshop of two months and then had moved to US.

They were never in touch after that, but she still had same feelings left for him.

Lavanya came out of thoughts, as she listened to Khushi, "Do whatever then...but don't expect me to support you in this Lavanya!"

How could one be so unrealistic? Khushi thought about her sister.

Khushi Kumari Gupta was the eldest daughter of Garima and Shashi Gupta.

Early death of her mother had made her a bit tough. And now the worsening health of her father, along with the poor financial condition of their company 'the Gupta & Rai' had tensed her.

'Now I have to bear that Raizada!'

Khushi fumed now giving her attention to servants.

"OP kaka, send khichdi in Papa's room. I hope you have made it as I have told you."

She commanded only to get his scared nod in return, while she turned back on her feet only to stop a feet away from Lavanya, "Get it in your brain for first and last time Lavanya, that Arnav Singh Raizada is NOT worth of even my HATE."

She spoke in a venomous tone, "He is completely unimportant!"

Saying so, she was gone. While Lavanya could just sigh.

._._._.

Thanks for reading ❣️