Hey friends 🙋

I m back with a new chapter 🤷

I would like to thank to all those who voted & commented on the previous chapter & due to ur incredible reponse that chapter became the first one to cross 500 vote mark in any of my stories 💃

Thank u sooooo much 😘 Keep on pouring the same love always ♥️

Now here's the update 👇

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Arnav was very much frustrated & angry as the meeting was reaching no where even after several hours of conflicts, discussions & warnings from both the parties to each other.

When Arnav had come to Mumbai he was prepared for 2-3 days stay if needed but had decided to bent the dealer Mr. Khurana on the terms & conditions they had finalized. But this man was more stubborn then he had thought.

After the phone call with his Khushi & the way Khushi had asked him to return soon he was not willing to extend his stay even for a day. He just wants to get done with the meeting & flew to his Khushi as soon as possible.

They had talked this normally after days of ignorance, yearning & longingness.

Her sweet voice over the phone had worked as a balm on his aching heart.

Now he just wants to go to his Khushi, embrace her tight burying his head in her silky traces. Wants to soothe his yearning & longing for her by inhaling her jasmine scent, by caressing her soft smooth skin to his heart content, by kissing her passionately & ultimately making sweet love to her after days of distance between them.

But this Khurana is hell bent on pouring cold water on all his plans.

He was already on the edge of loosing his control when Khurana stubbornly declared that this contract would be fulfilled only on his terms & conditions otherwise the contract would be cancelled.

He was very much assured that Arnav would bent infront of him as he has no other option. The deadline of the contract is just after a month & no other dealer would be able to supply him the material as per his requirement of quality & quantity this soon because its a huge order to meet in such short period.

But Khurana didn't knew that right now he isn't provoking a businessman who would be patient enough to negotiate with him but an edgy husband who is ready to kick this contract on his face just to go back to his wife.

But he soon got to know it.

Ok Mr. Khurana, if you want to play dirty then be it that way. Previously all the contracts my company had given to your company because your father was a genuine man & a thorough professional. He knew my choice of quality so we never had to mention that particularly as it was like an unsaid rule between us. But this is our first contract with your company after you taking the reign in your hands after your father's death & you showed how cheat, amateur & an unprofessional businessman you are by supplying the cheap quality material. But Arnav Singh Raizada never works with such cheap unprofessionals. Arnav said coldly to Mr. Khurana who was sitting opposite to him & now seemed a bit uncomfortable hearing the coldness in Arnav's voice.

I am breaking this contract right here right now Mr. Khurana. Declared ASR closing the file infront of him with a thud startling Khurana & the other occupants in the room.

Mr. Khurana shifted nervously on his place seeing Arnav ready to break the contract.

Arnav, what are you saying?? You are being impulsive. Its question of crores. Sheetal who was sitting silently till now besides Arnav spoke slowly, leaning towards him.

Sheetal, I very well know what I am doing. Don't interfere in between. He said sternly moving back on his chair.

Sheetal gritted her teeth in annoyance as Arnav was giving her cold shoulder since they landed in Mumbai. Instead he was good with her in Delhi, infront of his family. He never declined any of her suggestions or never got angry whenever she interrupted in between.

Only if she knew the real reason behind him giving her that much liverage.

Don't act foolish ASR. You know how much of loss you would face if you break this contract. Khurana tried to backtrack Arnav siting the amount of loss he would face.

Mr. Khurana, I know I would face a huge loss which I would definitely cover in a year or two but what about you?? Arnav asked raising his eyebrows, sitting more comfortably on his seat, resting his elbows on the arm rest & interlocking his fingers making Khurana frown.

What do you mean?? Khurana asked confused.

One word from Arnav Singh Raizada in the market about your unprofessionalism, all your company's reputation & goodwill would go downhill which you won't be able to cover even in a decade. How about that loss Khurana?? Arnav said tilting his head. His arrogant smirk giving the glimpse of The ASR to Khurana who had only heard about his shrewdness in business but never got to face it due to his father's credibility. But seems he is about to experience it soon as ASR has certainly turned the tables. He had thought that due to lack of time & crores at stake, Arnav would have to accept his conditions but he was wrong to even think so.

You can't do that. Khurana faked arrogance.

Try me. Arnav stated confidently making Khurana gulp.

Arnav you are... Sheetal started again but one glare from Arnav & she sat tight-lipped.

She wanted this meeting to extend to the next day. But the way Arnav threw his cards she knows it would end soon failing all her plans just like yesterday.

She was muttering curses to her fate.

So the meeting ends over here Mr. Khurana. Get ready for the news of your company's doom in tomorrow's news papers & on tv as well. Arnav said standing up, pushing his chair arrogantly, buttoning his jacket, pocketing his mobile, ready to leave.

Unwillingly Sheetal had to follow suit. She was collecting the files to leave with Arnav when Khurana stood up & stopped Arnav.

Won't you compromise at all?? Asked Khurana softly now.

Arnav didn't even bother to look at him let alone answer.

Understanding his answer Khurana accepted defeat.

Ok. You win ASR. I would supply your choice of material. He said in a defeated tone.

You have no choice Khurana. Arnav said menacingly, resting his hands on the table, bending his face towards Khurana, intimidating him which made his blood boil but he could do nothing.

So this contract still stands. Right?? Khurana asked forwarding his hand towards Arnav gulping the insult he himself asked for.

I want the material supplied in due time, without even a day's delay. Arnav ordered authoratively & moved towards the exit giving Khurana's forwarded hand a royal ignore.

Sheetal followed him now cursing Khurana in her mind.
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Arnav took Sheetal to his Mumbai branch & introduced her to all the key persons of all the major departments.

Sheetal was on cloud nine thinking that he was giving her so much importance. Before she starts weaving some more dreams Arnav bursted her bubble.

Sheetal, from now onwards you are the new branch manager of this company. You will start your work from tomorrow. He stated simply sitting on his chair in his cabin making Sheetal's eyes almost pop out in shock hearing his words.

Branch... Branch Manager. You mean... We are going to stay in Mumbai only. Butterflies started fluttering in her stomach even with the thought of only him & her working here together. She thought she got much more then what she wanted.

But she was too soon to assume.

Not we. Only you. Arnav said raising his head from the file he was reading

Sheetal frowned.

Sit Sheetal. He said gesturing her to the chair opposite to his, accross the table

Sheetal sat slowly. Her confused eyes fixated on Arnav.

Keeping the pen on the file he moved back on his chair & sat comfortably.

Sheetal, you already know my current branch manager of this company Mr. Sharma is retiring in a few days. Right now I don't have somebody worthy & reliable to replace him. I can definitely interview people to hire for the same position. But I think I don't need to, as you are very much capable for that. You are qualified plus I have seen your work & you are too good at it. So I think you are suitable for this position in every way. So I am transferring you from Delhi to here, straight as the branch manager. You can get some experience with Mr. Sharma until he is here. Then you can take over his position as soon as he retires. Arnav said with a mild smile hoping Sheetal to jump in happiness with the news making his work easy.

But Sheetal had gone to a complete different zone.

Although this should be biggest news & achievement for her but the truth is she isn't here to achieve this because accepting this offer means staying away from Arnav & what she actually wants to achieve won't be possible in that scenario. But she can't straightaway refuse him as it would raise doubts. So she has to trade tactfully.

Bringing a forced smile on her face she said. Thank you Arnav for thinking me worthy of this position. I am highly honoured but I can't accept this proposal.

Now it was Arnav's turn to get confused at her refusal to such tempting offer.

But why?? He asked frowning. It's a lifetime opportuninty for you. It would be the best chance for the growth in your career graph. He tried to explain her.

I know Arnav but I don't think I am ready to accept & perform such huge responsibility. She tried to fake reasons.

That's no problem. As I told you, Mr. Sharma will train you for a few days & the intelligent you are you would grasp everything perfectly & then would fulfill your responsibility brilliantly. I am sure of that. Arnav said showing trust in her capabilities.

Sheetal gritted her teeth inwardly, annoyed on Arnav's insistence.

I am glad you trust my capabilities that much. But the problem is not only that. What about Arav?? How will he take this sudden change?? I mean its been just a month I got his admission in Delhi. He has already joined school in mid-term, now in such short period if he again gets change of city, change of school, then it would affect his studies & emotionally as well. She said with a worried mother face, sounding genuine as much possible.

Oh if that's the case then you don't need to worry about that as well. Arav has 3 months left for his academic year to get over. He can stay in Delhi, at my house, with my family. Once his finals are over I will send him to you. Arnav said simply.

This man has counter attacks to all my reasonings. Sheetal huffed thinking of some more valid reasons.

Arnav you are not understanding. I have never parted Arav from me ever before even for a day. Here you are talking about 3 months. I can't stay away from my baby neither can he for this long. Sorry Arnav I can't accept this offer. May be after 3 months once Arav's school is over I can think over it but not now. She adamantly rejected his offer.

Arnav could feel a mother's fake emotions genuine.

Standing up from his chair he came across his desk & sat on the edge of the desk, away from Sheetal's chair.

Folding his hands, exhaling deeply he said Sheetal, I understand your emotions. But sometimes we need to take such hard decisions in life. Arav is a smart boy. He would understand if you explain him how important this opportunity is for you career wise & financially as well. You would earn 5 times more then now. Being a single mother, this would be of a big help for you to raise Arav in a much better way. Arnav tried to show her practicality, chucking the emotions.

Its not about money Arnav. My motive is something else here mused Sheetal amidst Arnav's logics.

Besides you know how close Arav has become to my family specially with dii. Infact he is most of the time with her only since you both came to stay in our house. Dii is also very fond of him. She will take good care of him. You don't need to worry or is it you don't trust my dii & family with Arav?? He tried to play emotional not seeing her relenting.

No it's... Its nothing like that. I... I trust them. She accepted unwillingly as she can't defy him on his family as it would go against her only.

So the decision is taken. You are joining this company. I will introduce you with the whole staff tomorrow morning & then I will leave for Delhi. He said happily, raising himself off of the desk & moving to his chair to call his assistant to prepare the required documents for Sheetal's decided job here.

Seeing Arnav's determined face she understood that he has made up his mind. She can't negotiate anymore with him as she is out of reasons. She will have to think of something else. But she won't stay here at any cost.

Arnav I will also come with you tomorrow to Delhi. She suddenly said making Arnav put the receiver back on the cradle he had lifted to call his assistant.

Why?? He asked scrunching his eyebrows.

Arnav all my clothes & necessary stuffs are in your home. So I will come tomorrow with you to collect them & also would meet my son once before joining here. She said making a sad, pitiful face.

Arnav thought for a while.

Sheetal for your necessary things & clothes you don't need to come with me. For a few days usage you can buy your stuffs from AR outlets here. Company will pay for it. Arav has weekend offs in school. So I will send him & dii alongwith your things on this weekend. Like this you will get your things & will get to meet Arav as well without bothering to come to Delhi & then again return back to Mumbai exhausting yourself. He intelligently solved her this problem as well much to her annoyance.

Ok. Sheetal accepted faking a smile as she had no other option or reason left now.

Arnav smiled at her, satisfied.

Ok Sheetal. You go to the apartments, have your dinner & rest. I will send the car tomorrow morning to get you back here. He said & dialled his driver to instruct him to drop Sheetal to the apartments.

You are also coming na to the apartments tonight?? She asked expectantly as he cut the call, wishing atleast one of her wish gets fulfilled today.

No Sheetal. I will be staying where I stayed last night. You don't worry about me. Now go, the driver is waiting for you at the entrance. He said straightforwardly.

Yes sure. She said with a meek smile.

Good night Arnav. She wished him getting up from her chair to which Arnav responded with a curt nod & she left his cabin repeating her curses.

Arnav heaved a huge sigh of relief at her wake as his plan to shift her away from his Khushi's sight was successful. Now he can concentrate on mending his relationship with his Khushi without any tension.

Opening Khushi's pic on the screen saver of his mobile he traced his fingers delicately on it.

Tomorrow Khushi, tomorrow your Arnavji will be back to you & I will erase all the bitter memories of the past days with my love. I will apologize for every hurt I caused to you intentionally or unintentionally. But now no more distance between us. We will live happily together just like before. He said kissing Khushi's pic lovingly & then resting back on his chair, closing his eyes, kept the mobile on his heart.

I love you Khushi. I love you so much. He said pressing the mobile to his heart. I miss you sweetheart. A lone tear rolled down from his left eye & fell on the mobile over his heart.
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Khushi was sitting with her Laxmiji on bed. Laxmi was lying comfortably besides Khushi who was caressing Laxmi's stomach making her feel good & she was rewarding Khushi with her loud meh... Meh..

Laxmiji, good that you came otherwise I was getting bored resting whole day in this room. I can't even go down to help jiji in the kitchen as she & naniji has strictly ordered me not to leave the room, precisely the bed itself. They want me to rest, rest & only rest. No work. Now you only tell me Laxmiji, won't I get bored whole day sitting at one place?? Also I have slept good hours in the afternoon so I am not feeling sleepy as well & nobody is there to talk to me. Khushi complained twisting her mouth & moving her hands animatedly to which Laxmi immediately meh-ed reminding her that she is there with her hearing her complains.

Yes, yes. You are there. But still, there is a limit with you as well Laxmiji. You can hear my talks but you can't answer me neither you can question me back. So technically it would be only me talking between both of us. So that won't be called as passing the time. She said pouting, again earning an understanding meh from Laxmi.

We don't even have mosquitoes in our house that I can kill my time by killing them. Khushi said clapping her hands together demonstrating her art of killing mosquitoes to her Laxmiji.

Khushi was blabbering when she heard something falling on the floor. She looked at the direction of the voice & found Laxmi standing near the centre table & the TV remote was lying on the floor near her leg.

Khushi frowned & looked at the place besides her where Laxmi was lying leisurely enjoying her stomach massage just a few seconds before.

When did you go there Laxmiji. Khushi asked amused, getting up from the bed.

Laxmi licked the remote & then meh-ed looking at Khushi.

Khushi understood Laxmi is asking her to watch TV to kill her time instead of killing the non-existing mosquitoes.

Laxmiji, you are so intelligent. Why didn't I think of this?? Khushi said caressing Laxmi's head & then picked the remote from the floor.

Actually I haven't watched tv since long as nothing felt entertaining to me since a few days so that's why it didn't occur to me. But I think its time to bring all the entertainment back in my life alongwith working on our mission KKK. She said winking at Laxmi.

Switching on the tv she went back & sat on her place on the bed.

Laxmi went out of the room as it was her time to feast on her greens served by nani.

Khushi was surfing the channels when she saw one of the movie channels playing her Salman Khanji's movie DULHAN HUM LE JAYENGE. She sqealed in happiness & keeping the remote aside she moved back resting her back to the headboard sitting comfortably, keeping her pillow on her lap, she got busy watching the movie.

Salman Khan was successful as always in entertaining her & bringing a bright smile on her face.

She was completely engrossed in the movie oohing & aahing over Salman Khan's dialogues, dance moves & romance.

Half past interval Salman Khan with his heroine Karishma Kapoor started dancing on the song RAAT KO AAUNGA MEIN TUJHE LE JAUNGA MEIN. They were dancing & singing happily but Khushi's then happy eyes were now full of tears remembering her sangeet ceremony where her Arnavji had shockingly surprised her & the hundreds of guests present there by dancing on this same song.

Everybody was initially shocked & then all were clapping & cheering him loudly, including her.

She had been so happy that day when Arnav had proposed her for marriage at the end of his dance & she had readily accepted it with happy tears flowing from her eyes.

Love can reduce anyone to anything. He had said on mike before his performance.

So true he was.

Love had indeed reduced him from an arrogant, ruthless & egoistic ASR to her loving, caring & humble Arnavji who had showered immense love on her replacing all the bitter memories of past.

But now he is again giving her bitter memories which are stinging her heart to no limits.

Why does he do this??

Why can't he always remain as her loving & caring Arnavji??

Why only she is subjected to bear such dual personality of his where he changes from The ASR to her Arnavji & vice versa according to his convenience without bothering of the hurt it causes to her??

When they met initially he was all cruel ASR with her for long. Then he became humble Arnavji during her jiji's marriage. Then he again became heartless ASR with her during their contract marriage. Then he again got transformed to her loving Arnavji after his kidnapping episode & was the same till a few days back when he again went back to the unaffected ASR.

Though today she got to hear a tinge of her Arnavji in his voice over the phone but is this all what she would be facing all her life?? The fear of him turning to ASR followed by the longing of him becoming her Arnavji again & the cycle would go on.

Will she be able to take this again & again??

Her saddening thought process was interrupted by a knock on her open door.

She saw NK standing at the threshold.

She immediately switched off the tv with the remote, got up from the bed, wiped her tears under the pretext of keeping the remote on its place

Come in Nanheji. Khushi welcomed him with a smile.

NK entered the room with slow steps & stopped at a distance from Khushi with his head hung low.

Khushi could feel some difference in his stance today. He was not his usual funny, chirpy self.

Though she has been missing her best friend Nanheji since few days as he too was busy like others, being best host offering hospitality to the guests.

He too had become a bit aloof from her giving more importance to the guests, hurting her unintentionally. But she couldn't hold any grudge against him. He had trusted her & was there with her in the most crucial times of her life so she can give him that much liverage by not being upset with him.

When NK didn't attempt to make a move or say a word she herself went near him.

Nanheji. She again called him politely.

He looked up in her eyes & Khushi felt a sharp pain inside her seeing the ever smiling eyes of her best friend filled with emotions something akin to guilt & remorse covered with a moist layer.

Nanheji, what happened?? She asked concerned.

NK gulped hearing his friend's concern filled voice.

He shut his eyes tight & an involuntary sob escaped his mouth scaring Khushi.

Nanheji, what happened?? Please say something. You are scaring me. She said pressing his forearms. Her voice shaking.

Opening his eyes, NK held her hands & pulled her towards the recliner. Holding her shoulders he made her sit on it & himself knelt infront of her on the floor.

Khushi was just looking at him. Completely clueless of his actions & reactions.

Sniffing, NK held Khushi's hands & looked in her eyes with same painful emotions.

I am sorry Khushiji. I am so so sorry. His voice croaked.

Nanheji... She was now more confused. Sorry for what??

For being a jerk. For being a shame of a friend. For forgetting you - my best friend. For leaving you alone when you needed your friend the most. For not understanding your pain & hurt. For everything I did in the past few days that hurt you. Even if it was unintentional but I did hurt your feelings. He counted his follies, he felt himself guilty for. His face blanched with remorse.

Now Khushi understood the reason behind his apology. Like her jiji & naniji he has also realized his mistakes.

How... How did you realize this suddenly Nanheji?? She asked looking into his eyes.

He chuckled mirthlessly. The irony is that your best friend couldn't realize it himself Khushiji. Though I had noticed the sadness in your eyes but I thought it to be your usual fights with Nannav & I let it be as I felt it to be a couple's issue. He said swallowing thickly. Who am I kidding!! He chuckled again as if mocking himself

I was actually busy impressing the woman responsible for your distress. But I was too big of an idiot to notice that. Too busy into that woman to notice that my best friend is not her usual happy chirpy self. Too busy grabing one look of that woman that I failed to understand that my friend needs me. How can I do this with my best friend?? How can I behave so insensitively?? He splitted into sobs lowering his head in shame.

Khushi's eyes were filled with tears & few had rolled down her eyes but her kind heart couldn't see her best friend crying like this.

She held his face making him look at her.

Nanheji... She gulped thickly.

Nanheji I won't lie that it didn't hurt me seeing you giving Sheetal more attention forgetting me - your best friend. It did hurt me when you were enjoying spending time with her & you didn't chatted with me like before. When you were giving more importance to her by behaving like long lost friends. But I understand its your nature that you easily get mixed up with everybody. She tried to comfort her guilty friend.

No Khushji. That's not the case. I won't lie to you. I was actually trying to impress her as I was attracted towards her. He confessed.

You love her?? Khushi asked shocked.

No. Not at all. He replied instantly.

Love is a very deep feeling. I know it. I have felt it. He almost whispered the last line looking at Khushi's face with some known yet unknown emotions which Khushi couldn't decipher.

I don't feel even a one percent of that for her. It was just mere attraction which has faded when the reality hit me hard in the form of my best friend's shattered being. He said in a broken voice, guilt still very much palpable.

But how did you realize this all of a sudden Nanheji?? Khushi asked again.

As I said I was too busy to realize it myself Khushiji until I heard your miseries from your own mouth. He said making Khushi scrunch her eyes in confusion.

I overheard your agonized outburst in the kitchen two days back infront of Payalbhabhi. Khushi's eyes widened.

You were there?? You heard it?? She asked.

He nodded his head. I was coming to the kitchen to take an apple from the fridge when I heard you pouring your pain. I hid behind the door not wanting to interrupt you. Your each & every word cut through my heart, making me drown in guilt of failing as a friend & I couldn't muster courage to face you. So I left the house to overcome this guilt. He said with fresh bout of tears forming in his eyes.

But you had gone to your friend's farmhouse for two days to enjoy with your friends. That's what jiji told me. Khushi asked aghast.

I had lied to her. I couldn't stay here as I didn't had courage to face you after hearing your miserable outburst because I was also somewhere responsible for that. I was ashamed of myself. I stayed in a hotel for two days analysing all the happenings of the last few days & about my role behind it & I assesed that I was nothing but an asshole in the name of a friend. Too selfish to be called a friend, best friend is out of question. I don't deserve your friendship Khushiji. I deserve punishment. Punish me Khushiji. Punish me. He repeated, grabbing Khushi's hands & making her slap him on both his cheeks again & again.

What are you doing Nanheji?? Stop it?? She shouted pulling her hands back.

Pulling his forearm she made him sit besides herself on the recliner & wiped his tears.

Nanheji, I agree I was hurt but I can't blame you when my own jiji & my own husband failed to see through my fake smile & fake happiness then how could I expect you to do so?? Please stop feeling guilty for this because I have no complains against you Nanheji. She said genuinely.

You have always supported me, helped me whenever I needed you. What if you failed this time!! I too could have come to you & shared my pain. But I didn't. So I am equally bad of a friend. NK nodded his head sideways not accepting what she said.

Yes Nanheji. We both have wronged each other as friends this time. So lets just forget this right here right now & become the same friends. Best friends. Khushi said keeping her hand on his.

But I can't get rid of this guilt unless & until you forgive me Khushiji. He said holding his ears like a child making Khushi smile.

Ok, if that makes you guilt free then I forgive you Nanheji. She said happily, pulling his hands down from his ears, making him smile his first genuine smile of that moment.

But promise me, you won't do this again. You won't forget your friend for anybody. Not even for your wife. She said mischievously, forwarding her hand.

Promise. I won't repeat this again. Not for anybody. Not even for my wife. He said keeping his hand on her forwarded one.

Both the friends heard loud Meh... Meh... Meh from Laxmi who had just entered again as if she too was promising to always be friends with them.

Both the friends bursted into laughter with Laxmi meh... Meh-ing with them.
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Sheetal cut the call with a wicked smile on her face.

After coming back to the apartments she was constantly thinking about any possible excuse which could make Arnav change his decision & he will have to take her back with him to Delhi.

She discarded many ideas frustratingly, finally settling on a very strong & unfailing one.

She had done her part of it & she knows rest will be taken care by the one with whom she just talked on the phone.

Exhaling a sigh of relief & patting herself for her cunning mind she went to sleep with a relaxed mind as tomorrow she would be definitely returning back to Delhi with Arnav even if he is unwilling to do so.
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Next morning Mother hen Anjali was busy making chick Arav ready for school in his room. Whereas due to their previous whole day outing, an exhausted Manorama was still completing her booty sleep.

Khushi & Payal with naniji were performing their morning pooja.

After completing their arti Khushi blew the conch loudly as if declaring the start of their MISSION KKK.

Both the sisters then took naniji's blessings who embraced her both daughter in laws lovingly, blessing them heartily to succeed in their mission.

Come naniji lets have breakfast. Khushi said.

No beta. I will have it later. I would first go & meet our neighbour. Yesterday I had come halfway of the pooja to take my bhajan book & then I didn't go back. They must have felt bad. I will just go & meet them & get yesterday's prashad as well. I also heard that they have given nice Kashmiri shawls alongwith prashad to all the devotees yesterday. I will get that shawl also. Why to leave good free things?? Nani joked winking at the sisters who laughed at naniji's chidishness.

Shall I come with you nanji?? Khushi asked corteously.

No bitiya. Its ok. I will go. You both look for the breakfast. Everbody must be coming down. Naniji replied.

Both the sisters nodded their heads & nani went away to their neighbour's.

Khushi was arranging the table for breakfast whereas Payal was helping HP making hot parathas.

Anjali came down with a ready-for-school Arav.

Good morning Khushiji. How are you today?? Hope your health is better now?? Anjali asked affectionately, hugging Khushi. She was genuinely happy to see Khushi after almost a day & a half.

Good morning dii. I am much better now. Khushi replied in her usual chirpy voice, making Anjali smile.

I am glad you are fine now. Anjali said pulling back & caressing Khushi's cheek.

Khushi nodded her head. Her heart felt heavy feeling Anjali's affection after days but she appeared normal from outside.

Come have breakfast dii. Khushi said changing the topic.

Yes Khushiji. Arav is already late today. We will have to have our breakfast quickly. She sat on her place making Arav sit besides her.

Khushi served paratha with pickle & curd to Anjali & she served Arav his juice & toast.

Suddenly Arav pushed his plate. I don't want to eat this. I want to eat garlic bread. He said in a commanding tone.

Khushiji have you made garlic bread?? Anjali asked Khushi.

Dii, how would I prepare it beforehand when I don't even know that he will ask for it today. Usually he eats toast & juice so I served him that. Khushi replied simply.

But today I want garlic bread only. Arav said stubbornly banging a spoon on his plate.

Ok Arav. Don't get upset. Anjali tried to cool him.

Khushiji can you please make it?? We already have all the ingredients. It will be ready within minutes in the microwave. Anjali almost pleaded Khushi for Arav's happiness.

Khushi was getting annoyed on her.

Dii, there's no bread in the kitchen. I made Arav's toast with yesterday's leftover bread. Everbody else would be eating parathas only so I didn't ask HP to get another packet of bread as it would be of no use. Khushi replied straightforward.

Arav beta. Have your toast & juice today. I will make garlic bread tomorrow. As it is, we are already late for your school. Anjali tried to manoeuvre him.

No, I want garlic bread today only. He said adamantly pushing his glass of juice making some juice spill out.

Khushi was angry now.

That's not possible. If you want I can make pancakes for you. Batter is already there in the fridge. It won't take much time & you like them as well. She said sternly but doesn't mean she wanted to starve him so she gave him another option.

But the stubborn & adamant boy he was, he refused for that as well sticking to his demand of garlic bread.

Now Khushi didn't bother to offer any other option. She carried on with her work. Letting Anjali to tackle him. But he was nowhere relenting.

Anjali aunty, I know there's bread in the kitchen. She doesn't want to make garlic bread for me so she is lying. He shouted.

Now that angered Khushi.

Lower your voice Arav & what did you just say, I am lying. Why would I do that?? Do I have any kind of enemity with you to do so?? She asked a bit loudly making Arav shut his mouth but his eyes were spitting fire at Khushi.

You are just a kid Arav so behave like one. Don't try to talk & behave like elders. Khushi said.

She wasn't angry on this kid but she was angry on Anjali for not stopping him from misbehaving with her. On the contrary she seemed worried only for his breakfast.

Khushi was amazed seeing her not reacting at all to what Arav just said.

Dii, did you hear what Arav just said to me?? Khushi asked Anjali expectantly.

Anjali stood up from her seat.

Khushiji, Arav is just a kid. You shouldn't take his words seriously. Anjali tried to defend Arav.

Ofcourse dii I know he is a kid & that's why I always ignore his insolent behaviour towards me. I also know how important Arav is to you that everytime you fail to understand his arrogance towards ME ONLY compared to the other members of our family. Khushi replied politely but stressing on the words only me to get some positive reaction from Anjali.

But as expected Anjali was too busy worrying for Arav's breakfast to grasp the real meaning behind the underlying words said by Khushi.

Now what will we do about his breakfast?? Anjali said, lines of worry marring on her face.

Its ok Anjali aunty. Lets grab something from Starbucks on our way to school. Arav suggested glaring at Khushi who remained nonchalant.

I think you are right Arav. Anjali said caressing his cheek.

Yes dii. He is right. But isn't it strange dii!! He goes & eats exactly same things in Starbucks happily which are made for him in the house BY ME but he makes fuss over them in one or the other way everyday. Khushi said with a hint of sarcasm, again pressing more on the words by me.

May be this time Anjali got the hint behind Khushi's words but couldn't say anything against her favourite Arav nor she could refute Khushi.

So she thought best leaving the scene taking Arav along.

Arav, lets go. You would get late to school. We have to stop at Starbucks for your breakfast as well. Khushiji bye. We are leaving. & she moved towards the exit door holding Arav's hand, not waiting for Khushi's reply.

Khushi stood there shaking her head, vexated at her sister in law's nonchalance.

As she turned around she saw her next target of the day desending the stairs. All colourful, laiden with heavy, over the top make-up, flailing her hands in the air.

The same time Payal came out of the kitchen carrying bowls of breakfast & arranged on the table.

Noticing her mother in law coming down she winked at her sister who in return showed her thumb up, ready for action.

Both the sisters started arranging the cutleries when mami came & sat on her customary chair, blowing air to her freshly painted nails.

Khoon bhari taang, serb me barekphasht. She ordered & waited for her daughter in law to obey.

But to her surprise her daughter in law didn't even acknowledged her presence, let alone serve her.

Khoon bhari taang, can't you hear what I said?? She asked loudly but still got no response from Payal.

She frowned in confusion & tried for her optional daughter in law.

Phatti sadi, serb me barekphasht. Mami ordered again but received the same non acknowledgement from Khushi as well.

Both the sisters seemed busy in their work. Filling water in the glasses & serving parathas & curd in their plates. But either of them wasn't paying any attention to Manorama.

Now Manorama got up from her chair furiously.

Phati sadi & Khoon bhari taang, hab you both shisterz become deph (deaf) & bilind (blind) that you cant hear or shee (see) me. I am asking for barekphasht shince long & you both are not even acknowlaiging my peresensh (presence). How dare you both?? She shouted banging her hand on the dining table making some of the water from the glasses spill out but to her shock both the sisters didn't even flinch, let alone turn towards her.

Now Manorama was full of doubts.

Bhy are theej (these) two shisterz not reacting. Hab they really become deph & bilind?? Manorama thought to herself more confused.

So she deliberately went & stood very close to both of them but they didn't spare even a glance at her.

Jiji, please pass that tea-pot. Khushi said to Payal to which she complied immediately passing the tea-pot.

Then both the sisters sat on their chairs close to each other, having their breakfast, chatting & laughing.

Witnessing all these Manorama again mused to herself. They are bery much phine. Then bhy are they not reacting tobards me.

Then suddenly her eyes widened in a horror thought.

Hab I become inbizible to them?? Or ij it that I hab died in my saleep(sleep) in the night & now I hab become a ghoshtwa & they can't shee me. She was talking to herself unknown to the fact that her daughter in laws are hearing her clearly & are having a hard time to control their laughter.

Nooooo. Thij can't haippen. I can't die. I can't become a ghoshtwa. Noooo. She screamed in horror holding her cheeks & ran to a nearby room to see herself in the mirror.

Ghoshtwas don't hab reflection but I can see myselaf in the mirror. She said smiling like a fool, happily seeing her bootiphool reflection in the mirror & touching her face frantically to confirm about herself being alive.

I am bery much alibe then bhy are thoj two shisterj behabing aj (as) iph (if) I don't even egjist (exist). Manorama asked to her reflection which frowned back at her in confusion.

Let me handle thij Gupta shisterj. She said to her reflection & took determined penguin steps towards the door to get collided with HP who was coming with his hands filled with the change of curtains of that room.

Can't you shee piraperly and walk HP. She scolded the poor guy, rubbing her forearm which got collided with him.

Before HP could say anything she asked him gesturing towards herself, moving her hands frantically from her head to toe & vice versa. HP can you shee me??

Poor HP was surprised & shocked to hear such foolish question from Manorama.

In the process of understanding her question, he stayed quiet for longer then usual.

Seeing him not answering, not reacting Manorama again doubted on herself of becoming a ghost & her whole body was horror stuck at the thought itself.

But at the dining table both the sisters were laughing their arteries out till they had tears in their eyes but the laughter was nowhere to stop.

To be continued....

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Sorry to keep u all waiting so long for the update. But I have compensated it with a lengthy chapter.... Almost 7000 words..

Arshi would be face to face in the next chapter....

So how was this chapter??

Let me know thru ur votes & comments as always...

Will be waiting for ur reviews..

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Do check my new two shot on Arshi

JUSTICE....ON THE SPOT

Based on the infamous terrace scene on Payash's marriage day. Its completed already...

Love
Kavita ♥️