22 Respect or Love?

As Arnav expected, Khushi called Payal and told her about last night’s happenstance. Payal was shocked to hear that.

“What are you telling Khushi? I can’t imagine what would have happened if Arnav had not been there for you.”

“I, too, could not think about it, Payal. The thought makes me Shiver.”

“How is Aashi?”

“She was scared... But now she is all right. Arnav consoled her.”

“Did Arnav console her?”

“Yes... Arnav brought us to RM. Then, only Aashi slept. She demanded Arnav to be with her, so Arnav stayed in the guest room until she slept.”

“It seems Ashish is getting closer to Arnav.”

“Yes, Payal, that is what frightens me.”

“Why Khushi?”

“She is getting attached to Arnav imaginably. I don’t know where it takes us.”

“Even, it wonders me. I do not doubt that Arnav is a gentleman, but he has never been close to any kids. It seems he likes Aashi very much.”

“He does... I don’t know how I am going to take Aashi from RM in some days,” Khushi was worried.

“Don’t think much about tomorrow, Khushi. You are saved from a Barbarian called Lokesh. Feel happy about it. Be thankful to God.”

“I am thankful to Arnav, not to God.”

Payal sighed. Khushi stopped believing in God after she faced the most significant storm in her life.

“Okay, enjoy your Sunday, bye.” Payal disconnected the call

She immediately called Arnav.

“Hi Payal, good morning,” Arnav said, attending the call.

“I don’t know how to thank you Arnav.”

Arnav understood why Payal wanted to thank him.

“Why Payal?” he asked even though he knew the answer.

“For saving Khushi”

“You don’t have to thank me for that. She is important to me, too.” He didn’t say, “She is my friend, too.”

“I know Arnav. You would have done the same if anyone had been in Khushi’s place.”

Arnav was silent. Of course, he would have done the same if anyone had been in Khushi’s place, but what he did for Khushi was special. Arnav was not sure if he had gotten the same anger for someone, but he was sure about something: what he felt for Khushi belonged only to Khushi. He would never think that for anyone.

“May I ask you something, Payal?”

“Of course…”

“What happened in Khushi’s life? Why did she go to London? Why did her family abandon her? It’s no problem if you are not comfortable telling me that.”

“Nothing is like that, Arnav. Khushi may look casual, but she is seething inside. She had crossed the toughest phase in her life. If you had seen her five years ago, you would not believe she is the same Khushi. She was so innocent and bubbly then. But fate turned her loved ones against her.”

Arnav gulped down, thinking about the night. Payal told him about what happened on her birthday.

Arnav regretted being the reason for Khushi’s changed life, even though he did not do that intentionally.

“What about Aashi? Did Khushi adopt her?” He asked hesitatingly.

“No. Aashi is Khushi’s daughter only. Even though Aashi didn’t form pleasantly, she didn’t want to abort the child because she didn’t want to punish the child, who was not responsible for her condition.”

Arnav gulped his uneasiness hard. Undoubtedly, Aashi was his baby. Khushi was his family, no matter if she accepted it or not. He would make her his family.

“Please take care of them, Arnav.” Payal requested.

“You don’t worry about them until I am ALIVE.”

Payal was taken aback. Until he was alive?

“Arnav, of course, I want an assurance from you. It doesn’t mean you should use such a heavy word,” Payal smiled.

“I will take care of them, Payal”, Arnav said calmly.

“Thank you, Arnav. Bye.” Payal disconnected the call.

Arnav became thoughtful. So Khushi’s family members intentionally trapped her in that conspiracy. They might have done that for Khushi’s father’s money. or Khushi herself. After all, she looked beautiful. Her father, who trusted her like anything, didn’t allow her to speak her side. What kind of father he was! How she would have felt! But why didn’t she come to him? She could have approached him and clutched his collar for spoiling her life!  She could have stayed in the hotel room for a while. Or she would have weakened him up, flashing water on his face. But she didn’t do that. Why? Everything would have ended that day itself if she had done that. Arnav regretted.

Arnav looked at his room entrance as Hari Prakash came there.

“What?”

“Lunch is ready, Arnav Baba”. Hari Prakash said

“Did you call Khushi and Aashi?” Arnav questioned.

“Going to…” Answered Hari Prakash.

“No need. You go. I will call them.”

“Ji”

“Listen”

“Ji Arnav Baba?”

“Did you get the room ready?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Ok, you go.”

Hari Prakash left.

Arnav came to the guest room to call them. He saw Khushi sitting on the bed and teaching Ashish something from a book in her hand. Aashi was circling Khushi’s neck from behind.
He smilingly knocked on the door even though it was open.

“Mr puzzle…” Ashish shouted joyfully.

Arnav got inside and sat on the bed.

“What’s happening here?” he asked.

In no time, Aashi left Khushi and came to Arnav. She circled his neck from behind, a gesture of her growing bond with him.

“Mom is teaching me about the water world,” Aashi said innocently, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Oh, is this how you learn things?”

Arnav asked, moving from front to back with Aashi on his back.

“This is out of syllabus... We learn general knowledge. So we are playful,” said Khushi.

“Oh... Shall we go for lunch?” Arnav asked.

“Okkkiii...” Aashi said.

Arnav stood up with Aashi, and Khushi walked before them. When they came to the dining room, Khushi stopped hearing a murmuring sound. She turned behind and saw Aashi whispering something in Arnav’s ear.
Though it was a whisper, it was loud enough for Khushi to hear.

“Shall we go to the park in the evening?” Aashi asked Arnav.

“Okay,” Arnav also whispered.

“What’s happening here?” asked Khushi.

“Shhhh...” Aashi said, keeping her index finger on her lips.

Arnav made Aashi sit at the dining table and said,

“We are going to the park in the evening,” Arnav said.

“Oh, no...” Aashi hit her forehead.

Arnav looked at her, biting his lip.

“You said that in front of Mom... I am gone...” Aashi said wearily.

Arnav looked at Khushi, controlling his laughter, who dropped her jaw.

“She will tell me for the whole day what I should do and what not …” She pouted.

Khushi took a step and pinched her thigh.

“How dare you taunt me!”

Aashi stood up on the dining table and hopped in the same place.

“Mr Puzzle, save me…” She sought Arnav’s help.

Arnav lifted her in his arms and turned opposite Khushi so she could not attack Aashi.

“Mom, don’t pinch me…” She waved her hand in the air.

“Aashi beta, you should not talk like that about Mom,” Arnav said, making the mom and the daughter listen to him.

“We should respect our PARENTS and take their guidance because our PARENTS are the ones who always want our betterment. They will do anything for our good. They are our blessings.”

Aashi looked down and looked at him cutely.

“Will you say I’m a nice man?”

Aashi nodded yes.

“Do you know why I’m good?”

She nodded no.

“It’s because I listen to my mother’s word. I obey her. I will do anything only after getting her permission. We will win every odd situation if their blessings are with us. Every child should obey their FATHER and mother,” he intentionally said.

“But I have no Father,” Aashi said as he had expected.

Arnav looked at Khushi, who gulped down.

“So what? You have a brave mother. Didn’t you see how she fought with the Dragon Money to protect you?”

Aashi nodded yes.

“Listen to her. Everyone will like you. Say sorry to Mom.”

Aashi looked at Khushi, who looked somewhere. Aashi looked at Arnav, making a sad face.

“Khushi, now you are behaving like a child.” Arnav smiled.

Khushi chuckled softly.

“Don’t make her feel bad. She is a kid, after all.” He added.

Khushi extended her hand towards Asahi, who jumped to her from Arnav’s arms.

“I’m sorry…” Aashi said, holding her ears.

“You are forgiven,” Khushi said, kissing her cheek.

“Aashi, beta, keep it in mind: wherever you go, you should get Mom’s permission, no matter how old you are. Ok?” Arnav said.

Aashi nodded.

“Now, get your mother’s permission to go to the park. Or, you can ask her to take you to the park” Arnav purposely triggered her to take Khushi with them.

“Mom, please, shall WE go to the park WITH Mr Puzzle? There are many swings, slides, and things to play with.”

Khushi looked at Arnav, blinking her eyes.

“If the child is seeking our permission, we should respect them” He smiled.
Khushi looked at Aashi and nodded ok.

“Heyyyy… jollyyyy… You are so sweet,” Aashi said, kissing Khushi’s cheeks one after the other.

Khushi smiled, closing her eyes and receiving her kisses. Arnav admired them longingly. That was supposed to be HIS family. He would have hugged them together if he had the right, but he was standing aloof. He should wholeheartedly thank Khushi for giving him such a cute daughter who didn’t think about her but the baby. She could have aborted the child and married someone to live a peaceful life, but she didn’t think of doing that. How selfless she was! He just refused to marry, but Khushi drew a circle around her and lived with morals. He felt proud of Khushi. His respect for her was increasing day by day. Arnav thought it was RESPECT, but he didn’t know Khushi had already occupied his heart in the name of LOVE.

To be continued…