Part 10 Impression

"Khushi decided to leave this palace forever", Arnav said.

Arvind looked at Khushi, who closed her eyes tightly.

"Is it, Khushi?" Arvind asked.

Khushi looked at him helplessly.

"Yes, sir... she decided because she too has self-respect. I hope you won't find it wrong."

"What do you want me to do in this matter?" Arvind asked, making Khushi speechless.

She thought he would get upset with her. She didn't guess he would handle the issue smoothly. Why won't he? After all, the problem creator was HIS son. He knew Arnav was behind the issue. He was surprised because no Royal heir would stand for their servant. No wonder if Arnav did that. He was Amrita's son. He would have her traits. She was also the same. She always showed concern for the helpless people.

"You know what I want you to do, sir", Arnav said.

Khushi looked at him and then at Arvind, who nodded affirmatively. He walked to the vast living hall. Khushi blinked her eyes unbelievably.

"I can't believe this"

"What?" Arnav asked.

"He accepted your demand."

"Until we demand, how can we know whether it will be accepted?"

"No, Arnav sir... no one dares to demand from Arvind uncle... in fact, he is uncle for only me... for others, he is a king."

"Leave everything... let's go and see what he will do."

Arnav walked. He stopped and looked at her, turning her head. Khushi stood squeezing her hands. He walked to her and stood folding his hands.

"Why are you scared when he accepted my demand?"

"Arvind uncle is a nice man. So, he accepted it, but we will face others now. They are such dangerous guys."

"I will see what they do. Come..." That was when a servant came there and said,

"Sir is calling both of you."

"Yeah, coming..." Arnav said.

The servant left the place.

"Come..." He clutched her hand and pulled her with him.

When they came to the living room, Khushi shrugged Arnav's hand and walked with him parallel.

They saw Chandra Murthy, Krishna Murthy, Savithri, Sarojini, Madhavi and Lalitha were there. Arvind gathered them. Khushi nervously stood next to Arnav.

"I want to tell you something," Arvind said.

"Tell me, Mama," Said Chandra Murthy.

"Khushi decided to leave this palace," Arvind said, reading their expressions and seeing their faces brighten.

"Do you know why?" he questioned.

"Whatever reason it is... it's not our concern. If she wants to leave, she can do it," Krishna Murthy said.

"How could you say so?"

"What's there to think, Mama? You found her in the Temple. Brought her up. Gave her shelter and status. Your part is over in her story. Let her go... She is a mere servant..."

"Mere servant? When did I say she is a servant? Even though she is a servant, so what? Could we live without her?"

"What's the big deal? We don't need her service."

Arvind clapped his hands. The servants of the palace gathered in front of them.

"From today onwards, there is no job for you in this palace. I'm terminating all of you, but don't worry. You will get a pension every month..."

"But why are you terminating all of them?" Krishna Murthy asked, all tensed.

"Why do we need them, Krishna? After all, they are mere servants..." Arvind said, making them annoying.

"From now on, you will do all the work in this palace. Savithri and Sarojini should take charge of the kitchen. You two will look after all the other work. Madhavi and Lalitha should take care of Ratna. They will make her bath, eat, and sleep. Then they should clean the palace every day..." Arvind stood up.

All of them looked at one another restlessly.

"Mama... why are you doing this? Are you not concerned about us?" Chandra Murthy asked.

"What did I do that made you think so, Chandra? Don't you know how much I am concerned about you all? I hope you guys would not have forgotten in which condition you entered this palace..."

"Is it necessary to talk about it now? Don't you know how grateful we are to you?" Krishna asked emotionally.

"Grateful? I just said Khushi's decision. You are not ready to hear why because you think she is a mere servant. When did I say she is a servant here? She takes care of Ratna like our daughter. If she is not here, what would Ratna's condition be? Did you guys ever look after her?"

"We didn't do that because we didn't get a chance because you have assigned people for every work..."

"yeah... I assigned people for every work. That's why we are enjoying our life lavishing. Just do their work for a single day. Then you will understand it's not easy to do their work."

"Why did Khushi decide to leave the palace?" Sarojini asked, not wanting to drag the conversation.

"She could not manage the work you guys are stuffing on her. That's why she decided to leave the palace."

Madhavi and Lalitha glared at Khushi.

"What will you do after leaving the palace?" Madhavi asked sarcastically.

"You don't have to bother about her madam. She is a graduate. She will get a job... respectful job," Arnav answered.

"Oh... is this all your plan?" Krishna asked.

Before Arnav replied, Arvind did.

"Stop it... I didn't call you to fight with Arnav. From now on, Khushi and Arnav will not obey your orders; they will only obey mine. They have all the rights to make decisions about this palace administration..."

"But why?"

"It's because I trust them. They will be under my control. It would be best if you guys did not disturb them. Khushi will look after ONLY Ratna. If you guys go against my words, it's equivalent to dishonouring me. Is that clear?"

They were silent but fumed inwardly, especially Madhavi and Lalitha.

"Khushi..." Arvind called.

"Haannn..." she jerked.

"I'm sorry for whatever happened. You are an important person in this Palace because you are Ratna's caretaker."

"You don't need to apologise, uncle."

He touched her head and left the place. Madhavi was supposed to say something, but his father, Chandra Murthy, gestured for her not to. She rolled her eyes and went to her room. All of them dispersed.

Arnav came to Arvind's room. Arvind saw him and smiled. He gestured for him to go in.

"Thank you so much, sir. you are a sweet person." Arnav said.

Arvind felt content in his heart. It was clear he impressed Arnav.

"Khushi is a nice girl. I can't let her go... and your demand is justified."

"I'm glad to be your manager, sir."

"Thank you. You can tell me anything that makes you uncomfortable."

"Sure, sir", Arnav left the place.

Arvind smiled gladly.

Arnav came to his room and saw Khushi waiting for him. he smiled at her.

"I just can't believe you made it."

"I didn't expect it would be this easy."

"I'm sure you have a special power."

Arnav rolled his eyes.

"Yes, Arnav, sir. You are doing something no one could do."

"No... Arvind sir is a nice person. That's why he understood."

"Maybe... but it needs guts to take the issue to him and handle it the way you handled it."

"Thank you..."

That was when a palace washing servant came there and knocked on the door.

"Yes..." Arnav said.

"Sir, I collected your clothes to wash this morning."

"Yeah..."

"I found this RING in your pant pocket. I wanted to give it to you, but you were not at the palace."

Arnav forwarded his hand, asking for the ring. The servant gave it to him and left. Arnav sighed. Khushi saw that.

"Is this a silver ring?"

"I think so."

"Don't you know about your ring? Is this a gift?"

"No, I found it near the Kal Bairava Temple when I came here."

Khushi looked at him, widening her eyes.

"Did you get it in this village?"

Arnav nodded yes.

"Why didn't you wear this?"

"It's because it's not mine."

"Oh, my God... it's not easy to get something like this in this village. You are blessed, Arnav sir.'

"It's just a ring..." Arnav smiled.

"Arnav sir... understand the value..."

"Khushi, if you understand the value of this ring, take it. I have no problem."

"Are you sure?"

"yeah..."

Khushi inserted it into her right thumb finger. She smiled, looking at the ring and shaking her thumb.

"Looking funny", Arnav chuckled.

"What to do? It's not my size."

"Is it necessary to wear a ring that's not your size?"

"You found it near the Kal Bairava Temple Arnav, sir. How could I refuse this ring if you give it to me?"

Arnav smiled, not knowing what the ring held for him.

To be continued...