Part 38

Next day.

Aashi was standing in front of Khushi who was pacing in the living room restlessly. They were waiting for Arnav's arrival. Arnav came home and understood seeing their faces that something was terribly wrong. He raised his eyebrows looking at Aashi like "What happened"? She widened her eyes looking at Khushi.

Khushi: Ask me what happened today.

Arnav: What happened Khushi?

Khushi: Do you know what your lovely daughter did?

Arnav: What she did?

Khushi: She punched a boy on his face today.

Arnav got horrified hearing that.

Arnav: Why Baby?

Aashi: He teased me, Dad. At first, I didn't react. But how dare he drag my hair? So I gave a punch on his face. He started bleeding Dad. What could I do? She asked innocently.

Arnav: But what's the necessary to hit him instantly? You should have complained to your teacher.

Khushi: That's what I'm saying. (looking at Aashi) How could you raise your hand on someone so frequently? We taught you Karate for self-defense doesn't mean you can hit your classmates.

Arnav and Khushi were so stubborn in teaching karate to Aashi. They want her to be brave and independent as that's the most important thing for a girl these days. But she never raised her hand on anyone like today. This is the first time she behaved like this.

Arnav: Wait Khushi, I don't think she might have hit him just because of teasing her.

Khushi looked at Aashi perplexed who was silent.

Arnav: Aashu, tell me what happened? Dad is here for you. We will face everything. Ok?

Aashi( in gauzy tone): He proposed to me, Dad.

Khushi dropped her jaw in shock. Of course, she had seen many students doing and getting punishments often. Today that problem is knocking her door too. She turned her attention to their conversation.

Arnav: It's not a big mistake that you made him bleed. You should have ignored him beta.

Aashi: I told my stance "clear cut" to his dad. But he kept on chasing me wherever I go. His friends are teasing me by calling his name which irritates me like hell Dad. What students would think about me?

Arnav: Why do you mind about what people would think?

Aashi: Of course I mind Dad because it's about my goodwill. I can't let anyone ruin it.

Arnav(smirking): But loving someone is not a crime.

Khushi widened her eyes. What kind of father is he? But Aashi's answer made her amazed.

Aashi: Love? Good joke. He is just fourteen years boy Dad. He has to cross many girls until he gets married. He will feel someone is better than me because whatever he feels for me is just an attraction.

Arnav: Ohh really?

Aashi: Yes dad this is not the right age to get committed. I'm happy with you and mom. I will never get into such useless things.

Arnav looked at Khushi proudly, of course, Khushi also proud of her baby's maturity.

Arnav: Aashu beta, Keep one thing in your mind. You shouldn't hit anyone on their face because our facial tissues are so sensitive. If you would have punched him on his stomach then it would have been great.

Aashu: I will keep it in my mind Dad.

They shared hi-fi and sensed that they overreacted. They turned their face towards Khushi who was looking at them folding her hands sarcastically.

Aashi: Mom you taught me karate to protect myself right? That's what I did. How could I let someone take advantage of me? If I would have been silent today then, he will do something wrong tomorrow. Do you want it to happen? Don't worry Mom. I will be careful.

Arnav: Khushi relax. No one will dare to do mischievous with our baby from here on as she showed her arm power. So, be cool.

He gestured Aashi to go. She kissed Khushi's cheek and fled making Khushi sighed.

Arnav: She is so clear in her stance Khushi. We are here to safeguard her. More than that, she is a black belt in Karate. So she can manage everything. Ok?

Khushi: I'm really proud of her Arnav. She is so understanding than her age group girls. It's because of you. I have to thank you.

Arnav: Really? She is my daughter too and it's my responsibility to teach her good qualities.

Khushi (emotionally): You are...

Arnav(cutting her): So good, you are so lucky to have me as your husband, If I'm not here then you would not reach this position, Right? He recited raising his eyebrows.

Khushi chuckled and nodded yes.

Arnav: Move on from those dialogues Khushi. It's really boring to hear it again and again.

Khushi(hugging him): You have to. No option. You should hear it until I'm alive....

Arnav(cutting her): Until "we"(he stressed) live. You promised me that you will be alive until I'm alive. Don't forget that.

Khushi: You are talking like as if you have no one other than me to take care of you? your daughter will be there for you after me

Arnav became furious. He tightened his fist. Khushi sensed her blunder mistake that what she said.

Khushi: Arnav, I'm just joking.

Arnav: It's not a matter of joke Khushi. Don't you dare ever think of leaving me alone? You know I won't live without you.

Khushi: Arnav, we have the responsibility to settle down Aashi. You can't do that.

He turned to the opposite side.

Arnav: I don't want to talk anything regarding this Khushi. Go and get ready. We have to go shopping.

Khushi knew he is upset.

Khushi: Will you help me in selecting my attire as usual or shall I select it?

Arnav (rigidly): I will.

He said and left. It's Arnav's usual routine of selecting Khushi's attire every day, because if Khushi started selecting, then she will make the whole cupboard upside down but still says "I don't know what to wear". So Arnav took over the responsibility of selecting her dress no matter where she goes. And Arnav never failed her expectations.

Arnav took her red sleeveless suit out from the closet which he gifted for her birthday and kept it on the bed. He saw Aashi came to their room fully ready. She saw the dress and took it in her hand.

Aashi: This dress? Ohh no.

Arvan: Why? What happened?

Aashi: Mom looks so gorgeous and young in this suit Dad.

Arnav(cocking his brows): Because she is gorgeous and young.

Aashi: She looks like my sister. She pouted.

Arnav(chuckled): So?

Aashi: So, I'm going to wear this dress.

Arnav(shockingly): What! This is your mom's dress.

Aashi: But it suits me too Dad. Then I will ask her to wear saree.

Arnav: What if I ask her to wear jeans and a T-shirt?

Aashi( with popped out eyes): What!!! This is not fair Dad.

Arnav: Of course. She will be like your friend then. And for your kind information, she looks more gorgeous in saree. He smiled.

Aashi: Sometimes I doubt that whose side you are. (Arnav smirked at her because he is always in Khushi's side.) you enjoy when I make fun of her but you always take her side in her absence. She pouted.

Arnav: I allow you to make fun of her because she needs it for refreshing her mind, it doesn't mean we can do it all the time. We should respect her. Do you know how hard it is to be a working woman? She never misses doing her duty as a mother and as a wife as well. But never gets weary about it. And more than that, she is handling hundreds of naughty students like you every day.

Aashi: So true Dad. You are right.

They saw Khushi was coming out of the washroom.

Khushi: Few minute guys, I will be ready.

Aashi: Take your time mom. I will prepare coffee. I heard enough lecture today. She chuckled.

Arnav: Wait, I will prepare a good coffee for you.

He went to the kitchen and Aashi followed him.

As Aashi said, Khushi looked so gorgeous and young in RED suit making Arnav forget himself.

Shopping Mall.

Khushi and Aashi took enough time to choose their clothes. Finally, they finished shopping and Arnav settled the bill.

Arnav received a call so he stopped to attend it. Aashi dragged Khushi with her. While talking Arnav saw some guys coming from the opposite side. They didn't give him a good sensation. As his sixth sense warned him, one of them banged on Khushi. Khushi glared at him and that guy laughed seeing her expression.

Guy(with joining hands): Sorry baby..... He said sarcastically while the other two guys laughed at her.

Aashi fisted her fingers but Khushi caught hold of her hand and pulled her away from there. In a few seconds, they heard a horrible scream from behind. They turned around and saw Arnav hitting the guy who banged on Khushi aggressively. Mother and Daughter rooted at the place seeing their Hero's Heroism. They rushed to him and tried to stop him. But nothing worked.

Khushi started shivering as she knew what Arnav is up to. But for Aashi, she felt like she was watching WWF. She never had seen her father's "this" avatar. She always witnessed him as a friendly father. But today whatever she watching is something out of her imagination.

Khushi sighed in relief seeing Aman was rushing towards them. He pulled Arnav from the guy and he ran from there without wasting a second to save his life.

Aman: Arnav relax. Compose yourself. You are not alone here. Why are you overreacting when you are with family?

Arnav: Because he made fun of my family damn it.

Aman: Leave it yaar. They ran away from here. Relax.

Arnav composed himself. He looked at Khushi and Aashi who were in different thoughts. Aashi rushed to her Dad.

Aashi: Superb Dad. You are so great. I enjoyed your stunt a lot. She hoped.

Aman(chuckled): Haan beta, there are many flashbacks like this about your Dad.

Aashi: Really uncle? Tell me those to me.

Aman: Sure. One day I will say it to you.

Arnav: We have to go Aman.

Aman nodded yes.

Arnav wrapped Khushi's shoulder and started walking. Khushi kept on watching his face throughout the way to the car.

To be continued..........