Part 42 (Last Part)

Four years later.

Khushi came back from school. Arnav took her bag from her shoulder as she looked so tired.

Arnav: Khushi are you alright?

Khushi: I'm horribly tired Arnav. Board exams are nearing. So I didn't even get a single leisure period today.

She laid on the couch. Arnav sat on the couch taking her legs on his lap. He started pressing her feet gently. Khushi smiled at him and closed her eyes feeling relaxed. Within a few minutes, she slept forgetting herself. Arnav slowly stood from the coach without disturbing her and went to their room. He came back with a pillow and kept it under her head comfortably. He caressed her hair lovingly with a smile. He got stuck when his sight fell on Aashi who was standing at the doorstep, leaning on the door, folding her hands smilingly.

Arnav(in feeble tone): When did you come?

Aashi: When you arranged the pillow.

Arnav: I will prepare coffee.

Aashi: Wait, Dad. I will prepare.

Arnav: You just came. Go and get fresh first.

Aashi nodded yes and went to her room.

Few minutes later.

Arnav was waiting for Aashi with coffee and biscuits.

Aashi: Thank you, dad.

Arnav smiled at her and sipped the coffee.

Aashi: Can I ask you something?

Arnav: Anything.

Aashi: Why didn't you think about a second child? If there would have been a brother or sister for me then we would have been good partners. We would not have disturbed your romantic moments then.

Arnav laughed at her.

Arnav: I want your mother to concentrate on her career. She might have not been like today if there was another child. Do you know how I was struggling to handle you alone? Thank God you were interested in books. So I managed you with the help of AR. It would not have been that easy if there was another child.

Aashi: But I heard something different about it?

Arnav(controlling his smile): What?

Aashi: That you couldn't see her in extreme pain?

Arnav: How do you know?

Aashi: Nani told me.

Arnav (rolled his eyes): Don't you have anything to talk, other than us? Wherever you go, you are digging something about us? Don't you?

Aashi: of course Dad, because your story is so interesting.

Arnav: Crazy girl.

Aashi: You didn't say "yes" yet.

Arnav (with his lopsided smile): Yes. I can't see my wife in pain.

Aashi: You love Mom so much, right?

Arnav smiled pleasantly while nodding yes.

Aashi: I don't want my husband to be like you.

Arnav(surprised): Why?

Aashi: Because there is no chance for it.

Arnav (rolling his eyes): Why do you think so? Be optimistic.

Aashi: Of course I'm. That's why I'm thinking like this Dad. Where there is no expectation, there will not be disappointment.

Arnav: Everything is depending on us beta. I agree "mates" are destined in the Heaven but I'm sure you will get good life partner.

Aashi: Only if I'm really lucky.

Arnav: Why not you give the same feel to your partner?

Aashi(confused): Means?

Arnav: If you want the sunshine, be the sunshine. Make him feel like; he is the luckiest person to get you. Then he will make you feel like a queen. What's our problem is, we expect from our partners a lot but we forget, they will also have expectations. If we are clear in understanding each other then problem solved. Little adjustment and a lot of understanding will make life easier.

Aashi: You mean, I shouldn't expect from my partner?

Arnav: Of course you can. But if you want your husband to be like Arnav then you must be like Khushi, dedicated, loyal, gratitude and empathetic. She never took advantage of my love. She won't do anything which I don't like. She cares for me so much. That's what my Khushi.

Aashi was looking at him adoringly. Her question shook Arnav.

Aashi: What would have you done if Pranav uncle had not kidnapped Mom?

Arnav was awe struck. He also raises the same question to himself often. That thought always makes him helpless. Aashi smiled seeing him thinking deeply.

Aashi: I have strong doubt Dad.

Arnav: What's that?

Aashi: It must be you who kidnapped Mom.(Arnav was shocked) Because the love you are having for Mom is something, no one can imagine. So I don't think you would have given up when you come to know she was engaged to Akash uncle.

Arnav laughed out louder.

Arnav: Pagal. He smiled sipping his coffee.

Aashi: Dad... I wonder, because you didn't deny.

Arnav: I didn't agree though. He smiled.

Aashi: I'm damn sure dad because I know you won't tolerate blames.

Arnav(chuckled): I don't think it's a blame but honor.

Khushi: Honor? What's that?

They looked at Khushi who woke up from her nap. She came to Arnav and took his cup and sipped it.

Arnav: Do you want me to prepare one more?

Khushi: Later. Which honor you guys were talking about?

Arnav: Your daughter doubts me.

Khushi: Doubt?

Arnav: That, it must be me, who kidnapped you.

Khushi chuckled and tapped her back appreciating.

Arnav (rolled his eyes high): You both are crazy.

Aashi (excitedly): Do you know Mom, I asked Pranav uncle too and he also smiled without giving me straight answer.

Khushi: Really?

Aashi: Yes Mom. I really doubt on these men. I think we should kidnap Aman uncle to know the truth.

Arnav laughed at her idea of kidnapping Aman.

Khushi: When did you ask Pranav?

Aashi: He came to our college for his daughter's admission. That's when.

Arnav: Guys just stop your assumptions. It's all over. He said with his trademark lop sided smile.

Aashi: One day, truth will come out Dad. Mom, mark my word, I will prove him soon.

Khushi hit her on her shoulder playfully.

Arnav: Khushi, I think you need a strong coffee.

Khushi: Let me get fresh first. I have to do paper correction of revision exams. It's good that I slept few minutes. Now I will do it taking my time.

Aashi: Don't worry mom. I will give you company because I too want to finish my Record work.

Arnav: Don't confuse my wife more in the name of giving her company because she is innocent unlike you. Don't spoil her.

Aashi (dropping her jaw): This is too much Dad.

Khushi left the room laughingly nodding no.

They finished dinner and gathered in the living room, Khushi was with her paper bundles and Aashi was with her Record notebook. They started doing their work. In few minutes Arnav came with his Laptop and sat with them.

Aashi: That's it, I expected this. She teased.

Khushi: Arnav, you don't have to be awake. Go and sleep. I will come to completing my work.

Arnav: Sleep is not that important than my Angels.

Aashi: Mom, I think Dad is afraid of our plan about kidnapping Aman uncle. That's why he is not leaving us alone.

Arnav: Hey naughty. I said leave that.

Aashi: Not until you agree Dad.

Khushi: I don't know what made you doubt like this.

Aashi: Only one thing mom.

Khushi: What's that?

Aashi: How did Nana and Nani find you after kidnapping?

Khushi and Arnav were looking at her, expecting her to say it by herself.

Aashi: you looked so fresh and your bridal Lehanga was also looking tidy. Right?

Khushi(frowning): So?

Aashi: No one other than my Dad could treat you like that Mom. Try to understand. She said seriously.

Khushi shared a hi-fi with her laughingly.

Arnav: It's because Pranav knew that I love her. So he was so careful in handling her. (pause)Ok fine. I would like to give an open statement here. If it was me, then I would have kidnapped Akash instead of Khushi because I could never let her be humiliated in front of the world. If I had kidnapped Akash then I could have married her in the same stage easily. Couldn't I?

Khushi and Aashi looked at each other and nodded pouting.

Arnav(smilingly): So just close the topic.

They started doing their work again disappointedly. Within an hour Khushi started dozing. Aashi chuckled at her. Arnav looked at Khushi and rolled his eyes smilingly.

Aashi: Dad, I'm going. Take your baby to your room.

Arnav: You are too much.

Aashi: Trust me; I won't see you picking her. She giggled.

Arnav (smilingly): Good night.

Aashi: Good night Dad.

Aashi went to her room. Arnav arranged Khushi's things and scooped her in his arms. He placed her on the bed and switched off the light. As usual, he slept hugging her thinking about the conversation, he did with Aashi.

What would have happened if Pranav had not kidnapped Khushi? The same question hit him again. His arms around her got tightened. He didn't even want to think about that again because he couldn't imagine his life without Khushi. Arnav and Khushi are meant to be together, Forever.

The End.

Hi Guys,

I have completed another journey of our beloved Arshi today. Hope you liked it. I ought to thank you for your unconditional love and support. Thank you for being with me dearies.

And I would like to inform that I'm starting a new story. There will be its promo today. Hope you will give your support for the new story too.

Thank you sweeties

Yours lovingly

Niranjana Nepolean.