After the deal was finalized the raizada family returns to rm. They saw a lot of workers in neighbors house which was empty for 2 years it was big, as big as raizadas mansion.
The neighbors are none other than keshav rathore and his family.
Keshav only has his sister and father as family. His mother died in a car accident that almost killed his sister too. Luckily she was saved.
Just then keshav emgerd from inside and greeted arnav.
"Hi , Asr nice to see you hear " keshav spoke.
"Mr. Rathore I didn't expect you hear, but it was best now we can work on our deal with out much travelling I guess " arnav said. To which his family rolled their eyes.
Anjali spoke "chotte, you always speaks about your work don't you have other topics"
"Bahi did that same thing with shashi uncle also, di i some times doubt is Bahi really a human or not" Akash teased. Now it's arnav's turn to roll his eyes.
Arnav shook his head, "Hey, someone's got to keep the family business running, right?"
Keshav smiled and nodded, "Absolutely, ASR. I'm impressed by your dedication."
Anjali playfully rolled her eyes, "Yes, dedication to work and nothing else."
Arnav shot her a mock glare, "Hey, I resent that. I have a personal life too, you know."
Akash snickered, "Oh yeah, like what? Your collection of suits and ties?"
Saying so akash and Anjali burst out laughing, and Keshav joined in, "I think I'm starting to see a pattern here, ASR. Your family likes to tease you a lot."
Arnav grinned, "yeh right, my family is crazy, they always tease me for nothing"
Keshav smiled nodded, "I can see that. My sister, kushi is the same way. Always testing my sanity."
Akash's was curious he didn't know keshav had a sister "kushi? I haven't met her yet. How is she?"
Keshav expression changed , but he covered it immediately which doesn't go unnoticed by arnav "She's fine, actually she and dad were in Chennai on some work they will come in two days, I came first to arrange everything".
The conversation flowed easily from there, with the Raizadas and Keshav discovering common interests and shared values. But little did they know, their lives were about to become intertwined in ways they never expected.
Two days later:
Keshav's father Pranav and his sister returns from their business trip. Kushi was exhausted so she slept. Later in the evening keshav take her meet raizadas as Pranav went on another business trip. Pranav became workaholic after his wife's death.
All raizada were having tea , when Hari Prakash came in to inform Keshav's arrival. They all welcomed him warmly and he greeted everyone.
"I brought my sister along " he said. "Kushi" he called her. " Ha, bhaiyyu coming "
As Kushi walked into the room, Arnav's eyes widened in shock. He felt like he had been punched in the gut. Aman, standing beside him, looked equally stunned.
"Who is this?" Aman whispered, his voice trembling.
Arnav couldn't respond. He was frozen, his eyes fixed on Kushi's face. The resemblance to Santhoshi was uncanny - the same piercing green eyes, the same mischievous smile.
Keshav seemed oblivious to the tension, smiling warmly at his sister. "Kushi, this is the Raizada family. We're going to be neighbors."
Kushi's eyes darted around the room, unsure of who to focus on. "Hi," she said softly, her gaze lingering on Arnav for a moment before moving away.
Arnav felt a pang of disappointment. She didn't recognize him. Why would she, though? She betrayed him and move on. But kushi wasn't her name santhoshi.
Aman nudged him, breaking the spell. "Arnav, say something," he whispered urgently.
Arnav cleared his throat, trying to compose himself. "Hi, Kushi. Welcome to the neighborhood."
Kushi smiled politely, but her eyes betrayed a hint of fear. "Thanks. Nice to meet you all."
As the evening wore on, Arnav found himself struggling to keep his emotions in check. He couldn't take his eyes off Kushi, his heart aching with a mix of nostalgia , confusion, hurt, hatred ,anger but most of all relief that she was alive
Aman, sensing his turmoil, kept a close eye on him. "Arnav, we need to talk," he whispered, as they excused themselves to the garden.
"What's going on, Aman? Who is this girl?" Arnav asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aman shook his head. "I don't know, but I think we're about to uncover a whole lot of secrets." He too was furious on santhoshi but the girl infront of them refused to recognize them. Was she faking it or is it real.
As the evening wore on, Kushi continued to chat happily with the Raizadas, oblivious to the tension between Arnav and Aman. She laughed and joked, her eyes sparkling with a carefree spirit.
But Keshav noticed something that others didn't - the faint shadows under her eyes, the slight tremble in her smile. He knew that she was exhausted, that the effort of being social was taking a toll on her.
"We should leave," Keshav said, his voice gentle but firm. "It's getting late"
Kushi nodded, her smile faltering for a moment. "Yes, sorry. I forgot."
Anjali asked them to stay. "Next time mrs.jha " keshav said with polite smile.
As they said their goodbyes, Arnav felt somethingwas being snatched from him. He wanted to know more about Kushi, to uncover the secrets that surrounded her.
But Keshav's protective instincts were clear. He was guarding his sister, shielding her from the world.
As they left, Aman turned to Arnav. "Are youalright" he whispered.
To which arnav reply "I will be"
Keshav and Kushi walked out of the mansion, into the cool night air. Keshav put his arm around his sister, pulling her close.
"You okay?" he asked, his voice soft.
Kushi nodded, her eyes drooping. "Yeah. Just tired."
Keshav knew that she was more than tired.
........
Hope you like this chapter too
Love
Sirisha
