♠ Redamancy #Wattys 2019-2022♠

Chapter 1

Buaji opened her mouth when Mr Gupta made her quiet while raising his hand, and his eyes delivered his Jiji the true annoyance over this topic.

"Aadi! Why did you decide to stay at your apartment? We have a huge place here" Garima changed the subject, understanding her husband's intentions.

"Auntie, I am better off by myself; otherwise, I will need a psychiatrist..." Aadi's blurting statement just made everyone laugh except for Khushi, who was glaring at him with threatening eyes warning him, "I'll see you...".

Khushi stood up, finishing her breakfast, when Aadi's words halted her in her tracks, "Since when you had started wearing these Indian dresses...I mean, you never could manage in pants how the heck you will manage in this and... and... with this..." He slid his hand along with her Dupatta[ Scarf] until he grabbed the end of it with questioning eyes.

Everyone was surprised except Garima, admiring her child's new style of fashion. There was no doubt she looked ethereal in churidar, but in reality, she always preferred pants and shirts ...more like a boyish look.

In her annoyance, Khushi snatched her Dupatta from Aadi's hand," very funny...let's go. We're getting late."

Khushi turned to pick up her bag when Shashi came forward and looked at her from top to bottom while making a circle around her and bent his head down, slipping his glasses down over his nose with one finger, "you look great, and I bet with you one box of Jalaibis that you will get selected...I'm not sure about Aadi, though..." He said in a light mood looking at Aadi and winking at him, yet Khushi didn't like it.

"Baba! If Aadi wouldn't be selected, then I won't be there either, and no sweets for you too at this statement," Khushi pouted while answering...

Shashi placed his hand over her child and pulled her into his embrace...there was no need for words ...He knew she needed this strength, and she knew her Baba won't let anything wrong happen as always.

Both left with lots of blessings...while Mr. Gupta and Garima stood at the main gate till their car disappeared. " Do you remember Garima when we left India for a better future? It seems like yesterday."

Garima rested her head on his shoulder ...a memory passed by in a quick scan.

"Sardar Sukvinderji helped us settle in Jackson Heights and helped you stand on your feet. Aadi was only eleven years old when Sukvindeerji's wife died of cancer. Then both of our families moved to Connecticut ...Sukvindeerji opened his own Gas station. You started working with him at night and daytime when you finished your MBA degree at Hartford University. "

Mr. Gupta continued when she stopped, "I still remember that rainy night when I was coming from my office, and my car stopped due to hydroplaning nearby a church, and I had to spend the night there. This small child held my pants and didn't let me leave the next day. Sister Maria tried her best, but she insisted on being with me. I asked sister Maria's permission to bring her home, but she said it was legal. I had to leave her there, but her tears and silent moans were cutting me through, and after three days, when we saw sister Maria near the hospital, she told us about Khushi being in the hospital due to a high fever. I couldn't resist seeing her immediately and ...she."