Hellooooo Guysssssssss....
Happy Tuesday!!
So yes – here I am with the next for HW3.o this week!
And yes – initially I had planned this to be a full fledged long update but once I wrote this bit – I totally wanted it to stand out on its own. You will all know what I mean once you finish reading this.
Word Count – Medium- Long in length– 7.4K Words.✍✍👩💻👩💻
Taking some hours off to just Write this Out finally has truly been my Respite in taking my Mind Off – Everything Covid! And I truly hope – that you are able to experience some distraction and entertainment through the Story Too🤗❤🙏
Will be Eager to know your feedback on the Same!
Thank you so very much guys* Infinity for all your Support to my Work till now! It truly means so much to me!🤗🤗🤗🤗✍✍✍👩💻👩💻👩💻👩💻
Also, yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.
I shall now let you all dive in without Further Delay.
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Disclaimer:
This Story/ Written Series is a work of Fiction.All characters are fictitious.Any resemblance to a person living or dead is purely coincidental. The depiction off fictitious characters through their cross - cultural backgrounds is also a work of pure fiction. I respect all faiths, cultures, communities with its rich diversities, equally.I mean no offence or hurt to anyone's sentiments through my work in any way whatsoever.
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Take 30 – HeartStrings
Same Day – Early Evening
Raizada Mansion
4:55 PM
Khushi's POV
A deep vulnerable kiss with Arnav right now continues to create a havoc within my senses – like it always does.
We are in his room and he is like just about a couple of minutes away from that video conference with his unit. I walked in with him here for a couple of minutes so that I could just soak in the last-minute empowering strength from his warm embrace. Its exactly what I need before I set out to follow my gut steeping out of his room in minutes from now.
He obviously pulled me in for a deep kiss almost immediately as we stepped into his room given that we'v spent most of the afternoon with everyone in the family group.
So, guys – I am a tad bit nervous obviously. BUT NOT MUCH. Remember what a nervous wreck I was before opening up to Arnav about my secret???? YEAH??? BACK in mid April? Like Four Months Ago?????
I am sure you all remember the exact bit I am referring to in context here.
However – point to be noted.
Surprisingly, now that I am minutes away from talking to his family about the same in the present day today – I am just like about 5 percent nervous about what I was then! (Which is only natural of course). But to be honest now that I look back in retrospect within - at the very same time right very now - I also do feel that a part off me is not surprised about the ways the nervous meter works in the pit of my stomach has began to function and cope efficiently - because so much has evolved within me in these last four months emotionally!Right? A part of me surely feels like that I have freaking just walked a long way ahead emotionally.
And all of that wouldn't have been possible without Arnav's emotional support and love – obviously. Which is why for his sake - my guts just pushing me to do this in the first place – now.
Also please note – to be fair enough to the origin – I also do think that the majority off my nervousness in that 5 percent has everything to do with the bit that I intend to follow this through without Arnav knowing about it. I mean I am nervous about his reaction – after! I can imagine him being mad at me for this momentarily for sure! You know because we always discuss things through in between of us first?
But then I guess – I will be able to make him understand - Why I felt like I had to do this? And if he's mad – ill just kiss his anger away – slowly and emotionally. THAT SURELY COULD WORK IN MY Favour!
Sorry Baby for doing this without your knowledge! BUT I really gotta do this.
For Us!
I whisper into Arnav's lips now as my determined intent takes over my mind again as Arnav's loving vibes fill me up with all the strength/ reassurance that I need – " baby...aren't you getting late??"
Arnav whispers into my lips continuing to kiss me deep – "yeah...but... a minute fiore...give me that.. will you please??I have a couple of minutes...it's going to just take me a minute to log in through my tablet.. anyway..plus I guess Cap will buzz me just as he is set to log in too...so ill just follow suit then...k?"
I whisper a hoarse - yes - into his lips and we keep kissing deeply and about a minute later he reluctantly pauses on kissing me and so do I - and the very second I open my eyes to look into Arnav's intent one he cups my face sincerely and asks caressing my cheeks – " Khushi...what's on your mind baby? I can easily sense that there is something for sure?you are nervous about something? Your vibe talks to me in a language of its own fiore...and you know that?? is it about the bit that you are keen to know the feedback from M, S, Brian and Jack, Mrs J..about your extended professional idea?? My lady...I assure you that they will all love it too...the very second you talk to them about it...just like we all loved it...too...period...so quit worrying about that bit baby...please?"
Crap.
How could I forget that this man can see me through like an open freaking book?
I cover up momentarily as I admit nodding – " yeah baby.. you got that right..ummm...you know about the bit of me being nervous...but it isn't about my idea...because...well...I feel quite content within about it..so I am confident that Mum, S, M, Brian, Jack will love it too....and I am going to begin working on it like first thingout when I return..as you already know....but...my nervousness right now..isn't quite about that...hmmm.....let's just say that I am a tad bit nervous about Mum's video call with uncle and aunty later tonight after the T20 match in between of Sri Lanka and England....as in..I so want that to go well too..given that how everything else has been so wonderful as well...like it's just that last shade off nervousness ..love..that's all.."
Arnav nods at that taking that bit of it in from me but he narrows his eyes at me after – "hmmmm.... really?? Baby? Is that what it is??? I mean...is that all? Why do I feel like that there's something else too??why do I feel that...you are trying to flip the switch on me..with regards to another context...maybe?,"and he begins to caress my cheek lovingly with his knuckles – his eyes beginning to xray me through.
Oh Damm.
If he keeps up at this then he'll just make me blurt things out right very now. Need to distract him – yet again.
Its good that I know exactly what to do.
I nod sincerely covering up yet again – " no baby...it's nothing else at all...its just the bit I assure you.....,"and before he can say anything further - I pull him in for an instant brief kiss to distract his mind from running onto its x-raying me through spree. Thankfully – he gives in into my exploration of his lips – briefly too.I whisper into his lips ten seconds later – " how about you kiss my nervousness away..for another five seconds right now baby???Until I see you..after your con call?"
He does just that obviously and also whispers sweet words into my lips at that assuring me that I had nothing to be nervous about on that angle too! That everything was going to great on the video call in between Mum, Raima aunty and Arjun Uncle – later tonight too.
Oh baby. I hate to lie to you. FORGIVE ME.Please? But I gotta cover up for now for if I tell you what I am about to do – you'd want to do it with me and I do wana save you from the awkwardness of any potential crossfire given that I know you love both – your family and me – to bits!!!
We pull back now as Arnav phone buzzes with a call and I gesture him to take it given that its Cap and as he gestures to me listening in on the phone that he now has to log in to the call – I just nod at him lovingly and kiss his cheek and hug him sideways and walk out his room – and make my way towards everyone else gathered up in the living room on the floor below.
Yup.
Nervous Heartstrings are back to tug on my being momentarily.But I know exactly how to deal with them – last minute.
By imagining- Arnav's face in my mind and letting his love consume my Heart. Obviously.
He's my power plug – Afterall!
He just always has been!!!!!!
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Meanwhile – Simultaneously
In the Family Living Room
Raima looks at Anjali puzzled as she asks – " are you sure that you have no idea what this could be about too beta??"
Anjali nods puzzled and inquisitive too and looks at all – " yes Mom...I swear..Khushi gave me no heads up at all...like I told you all...all she requested off me and Akash... while walking out with Arnav a couple of minutes ago was...to have everyone gather here...all she said was that she has something extrememly important to discuss with us all..while Arnav is busy on the video call...,"and she snuggles into her husband – Ravi's side as she states – " I wonder what is it though..."
Ravi nods – " I wonder too...given that its obvious..she wanted to have this talk with us all...whilst Arnav is busy.."
Akash nods puzzled too – " Yup..Mom...that's exactly what she said..to both di and me....indeed...,"and he wraps his hands around Payal's shoulder as he states deep in thought – " but this is exactly what is so strange everyone...for as much as we all know the dynamics between the two of them...its like they are freaking transparent with one another...always...like crystal clear...so I cant help but wonder..what is it that Khushi wants to talk to us all about right now??"
Payal nods too – " my thoughts exactly too...,"and she looks towards the enterance of the living room and the time on the wall adjacent – " anyways...I guess we should know soon..."
Arjun Raizada – finally takes his seat next to his wife. He had been pacing around the family living room – deep in thought too wondering as to what this could be about too just like everyone else. He says now looking at the time and hugging his worried wife to his side – " Payal...beta...you are right...I think..we should know soon...Arnav might have begun the call which means that Khushi will be here soon...,"and he kisses his wife's head lovingly whose brows were furrowed into a concern – " don't worry Dr Raizada...I am sure its something general...you worry too much..."
Raima sighs now hugging Arjun sideways – " I hope so Arjun...I am so worried...thinking..what if we did something to put Khushi in an awkward spot? Something that's made her uncomfortable surely?? I mean..we haven't messed things up for Arnav right? by being our casual, teasing selves – as a group...I mean..I really love Khushi already for Arnav..so much...I am sure you all agree...I mean do you all see the way Arnav's eyes twinkle in glee and peace when she is around?"
Before Arjun or anyone else in the close knit group can say anything to Raima to comfort her over the same – they all hear Khushi's soft voice come in from upfront as she walks into the family room – closing the door shut with a soft smile up her face – " you noticed that too Raima aunty? It really does warm my heart to hear you mention the same though...I mean...its something that moves me immense too...you know too just notice Arnav's eyes twinkling in glee and peace everytime I catch him stealing a glimpse at me when he thinks I am not noticing...but too bad for him...I do notice it every single time...my antenna's are just so overly tuned with his..every gesture of his always reaches my mindfulness...indeed..."
Raima smiles at that on reflex just like everyone else and she asks – " Khushi ...finally...beta...you here...Arnav's on the call..then??"
Khushi nods as she answers stepping in – " yea aunty...he just got busy with that..". She'd obviously overheard Raima's concern for she was about to step in then and so now – all she wanted to do was follow her gut to take this through – finally and she walks up straight to all and takes her spot in the chair in the center of the two sofa's on either of her sides – where Raima+ Arjun were seated on one and Anjali+ Ravi on the other on the side.Akash + Payal on the two seater sofa opposite.
Khushi leans forward towards Raima and hold her hand on reflex as she admits with a sincere smile – " Raima aunty...please be rest assured that I have been more than my comfortable self...here...with you all...this bit about me wanting to talk to you all right now...has something to do with a personal context at my end...in fact...you'v all been so wonderful...which is a part reason as to why I feel like I wana do this in the first place..."
Everyone sighs in relief and exchanges happy smiles at that and Arjun kisses Raima's head beaming happily at Khushi – " told you Dr Raizada...you worry too much...,"and he then states Khushi's words again – " see...Khushi...beta...right here...just said that..this has something to do at her end..."
Raima nods happily in relief yet again exchanging a happy grin with Arjun, Anjali, Ravi, Payal and Akash and she says to Khushi – " thank god beta...thank god you started with that...I was a little worried thinking what if we messed things up.."
Khushi smiles on that on reflex clutching onto Raima's hand – " aunty...you are all so wonderful...how can you even think the same?,"and she pauses and admits nervously – " I wonder...though...if my doing what I am about to do messes things...up...instead....but I really just have to do this...for Arnav's sake..."
That makes everyone exchange puzzled looks and Arjun asks before Raima can – " what do you mean Khushi beta??"
Khushi's heart fuzzles up warmly at the sound of the word – Beta – from Arnav's Dad so fondly yet again and she takes a couple of deep breathes to garner up all her strength and she admits looking at Raima and Arjun first – " uncle...aunty...the way...you two..call me beta...it touches a chord off a deep heartstring..within..indeed...and uncle...when it comes from you so naturally...it makes me emotional..as well...very emotional....I mean...as you all surely know from Arnav...that I never knew my Dad...its just been Mum and me...and my grandparents and our close friend circle..."
Arjun nods at that and exchanges a heartfelt look with Raima+ Anjali+ Ravi+Akash+ Payal. Raima's motherly heart swells with love + care at that. They all obviously knew from Arnav that Khushi's Dad has passed even before she was born.She now gestures Khushi to come and take her seat in between Arjun and herself on the sofa – but she is surprised – to see Khushi get up from the chair she was seated at and she walks over to the nearest mantle stand behing the TV and picks up a frame off their family picture and they all watch in puzzled as Khushi caresses Arnav's pic in the group photo and she slowly walks back to take her seat and she hugs onto the frame lovingly and says to all – her eyes welling up in immense emotion - " I love him...Raima aunty..Arjun uncle...Anjali di..Ravi jiju...Akash...Payal...I just love Arnav so so so very much...so much so that feels like my hearts devoted to him on a very different tangent...I love him with all I have...I'll always love him with all I have...I'll do my best to make him the happiest that I can...now and always...and you are all his family...I wanted to begin with assuring you about this bit from me...myself...I promise you all...I'd always love Arnav the way I do...or perhaps only deeper with each passing day..."
That warms everyone's heart immense coming so sincerely from Khushi and Raima says instantly – " and we surely know and can see that you mean every bit of what you just said..Khushi beta....not that you had to say it..."
Arjun adds sincerely – " given that we can easily see/observe the equation in between the two of you...beta...we know you love our son..as much as he loves you.."
Anjali adds with a loving smile – " exactly Khushi..one look at you two..and one just has to know..."
Ravi affirms the same.
Akash adds in sincerely – " I know I keep teasing him...but I think...the two of you are both equally very lucky to have found each other..Khushi..."
Payal adds smiling clutching on Akash's hand – " indeed...Khushi...it's a blessing to have found the one who feels the exact way about you..."
Khushi nods sincerely and emotionally at all and her eyes fall at Arnav's picture in the frame again as she begins to caress it and admits to all on reflex as her eyes well up emotionally – " a blessing indeed it is..Payal...but do you all know...that I often call Arnav my sacred miracle??? Why? Because that's what he exactly he is to my being...he's the one...I wana treasure and cherish..forever.."
Raima and Anjali's eyes well up at that on reflex as they observe Khushi caressing on Arnav's picture so lovingly.Arjun admits next – " and I am sure I speak on behalf of all of us Khushi beta...that we can't tell you how happy we are at hearing this from you...its making each of us emotional to know that our Arnav has finally reached home at the matters of the heart...."
Khushi nods at that and hugs the photo frame again around her waist wrapping her arms around it and she says sincerely next – " thank you uncle...aunty..everyone...and I also wana say that... I assure you that I'd never do anything to hurt him...ever...although...I guess...yup...right now..he might just be mad at me for talking about this to all of you...without his knowledge..."
That makes Akash admit with a puzzled chuckle – " no khushi..why would my crazy twin be mad at you talking to us about how deep you feel for him?as much as I know...he would surely bhangra to that.."
That makes everyone share a warm chuckle as they affirm the same to Khushi one by one.
About a minute later – Khushi finally whispers softly – " yeah...he'd surely dance to that...but what I mean is...that he'd probably be mad...that I talked to you all about my family secret without him being here...as in...he knows it all obviously...I told him everything about four months ago...in mid April....and he's only been so understanding, supportive and loving...nonetheless..after hearing it all...he didn't let go of my hand....like I used to initially fear he would.....which is why...today...I just felt like...I wana talk to you all about it myself...I wana save Arnav from the potential awkward crossfire he'd probably feel all caught up in...you know just in case...my family secret...overwhelms...you all...I mean...you are his family...he loves you all to bits...I would never want him to be caught up in an awkward spot in front of you all...so I just felt like I have to be the one to do this...I have to be honest to you all from the get go..specially now that I have spent such wonderful time with you all and you'v all only been so warm and loving – that I'd never want you all to feel that I kept you in the dark intentionally...or something...until later....you all have to know right very now..for I feel like...I need to know how you all feel about my truth...but before I begin with that...I want you all to know...that this family secret which is linked strongly with my truth isn't something that is out in the open..as in...its undercovers...it always has remained that way..with only our close trusted ones knowing the same...but yes...I do feel like I cannot keep it from you all though....no...I can't ..I most definetly...cannot...keep it from you all..any longer..so...should I begin with it??"
That from Khushi obviously puzzles everyone immense as they exchange puzzled looks amongst themselves and they ask pretty much in unison – " what do you mean Khushi??"
Raima asks leaning forward to clutch on Khushi's hand – " what family secret beta?,"and as she catches on Khushi taking deep breathes to steady on her last minute nerves whilst also stealing a look at Arnav's picture in her hand – she exchanges a warm look with Arjun as he states warmly next – " go on then Khushi beta...talk to us...don't feel nervous...and given that Arnav surely knows what this is..we do feel like...that you were probably wanting to talk to us about eventually?? Were you in anticipation of the right time..perhaps???beta??"
Khushi nods at that and just as she hears that from Arnav's dad – her last minute nerves do wash away as she explains – " yes...Arjun uncle...exactly...that...I mean....until now...even though I had heard so much about each of you from Arnav over time..I hadn't met you all...right? plus...its also been an intense emotional journey within for me..with reagrds to this very context..all these months...so...I was just working on coping with all of that within...first...too....I hope you all don't misunderstand me...though...please know it was never my intention to keep you all in dark like purposely or something...it's just that some truths are so vulnerable within..that you fear..the reaction to it? I mean...I was a nervous wreck when I talked about this to Arnav...not so much of it in comparison right now..which only affirms me within that yes..I have come a long way within on this..."
That sincerity in Khushi's tone did not miss anyone's eye and Anjali shares up a glance with Ravi and then walks up from her seat now to seat herself on the armrest off the chair – Khushi was seated at and she clutches on her shoulder in support as she says – " we understand...Khushi...we will not misunderstand you...okay?"
They were all also obviously observing – as to how Khushi was stealing glances at Arnav's pic in the frame in her hand continuously. It was easy for them all to presume that she was reminding herself every second – that she was doing this for Arnav. For Them.The vulnerable moment touched each of their Heartstrings within.
They could easily sense that this wasn't easy for Khushi which just hinted to them that the truth she was referring to was a vulnerable one?
Arjun says now gesturing Khushi to go on as Raima hands Khushi a glass of water to sip on in the meanwhile – " Khushi beta...be rest assured that like Anjali just said..we will surely not misunderstand your intentions..infact the very fact that you wana talk to us about this...yourself...touches our Heartstrings within...only tells us...how much you love Arnav...how badly you wana save him from that awkward spot maybe? Like you presume it might result in???"
Khushi's eyes well up at that as she continues to sip on water. She was glad that Arnav's family could perceive through her intention right now and that they could sense how deeply she loved him. She was counting on this vibe to be her support to her truth. She was deeply counting on the bit that Arnav's family could see beyond her secret and give more weightage to the Love – in between of them – too!
Raima clutches on Khushi's hand as she watches her finally keep the glass of water down and she insists too warmly - " you have our word beta..we will not pressume anything/misunderstand you...we wana hear you out on this..through...indeed..."
Akash, Payal , Ravi and Anjali affirm in unison too – " copy that..Mom..."
That genuine sincere vibe exuding from all further acts like the final push and she states now immediately to all wanting to get it off her chest – " alright...so..here it goes then...ill just begin with it...so this secret of mine..is kind of related to my parents...as in...I know you all believe...that my dad passed before I was born for that is exactly what Arnav told you all...and that was also what I first told him given that I lived..the first 18 years of my life...believing the very same...but that is not the truth...Arjun Uncle, Raima aunty..Akash...Payal...Di..Jiju...the truth is that my dad is alive...he is out there....he just doesn't know about me though...I mean...I know who he is...obviously...but he just doesn't know that I exist..Mum told me about it all when I turned 18...,"and she pauses to wipe a vulnerable tear outta the corner of her eye – stealing a glance at Arnav's picture in the frame in her hand.
That from Khushi shocks and surprises everyone immense. They couldn't believe what they'd just heard. Raima's compassionate heart burst with motherly love at just hearing this. She couldn't imagine the emotional vulnerability the past Khushi would have gone through. Arjun Raizada was feeling the very same emotions within. Now it kind of struck a deeper chord within him as he understood – why Khushi got so emotional everytime she heard him call him – Beta – fondly.
Anjali clutches onto Khushi's shoulder in support – her heart going out to her.Akash, Payal, and Ravi – were equally moved too.
Raima is about to say something when Khushi gestures her taking in the sight of their moved faces – " aunty...wait...just let me get it all off my chest now..before you all say anything...,"and they all nod at her so she continues taking a deep breathe fixating her eyes on Arnav's picture in her hand first before she looked up to look at the sincere serious faces of all and then just looked at Arnav's pic upfront in her hand and began to let it all out – " so I am sure...you are each wondering as to why...Mum hid this from me in the first place??so..that's because...back in time...Mum and Dad kind off hit a block in their relationship...so Dad's basically from a different culture from Mum's...he's from Lahore, Pakistan...they couldn't bridge their share off differences that stemmed up then and broke up eventually and...even though they were deeply in love with one another...things didn't end up well...their last face off..was quite hurtful...so...Dad or wait...I also fondly refer to him as Abbu in my head...so...Abbu...had anyway been facing pressures of arrange marriage back home from his family..prior...so after their break up ...Abbu eventually gave in to an arranged marriage back home...and Mum only found out that she was expecting me...when Abbu was like a couple of weeks married...so then she thought...what was the point in even telling him? he'd moved on..settled into a new life...but she wanted to have me...she wanted to keep me...and so she did...she raised me single handedly...everyone..with the help of her parents...for they supported her through as she raised me and continued studying and working...so the bottom line of all of this is that...my parents were never married...everyone...which basically means that by the societal norms in the world..my existence would be termed as that off an illegitimate child..Abbu...has no clue I exist...he doesn't know...I never even saw him until about four months ago..when I finally visited Lahore with my friends and had a general encounter with him under fan pretext.....because call it destiny's coincidence or fate...but I could do the very same...you know meet him under fan pretext because he is an ex-cricketer too...he used to play for Pakistan...and is currently the President of the Pakistan Cricket Board...Rehaan Khan is my Abbu....,"and she finally pauses closing her eyes in a bittersweet relief at finally having that off her chest as a trail of natural tears ooze out her eyes and she just hugs onto the frame with Arnav's pic in her hand tight.She knew she'd just dropped the truth bomb on Arnav's family out of the blue and whilst she was in the middle of doing so – she'd fixated her gaze on Arnav's pic to get strength – in the moment. She had been too nervous to take turns to look at everyone's face and observe their reaction not because she was scared but because she felt like if she observed any overwhelmed gesture from anyone – it could potentially derail her from letting it all out in the moment and she didn't want to pause without letting it all out. So it seemed to be a fair enough call to just continue to look at Arnav's picture in her hand.
And now that she finally had let it all out - she felt like she was a tad bit nervous to finally open up her eyes to see their faces for reaction so momentarily all she continued to do was just lean back into the chair and continued to hug on the frame in her hand and let the bittersweet tears from her eyes flow – as stunned pin drop – silence engulfed the air in the room.
To say that – hearing all that they had from Khushi right now had stunned and shocked everyone in the room present – would be an understatement ofcourse. Because each and everyone in the room – was feeling beyond just – Stunned – as their hearts and minds worked in an overdrive connecting the dots over and over within in a fraction of a second – as their eyes took in the emotional, vulnerable sight of Khushi leaning back in the chair and letting her bittersweet, nervous tears flow hugging onto the frame in her hand.
Arjun, Raima, Anjali, Ravi, Akash, Payal – couldn't freaking believe the twisted coincidence of it all too. That Khushi's Abbu was Rehaan Khan.An ex-cricketer for Pakistan/Current Head of the PCB. And at the same time – both the moment/sight upfront in front of them right now continued to touch a chord with their Heartstrings as they exchanged vulnerable emotional glances amidst all – continuing to observe Khushi's frame as she says now wiping tears off her cheeks still closing her eyes shut – " so now you all know...everything...I could go into more details of the same..if you all want to know...but now you all know why I didn't want Arnav to be here...right? I mean..this bit about my birth...is sensitive..right? scandalous too..surely..and if Arnav ever heard me using the words scandalous with my existence again..he'd just get so very mad...too...plus...I don't want him to get into any crossfire with you all because me...I mean...I don't know yet how are you all feeling about this..because I am still a little nervous to open my eyes to gauge your potential reactions...because yes I do know that maybe...you all never imagined to have a person as Arnav's partner whose existence is illegitimate and the situation with my parents and everything...but just as all of that is a part of me that I can't really change...I can also never change the bit ...that I love Arnav with every inch of my being...I truly do...I really...really...love him..,"and with that she just buries her face in her hands and whispers to add vulnerably – " don't hate me for this...please???everyone??Arjun uncle, Raima aunty Di, Jiju, Akash, Payal - I know my existence would be termed as illegitimate..but every bit of what I feel for Arnav is legitimate in its purest sacredness of love...for real....,"and she continues to sob a little with her face in her hands and she continues – " please don't ask me to walk away from him because of this...please...Arjun uncle..Raima aunty...di...jiju...akash...payal...it will just kill me...too...It surely will kill me to do so...I can't be without him...I just can't...and this family secret...will always be undercover like it has been...Arnav will see no harm because off me...ever...professionally too...Mum always wanted to keep this undercover anyway for Abbu's sake given that she knows what trouble it can brew for him in his society on a personal front...you know given that she still loves him in her own twisted ways which is why she never married another/moved on after...and I assure you too...that ill never take steps towards knowing Abbu more..like ever.....ill make sure..he doesn't know...I exist ...ever....I promise you all that....I wouldn't ever risk it...given that I know it can potentially affect Arnav's professional career as an Indian cricketer...I would never want any harm to ever come on him..because of me ever...be it personal/professional...no harm can come on him...I won't let it...ever..for...the harm has to go through me first...any harm surely has to come face to face with me first....I will make sure off that...now and always..."
And Just like that as they all continued to hear Khushi let out her emotions through raw, vulnerable - words – in the emotionally vulnerable moment amidst them all – Arjun, Raima, Anjali, Ravi, Akash and Payal – knew- that Khushi Jones had just hit a bull's eye at each off their HeartStrings within.
For - they all knew in that vulnerable moment – that it surely must have taken mountains of strength within from Khushi to come up and admit this upto them upfront without Arnav by her side. They surely now understood the vulnerability of it all. Oh yes – they did – just like they also understood the bit that for their Arnav – there wasn't anything that Khushi wouldn't do. Just like that in that emotionally vulnerable moment – they all understood – that Khushi could probably even walk-through fire – for Arnav if she had too! For how could each of them not be blown away by that courage off hers? To just come up and admit something as vulnerable as this out loud to your partners family??????
Yes – they were all surely not expecting to hear what they had. But now that they had heard that and were observing on Khushi's frame and raw emotions– the vulnerability of the truth seemed so much less significant than the display of pure emotion/devotion in Khushi's frame – for Arnav. Each of them couldn't also believe that they'd just heard her say that for Arnav's well- being – she'd always stay miles away from her Abbu.
In that very moment - they all knew exactly what they wanted to now say to this courageous girl upfront – who still sat frozen in her vulnerable state holding onto the frame in her hand with her eyes closed.
Everyone exchanges a reassuring nod amongst themselves now and Anjali, Raima, Payal, wipe the tears that had pooled in the corner of their eyes and Raima gestures Arjun to take the lead in addressing this – knowing that it would have better impact coming from him first – given the void of a father's space – in Khushi's life.
Akash and Ravi together stand up side by side too and they join in Anjali, Payal, Raima as well as they all lovingly form a circle around Khushi's wingchair leaning against it from the sides and Arjun takes his seat on the center table upfront and finally places his hand on Khushi's head sincerely as he states – " Khushi...beta...come...on...enough crying already...how will you know what our reaction is? If you don't even look up...beta...?????? Oh Please don't tell me that you haven't already presumed in your head for good... that we are going to ask you to stay away from Arnav because of this?because...that is surely not what we are going to say at all...beta...we know..it would kill you both...to be apart...we'd never do that...to Arnav or You...for that matter...for in our eyes...that would be no less than an emotional murder of the two of you....so hear this once and for all beta...we will never ask you off something so freaking ridiculous...because from where we see it...we know that...there's no fault off your in all of this...at all...you'v just been an innocent child...caught up...in..this twisted situation in between you parents...that's all..."
That immediately makes Khushi look up teary eye-d at Arnav's dad and she asks to reconfirm - blinking her eyes to get the pool of tears out of the way so that she could see clearly – " wait...what?? uncle?? What did you just say????You won't ask me to stay away from Arnav???"
Raima adds now placing her hand on Khushi's head from the side – "ofcourse we won't..isnt that a given? For we would be crazy to do so beta...for...that would be a sin of the highest order...won't it be??look....we can clearly see..how much you love one another...we know what you feel for one another is pure...."
Khushi looks up at Raima sideways and asks tearfully damming herself for the flow of tears for it was still blocking her clear vision which was hindering her from reading everyone's expressions – "wait...wait...whattt???????????uncle...aunty...so...you mean...this okay then? as in my truth? Is It acceptable to you all too??? like....hasn't this overwhelmed you all?"
Raima smiles at that and Arjun states immediately wiping Khushi's tears off her face first next – " khushi beta...I told you first.....stop crying..for then you will be able to see our faces clearly...but let me answer you ....so....yes...we are all overwhelmed yes...most surely yes....but not by the truth per say...but by the display of emotion/love/devotion towards Arnav that we have spotted in your being...right very now...how can we not be blown away by your courage right now instead..beta??"
That leads to a flood of happy tears out of Khushi's eyes next as she feels that last weight of fear vanish off her being and she asks her voice trembling in emotion – " really????? Uncle??"
Raima chips in now smiling brushing Khushi's hair – " Khushi beta...we are overwhelmed...yes...but my mothers heart..is drowning in overwhelming emotions imagining what you must have been through all this while...or for that matter...what your Mum must have been through in her journey...to this day...raising you..single handedly..independently...she's one strong woman...your Mum...beta...I haven't yet spoken to her...but I can't help but appreciate her strength..right now..."
Anjali chips in next brushing Khushi's hair – " my thoughts exactly Khushi...I'v just been so overwhelmed imagining what it must have been for you..and you met your Abbu under fan pretext for the very first time? Like...How must have that been for you??"
Ravi chips in next to ask – " Arnav was there with you through it all right?emotionally? Khushi??"
Akash and Payal ask in unison too brushing her arm in support – " how have you been coping up all this while...Khushi??? Wana talk to us about it? we wana hear it all if you are ready to open up??.."
That from everyone overwhelms Khushi on another level in tides of added relief as happy tears now continue to pour out her eyes and she leans back into her chair – in a thud – taking in the sight of concern on Arnav's family faces right now for her. Everything she had just heard from each one of them – had moved all sorts of HeartStrings within her heart – yet again. She felt like – she just fell in familial love with Arnav's family – in this very moment of time. How could she not feel the same? Given that she'd heard what she had from all?
She was speechless and in a zen of overwhelmed emotions – right now indeed which was why she couldn't get her voicebox to function as she sat glued to her spot – crying profusely as the tap on her eyes ceased to press the stop button.
Arjun takes in the sight off Khushi crying in stunned surprised still as she gaped at them all and even though they all knew that this time around she was probably crying out of happy vulnerability – he exchanges a look with Raima first and then everyone around as he states raising his hands up to his side – " okay...okay..alright...I do have to admit..Khushi beta...that....there is something that is surely unacceptable to me though right now...beta..and guess what? flash news? It has nothing to do with your truth...butt instead has everything to do with all your crying right now plus....the bit...that it is now unacceptable for me to hear you call me Unlce...khushi beta...for ..from here on..from this very second on...I want you to call me Dad....you will call me...Dad..okay? and I want to assert this point with exact Dad-Like...authority indeed...."
That from Arjun moves Khushi even more touching a deep aching HeartString within her heart that longed to utter the word Dad – out in daily life - and it opens up another floodgate of vulnerable tears out of her eyes immediately again and Khushi asks softly trying to wipe her tears away fast her voice trembling like it never ever did before – "wait...wh..a...t...?? did I just hear you right?? Arjun uncle?? Did you just say..w...h..a...t...yo..u...d..i..d???Yo...u wa...nt me to call...you..D...a...d????"
Arjun smiles at Khushi warmly and takes the frame from Khushi's hand and looks at Arnav's photo and keeps it on the side now and states – " yes...beta...you heard me right the first time around...ill excuse your error of calling me uncle again though right now..ill just take it as a slip of tongue...right Dr Raizada?,"and he clutches on her hand sincerely exchanging a warmnod with Raima and he adds wanting to atleast make Khushi smile through her tears – " yes... I am Dad to you...here on...just like I am Dad to Arnav...Khushi...beta...are we clear on that? yes yes...I know...I know...I am not as kool as your Abbu though..in real..as in ..do you even know how big a fan of him I used to be back in the day? I mean he was one of the first all-rounders in the Asian subcontinent...Arnav's a fan of him too...I am sure he told you that...in fact...now that you did tell us the truth...I surely fancy an autograph coming my way...in the future...what say Khushi beta?would you be able to get me one...from your Abbu one day under fan pretext..maybe???"
Ravi and Akash chip in grinning – " yeah Dad...we on that boat too...Khushi get us the same too..will you please one day? don't favour Dad/or just Arnav.."
That from Arjun/Ravi/Akash obviously makes Khushi chuckle a little through her floodgate of tears as she gapes at Arjun stunned and answers softly now – " I can't believe you just said that uncle...though...as....in...the context of the autograph..that was Arnav's reaction too...when I told him though...I mean..i was freaking out wondering what would he say and he reacted with just this..."
That makes Arjun bite back his grin as he says proudly – " oh did he now? like father like son...Dr Raizada...isn't that what I should say??then??"
Raima nods happily – " exactly what you should say Dr Raizada...those words suit the moment indeed..."
Khushi admits wiping her tears as a litte sad smile curves up her lips on its own accord – " I got him one..already though...uncle...when I met Abbu under fan context in Lahore..four months ago..."
That makes Arjun, Ravi and Akash groan lightheartedly and before they can say anything this time around - Raima lovingly rubs Khushi's hair again and Anjali and Payal lean forward to wipe her tears too and Raima adds next on reflex – " and Khushi beta...we understand if you and your Mum want to keep this undercover for your Abbu's sake...but no beta...do not stay apart from knowing your Abbu because of Arnav's context though..he'd hate it...if he were to ever find out...its one of the bits on your mind...too...I know him don't I? he's my son...he loves you deep...he's devoted to you too...right?"
Arjun adds grinning – " oh so is he just your son now...Dr Raizada??"
Raima chuckles – " our son...Dr Raizada..correction done..but you get the point..don't you Khushi beta??"
Khushi nods for just hearing that from Raima moves Khushi yet again for she was way too surprised to hear her suggest the same in context right now and that just assures her that just like Arnav - his family too had the richest of the hearts beating in their beings and for now she covers up momentarily saying – "yes..aunty...I get the point....but will you please not tell Arnav that I said it out loud though? itll just make him mad at me for even thinking this in the first place..."
Raima nods and grins and Arjun adds clutching on Khushi's hand – " we will keep your secret safe beta...on one condition..though..which is that...I really want you to call...me ...Dad...now...please?give..it a..go...please???beta?"
Khushi fights back her happy tears at that and she finally nods and clutches on her heart emotionally and looks at Arjun Raizada and whispers the words with her voice trembling – "o..ka...y...th..en.....le..t...s..tr..y...th..i..ss..uncle..a..s...I.. n...D..a..d...i..will..call...you...D...ad..he..n..ce..for...th...,"and just as she says those words out loud – Khushi breaks down in her spot yet again letting her raw, overwhelmed - emotions flow.How could she not? When finally using the – words – Dad out loud – for Arnav's Dad – had felt what it did.
Almost Liberating on a deep vulenrable tangent yet again.As if – some shackle of eternal longing had just been cut off – by a magical axe being swung by Destiny+ Fate.
And - Did they all let Khushi vent out her vulnerability alone this time around ?? Ofcourse not. Arjun+ Raima pulled her in for an instant hug as they held her close just like they always hold their respective children in their moments before Anjali, Ravi, Akash and Payal joint in comforting Khushi too – the moment just edging Khushi towards just wanting to open up to them about all the other details – in context off her Abbu/her emotional journey within – too – as they now began to ask her off the same all the while comforting her.
How could they not ask? Given that - She'd touched their HeartStrings in a way that was way too sincere and pure by standing up for herself/her truth + the display of her devoted emotions for Arnav.
And - How could she not open up?Given that They'd touched Khushi's - HeartStrings in a similar magnitude too with everything that had just transpired.
They wanted to know it all and She wanted to tell them about it all.
So – that was the exact very conversation this vulnerable moment eventually culminated in - eventually.
An open, honest ,heart to heart conversation in between Khushi and Arnav's family that once again – cemented the belief in Khushi's being that – there truly was nothing more powerful than the Power of warm, loving, empowering, honest, sincere – Open Human Heart/Hearts – in this whole wide world – Indeed.
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How was That Guysssssssss??????????
Emotional Much? I experienced an array of emotions while penning this down. Hope you all enjoyed.❤
So initially like I said - I had planned more for this update – but – once I wrote this bit I wanted to pause here given that its already 7.4K words! And I do want to do justice to the scenes in my head with regards to the couple of scenes I have planned for this moment after!
Next Update : I will try my bestest to post the next short – medium length update in continuation from this scene – as soon as possible! Aiming for Thursday Night mostly!
So yup - I'll see you soon guys.
Until Then – Please take care and Stay Indoors and Safe guys!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thanks, Guys, for all the Support and your Precious Time to my Work!
Much Love
Always
❤
Prachi
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