Khushi's parents asked for permission to arrive late at the Office today, for their dear loving daughter had fallen ill with a fever. Shashi, busy in the kitchen, prepared soup, hoping his butterfly wouldn't protest drinking it. He chuckled at his own absurdity — Khushi and tasteless soup? Never. But he remained determined, focused on cooking the nourishing broth for his daughter.
Garima and Madhumathi hovered over Khushi, gently applying cold compresses to her body in an effort to reduce her fever.
Meanwhile, Shashi emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming bowl of soup, "Soup is ready."
Khushi, who had been lying on the bed, occasionally giggling as the damp cloth touched her skin, emitted a feeble grunt at the mere mention of soup.
But her mother's stern expression brooked no argument; she insisted that Khushi drink the nourishing broth.
Her daughter's frowning face and protests didn't change her decision. Eventually, they departed for their respective offices, leaving Khushi in the care of her buaji.
"Titaliya, ye lo, kaada, peelo," Madhumathi came into her screaming the words only to stop in her tracks.
(here, take this herbal remedy and drink it.)
Her niece had a fever, didn't she?
Oh, yes, she did. But did that stop her from being naughty? Not a chance! Khushi's fever seemed to fuel her mischief. Madhumathi watched, her heart pounding, as her niece balanced precariously on the high windowsill. The wounded ankle hovered just an inch above the ground, while the other foot clung to the grill. Outside, the cat sat, its eyes fixed on the girl, as if her partner would step out anytime and play with her.
Khushi pouted as she wasn't permitted to go out and play with her. Her sad eyes gazed into the cat's longing gaze. The cat, oblivious to its partner's plight, continued its unwavering gaze. Little did she know that her partner was sick with a fever, and arrested in a bedroom.
"Arrey O Parameshwari," Buaji scolded, "you should be resting! Did you forget you're sick? Dekhat kya rahe ho uss billi ko? Uss nanhi si naadan si jaan ko chod do aur aur aajao apne bistar par, leto yaha."
(What are you looking at that cat? Leave that innocent little soul and come lie down on your bed here.)
Madhumathi put the glass aside and gently lifted Khushi from the windowsill, tucking her into bed.
Only to get her protests in return.
"Buaji," Khushi pouted weakly, her eyes pleading. She has been getting bored lying on the bed since morning.
Madhumathi ignored her protests and checked her temperature and it was burning at 102. It was afternoon and she should have been better by now, at least 100 if not 98. She decided it'd be best if she got Khushi to the hospital. The wound on her ankle will also be checked for any infection.
"Jaldi se ye kaada peelo, we will go the hospital, teek hai?" Madhumathi put the glass to her lips as Khushi wrinkled her nose with a strong smell and her lips jutted together in protest.
(Drink this fast, we will go to the hospital, okay?)
Khushi pouted. She doesn't like the smell of the hospital and the big injections they give. "Buaji, what's the need to go to hospital? Please, na, buaji, I don't want to go to the hospital"
Buaji's stern glare left no room for negotiation. "In this matter, your wants and wishes will not be heard, sanka devi. You must go to the hospital, and I'm taking you. Got me?"
And so, they embarked on their journey — a taxi ride with a protesting Khushi cradled in Buaji's arms.
Subadhra Devi watched them as the Taxi drove away, standing on her terrace.
Lifecare Hospital,
The hospital loomed ahead, its white facade adorned with green shutters. Disinfectant lingered in the corridors, and a displeased Khushi wrinkled her nose in disgust, protesting with words that went unheard by Madhumathi.
Dr. Verma, the pediatrician, carefully examined Khushi's symptoms and her ankle injury. A Nurse upon his instructions skillfully removed the old dressing and applied a fresh bandage, the spirit stinging slightly as it disinfected the injury. Her ankle, still tender from the half-fall, would need time to heal.
But still better than yesterday.
Madhumathi sat with Khushi, her heart a mix of relief and concern. The anticipation of the doctor's words hung heavy in the room.
The doctor's diagnosis was reassuring, "Just a normal fever, nothing viral. She'll be fine soon."
"And the wound?" Madhumathi's probing question about the wound received a comforting response.
"There's no infection in the wound. Nothing to worry about." The doctor's smile mirrored Khushi's, who beamed back at him.
It meant no injections. So, to confirm, Khushi asked the doctor with the smile still intact on her face, "No injections?"
The doctor's nod was a resounding "no," and Khushi's grin revealed all her teeth.
"Lovely girl," the doctor thought.
He began writing a prescription, instructing Madhumathi, "Keep her hydrated and give her these medicines. Her fever and wounds will be fine."
Khushi wrinkled her nose at the mention of medicines. Can she have an escape from them?
"And yes," the doctor continued, "make sure her ankle is cleaned and bandaged every day. No socks or shoes that suffocate the wound. Let her ankle breathe."
Madhumathi nodded in agreement, grateful for the clear instructions.
Thanking the doctor, she cradled Khushi in her arms, the prescription a lifeline.
School,
The school, a sanctuary of knowledge, was abuzz with the innocent chatter of children. Arnav, who had been waiting with bated breath since the school bell's resonant chime, greeted his mother, Ratna.
"Your lunch," she said, her voice soft as a lullaby, handing over the lunch box. Her eyes, filled with anticipation, scanned the sea of children for a glimpse of the little girl, Khushi. The previous day, Ratna had been unable to come to school due to some pressing matters and had sent a driver to school instead. Her heart had sunk in disappointment at not being able to see Khushi, but fortune had smiled upon her when the girl herself had turned up at her home. Now, she was yearning to see her again.
"Thank you, Ma," Arnav's words of gratitude were lost in the wind as Ratna, her mind preoccupied, asked, "Where's Khushi? She didn't come to see me?"
"She didn't come to school, Ma," Arnav who was frowning till then frowned some more.
"What? Why? Is it because of her injury?" Ratna's heart skipped a beat as she guessed the reason.
"Maybe. Her sister said Khushi caught a fever of 103," Arnav supplied the information, his voice heavy with concern and anger.
"Hey Bhagwan," Ratna exclaimed, her heart filled with concern. Before Arnav could even open his mouth, she shot her next question at him like an arrow, "Why didn't you tell me, Chotte?"
Arnav glared at her in exasperation. How was he supposed to tell her? Telepathy?
"Ma, I just got to know that in our school bus. How was I supposed to tell you?" His words hung in the air, a silent question echoing in the space between them.
Ratna, her lips forming a small pout, gently nudged him towards his class, "Alright, you go back to your class and finish your lunch. Your new friend will be fine soon." Her soothing words failed to ease Arnav's anger and concern.
And so, Ratna, her determination shining in her eyes, made her way back to Sheesh Mahal, her heart filled with hope and prayers for Khushi's swift recovery. She'd visit her, perhaps, with fruits?
And spend some time with the little girl.
Gupta House,
"Buaji, can't I have ice cream instead?" Khushi's plea echoed through the room, her eyes fixed on the medicines her Buaji held. She despised their bitter taste as she frowned at the medicines her Buaji had in her hands, ready to be killed in her poor stomach.
She didn't like the taste of medicines at all. She never did.
Buaji raised an eyebrow, remaining resolute, her stern gaze meeting Khushi's. "Ice cream won't cure your fever, Parameswari. Medicines will."
"Buaji," Khushi pouted, showing her innocent little hazel eyes, battling them for the effect. She hoped her expression would sway Buaji's decision, perhaps even earn her an ice cream treat from the fridge.
But Madhumathi didn't give heed to her niece's innocent pleading gazes. She administered a few medicines and a small dose of syrup, blatantly ignoring the frown on Khushi's face.
And so, as a small consolation for enduring the medicine regimen, she handed Khushi a cup of pomegranate juice.
Earning a big smile from her.
To which Buaji could caress her face with a sweet smile and lay her down on the bed for the little rest her little body needed and went out to bring a damp cloth.
And so, Khushi lay in bed, her feverish mind racing. She watched the ceiling fan spin lazily. It wasn't even a minute since she rested, she had already started pouting.
"Buaji," she whispered, "I'm bored."
Buaji sat by her side, wiping Khushi's forehead with a damp cloth. "Bored? What do you want to do then?"
Khushi grinned, "I want to play hide-and-seek!"
Buaji chuckled. "Hide-and-seek with a fever?"
Khushi's eyes sparkled. "Please, Buaji! Just one round."
"No."
"Please. Please. Please."
Buaji relented sighing. It's better she agreed than listen to her niece's complaints about it for the rest of the day. Just maybe, she'd rest after it.
Thus, they played a hushed game of hide-and-seek. Khushi's feverish giggles echoed in the room as she hid behind the curtains and doors. Buaji pretended to search, shaking her head in mock frustration.
Then came the moment of revelation. Buaji deliberately feigned defeat, allowing Khushi to emerge from her hiding spot and scream in triumph. "I won!" Khushi declared, her eyes shining with mischief.
Buaji couldn't help but smile, despite her stern facade. Khushi's mischievous antics were endearing, but she couldn't ignore the fact that her niece's fever persisted.
Forget about her niece. She herself might develop a fever soon if her niece continues being this naughty, she thought, shaking her head.
"You're impossible," Buaji whispered. "But that's why you are an aafat ka pudia, a sanka devi," She exclaimed fondly with a hint of exasperation.
Khushi finally felt weak and retired to bed to sleep for some time. Effects of medicines finally kicking in her system. Madhumathi sighed in relief.
Finally, this 'aafat ki pudia' had fallen asleep.
A few hours later,
Khushi stirred from her nap, her eyes fluttering open. Her temperature had considerably reduced to 100, a relief for her. Sure it was a relief and yet it was not.
Quite Contradicting? With Khushi, everything is contradicting.
Madhumathi had been huffing and puffing, trying to keep her niece in check ever since she woke up. Her spirit was back, slightly and the slightest one was enough to keep Madhumathi on her toes.
Khushi getting bored rearranged her toys, drew funny faces on the medicine bottles, and even danced to a few Bollywood sitting on the sofa. Only when her Buaji came with a Belan, did she pretend to rest on the sofa, and Madhumathi, exhausted with all the 'running around her niece', let her small form sleep on the sofa and sat adjacent to it, keeping an eye on her and reducing the TV volume considerably that Khushi, who's pretending to sleep under her bedsheet to peek if the TV is on or not.
And then just when the bell in their house rang. Madhumathi wondered who could be at this time, in the late afternoon. Payal had another hour to come home and Shashi and Garima were to come in the evening. Or Did they come early, worrying for their daughter? But she was giving updates about her recovery and they didn't tell her anything.
Sighing, she went to the door as Khushi finally getting the chance increased the volume and enjoyed watching Bollywood songs.
"I heard Khushi had a fever, how is she now?"
Madhumathi opened the door to a woman in her mid-thirties standing at their door with a small bag in her hand, throwing a question about her niece. The woman looked concerned, Madhumathi observed yet not recognizing her, asked, "Ji, aap?"
"I am Ratna Mallik. I stay just beside your house."
Madhumathi recalled Khushi's rants about her Ratna Aunty in their home and instantly recognized her to be the Boss's wife of Sashi and Garima.
Garima informed her.
They are royals! Not to forget.
Ratna wasted no time before asking again, concern creeping in her heart, "Jee, how is Khushi?"
Madhumathi quickly responded, "She isn't completely fine yet, Nandakishore. Her temperature was 103 in the morning, but now it's 100. I've given her medicines, and she's resting." Embarrassed that she hadn't invited Ratna inside yet, Madhumathi added, "But please come in."
Ratna smiled and accepted the invitation. As they walked toward the hall, she said, "I made this fruit salad for Khushi. It'll help with her nourishment."
Khushi, recognizing the familiar voice, whispered loudly, "Ratna Aunty?" Her antics caught the attention of both women.
"Hai Re Nandakishore, you aren't sleeping, sankadevi? And why is the volume high? Didn't I turn it low for you to rest?" Madhumathi scolded her niece, but Khushi paid no heed. Instead, she limped over to Ratna.
Madhumathi watched as the woman in her thirties transformed into a child herself, engaging in animated conversation with Khushi, talking nineteen to a dozen.
What a match!
Madhumathi went to get her guest a cup of tea, astonished by Ratna's concern and playfulness as she interacted with her niece. Khushi's excitement wasn't a surprise, tho.
RR Fashion House,
Arvind's Cabin,
"When's Avinash coming back? I heard from his wife that they are going to delay for a day more?" Subadhra inquired about her other son, Avinash Mallik, who with his wife and kids went to his in-law's home since his father-in-law was sick.
Now, he's better and they were to come back when her other daughter-in-law, Samaya, informed her about the delay. Avinash didn't tell her though and she's here in RR, asking about him. It was becoming difficult to handle Mallik Industries all alone without Avinash. Arvind is busy with RR Fashion House. She visited RR less often and only when there was some emergency. Like today. Otherwise, she'd be busy with Mallik Industries. Arvind would handle RR most of the time, which was a gift from his father-in-law, Rudra Singh Raizada.
The Raizadas were as wealthy and influential as the Malliks, their royal lineage intertwined with a vast industrial empire. Among their enterprises stood RR Fashion House, a gift to Arvind. He also assisted with Mallik Industries, stepping in when necessary. It was a role Subadhra had once shouldered alone.
After the death of her husband, it was only she who had handled all of it.
"Yeah, Ma. He said he'd come a day later," Arvind muttered, going through a file, worried and continued keeping the file aside, releasing a breath, "We should change our plan to a day later as-"
Subadhra cut him off sharply. "Enough. I told you we won't discuss it here."
And repeat the mistake.
Gupta House,
Ratna left a while ago after spending so much time with Khushi that she forgot it was almost time for Arnav and Anjali to come home.
Just as she left, Garima and Shashi came home, arriving earlier than they thought would.
Khushi who was resting in her Buaji's arms on the sofa, watching cartoons beamed at her father and mother. "Papa!! Mumma!!"
Her father had promised he'd bring her surprise home in the evening and she was eagerly waiting for the moment.
And so when it arrived, she couldn't contain her excitement.
"Where's my surprise?" she asked, now limping towards her father in anticipation, her eager eyes searching for her Beebo.
Her heart raced when she saw her father hiding something behind him. She anticipated something extraordinary and when she saw Shashi unboxing the gift he held in his hands, her excitement bubbled over.
What was her gift was beyond extraordinary.
"Aww! Fishes!" Khushi squealed, her eyes wide with delight. The unexpectedness of it all made her laugh. She hadn't expected a pair of fishes to be the surprise, but somehow, if not a rabbit or a puppy, the little pair of fishes swimming in the aquarium was fine — it was perfect.
Shashi chuckled, shaking his head. "No, your Beebo," he corrected her gently. Reminding her that she wanted her pet to be named Beebo.
"Yess," she bobbed her head. Khushi's excitement toppled over as she gazed at the fishes in the aquarium. She tapped on the glass, hoping they'd come closer and play with her little finger. And the unyielding barrier couldn't keep the pair of fishes at a distance from the lovely girl. They came swimming towards, quick and fast, earning giggles from the naughty girl.
Shashi admired his little girl. Garima just shook her head in both, exasperation and adoration. Buaji rolled her eyes, feeling pity for the fishes already, knowing her niece would keep talking to them and soon, they would try running away. Only if the little hearts could, for, they would be trapped in an aquarium.
Khushi who was busy playing with them sitting on the sofa, widened her little eyes. Her mind raced when a thought occurred.
"But there are two fishes here," Khushi pondered aloud, "how can two fishes have the same name?"
Shashi, always quick with a solution, replied, "Give them different names. Who stopped you?"
Garima went to freshen up. Madhumathi walked to the Kitchen to heat the tea.
Khushi's eyes sparkled. "Nice idea," she agreed but a minute later, pouted.
Observing her expressions, Shashi asked with curiosity, "Ab kya hua?"
(What's the matter now?)
Khushi's brow furrowed. "How will I find one more name?" she fretted.
But before Shashi could respond or come up with a solution as always, Khushi interrupted, and declared, "I will only think and name them."
And just like that, the fishes in the aquarium became her own little companions, one with a name and the other yet to be named by the little girl.
Payal who had just entered joined her sister in admiring Beebo and its friend.
Sheesh Mahal,
The evening sun dipped low, casting a warm glow upon the courtyard. Inside the confines of the Dining Room, sat siblings munching on their snacks with Ratna watching them.
It's been a while since her son and daughter had come home. Freshening up, they had come down, and she welcomed them with the snacks.
Anjali's phone rang, and she hurriedly answered, her ringtone mercifully not the infamous "Sheila Ki Jawani."
She stepped away to talk, leaving her half-eaten snacks on the table, inviting a stern look from their mother.
Ratna shook her head and concentrated on her son. When she told him about her visit to Khushi's home, he didn't respond in words, just smiled a bit.
"Chotte," Ratna's voice was gentle, "why don't you visit your new friend?"
Arnav blinked, caught off guard.
Visit her? Is she a museum that he needed to visit her?
"What would I do visiting her? She needs rest."
Visiting anyone was an alien concept to him. Social norms felt like ill-fitting garments, and the idea of seeing Khushi — his newfound friend — while she was unwell made him squirm. They became friends, true, but visiting her? It's all new to him.
"That's bad, Chotte," Ratna scolded. "Khushi is sick, and you won't even visit her?"
Arnav's ears blasted with Anjali's shout who had just come back finishing the call. "What? Khushi is sick?"
"Yeah, I guess that's what Mom said," Arnav mumbled under his nose.
Anjali seized his arm. "Then what are you waiting for? Come on, Let's go and visit her."
And so, their plates of snacks innocently sat on the dining table, abandoned by their owners.
Gupta House,
"Yupppyy! The first is Beebo. The second is Saibo!" Khushi's eyes sparkled like dewdrops on a petal. She had christened these fishes with glee, clapping her hands in excitement, finally able to name the other fish.
Shashi who had just come to the hall, freshening up was welcomed by a beaming Khushi who crashed into his arms from the Sofa.
"Papa, I named the other one too." She continued, her excitement knew no bounds, "The golden fish here is Beebo and the Blue plus red one is Saibo."
Shashi chucked, his heart swelling at the way she, oh-so-cutely, addressed the second fish and gave her a little knowledge on what the fish was called, "That's called Neon Tetra, beta."
Khushi's curiosity peaked up. "Oh, why is it called Neon Tetra?"
And so began the train of queries. Shashi, the patient teacher, unraveled the mysteries of aquatic life. For the next half hour, he answered her every question.
Why? How? When? Etcetera.
His daughter is such a bundle of curiosity!
Amidst such etcetera and etcetera, Arnav and Anjali made their way to Khushi's home. The main door stood ajar, granting them a glimpse of Khushi's antics with her father.
"Khushi," Anjali called out.
Khushi, recognizing the familiar tone, looked up. Her eyes sparkled with delight at the sight of her newfound friends.
"Arnav? Anjali Di?" she beamed, squirming in her father's lap.
Shashi held her firmly, gesturing for Arnav and Anjali to enter. "Papa, remember I told you about my new friends? This is Anjali Didi, and he is Arnav," Khushi introduced them, her words tumbling out in a rush, and before Shashi could even greet them or vice-versa, Khushi continued her rant, "They're the ones who have Dorechan — the little fluffy jumping rabbit. Didn't I tell you it was adorable and cute? How wonderful, right?"
Shashi nodded, finally getting a chance to greet the young visitors. They settled onto the sofa, the room bathed in warm afternoon light.
"Mumma told me you were sick. How's your fever now?" Anjali inquired, her gaze shifting to Khushi, who had wriggled free from her father's arms and sat on the sofa.
Arnav remained silent, concerned but his heart eased. Khushi looked better — far from the image he had conjured, huddled under the bed, shivering. The guilt in his heart eased a bit. For, it was because of his Dadi she was wounded and had fallen sick.
"It's much better," Khushi giggled, her eyes dancing. "Must have gone on vacation somewhere else."
Garima appeared with a plate of fruits, and they all nibbled as Khushi chattered.
Eager to share her world, Khushi retrieved the small aquarium that had been sitting on the tea table. Anjali cooed over Beebo and Saibo, but Arnav raised an eyebrow at the names.
Beebo? Saibo? Seriously? Another pair of weird names?
And so, for the next half an hour, within the cozy walls of Khushi's home, friendships bloomed. Anjali and Khushi chatted away, with Payal occasionally involving herself in the lively banter — a delightful vision for the elders.
"Will they ever get tired?" wondered the adults, watching the girls' boundless energy. Arnav, too, shared their silent musings. He remained quiet, his gaze alternating between Khushi and Anjali. Sometimes, his eyes wandered toward the little fishes swimming in their glass haven.
And when it did, the names — Beebo and Saibo — tumbled down from his memory. Involuntarily, he couldn't help but chuckle.
He was right, this girl was mad.
Shashi seized the opportunity to engage with the quiet young boy. For the next few minutes, Arnav opened up, for every question Shashi threw at him, about his studies, grades, goals, and aspirations — each word leaving an indelible impression on Shashi, Garima, and Madhumathi.
"He's such a studious boy!" they whispered among themselves. Grateful that Khushi had befriended him, they secretly hoped she would extend her kindness to her books, allowing them a moment in her gaze.
Not that she neglected them, but she was weak in a few subjects and never really prioritized them much.
They bid bye to the chatter when Anjali and Arnav took their leave, leaving a pouting Khushi behind.
But Khushi needed rest, she's yet to recover fully. Garima had checked her temperature and it was 99. Better than before. That's why she was allowed to chat away with her friends that long in the first place.
For the next two days, Khushi's room felt like a sanctuary — a cocoon where she could retreat from the world and heal. She wanted to heal but also not retreat from the world. The fever had subsided, but her body still craved rest.
Ratna, Anjali, and Arnav had become fixtures in the house. They dropped by daily, bringing laughter and warmth to Khushi. Their visits weren't just about her tho; they extended their friendship to Garima as well. Arnav, with his silent demeanor and genuine interest in studies and other co-curricular activities, had won over Shashi and Madhumathi. They literally adored the boy, so much that sometimes, Khushi couldn't help but feel possessive.
-------------
In the quiet morning, as sunlight filtered through the leaves, Garima's voice carried a mother's concern. Her words, like delicate petals, fluttered around Khushi, wrapping her in a cocoon of care, "Take medicines on time, okay?"
She was finally allowed to go the school, with the promise of having medicines on time.
Garima cradled her gently, "No running here and there in the school. Your ankle is yet to heal. Don't forget that. I took permission from your teacher for you to wear sandals and no one will say anything for the next few days. Okay? If anyone does, tell Payal, me, and your class in charge," she instructed, her eyes mirroring the concern surrounding her, like always. Khushi nodded, her gaze wandering on the road outside, grinning when she caught the sight of her friends. Payal trailing behind them, listening to her instructions as well.
Arnav who was waiting with Anjali, this time, in front of Khushi's house, heard everything. Khushi was still limping and so Garima had Khushi in her arms.
"Don't worry, Aunty. Chotte hai na, Mumma too strictly instructed Chotte to take care of Khushi. He'll take care of her, hai na, Chotte?" Anjali bubbled in optimism at Garima and turned towards Arnav with the same enthusiasm.
He'd make sure she had her medicines. "Yes, Aunty. Don't worry," Arnav promised Garima, easing her heart a little. Her daughter had quite a few bodyguards. She should worry less, Arnav's words earned Garima's smile.
Payal's words of comfort followed in tow, "And if she doesn't listen to us, we'll get her home and she'll be confined to her room for the next one week, or until her ankle heals. That would be fine, wouldn't it, Khushi?"
Words of comfort? Really?
Garima chuckled. Anjali and Arnav suppressed their laughs. Payal bit her lip in tease. For, Khushi made such a picture out of herself. Her eyes widened, her mouth forming an 'O' of shock. Seven days, or more, confined to her room? The walls would close in, like the last three days and Khushi vowed silently.
Never.
Regards,
Poly
12/04/2024
Let me know how was the update.
Any reviews are welcome.
I know Arshi's moments were less, but the others were important too, and Arnav, as the person he is, would take some time to mingle with Khushi.