-------------- Around 11 pm @ RM
Arnav entered into the house tired and went straight to his room. He had light dinner on way back to home. He just wanted to get a warm shower and slip into his bed. When he enters his room he saw pool side lights were on. He went to the French door and was astonished to see Khushi sitting with Arush on her lap on pool tiles.
Whats she doing here ..? He thought as Khushi only stayed here on weekends on Nani and Anjali's insistence.
He slid the door and went out to pool ... Khushi looked up when she heard the sound of door sliding and was startled a bit to see Arnav standing there. She quickly stood up with Arush in her arms now and turn towards Arnav but in hurry her feet twisted a bit and she lost her balance. Arnav quickly move towards her and catched her free arm.
"Carefull ...", said Arnav while steadying Khushi. "thanks ...", said Khushi adjusting Arush on her left arm.
"Anjali ji has gone with Rahul ji ... they will be late and Nani was not feeling well, Mamiji cant manage Arush and Shobha was not available so Anjali ji asked me If I could stay here tonight as well", said Khushi in hurried voice ... thinking she should tell him before he started taunting her about reeling in the luxury of his house. But Arnav didn't say anything and just nod his head ... that surprise Khushi a little.
"Duu duuu", Arush said being sleepy now and Khushi moved inside his room, thinking finally her baby is about to sleep now. She near the door when Arnav called her name. She turned and saw him standing few feets away from her and looking at her with serious expressions.
"Khushi .. I ... um ... I ...", he wanted to apologise but couldn't do so.
"Yes? You want to say something?", she asked hoping he would apologise or would say something ... anything regarding them.
Arnav fisted his hands, Dammit just say it, he thought taking a step towards Khushi, "Yes .. wo .. I Just .. um .", his heart has picked up pace looking at her face, which turned into serious in next moment.
"Mr. Raizada, when your 'I ..um ..I ... um wo' gets completed then come and talk to me", said Khushi sternly, giving his own words back to him and went out of his room, carrying half asleep Arush ... she couldn't help but giggled at Arnav's startled expressions.
Arnav was shocked at her words and the memory played in his mind when he had asked Khushi to tell him her feelings and she was stammering in the same way and he had said those words to her ... he couldn't help but smile and went to washroom thinking that Khushi is really something ... different from other girls ... actually refreshing.
---------- Next Day --- Tuesday Evening @ RM
"All done Akash?", asked Arnav as he entered from front doors.
"Yes Bhai, just like you have asked, JHF got the the last turn at the final day", said Akash.
"Good, thats very good. Sameer agreed to our deal, now Shyam will know what it is like to mess with me", said Arnav sternly.
"Bhai you sure about this? Won't it affect our deal with the international team?", Akash asked being skeptical. "Yes Akash, I am ... I can never let anyone go just like after stealing from me, stealing my hard work ... never", said Arnav in dangerous tone, "I will handle the international team ... don't worry about it".
"Right", said Akash praying that everything goes smooth at the event, "You got the tickets?"
"Yea, i am just heading to Di's room. Will give her the tickets for everyone", said Arnav as he climb up the stairs, "Will talk later", said said and cut the call.
He then typed a message to Aman, to email him the footage of Sameer and Shyam.
"Di ... ", said Arnav a bit loudly as he enters the room, still looking at his cell, "Here are the tickets", he said and looked up and got surprised again to see Khushi standing near Arush's crib holding him, while he stands on the changing table.
"Anjali ji is in Nani's room, she went to give her the medicines", said Khushi as she picked Arush in her arms.
Arnav nodded his head and move ahead and dropped the tickets on sofa chair beside crib, Just then his cell ring and he saw Aman's name flashing, he cut the call and look at Khushi, still debating with his inner self ... god dammit, why it is becoming difficult for him to speak in front of her, he thought angrily as he put the phone in his pant pocket.
"paapppaaa", Arush exclaimed seeing Arnav standing close to him and wiggle in Khushi's arm to go to Arnav. Khushi saw this and extend Arush towards Arnav so that he can hold him but Arnav raised his hand. "No ... you hold him", said Arnav moving a step back.
"But he wants to go to you ... just hold him for a while ... waisey bhi isko neend hi nahi arahi (he is not feeling asleep either)", said Khushi putting Arush in Arnav's hands.
"Nooo ...", said Arnav a bit loud ..." I will hurt him", said Arnav the very thought which comes every time in his mind when Arush comes to him. Khushi looked at Arnav with surprise and find worry and concern on his face. Khushi hands were under Arush's arms as she was still holding him. She slid her hands away and Arnav hold Arush some distance away from him (like Arush's legs were dangling in air and Arnav's hands were under Arush's arms holding him in air).
"pppaappaa...aahhnn taaa", said Arush while moving his hands fast and moving his legs as well.
"Arnavji ... what are you doing?", Khushi giggled looking at how strangely Arnav was holding Arush.
"well you told me to hold him so I am holding him", said Arnav in irritating voice.
"Gosh Arnvaji ... you don't hold a baby like this", said Khushi smack her forehand with her palm.
"here hold him in your arm like this", Khushi showed him by gesturing towards her arm. Arnav raised his eyebrow not understanding what she is saying. Khushi release a breath and put her hand on Arnav's right hand and remove his left hand and bring it under Arush's bottom.
"you put him on your elbow like this", said Khushi while place his elbow direct below Arush.
"And you bring him close to your chest like this", said Khushi moving Arnav elbow near his chest so that now Arush was touching on Arnav's left side chest. Arnav was clearly worried that Arush might slip from his elbow but Arush was getting more happy ... finally being so near to his father.
"And then you put your other hand (she takes Arnav's right hand) and place it here", said Khushi while placing it under Arush's left arm and half of his back.
"See... that's how you hold a baby", said Khushi smilingly putting her hands on her hip.
"he will slip ...", said Arnav worriedly ...
"No he won't ... you just adjust his weight according to your comfort on your elbow", said Khushi putting her hand on Arush's back.
"I think you should take him now ...", said Arnav moving Arush away but Khushi stopped him.
"NO ...", said Khushi sternly ... "its not that difficult ... why are you getting worried?", asked Khushi.
"Because .. I might hurt him dammit", said Arnav in anger.
Hmmm so that's the reason Arnavji don't come close to Arush because he thinks that he might hurt him, thought Khushi looking intently at Arnav.
Arush was happy being close to his papa he was smiling and making baby voices while tapping Arnav's cheek.
"No ... Arnav ji ... you won't hurt him ... he is your son", said Khushi softly looking into Arnav's eyes who stare back at her.
"he is so small for me ...", said Arnav in soft voice looking at Arush intently and moving his head back when Arush try to tap his cheeks.
Khushi chuckled a bit ... "Arnav ji .. babies suppose to be small ... you have to hold them close to you ... that way they get more familiar with you", said Khushi rubbing Arush's back lovingly.
"taaahh ahnnn", said Arush and put his fingers in his mouth.
"awwh baby hungry ...", said Khushi in baby voice and extend her arms towards Arush..."Come ...", said Khushi but Arush turn his head away.
"haww ... papa kia agye abh Mama pass nahi ana (haww .. Now Papa is here ..you wont come to Mama)", said Khushi looking at Arush with fake angry expression.
Arush grin back at Khushi hearing mama from her he said too ... "Mamaaa .." and move his hand.
"Come on now ... let papa go ... he needs rest too na ... baby", said Khushi and pick Arush from Arnav's arm and move towards the bed. Arush made a crying voice seeing himself getting away from Arnav.
"aww baby papa yahin hain .. kahin nahi ja rahy (baby papa is here ... he is not going anywhere)", said Khushi turning back ... showing Arush that Arnav was standing there.
"aaahhnnn", said Arush and move forward in Khushi's arms to go to Arnav ... Khushi steady him back and gesture Arnav to come close.
Arnav move towards them as Khushi sit on the bed and placed Arush beside her ... Arnav too came and sit opposite to her.
"Arnavji ... be here for a minute I just come back with his milk", said Khushi standing up and went to the crib where Arush's baby bag was placed on the floor, she took the bottle and powder milk out and hurriedly mixed it.
Arush try to sit up making crying sound but Arnav put his hand on his chest ...
"Shhhshhh .. Arush ..", said Arnav lightly and Arush held his hand with both of his tiny hands. Arush take his finger and bring closer to his mouth ... Arnav understand that he will put it in his mouth so Arnav remove his hand saying a small "No..".
Khushi come with milk bottle and sat opposite to Arnav and extend the bottle towards Arnav. Arnav look at her with questioning eyes and Khushi gesture towards Arush with her head and then put the bottle in Arnav's hand.
Arnav looked at Arush and then back at Khushi who nodded in answer. Arnav try to pick Arush up but Khushi shakes her head, "let him lay there ... you just put the bottle near his mouth", said Khushi and Arnav did the same. Arush immediately put the bottle in his mouth and started to drink and milk. Arnav was holding the bottle with one hand and other hand was near Arush's head. Arush put his both hands on Arnav's hand.
Khushi lean on bed on her elbow and started to caresses Arush's hair. Khushi look from the corner of her eyes at Arnav and saw him looking at Arush with soft and tender expression. Khushi debate with herself that how she would say what she wanted to say to Arnav about Arush. She had seen Arnav running away from Arush but at the same time she saw immense care and concern in his eyes for Arush. And now she get to know the reason that Arnav thinks that he might hurt him that's why he doesn't come close to Arush and also like Anjali told her something related to what Tania had done. But Khushi wanted Arnav to forget all those bad things happened in past and be with his son ... because she knew that as much as Arush needs a mother he also craves for his father's love.
So Khushi takes a deep breath and says "you know Arnavji ... babies are just like flowers" and look at Arnav who look back at her.
"Just like we bow the seeds in soil then water it for days ... put it in sun so that it gets the nourishment to grow ... and when plant started to grow we take care of it as it cannot water itself or we spray so that it won't get fungus ... we tend to them almost every day to keep the plant healthy. In the same way these little creature needs our attention", said Khushi caressing Arush's hair.
"They are so little ... they don't know anything around them ... we make them familiar with things ... we have to take care of their needs and foods so that they get the proper nourishment to grow ... they are soft and innocent like a new blooming flower ... just like with proper care we wont hurt flowers ... same way if we take proper care of babies ... we won't HURT them", said Khushi and look at Arnav who was now looking at Arush but hearing every word Khushi was saying.
"And when there are flowers in plant so there will be thorns as well ... when thorns hurt us ... we cut them so they won't hurt us again while we tend to the plants ... we don't cut the flower... in same way we should cut away the bad things that had happen ... we should take care of the things that are left with us ... its no use sulking over the things which had long gone ... we should make use of the time we have now with people we love and care about ... because they are worth our attention not the past", Said Khushi all the while stealing glances towards Arnav who was looking at Arush.
"tuchhh taa", Arush made a voice and move the bottle away. Arnav move his hands and Khushi pick Arush up in her arms and rub his back ... after few seconds he burp.
"its necessary for the baby to burp .. Arnavji ... or else they will puke", said Khushi smilingly at Arnav who nods his head ... Khushi's words were still ringing in his ears.
Khushi laid Arush in her lap and started to move him sideways so that he can sleep now.
"Arush asleep Khushi?", said Anjali as she came in the room and was stunned to see Arnav on the bed sitting there. , "Chottey?".
"Di, i got the tickets for everyone", said Arnav quickly as he stood up and move towards her, "there ...", he gestures towards the sofa chair and went out of the room
Anjali sit opposite to Khushi on bed and saw Arush drooping eyes, "Arnav didnt said anything to you? Did he?", her voice worried, thinking that did Arnav taunt her again.
"No Anjali ji, he was just helping me with Arush", said Khushi with a smile.
"I am really sorry Khushi, i know Chottey ... um i mean Arnav can be difficult sometimes but he will come around and ..." Anjali was saying when Khushi cut her, "Anjali ji please stop how many times are you going to apologise ... just forget it please". She put her hand over Anjali's giving him an assuring smile. Anjali smiled back and squeezes Khushi's hand.
Arnav came out of washroom after taking shower and was drying his hair ... his mind playing Khushi's words ... What Tania did had hurt him but Arush clearly doesn't know about it ... so why he distance himself from him. With Anjali caring for Arush all the time he kept himself away ... also the way he had become now he was worried that he might hurt him in his anger ... but now his sister getting married Arush might need him more. He can be with him ... all he need to do is take proper care ... he cannot forget his past but ... he can try at this ... because he finally knows the fact that he do care for his son or might love him in between ... he sighed and lay down on his recliner.
-------------------------------------------
Next morning everyone was excited about going to Mumbai for the event but Nani was reluctant so Anjali and Khushi were trying to make her agree.
"Please Nani ... you have to come this time ... you didn't come in previous events as well", said Anjali.
"yes Nani .. please come naa", Khushi said too, who had stayed back last night again on Anjali's insistence ... she somewhere had started doubting why Anjali is asking her again and again to stay at RM, but she couldn't get herself to ask the reason straight forward.
"Arey hum ap bachun k beech kia karain gey ... acha hai k hum yahin rahein (what will I do with you all young people ... its better I stay here)", said Nani.
"Arey Sasuma chal liyo na ... wahan ja ker bechwa ki sair bhi ker lijye ga ... thotra alag hojaye ga ap k liye bhi (Arey mother-in-law come na ... you can go to beach there ... it will different for you as well)", said Mamiji who really wanted to go and want Nani to come along too or else she will have to stay back with Nani. In return Nani give her a stern look, and Mamiji looked down sheepishly.
"Arey chotey tum hi bolo na (Arey Chottey you say na)", said Anjali looking at Arnav.
"Di ... mein kia bolun ... unki merzi wo ana chahain ya nahi (Di ... what will I say ... its her decision if she want to come or not)", said Arnav nonchalantly. Anjali huff at her brother's ignorance.
"Nani please ajaye na ... hum ap ko apne parivaar se milwana chahtey hein ... humare Amma Baba pakey Luckhnawi hein ... ap ko mil ker maza ajaye ga (Nani please come na ... I want you to meet my family ... My Baba and Amma are strictly Luckhnawi ... you will enjoy meeting them)", said Khushi excitedly ... "pleaasseee"... said Khushi giving her most innocent look to Nani. And our dear Nani immediately melted at her pleading look.
"thek hai bitya ... phir toh hum zaroor chalain gey (ok bitya ... then I will defiantly come)", said Nani with a smile.
"yeaahhh", said both Anjali and Khushi and give a high five to each other. Arnav shakes his head at that and Mamiji sighed with relief that she doesn't have to sit back here with Nani ... she could now enjoy the beach and shopping.
"Arnav Bitwa ... ap phir Maa ji ka bhi ticket kerwa liyo (Arnav son ... then you also book ticket for Maa ji)", said Mama ji looking at Arnav and he nods his head in return.
"Mama ji, I brought the tickets for everyone, I thought who didnt want to go we will cancel it then", said Arnav
"To Khushi ka ticket banwa lo (Then make Khushi's ticket)", said Anjali quickly.
"Nahi ... kion ... Anjali ji hum khud train se ajayein gey (No ... why ... Anjali ji I will come by train myself)", said Khushi immediately.
"Kion ... hum sub ja hi rahey hein toh humarey sath hi chalo na (why ... we all are going so you should go with us)", said Anjali.
"Koi baat nahi Anjali ji ... hum train se chaley jayin ge ... wahan ja ker milna toh hai hi (its ok Anjali ji ... i can come by train ... we already meet when we get there)", said Khushi.
"Nahi ... chalo na Khushi sath ... wahan ja ker toh tum apni family mein busy ho jayo gi .. at least sath toh chalo na (No ... come together na Khushi ... you will get busy with your family when you get there ... atleast come with us)", said Anjali but Khushi denied again and this time Nani speak up.
"thek hai phir hum bhi nahi jayein gey(ok then i will also not go)", said Nani looking at Khushi with finality.
"Naniii ... Ab yeh kia? (Nanii ... Now what is this?)", said Anjali looking sadly at her Nani.
Khushi was surprise at that. But Nani was looking at Khushi ... and Khushi understood so she smiled and said, "Ok I will go with you all..", said Khushi and then look at Anjali "Happy now?".
"Very much...", said Anjali.
"But I will pay for my ticket", said Khushi and Anjali looked at her with questioning eyes.
"Its already too much that I am going with you all ... so I don't want any other privileges", said Khushi and give Arnav a look and he too look at her. Arnav remembered how he had taunted her about being manipulative and after money, she wanted to him to know that she isn't what he thought about her.
"Per Khushi ..", Anjali want to say but Khushi cut her.
"Please Anjali ji ... I like to do things independently ... I don't want to be an extra burden on you people", said Khushi and with corner of her eyes she looked at Arnav's direction who was looking at her ... she was waiting for his reaction ... she want to see if Arnav will taunt her or agree with her.
Anjali open her mouth to argue again but Arnav said, "its ok Di ... it will be cut from her salary", said Arnav and stand up to go.
"Thank you ...", said Khushi giving him a calculative look and Arnav move towards the front door not before giving a slight gesture of head to Khushi ... Again Arnav didn't taunt or argue with her.
The rest of the day went busy at office preparing for the event. The clothes had come and Lavanya had made models do rehearsal with them to see if any last minutes changes are required ... but no everything was perfect. Lavanya was shocked to see the whole Bridal range changed completely, she had the idea that Arnav must have hire some awesome designer for these. Aman told her to be quit about it. Even the models for the bridal range was not AR's usual ... they were hired separately for it. And the presentation idea will be surprise element from AR and Arnav was looking forward to it.
-------------- Thursday Evening @ RM
"baby why are you teasing your Bua so much today haan", said Anjali a bit annoyingly who was trying to make Arush lay down on the bed so that she can feed him his milk. But today for some reason Arush was super active and he was not in a mood to be laid down. He was trying to jump sitting on the bed and when Anjali push him to bed he sit up making shrill sound.
Khushi was giggling sitting on the other side of the bed, she was packing Arush's baby bag with essential stuff and also some of his clothes in Anjali's suitcase.
As Khushi was going with them so Anjali had ask her to come here, so Khushi went straight to her apartment early today from office ... packed her stuff and came to RM.
Anjali's mood was a bit off since the afternoon as she came to know that Rahul will be going out of country for some conference for few days, so he won't be able to come Mumbai. Anjali was looking forward to spend some quality time him but alas it could not happen, so our Anjali was not that much happy.
"ufff ... ok I give up ...do what you want to do", said Anjali raising her hand in surrender. Arush sit on the bed and started to crawl here and there picking his toys and throwing them.
"Anjali ji ... leave it .. I will handle him", said Khushi giving Anjali a smile and lean in and pick Arush up.
"haan kia hua ... kion tang ker rahey ho itna? (yes what happened ... why are you teasing so much?)", said Khushi wiggling Arush while make him stand in her lap.
"taaa taaa", said Arush in super excited voice and lean in and place his lips on Khushi's nose.
"ahhh bad baby", said Khushi pulling herself back. "how many times I have said ... NO nose", said Khushi pointing a finger towards him and Arush take her finger in both his hands and try to take it in his mouth.
"hawww", said Khushi and pull his finger.
"don't know what had made him so excited today", said Anjali standing up.
"May be he get to know that we are going to Mumbai ... hain na baby ... baby is going to Mummmbaiii", said Khushi in a baby voice to Arush and he chuckled loudly tapping Khushi's cheeks.
"Mummm baaa... ta ta ta", said Arush leaning in towards Khushi.
"I am going to check on Nani, if she had done her packing or not ... will you please change his clothes as well", said Anjali while moving out of the room.
"Chalo baby ko change keratey hain ... haain (Come on lets change ... ok)", said Khushi while standing up with Arush in her arms.
"wooop" .. Khushi throw Arush in air and catch him and Arush made a happy loud noise.
Khushi move towards the Baby changing table and takes his clothes from bed. Khushi places Arush on the baby table make him lay down but Arush quickly sit up. And try to move towards Khushi. Khushi hold his arms and move him a step back and try to take his shirt off but he was wiggling so much that Khushi was worried that he will fall down from the table.
"baby .. ik second na beta ... change ker lain phir jumping karaingey ... thek hai(baby one second son ... lets change then we will do jumping ... alright)", said Khushi in baby voice to Arush but he was in no mood to listen today.
Khushi lay him down again and place one hand on his chest so that he doesn't sit up and with other hand push his little trouser down. Arush started to move his legs up and down. Khushi was having difficulty in removing it, but anyhow she did. She pick the pamper, powder and lotion from the rack and place it on side of Arush and he pick the lotion bottle and started to hit the table with it.
"Na baby ... don't do it", said Khushi while taking the bottle from him. She looks here and there to see if she can find anything which can divert Arush's attention. But nothing came in her mind. So she try to remove his shirt but only taken his hands out of it.
"uff ho baby ... stay still na werna chot lug jaye gi (stay still or else you will get hurt)", said Khushi holding his hands in one and try to remove the shirt from his neck. Just then Arnav came in the room.
"Di ... you ready? ...we will be mov ...", said Arnav entering but stopped seeing Khushi there.
"wo Anjali ji had gone to Nani's room", said Khushi.
Arnav said nothing but move towards the chair beside the cot and place the ticket on it, "Yours", he said and move back.
"paapppaaa", exclaimed Arush loudly seeing Arnav near him. Arnav looked at him and give a small smile. He move forward and caresses his hair a little. This gave Khushi the idea.
"Arnav ji ... I need your help", said Khushi and grab Arnav's hand and push him towards the table.
"What the ...", came out of Arnav's mouth.
"What the .. what the ... baad mein boliye ga (say it later)... now please hold his hand", said Khushi making Arnav stand behind Arush opposite to her and place Arush's hand in Arnav's hand. Arush was trying to jump to go to Arnav.
"Chottey Singh Raizada ... Will you stop moving?", said Khushi a bit loud. Both father and son look at Khushi with Arush's mouth little open and Arnav giving a hard look to her for using his nick name.
Khushi takes his shirt off and sighs a relief. Arnav looked on amusingly at Khushi's expression.
"What ..?", said Khushi catching Arnav's look. Arnav quickly look down.
"stubborn .. just like his father", murmured Khushi while opening Arush's pamper.
"Excuse me", said Arnav as he heard what Khushi had said.
"What excuse me ... just look at him ... giving a hard time to us", said Khushi while wiping him with wet cloth.
"Mammmaaa", said Arush loud while grabbing the cloth and pulling it.
"baby mamaa ko baad mein tang kerna (Baby tease Mama later)", said Khushi taking cloth out of Arush's hand. And Arnav continue to look amusingly at the duo ... unknown to the feeling that he was quite enjoying his son teasing Khushi.
"and you ... (she give a stern look to Arnav) .. I told you to hold his hand .. Will you please?", said Khushi again taking Arnav's one hand on Arush's leg and other on Arush's hands. Then Khushi rub some lotion before putting up the new pamper. Then she takes small jeans pent and put it on Arush. Next she put his shoes. She then makes him sit, Arnav helping her all the while and a smile was constant on his lips. Khushi peek through the corner of her eyes and was happy to see Arnav engross in the baby changing clothes task.
Then Khushi put powder on Arush and Arnav help her in making Arush wear his shirt. Khushi was adjusting his shirt when Arush just grab the powder bottle and squeeze and hit it hard on table. With a "pooofhh" sound powder came out of the bottle, scatter in air and fall on Khushi's face as she was leaning in putting his shirt into his pent. Arnav had already step back saving himself from the powder.
Khushi stood straight with her mouth half open, her half face and hair covered in powder and Arush just chuckled loud looking at Khushi.
"Aruuussshhh ...", said Khushi a bit loud fisting both her hands and then take the powder bottle from him. Arnav look at Khushi and couldn't help the laughter that builds inside him and let it out.
He first chuckled and then looking at funny image Khushi was presenting he laughed out loud.
Khushi looked at him startled ... he is laughing? She could not believe her eyes Arnav Singh Raizada was really laughing? it's the first time ever she was seeing Arnav laughing. It was best sound ... no no ... It was a beautiful sound she must say that and she couldn't help but a smile start to place on her won lips ... she had forgotten that she was the reason for the laugh as she was looking funny ... but it was not present in her mind right now. She could only see Arnav's beautiful laugh, his slight dimple on the side, his beautiful brown eyes shining and few wrinkles on the sides. Her thought was interrupted by Anjali's surprised voice.
"Oh my God ... Chottey (Anjali came in the room) you are laughing", said Anjali with a twinkle in her eyes. Arnav stopped laughing and lowered his eyes.
"itney arsey k baad tumhein khul ker hastey huye dekh rahi hu (Anjali cup his cheek with her hand) sachi bayan nahi ker sakhti bhut acha lag raha hai (Its been after ages that i am seeing you laughing like this ... really cant tell you its feeling very nice)", said Anjali with a full smile and moist eyes.
"waisey waja kia hai? (by the way whats the reason)",said Anjali looking into Arnav eyes, which were little moist from the laughing. Arnav didn't say but point towards Khushi, Anjali turned and saw Khushi's face. She too chuckled seeing the powder on her face, who was holding Arush and trying to wipe powder from her hair
"Khushi ... yeh kaisey ... (Khushi ... how this)", said Anjali putting her hand on mouth.
"yeh sub iss naughty baby ki waja se (its all because of this naughty baby)", said Khushi while smacking Arush back softly who was trying to turn and go to Arnav.
"Di ... get your things ready ... we will leave around 8", said Arnav and move out of the room.
"Khushi letme handle him ... you go and change as well", said Anjali wiping powder from Arush's shirt and face.
Khushi move towards the bath room, she took shower and change into simple light blue shalwar kurta. She came out and went to dressing table and starts to brush her hair, when her eyes went back to powder bottle and she gets the flash back of Arnav's laugh. Her hand stop in mid, a smile on her lips.
"Arnav ji hastey huye bilkul bhi Laad Governer nahi lagtey (Arnavji does not seems like a Laad Governer while smilingly) ", she murmurs slowly.
"kia kaha Khushi", said Anjali who heard Khushi murmur something.
"Nothing Anjali ji", said Khushi and brushes her hair making a loose pony tail.
-------------- During Flight around 10 pm- In plane
Anjali and Khushi was seated on the left side seats with Anjali on window side, then in the middle row Nani, Mamiji and Mamaji were seated. They were all in Class A section and Arnav was ahead of them in Business Class Section. Half hour has passed since their take off and another One and half hour was left to reach Mumbai. Arush was in Khushi's lap who was slowly waking up. Khushi looked at her left, Anjali was sleeping. She looked her right, Nani and Mamaji was also sleeping but Mamiji was busy watching a movie on her ipad. Khushi needs to go to washroom, she can't leave Arush as now he was awake. She didn't feel right to hand Arush to Mamiji because she knew Mamiji will be busy in watching film and Arush will get irritate then which might result in waking the others.
So she thought to see if Arnav was awake but she was pretty sure he will be awake. And also it will be another opportunity to bring Arnav and Arush close. So Khushi stood up with Arush in her arms, he was making small noises. Khushi went to business section and saw Arnav busy typing in laptop, she went to him.
"ummm Arnavji?", Khushi called Arnav in low tone. Arnav surprisingly looked to side and saw Khushi standing with Arush in her arm.
"Could you please hold Arush for a while ... umm I need to go to washroom and everyone else is sleeping", said Khushi taking a step towards Arnav and extending Arush to him. Before Arnav could say anything Arush say a bit loud, "Paapppaa"...
"shhsshhh babyyy", said Khushi but Arush had already started moving in her arms to go to Arnav. Arnav too saw that put his laptop down and extend his arms upwards toward Khushi and takes Arush.
"thank you ... ", said Khushi and Arnav just give a slight nod of his head. Khushi went out of the business class section towards the restroom.
Arush was giving smiles to Arnav standing in his lap touching his cheeks. Arnav wiggle him giving a whistle and Arush give his toothy grin in return... Arnav smile at this. He repeated the action few times more and earn many smiles and grins from Arush. Arnav feel at that moment that he is quite enjoying that.
"tat a ta ... lub ... tuu", said Arush exclaiming loudly. Arnav heart gets warmth hearing this from him, first time his son has said "love you" to him. Arnav kiss his forehead and said, "Aruuusshh" extending his name on the word "U".
"taaa", Arush clapped at that seems happy hearing his father calling his name first time with tenderness.
"My son", Arnav whispers slowly and brings Arush towards his chest ... and Arush place his head on Arnav's shoulder putting his thumb in mouth. Arnav touch his cheek on Arush's forehead, "Naaa ahhn", said Arush slapping his cheek, his stubble was prinking him.
"What baby ..", asked Arnav moving him back in previous position. Arush was now wiggling in his arms and started to make a crying voice. Arnav got worried, he made Arush sit on his lap but he move forward trying to move from his lap.
"Arush ... baby what happened", Arnav said again ... just then Khushi came back and saw Arush about to get cranky.
"What happened Arnavji?", asked Khushi sitting in the seat next to him. Arnav was seated on the window side.
"don't know ... he was fine a minute ago", said Arnav holding Arush in his right arm and holding Arush's one hand in his left hand. He move his hand but Arush started to make a crying sound and said loudly,"Mammaa".
"awwh babay", said Khushi taking Arush from Arnav. But Arush had already grab Arnav shirt in his hand.
"baby .. papa is here naa", said Khushi taking his shirt out from his hand.
"ka hua baby ko", said Khushi in baby voice to Arush but Arush made a crying sound.
"I think he is hungry", said Khushi looking at Arnav. "How do you know?", asked Arnav.
In answer Khushi grabs Arnav hand and put his finger near Arush's mouth who instantly grab it take it in his mouth but then leave it making a crying sound and move his head back.
"See ... he is hungry ... he takes your finger in his mouth thinking it's something to eat but obviously it don't taste like his food so he is irritated now", explain Khushi to Arnav who was just getting more confuse understanding ways of baby handling.
"here take him (Khushi put Arush in Arnav's lap who wound his arms around him) .. I will just bring his bag", said Khushi and rush to her seat to bring Arush's bag.
Khushi came back to Arnav and saw Arush was now crying, his little eyes filled with tears. When Arush saw Khushi sitting beside Arnav he extends his arm to her, wanted to go to her. Arnav pick him up from his lap and move towards Khushi but he shakes her head.
"hold him for while till I make his bottle", said Khushi ... "but he is crying ... you hold him", said Arnav who didn't like Arush's crying.
"just distract him with your watch or mobile ... he is crying because he is hungry", said Khushi while taking a small thermos from the bag and fill the small feeder bottle with warm water. While Arnav tried to distract Arush with his wrist watch, which for some few second had got Arush's attention but then he again started crying. Khushi had already added powder milk into the bottle and was now shaking it.
"Arnavji ... Now give him to me", said Khushi putting the bag down and shaking bottle with right hand and gesture Arnav towards her lap with other hand. "Make him lay down", said Khushi. Arnav put Arush in her lap and make him lay down. Arush try to sit up crying but Khushi grab him with her left hand.
"bus bus ... beta .. hogaya", said Khushi with motherly concern and put the bottle in his mouth. Arush immediately stopped crying and started to drink the milk.
"bus .. itni si baat thi .. haan ... aisey hi lo (cry) ley they app", said Khushi touching his cheek with her finger looking lovingly at Arush. Arush grab her finger with one hand and other hand was on the bottle. Arnav was looking intently towards them thinking how easily Khushi manages Arush. Khushi looked at him and saw him looking at Arush with care in his eyes.
"he is fine now ... don't worry that much ... babies do this when they are hungry or irritated", said Khushi with a smile.
"How do you know so much about babies?", asked Arnav the question which was nagging him for some days.
"When I was in college, I use to do part time job in summer vacation to make myself busy ... there I look after small kids and babies and the care taker there tell me things and rest I just learned by being with them ... I just love babies so much Arnavji ... they are the most purist and innocent beings on earth ... and not to forget very vulnerable ... they need utmost care and attention ... and you know whats the most memorable thing for the parents?? (pause) ... is to watch their baby grow ... it just give you immense pleasure only a parent could know the feeling." said Khushi all the while caressing Arush's cheek and hair.
Arnav was thinking on what Khushi had said just now and 2 days back, he can't deny that he really feel some deep emotion whenever he holds Arush or see him happy in his arms ... also he can't explain the feeling whenever Arush call him Papa ... he just only know one thing that his heart just swelled with tenderness and happiness with Arush. He had always cared for his son but never interact with him. And now when he is doing that ... one question coming to him that did he do right staying away from his son? Did he really waste all this time not coming close to Arush??? Does all his past grudges especially with Tania worth it, if compare to spending time with his son??? His chain of thoughts broke by Arush's voice.
"paapppaa" ...
Arush had drank his milk and now was sitting in Khushi's lap extending his arms towards Arnav.
"No .. baby ... let papa rest ... ok now sleep", said Khushi and make him lay down ... but Arush try to sit up again. "Aruush ... NO", said Khushi a bit stern and Arush look at her with slightly parted mouth.
"its sleep time .. come on .. chop chop", said Khushi while cradling his head in her left arms and patting his chest ... Arush put his hand on top of Khushi's hand which was patting on his chest. Then Khushi started to hum the song ... the same one she had sung to him last time. Arush's eyes started to drop a little. Arnav saw this and he too get relax seeing his son all relaxed in Khushi's arm. He too lean his head back and close his eyes. Unknown to the fact the Khushi's sweet humming was also lulling him to sleep as well.
After 10 - 15 minutes when Arush was sound asleep Khushi looked at Arnav and found his eyes closed and his mouth slightly parted. Khushi was mesmerize to see him in so peaceful state ... The roguish ASR look was gone and it was only boyish Arnav now. A fringe on hair was falling on his forehead, at its own Khushi's hand move and put that fringe back. It's the first time Khushi had seen him sleep and she couldn't help but just stare at him ... Admire him ... adore him ... Lingering her gaze on his every little feature. She knows it won't be long when he will wake up but she wants to make most of the time she had now to drink in his handsomeness.
So Khushi also lean back in her seat and turn her face towards Arnav looking intently at him. Saving every little detail about him, his perfect arch thick brows ... sharp nose ... perfectly chiseled cheeks with tight jaw line, a tiny black dot near his nose, some freckles hidden under the stubble, the scar above right eyes. She realized that he had long eyelashes for a man and his lips ... his cupid bow like lips with slight pinkish tinge, which were usually set into a thin line when he is angry or irritated ... twist up from one side when he give his famous smirk are now looking full .. some way a little pouted like a baby in sleep. Khushi giggle at her thought.
Gosh ... she is going crazy ... but she could not help but say this that Arnav Singh Raizada is indeed beautiful and one handsome man she had ever come across.
After 40 mins or so there was an announcement that they will be landing in 10 minutes so they should gather all there stuff.
"Arnavji ... ", Khushi called Arnav slowly ...
"hum uuumm", Arnav stir in his seat.
"Arnavji ...", said Khushi this time moving his shoulder a little. Arnav opened her eyes slowly and saw Khushi's face looking at him concerned.
Beautiful ... he wanted to say ... the first thing he sees after opening his eyes was her beautiful face.
"we are going to land in few minutes", said Khushi trying to get up with Arush in her arm. Arnav move his hands on his face and said a soft "ok ...".
"Khushi ..." Anjali called her from behind. "You are here? ... I was worried when i didn't see you back there", asked Anjali moving forward. Khushi quickly move towards Anjali.
"Anjali ji Arush was crying so I came here to distract him not wanting to wake you up ... (then Khushi turn to Arnav) ... sorry Arnav ji for disturbing you", said Khushi and Arnav just nod his head thinking why Khushi was saying this.
"ohh ok", said Anjali ... "Come lets go", said Khushi and move past Anjali to go back to her seat.
She didn't want Anjali to get overwhelmed infront of Arnav again if she told her about Arush being with him. She had notice that Arnav gets uncomfortable with such situations and she didn't want that. She smiled to herself that how she had started to notice these things about him and understand his moods.
-------------- @ Mumbai Airport
"Why are they taking so much time", said NK standing on his toes to look on the heads of heap of people coming out of the terminal.
Naina, his girlfriend smack his arm and said, "have patience ... it will take time ... they must be collecting the luggage".
After 10 minute or so NK saw Khushi coming out of terminal with Anjali, with a sleeping Arush in Anjali's arms and Arnav few steps behind them.
"They are here ...", exclaimed NK loudly. Naina shakes her head ... NK will never change. A little while later they have come out of the doors.
"Kuku ...", said NK loud moving towards Khushi.
"NK", said Khushi surprise to see him and in an instant smile played on her lips. She wasn't expecting him. Khushi run to him and hugged him, NK pick her up and twirl around. And this didn't go unnoticed by Arnav, he stopped for a sec seeing their hug and fisted his hand but he controlled himself and keeping his face expressionless he move forward with others.
"gosh ... miss you yaar", said NK pulling away. "Me too", said Khushi smiling.
"hey Khushi ... how are you", said Naina moving forward.
"hey Naina ... how are you sweety?", said Khushi while hugging her.
"I am great ..", replied Naina.
"How come you people are here? I thought you were in Pune", asked Khushi looking at NK and Naina.
"well my event got finish a week back and Akash called me here direct for the IFCW ... I didn't tell you because I wanted to surprise you", said NK giving a side hug to Khushi.
"yeah he was going about it all evening ...", said Naina ..."just wait and see Khushi's face ... she will be surprise to see me... ", Naina mimicking NK and Khushi chuckled.
"Totally not funny dude", said NK while shaking his head and saw Anjali and Arnav behind.
"Hello..."said NK while waving a hand towards them.
"oh hello NK ... how are you?", asked Anjali coming to them.
"Me fine ... you?", said Nk
"Me good ...", said Anjali
"And hows the little one", said Nk touching Arush's cheek.
"He is good ... finally sleep after giving much trouble to Khushi", said Anjali with a smile. Khushi caresses his hair and kiss his on forehead.
"Mera sweet baby", said Khushi.
"What's his name?", asked Naina with a smile
"Arush ... he is my brother's son", said Anjali gesturing towards Arnav and Naina nods her head and said, "he is so cute".
"Di ... come on .. driver is here", said Arnav and look behind to see Nani who was coming with Mamiji and Mamaji.
"ok ... you are Khushi's friend?", asked Anjali while they all move towards exit.
"yes ..." replied Naina
"And my girlfriend" .. said NK quickly putting his arm around Naina's shoulder.
"ohh .. how sweet", said Anjali smilingly. Arnav head shot at the revelations.
Nk has a girl friend ... then that means he is not into Khushi ... he did not know but he was relieved knowing that.
They parted there way coming out of airport ... Arnav went to left with his family and Khushi went to right with NK and Naina ... when they both reached their car they turn around at the same time looking at each other ... Khushi smile ... in return Arnav just nod his head.
Khushi sit in the car thinking ... Finally the understanding had begun between the two...
TO BE CONTINUED .............