TAKE 21 - Mi Familia

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

I am here with the next update of HW3.0!

Hope you and your family all are Safe and Sound 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Word Count – Medium in Length – 7K 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🤗❤🙏

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Also, yes this is the First Draft. Please definitely ignore editing/common repition of words errors etc – since I have not proofread.

And 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 anyones sentiments through my work in any way whatsoever.

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TAKE 21 – Mi Familia

3 Days Later

8th April , 2019

Raizada Mansion – Chhatarpur, New Delhi

Raizada Mansion – Chhatarpur, New Delhi

10:00 PM – Indian Standard Time

The atmosphere at the Raizada Mansion was a celebratory one tonight - filled with happiness, laughter and love – like it mostly always is – given that the family members had always enjoyed a very close knit, warm and loving bond. They accepted each other in their truest sense, allowing each member within their close-knit unit the freedom to grow out into their very own independent version of themselves within their heart and mind. Each other's private space was always respected, their mind, thoughts, viewpoints, given their respected due by being heard out. Of course, as a close-knit family unit – they each had always been concerned about the well-being off the other, but at the same time they also believed that – that Familial concern and Love cannot be used as a tool to ever interfere and begin to dictate the course of another's family member's feelings or Lives.

Even as their three children were growing up – Arjun and Raima Singh Raizada made sure to always treat them as little – yes - but different human beings who were each unique in their own ways - blessed with the power to think and feel uniquely within the capacity of their very own little minds/hearts. They had also been honest to their children as they began to grow up through adolescence – that just like they all as kids were growing up – they – as parents were growing up too – and taking their familial bond through the various stages in Life – was going to be a constant partnership on both ends. A partnership that's primary aim was to thrive and believe in nurturing their family's bond with honesty, compassion, and above all the warmth of the good old – Love – always allowing the other individual to fly in the direction their wings wanted to take them.

So – it could be rightly said that - The Raizada's just believed in accepting the other for who they were with deep familial love backing their hearts and minds– which is why they were all just happily – Growing Up and Evolving – together.

So – what was so special about this happy occasion tonight?

It was the bit – that finally – after a long time – they were all in the middle of some quality family time with one another with all of the immediate family members present which would be – Arjun + Raima + Anjali+ Ravi(Anjali's husband) + Arnav and Akash. Arnav had only just returned home on the 6th night from his long tour and he was to leave for Mumbai on 11th evening too – which had only given him about 5 nights and 6 days at home on this little break. Raima, Arjun and Anjali (The three doctors whose schedule mostly always fluctuated due to medical emergencies at either ends) – finally had this late evening free tonight – which is why they had arranged for this last-minute family dinner together. Akash and Ravi had cancelled a couple of their last minute business meetings/conference calls after 7:30pm so that they could just be completely present in the moment too with everyone. So ever since 8:00 PM tonight – they were all just in the middle of spending some good family time together.

They'd all just finished the various courses of dinner and all throughout the happy conversations in between them all ranged in between medical schedules, hospitals, businesses, cricket etc. Everyone was also alternating every now and then in between in taking turns to take both Arnav and Akash's case every time they looked into their phone or got into a little chat with their respective partners on the other end – which would be Payal and Khushi.

As dinner finished - Raima had finally suggested that they all shift to the adjoining living room to carry on with the rest of their happy chatter whilst they all munched on some Dessert.

As dinner finished - Raima had finally suggested that they all shift to the adjoining living room to carry on with the rest of their happy chatter whilst they all munched on some Dessert

Arnav was the only one who had just voiced that he was skipping dessert because of the strict ways in which he watched his Diet and the dinner tonight had been a cheat meal - already

Arnav was the only one who had just voiced that he was skipping dessert because of the strict ways in which he watched his Diet and the dinner tonight had been a cheat meal - already. Raima and Anjali are in the middle of convincing him to eat a couple of bites of Kheer – at the least which was anyway devoid of traditional sugar and was made with Stevia instead – keeping his preferences in mind.

Arnav groans as he states to his mother and sister now – " Mom...Di...please..don't look at me like that...you know I can't say No to that look on either of your faces..."

Raima winks at Anjali happily as she states – "which is the exact reason why I am pulling it up on you son."

Arnav looks at Akash(His Twin) and Ravi (His Jiju)and his father exchanging a happy high five and chuckle at that and he states narrowing his eyes at them playfully – " Akash...Jiju...Dad..the three of you seem to be enjoying this quite a bit..right??"

Akash chuckles – " ofcourse..mere Bhai..for once I am saved from Mom overdozing me on her Kheer..I mean given that you are mostly away... it is your turn today..."

Ravi and Arjun add chuckling – "our reasons exactly...finally we will only eat ..the limited portion...we actually want to indulge in..it's good that our wives have you as their target in the moment..Arnav..."

Raima and Anjali gape at their husbands respectively amused as they state – " ohh really??? we know you are going to eat various portions anyway given that you both love Kheer..,"and Raima adds playfully – " Dr Raizada...do I need to remind you...that its me who's actually the one stopping you from binging on that third bowl.."

Anjali winks at Ravi from across – "And I always stop you from binging on your fourth bowl...Ravi..."

They all share a happy laugh at that and Raima gestures Arnav lovingly – " cmon..son...just a little serving won't harm...think of this as our very own little celebration over your wonderful performance on the tour....I mean we are all so happy for you...professionally and personally...son, "she finishes with a playful wink.

Anjali nods at him too lovingly.

Arnav groans as he finally takes the bowl from his mother's hand and states – " alrightyyy...I cannot say No – to that now...given the way you just added..personally...in their Mom..."

Raima chuckles – " knew it...,"and she finally takes her seat next to her husband and begins to munch on her Kheer too and watches Anjali do the same next to Ravi lovingly and Arjun finally says now – " such a pity that Payal couldn't make it tonight...given that she had to head out of town for that guest lecture...Akash...you better tell her..that we all missed her.."

Akash nods happily – " yeah..Dad..I will..."

Raima winks at Akash – " but Dr Raizada...I am sure..its Akash whose been missing her more..anyway...,"and with that Anjali, Ravi and Arnav join in taking his case a little.

After a couple of minutes - Akash gapes at them all and finally looks at his parents, his sister and Jiju as he reminds them cheekily – " Mom..Dad...Di...Jiju...you'v been taking my case for the last two years okay?ever since Payal and me have been steady..how about we all finally turn our complete attention to my dear brother – again..he's the one who still hasn't even shown us Khushi's picture or a picture of them..just look at him biting back his smile all cheekily...right now...munching on his Kheer...innocently...as if..he has no idea...what I am talking about...we are all supposed to gang up on him..now remember?finally that we are all together..until now he was all like...ill show her ...picture to you all..when we are together...once and for all...??I mean..how much have I been coaxing him on the same ever since he's returned...that I am the twin...mere bhai...show me atleast..."

Raima adds now with a wink playfully and dramatically– " exactly...Akash...and how much have I been coaxing him too...that I am your... mother the one who got her stomach cut to bring you to life...show me atleast...but No...he wanted to show it to us all together...he didn't want either of us missing..."

Arnav gapes at his mother amused – " Mom...seriously...why a Neurosurgeon?? You should have been in theatre..I give you full points for your dramatics yet again...like always.."

Raima winks at her son – "thank you for that beta...but c'mon...Akash is right..get talking now..why do you think I wanted all of us to get together tonight...I haven't been able to sleep well for the last three nights out of curiosity..."

Arjun adds happily winking at his wife – "yes...I vouch for that son..true story..she almost was fighting her urge to peekaboo into your phone..she obviously stopped herself with great difficulty..given that she prioritizes each of your privacy immense...but for the first time ever she was having a hard time keeping up with that rule and belief of her's..am I right...Dr Raizada...??"

Raima grins – " exactly...Dr Raizada...,"and she kisses her husband's cheek lovingly – " but...do not do this to me Arjun...you cannot give my secrets..away...I mean why tell Arnav that I was fighting my urge to play Sherlock Holmes with his phone? haan??"

Arnav winks – " Mom...you do know...its Dad's favourite hobby to give your secrets away to us..."

Akash adds happily – "just like yours is too give Dad's secrets away to us..vice versa..."

They all share a happy warm chuckle at that.

Ravi grins and adds winking at Anjali– "and yes that's the exact reason why Anjali and me were so excited too on our way here ."

Anjali winks – " ofcourse..husband...I can't wait to see..this woman...whose caught my brother's head and heart this way...I mean haven't we all seen the way he is smiling to himself everytime he looked into his phone over dinner during his chats with Khushi....c'mon – I am sure..we all agree on this bit...that we'v never seen him this happy...with a girl...like ever....,"and she looks at Arnav now – " c'mon on then...brother..Akash is right...you did tell us earlier..that you would get to showing us a picture after dinner and dessert etc...and now we are in the middle of doing just that...so ya...we are all ganged up on you now...we wana see a picture now...like right very now....do not keep us in further suspense..."

Arnav chuckles now as he finishes taking the last bite of his Kheer and states leaning forward to place the bowl back on the table – "yes...Mi familia..I will get to that..super soon...in the next ten seconds or so..,"and he winks at Akash as he states – " thank you brother..for divulging everyone's attention back to taking my case...for now...just you wait...we are also not going to spare you... after.."

Akash chuckles as he leans back into the sofa comfortably – " I have no problem with that brother...as long as we finally get this out of you first..."

Arnav nods happily and he finally gets up from his spot and walks over to turn on the Smart TV in the room and he says grinning – "okay...so there are two reasons why I wanted to shift showing you a picture of Khushi or some of our pictures..first was...because I wanted to show it to you all together...on the bigger screennn...". Earlier this evening - He'd made a different folder of all their candid casual pics of Khushi and him - that he'd wanted to show to his Family – now.

Anjali asks curious – "and what is the second reason??"

Arnav states grinning – "the second reason being the bit that I wana talk to you all about something together...before I get around to showing you the pictures..."

Anjali narrows her eyes grinning – "ooh...I am excited. Does that have anything to do with the bit that we already picked up on? That how you've never been happier??"

Arnav nods happily. So, he-d first wanted to tell them all together – how deeply in Love he was with Khushi before getting on with sharing the pictures.

Raima narrows her eyes shooting him her Mommy's perceptive look – " or...wait...does that have everything to do with the bit...how you'v never been this Happier...because...you are finally in Love...my son...you love her don't you?? which is exactly what you wana state and declare to us before you show us – the pictures??"

Arnav groans at that amused holding his hands up to his sides dramatically – " Mom...seriously....this was supposed to be my dramatic...declaration...you stole my lines..."

Akash chuckles amused – " she..stole...mine too..remember?? when I wanted to tell you all – I was in love with Payal.."

Anjali nods amused – " well...sorry little brother...I gotta second that..she stole my line too...when I was about to tell her about your Jiju...so let's just admit that – that's our mother's thing..she senses..us..through and through..."

Raima grins happily – " exactly...my children..I take great pride in the fact that I can sense the magnitude of each of yours happiness and its probable reason..,"And she winks at Arnav – " how could you even think for a second – that the happy sprint and jump in your footsteps as you'v been heading to your room telling me that you gotta catch up with Khushi in all these days, or your happy carefree whistling while you were headed to do just that or that effortless grin as you look into your phone...would miss my eye beta...your face has always been expressive my son...and I am your mother...I got my sixth sense tuned with you since the umbilical chord days... I got my stomach cut to bring you to life....remember..."

Arnav chuckles happily as he states placing his hands on his waist – " Dad...seriously..let's get Mom enrolled into theatre..about time...."

Arjun adds grinning – " well..to be honest...it didn't miss my eye too Arnav...just last night...I told your mother...pyaar mein pad gaya hai hamara beta(that our son is in Love)..Dr Raizada.."

Arnav grins and gapes at his father – "really Dad??"

Arjun nods.

Akash adds grinning – " didn't miss my eye too actually...told Mom and Dad over breakfast this morning...before you came in brother...that finally..the Love bug has bite you too..."

Arnav chuckles at that dramatically – " Damm...and here I thought I was trying to be discreet about my happy expressions...clearly not...,"and he asks mischeviously to all – " but wait...everyone..do you all think that Aman would have picked on this too? given that I'v spent the last couple of days with just him at Home – in Dad's study catching up on all the business bit that he and Akash – needed me to catch up on.."

Akash winks playfully – " mere bhai..don't worry..about that...Aman surely knows you'v been happy...but he surely hasn't caught onto the real reason...he thinks its probably because of the amazing business returns on your investments.."

They all share a happy laugh at that yet again.

Arnav continues with a happy sigh – " ok...great...so...anyway...now that you all have spotted it all...please know...that...all those happy expressions has everything to do with the bit..that we are just being able to make our long distance work..so smoothly....obviously...I mean it's just that these three days apart have given me even more confidence and contentment over that yeah...we are going to make it work..wonderfully...we are going to be totally okay....,"and he looks at everyone as he states – " anyway...keeping that aside for now...now that the cat is out of the bag..already..even before I could say it...I think...I just wana say it out loud to you all nonetheless...I am in love...my dear family...I am in love... deep....I love Khushi...truly...She is it..for me...its either going to be her..or no one..."

Raima gets up now from her spot and walks up to hug her son – "and I am so happy for you son...really,"And she kisses his head and asks curious – " please..show..me a picture....I am dying...to see her..."

Anjali walks up to hug Arnav too and she asks in happy anticipation – " also..brother...tell me...what about Khushi...do you think you both are on the same page ??"

Arnav smiles as he answers – "well I think she's surely headed exactly where I already am...yeah...we haven't confessed to each other yet...but...let's just say that there's enough said and the intense vibe of the unsaid in between us that gives me the security that she's surely heading there too..."

Anjali and Raima hug him happily at that from either side relieved at knowing this. They obviously didn't want Arnav to ever be hurt again on the matters of the heart. They knew deep down – he was an emotional man.The break up with Roohi had been a setback for him prior, but a one he could handle because he was never in love with her. And here – they could already see how deeply he was into Khushi – so coming from the love off a mothers/elder sister's heart – they were both happy with what they'd just heard.

Arjun, Akash, Ravi – walk up one by one next to just hug and congratulate Arnav too. They knew the magnitude of the happiness in one's heart given that they had been blessed with it too in their personal spheres.

After hugging each of his family members happily – Arnav finally remembers a thought in his head and he gestures them all to take their seats and he takes his seat on the chair he was seated on momentarily prior and states – "so...everyone...there's just something more...I just remembered...I wana say..before I get to showing you our pictures..."

Everyone Nods.

Arjun states curious – " Go on..son...please...or I should enroll you into dramatics for all this suspense building.."

Everyone shares a warm laugh at that and Arnav finally looks sincerely at the faces of all his immediate family members as he says – "so given that I feel in my gut that Khushi is headed exactly where I am on the workshop of the feels...and that I have faith that no distance can ever be big enough for us to not bridge smoothly...I want you all to know....that....I am very serious...when I said..this is it..for me...as in...I mean it with all my heart...I am serious...about...spending the rest of my life with her as my partner..which basically means that I have every intention...to make her a part of this..,"he gestures to them all as a group – " our family...eventually...so...I have something that I wana tell you all..."

Raima nods supportively – " go on..son..tell us..what is it..."

So does everyone else.

Arnav states sincerely – " so I wana say this out – so that I can just check in with you all that we are on the same page...although I think I already know your answer..but still...you are my family..and I love you all...and my gut tells me that I have nothing to worry about..given that I know you all through and through...but...still just hearing it back out loud from each of you is going to give me comfort...so I just wana say that the fact that I live in a different country or am from a different faith and culture surely is no issue for Khushi or her Mum...that I know...so its kind off the same for me too... the fact that she's born and brought up in another country or that– she is from a different faith and culture is something that doesn't bother me at all...I am totally kool with it...infact I am totally kool if she wants to keep practicing her faith..after...as well...she's free to do what she wants...I hope the idea of the same..is kool with you all too...she's surely going to be one of us..some day..and whenever that day comes...I want her to feel that she has that freedom to keep the essence of her identity that has been what it is..until now...look all I am saying is that..I love her for who she is...deep..as...is...for the human she is...no conditions attached...I don't/wouldn't..want..her to change a dime about herself out of any sort of compulsion just because we practice a different culture and faith at our home...so...you all kool with this right??"

Raima smiles at that lovingly as she states exchanging a reassuring smile with Arjun – "and what do you think our answer would be to that my son??"

Arnav smiles – "well...my gut tells me that it would be...that you are all kool with this..because you two were the very ones to teach us all from the very beginning Mom..Dad...that we must always extend our compassion and faith towards the very essence of humanity...irrespective of our cultural differences.."

Arjun smiles at that as he says – "exactly son....and it's our very profession that instils that very belief back to us each day..."

Raima nods – "every minute....."

Anjali smiles reassuringly – "every second..."

Raima adds – "for as doctors.....when we enter the Hospital/the OT/ The OPD's...only one thing matters...that is our service to humanity above all..irrespective of our cultural differences...the only history of the patient we are interested to know honestly..is their medical one...how different they are from us culturally..doesn't even matter to us...and each day over years.. professionally we lived and continue to live through this very essence...so it's only obvious that this very bit has transcended into our hearts and beliefs personally too..beta..."

Anjali nods reassuringly – "indeed... all that matters is our service that revolves in between life and death...we work to save and heal lives..don't we brother? Irrespective of these worldly differences...and it is these sensitive moments that has taught us/continues to teach us so much...about our faith in humanity...so I am sure you already knew our very answer to the same...even before you asked us this..."

Arjun smiles and adds reassuringly – "look..son...yes...we take great pride in being who we are culturally..but..that does not take away the essence and significance or respect towards other faiths and cultures in our minds and hearts....all the cultures and faiths around the world...are beautiful in their very own way..it's just a subject that is deeply personal...to each their own...and we just strongly believe in that freedom of choice too...so be rest assured son..we are going to focus on Khushi..for the human she is...primarily in priority..oh wait...,"and he adds with a playful wink – " I mean...even if she were an alien..I'd just focus on the bit that my son is in love with her and that your happiness lies with her...,"and he winks again and continues to add more playfully – " but..wait..just checking? Is she an alien? If yes? From which planet? Mars? Or even further down?? Oohh – how kool would that be Dr Raima Raizada...I mean..we could then learn more about the physiological evolutions and the medical history about aliens...you know if we were to have one as a part of our family...,"he finishes with a final playful wink at his wife.

That makes everyone share a warm laugh and Arnav adds with a happy relieved wink – " don't push your luck Dad..you haven't gotten that lucky yet to write a book on the Discovery of Alien's and their physiological evolutions and existence...Khushi is Human...most surely..human...,"and he adds with an added happy relieved smile – " and yeah...I kind of knew di...what you all were going to say..actually...but I just wanted to talk about this out loud..the reassurance feels kool and content within..."

Ravi adds grinning now – " okay Arnav..but...now that Dad said it...Dad's seriously got me wishing that Khushi was an alien though...I mean..it would be fun to have that kind of diversity in the family...,"and he pauses and adds with a reassuring smile too – "Jokes..apart...Arnav..seriously...brother...you got nothing to worry about on that note...k? this just means...that we'd eventually just celebrate each of our cultures as enthusiastically...and learn the essence of our cultural diversities..."

Akash grins and adds reassuringly – " a possibility..which totally rocks...mere..bhai...don't you worry at all...I totally agree with Jiju...its going to be funner to celebrate each of our cultures enthusiastically.."

Arnav winks at his twin– " my dear twin...just so you know...funner..isnt really a word..now is it..Di??Mom??Dad??Jiju??"

Akash chuckles at that – "very funny...ask Ved..it surely is in his dictionary..that's where I picked it up from..."

Arnav winks – " yup...you are right..I keep saying that to him all the time too..."

They all share another warm happy laughter.

Raima groans finally getting all impatient as she takes her son by the hand makes him stand and schools him into getting up to be by the TV screen – "cmon...my son..now... can you get on with showing us the picture of the one human..you'v fallen madly in love with...the human..you want to bring home and make a part of our family...eventually...."

Arnav nods happily and he finally gets the screen mirroring option working on his phone and he states dramatically going to the folder on his phone – " wait..for it..Mi Familia...now you shall see up on screen...within the very next second...the picture...of the love of my life...first...I am going to show a couple of candid pictures of just Her...and then ill roll onto Us..."

Raima grins – " son..lets join those theatre classes together..."

Everyone chuckles at that and Arnav finally taps open the folder and – gets Khushi's one candid picture up on screen – in which she's totally grinning with the cup of coffee in her hand.(Its from a moment of one of Their late night talking sessions)

And the very minute – Khushi's grinning picture finally comes up alit in front off everyone – Raima exclaims in glee – "Khushi's got such a beautiful gorgeous...smile...son...."

Anjali grins - " and such pretty eyes..."

Arnav grins and smacks his finger playfully at his family – " she does right..that smile on her face..and the twinkle in her eye...lights up my life..Mom...Di..."

Raima chuckles at that – " go on then..son..show us more..."

Arnav moves to the next picture of Khushi dressed in her England Support unit jersey. (It was a happy selfie she's once shared with him)

Akash winks playfully from across at his twin now after seeing this second picture – " mere bhai..Khushi is really beautiful yaar...but...tell me something...tere chakkar mein kaise padh gayi...bhai......"( but how did she fall for you again??)

Arjun adds grinning next – " wahi toh...Akash..main bhi yahi soch raha hun...itni pyaari ladki..iske chaakar mein kaise pad gayi...mera yeh wala beta toh shave bhi nahi karta hai mahino mahino tak..."( that's what son...I was also thinking the same thing..such a lovely girl...how did she fall for him...I mean..this son of mine doesn't even shave for months)

Ravi grins and adds – " my thoughts exactly...Dad..just tell us Arnav...how long has it been since you and Ved have gone clean shaven..."

Arnav groans amused at his family – " please...Jiju...do you all even know...how many people are a fan of this look rugged bearded look of Ved and Me..."

Anjali winks – " yeah yeah...don't tell us...brother...we know...how many girls swoon over this look of yours and Ved's in your respective fan clubs..."

Arnav winks – " thanks di...and jiju...wait..now I shall get to a picture of Us maybe first...let's see..if you all agree...on the bit whether we compliment each other..we totally do...alright??"

And with that he moves to the next candid picture of Them on Screen – in which he had Khushi sidehugged into his side and they were both smiling – their eyes twinkling in immense happiness holding onto one another as both were dawned in his Indian Jersey.(Arnav was wearing his and Khushi was wearing the one he often wore to nets and practice.She'd eventually sneaked it off him.)

And the minute everyone sees that picture – they feel each of their heart warm at the sight and Raima says – " ohh yes...son...that's a such a lovely picture...you both totally compliment one another...,"And she gapes at her husband, son and son in law amused – " dare you three tease him on the same..alright??"

Arjun, Akash and Ravi nod happily.

Anjali sighs happily as she states perceiving the happiness on Khushi's face too in the picture – " yup...Mom's right...this is such a happy picture..brother...I think you are also right about...her heading to the same page as you...on the feels...come on...go on next..please..."

And Arnav continues. He continues showing his loving family – the pictures he'd stored in this specific folder all the while his heart beaming in immense happiness as his family members continued to smile warmly at the sight of the photos – his very own heart warming up immense over and over at seeing the happy pictures of Them – again.

How could it Not?

She was his Human afterall. Just like He was Her's.

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One Hour Later

11:15 PM

Arnav's POV

Guys.

Mom was right. I do seem to have an added spring in my sprint + a happy hymm or a whistle on my lips everytime I'm headed to towards my room with the parting words to them saying – " Okay..Mom..Dad...Akash..I will see you all in the morning...given that I need to catch up with Khushi now..for a bit..."

Yup.

For that's exactly what I said to them – as we see-d Di and Jiju off – five minutes ago and I made my way up in that exact same happy mode.(Yup. All of them spent the last one hour – taking my case though mischeviously)

On that note – ofcourse - they all caught onto me being madly in Love – before I could even declare it to them.Actually to be honest guys – I am super glad that they did because I take great comfort in the bit that we share such a close knit bond as a Family and they can understand me and see me through.

I can never thank god ever enough for blessing me with them. My Family. Mi Familia.(Which is Spanish for the same) Or wait. Should I just say – Mi Maravillosa Familia? which would relate to My Wonderful Family in English.

Either ways – you all get that I am only eternally grateful to God for them – right? I mean – just the happiness for me on their faces as they saw pictures of Khushi and me – together – along with their unconditional support on the other bit I discussed with them - means so much to me.

Indeed.

Yeah Guys.Wait. I know – I know. It was quite impulsive off me to discuss the bit I did with them already given that I haven't even confessed my Love to Khushi yet. But I couldn't help it alright? For ever since I'v reached Home – all I can imagine is differ visualisations of her at Home with my Family! Of Us Living together as Partners – eventually! I mean – Yeah. I gotta hold onto some patience gears in reality – but in Imagination – I am totally allowed to be as Impatient as I wana be and succumb to building my Castle of Happy Dreams with her – right?

Yup.

So that bit was surely a result of my Impatient Imagination – obviously.

So - Now that I am nearing my room – I plug out my earpods ( which I keep handy all the time in my pockets now given Khushi's love off sending me voice notes) - and plug them in my ears for my Whtsapp tells me that I have a couple of voice notes awaiting to be heard from the Love of my Life.Its 11:15 Pm for us means it is 6:45PM for Khushi.We did get into a little chat as she reached home at around her time – 5:30 PM from M's - while I had just finished Dinner with everyone and we'd shifted to the living room for Dessert.

I grin to myself as I press play to the Audio Note that came – Forty-Five – Minutes Ago.

Her – " Hey..baby...I think you are going to be in the middle of Dessert and chilling and catching up time with everyone! But I sooo had to leave you this voice note to let you know – that guess what is it that Mum and me are cooking for ourselves for dinner tonight? Our favourite Shepherds Pie.Baby – I kinda feel bad I couldn't take you to my favourite spot for the same while you were here. No worries. Next time – for sure. Or even better – I'll just make one for you when I see you next...k?? Okayy...now you continue to enjoy your time with everyone..as I get on my apron to help out Mum in our cooking session. Speak soon baby..Muah..."

I grin as I enter my room. Khushi was right. These voice notes do have a different charm to it altogether. It just helps me feel her voice – her tone. Feels so much better than just texts – for sure.

I sit on the sofa now as I press play to the next voice note that came about fifteen minutes ago.

I sit on the sofa now as I press play to the next voice note that came about fifteen minutes ago

Her - " Hey...you..my hunk...so guess what...all the preps almost done...I think I might get free in twenty...for we will only eat after 8 right? which will be like 12:30 Am for you..."

I chuckle happily. I press play on the next voice note from around seven minutes ago.

Her - " okiesss...phewww...all set and done...cooking time with Mum is always so much fun...baby..sooo...yup...I am just headed to my room now..for a bit...let me know when you are free...my hunk..we will catch up....hope its going great with your Di and Jiju over dessert too... can't wait to hear all about it..."

Oh Yes. It went Great – Darling.

I am just about to send her a voice note back that I am free to connect when a new voice note pops up.

I press play immediately.

Her crazily excited voice spills through – " oh my god...Arnav...you so have to know this....I mean...I just gotta a call as soon as I sent you that last voice note...okkkway...wait...I gotta tell you this face to face...so not telling you now..ill wait until you are free...."

I chuckle at that and I send her a voice note back – " Khushi...baby...free to connect now...just entered my room two minutes ago...was listening to your voice notes..from....prior..."

And the minute the voice note reaches her – I call her up on the video call immediately.

She picks up in an instant and her happy gleeful face fills up my screen as she pouts adorably – " Arnavvv....you didn't even let me listen to your voice note..."

I wink at her – " that's because...I couldn't wait for another second to see you after I heard that last voice note baby...look at that excitement on your face...come on...out with it...tell me...."

Khushi chuckles happily – " okay...given that I am so excited about this...ill dive straight in...so...guess what? that was the HR from my previous digital marketing firm...remember they told me theyd get back to me in a day or so – after I went to see them at the office yesterday in the hope to rejoin...so they called? And guess what? not only are they keen to offer me my previous role...they also asked me if I'd be kool to work on art and digital online graphics for digital marketing off one of the business verticals they'd just acquired...plus...if I'd be ready to take it...they want to hand over double the volume of business accounts...for me to oversee in terms of digital marketing given that the business traffic coming up the firms way is scaling up and they were looking out to hiring a couple of people anyway...which is why the HR was all like...I had given her a call and went in to see her at the right time....so yup...its final...I am joining them back..its fixed..like done...I am just so glad that they were understanding about me still needing time till the 23rd given that I will be able to officially join them on that day because I return from Dad's hometown on the 21st.....and not just that guess what the icing on the cake is...I told the HR just now that I was ready to handle as much as truckloads of work volume...assuring her that they wouldn't need to hire more people...and she was all like – alrighty if that's case Ms Jones – I'll try to see if we can amp up your prior remuneration package...Oh my god...Arnav...if this happens...it's going to be freaking great....right?? "

I grin happily – " ofcourseee baby...this is amazing news...I am so proud of you...you are freaking fabulous fiore......and..,"and she gestures me to pause adorably.

Khushi chuckles and nods excited – " thank you Arnav...and..wait...pause...because I want to ask you this..first too...given that I went on with my excited rant first...you tell me now.....how did it go with everyone? After dinner?"

I chuckle as I wink at her jumping straight to the bit I couldn't wait to talk about her too – " it went great darling..infact guess what? I finally got around to showing them a picture of You and US.."

She obviously knows how everyone was after me about the same – ever since I reached Home.

Her eyes widen in excited anticipation – " ahaan? really? what did they say??"

I wink at her – " Mom..and Di..couldnt stop...awing in happiness...and Akash, Dad and Jiju couldn't believe it that you fell for me...given my brooded beard look..baby..."

She groans adorably and jumps to my defence almost immediately at that – " what?? hey..no...did you tell them that your variations in looks can never be like a factor for me.. just like I know its the same for you...but wait...nonetheless...I hope you told them that I have a thing for this look of yours anyway.. just like I'd have a thing for just about any physical version off you..??,"she finishes with a warm sincere smile.

My heart glows and bulbs up in a superhigh voltage at that as if I were the one who had just invented the Manmade Lights.I nod happily – " I did for sure baby ..after..when they were teasing me.."

She chuckles and says – " okay..so go on..tell me about it at all at your end...you already know how my day was...also its getting late for you..baby...why not head up to your loft and relax and lie down??"

I nod at her at that and begin to head up the spiral stairs into the Lofted area in my room where my Sleeping zone is. She says happily – " just gotta say this again – even though I said it to you the very first day you videocalled from your room – this whole bit of having a library area in your room..under your sleeping loft – is so You..Arnav....given your love for Reading..."

I grin and wink – "it is right??when I wanted this done..the interior person couldn't believe it..that I wanted a Library here below instead of like a gaming zone.. I told you that tale right?"

She nods excited and says – " yes you did..but I wouldn't mind hearing it again...buf later.. so..now come on..shoot...I wana hear you talk..first.. about everything from now....I mean your family's reaction to our pictures..etc...etc.. give me details baby..."

I nod and I begin to fill her on everything – apart from the bits of my declaration of Love for her to my family and my talk with them in that context for now.

I could be as impatient in my Imagination but in reality I had to tune things accordingly to the one I loved too – right?

...........................................

45 Minutes Later

Arnav POV Continues

I adjust my head comfortably against my pillow which is all propelled up against the headrest.

We'v just spent the last 45 minutes talking about our days( again)and this time with all its minutest details in it like we love too and Khushi's in the middle of sipping some water right now as she eyes her tablet next to her on the bed – with he...

Ofcourse I know what this is about. Her E-Visa that she needs to visit her Dad's hometown because its in a different country – hasn't yet arrived into her mailbox. Her entire plan ahead depends on that obviously. Yeah – I might not know all the details yet but that isn't going to stop me from comforting her about the same right now.

I ask now – " still worried..about...that Visa status baby? Relax..you did say the E-Visa sometimes takes a week right? it'll come...in time...okay??Even M's/Brians and Jacks hasn't come yet..it isn't just you....also..S is all set to leave tomm as per her schedule right?"

She shoots me a happy sigh and a smile – " yeahh..she is...S is all set..."

I smile - " I am going to drop her an all the best text..baby.."

She nods - " that should make her smile..baby.."

I nod and I say again sincerely- " Khushi..please...my darling...don't worry about the Evisa..K??"

She sighs and gives me a little smile - " and only...you..can be the one..to comfort me about this with all your heart baby...even though you do not know...all the details yet...why? Just why are you so freaking awesome??"

I grin and wink at her – " well looks like I just am...and that bit isn't going to change...k? just cut that frown of your forehead please?? I don't like the sight off it.."

She grins now as she states with a sigh – " okay...ill try not to worry about it..I will shift my focus..back to you....,"and she adds with a mischevious glint back in her eye immeditaely now – " how about you tell me...why you don't like the sight of my frown...again...maybe that will help me...dunk and stash it away.."

I grin at that as I say on reflex – " because you are My Human baby...the one who God has created custom – made – Just for Me...ofcourse I do not like the sight of you frowning...and specially not...when...I am physically away from you...because I can't hug you..hold you close...or even kiss you..right??"

Her eyes well up a little at that happily – " did you just call me – My Human...Arnav? So naturally??"

I nod and wink - "superlike the sound off it?"

She grins – " love the sound off it..also.....because I like to refer to you as that in my head too at times you know..."

I gape at her amused – " and you tell me that now...but alright...better late than never..."

She chuckles – " ahaan? really?"

I nod and she whispers locking her gaze with mine on screen – " everything about you – seems to be custom made for me too – baby...,"and she lies down on her one pillow now turns to the side hugging another as she adjusts the phone screen the other stack of pillows.

I grin and wink at her – " damm those...lucky...pillows..."

She winks at me – " wana switch places with my pillow??"

I wink – " you know I am dying too..."

She smiles touching the screen – " I am dying too – too..."

I admit – " also..the sight of you in your room right now as always baby...is creating a havoc on my senses....reminding me off the moments I spent with you..in there..."

She smiles - "I know...its the same for me too...its what keeps me warm...all the time..when I am in here..by myself...those memories make me feel like you are still here...in some way...actually you are anyway in everyway...because you are always...in here...right??,"she gestures to her heart.

My heart swells at that as I place a hand over my heart too – " just like you are always in here too baby.."

Our eyes lock at that – Intensely and we end up blurting out at the same time about twenty seconds later – " I miss you so much....baby..."

We share a warm chuckle at that and she asks – " are you sleepy much Arnav? Its getting late for you..I hope not though...I do wana spend all my time talking to you until Mum calls me for dinner...and after too if your are awake for a bit atleast..."

I smile at that happily – " well given that I am on my break I do plan to get up later in the morning anyway for I start work with Aman only by Noon.. fiore...so yeah..while you are at dinner – I'd just read or something..and we will surely catch up after again...k??"

She smiles happily and touches the screen – " that soundsss great....I am just so glad we are making this work..smoothly...baby...I mean it's been just three days away..and as much as I miss you bad...the way we are keeping up with this..feels so so good and comforting within...indeed..."

I grin at her as I touch the screen lovingly too – " I know..I couldn't be happier about that too..."

And as we continue talking now – My Impatient Imagination begins to go on an Imagining spree yet again with its happy visualisation.

And what do I imagine?

The vision of Khushi in here – right next to me – in my room at my Home – ofcourse.That she-d be here by my side one day and how I am not going to freaking let her get any sleep all night when she finally Is.

Don't call me crazy guys! Khushi has become a very important member of Mi Familia – in my Head, Heart and Soul – alright?

Yup.

She has.She most surely has become a very important member of My Family within my Being. There could never be any doubts about that – Ever – Indeed.

...............................................

TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss?? Did you all enjoy reading this update on the theme of Mi Familia????

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticaltales11111/

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