TAKE 29 - Open Arms

3 years ago

mysticaltales11111

@mysticltales111

Hellooooo Guysssssssss....

So yes – here I am with the next for HW3.o this week!

We are now Seventeen More Days Forward into the Story! And once I wrote this bit – I totally wanted it to stand out on its own.

Word Count – Medium- Long 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🤗❤🙏

W‍💻

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

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Disclaimer:

This Story/ Written Series is a work of Fiction.All characters are fictitious.Any resemblance to a person living or dead is purely coincidental. The depiction off fictitious characters through their cross - cultural backgrounds is also a work of pure fiction. I respect all faiths, cultures, communities with its rich diversities, equally.I mean no offence or hurt to anyone's sentiments through my work in any way whatsoever.

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TAKE 29 – Open Arms

Seventeen More Days Later

13th August, 2019

New Delhi, India

Raizada Mansion – 1:00 PM In the Afternoon

Arnav's POV

Guys.

I would have started with the bit that the goner in Love me is technically like the version of an over excited buzzing bee consumed in immense excitement.

But I most surely cannot begin with just that – you know to be fair – to the situation and context – around me right now.

Why? If you may ask?

It's totally because – It isn't just – Me – who is the version of an over-excited buzzing bee right now – my entire immediate family at home seems to have joint me in the momentary role-play of the same. (My entire immediate family at home as in - Mom, Dad, Akash, Payal, Di and Jiju).

Actually to be vey precise now that I retake the observation of the buzzing situation around me at home – right now – I think it's fair to say that we the Raizada's technically do resemble a full on buzzing in excitement bee hive – buzzing around its natural habitat.

Haaaaa!

Yup!

Guys.

You read that right!

Also - do not term me crazy just yet – everyone! I am sure you all understand that I simply can't refrain from making crazy excited comparisons at the moment – given that My Fiore is on her way home - here.

To be more precise – she is just about fifteen minutes away from Home right now!!!!!!!!!!!! (Was on text with her until Mrs J call came on Khushi's end – until about two minutes ago)

Yup.

Sooooo - You read that right – too.

Khushi is coming home for the very first time – dammit – how could I not be this worked up????? How could everyone in my family not be this worked up?? They'v been dying to meet the love of my life for what seems like ages now to them. Infact, if you were to ask my dramatic Mom – about the very same – she'd state – in her full-on dramatic avatar – the word Ages is an understatement in the context son.

So – Guys – I am beyond just delighted to report that Mom, Dad, Di, Jiju,Akash and Payal – have been so excited ever since I told them about Khushi's final plan(last week) to visit us (this weekend before my departure to the UAE on Monday with my unit for the ASIA CUP) – they obviously worked things around their buzy schedules so that we could all finally have this weekend for some exclusive get together time. It's Saturday today – and Mom, Dad, Di actually worked for longer hours in their OPD's in the last three days until the evenings so that they could manage to take the time post Noon – off today. They obviously had their usual surgery schedules/rounds in the early morning today. They wrapped up all their medical duties just in time and reached back home around an hour ago. Akash and Jiju obviously took a day off from their business day. And given that I totally wanted Payal to be here too – I was glad that she had the weekend free from any outstation guest lectures and stuff!! ( I mean yes – Akash and her are technically not married yet – but she is a part of our family. She has been ever since Akash told us he's in love with her. Actually their alliance is pretty much fixed anyway even though the formalities of it haven't been executed yet – because both the parents are otherwise so comfortable around one another and are completely aware of the equation. Mom and Dad just like Payal's parents know that its only a matter of time until Payal and Akash tie the knot. In fact, they even wish each other over the same that the day comes soon for them – whenever they get around to taking Akash and Payal's case collectively. Payal's always been so comfortable with us all that just like Akash – she also addresses me as Mere Bhai sometimes and refers to Di and Jiju as that too like we do and even calls Mom and Dad as that too. And the warmth in the equation obviously makes my twin Akash a happy man within. And given that he's always talked to me about it – I am now overly impatient to experience the very same for myself as well. You know just so bask in the sight off my parents/family – around Khushi and vice-versa!!

So anyways – back to the present moment – you all get the hint don't you? as to how it's just – HOUSE FULL at Home today and we all collectively can't wait for My Fiore to arrive!

Mom+ Payal + Di are overseeing the smooth arrangements for our family lunch which will begin soon after Khushi arrives.(Mom's obviously had our staff at home dish up all of Khushi's favourite Indian Dishes and given that she just arrived from the Hospital about an hour ago – she dashed in – to prep up for Khushi's fav Indian dessert – Jalebi – pretty much herself. She was all like – "Son, I do want to handmake Khushi her fav Indian desert at the least". So yup – she is engrossed in seeing through that bit + the rest of the arrangements. Akash + Dad+ Jiju were just with me in this living room until about five minute ago – until they all got some last minute work calls that they had to take care off. They obviously want to be done with all of that before Khushi arrives. On that note – I think they most surely must have finished up their calls. I think they must be lounging around in Dad's study right now – collectively making plans to gang up on me and take my case in front of Khushi – now that she'd finally be here!!!

Yup.

I can totally imagine them – doing just that – right now. Which is why they haven't yet walked back in???

My Phone buzzes.

I leap at it excited thinking it would be My Fiore informing me that the last minute traffic finally cleared up – but my grin dies as I see Aman(My business manager's) name flashing instead but I take the call and as I hear him begin to discuss about an investment business decision (that Akash and me had been discussing on last night)– that requires me to take the next round off funding call for one of the start-up's I'd invested in as an angel investor and as to what we had decided about the same + then also refer to get in for a quick discussion to discuss my schedule+ free dates post the ASIA CUP for some latest enquiries about ad-shoots/brand endorsements - I take a deep breathe as I remind him - " Aman...remember what I told you yesterday? that I am going to take no call after Noon today? But okay since you say this is so urgent and you got your timing right for if you'd called me ten mins after ..I would have shifted this to later...but...okay...I got five minutes......ill discuss this through...for Akash and me have a collective decision ready about the former...I but mind you...do not call me with anything after this? Aright? I am going to be busy in a personal commitment all day after...."

I can't help but smile as he sighs in relief and answers me that thank god he made the call just in time and we get on with our work discussions and a part of me is glad for the momentary distraction for all this last minute wait was also testing my impatient nerves as usual. I tell him about my decision to go in with the next flux of funding into the business organisation concerned given that the returns have been better than what we had anticipated and I hear him happily second our decision as we fall into further brief discussions.

Five minutes once we are done with our work/free dates discussions and I am done with deciding on the brand endorsements ad/schedules that I could make room for after ASIA CUP– I instruct Aman to take the day off at his end and enjoy his weekend too. I remind him that – I am all for WorkLife Balance. I don't want him to toil himself over the weekened. Work can begin again when the Monday arrives! He assures me that he will get on with doing just that after taking care of a couple of these last calls on his end with regards to everything we have discussed and I wish him a good weekend ahead and after he does the same - we finally hang up.

OKKKKK.

Seven minutes gone into that discussion.I look at the time on my phone. So maybe just eight minutes until My Fiore arrives? Khushi hasn't texted again yet which probably means that she is still on the call with Mrs J who is still in Sri Lanka for the England tour.

Oh Godammit MY IMPATIENT NERVES.

( On that note – Guys - I had full plans to go receive Khushi at the IGI myself actually but she talked me out of it on account of our privacy cover for now and was insisting that she'd just cab it home – but I coaxed her out of that latter idea obviously. I sent Verma Uncle to pick her up – instead. He's been with us in the family for years)

Hmmmm.

Wait.

On that note – Maybe I should go and wait by the entrance gate itself? Like now??? Instead of pacing around like an excited nut in this adjoining living room – near the entrance of our home – inside.

Ha! Amazing Raizada! That is an amazing idea!!

(Guys - I obviously want to be the first one to see her the very second the car pulls in through the gates – even if its just for a couple of minutes – because after that I am super sure that we are both going to be consumed in the happy vibe of finally meeting my family – together – for the very first time)

I begin to head my way out grinning to myself happily with that thought in my head when I finally spot Akash, Jiju and Dad walk back into the living room and Akash winks at me playfully after looking at his phone for time and states – " kahan chale? Mere bhai?(where are you off to mere bhai?? Are you going to stand by the gate already????"

Haaaa! Ofcourse my twin can read my excited gestures like an open book right now.

I eye him happily as I remind him – "Akash...remember how you went to pick up Payal when she was visiting home for the first time??? Given that I couldn't do that because of the privacy cover...its only fair that I wait for Khushi by the gate...she'd be here in five minutes at the most..."

Jiju puts on a mischevious grin and looks at his phone exchanging a happy knowing grin with Dad– " no Arnav..i think it woule be longer than that because my google maps tells me that theres insane amount of traffic around the DLF enclave too???"

WAIT?

WHAT??????

IS HE FOR REAL?

I HATE THE TRAFFIC OF DELHI.

PERIOD.

IT POPS OUT OF NO FREAKING WHERE – LIKE – ANYWHERE!!

I groan in disappointment now – " wait...what???? jiju? Are you sure???wait..up...let me just check on this...oh godammit me..should have freaking just gone to airport...myself..."

And just as I am about to scan my phone – Dad, Akash and Jiju break into a happy laugh and Dad immediately walks up to me and hugs me from the side and adds amidst his laugh – " on that note now that I think of it son...you could have gone to the airport for sure...probably waited for Khushi in the car...but if you would have done that...we would have missed seeing the epic moment of you this worked up amidst the wait for her arrival...just the look of disappointment up your face cracked us up right now...Raima is missing this..."

Oh Boy.

Knew it. They just had to take my case again.

I hug Dad happily though from the side and gape at Jiju and Akash who are still laughing and I ask amidst chuckles now – " okay...so...I am sure that bit about the google map traffic update was a hoax jiju...are the three of you going to do this to me all the while in front of Khushi too??? for real?"

Akash grins – " ofcourse mere bhai...finally...we'v got the chance too...we shall exploit it to the fullest..."

Jiju winks – " a moment I have been dying to experience...just like your Di.."

Dad shrugs in a happy stuper too gesturing to me that he's all in with them too and I nod happily at them in surrender as I say – " alrighty...okay...you all take my case as much as you want...but I am telling you...refrain from enacting out my impatient gestures that you'v observed on and off in context with wait for Khushi's calls/or texts – k??"

And just as I finish saying that I hear Di and Payal say in unison as they walk I alongside Mom excited to join us all in the living room – " well...well...well...they obviously do not have the permission to do that Arnav...because...that bit is something we have reserved...to execute...just you wait...we are going to tell Khushi everything..."

I groan in disbelief - " Di...Payall....cmon..."

Di grins – " wait till I tell her how you begin doubting the Vodafone tower signals/wifi connection at home/4g whenever her texts gets a litte delayed in between your chats..."

Payal winks – " and wait till I tell her – that I'v caught you grinning into your phone just gazing at a picture of you two like a million times already..."

Mom chips in siding with them too – " and wait...till I tell her about the extra bounce in your pace whenever you head to you room to talk to her...in privacy..."

I groan in an amused disbelief at all as they all share a happy laugh at my expressions. But then I guess – I do not the mind the context.Let my Fiore hear from my family – for a change – how crazy I am about her.The imaginary thought of her exquisite smile at knowing and hearing the very same from my family makes it's way to my head – and it adds onto my excitement which eventually makes me grin and join in our happy family banter and they all continue to take my case.

About three minutes later – Mom finally states to all– " okayyy then...how about we pause on taking Arnav's case for a bit so that he can check with Khushi...how much more time until she arrives?I can't seem to contain my excitement too...son...text Khushi..."

Dad nods and grins – " or maybe ill just check up with Verma...too..."

I nod and begin to text Khushi all the while grinning in glee.

How could I not?

When I could see the happy faces of my family – awaiting to welcome – My Fiore – this way – with warm Open Arms.

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

Five Minutes Later

Khushi's POV

Guys.

I swear to all my Insides are a freaking cocktail of nervousness and excitement – both right now! I mean I am just a couple of minutes away from meeting Arnav's family for the very first time!!!

I obviously want to just be Myself – around them but given that I do have these last minte goosebumps making their way up my arms – I can't help but remind myself not to goof up amidst the nerviness of it all.

I take deep breathes to steady my jumpy nerves – imagining Arnav's warm hug around me – in my head – for a second. I remind myself – that this is Arnav's family. I'v known them through him anyway. There's nothing to worry about. All will be well. I just need to go with the flow of it all. That's all.

I am right on that thought as I feel the car come to a halt and I open my eyes and lean my head up from the headrest that I was relaxing into for these last couple of minutes. I find myself looking at Huge Regal White Front Gates now and I ask Verma Uncle on reflex – " Uncle...are we here?? Is this Arnav's home??"

(Verma Uncle's has been so friendly and nice throughout the drive from the airport too)

He nods and smiles – " yes we are..."

I ask puzzled on reflex straightening up in my seat – " okay...so do I get off here? Is that why you stopped here???"

He chuckles – " no Khushi...I stopped here...because...well...you will know in just a second..."

I gape at him puzzled and while I am in the middle of figuring that out in my head within the period of the next second – I spot Arnav striding out of the mini gate towards the side of this Huge One – as he paces his way up to the Car and Verma Uncle gets out the Car – grinning.

Oh Damm.

My Baby.

He was waiting right here for me by the gate?for Real? I thought he had bee joking about it on text.

Our eyes lock now excited as I open the door from my side on reflex and before I can act on my plan to jump out the car – he gestures to me gleefully that he wants to slide in next to me – so I just move up in my seat grinning and watch him hop in and close the car door shut and I leap forward to his side and so does he pulling me in his arms almost instantly all snug as Arnav whispers kissing my head – " welcome home..baby...I just had to be the first one to see you...right?"

I hug him back hard to the side as I close my eyes channelising the warmth of his embrace to work on my jumpy nerves – "are you crazy baby? Were you here by the gate for real? I thought you were kidding up on text.."

He chuckles and kisses my head again hugging me tighter – " I never kid on these matters fiore....you know that...I had to hug you too first...right?given that I know in a couple of minutes from now...my family is going to surround you...they'd shun me away from your side...almost instantly that's how excited theyv been to meet you baby...."

I chuckle at that and hug him harder – " really????????? ,"and I pause as I admit immediately snuggling into him closer – " I am excited too baby...but a tad bit nervous too...I want them to like me...obviously...am just a tiny bit worried...like...what if I mess up amidst up nervousness though??I talked about it to Mum, M, S, jack and Brian too..."

Arnav pulls back at that and cups my face lovingly and locks his sincere loving gaze with mine – "ahaan? is that what you were caught up on the phone for longer fiore?"

I nod – taking power from his loving gaze. I swear to you all – at times when I look into his loving eyes and our gazes lock this way – I literally feel as if we were the only two people stranded on a freaking planet and everything else around me continues to haze and faze.

Just Like my Nervousness is – right now.

Arnav caresses my cheek lovingly – " they love you already baby...given that they know I love you Khushi...and how happy you make me feel...so I assure you my fiore...you have absolutely nothing to be worried or nervous about...at all...like...at freaking..all..."

I kiss his hand lovingly and chuckle on reflex – " really? nothing to worry about at freaking all...???????"

Arnav nods and grins – " yup...my love...copy that...,"and he pulls me into a snug side hug again.

I hold onto him too – " okay baby...,"and I pull up next on reflex to remind him something – "so...promise me one thing though...Arnav...do not stare at me shamelessly...k? while I am with everyone??? I mean this is my first time meeting them all...you do know that – that is exactly where my attention will be...right??"

Arnav nod and winks and tucks my chin lovingly – " yes baby..i know...am all kool with that provided you make up for having your attention diverted off me later....tonight.....when I have you all to my self....alone...I am sneaking in to the guest room to be with you...period...but you know that already...don't you?"

I gape at him at that with an amused smile – " Arnav..gosh....baby..is this the time to remind me the context..."

Arnav grins mischeviously – " yes this is the exact time...to do the same fiore...if it can help ease up your nerves...last minute...look...I understand...k? but trust me...baby...the very second you will see the grinning faces of my family you will know exactly what I mean.."

I grin and hug him from the side all tight – " okay....just hold me this way for a second more baby...then I think I'd be good to head in..."

He does – ofcourse and I final feel all of my nerves ease and he asks next lacing his hand through mine all tight surely feeling my vibe all relaxed now – " so ...ready love?? Should I ask Verma Uncle to pull in now..fiore??everyone's waiting in by the entrance inside...."

I nod and I straighten up in my seat – holding onto his hand tight.

YUP.

I was more than just ready to finally meet – Arnav's Family!!!

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Meanwhile Simultaneously

The very minute – Arnav had walked out towards the main gate anticipating his Khushi's arrival in a couple of minutes – everyone else had obviously gotten together at the foyer of the main entrance to their home – collectively. They just couldn't wait to finally catch a glimpse of Khushi with Arnav in one frame in real time. Yes, they had seen plenty of pictures – heard so much about Khushi from Arnav over all these months – and all of that had totally worked up as a build up of immense excitement in each of their hearts within – towards this very moment.

Raima,Arjun Raizada, Akash, Payal, Anjali, Ravi - couldn't just wait to catch of a glimpse off the vibe in between of Arnav with Khushi in real time, for they had literally never seen Arnav this happy – in a relationship prior. They knew - Khushi was his peace as much as she was his exhilaration – personally.

Akash, Payal, Anjali and Ravi -couldn't wait to tease the hell out of Arnav too in front of Khushi given that the mischevious self he was – he'd often done the very some to the two couples in the past. It was now their turn to return the mischievous favour.

And beyond everything – Raima and Arjun Raizada – couldn't wait for Khushi to arrive – because they'd obviously had been blessed to witness their chidren experience love and peace personaly and they finally had a face to attach to the love of Arnav's life. They were eager to make Khushi feel – as welcome at home – first and make their intention about initiating a bond with her from the very get set go just like they had initiated with Payal and Ravi in the past.

Raima asks impatiently now opening the main frontal gate within and peeking out – " okay..thats it...I just don't have it in me to wait around here longer...let me atleast see for myself if Arnav's dashed out the gate for that would mean...Khushi has arrived on the out right...??"

Everyone shares a warm chuckle at that amongst themselves and Arjun steps out behind his wife joining her immediately as he states playfully to his children behind – " please note...kids...this is exactly where time gives me the opportunity to prove the point that I keep harping to you all anyway....that Arnav's impatient streak totally has a lot to do with your Mom's doing...not mine at all...don't I say...it's a miracle that she's able to switch in between patient reserves/impatience in between our personal and professional lives...am I right? or am I wrong?? Dr Raizada??,"he asks lacing his arms around his wife's shoulder lovingly – joining in in looking upfront towards the main gate.

That from Arjun earns him a playful smack up his arms from his wife obviously as she states looking back at her children happily – " and please note..kids...that this is exactly where I let Dr Raizada...get away with this...because I am just too happy to indulge in any banter with him right now...because...I'v just spotted Arnav dash out the mini gate – which means...that Khushi is finally here...."

That makes everyone share a warm and excited chuckle amongst themselves as they all surround Arjun and Raima stepping out the foyer into the front entrance – grinning.

Akash winks as he asks all – " what say everyone? Do you think bhai will bowl one of his killer deliveries in my face...say if ..i decided to barge out on his couple of minutes with Khushi...like..right very now??"

That earns him a nudge from Payal immediately as she holds onto his arm lovingly to stop him – " Akash....please...I know...you are eager to trouble him...but how about you hold on for these last coupel of minutes...right? Di, Jiju?Mom ? Dad? He surely knows we are going to surround Khushi the very minute we see her...let them be..also...given that I look back at what I was feeling before I first met you all...its safe to presume that Khushi would be feeling a little nervous too...just let them ease things out...first?"

Akash groans at that as he gapes at the love of his life – " and why is it that you always make a fair point Payal?"

Raima, Arjun, Anjali and Ravi – second – Payal's thought almost immediately which makes Akash groan playfully again as he says to all – " and why do you all always have to side with her..over me????"

Payal grins and winks at Akash tugging his arm – " oh so you mean to say ...we are on different sides? Is it now Akash?,"and she fakes a sad look – " I thought we were on the same side..."

That makes Akash pull her into a side hug almost immediately as he says – " oh don't pull that look on me..Payal...you know what I mean??"

They all share a warm chuckle and Anjali asks impatiently now tapping her feet – "say what? given that we do not want to barge in on them..how about I call Arnav? Remind him...that we are waiting here....oh I just cant wait to greet Khushi...,"and she looks at her Mom to reconfirm – " oh wait..Mom...is the guest room ready?"

Raima grins and nods – " more than just ready..beta...,"and they all fall into a happy casual chatter – waiting for the car to pull in through the gates.

About two minutes later as they finally spot the main gate opening in and Verma Uncle driving in the car through the driveway porch now towards the enterance – they all grin at one another in glee – as they catch a glimpse of Khushi next to Arnav's side in the backseat.

Arjun says grinning – " okay everyone...I was saving this for the last...I know..exactly what I want to say to Khushi...the very second..i greet her..."

Raima narrows her eyes at her husband playfully – " Dr Raizada...are you going to ask her how she fell for Arnav – despite his brooding beard look?"

Arjun grins – " on point...Dr Raizada...bang on point..."

Akash grins at his Dad playfully – " Dad..I am joining you in on that..okay??"

Ravi chips in grinning – " me too...."

The three men exchange a happy thumbs up and Raima, Payal , and Anjali exchange a happy roll of a eye at that and they all finally divert their attention towards the car now pulling upfront and they step forward towards the car – excited – as it finally comes to a halt.

Meanwhile – in the car - as Khushi took in the sight of the grinning faces of Arnav's family members as the car pulled in closer and then came to a halt – she looks at Arnav sideways happily as she says – " baby...you were freaking right...just the smile on their faces from afar...makes me feel so welcome already..."

That makes Arnav kiss his Fiore oh her head lovingly as he winks – " told you...darling..."

Khushi nods – " come on then..lets head out...look...they are all coming forward too..."

Arnav and Khushi share a happy nod at that and they finally begin to step out and the very second they do and Khushi smiles at everyone politely first – Arnav laces his hand back with his Fiore's all tight and states happily to all - " there you go..Mi Familia..here she is...the love of my life...Mom...where's the drumroll?,"he finishes with a wink and states then – " oh wait...my bad that I forgot to ask you to arrange for the dhol.."

That makes everyone share a warm laugh amongst themselves – and Raima states playfully – " okay son...you had your mins.....step aside now..we will do our own intro-s...k?"

Arnav nods – happily – soaking in every bit of the moment that he'd been aching to experience.

Khushi gestures to Arnav to let go of her hand momentarily so that she can begin to meet and greet everyone and at the same time – Raima steps forward first gesturing Khushi to come into a side hug almost immediately as she states further shaking her head playfully at her son again – " And Yes beta...our bad that we missed on the dhol...for this special occasion of Khushi coming home...for the very first time...calls for the drum rolls indeed..,"And she looks at Khushi lovingly as she says – " finally Khushi...we meet you...you have no idea..how much I have been waiting too...we'v heard so much about you from Arnav anyway ...it feels like we know you already..."

That makes Arjun interput with an Ahemm from behind as he states - "correction Dr Raizada...how could you use the I instead of the We..,"and he gestures to Khushi – " Khushi...beta...please know...she speaks on behalf of both of us..."

Khushi nods at Arnav's Dad – grinning – every bit within her moving way too emotionally too – as she is at loss of words - momentarily. For Arnav's father had just addressed her as Beta – so naturally. She exchanges an emotional side glance with Arnav – who instantly understands – what Khushi was feeling within. His eyes mirror back pure love to his Fiore in the subtle emotional second.

Raima looks back at her husband playfully – " Dr Raizada...wait up for your turn will you please? it's my turn first...,"and she sidehugs Khushi – " so glad that you are finally here..Khushi..."

Khushi feels the warm loving vibe exuding from Raima's side hug frame do its trick almost immediately as she grins and beams at her happily and sidehugs her too and instructs her emotional voicebox to refunction – " hello Raima aunty...I assure you the feeling is mutual...I'v been waiting to meet you all too...I am so glad that I could finally make it..."

Anjali finally loses on her impatience as she joins in her Mom from the other end and says – " Khushi...I am Anjali...I just had to jump upfront...come on...Mom...let me greet Khushi now,"and she instantly pulls Khushi in another warm side hug.

Khushi sidehugs her too – "ofcourse Anjali di...I recognised you in an instant...how could I not? Arnav talks so much about you.."

Payal joins in upfront now as she and Khushi sidehug and meet and greet too – and Payal then playfully says to Khushi in a whisper – " Khushi we must...get some time off alone....so that I can fill you in on some mischief these twin brothers pulled off as kids...alright??"

Khushi nods happily at that eyeing Arnav grinning up behind her gesturing her with a raise of a eyebrow – as if to ask her what all that whispering was about and – Khushi just winks back at him playfully.

Arjun finally steps forward now gesturing Akash and Ravi to join him too as he taps his wife's shoulder lovingly and states – " Excuse me Dr Raizada...now that you'v had your moment...let me have mine.."

Ravi and Akash say the same to Anjali and Payal – which makes Khushi share another warm chuckle with all and a happy brief eyelock with Arnav. She'd just been around them for a couple of minutes – and was already feeling more than Welcome.

Khushi finally greets Arjun first , Ravi and Akash– " hello uncle...Ravi jiju...Akash...so happy to finally meet you..."

Arjun grins at Khushi at that first stepping behind to fold his arms to scan Arnav's grinning face behind – " hello khushi beta...but before I say anything else to you..i have a question to ask you....I hope you wouldn't mind..."

Khushi nods exchanging a puzzled brief look with Arnav behind – " yes..uncle...please..."

Arnav narrows his eyes at his Dad reading his mischievous frame already.

Arjun asks now grinning – " I haven't been able to work out this mystery beta...why don't you help me??"

Khushi smiles puzzled – " what mystery uncle??"

Arjun grins and asks – " the mystery about how such a lovely girl like you...fell for this son of mine..who doesn't even shave for months???? I mean....how...just how...beta????"

That makes everyone chuckle amongst themselves and Khushi breaks into instant giggles at that – for she had never anticipated Arnav's dad to ask her off this upfront like first thing out and Arnav groans – " Dad....are you for real? you had to begin with this...first thing out??"

Arjun chuckles – " ofcourse son...that is exactly what I had to begin with first thing out...so come on then Khushi...tell me beta..."

Akash and Ravi chip in mischeviously now - " yes..Khushi please answer this...right very now...will you please??"

Khushi pauses on her happy giggles and looks back at a grinning Arnav who was shaking his head happily in adorable dismay and she looks back at everyone and just answers honestly – " well...to be honest...Uncle...aunty...any version of his appearance works for me...it doesn't make any difference to me at all..for...I honestly fell head over heels for the man he is within..in his heart...but yes...just to be fair to the context – I do fancy that brooded beard look of his though.."

That from Khushi moves Arnav immense as he shares an emotional eyelock with her and it also warms everyone's heart immense at the same time and Arjun sidehugs Khushi now as he gapes at his son and states playfully – " so glad that the smitten love bug seems to have bitten the two of you equally...son...lucky you..."

Akash winks at Arnav mischeviously – " mere bhai...sach mein(true that)..lucky you...."

Ravi chips in – using Arnav's lingo – " or let's make that superlucky..."

Arnav gapes at his twin and Jiju in a gesture that says – I will get back at you for this – Indeed.

Arjun looks at Khushi and states warmly now - " jokes apart...Khushi...beta...welcome home.....you have absolutely no clue...how we'v been waiting to welcome you...here...into our little circle...."

Khushi nods at him warmly at that – words choking in her throat on reflex yet again in immense emotion at the mention of the word – Beta from Arnav's dad. But somehow she manages to control her happy tears and goes on to meet and greet Akash and Ravi – happily next too.

Arnav continues to bask in the happy sight – his own heart getting consumed in immense happiness and peace over and over – at seeing the happy faces of his family.

A couple of minutes later – Akash states grinning – " ok then..wait...even though we don't have dhol..technically...how about I play the tune of some beats..for us to enjoy...nonetheless...because I have finally met the one...who is crazy about my crazy twin..."

Arnav answers looking back at his twin walking upfront to Khushi's side to lace his hand with his Fiore – " only because I love your idea brother...I'am not going to refute..that crazy twin remark to remind you...that its you who is as crazy as me too...we all have Payal here to affirm the same to us all..."

Everyone shares a happy laugh at that yet again and Raima reminds everyone that itll be good to get some dancing done before they all set in for lunch – their hearts beaming in joy at the sight off Arnav and Khushis hands laced tight and the intense loving vibe in between of them.

And Khushi feels her heart swell with happy emotions as Akash actually turns on some dhol music and everyone begins to enjoy amongst themselves in little dance beats – gesturing Khushi to join them all too.

And Khushi does so obviously along with Arnav too – as their gaze continues to lock emotionally from across amidst the happy stuper with everyone. She knew that Arnav also knew that she was fighting back happy tears right now.

She knew that Arnav's family had been eager to meet her as much as she had been but she had not anticipated this level of natural Warmth + Happy Vibe exuding out of each of his family member's towards her from the very get set go. It was as if – they were welcoming her into their circle – with Wide – Open Arms – wholeheartedly.

It was only obvious that she was beyond just stumped over the waves of emotion within.

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

About Seven Minutes Later

Arnav paces around the guest washroom in the lobby where Khushi had stepped into freshen up about two minutes ago as they all walked in – through.

He knew she had been fighting her happy tears all through their little Dhol+ Dance stuper of welcoming her home just like he knew she'd been way too emotional at hearing his father call her – Beta.

Another reason why he had been dying to make Khushi meet his family was this – too. He was hoping that knowing his Dad would probably help her more through that scar off never knowing her Abbu – upfront – in some little ways – over time – even though - he knew she was doing so much better in that context. She was healing immense on that angle within – and he felt that knowing his Dad would help her more.

His family had now rushed to gather in the dining room and was waiting for them to join in for lunch.

It is right then that the door opens and he spots Khushi stepping out with her eyes a little welled up still even though a happy heart-warming grin was up her face and he pulls her in for an instant hug by tugging in on her hand taking her by surprise as he whispers kissing on her head – " I know these are happy tears..fiore...but...they still ache me...baby...you okay??"

Khushi hugs Arnav back as tight as she admits sincerely – " more than just okay...baby...more than just okay...everyone's welcomed me with such warm open arms...already that its just made me emotional...and hearing your Dad call me beta...just makes...me...so... ...vulnerable....but...I love it...that he felt like he could say the same so naturally for me...."

Arnav just hugs onto his Fiore harder at that and it is right very then he spots his Mother walking up to them and she grins as she spots them hugging and Khushi sheepishly pulls apart immediately and Raima smiles at her warmly as she says – " Khushi...beta...there's no need to be embarrassed...I know this son of mine...wont spare a second...to take you in his arms...I don't blame him though...

Khushi chuckles at that and wipes a happy emotional tear outta the corner of her eye again. Now – even Arnav's Mum had called her Beta. How could she not tear up? She was already loving the vibe of his happy home – already.

Raima catches on the gesture ans she immediately touches Khushi's shoulder lovingly looking at her son worried for a bit – " Khushi...beta...you are tearing up? Why? Did he do something? say something?tell me ..ill pull his ear now..."

Arnav chuckles at that as he wraps his arms around Khushi's shoulder lovingly – " yes...Mom..i'd offer my ear for you to pull...myself..if I were to ever make my Fiore tear up..but she's just emotional in a happy way...because of the way you and dad addressed her as beta so naturally..."

Raima sighs in relief at that and looks at Khushi to seek reassurance smilingly – " really? Khushi beta? Is that what this is about? Or is he trying to escape an ear pull??"

Khushi smiles at that through her emotions as she answers sincerely – " no aunty...it's just about that...you'v all just welcomed me so lovingly...its moved me...immense...I was a tad bit nervous earlier...now I know that I didn't need to be...at all..."

Raima nods at that sincerely and pulls Khushi into a side hug almost immediately again – " exactly beta...there's no need to be nervous at all around us...alright?," and Khushi nods emotionally and because Raima wants to make Khushi smile even more now she asks happily – " Khushi....beta...you do love Jalebi don't you? or did this son of mine relay wrong information to me??"

That makes Khushi smile on reflex as she looks at Raima and admits – " I love jalebi...aunty...Arnav was right about that...,"and she exchanges a warm smile with Arnav

Raima grins – " so....I made you some...for dessert...so how about we get you some lunch first? Before we all sit down to catch up after haan?"

Khushi asks surprised moved emotionally yet again – " wait..what? aunty? You made me Jalebi?yourself???????,"and she looks at Arnav in glee.

He nods back at her – happily.

Raima nods too – " ofcourse I did beta...come on...then...lets ago??"

Khushi nods at Raima happily and Raima finally leads Khushi in towards the dining room – gesturing Arnav to catch up from behind.

Arnav does catch up with them both – obviously.

But only after about ten seconds. Why? Because he needed those ten seconds himself – to wipe the happy peaceful tear outta the corner of his eye at the sight of his Mom warmly seeing through Khushi in her moment.

Yeah.

Now he knew exactly how emotionally peaceful that sight was – Indeed.

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

TADAAAAAA!!

How was That Guysssssssss?????????? What do you all think of the update and Khushi's first meet with Arnav's family?

So initially I had planned more for this update – but like I said – once I wrote this bit I wanted to pause here given that its already 7K words! And I do want to do justice to the scenes in my head with regards to Khushi's time with Arnav's family which is why I think I will be covering up this whole period in three medium length (about7k each) updates! One is done with this one – one more I will post on Friday and the next in the beginning of next week before we leap up ahead to ASIA CUP.

So yup I hope you all enjoyed this update.

Next Update : Tomorrow Night

So yup - I'll see you soon guys.

Until Then – Please take care and Stay Indoors and Safe guys!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Thanks, Guys, for all the Support and your Precious Time to my Work!

Much Love

Always

❤

Prachi

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