Chapter 69

Khushi was in her room helping Muskaan in studies when suddenly she felt sick and rushed to bathroom. Muskaan was looking at the closed bathroom door being worried and confused when Arnav came back from office and greeted her: "Good Evening Muskaan... are you doing your homework...? Where is Khushi?"

Muskaan: "Arnav Mama... woh... Khushi Mami..."

Arnav seeing her worried: "What happened... What happened to Khushi..."

Muskaan: "I... don't know.. woh..."

Khushi came out tired after puking and seeing Arnav said: "Arey... you back..."

Arnav in hurried steps reached her and holding her shoulder made her sit. "What has happened to you... you look tired..."

Khushi: "Nothing happened to me. I am fine..." turning to Muskaan "Beta, you go downstairs, your Akash Mama must be waiting for you... and complete your homework with Ana Maasi... okay."

Muskaan nodded. "But you are fine... right... you are not sick..."

Khushi kissing her cheek: "Of course not... I am fine."

Muskaan left and Arnav sitting beside Khushi cupped her cheek with one palm: "What is it Khushi... you really seem tired... look so pale... I think I should call the doctor."

Khushi: "No. Rather I think we should go and consult a doctor."

Arnav: "Okay, then... let's go."

Khushi: "Not right now... we have to take appointment... and I am not seriously sick... I know what it is..."

Arnav: "You know..."

Khushi: "Yes." Moving closer to his ear and in a whisper "I think... you... are.going.to.be.a.father."

Arnav looking shocked: "I... what..."

Khushi nodded: "...father."

Arnav blinking his eyes: "You sure."

Khushi: "I think so... we should see the doctor to confirm."

Arnav hugged her tight with happy tears beaming in his eyes: "I... am so happy... has been waiting for this day since long... I... a father... our baby..."

Khushi: "Yes Arnavji... our baby... symbol of our love."

The next day after confirmation from doctor, the whole of Shantivan celebrated as if it was Diwali day. Dadi couldn't stop crying out of joy. Anjali, Ana and Payal kept on hugging Khushi over and over again excited to be aunties. Mama, Mami, Akash, Nani... all of them couldn't control their excitement.

NK picking up 2 year old Pari in his arms who was confused to this sudden celebration around her: "Pari dear... you no longer are going to remain the youngest one in the family... soon your younger sister is gonna come..."

Muskaan: "NOT SISTER."

NK: "What..!!"

Muskaan: "I have two sisters but no brother... I need a brother..." sitting beside Khushi "Khushi Mami, you promised that you will get a brother for me... you are getting a brother... isn't it?"

Khushi: "Wooh... I... don't know... it may be..."

Dadi: "Not to worry Muskaan Bitiya, devi-maiyaa may grant your wish and you may get a brother but if you get one more sister then you should love her just like you love Roshni and Pari Bitiya."

Muskaan nodded but said in a low tone: "I too want to tie rakhi to my brother just like maa does to Arnav Mama and Akash Mama."

Anjali whispered in her ear: "You have to pray to devi-maiyaa then... she may grant your wish."

Muskaan: "I will."

The true innocent wish of Muskaan was answered when little Master Mallick was born exactly on the day of Rakshya Bandhan. Late in the night when Khushi had developed labour pain she was taken to the hospital with the entire clan following. Dadi who had regained senses of her legs stood beside a panicked Arnav who looked as if he would faint any moment if not given any news of his wife. "Don't worry Chote... Khushi bitiya will be fine."

Arnav: "Dadi... she.. is in pain... she is screaming... what the hell are the doctors doing..."

Mami: "Arnav Bitwa... this pain is what each female wants to go through... you will see once Khushi will be out she would say that this was the most beautiful time of her life."

Arnav looked at Mami as if she was the maddest person on the globe and continued pacing across the door of the maternity ward. An hour later a nurse came out informing them that it's a boy and both mother and child are doing fine. Smile spread across the face of the entire family and moments later another nurse came out and showed them a little bundle in white which happened to be junior mallick and walked back into the cabin along with the baby.

Arnav: "What the...!! Why did she take my baby inside...!! He was supposed to be given to me...!!"

Anjali: "Relax Chote, your Chote is soon going to come to you... they will be moving the baby and Khushiji into the private ward soon." He looked suspiciously from the closed door to Anjali. "Congratulations Chote... you are a father now."

Arnav smiled: "Congrats to you too Di... you are a Bua again." And they hugged.

Ana hugged her bro-sis. "I am a Bua too."

Anjali holding her close: "Yeah... but Choti Bua... I am badi bua."

Payal: "And I am a massi... can't believe little Khushi is a mother now... Om my god...!! Amma, Babuji, Buaji they will be so happy to hear this news... I will call them." Saying she moved to a corner to call the guptas.

Akash shook Muskaan who had fallen asleep on his shoulder: "Get up Muskaan... finally you have got a brother." And she woke up with a stat: "Really..!! I have a brother...!! That means I can tie rakhi to him... where is he... I want to see my brother."

Mamaji: "Relax Bitiya... we will soon be seeing your brother and you can tie rakhi to him too."

The next couple of hours the entire clan spent in the medical cabin cooing at the little baby who to Nani and Dadi seemed a miniature form of their Chote.

"Oh... he is just sleeping like Chote... look how he keeps his palms, just the way Chote did... oh his nose... his face... it is so like Chote" they kept on repeating till Anjali said: "I think we all should go home and give some privacy to the new parents with their little prince... and then we have to make preparations for rakhi... Chote, Me and Ana will be coming in evening to tie rakhi to you... till then you take care of yourself, Khushiji and my nephew."

Arnav nodded and Muskaan said: "When will I be tying rakhi to my brother?"

Akash: "Next year, dear. Your brother is too small so next year... okay."

1 year later

In the temple of Sheesh Mahal, Master Apoorv Arnav Mallick , that's right... the son of Mr and Mrs. Arnav Mallick, who was named by his Choti bua sat on the lap of Arnav while Ana helped her three nieces tie rakhi on his hand and he looked curiously at the delicate colourful beads on his wrist and took them to his mouth to check if it has got any taste. Arnav had to wrestle to stop his adamant son from doing that. "Apoorv... dear... those are not meant to be eaten." His little eyes caught something colourful on his father's wrist and he held it and then holding his father's wrist began to push it into his father's mouth. "Apporv... what are you trying to do... you are getting naughtier day by day." Chided Arnav, but holding him close kissed his cheek and tickled him with his stubble but stopped when he saw NK looking at Ana and smiling weirdly.

Arnav irritated handed Apoorv to Dadi who was sitting near him and reaching NK literally dragged him away into a room.

NK: "What the hell are you doing Nannav..?"

Arnav holding his collar: "I told you... didn't I... I warned you... stay away from my sister..."

NK: "...and I told you that I love her... I really do."

Arnav: "SHUT UP."

NK: "Why should I...!! I am not wrong... and I don't understand why you are so against me... what wrong have I done...??"

Arnav: "You are a dumb lazy idiotic fool... and I don't want my sister to..."

He was stopped by the voice of Khushi who had just come into the room: "Arnavji... what are you doing..."

Arnav: "Khushi... Khushi, I warned this stupid fellow to stay away from Ana but he..."

Khushi: "He loves her... he wishes to marry her... his intentions are not bad..."

Arnav: "But Ana can't marry this fool..."

Khushi: "...he is not a fool. He has helped you in many many occasions and don't forget that if Ana is safe with you then in that too he had played a big role... he helped you rescue Ana from that illegal gang."

Arnav: "Okay... that's true but he... no..."

Khushi: "Why do have so many objections when Ana herself would like to marry him."

Arnav wide eyed: "WHAT..!! NOOO...!!"

The whole family was in the hall enjoying the antics of Apoorv playing with his sisters when they heard Arnav's voice screaming for Ana. He reached there in rage followed by nervous NK and frustrated Khushi.

Ana stood up nervously seeing her brother so angry: "Bhai..!! What..!!"

Arnav standing in front of her: "Ana, I want to hear the truth... nothing but the truth." She nodded nervously "This stupid NK says that he wants to marry you..." he noticed her cheeks turning red "... and Khushi says that you too want to marry him... is that true?"

Ana blushing even deeper: "Woh... Bhai... I... I..."

Arnav: "Why are you fumbling..?"

Ana: "Bhai... yes..."

Arnav: "You want to marry this jerk..?" Ana nodded shyly and Khushi gave him an I told you look. "WHAT THE..!! NOOO..."

Apoorv who was looking to and fro from his father to bua, walked in wobbly steps and tugging at his father's leg roared in his baby voice: "WAA..TT..DAA... NNOO.." Arnav picked up his son and looking at Ana said: "You can't be serious... you don't want to marry NK... look even Apoorv doesn't approve of it."

NK who was silent till now said: "Along with all the things that your son has inherited from you he has also inherited to dislike me Nannav... as father as son... so mean."

Khushi: "They don't dislike you Nanheji... it is just that Arnavji is too possessive of Ana and..."

Anjali: "I don't see anything wrong in Ana and NK bhai's marriage... Chote, NK bhai is perfect for our Ana." Looking at the family "What do you all think?"

Mamaji: "It will be good if..."

Arnav: "NOO... my sister won't be marrying some non-working, poor in hindi, always munching on chips fool... he is not..."

Dadi: "He is not that bad. I agree to the alliance of Ana bitiya and Nanhe bitwa."

Nani: "Me too."

Mami: "Hello Hi Bye Bye... our NK Bitwa's marriage... I have to call my jiji and jijaji and inform them soon..."

Arnav: "Wait all of you... I haven't said yes to it yet..."

Khushi: "But Dadiji, Naniji, Mamaji all agreed..."

Arnav: "So what...!! I am her elder brother... do I have any value or not?"

Anjali: "Of course you do Chote... but..."

Arnav stopped her showing his hand and looking at Ana asked: "Do you want to marry NK?" Ana nodded slowly and Arnav breathing deeply "Very well then..." turning to NK "You will have to leave this house at this instant..." there was shocked gasps from the whole family, even Apoorv patted his father's cheek loudly showing his disapproval but he ignoring them continued "...and I forbid you to have any contact with my sister for a year... in this whole year you will have to prove yourself that you have all the qualities that I would like my sister's husband to have... all the qualities that would be required to keep my sister happy and if you succeed then I would happily give Ana's hand in yours... is that fine with you?"

NK with a smile nodded: "I agree... At the end of the year, you will not have a chance to complain... I will leave now." Saying he went to his room to pack.

Khushi: "Today is Apu's first birthday and you are asking Nanheji to leave...!! You should..."

Arnav: "He can celebrate Apoorv's b'day with us next year if he stands up to the expectations."

Anjali: "What was that Chote? Imagine Khushiji having a brother and he putting the same condition before you... We know NK Bhai is not bad... he..."

Arnav: "I can't take any chance Di... Ana is my sister, my responsibility... and after Shyam I can't trust anyone... (everyone nodded including Anjali) and if NK truly loves Ana, then he will have no complains." Walking to Ana and caressing her hair "You trust me... don't you?"

Ana hugged her brother: "I do."

A year later, exactly on the day of Apoorv's 2^nd birthday and rakshya bandhan, Mr&Mrs. Gopi Kishan Sharma, along with their son arrived at Shantivan to ask Ana's hand for their only son NandKishore Sharma. Arnav had kept a hawk eye on NK for the full year, where NK from being a carefree bird had gone all responsible, working side-by-side with his dad in business and had never flirted with any other girl and Arnav was convinced that his sister will be happy with NK agreed for the wedding. In the next couple of weeks Ananya Avinash Mallick turned to Ananya Nandkishore Sharma after exchanging the nuptial vows and with a tearful farewell left with her husband and in-laws to Sydney to start her new life.

With the passing years the life at Shantivan had really been peaceful for its residents. with the kids growing up every other day was full of surprises and fun in one way or the other. For example, no one would ever forget the day when Muskaan went to her medical college for the first time, that time little Apoorv who was only 3 years old had accompanied his Chachu to drop his Di at college. To the horror of both Muskaan and Akash he fought with a gang of senior students who were doing some harmless introductions of first years but the protective brother in Apoorv rose and he started beating them with his toy gun thinking that they were troubling his Di. Just like no one knew the reason behind Muskaan liking for her Akash Mama over her two other Mamas, no one too knew the reason for Apoorv liking for his eldest sister over the other two. A word from his Di meant it had to be done at any cost and Muskaan was the only one who could control his temper apart from his Daddy cool Arnav.

NK and Ana were too happy in their married life and after couple years of blissful married life Ana delivered twins Nisha and Nishant. The Sharma's would every year spend their vacation at Shantivan to the pleasure of its residents. Roshni and Pari who just had 3 months age gap between them turned best friends than sisters and one was barely seen without the company of the other.

The biggest change that had happened was with Arnav. The entire family who used to think him as a person who doesn't like kids were pleasantly surprised to find that apart from Muskaan rest all kids of the family were more attached to him than to anyone else. Even Nisha and Nishant who spent only a month in India were too close to him. And as for Roshni and Pari, they were as close to Arnav as was Muskaan to Akash. Well for Apoorv it was better not said as he and his Dad would give sleepless nights to his mother with their antics.

Arnav and Akash who were already seeing Muskaan as the future MD of AR, were upset a bit when Muskaan decided to go for medical science rather than showing any interest for business but they were broad minded enough to let their kid follow her heart. At the medical college Muskaan met a boy named Mayank Srivastav who fell in love with her but Muskaan given her past was not at all willing for any sort of relationship. Then one day to the horror of Muskaan, Mayank showed up at Shantivan with his parents to propose marriage with her and then what followed was a huge uproar from both Akash and Arnav. Akash to whom the family had known to be a cool person was too furious and looked a dangerous version of his elder brother. Both the brothers thought that Mayank belonging to a normal middle class family was trying to trap Muskaan to get into RM but later after a thorough background check and interference by the ladies of the house both the brothers had seen sense and realised that Mayank was not another Shyam Jha but was a down to earth person who actually loves Muskaan for what she is and not because she is a Raizada. But later it turned out that convincing the Mamas was easier than convincing their niece Muskaan who was hell scared to get into any relationship but later a detail talk with her Maa, Mamis and Maasi she began to see life in a different light and after a courtship period of 6 months it is the marriage day of Muskaan Raizada with Mayank Srivastav.

Akash and Arnav had obviously wanted Mayank and his family to settle down with them at Shantivan but they had politely refused saying that they were happy in their 2-BHK flat and even they had refused to accept any gifts from them except those which were customary. Arnav had brought a super-speciality hospital in the name of Muskaan and had wanted both Muskaan and Mayank to work there but Mayank had refused saying that he wants to continue in the hospital where he is working but later after much pleading from his in-laws he agreed to work there but on condition that he might be the husband of the owner but at workplace their relation will be purely professional and he will be treated just like any other doctor of that place. Both his uncle-in-laws were glad to that and Anjali was sure that the Mallicks and Raizadas will never face the ghost of the past again.

Apoorv walked into his parent's room grumpy and angry followed by his Ana Bua. Arnav who was wearing a brown suit inquired: "Apoorv... what happened dear? Why are you so..."

Apoorv hugging his father's waist: "Dad... Dad... I don't want to wear that... Bua is forcing me... I won't... won't... I won't."

Arnav looked at Ana to say something but she spoke: "I don't understand what's wrong with him Bhai... he just won't budge to wear the sherwani... Nishant wore his without any fuss but this boy is hell bent on annoying me... (thrusting the sherwnai into Arnav's hand) now you handle your tantrum prince."

Arnav with one arm holding Apoorv close and with the other caressing his hair: "Ana... if he doesn't want then let him not wear... he can wear something else..."

Ana: "Fine then... let him wear his boring suits like yours and look the odd one out... wasn't it pre decided that all the males are wearing the same design colour coordinated sherwani... (looking at the Arnav's suit) Why are you wearing brown color, wear a black one (she commented sarcastically) ... and make Apu wear his black suits... (giving up) ...God knows how Bhabi is putting up with this baap beta duo... I am going to check on Nisha (her daughter) ...do whatever you want to... don't blame me if Bhabi doesn't talk to you two for a week." Saying she left the room frustrated.

Apoorv: "Dad... is Bua angry?? I don't like it when she is upset?"

Dad: "Oh no dear... she isn't angry... she is just... never mind her... you don't like this right..? (sitting on the bed and picking up his sherwani) ...I too don't like mine... it is soo..."

Apoorv: "...tight... but you know what Chachu is wearing it and Dadu too is wearing like this and also has a scarf around his shoulder... why can't we wear the suits like the one we wear to the parties..."

"...because today is your Di's wedding and you need to wear something traditional." Khushi spoke from the door as she walked in holding two packets.

Apoorv listening to his mother instinctively moved closer to his father.

Arnav: "Khushi... I..."

Apoorv cutting him: "Mom... I won't wear this stuff (he spoke picking up and keeping the sherwani) ...it's pant is too tight... I don't like it. I won't."

Khushi sitting beside her son and kissing his cheek: "Of course you won't... I don't want my Apu raja to be upset for anything today... today is his Di's wedding and he will do whatever he wants to."

Arnav: "So we are saved from those sherwanis?"

Khushi gave him a look: "Even after those many years you still are the same Arnavji... I have got jodhpuri suits for you two... this is semi-traditional and will be perfect for the wedding."

Apoorv excitedly tore open the packet and seeing the suit exclaimed: "I like it... I am going to Bua and she will help me get ready... you know Mom, she is so angry because I refused to wear that dress... Dad, you get ready soon okay." And without waiting for a reply dashed out of the room with Khushi calling from behind to walk slow.

Arnav: "How come you let us go this easily, I mean... I remember in Ana's wedding I had to wear sherwani and now..."

Khushi: "It has nothing to do with you. I just don't want to upset Apu now as I know that some hours more and he will be upset like anything... he still doesn't know that Muskaan will be leaving Shantivan after her bidaai... I don't know how he will react..."

Arnav: "I still remember how he cried when Muskaan went for internship to UK... remember, he fell sick because of that."

Khushi: "Hmm... he was only 6 that time but I hope he will understand now."

Arnav: "He hasn't grownup much Khushi. He is just 9... but I know what to do... just take him to his favourite place and he will be back to normal."

Khushi: "I hope so... Arnavji, you get ready soon and then go and handle your brother... he is having panic attacks."

Arnav: "Akash... Why doesn't he relax... everything is in order and will be the best... he should get a grip over himself." Khushi had her hands crossed across her chest and was watching him with a "really" expression. "What..!! Why are you looking at me like that?"

Khushi: "Look who is talking... if you haven't forgotten then during Ana's marriage your condition was even worse and you had taken the whole house on your head and..."

Their conversation was interrupted when Roshni and Pari came into the room calling for their Mamu and Bade Papa.

Arnav beamed at the girls dressed in magenta coloured identical lengha: "Wow... my angels are all ready for their Di's marriage."

Roshni twirling: "How do I look Mamu?"

Arnav kissing her forehead: "Gorgeous."

Pari: "And me?"

Arnav hugging her: "Brilliant."

Pari: "You know Mummy wanted to tie my hair but I said that No I will keep my hair hanging down as Bade Papa likes it down. Isn't it looking nice?"

Arnav hugging both of them: "Both my princesses look awesome all time."

Roshni: "Now we will go to Di's room. Payal Mami said that she is gonna have a shahi bath and we want to see it... (turning to Khushi) Maa has asked you to come soon and after Di's bath you all will get ready in Maa's room."

Pari: "Bade Papa, you too get ready and go down soon as Dadu has to discuss something with you." And both the girls ran out of the room.

Arnav kept looking at the retreating back of his nieces and Khushi shook him: "What are you looking at..?"

Arnav still looking at the door: "Years before when Muskaan came home she was somewhat of the same age as Roshni and Pari... she was so little and I didn't even realise that she grew up so soon and now it is time for her marriage and she today will be leaving us to start a new life... and then we won't even realise when this two too will reach the marriageable age and they too will be leaving us..."

Khushi resting her head on his shoulder and hugging his arm: "This is life Arnavji... This is life."

Muskaan was married to Mayank in a ceremony which was very simple for the Raizadas and Mallicks but too extravagant for the Srivastavs. Everyone was teary eyed during the bidaai and Akash looked as pale as a ghost seeing his dearest niece leaving home. Apoorv who was too excited with the wedding celebration was confused to this sudden change in moods and when he realised that his Di was leaving home he did what he had got in his genes from his father i.e. getting angry and shouting. He had become so furious that he began to hit Mayank with his little fists thinking he is talking his Di away from him but then Muskaan hugging him consoled him and he somehow calmed down.

After the bidaai with emotions running high everyone settled in the hall and Apoorv sitting between his siters held their hand and said: "Roshni Di, Pari Di... aap log kabhi shaadi mat karna... main bhi shaadi nehi karoonga... hum log kahin nehi jayenge... humesha saath rahenge." And his two sisters too upset with their elder sister leaving home nodded vigorously.

Apoorv moved to Arnav and sitting on his lap whispered in his ear: "Dad, can we go to..."

Arnav: "...Dadi's garden."

Lying in the bed besides his father, in his parent's room at his Dadi's garden Apoorv spoke to his father: "Dad... Jijaji is too bad. Isn't he?"

Arnav: "Why? What did he do?"

Apoorv: "He took Di away."

Arnav: "He didn't. That's what has been happening... see even your Ana Bua left us all and went to Australlia... and see even your Mom and Maasi left their home and came to stay at Shantivan..."

Apoorv hugging his father: "Oh... but I won't leave you. Will always stay with you."

Arnav patting him to sleep: "Of course. You will always be with me."

By the time Khushi joined them on bed Apoorv was already asleep. She kissed him on his forehead. "He is too upset... I hope..."

Arnav holding Khushi's palm which was resting on Apoorv's stomach: "He will be fine. Don't worry... but I seriously don't understand one thing, why is he so attached to this place? He shares everything with his sisters but won't let anyone know about this place... Remember on his 5^th birthday he took a promise from me that I won't let anyone know about this place. Why is he so possessive about this place?"

Khushi smiling: "For the same reason his Dad is." Caressing Apoorv's hair with her other hand "He too is very possessive of his Dadi's garden and this house... just like you, this too is his secret hideout. He is a photocopy of yours in every aspect."

Both the parents smiled and kissing their son and the other went off to sleep.

Arnav woke up a moment later and poked Khushi who waking up looked at him questioningly. "Khushi, we are going to Lucknow tomorrow evening for a couple of days."

The entire clan sans Muskaan (who was at her in-laws place and was happily busy in the post marriage rituals) were at the main gate of Sheesh Mahal when Apoorv spoke to his father: "Dad, we are back at Dadaji and Chote Dadji's house." Just like Ratna Mallick's garden Apoorv is very attached to Sheesh Mahal because he understands that he is the heirloom of this palace and also because his Dad's and both Bua's spend their childhood here but the most important reason being this was his Dadaji and Chote Dadaji's home.

The next morning after breakfast Akash said to all: "Are we all ready to go?"

Khushi: "Where are we going?"

Ana: "That's a surprise for you Bhabi... (winking at Arnav) We won't tell you and spoil Bhai's surprise."

Khushi looking at Arnav: "What surprise?"

Akash: "Bhabi, if he tells you now then it won't be a surprise anymore... just wait, you will surely like it."

Anjali came with a blindfold and tied it to Khushi's eyes. "Di... what..."

Anjali: "Ssshh... Khushiji wait for some more time and you will get the biggest and happiest surprise of your life."

Khushi got down from the car and with Arnav's help walked a few steps when she felt him untying the knot of the blindfold. It took her some time to adjust with the bright day light, she blinked couple times till she saw a building before her.

Arnav: "Do you remember this house?"

Khushi: "This... I mean... this one..."

Arnav: "This is your home Khushi Verma... the home where you spent the first 8 years of your life."

Khushi having difficulty in even speaking out of sudden elation: "How...? When..?"

Anjali: "Let's go in Khushiji... there is more surprise waiting for you."

Khushi with happy tears rolling down her eyes held Apoorv's hand in hers: "Come Apu... it is a very special place... very very special, this is your Nana Nani's house."

They were just on the threshold when they saw two ladies coming out of the house. It was Nirmala and Sikha (Shyam's ex-wife who was staying with Nirmala since she had found the truth about Shyamand was helping her in accounts of the destitute home).

Khushi: "Auntyji, Sikha ji... Aap log... yahan?"

Nirmala: "Yes... we are since last few days and that is why couldn't attend the wedding of Muskaan Bitiya. Arnav beta wanted to give this house to you and then after convert this house to a vocational training centre for needy people... and sikha bitiya is going to be in charge of this place... we were supposed to leave yesterday but stayed to see the happiness on your face... (caressing Khushi's face) ...come in now, Panditji is waiting for the house warming ritual."

More tears rolled down Khushi's eyes and she looked at Arnav not knowing how to thank him but he just blinked making her know that he understood her unsaid feelings.

It was now evening and after having dinner everyone left for Sheesh Mahal including Nirmala and Sikha, giving privacy to Arnav, Khushi and their son Apoorv because Khushi who had got back her paternal house after over two decades wanted to stay there for a night.

Putting Apoorv to sleep Arnav walked towards the window where Khushi was standing gazing at the stars above. He hugging her from behind asked: "What are you looking at?"

Khushi in reply turned and hugged him: "I didn't get a chance to say thank you to you properly."

Arnav hugging her back: "Well then... now you should properly say thank you." He leaned to kiss her but she pushed him back. "Kya kar rahe hain aap... apu yehin so raha hai."

Arnav: "Hmm... need to wait for tomorrow night then. (leaning closer) You will be giving me thanks along with interest."

Khushi blushed and hugging him said: "How did you come across this house Arnavji? I couldn't ask you in all those house warming chaos."

Arnav: "Yeah. You need to know... If you remember then long ago when you had told me about you being a Verma that time you had said about staying in your paternal home but had moved out to Guptas after your parent's death. That time I had thought to ask you about this house but then refrained myself. Then when we visted Lucknow for the first time I asked Sashi Uncle about this house and he told me that some relatives of yours on your paternal side took over this property. So then I filed a law suit against them and it was only some days before Apoorv's 7^th birthday that the judgemet was declared on your favour."

Khushi: "It took that long for the verdict to be given?"

Arnav: "Yes... that's our legal system... couldn't do anything with that. I knew you would never like if I bribed the judged for a quick judgement so I had to take the whole legal route. Sashi Uncle helped a lot in it... he was the one who was present at the court in every hearing... he looked after the renovation of this house."

Khushi: "Renovation..!! But this house looks exactly like how..."

Arnav: "Yeah... Garima Aunty really has a good memory. She told us how the architecture of the house was when you were just 8 and then we remodelled it exactly in the same way and the result is before you."

Khushi: "And what about turning this into a vocational centre?"

Arnav: "I knew that you are not going to stay here for long and I also knew what would make you happy... this house where you have memories of your parents of your childhood... it's best if it's used in a philanthropic way... I talked to Nirmala Aunty and she decided to run a free vocational centre for needy women. I knew that would make you happy."

Khushi: "You understand me much more than I understand myself."

Arnav: "Nope. You understand me even better. I don't know where I would have been had you not been there in my life."

Khushi smiled and kissed him lightly on his cheek: "This house means a lot for me. Thank you for getting it back to me."

Arnav: "If you thank me for this then I will have to thank you for everything too... and if I do that then it will be ages till I can say thank you for everything... and Khushi I have done nothing more. You like a perfect daughter-in-law did your duties to my parents and my Chachaji. You saw the truth, helped me clear their name... and just like you are the daughter-in-law of my parents I am the son-in-law of your parents too and it was my duty to get their house back to the rightful owner. I did nothing extra."

Khushi hugged him tight: "Thank you Arnavji. Thanks for coming into my life and making it worth living."

Arnav: "Thanks to you too Khushi for the same... don't thank me more just stay with me always."

Khushi: "Yes... with you for eternity."

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