Chapter 17
He was numbed with loneliness in the last 3 years of his life. It is said , life itself isn't always about darkness and sadness, Life is also filled with colors and that makes it beautiful. Along this path of darkness there's always light waiting to be seen. It may be hiding behind those circumstances that we encounter. When he saw that light before three years, he closed his eyes and choose darkness. He won't repeat the same mistake for the 3rd time.
He looked at the sight in front of him , his wife was feeding their kid- The light of his life. He was not going to lose them this time. He watched his baby was opening her small mouth whenever Khushi brought the spoon close to her mouth . She inherited the hazel eyes from her mother. But short tempered like him, he noticed it when he snatched her favorite toy from her when she was playing with it. She ran behind him with an angry expression. He small nose was red with anger. She was a perfect blend of both of them, and will be very much so because she was the result of their love making for the first time in the farm house. It was a magical night which they both could never forget.
Khushi was aware of his penetrating gaze on her. He looked serene and content. He is here for Muskaan not for her, even if he is here for her also she doesn't care. Once Muskaan was done with her food, She changed her into fresh night dress. Arnav was watching everything from a distance.
" It 's time for her to sleep. " She told him in small voice. Muskaan let out a small yawn proving her mothers point at the same time. He understood she was asking him to leave indirectly. Her parents and buaji did not return yet.
"Ok.. I will make a move then."
He gave her a small smile, but she did not smile back at him. He came close to them and looked lovingly at a sleepy Muskaan who was sucking her thumb. He gently placed a kiss on her forehead and stepped back and moved towards the front door to leave. Seeing him walking away she turned back and walked towards the stairs carrying Muskaan on her shoulders. She was about to climb the stairs when he came back and hugged her. The sudden hug from behind startled her.
Arnav looped his hand around them tightly and placed a kiss on Khushi's cheek. His breath was tickling her cheek and she was breathing heavily.
"Good night, I will see you both tomorrow" He whispered after a few seconds.
She stood at the same place frozen for a few minutes. The Dhak dhak was back, which was not a good sign. He smiled happily and left from there.
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Vijay was driving towards Shantivan to drop Anjali.
"Did Khushi call you today?" Anjali asked him while checking her phone.
"No, I tried her number, She didn't pick up, but messaged will call back later"
"Chote also did not call, don't know what happened in Gomti Sadan?"
"They are adults Anjali, they will deal with their problems. If they want any support or guidance we will be always there. Don't expect them to keep us posted about everything."
Anjali did not reply anything, simply turned her head towards the window and looked outside. They reached Shantivan and both of them got out of the car.
"I will come to office with driver tomorrow, you don't have to pick me"
"Ok. I will come to office after 12."
"Thik hai, Bye"
He smiled and hugged her.
"Bye" She hugged him back.
He waited there until Hariprakash opened the door and let her inside.
Anjali entered Shantivan and ignored Hariprakash who was trying to say something to her. She was feeling very tired.
"Kahan gayi thi aap Anjali bitiya?"
Her dadi was waiting for her in the living room with a stern expression on her face. Anjali was shocked to see her.
"Dadi? When did you come?" Anjali asked her without answering her question.
"Devyani had a heart attack and no one found it important to let me know?" Subhadra also ignored her question and asked her.
She was very tired to pick up a fight with her Dadi who was waiting to fight with someone.
"Dadi, we can talk about this later, I had a busy day at work. I am going to sleep. I hope you had your dinner. Good night"
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Arnav was very happy, both Payal and Akash noticed. Even though he did not discuss anything about his meeting with Muskaan and Khushi, it was written all over his face.
Lying on his bed he went back to the moments he spent with his wife and daughter. When he took his daughter in his arms for the first time , he promised her silently that he will erase all those painful past and fill their life with happiness. It is not easy to tame her mother, but he will win her back for sure.
He took out his phone and looked at the photos he took today. few selfies with Muskaan, some pics with Khushi which was taken without her knowledge. He smiled at those pictures, suddenly a message from his Di popped up. the content of the message erased the smile from his lips.
Dadi is back
Love,
ST
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