A few weeks later, it was a government holiday. Payal was diligently studying in her room, while Madhumathi ensured she had snacks and tea to keep her going. Khushi, on the other hand, was bored out of her mind playing with her pets Beebo, Saibo, and Max. Even Beebo, Saibo, and Max were tired of the little girl who literally drove them crazy every single day. They were relieved to get some rest. She couldn't even visit Arnav's house because he had gone to a movie with his sister, brothers, and father.

She tried playing with her Buaji but ended up getting a playful smack on the head with the cucumber her Buaji was cutting. Unfazed, she simply took the piece of cucumber and happily munched on it. Her poor toys caught her eye next.

Pouting, she plopped down on the floor, playing with her car and truck toys, talking to them as if they were her only friends. "No one's free to play with me. Only you love me, no one else does," she pouted, caressing her car toys that were roaming on the floor, controlled by her little hands on the remote.

Madhumathi, sitting behind her on the sofa, rolled her eyes at her little girl's dramatic display. "sankadevi ki sanak," she murmured, shaking her head with a small smile.

"Jiji, we are going to the supermarket," Shashi announced, emerging from his room with Garima trailing behind him.

"Haaan, babua. Jaao aur sab le aana. Kuch bhulna mat." Madhumathi said, cutting the carrots as she's done with cucumbers.

(Yes, dear. Go and bring everything. Don't forget anything.)

Khushi, who heard her father and buaji, jumped in delight.

"Papa. Papa. Papa." Khushi literally hopped towards her father.

Shashi smiled at his jumping baby and asked, "What happened, Choti?"

(What happened, Choti?)

"I will come with you and Mumma to the supermarket. Please. Please. Please." Khushi hopped in her place, her eyes wide and pleading, like a puppy begging for a treat. She clasped her hands together, her face the very picture of innocence and desperation, giving her father no chance to say no to her pouty face.

Shashi couldn't help but smile at his daughter's antics. "Kyu nahi, choti? Tum bhi chalo hamare saath." He scooped her up into his arms, her delighted grin lighting up the room.

(Why not, Choti? You can come with us.)

"Haan, haan, le jana iss aafat ki pudia ko. Bas dyaan dena ki ye aafat ki pudia vaha jaake market me aag na laga de." Madhumathi warned her brother, her face stern but her eyes twinkling with amusement. She knew all too well that her warning would likely go unheeded, as everyone knew Khushi has a history with troubles.

(Yes, yes, take this little troublemaker. Just make sure she doesn't cause fire breakout in the market.)

"Papaaaaa," Khushi pouted, "Dekho na. Buaji kaise bol rahi hai." she complained, glaring at Madhumathi, who simply rolled her eyes at the little girl's theatrics.

(Look, Papa. See how Buaji is talking.)

Shashi shook his head at the drama, "Jiji, aap bhi na," he chided her gently.

"We are getting late," Garima reminded them, prompting Shashi to hurry out with Khushi still in his arms.

They settled in the car, with Khushi safely secured in the middle back seat, and drove off to the supermarket, her excitement palpable as her little hazel eyes roamed around the beautiful view of Lucknow.

Sheesh Mahal,

"Samaya, pass me that bowl," Ratna instructed, her voice carrying the warmth of a busy kitchen. She was preparing a sweetcorn salad for her kids and husband, who had gone to watch a movie on their holiday.

When she didn't get a response, Ratna turned towards Samaya. She saw her sister-in-law engrossed in roasting chickpeas, her hands moving mechanically while her mind seemed miles away. Samaya's eyes were distant, lost in thoughts.

"Samaya?" Ratna tapped her shoulder gently, trying to bring her back to the present.

"Haaa, Bhabhi?" she responded, disoriented.

(Yes, sister-in-law?)

"Kaha kho gayi ho?" Ratna held her shoulders.

(Where are you lost?)

"Kuch nahi, Bhabhi. Bas aise hi." Samaya shrugged off the question, her voice lacking its usual cheer, just like from past many days.

(Nothing, sister-in-law. Just like that.)

"Samaya, tell me, what's wrong. You can share about anything with me, you know that, right?" Ratna caressed her hands, "You look lost and not-so in this world," she said, her concern evident as she insisted on knowing the issue.

"I was just worried about tomorrow," Samaya admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ratna waited silently, giving her the space to continue.

"Kal DNA test ke liye samples lene waale hai. I am worried about the results." Samaya's hands were already cold with fear, her future feeling uncertain.

(Tomorrow, they are going to take samples for the DNA test. I am worried about the results.)

"It would be a lie if I say I know what you are going through, Samaya. Par Bhagwan par bharosa rakho, Samaya. Sab teek hoga," Ratna consoled her, trying to infuse some hope into her words.

(Have faith in God, Samaya. Everything will be fine)

"Results aaane me 21 days lagenege, Bhabhi. How can I be patient for 21 more days?" Samaya said, rubbing her hands together, her face pale with anxiety. "I am very tensed and feel so disoriented."

(The results will take 21 days to come, sister-in-law. How can I be patient for 21 more days?)

Ratna stopped Samaya's act of rubbing her hands and sensed the sweat in her palms. She could guess how anxious Samaya was, so she rubbed Samaya's sweaty, cold hands with her own warm ones. "Tum apne kamre me jaake aaram karo. Me khud tumhe chod deti hu chalo," she said, her concern deepening as she guided Samaya towards her room.

(Go to your room and rest. I will take you myself, come,)

"Agar DNA test positive aayi toh?" Samaya blurted out her deepest fear as Ratna walked beside her, supporting her.

(What if the DNA test comes back positive?)

"I'll die, Bhabhi. Even that thought scares me." Samaya said, trying to hold back her tears.

(I'll die, sister-in-law. Even that thought scares me.)

"Aisa nahi kehte, Samaya. Everything will be fine. Aur agar kuch galat hua bhi toh aise baate karna aachha nahi hai." Ratna said firmly, trying to reassure her.

(Don't say such things, Samaya. Everything will be fine, okay? And even if something goes wrong, it's not good to talk like this.)

"Aur abhi ke liye ye saare baate chodo. Jo hoga vo hoga hi. Tumhe aaram ki zarurat hai. Me tumhare liye kuch leke aati hu," Ratna said, dropping her in the room and heading back to the kitchen to make something warm for her.

(And leave all these thoughts for now. Whatever will happen, will happen. You need rest. I'll bring something for you.)

SuperMarket,

Shashi and Garima were busy shopping for groceries and a few new dresses for the family when little Khushi caught sight of a nursery through the glass window.

"Mumma. Mumma. Vaha dekho na. Nursery." Khushi tugged at her mother's dupatta, her eyes wide with excitement. Garima looked down at her daughter and followed her finger pointing at the nursery. It was opposite the supermarket, clearly visible from the third floor.

(Mumma. Mumma. Look there. A nursery.)

"Haan, choti. Yaad hai mujhe. Hum plants khareedenge lavender ki, teek hai?" Garima patted her head gently, smiling at her daughter's enthusiasm.

(Yes, baby. I remember. We will buy lavender plants, okay?)

"We need to complete this grocery shopping first. Phir 4th floor pe jaake naye curtains bhi lena hai, hai na?" Garima reminded her of the curtains.

(Then we need to go to the 4th floor to buy new curtains, right?)

Khushi's eyes twinkled with excitement. She had been eagerly waiting to choose new curtains for her room, a promise her mother had made when she expressed her wish a few days ago.

"Abhi ke liye jaao aur dekho, nuts and almonds kaha hai. Go... vaha hoga." Garima instructed, pointing towards the aisle.

(For now, go and see where the nuts and almonds are. Go...they must be there.)

Khushi nodded eagerly and headed in the direction her mother pointed. She examined everything on the shelves with her curious eyes before spotting the almonds and nuts pack. Taking three packets in her hands, she ran back to her mother and placed them in the trolley. She then walked over to her father on the other end and helped him search for a few more items.

It took almost an hour for them to complete their shopping. By the time they finished billing, Khushi was overjoyed with her new clothes and the curtains she had chosen. Shashi loaded the groceries into the car, and then they headed to the nursery.

Khushi's eyes sparkled at the sight of so many different plants and flowers. Knowing Arnav's love for nature only heightened her excitement. She wanted to buy lavender and show him that she had the same plant he had in his garden. From the moment she laid eyes on the beautiful flower, she had wanted it and had demanded it from her mother. Now, she was here, thrilled to buy it and show it to Arnav.

Garima bought lavender and a few other plants she wanted for her garden. Khushi's little eyes explored everything until her gaze fell on packets of seeds. Rose seeds, jasmine seeds, and various other types were labeled on the packets.

"Mumma, can I buy those seeds?" Khushi asked suddenly, her voice filled with excitement. Shashi was on the other end, looking for the plant he wanted.

"But why do you need them, choti? We are buying plants, na," Garima asked her daughter, curious about her sudden interest.

(But why do you need them, little one? We are buying plants, right?)

"For Arnav, Mumma. I will gift him these seeds. He likes gardening, na, Mumma. Plants na, uss Gardener ke Jaan hai. Isliye I want to gift him seeds." Khushi explained, her eyes shining with determination.

(For Arnav, Mumma. I will gift him these seeds. He likes gardening, right, Mumma? Plants are his life. That's why I want to gift him seeds.)

"Teek hai. Khareed lete hai beej." Garima chuckled, caressing her little daughter's head as she jumped in happiness.

(Okay. Let's buy the seeds.)

"Bhaiyya-ji. Bhaiyya-ji. Aap ye beej dedo hume." she said excitedly, pointing towards the zinnia and rose seeds.

(Brother, please give us these seeds.)

The young man smiled at the little girl and packed whatever she asked for.

By the time they reached home, it was already noon. They had the lunch Madhumathi prepared for them. Payal was still studying after completing her lunch.

Khushi was excited to show the new curtains and clothes they bought.

"Jiji, look at what Mumma and Papa bought for us. These curtains too, you know what, I chose them," Khushi exclaimed, running towards her sister who sat on her chair in front of the study table, practicing maths.

Payal turned towards her little sister, her face lighting up with excitement to see what her parents had bought. For the next thirty minutes, they modeled the new dresses in front of their Buaji and parents.

Payal had enough of gushing over her new clothes and went back to studying. But Khushi was not done. She chattered on about the plants they bought, what else she saw in the supermarket, how she helped Mumma and Papa with the shopping, how she saw little cats on the roadside playing, and how Garima had to hold her back when she wanted to go to those cuties. Ignoring her elder sister's glares and grunts that were coming her way.

Payal's irritation was palpable as she glanced at her younger sister, who was the epitome of a nuisance at that moment, disturbing her study time. True, she was excited, but now she was back to her books and her little sister wasn't stopping her motor mouth. "Mumma, throw this girl in the dustbin. She's disturbing me too much," she grumbled, her voice laced with exasperation. She longed for just a moment of tranquility to immerse herself in her book.

Khushi's face crumpled into a pout, her innocence shining through despite the accusation. She let out a wail, seeking their mother's attention and sympathy. "Mumma, dekho na, suno na, what jiji is saying about me," she cried out, her words full of disbelief and anger, as always.

The air was thick with tension, Khushi's eyes brimming with unshed angry tears as she sought an explanation. "Why will Mumma throw me in the dustbin?" she asked, her small voice quivering, the pout still lingering as she awaited a very known response.

Payal, seizing the opportunity to tease her sister further and again, fixed her with a glare. "Because that's where we found you, silly girl," she declared, a mischievous glint in her eyes, knowing full well the reaction it would provoke.

And provoke it did. Khushi's pout transformed into a full-blown scream, her sense of injustice too much to bear silently. "Mummaaaa," she bellowed, her voice echoing through the house, a clear signal of her distress and the sibling rivalry that was as old as time itself.

Sheesh Mahal,

"Wow, Ma. This is so tasty," Anjali exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she tasted the salad. She savored each spoon, her face reflecting pure delight after a tireful day. After the movie, they had gone to Derby and she was tired.

"Haa, Badi Ma. This is so yum yum," Dhruv chimed in, shoving spoonfuls into his mouth with gusto. His enthusiasm was worth watching, making everyone at the table smile.

"All thanks to Google," Ratna smiled, feeling a sense of pride. She had found the recipe online and was pleased with the positive feedback.

"And to you too, Badi Ma. Vaise, where's Mom?" Dhruv asked, looking around for his mother who was usually present. His eyes scanned the room, searching for her familiar face.

"She had a headache, so she's resting in her room," Ratna explained, her tone gentle. She hoped everything would go fine for her sister-in-law. If not, she cannot think of the consequences. Dhruv and Daruk will be heartbroken and so will be Samaya. Her words are screaming more.

"Maa, mera salad kaha hai?" Arnav called out as he descended the stairs, freshly showered. He was meticulous about hygiene and never touched food until he had cleaned up after a day out.

(Mom, where's my salad?)

"Yaha," Ratna said, coming out of the thoughts, placing his bowl on the dining table. She watched as he approached, his hair still a little damp from the shower.

(Here,)

"Thanks, Ma," he said, settling into his chair and digging in. He appreciated the effort she put into making meals for the family.

After snack time, Ratna went to Samaya in her room leaving the kids alone. Arvind was as usual in his study. Anjali and Dhruv were engrossed in watching Dragon Ball Z, their eyes glued to the screen. The animated characters and action sequences captivated them completely. Arnav sat with them, but the show bored him out of his wits. He sighed, glancing at the clock, wondering how much longer he had to endure this.

"Aranvvv! Dii!! Dhruvv!!" The voice that always caused chaos in their peaceful home echoed through the house. It was the unmistakable sound of the Tree Climber, Khushi. Everyone knows what happens when she comes.

A Tornado!

Arnav rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "Here we go again." He braced himself for the whirlwind that was Khushi, again. It is now a daily routine for him.

Khushi burst into the room, her energy palpable, her eyes twinkling, her voice filled with excitement. "What are you all doing? Watching cartoons?" Her eyes went wide, "Wow!! Dragon Ball Z?? My Gotuuu." And just like that, she forgot the purpose of visiting Sheesh Mahal as she gushed over Goten, settling herself beside Arnav.

Arnav sighed dramatically, "Great, just what we needed, more chaos." He tried to focus on the screen, but when there's Khushi in the picture, is it possible?

Khushi shot him a glare, "Hawww. You called me chaos?" Her eyes narrowed, challenging him.

"Yeah, I guess I did," Arnav retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. He knew this would rile her up.

"Arnavvvv!!" she, all of a sudden, pulled his hair in reflex. Her grip was firm, and Arnav winced in pain,"Ouchh owww," Arnav tried releasing her hands from his damp hair. "Stop pulling my hair, you Rakashasi." (Demoness)

"Hawww! You called me Rakshasi, again?" she stopped pulling his hair and pouted at him with her angry glares. Her expression was full of disbelief and anger.

"What's that in your lap, Khushi?" Dhruv asked, diverting her and examining the packet in her lap. His curiosity was piqued by the mysterious package.

That's when Khushi realized her purpose, for which she came here. "Hawww...how can I forget why I came here?" She tapped her own forehead and before anyone could react, she got up from the sofa and dragged Arnav to his room upstairs, leaving a wide-eyed Dhruv and exasperated Anjali.

"What are you doing, Khushi?" Arnav asked, following her to his garden area by the poolside. He was puzzled by her sudden urgency.

Arnav's Room,

"Arnav. This morning, I went to the supermarket and the nursery, where I bought this gift for you." Her excitement was evident in her voice.

"Gift?" Arnav raised an eyebrow, curious about what she had brought and why.

"Haan. Gift!!" Khushi nodded enthusiastically.

"But today is not my birthday." Arnav frowned, wondering why she bought a gift for him all of a sudden.

"Haa toh? Is it written in the constitution that we should Gift someone on their birthdays only?" Khushi countered, frowning back at him.

(Is it written in the constitution that we should gift someone only on their birthdays?)

Arnav rolled his eyes, "I didn't mean that." He was amused by her logic.

"Ab ye lo gift, jo mene tumhare liye laayi. Open karke dekho kya hai isme," Khushi said and when he didn't give his hands yet to take the gift, she herself took his hands in hers and kept the gift in his hands making Arnav chuckle at her impatience.

(Now take my gift. Open it and see what's inside.)

"I didn't know that this is also one of the ways to gift someone." Arnav laughed. He found her antics amusing, especially her impatience for him to open the gift before he even could register what was happening.

Khushi pouted, her hazel eyes glassy with excitement, "Me aisi hi hu. Kholo ab jaldi. Kholo Kholo." She said, wanting him to hurry.

(I am like this only. Open it quickly. Open, open.)

Arnav opened the cover and took out three packets, each containing seeds of different flower plants. He was genuinely surprised and touched by the gift. "Wow! Passiflora seeds? Zinnia?" he exclaimed, his eyes widening in astonishment.

He had never received plants or seeds as a gift before. True, he loved gardening and cherished his plants and flowers, but that passion stemmed from watching his mother tend to their garden since his childhood. He had fond memories of accompanying her to nurseries to buy plants and seeds and even now, they do that. Sometimes, they use seeds stored at home to germinate new plants. No one had ever thought to gift him seeds.

Now, holding these packets in his hands, he felt a wave of surprise and overwhelming happiness. This thoughtful gesture from Khushi meant more to him than she could ever know. It was not just a gift; it was a recognition of his passion and a connection to his joy.

"That Bhaiyya in the shop said Passiflora seeds are rare and limited, so I bought them for you along with Zinnia and Eden Climbers." Khushi blabbered excitedly and without giving him any chance to even say thanks, she continued, "And you know what, Mumma bought a Lavender plant for me. Now I have that too in my garden like you have. It's good na? Mumma bought other plants too but I don't know most of their names, but haan, Papa bought a Christmas Cactus. It looked so beautiful, you know. All colorful. Tumhare Garden mein beej bone ke baad hum mere Ghar pe jayenge, teek hai? I'll show you what all I bought. Abhi ke liye, chalo, we will sow these seeds."

(After we sow these seeds in your garden, we'll go to our home. I'll show you what all I bought. For now, let's sow these seeds.)

"Khushi, stop and breathe," Arnav stopped her express form. He was amused by her excitement but knew they needed to proceed following the procedure.

"There's a way to sow these seeds. We can't do it right now." Arnav explained calmly to Khushi. He wanted to ensure they did it correctly.

"Why? Why can't we?" Khushi asked, sad, pouting her lips. She looked disappointed.

"Read the label, pagal. Dekho yaha, we have some process to do before we sow this. Let us do that first, phir we can sow the seeds, okay?" Arnav explained, showing her the label.

(Read the label, mad girl. Look here, we have some process to do before we sow this. Let me do that first, then we can sow the seeds, okay?)

"Okayy." Khushi frowned, not reading what the process was that's on the label but nodded in agreement.

Arnav went to the kitchen to warm some water, and Khushi followed him like a little puppy, her little curious eyes ready to see what he was doing. She watched intently as he filled a pot with water and placed it on the stove.

"What are you doing, Arnav?" Khushi asked, her eyes wide with questions in it.

"I'm warming water to soak the seeds," Arnav explained, keeping his focus on the task at hand.

"Why do you need to soak them?" Khushi inquired, her voice filled with genuine interest as she saw the water on fire.

"It helps to soften the seed coat, filter out chemicals if there's any, and speeds up the germination process," Arnav replied patiently.

"How long do we need to soak them?" she continued, her questions coming rapid-fire.

"For over 12 hours," Arnav answered, smiling at her enthusiasm.

Khushi being Khushi, continued to bombard Arnav with her why(s), what(s), and how(s) as he carefully prepared the seeds. Despite being busy, Arnav patiently answered each of her questions, explaining the process in detail. 

This girl is too lazy to even read the label! Pagal ladki! Arnav thought in his head, chuckling and rolling his eyes after Q&A session.

Once the seeds were soaking on the window side, they decided to visit Khushi's house. Anjali and Dhruv joined them, and after it, the silent environment was filled with Khushi's nonstop chatter. She talked about the plants, her new clothes, the curtains, and everything she had seen on the way.

"Di, did you see the new curtains in my room? They're so pretty and beautiful! I only chose them," Khushi exclaimed for the fourth time, her excitement palpable.

"Yes, Khushi, you've mentioned them three times already," Anjali said, laughing.

And Khushi continued on talking about anything and everything. Anjali, Arnav, and Dhruv are just listeners.

Just as their ears were about to give up, Payal joined them, closing her books and effectively shutting her sister's mouth. "Khushi, give them a break," she said, smiling as she gently nudged her sister.

"Jiji!!" Khushi said, pouting but finally quieting down.

"Thank you, Payal," Arnav said, sighing in relief.

"Anytime," Payal replied with a grin.

With Khushi momentarily silenced, just for a few seconds, they decided to go outside and play cricket with Khushi starting her motor mouth again. The kids grabbed a bat and ball.

"Bowling first!" Dhruv shouted, taking his position.

"I will bat. I will bat!" Khushi ran to the position before anyone else could, ready to hit the ball and break someone's window.

And soon the garden was filled with laughter and the sound of the ball hitting the bat. 

Regards, 

Poly, 

07-07-2024

Let me know how the update was!