A few days later, it was a Sunday.

"Vani. Vani. Akash ki Vani!" Khushi screamed as she entered the hall.

(Vani. Vani. Akash's Vani!)

"Vani? Akashvani? Where are you?" Khushi called out again, stepping further into the hall of Shantivan. But there was no answer. It was as if Shantivan was living up to its name, filled with silence and peace.

Khushi frowned, twisting her mouth in confusion, and slowly walked towards the kitchen.

"Mami-jiiii," Khushi screamed in her loudest voice upon seeing Manorama standing in the kitchen, or rather, standing and snoring away.

But since Mami was lost in her dreams, snoring away, she didn't hear her. Khushi walked closer and took a peeled onion, placing it under Manorama's nose. That did the trick. Manorama's sleep flew away as she sneezed loudly, making Khushi step back in reflex.

"Hello Hi Bye Bye, earthquake!" Manorama screamed, startled.

"Mamii..." Khushi called again, and only then did Manorama notice her surroundings.

"Strawberrizz? You here? Early in the morning?" Manorama asked, still groggy.

"Haan, Mami. I thought to meet my little munchkin, but Vani toh dikh hi nahi rahi," Khushi said, showing her disappointment.

(Yes, Aunty. I thought to meet my little munchkin, but I can't see Vani anywhere.)

"Arre vo kya hai na, bitiya. Kal raat ko tumhare little munchkin ne saara ghar hila diya, kisi ko sone nahi diya. Isliye aaj sab late uth rahe... except me," Manorama sniffed, explaining the situation.

(Oh, you know what, dear. Last night, your little munchkin shook the whole house, and didn't let anyone sleep. That's why everyone is waking up late today... except for me.)

"Why? What happened?" Khushi asked, concerned.

"Your little munchkin lost her toy somewhere and started crying for it for hours, not letting anyone of us sleep. Thanks to HP, he found it in the garden bushes, and our little baby went to sleep clutching it peacefully," Manorama explained the whole scene.

"Awww... then why did you wake up, Mami? You should have slept too," Khushi suggested.

"Even I wanted to, but your Mama woke me up demanding hot oil for his back pain," Manorama said, turning off the stove as she poured some hot oil into a bowl.

"Pari baby will only wake up after at least 10 today. So don't wait for her. Hello hi bye bye," she said, walking away and leaving Khushi in the kitchen.

Khushi shook her head and made her way to Arnav's room.

Arnav's room,

"Arnuuu," Khushi called out in a sing-song voice as she entered the room, only to find Arnav sleeping peacefully on his bed. She pouted, her mission to wake him up for their yoga class already feeling like a challenge.

"Uth na, Arnav," she said, shaking him gently.

(Get up)

Arnav groaned and turned to the other side, clearly showing his protest and displeasure. "Go away, Khushi. Pari didn't let anyone sleep the whole night and now you... just go and let me sleep," he mumbled, frowning and pushing her hands away.

Khushi huffed, her cheeks puffing out in frustration. "Fine, be that way," she muttered, grabbing Arnav's phone from the bedside table. She started playing games on it, the sounds of the game filling the room.

Arnav's sleep was disturbed by the constant beeping and buzzing. He finally woke up, glaring at Khushi. "I don't understand why some people can't use the mute or silent options... loose brains!" He grumbled, dragging himself out of bed and heading to the washroom.

Khushi, acting oblivious to his annoyance, continued playing until her eyes started drooping. She yawned, her eyelids heavy, and eventually fell onto the bed, snoring softly with Arnav's phone lying beside her.

After freshening up, Arnav returned to find Khushi sprawled on his bed, snoring away. He widened his eyes in disbelief. "Khushi?" he called out, shaking her gently. "Ye so gayi?" he mumbled to himself.

(She slept?)

"Oyee," he said louder, patting her head. But Khushi, in her sleepy state, dragged the bedsheet over herself and mumbled, "Five more minutes, Arnav..."

Arnav couldn't help but chuckle at her antics. "You came to wake me up and now you're the one sleeping?" he teased, shaking his head. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, as if she's a child, "Khushi, if you don't wake up, I'm not going to buy you the ice cream."

Khushi's eyes fluttered open at the mention of her favorite treat. "Nooo, I want ice cream!" she exclaimed, sitting up abruptly, her hair a mess and her eyes still half-closed.

Arnav laughed, ruffling her hair. "Come on, sleepyhead. Let's go to yoga before you fall asleep again."

Khushi pouted but nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Fine, but you owe me ice cream after this," she said, her voice filled with mock seriousness.

"Aur chali aayi yoga karne," Arnav mocked.

(And here she comes to do yoga,)

"Oyee... this yoga class is for you, not for me," she retorted, hitting him on the shoulder. A year ago, she literally forced him to join yoga classes with her using her magical words, 'tu mere liye itna bhi nahi kar sakta?'. She heard a few yoga asanas are good for diabetics and so she had to get him to classes somehow and she did. They go to classes together every Sunday for an hour.

"Yeah, right!" Arnav rolled his eyes. "Now let us go to the class or else we'll be late."

"Yeah and Sam Bhaiyya will glare at me then. Pata nahi why he does that as if I do crimes all the time," Khushi pouted.

"Anyone will if you kick them in the name of asanas," Arnav rolled his eyes.

Khushi gasped, "That was just five times! And he was standing too close!"

Arnav smirked, "Sure, blame it on his proximity. Maybe you should focus more on your balance."

Khushi, determined to prove him wrong, attempted a tricky yoga asana for balance. She wobbled precariously and, just as she was about to topple over, Arnav swiftly caught her.

"Drama queen!" he chuckled, holding her steady.

Khushi stuck her tongue out at him, "I am not!" she declared, walking ahead of him with her head held high.

Arnav tried controlling his chuckle behind her.

The day went with Khushi, Raizadas, and Guptas playing with Pari.

Next day,

Arnav sat in his sleek office at AR Designs, the city skyline visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows. He was busy working when he heard a knock, giving the permission to enter, he glanced up as Andrew stood in front with a few files, his expression serious.

"What happened to the BG report on Lavanya?" Arnav asked, his voice steady.

"We'll get the report tomorrow," Andrew replied, his tone professional as he kept the files on the table for Arnav's signatures.

"Are the tickets for our staff booked to Lucknow?" Arnav inquired.

"Yes, ASR. Arrangements for their stay are made too." Andrew informed his boss.

Arnav nodded, a silent signal for Andrew to leave him alone. As Andrew exited, Arnav's phone beeped, breaking the silence. He picked it up and saw a message from Khushi.

"Guess something about tomorrow?"

Arnav couldn't help but chuckle, typing back, "Tuesday I am guessing!"

Almost immediately, his phone beeped again with Khushi's reply, "😒😒😒"

Arnav smiled at her annoyance but decided to ignore the message for now, focusing back on the stack of documents on his desk. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, the stress of the day weighing on him.

Just then, Aman walked in with a file. "ASR, these are the legal documents for the new merger," he said, placing the file on Arnav's desk.

"Thanks, Aman," Arnav replied, sighing. There's so much work and he had to complete them all soon before going to his penthouse.

He opened the file, immersing himself in work.

His room was quiet, the only sounds being the occasional rustle of papers. Arnav's phone beeped again, but this time he didn't check it. He knew it was Khushi, and he couldn't help but smile at the thought of her impatience.

INCLO Pvt Lmtd

Khushi glared at her phone, frustration evident on her face. "Lord Governor, ignoring my messages like I used to ignore my maths homework in childhood! Hmph!" she muttered, her eyes narrowing. "Tuesday, my foot!"

Jhanvi, who was sitting nearby, looked up from her work, puzzled by Khushi's outburst. "What happened, Khushi? Why are you so frustrated?"

Khushi sighed, shaking her head. "Nothing, Jhanvi. Let's get back to work."

Jhanvi nodded.

They both returned to their tasks, the office filled with the quiet hum of productivity. Khushi tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept drifting back to Arnav and his infuriatingly calm responses. She couldn't help but wonder what he was up to and if he remembered her demand.

Almost two hours later, her phone beeped again. She quickly grabbed it, seeing a message from Arnav.

"Take leave for three days after two weeks." - Arnav.

Khushi frowned, typing back, "Why?"

She waited, her curiosity piqued. When the reply came, she read both the reason and the dates. Her eyes narrowed in confusion. Sighing, she applied for casual leave, her mind racing with possibilities.

AR Penthouse,

After a long and exhausting day at the office, Arnav decided to head to his penthouse instead of going home. It was his sanctuary, a place he retreated to when he was too tired to drive back home or when he wanted to cook something special for himself or Khushi.

He sighed with relief as he stepped inside, the familiar surroundings bringing a sense of comfort. After freshening up, he made his way to the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves with eagerness.

"Alright, let's get this started," he muttered to himself, pulling out the ingredients for the plum cake. Tomorrow was Khushi's birthday, and as always, he wanted to wish her with the cake he baked. He remembered how last time he had made a chocolate cake, and the royal highness had demanded a plum cake for her next birthday.

He carefully measured out the flour, sugar, wine, and dried fruits, mixing them with precision, a smile playing on his lips as he worked.

The kitchen was soon filled with the rich aroma of baking spices and fruits. Arnav checked the time, ensuring everything was on schedule. "Perfect," he said, satisfied with his progress.

Finally, the cake was ready. He carefully took it out of the oven, letting it cool before applying the glaze. As he finished, he stepped back to admire his work.

"Finally!" he said to himself, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

With everything ready, he cleaned up the kitchen and set the cake on the counter, ready for the early morning surprise. He couldn't wait to see the look on Khushi's face when she saw it.

Gupta Mansion

Ramu, the ever-dutiful servant, opened the door for Arnav with his usual respectful nod. Arnav returned the gesture with a warm smile. Everyone woke up and were waiting for him except for Madhumathi, who remained in bed due to a headache from the previous night. No one dared to disturb her rest.

He slowly made his way to Khushi's bedroom as Payal, Shashi, and Garima followed him.

The clock struck 5 AM, its chime echoing softly through the house. It was a special time, as Khushi had been born exactly 27 years ago at this very hour.

As Arnav gently pushed open the door, the room was bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, casting a serene light on Khushi's peaceful face. He paused for a moment, taking in the tranquility of the scene, before placing the plum cake on the bedside table with a tender smile.

Payal stepped forward and gently shook Khushi awake, her voice filled with affection. "Happy Birthday, Khushi!"

Khushi stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She smiled sleepily when she saw her family gathered around her. Garima and Shashi also wished their lovely, crazy daughter, receiving warm hugs in return.

"Thank you, Mumma and Papa!" Khushi said, her voice filled with gratitude.

"Time to cut the cake," Arnav interrupted, his tone light and cheerful. Khushi jumped from the bed in excitement, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the cake.

"Wow! You got me the plum cake," she exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight. She eagerly took the knife Arnav handed her and cut into the cake.

"Happy Birthday, Khushi," Arnav whispered, his voice filled with warmth and affection.

"Thank you, Arnav. The cake is so delicious," she exclaimed, savoring a big piece of cake that he had fed her.

"Next time, get me a Red Velvet Cake," she demanded, munching on the cake. Arnav shook his head with a smile. There goes her royal highness again, he thought fondly.

Shashi and Garima took their leave, their busy schedule for the day is calling them. Payal rolled her eyes and shook her head. "I have to fly a plane in three hours," she muttered, heading to her room to get ready. This left Khushi and Arnav to enjoy the quiet, early morning together.

Khushi was sitting on the bed, savoring another big piece of cake when Arnav shook his head and scolded her, "Don't you have the habit of brushing your teeth?"

"I do, but the cake is too delicious," Khushi replied, her mouth full of cake.

Arnav rolled his eyes with a scowl.

"If you have so much of a problem with hygiene, then you should have let me cut the cake only after sending me to the washroom, you know! Lord Governor!" she muttered under her breath, observing his expressions.

Arnav stepped closer, and just as Khushi was about to take another bite, he swiftly took the piece away and set it aside. "Enough. Go brush your teeth," he said, almost pushing her towards the washroom.

"Haww!" Khushi exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock. She stomped her foot but headed to the bathroom to brush her teeth.

Arnav chuckled at her antics and walked out to the balcony. He watched the sun rise, casting a golden glow over the garden where Shashi was already jogging around.

As Khushi brushed her teeth, she cursed Arnav under her breath for taking away her cake piece. She rinsed her mouth and walked out, complaining, "You're such a hygiene freak, Arnav!"

Arnav turned his head slightly, a smirk playing on his lips. "And you're such a cake monster, Khushi."

Her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And now this cake monster is ready for round two," she declared, reaching for the cake again.

Arnav didn't stop her this time.

Mathur Mansion

Aman was sleeping peacefully on his bed when his phone rang, jolting him from his sweet dreams. Muttering curses under his breath for the early morning disturbance, he fumbled for his phone and accepted the call without even opening his eyes.

"Sir?" came a voice from the other end.

Aman's eyes snapped open, instantly alert. "Yeah, Mike, tell me," he said, sitting up in bed.

"Sir, I think there's more to Lavanya's story. She's talking to someone on the phone about Arnav," Mike informed, his voice tense.

Aman's mind raced. "I don't care what you have to do, but I need to know who she's talking to and what they're discussing. Do you get it?" he ordered, his tone sharp and commanding.

"Yes, sir. I heard Lavanya saying into the phone that she's waiting for their visit. Whoever it is, they're going to visit Lavanya tomorrow in the hospital," Mike continued, his voice steady but urgent.

Aman's grip tightened on the phone. "Be alert and follow everything they talk about and do. Inform me of every small detail. Understood?" he commanded, his voice leaving no room for error.

"Yes, sir," Mike replied, his tone resolute. He ended the call with a quick, "Goodbye, sir."

Aman sat there for a moment, the weight of the situation settling over him. He knew this could be a turning point, and he needed to be prepared for whatever came next. With a deep breath, he got out of bed, his mind already working on the next steps. He needs to inform Arnav.

AR Office

Arnav was engrossed in his work, the soft hum of his computer the only sound in his cabin, when Aman walked in, his expression was serious.

"Arnav, you should know this," Aman said, breaking the silence.

Arnav looked up, confusion etched on his face. "Know what?"

"Lavanya," Aman said simply, his tone heavy with implication.

Arnav's brow furrowed. "You already told me Lavanya is not any damn victim. What's more about her?"

"Yeah, I told you that yesterday when my men heard Lavanya talking to the doctor. But now, my men are guessing there's more to Lavanya's matter. She's talking about you with someone," Aman informed, his voice low and urgent.

Arnav stayed silent for a moment, processing the information. "I'll get Lavanya's report today. I'll see to it. You make sure your men are following her every move."

"On it, already. But what do you think Lavanya is up to?" Aman asked, his eyes searching Arnav's face for answers.

Arnav leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. "If you're asking this question, you must have guessed something too. What is it?"

Aman hesitated before speaking. "Our fashion show is just two weeks away. What if she is sent by our rival?"

Arnav stayed silent. Aman then shook his head a second later. "But then why would she spread such rumors and be behind you if she was sent by a rival and her intention was only to destroy the fashion show?"

Arnav's eyes hardened with determination. "You're on point, Aman. Just keep an eye on her. Whatever it is, I'm going to finish it off soon."

Aman nodded with a small smile. "Got it, Arnav. I'll keep you updated."

Just as Aman turned to leave, Andrew walked in, holding a folder. "Here's Lavanya's report, ASR."

Arnav took the folder, his expression unreadable. "Thanks, Andrew."

As Andrew left, Arnav opened the folder, his eyes scanning the contents. Aman watched him, the tension in the room palpable.

Afternoon,

INCLO Pvt Lmtd

Khushi had finally got the time to check her phone. As soon as she took her phone and removed it from the flight mode, her phone buzzed with notifications from the family group chat. She opened it to find a flood of birthday wishes.

"Welcome to the late twenties category. Happy 27th birthday, Khushi!" teased Vani.

Khushi flared her nose in annoyance and continued reading the other messages in the group, a smile spreading across her face. She quickly typed out her reply.

"Thank you for the wonderful birthday wishes. ❤️ Your words mean a lot to me. 😊 But Vani ki bacchi, you've officially reminded me that I'm getting older. 😒"

Vani was quick to respond, as if she was waiting for Khushi to come online. "You can keep your Aadhaar card as your wallpaper to remind yourself better 🤣."

Khushi rolled her eyes and sent back a string of "😒😒😒" emojis.

NK chimed in, who's on leave and is blowing balloons for the evening birthday party sitting in Gupta Mansion along with Vani, "Hey, don't tease our birthday girl anymore. She should be all smiles today. 😊"

The banter continued, filling the chat with laughter and love. Khushi felt a warm glow in her heart, grateful for her family's playful spirit.

"Alright, alright, enough about my age!" Khushi typed, laughing. "Let's talk about how amazing I am instead. 😜"

Her sister, Payal, jumped in, "Amazing at what? Ignoring math homework? 😂"

Khushi couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Yes, and also amazing at dealing with a bunch of mad humans! 😆"

"Like yourself!" Payal added, sipping her coffee sitting on the couch in the hotel room in Bangalore, getting a break from her hectic schedule of flying planes. Now after an hour she has to fly back to Delhi.

The chat was filled with more jokes and heartfelt messages until lunch time was over and she got back to work.

Gupta Mansion

That evening, the Raizada and Gupta families gathered to celebrate Khushi's birthday with a dinner feast and cake cutting, surrounded by family.

As everyone gathered around the dining table, Devyani fed Khushi a sweet. "Happy Birthday, bitiya!"

Khushi smiled, eating the sweet fed by Devyani and took her blessings. "Thank you, Nani."

"Happy Birthday, Khushi!" the youngsters screamed, hugging her all at once, leaving her breathless.

Anjali, seeing Khushi's plight, literally pushed everyone away from her. Khushi gasped for air, taking a huge dramatic breath. "Thanks, Di, for saving me."

Anjali hugged her tightly. "Happy Birthday, Khushi!"

Aryan, Anjali's husband, couldn't resist teasing. "Don't think she pushed everyone to save you. She only did that to hug you and do the same thing. Such a selfish woman."

Everyone tried to suppress their chuckles as Anjali released Khushi from her tight hug and turned towards Aryan, glaring at him. "What did you say?"

Ignoring her glares, Aryan hugged Khushi and patted her head. "Happy Birthday, Khushi."

Anjali's mouth fell open in shock. "Now who's selfish?" Aman commented, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

Little Aaisha, sitting on her mother Vani's lap, clapped her hands excitedly. "Happyyy Biuddday, Khuchii!"

Khushi laughed and leaned over to give Aaisha a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, sweetheart!"

Arnav, standing beside Aman, watched Khushi with a soft smile, his eyes reflecting his love and affection for her.

As the evening progressed, the room was filled with laughter and chatter. Shashi and Garima watched their daughter with pride, while Madhumathi, feeling much better, joined in the festivities with a warm smile.

Finally, it was time for the cake cutting. Garima brought out the beautifully decorated cake and placed it in front of Khushi. "Make a wish, Choti," she said softly.

Khushi closed her eyes for a moment, then blew out the candles as everyone cheered. She cut the first slice and offered it to Devyani. "For you, Nani."

Devyani accepted the slice with a smile. "Thank you, Khushi." She then fed it to Madhumathi, Garima, Shashi, and everyone else.

As everyone dug into the cake, NK couldn't resist teasing. "So, Khushi, what's your wish for next year?"

Khushi grinned mischievously. "If I tell a monkey, it won't come true!"

Everyone laughed as NK pouted like a baby.

Later that night, as everyone retired to their rooms, Arnav settled into his bed, ready to sleep. Just as he was about to drift off, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and saw Khushi's name.

"Haan, Khushi?" Arnav answered, frowning slightly.

"Tomorrow, you have an appointment with your psychiatrist. You told Andrew not to schedule any meetings tomorrow in the afternoon, didn't you?" Khushi asked in a single breath.

Arnav sighed, rubbing his forehead. "No, I didn't. But my afternoon is free."

"Good boy! That's how I like it. I'll sleep now, bye," she said, about to hang up. Suddenly, she hit her head and exclaimed, "Oh, stupid me. Where are my manners? Good night!" she was about to cut again but bit her lip, smiling cheekily, and continued, "Oh, by the way, I loved your gift. Make sure you give me the same gift soon but the colour should be yellow, okay? I loved it. Achha, I'll sleep now. Jo kehna tha, keh diya. Sweet dreams!" Khushi smiled and cut the call without waiting for his response.

Arnav chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Pagal," he muttered affectionately.

Just as he was about to lie down, his phone pinged with a text message. It was from Andrew.

"ASR, Sheetal Jha is a struggling model and has done a few ads till now. That's what I could find so far. Do you want me to find more?"

Arnav read the message and quickly typed back, "Yes, get me the whole history of Sheetal Jha."

"Sure, ASR. It might take a few days," Andrew replied.

Arnav set his phone aside and tried to relax, his mind still buzzing with thoughts. He closed his eyes, hoping for some rest, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the day's events and the mysteries surrounding Lavanya and Sheetal.

He sighed deeply, turning onto his side. "Just think about the sweet smile of Khushi and sleep!" he thought, a small smile playing on his lips as he finally drifted off to sleep.

Regards, 

Poly

15/09/2024

Let me know how the update was. 

After so long! 

I'm feeling much better now, though I still have a bit of a cough. I'm hopeful it will clear up soon. Thank you all for your understanding and get-well-soon wishes. It means a lot to me.