"Hai Re Nand Kishore, ye kya hua tumko? How did you get hurt, Parameshwari? Has the trouble pulled you to it again?" Madhumathi's voice echoed through the cozy home, filled with equal parts concern and exasperation.

Garima entered with Khushi, whose face was flushed and her ankles swathed in bandages, carrying her in her arms. The little whirlwind had managed to find trouble yet again. Her eyes were red as if she had cried her heart out, but her pout remained intact.

"Buaji," Khushi whined, her lower lip jutting out in protest. She knew she was in for a scolding.

"Aur nahi toh kya? Trouble follows you everywhere," Madhumathi quoted, her voice tinged with both amusement and exasperation. It was a familiar refrain, one that had echoed through their home countless times. Khushi, the spirited whirlwind of their family, seemed to attract chaos like a magnet.

Just two days ago, Khushi found herself in yet another predicament. She had tiptoed into the kitchen, her eyes fixed on the tantalizing jar of walnuts perched high on the cupboard shelf. Determined to satisfy her craving, she balanced precariously on a stool, reaching for the prize. But fate had other plans.

As if conspiring against her, the stool wobbled, and Khushi lost her footing. The jar of walnuts remained tantalizingly out of reach, but the flour and water that had been sitting innocently on the kitchen slab decided to join the party. Down they came, a cascade of white powder and liquid, creating a sticky, messy pool at Khushi's feet.

In her desperate attempt to regain balance, Khushi flailed her arms, inadvertently grabbing the plate that held the flour and water bowl. The plate spun out of control, and suddenly, Khushi was a whirlwind herself — flour dusting her hair, water dripping down her face, and her clothes a patchwork of chaos.

Garima, her patience tested, rushed to the scene. She surveyed the mess, torn between scolding her daughter and laughing at the absurdity of it all. Khushi, however, had other plans. Instead of tears, she erupted into giggles, her infectious laughter filling the room. She pouted when everyone else joined in, turning her mishap into a comedy act.

Later, when the flour was swept away, and Khushi was scrubbed clean, Garima delivered her stern lecture. But Shashi, Madhumathi, and Payal — the pillars of Khushi's support system — had already rallied around her.

Garima gently carried Khushi into the children's room, her footsteps echoing with worry and a little yet-to-unleash anger. Buaji followed closely, muttering "Hai Re Nandakishores" under her breath — a familiar refrain whenever Khushi found herself in yet another scrape.

Payal, engrossed in her studies, looked up as they entered. Her concern was immediate. "Arrey, Khushi, what happened?" she asked, setting aside her books.

Khushi winced as Garima placed a pillow under her injured ankle.

"I fell, Jiji," Khushi pouted, her hazel eyes wide and innocent.

Payal's scolding followed promptly. "You always fall, Khushi. Can't you be a little careful?"

Shashi entered the room drawn by the commotion, asking, playfulness in his question, "What happened? Why is my Payal scolding her baby sister?"

His eyes fell on Khushi's bandaged ankle, and in an instant, the protective father kicked in.

He sprinted toward his darling baby. "How did it happen?" he asked, his touch gentle as he caressed her ankle.

Garima, usually the stern one, finally opened her mouth. "Don't ask," she began, launching into a tirade about their younger daughter's carelessness.

Shashi sighed, knowing he'd have to save his daughter from his wife's wrath.

And so Madhumathi, Shashi, and Payal — the family's unofficial protectors — had already stepped in to shield Khushi from Garima's wrath.

Khushi's pout and those innocent hazel eyes worked their magic. Garima's scolding softened.

And so that day, everyone had pampered Khushi. She reveled in her authority yet again, reminiscent of the times when her injuries had garnered similar attention, ordering everyone around as if she were a princess from Disney World. Since she couldn't walk much, they all indulged her whims and she enjoyed the special attention to the full extent.

She indeed was a real princess, straight out of a Disney fairy tale!

Sheesh Mahal,

Back in the grand Sheesh Mahal, Subadhra finished distributing prasad to Ratna and Anjali, who sat at the dining table, diligently cutting vegetables. Her eyes scanned the room, seeking out Arnav. She spotted him on the balcony, seated in a chair just across the hall.

"Chotte, I bought prasad for you. Take it," Subadhra said, her anger momentarily set aside as she offered the blessed food.

Arnav's response was sharp and clear. "Tell her I don't want it, Ma."

Ratna, startled by the sudden harshness, flinched in her seat.

Subadhra's frown deepened. "Are you denying blessings, Arnav?" she questioned, the shift in her demeanor palpable. The loving Chotte had transformed into a stern figure.

Undeterred, Arnav laid down his condition. "Mumma," he began, his voice firm, "tell her that until she apologizes to Khushi for hurting her, I won't talk to her."

Subhadra's face contorted in anger the moment she heard Khushi's name. She turned abruptly and headed toward the temple within their home. She set the prasad aside and walked to her room without uttering a word. Her anger simmered with each step.

Ratna, left bewildered by the exchange, turned to Arnav, her voice laced with disbelief. "Hurting Khushi?" she gasped.

Arnav confirmed the truth. "She pushed Khushi in the courtyard," he said, wondering why Khushi had lied to Ratna.

The mad girl could have spoken the truth. He thought in his head.

Ratna, keenly aware of Subadhra's nature, had navigated the delicate dance of royal expectations for years. Her mother-in-law, steeped in status-consciousness, wielded her lineage like a scepter. The royal blood that flowed through her veins seemed to elevate her above mere mortals, casting a shadow over anyone who dared to cross her path. She never liked her or anyone from the family mingling with people lower than their elite class. Her mother-in-law harbored an unspoken disdain for those who didn't match her lofty status. To her, commoners were like pawns on a grand chessboard — useful only when they served her purpose. They are someone they have to be distant with. Their existence revolved around fulfilling her commands, and any deviation from this script invited her wrath.

Khushi was innocent. She never thought her mother-in-law would go to the extent of hurting someone physically just because the baby girl belonged to a class lower than theirs.

Something in Khushi must have triggered Subadhra for her to react the way she did.

Gupta House,

Khushi and Payal sat together, their eyes fixed on Max, the innocent pet who occupied a special place in their home. Khushi, ever the enthusiast, wanted another pet.

"Khushi, we do have Max, na?" Payal said, her voice tinged with a sigh.

Max was innocently gazing at them from across the table that had been her home, designed for her specifically.

"Haan, but Arnav and Anjali Di already have Dorechan," Khushi reasoned.

"Anyway, Max is yours. Not mine." She snorted playfully.

Payal raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Then why do you play with Max so much?" She beat her sister in the arms.

Khushi complained, "Uffo, Jiji. Playing with Max is so boring, you know." Their gaze shifted back to Max, who was now slowly moving from his spot.

"But that doesn't mean, I don't love you, okay? I do. Promise," Khushi confessed to Max, pleading him not to misunderstand her.

He continued moving.

"Dekha, he's so slow, just like that gardener — Arnav," Khushi grumbled, recalling how Arnav moved at a similar pace with his words.

"But Dorechan, she's different. She sprints into my arms, and it makes me so happy," Khushi said dreamily, imagining cuddling her imaginary pet.

Payal sighed.

"Even I want a pet. I'll name it Beebo," Khushi continued, much to Payal's exasperation.

"Khushi," Payal said, grabbing Khushi's bag. "Let's do your homework. Do you want to get scolded by your teacher tomorrow?"

Ignoring Khushi's pout, Payal guided her little sister to complete her homework.

It was after dinner when Khushi, like the little mouse that she was, slowly seeped onto the balcony, limping, where her Mumma and Buaji sat enjoying the night tea and stars in the sky.

Disturbing their moments in silence.

"Mumma, mumma, I want Beebo," Khushi's voice echoed through the balcony, a persistent melody that tugged at her mother's heartstrings.

"Beebo?" her mother raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the mysterious name.

"The rabbit you are going to get me soon?" Khushi insisted, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Her mother chuckled, bemused. "When did I say I am going to get you a rabbit?" she replied, genuinely amused.

Khushi's determination was unwavering. "Just now," she insisted, her little hands clasped together in supplication.

"Khushi, go and play with Max or Payu," her mother redirected, hoping to distract her. She was till now behind puppies and now out of nowhere, rabbits. However, she wouldn't allow any of them. Max is enough.

"Max, amma. Max! Like Jiji has Max, I too want Beebo," Khushi pleaded, emphasizing the name.

But her plea fell on resolute ears.

"Please Mumma, please, please," she continued, her little hands clasped together.

"No way we are getting another pet in our home, Nandkishore," her Buaji firmly stated, interrupting the negotiation.

Khushi's whine intensified. "Buaji," she protested, her eyes welling up.

Her mother remained steadfast. "Nahi matlab nahi," she repeated, unwilling to budge.

Khushi's eyes sparkled with hope. "Ya phir puppy?" she suggested, grasping at any possibility.

Her mother sighed, torn between her daughter's desires and practicality. "Khushi.." she trailed off.

"You both will never agree with me," Khushi complained, accusing her mother and aunt. "I'll go and ask my pappa," she declared, determined to find a way to get her beloved Beebo.

And so, Khushi embarked on her quest, fueled by her wish to get Beebo. She limped to the hall where her father rested on the sofa and was watching the news.

Hall,

Shashi's heart swelled with love as he looked down at his daughter, Khushi, nestled on his lap. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and he knew he had to find a way to make her happy.

But her demand baffled him, like before when she asked for a puppy a few months ago.

"Rabbit? But if you buy a rabbit like the one your Anjali Di has, won't you get confused in recognizing them?" Shashi said, composing himself, his voice gentle and full of affection. He hoped Khushi would understand and wouldn't insist on getting a rabbit.

"Ayyioo, haan. Now how will I get Beebo?" Khushi's worry was evident. She had her heart set on having a pet, and the thought of not getting one saddened her.

"That's why I am saying, no rabbit," Shashi reassured her, patting her back. Khushi pouted, disappointed but still hopeful.

"But papa, see, what if we don't have a rabbit? We can have puppies, can't we?" Khushi's eyes widened with excitement. She had a solution, and she was eager to share it.

"You know your mumma doesn't like puppies, Choti. Don't you?" Shashi gently tried to make his daughter understand. Garima, Khushi's mother, had zoophobia — she feared animals, especially dogs. Petting them made her anxious, and she had only agreed to Max, their tortoise, because it didn't run around the room. If it did, she'd have been on her bed all day, not even wanting to go out. That's how much she fears animals. The last time Khushi asked for a puppy, they had to deny her request. Shashi wanted to find a way to make Khushi happy without upsetting Garima.

Khushi's pout deepened. She loved animals, and the idea of having a furry companion thrilled her. Shashi's heart ached at her disappointment.

"Okay, I will get something for you, and you will get your Beebo, okay?" Shashi promised, patting Khushi's head. He wanted to see her smile again.

"Puppies?" Khushi's eyes lit up, hoping her wish would finally come true.

"No," Shashi gently denied. He knew Garima's fear wouldn't allow for that.

"Rabbits?" Khushi guessed, recalling her initial request.

"No, Choti," Shashi chuckled. He had something else in mind.

"Then?" Khushi's curiosity got the better of her.

"Surprise," Shashi kissed his daughter's head, his heart brimming with love. He changed the TV channel to cartoons, allowing Khushi to watch her favorite shows. The promise of a surprise hung in the air, and Khushi couldn't wait to find out what it would be.

Night,

Sheesh Mahal,

The room crackled with tension as Arvind's mother confronted him. Her disapproval hung heavy in the air, like the scent of incense during a monsoon evening.

"Arvind, do you even know what your son is doing?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing.

"What is he doing, Ma?" Arvind replied, unaware of what she was talking about. Confusion is evident on his face.

"He's making friends with low-class people," she spat out as if the words themselves were distasteful.

"First Aman, now some girl," she continued, her voice rising. "What kind of company is he keeping?"

Arvind sighed. His mother's orthodox mindset clashed with his son's different outlook on the world. It isn't like he wasn't fine with his son's outlook or his mother's orthodox beliefs. They both are so different and equally important to him, so he tried squashing the argument. He's fine with his son's beliefs and his mother's beliefs until they are at their limit and don't affect his business and their Royal Status. His status and reputation were more important to him than anything else.

"It's just friendship, Amma," he said, trying to soothe her. "It isn't like he is going to make Aman his brother-in-law or that girl his wife, right? Relax."

Until now, Arnav didn't do anything like that and he hoped he wouldn't.

"I just hope you'll not be too late in keeping him in control," she spat out and walked out of the room passing ways with Ratna who was walking into their room to call it a night.

The day had been exhausting for everyone, and as night fell, they all made their way to bed, seeking respite from the day's trials.

The Next Day,

As the sun rose on a serene morning, casting a golden hue over the landscape, Arnav stepped out of his home with Anjali in tow, who was ready to go to college. Arnav was ready to embrace the day ahead anticipating his new friend, Khushi. He had to take her class for lying. However, his anticipation was clouded by a furrowed brow as he scanned the area for Khushi who'd usually waiting with Payal for their school bus.

But Payal was the only one who boarded the bus; Khushi wasn't there.

The chirping of birds and the gentle rustle of leaves provided a backdrop to his concerns as he boarded the school bus at his stop, his thoughts lingering on Khushi's absence.

Approaching Payal, he couldn't suppress the worry in his voice as he inquired about Khushi's whereabouts, the concern evident in his furrowed brows and creased forehead.

"Hey?" Arnav called out, his voice carrying over the bus's gentle rumble.

Payal looked up, her eyes meeting his. "Hi," she greeted him with a small smile.

The nagging question surfaced, and Arnav couldn't hold it back any longer. "Why didn't Khushi come?"

Aman, who sat across the aisle, leaned forward, his ears perking up at the mention of Khushi. He had been looking for Khushi too.

Payal hesitated but explained a moment later. "She's come down with a fever."

Arnav's concern flared along with Aman's. "What? How is she?"

Payal sighed, her voice soft. "She has a temperature of 103 degrees; I can't say she's fine."

This morning, upon waking up, she found Khushi shivering under her thick blanket. When she touched her, Khushi's body felt scorching hot. She promptly informed her parents, who are currently by Khushi's side along with Buaji, taking care of her. Her parents plan to go to their office a little later and Buaji will take Khushi to the Hospital if her temperature doesn't subside. However, her mother insisted she go to school for now.

"But she seemed fine yesterday," he recalled, except for the ankle injury. Did she get a fever because she cried till her face flushed red?

"Maybe it's because of the wound on her ankle," Payal speculated, uncertain of any other reason for her fever.

Arnav's hands clenched into fists, the anger at his Dadi simmering beneath the surface. He blamed her for Khushi's plight, for the fever that now ravaged her body. The image of Khushi shivering under her bedsheets haunted him, making him feel guilty, and he made a silent vow to himself. Once she was better, he would ensure nothing like this ever happened to his friend again.

Dadi had to seek forgiveness from Khushi, no matter what! 

Regards,

Poly

07/04/2024

Let me know how was the update. 

Any reviews are welcome.