Anjali, now in her nightdress, lay in bed, her mind refusing to let go of one particular photograph. It was a family portrait of sorts - Garima, Shashi, Arnav, herself, and little Khushi, all smiling at the camera. The memory of the day she discovered that Shashi and Garima were no longer alive came rushing back, hitting her like a tidal wave. They had passed away a year after leaving Lucknow, and she had only found out when she visited their old home, hoping to reconnect.

She remembered her conversation with a familiar face in the neighborhood.

"Aunty, where are Shashi Uncle and Garima Aunty? They used to live here, don't they?"

The woman, who had been staying in the colony for a long time, answered her, recognizing her as Anjali Mallik. "Bitiya, they passed away seven years ago in an accident. Exactly a year after what happened in Sheesh Mahal. Poor Khushi. She was heartbroken and kept crying for her parents. She was just twelve after all. Who can bear that loss at that age? Khushi's Buaji took Khushi away after a few days. We don't know where they went."

Anjali felt the ground slip beneath her feet. She clutched the wall for support, tears streaming down her face. "No... this can't be true."

It took Anjali some time to accept the truth. She was twenty-six then, having just returned to India after opening her company while working full-time at an MNC. The tenants at Gupta House knew nothing. No one knew where they had gone. Anjali broke down that day, feeling the loss of Shashi and Garima, who had been like parents to her. She didn't tell Arnav, knowing it would push him further into his shell. After what happened at Sheesh Mahal, he hadn't fully recovered, despite pretending to be fine.

Everything had been fine until her wedding day. Her Dadi and parents had tried to marry her off to a twenty-three-year-old man when she turned eighteen. She wasn't okay with it but was blackmailed into saying yes. Her Nani and Mama disapproved and didn't attend any wedding-related events. On the wedding day, her mother discovered her father's affair with another woman. In a tragic turn of events, her mother shot herself with her father's gun, and her father followed suit. Her brother, only fourteen, witnessed it all, and the wedding was canceled. Their Chacha betrayed them, throwing them out and taking over their property after the funeral.

In those dark times, Garima, Shashi, and little Khushi had been their beacon of hope. They took Anjali and Arnav in, providing them with the love and support they desperately needed. Later, their Mama and Devyani took them to Delhi, helping them heal and rebuild their lives. They stayed in touch with Garima and Shashi, but lost contact a year later when Anjali left for Harvard to pursue her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Arnav was lost in his shell, barely talking to anyone, studying 11th and 12th and later his Bachelor's like a zombie. With only one aim in mind, to get back Sheesh Mahal, at any cost. And so, for over five years, they couldn't reach them with Arnav and Akash soon following to Harvard for their MBA.

At twenty-six, with over three years of experience, Anjali started her own company, AR Fashions. Arnav, twenty-two, was in his final year of MBA at Harvard. Akash was in his first year. Arnav completed his MBA and returned to India to work at AR. Akash followed soon. She saw her brother taking back what was theirs as soon as he returned. She left the opportunity for him to do that. That was also the very same day when he got to know about their death as well as he conquered Sheesh Mahal and went to Gupta House. Though he didn't show it on his face, she knew he cried that day. That news devastated him some more.

A few days later after that,

Arnav sat in his bedroom, lost in thought, Anjali walked in. She noticed the distant look in his eyes and sat beside him

"Chotte, what's wrong?" she asked gently.

Arnav looked at him, his eyes full of pain and tried hiding it, "Nothing, Di."

Anjali took his hand in hers. "I know, Chotte. You are thinking about Ma, Garima Aunty, and Shashi Uncle, hai na?."

Arnav gulped lying down in her lap, his eyes moist, "Why did they have to leave us?"

Anjali's eyes filled with tears. She gently stroked his hair, trying to offer some comfort. "Chotte, I wish I had the answers."

Arnav closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of his sister's presence, gulping down the pain.

Anjali's voice trembled as she spoke, "We have each other, Chotte. We have our family. We will always have each other, no matter what. Ma, Garima Aunty and Shashi Uncle, they must be watching over us."

"..and Tintin." Arnav completed her words.

"Where is she, Di?" he whispered, getting his face away from her lap, concern dripping from his voice at his best friend's memories.

"I don't know, Chotte." Anjali whispered.

They had contacted PIs to get information about Khushi but they got nothing. They kept trying, tho!

And then, her brother informed her about his dream. He wanted to become a CBI officer. Soon, he prepared for the Civil Services Examination and trained at the CBI Academy in Ghaziabad. His first posting was in Hyderabad at twenty-five, and two years later, he was transferred to Delhi. It's been a year since he returned to Delhi, all the while serving as a Board Director at their company.

It's been six years since she got to know the news of Shashi's and Garima's death and it still hurts.

Anjali sighed, her heart heavy with memories. "I miss you, Ma, Shashi Uncle, Garima Aunty," she whispered into the darkness. "I hope you're watching over us." She closed her eyes, hoping for a peaceful sleep, but knowing that the past would always be a part of her.

One Sunday,

After a few weeks, Anjali invited Khushi to Shantivan. As soon as Khushi arrived, she screamed excitedly looking at Anjali who's pacing in the garden, "Di!"

"Chutki!" Anjali responded, hugging her tight. She's waiting for her arrival from god knows when.

"Wow, Di. Your house is so beautiful." Khushi exclaimed looking at the beautiful house.

"It's our house, Pagli," Anjali poked her in the head. Khushi pouted as Anjali laughed, "Come in, let's go."

She dragged Khushi inside where everyone was enjoying their mid afternoon snacks. Anjali then introduced Khushi to everyone in her family, except for Arnav. He had been busy with a new case for the past few months and wasn't home most of the time. No one disturbed him, as they were used to his intense work schedule.

"Where's Sunny, Di?" Khushi asked, she was excited meet him as well, her best friend who is always behind her sleep.

"He's at work, Chutki aur hume pata bhi nahi kab aayega. Ye Chotte bhi na. Humse bhi zyada busy rehta hai," Anjali shook her head, chuckling.

(He's at work, Chutki and we don't even know when he will come. He's so busy, even more than me.)

Khushi pouted missing the chance of meeting her 'Sunny'

"Waise, Khushi Bitiya, what do you call Chotte Sunny? I mean this nickname is not even relatable, na." Manohar asked the question.

"Because he comes to my house, wakes me up even if I don't want to just, like.. like he's the sun. Suraj aaye na aaye, Sunny zarura aata hai utane mujhe subah subah, meri pyaari neend ki dushman hai vo. Even on Sundays! Can you believe it? That's why I nicknamed him Sunny. Suits him perfectly!" Khushi pouted, remembering the everyday scenario.

(Because he comes to my house, wakes me up even if I don't want to just, like... like he's the sun. Even if the sun doesn't come, Sunny definitely comes to wake me up early in the morning, he is the enemy of my sweet sleep. Even on Sundays! Can you believe it? That's why I nicknamed him Sunny. Suits him perfectly!)

Khushi was 9 years old and Arnav 12 years old. Arnav Mallik, known for his no-nonsense attitude, arrived at Khushi's house early in the morning at 7, already dressed in his school uniform. He had taken it upon himself to ensure she got to school on time as she had been late the past few days, causing him to almost miss their school bus that arrived at 8 AM. It had become his daily routine now, and his lazy best friend would never learn to wake up early. As he entered the living room, he found Shashi and Garima having their morning tea.

"Good morning, Uncle, Aunty," Arnav smiled, greeting them with a polite nod. "Is Khushi up yet?"

Shashi chuckled, shaking his head. "Good morning, Arnav. No, she's still fast asleep. You know how she is."

Garima rolled her eyes. "She's in her room, Arnav. You might have to wake her up yourself. I tried but in vain."

Arnav shook his head as if saying 'kuch nahi ho sakta uska.' "Alright, I'll handle it."

He made his way to Khushi's room and found her still fast asleep, snuggled under her blankets.

"Khushi, wake up! It's time for school," Arnav called out, his voice firm but gentle. There was no response from the sleeping figure. He tapped on her head. No response. He shook her. No response. She was sleeping like a dead body in her weird taekwondo position.

He tried again, a bit louder this time. "Khushi, get up! You're going to be late!"

Still, Khushi remained blissfully unaware, lost in her dreams. Arnav sighed, shaking his head. "Alright, you asked for it, again" he muttered to himself.

He walked over to the bedside table, picked up a glass of water, and without any further warning, poured it over Khushi's face.

Khushi shot up, gasping as the cold water hit her. "Ahh..Tsunami..tsunami..bachaoo," she screamed, waking up, trying to swim in the air.

(Ahh..Tsunami..tsunami..save me,)

Arnav stood there, a smirk playing on his lips. "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. But there's no sea in Lucknow for your information and stop swimming in the air."

Khushi glared at him, opening her eyes slowly, her face dripping wet. "You could have just shaken me awake, you know!"

"Yeah, right! As if I didn't try that," Arnav replied, rolling his eyes.

Khushi's mother, hearing the commotion, peeked into the room. Her mother, Garima, couldn't help but laugh at the sight.

"Mumma, why are you laughing? Why don't you just scold this 'Sunny'?" Khushi asked angrily.

"Why should I scold him? He's just on his friend's duty and yes, I'll scold him the day you won't wake up screaming 'Ahh..Tsunami..tsunami..bachaoo',"Garima laughed, coming towards her daughter.

Khushi pouted and Arnav laughed.

"I'll go and get ready. You guys are wasting my time," she said, blaming her best friend and mother, getting out of bed.

Arnav smirked. "Wasting your time? You're the one who sleeps like a log. If it weren't for me, you'd still be dreaming about your chickpeas and 'jabeli'." He teased her. He always reminds her of the mispronounced words she used to utter as a toddler.

Khushi shot him a glare at his teasing. "At least I dream. You're too busy being a grumpy old man."

Arnav raised an eyebrow. "Grumpy old man? I'm the one who saves you from getting detention every day. You should be thanking me."

Khushi stuck her tongue out at him. "Thank you? For pouring water on my face? Dream on, Mr. Mallik."

Garima chuckled. "Alright, you two. Enough bickering. Chutki, go get ready." she turned towards Arnav, "Arnav, come with me, I made your favorite breakfast for you today."

Arnav nodded as he stood with a smug smile on his face.

Khushi glared at him as she headed to the bathroom. "One day, Sunny! One day. I'll get revenge on you for this."

"I'd like to see you try, Jabeli."

He ran out before Khushi could hit him with whatever came in her hand.

"Ughhh!" She stomped her foot in irritation and went to take a bath.

Everyone laughed at the flashback Khushi had narrated except Khushi who sat pouting beside Laxmi.

The house was filled with warmth and laughter as each family member had fun with her antics and their childhood memories.

Devyani immediately took a liking to Khushi. Manorama and Manohar made sure Khushi felt at home with their Tom and Jerry fights. Payal and Akash, who were closer to Khushi's age, quickly struck up a friendly conversation, and Anjali blurted out every crazy antic of Khushi from their childhood. Even Laxmi, Nani's beloved pet goat, seemed to be charmed by Khushi, nuzzling her affectionately and settling on her lap.

Everyone in the family didn't realize how quickly time flew by, and soon it was already time for dinner.

"I should go now, Di. Buaji is alone and must be worried about me," Khushi said, getting up at 7 PM.

"Nahi. Dinner karke hi jana hoga tumhe, me Buaji se permission le lungi, teek hai?" Anjali insisted.

(No. You have to leave after dinner, I will take permission from Buaji, okay?)

"Lekin, Di..."

(But, Di...)

"No lekinzzz... for the first everzz timezz you come to our housewaa," Manorama said in her typical English.

(No buts... for the first time ever you come to our house)

"Haan, Khushi. Dinner karke hi jaana hoga," Payal added. Nobody noticed Anjali already getting away to call Madhumathi.

(Yes, Khushi. You have to leave after dinner)

Everyone was insisting she stay for dinner, but Khushi didn't want to leave her Buaji alone for a meal. She felt torn between her concern for Buaji and the warmth of the Raizada family's hospitality.

Anjali returned after talking to Madhumathi. "Chutki, guess what! Buaji not only allowed you to have dinner but also permitted you to have a sleepover," Anjali grinned. Madhumathi couldn't deny Anjali's requests and agreed, wanting her niece to spend some good time with her childhood friends. Anjali had already visited her house more than four times in the past three months and had once had a sleepover there. She knew Anjali well enough to trust her with Khushi.

Everyone beamed at the news. "And you don't have to worry about Buaji. She's having a get-together with the neighbor aunty."

Just then, Khushi's phone rang. It was her Buaji.

Khushi answered the call, "Hello, Buaji?"

"Arre, Khushi bitiya! Mere baare mein chinta mat karo. Main Suvarna ke saath hoon. Uska pati shehar se bahar hai, toh hum dono milkar thoda waqt bita rahe hain," Madhumathi said cheerfully.

(Arre, Khushi bitiya! Don't worry about me. I'm spending time with Suvarna. Her husband is out of town, so we're having a little get-together,)

"But Buaji, I don't want to leave you alone," Khushi replied, concerned.

"Nonsense, Khushi. Tum wahan raho aur apne doston ke saath maze karo. Tumhe aise mauke baar baar nahi milte. Aur waise bhi, main akeli nahi hoon. Suvarna aur main bahut accha samay bita rahe hain," Madhumathi reassured her.

(Nonsense, Khushi. You stay there and enjoy with your friends. You don't get to do this often. Besides, I'm not alone. Suvarna and I are having a great time,)

"Are you sure, Buaji? I can come back if you need me," Khushi insisted.

"Khushi, agar tum wapas aayi toh main tumhe seedha Anjali ke ghar wapas bhej dungi," she warned, wagging a finger in mock seriousness. "Ab chinta mat karo aur maze karo," she added, her expression softening into a warm smile. "Aur dhang se khana khana mat bhoolna, vaise toh kehne ki zarurat nahi hai, chatori jo ho tum," she finished with a chuckle, teasing her niece, knowing well how much she loves food.

(Khushi, if you come back, I'll send you right back to Anjali's house. Now, stop worrying and have fun. And don't forget to eat properly, though I don't need to say that, you are such a little foodie.)

Khushi pouted at her last words, "Buaji!!" And feeling relieved, she continued, "I'll see you tomorrow then. Take care."

"That I will. Now go and enjoy yourself. And tell Anjali I said thank you for taking care of you," Madhumathi added.

"I will, Buaji. Goodnight," Khushi said. (I will, Aunt. Goodnight.)

"Goodnight, bitiya," Madhumathi replied before hanging up.

Khushi turned to the family, a big smile on her face. "Buaji says I can stay for the sleepover!"

Everyone cheered, and Anjali hugged Khushi. "See, I told you it would be fine!"

"I was just worried Buaji would be alone," Khushi said. Anjali and the rest of the Raizadas smiled understandingly.

Payal clapped her hands. "Alright, everyone! Let's get ready for dinner. We have a special guest tonight!"

Khushi laughed, feeling truly at home with her childhood friend and their loving family.

After their dinner, Khushi freshened up and wore Anjali's night pants and shirts and then they played games for some time, watching a movie together before calling it a night. Khushi was shown the guest room to sleep. 

Regards, 

Poly, 

15/07/2024