"What will I do all alone here in this big house?"

She twitched her nose sitting opposite to him on the dining table. Arnav gulped down the last bite of the buttered toast and finished the glass of orange juice before looking at his wife.

Arnav - There are a lot of things you can do alone.

Khushi - For example?

Arnav - I don't know, for example...watch numerous movies, do some photoshoot, shop online, roam around naked etc.

She looked at her husband shocked for suggesting such a thing. She got up and followed him to the door as he wore his coat and grabbed his briefcase to leave.

Khushi - Why would I roam around naked?

Arnav - I don't know, but I'd for sure love to see you naked when I return.

He winked at her to which she made a face, yet couldn't help but blush either. He pulled her into his arms sharing a goodbye kiss with her.

Arnav - Adjust for today. We'll think of something then.

* * *

After having finished all the household chores, she'd spend nearly two hours on calls with the Raizadas and Guptas who were missing her equally as much as she missed them. She'd shown them their new home where they'll be living for a year now.

It was a duplex apartment with two bedrooms on the upper floor, a living area, an open kitchen and a bathroom on the ground floor. But what Khushi liked the most was that there was a spacious terrace connected through french windows to the living room. Along with groceries, Arnav had purchased many plants and gardening tools too. While she spent most of her time yesterday with unpacking the suitcases, cleaning and decorating the house, he'd spent all that time with gardening on the terrace.

It was noon yet and Khushi had no idea what to do for the rest of the day. She's never been completely alone in a house for so long before. How was she supposed to know how to waste your time all alone?

Some footsteps grabbed her attention and she walked over to the door to look through the peephole.

Khushi - So she is our unneighbourly neighbour.

Her voice must have made it through as the lady turned towards her door. Khushi gasped and backed off immediately.

Khushi - Hey DM, she heard me I guess. Can she see through the hole from other side? No Khushi, that...would be illogical or? But why not? What if she's watching me right now from the peephole?

She looked up at the hole once and stepped aside to get out of the sight.

Khushi - I think you're just overreacting Khushi. What if she heard you? She couldn't have understood you anyway. C'mon, don't be stupid. Open the door and greet her. We're neighbours now.

Finally keeping her dupatta on her shoulder, she opened the door ready to greet her neighbour. But the lady wasn't there anymore.

Khushi - She already went in...should I knock and say hello? What if she doesn't like it? But what if she doesn't like it either that we moved in here opposite to her but didn't even say hello? DM, what a dilemma.

She noticed the nameplate on the wall beside the door and then went through all the nameplates on the floor curiously.

Khushi - Chal Khushi, now let's go back home...home, this apartment. Just one year and then you'll be back to your real home...saying one year as if it's a day.

She smacked herself on head and touched the knob to open the door which was closed by now.

* * *

She walked down the street past all those unknown people and buildings.

Khushi - Well done Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. You did it. You could lock yourself out without phone and keys first and now you officially got lost in this big unknown city.

Coming to a halt and taking a look around herself, she took a long sigh.

Khushi - What was the need to go out of the apartment building? What a stupid idea to look around for Arnavji's office. It's such a big city and you neither have address or any phone number. What will you do now?

Her stomach growled demanding some food. She hugged her torso innocently.

Khushi - Calm down tummy, you may not get anything until Arnavji finds us and takes us home back. Then I'll make Jalebis for us and we both will enjoy.

Some people passing by gave her weird looks thinking she's mad. She became conscious now and started walking further and finally spotting a garden, rested herself on a bench there.

But her stomach had a hot mind of its own and wouldn't stop rumbling. She looked down and grit her teeth.

Khushi - Please understand you won't get anything until Arnavji somehow finds me. Don't make me angry.

The woman who just sat down beside her on the bench frowned at her talking to her stomach. She then walked towards Khushi smiling, thinking she's pregnant.

Charly - Are you expecting?

Khushi turned her face to look at that woman and smiled a bit but deep inside thinking if she's talking to her or not?

Charly - I asked if you're expecting.

The woman who seemed to be in her early 30s spoke slow this time understanding maybe Khushi can't speak English that well.

Khushi understood the sentence but was unaware of the other meaning. Thinking she just asked if Khushi is waiting for someone, she nodded with a smile. At least one person in this unknown country who didn't just stare at her in a weird way and actually talking to her.

Khushi - Yes.

Charly - That's great. Me too. Btw, I'm Charly.

She forwarded her hand which Khushi shook with content.

Khushi - My name is Khushi.

Charly - Khushi, nice name. Exotic. So, you seem to be from India. Are you new here?

Khushi thanked her DM for her little bit knowledge of English.

Khushi - Yes, India. New here.

Her stomach growled again and Khushi's smile lessened. She's so hungry.

Charly - Are you okay? Something bothering you?

Khushi - Um' hungry.

* * *

Khushi - No Egg, No Meat.

Khushi stared the plate kept in front of her on the table containing some boiled mixed veggies and something that looked like meat for sure.

After a little bit of lingual efforts, Khushi could explain her situation to Charly with few words and signs. As much happy she was that Charly lived in the nearby and offered her shelter and food until they find a solution, the meal wasn't that appealing.

Charly - You don't eat egg and meat? Vegetarian?

Khushi - Yes, vegetarian.

Charly - Oh. Okay, I'll just take it away. You can eat the vegetables.

Khushi gulped. Though Charly has taken the piece of meat off the plate, how she eat the vegetables that were on the same plate and in touch with meat? She nodded in denial smiling half-hearted and took an apple from the bowl.

Khushi - Fruit, ok.

Charly - So you don't eat eggs, meat or fish. How will the child grow?

Khushi looked at her chewing on the apple she just bit on.

Khushi - No child.

Charly - But you should eat some nutritious food while carrying. It's essential in this condition. My doctor suggested me a strict diet. Which month are you in btw?

Now that was a bit too much for her tiny head. But she replied to what she understood, or thought so at least.

Khushi - No dieting. Month may...?

Charly - May? ...um' okay. Anyway, so you know anything that we could use to get to your husband's office?

Khushi - His name, Arnav Singh Raizada.

Charly - Does he have a Facebook account? Maybe I can contact him there.

Khushi walked to the window looking down at the crowded street. She looked at all those people and frowned at the familiar face. That man seemed to be the owner from the Indian restaurant they visited yesterday.

Khushi - Luckyji, I just come.

She ran out immediately confusing Charly who couldn't make out why Khushi just ran out so suddenly. So as said, she waited for her to return.

* * *