Guys,

Better late than never ... so, first of all, a belated but a very very happy new year to all of you and secondly a fair warning ... this update is long and not the usual length but almost double the size ... so take a lot of time, read it and tell me how you found the closure of 'Love of Modern Hearts'.

Paradise, U. S.

Khushi was busy in checking the last minute preparations when she heard 'Maa' and turned around saying a 'Yes, Niku' only to stand dumbfounded because standing in front of her in a maroon sherwani designed by the great ASR was no more her little Niku, but Dr. Anikt Singh Raizada who was all set to go and get his bride. She came out of her frozen state when Anikt came and side hugged her around her shoulders asking.

Anikt: Maa ... where are you lost?

Khushi: (Shaking her head) ... hmm ... nowhere ... (Smiling) ... Maa was just lost seeing her handsome son

In reply, Anikt gave her a charming smile but before both of them can say anything more they heard a voice shouting from upstairs 'Mom ... where is my dress?'

Khushi: Dress? ... he isn't even ready yet?

Anikt: (Shrugging) ... it seems like that ...

Khushi: What do you mean by that?

Anikt: Err ... he was sitting in front of his laptop when I was coming down

Khushi: Laptop ... what was he doing with a laptop?

Anikt: I don't know ... maybe catching up some work ...

Khushi: Work ... you are kidding right?

Anikt: No Maa ... I am not ... because anything is possible for Pa and his Champ Advik
Singh Raizada when it is about work ...

'I thought you were a Daddy's boy, Button'

They both turned around to see Arnav at the doorstep looking at him with a complaining look and Anikt said with a smile.

Anikt: I am Pa ... but you always say we should never lie ...

Arnav: What the ... what do you mean by that?

Anikt: I am sorry Pa ... but that is the truth ... you even forget about your surroundings when you are engrossed in work

Arnav: I don't ...

Khushi: You do ... but still, I am telling you Niku ... your brother is a thousand times worse than your Pa ...

Arnav: (Frowning) ... Anikt ... now, what did the Mamma's boy do that she is angry with him?

Khushi: (Angrily) ... what else ... here everybody else is ready to leave for the venue and he isn't even ready yet ... and top to that he is working on his damn laptop on his own wedding day even after he promised me that he won't work until the reception is over ... can you believe that?

Arnav: (Rubbing her shoulders) ... it might be something really important, Kiya ...

Anikt: Yes Maa ... it might be ... otherwise, he will never break the promise he gave to you ... and you know that ... then why are you getting this hyper for a simple issue?

Khushi: (Sighing dejectedly) ... why don't you guys understand ... I am not upset because he broke the promise he given to me ... and moreover more than him I am worried for Jhanvi

Anikt: Jhanvi ... what happened to her?

Arnav: (Sighing) ... she is being silly, Anikt ... she thinks that he is still not over with Elena while Jhanvi is head over heels in love with him

Anikt: Of course he is Maa ... otherwise, he will never agree to marry a girl and spoil her life ... especially a sweet girl like Jhanvi

Khushi: I know Niku ... but seeing his disinterest in all these rituals ...

Anikt: (Holding her both shoulders) ... Believe me Maa ... (Looking apologetically at Arnav) ... that is just his irritation towards rituals which he inherited from Pa ... maybe not that intense but I can assure you he genuinely loves Jhanvi ... he cares for her ... he is damn possessive about her ... and about Elena ... you know what she did to him, right? ... She ... she bloody rejected him and his proposal just because of a silly modeling contract and that too in a bloody fashion show which aired on national television ...

Khushi: And that's why I am more afraid Niku ... how much he denies, it is not easy to forget a person after coming to a stage of proposing her for marriage and to get engaged to a complete stranger in six months

'It wasn't Mom'

They all turned around towards the sound only to see Advik standing on the top of the stairs. Seeing that everybody was looking at him curiously as he had never shared that phase of his life to anybody other than his best friends Atul Mathur and Lena Rahul Arora he continued with a sigh.

Advik: It definitely wasn't, Mom ... it definitely wasn't easy to digest the fact that you don't even have the importance of a damn contract in the girl's life that you loved and was in a relationship for four long years ... yes, I was hurt for what she did to me but I was more hurt to see you guys sad because of me ... I was feeling awful to hear the whole world sympathize with me ...

Khushi: (In tears) ... you were this miserable and yet you didn't share anything with us?

Advik: (Holding her shoulders) ... Mom ... I know I have hurt you a lot by staying away from you during that phase but believe me it would have been miserable for you if you had seen me then ... ask Atul ... no, in fact, ask Anikt ... he was afraid when he came to see me witnessing my arrogance and indifference ...

Khushi: I know ... he was in tears that day when he explained everything ... and that's when I realized I had to do something ... to bring you back to normal ... to bring you back here

Advik: Yeah ... I know ... but Mom ... I never imagined you will fake a fight with Dad to bring me here ... I mean ... (Looking at Arnav) ... can you imagine, Dad ... she was crying buckets that day saying you are being unreasonable and Anikt as always is supporting you and she had no one on her side as Dadu too was in Mumbai ... and I couldn't believe that for a girl who didn't even care to leave me for her career, I was ignoring my own family ... that Mom was crying because of my stupid decision to stay away ... I ... I was damn angry on myself that I for not even a moment thought that Mom can fake her tears to me

Arnav: The complaints were fake, Champ ... but the tears weren't ... but yes ... the reason was altogether different because she wasn't crying because of you instead she was crying for you ...

Khushi: Aw ... what do you mean by complaints were fake ... of course, it wasn't ... you two were always together and I was feeling all alone but I was silent thinking that it is for his betterment but when it is actually was the opposite why would I be silent ... so I called him and he came in just one call ...

Advik: I always will, Mom ...

Khushi: I know ... but I am still guilty for one thing Viki ... your Dad is right ... I ... I shouldn't have brought a proposal for you that soon ...

Advik: Mom it's fine ... I know you did that for my betterment only

Arnav: Advik ... I know you may not say this because you don't want to hurt your Mom ... but it is the truth that you agreed for this marriage only for her ...

Advik: (Sighing) ... I agree, Dad ... I agreed to meet her just for Mom ... and truth to be told in the first meet I thought that Mom had gone crazy because she was just the opposite of me ... (Sighing) ... but eventually, we got there where she can enjoy my sugarless black coffee even after being the crazy sweet tooth she is and I being a melody lover can enjoy her rock music

Arnav: It is good that you guys finally reached there but still don't you think we rushed all this ... I mean it was just six months after that incident and you weren't even out of the grief when you were asked to meet her

Advik: (Sighing) ... I know Dad ... it is not a long time and if somebody had told this to me eight-nine months ago even I wouldn't have believed that I will marry just fifteen months after receiving the biggest betrayal of my life ... but if I am doing that today the whole credit goes to Jhanvi ... her care ... her love ... her dedication made me do this

Khushi: Viki ... are you ... are you saying that you are marrying her just because she loves you and you think that if not you at least she will get her true love?

Advik: (Smiling) ... no Mom ... I am saying that her love made me fall in love with her ... okay ... maybe not that intensely like Dad loves you or Anikt loves Sam that they can't even imagine their life without you guys but yes ... I love her enough to assure you that I will never hurt her ... that I ... I will always treasure her ...

Khushi and Anikt hugged Advik tight from the front and back respectively to express their happiness while Arnav said patting his shoulder.

Arnav: For now that is enough my boy ... I am sure you will eventually get there

After some time Khushi broke the hug and corrected his dress and that's when she remembered something.

Khushi: Viki ... what is this ... it is your marriage today and you aren't even ready yet?

Advik: (Sighing) ... that's why I was calling you Mom ... where is my dress?

Khushi: That was placed in the bed, Viki ...

Advik: What ... that sherwani? ... but I thought that was for Anikt ...

Khushi: No ... Niku is already ready ... it is only you left ... so now don't waste more time and go and get ready

Advik: Mom ... please can't I wear something else? ... I mean

Khushi: No

Advik: But Mom ... (Thinking for some time) ... I mean I didn't even check the fitting of the dress ...

Khushi: You don't have to ... it is exactly your size ...

Advik: How do you know that ... I haven't worn one in the last two decades ...

Khushi: I know, Viki ... and that was for your Si's wedding ... but don't forget you have an identical twin brother ...

Khushi said with a sweet smile making Arnav and Anikt chuckle while Advik gave a dirty look to his brother as if saying it is all because of you.

Khushi: Now don't glare at him and go and wear that ...

Advik sighed in defeat but still tried his luck one last time.

Advik: But Mom ... there is a problem ... I mean ... I don't even know how to wear that ...

Khushi: Really? ... then shall I come and help you?

Advik: Mom, please ...

Khushi: What ... first, you waste time by working on your own wedding day and now ...

Advik: I wasn't working Mom ... I was booking a ...

But he stopped in the middle and bit his tongue making Arnav and Anikt smirk while Khushi asked curiously.

Khushi: A?

Arnav: (Sighing) ... Kiya ... it is his wedding today ... so what will he book?

Khushi: (Irritated) ... how would I know that if he didn't say it?

Arnav: Wifey ... understand something without being told

Khushi wasn't still getting it so he turned towards his sons who were smirking at his predicament and said in an irritated voice.

Arnav: What ... what are you two looking at? ... Advik ... didn't you hear your Mom? ... go and get dressed and Anikt ... go ... help him

The brothers looked at each other and laughed out loud making him shout.

Arnav: I SAID GO ...

Khushi: Arnav ... why are you shouting and why aren't you allowing him to say what did he book?

Arnav sighed hearing her and leaning in whispered in her ears.

Arnav: A honeymoon suite ...

Hearing him Khushi made the famous three O's and then looked down blushing and seeing that Arnav said raising his eyebrow.

Arnav: Excuse me ... now, what is there to blush? ... I mean I was talking about our son's honeymoon, not ours ... (Smirking) ... or hey ... (Teasingly) ... are you blushing because you remembered ours?

Khushi: (Widening her eyes and hitting his chest) ... Arnav ...

Arnav (Holding her waist with both hands) ... yes, Baby ... tell me ... I am all ears ...

But before Khushi could chide him or Arnav could tease her more, they heard Kiran's irritated voice from the back.

Kiran: Jesus ... you two are gross ... I mean today is your sons' wedding and you two are romancing in the middle of the living room ...

Arnav: (Frowning) ... now, what is the problem in that? ... I am romancing my own wife ... not anyone else's ...

Kiran: (Sighing) ... leave it ... it is waste talking to you on that matter ... and Kiya ... you don't have to be this embarrassed because it's not the first time I am seeing you guys like this ... it's been decades ... so chill ... and yes ... (Showing her mobile screen to them) ... see this .... there are only forty minutes left for the auspicious time ... so if you can give a break to this romancing we can conduct your sons' marriage

Khushi: What ... forty minutes?

Kiran shrugged her reply and she ran towards Advik's room calling for her sons and soon came back with them and they all started for the venue.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U. S.

Being one of the destination wedding venues in the U. S., the venue was decorated beautifully and two mandaps were set for the marriage of the remaining two Raizada children of this generation. As soon as the grooms arrived along with their parents the priest started the rituals and soon Jhanvi Kapur and Advik Singh Raizada and Samira Mathur and Anikt Singh Raizada became one by the holy matrimony in the presence of Raizadas, Khuranas, Oberoies, Jhas, Aroras, D' Costas, Syeds, Pauls, Agnihotris, Mathurs and Kapurs and turned the Besties Arnie and Aman and the business associates Mr. Kapur and ASR into relatives.

After a lavish lunch arranged in the nearby hotel the elder generation of D' Costas, Syeds, Pauls and Agnihotris left towards their hotel rooms while others went towards Paradise for the post-marriage rituals.

Paradise

It was around five in the evening and Arnav was in his room taking out some documents from the safe when he heard a cute voice calling him from the corridor.

'Bade Papa ... where are you?'

Arnav: Here, Tiny ...

'There you are ... you know I was looking for you everywhere'

Arnav: And why is that?

He asked with a smile only to hear the expected response making his smile wider.

'Nothing ... just like that'

Finally getting the document he was searching for he closed the cupboard and turned around only to see the exact little version of his now grown-up Kiddu, Ms. Ayrin Singh Oberoi whom they lovingly call as Tiny now changed into a shorts and tee from the heavy dress she wore for the wedding sitting on the swing on the balcony looking expectantly at him. Sighing he walked into the balcony and placing the file on the low table settled near her taking her in a side hug. She immediately snuggled to him and placed her head on his shoulders making him smile.

Arnav: (Caressing her head) ... what happened, Tiny?

Ayrin: Bade Papa ... is it necessary that one should marry?

Arnav: (Frowning) ... not really ...

Ayrin: Then I am not going to marry ever ...

Arnav: And why is that?

Ayrin: Because I don't want to leave you all and go ...

She said with a pout making Arnav burst out into a laugh and she said Irritated.

Ayrin: Bade Papa I am serious ... like that also I already have a cute BF

Ah, that was right ... she already had a BF ... the same person who was her mother's BF when she was of this age ... Arnav's father and her Nanu ... Dr. Manav Singh Raizada.

Arnav: (Chuckling) ... you know what, Tiny ... your mother used to say the same but see where she is now?

Ayrin: Hmm ... (Shrugging) ... whatever ... anyway leave all this and tell me what were you doing here all alone ... (Looking around and spotting the files) ... aw... you were working?

Arnav: (Shaking his head) ... no ...

Ayrin: So those files?

Arnav: Hmm ... that is for Sam and Jhanvi

Ayrin: Oh ... you mean like a wedding gift?

Arnav: Kind of ... hmm Tiny ... will you do something for me?

Ayrin: Yep ... tell me ...

After some time

Ayrin went to Manav's room where the youngsters now changed into casuals were sitting and playing some silly games and asked Sam and Jhanvi to come with her as she wanted to show something to them. Everyone was confused with her demand and started to shoot questions like where she wants to take them, what she wants to show them etc. She said she wants to show them some old albums and that she is taking them to the terrace only and asked them to continue their games. Sam and Jhanvi though confused got up to go with her while others shrugged and went back to their games because they know the consequences of denying Ayrin Singh Oberoi.

Soon they reached the terrace and after the three of them entered, Ayrin closed the door and locked it looking all serious and seeing her like that, Samira asked with a frown.

Samira: What's the matter, Tiny?

Jhanvi: Yes, Tiny ... what did you want to show us?

In reply, Ayrin burst out laughing making them more confused.

Ayrin: (Trying to control her laugh) ... I am sorry ... but that was damn funny ... I mean you two were looking like as if being kidnapped or something ... (Winking) ... don't worry guys ... I won't harm you ... and like that also it is not me but someone else who wanted to talk to you

Samira and Jhanvi: Who?

Ayrin pointed to the other end of the terrace and that's when they noticed someone standing there with folding his hands and looking at them with a fond smile. And seeing that someone they both looked at each other and again back to him in confusion and uttered together.

Samira: Pa ...

Jhanvi: Arnav Uncle ...

Ayrin: (Going to Arnav's side and side hugging him) ... no JB ... my Bade Papa and if you consider him to be from today he is your Pa too ... no actually make that Dad because that is what your husband calls him ... right, Bade Papa?

Arnav gave her a beautiful smile and turned to Jhanvi.

Arnav: Yes ... Tiny is right ... I would be happy if you can call me that because I guess you had already started to call Khushi as Mom

Jhanvi: Yes, Uncle ... err ... I mean yes, Dad

Arnav: There is no compulsion Jhanvi ... you can take your time ... but before that tell me one thing ... what does your father calls you?

Jhanvi: (Confused) ... Jaani

Arnav: Okay ... then from today I will also call you like that ... (Smiling) ... I hope you don't mind?

Jhanvi: Of course not, Dad

She said without skipping a beat making everyone smile and seeing Ayrin going away to the seating arrangement little far Samira asked confused.

Samira: Tiny said you want to talk to us?

Arnav: Yep ... I did ...

Jhanvi: What?

Arnav: (Extending his arms) ... come ...

Even though they were confused they held his hands and went with him to the table were Ayrin was setting some books which looked like albums. They were confused thinking what this was all about but before anyone of them could speak they heard Arnav ask Ayrin.

Arnav: What are you doing, Tiny?

Ayrin: Oh I was just placing them in the chronological order so it will be easy for you

Arnav: (Hugging her sideways and kissing her forehead) ... thanks, sweetheart

Ayrin: Oh now stop this formality and start talking already

Arnav: (With an amused smile) ... okay ...

Arnav sat on one of the two-seater and Ayrin settled beside him and he said pointing to the opposite one.

Arnav: Sit girls ... it might take time ...

They nodded their heads and sat down and Samira couldn't contain her curiosity anymore.

Samira: What do you want to talk to us, Pa?

Arnav: (Chuckling) ... impatient as always ... (Shaking his head) ... now I got who confessed to whom because if it was for Anikt it would have taken ages ... I am right, ain't I? ... (Smiling) ... I know I am ...

In reply, Samira looked away with a blush and Jhanvi was once again surprised seeing him like this because the senior ASR whom she knows from her teenage days from her father's words was nowhere close to this smiling and joking person sitting in front of her. She was so afraid of him initially that she even denied thinking about Advik until she met Khushi and talked to her. And after she had got engaged to Advik she had heard about various shades of ASR ... as in Arnie, Bro, Arnav Bhai, Arnav Bitwa, Arnav Ji, Arnav Chachu, Arnav Mamu, Bade Papa and top to it Arnav and Pa/Dad and she had realized that the ASR the business world know and the Arnav for his friends and family is a totally different person but still it never failed to amuse her to see this side of him. She came out of her thoughts when she heard him speak.

Arnav: Sam and Jaani ... first of all I want to say welcome to the family ... and I wish wholeheartedly that you two never regret choosing this family as yours for the rest of your lives ... and for your previous question Sam ... now that you guys are a part of this family I want to talk to you about our past because it is better you know it from here than from somewhere else ... (Sighing) ... okay, you two may or may not know a bit or the full history of us and when I say us it is not about just Raizadas ... it include anyone and everyone connected to us ... and I know you have an advantage, Sam because you had lived through most of it and might have had heard the rest of the story from your parents or from Anikt or Khushi but I am a person who thinks that the entire story changes while the perspective changes so I hope you won't be bored ... but before we start, I hope I am not burdening you, girls, with this now because I know you might be hell tired after a long week of rituals and carrying that heavy Lehangas for half of the day ... and yes don't hide your feelings thinking it might make me sad or angry because this can happen any time ... so if you ...

Samira: No worries, Pa ... because I love to hear you speak ...

Jhanvi: And I am more than eager because as you know apart from Advik I hardly know anyone other than you, Mom, Anikt, Sam, Dadu and Tiny as I had only met others during the rituals since I was working on this important research and he won't even speak much

Arnav: (Smiling) ... I know ... so let me start from where I know clearly ... my Dada Ji Late Mr. Rudra Pratap Singh Raizada and Dadi Late Mrs. Devyani Singh Raizada both are from Lucknow but shifted to Delhi for the business purpose along with Dada Ji's mother ...

But before he could continue more Ayrin interrupted him.

Ayrin: Bade Papa ... wait ... wait ... wait ... you are starting from there?

Arnav: (Frowning) ... yes ... what happened?

Ayrin: And you will start to do all this with Oberoies too, right?

Arnav: Yeah ...

Ayrin: (Getting up) ... okay then let me do one thing ... I will go and get some coffee for all of you and a juice for me ...because I had heard all the perspectives of this story ... wait ... yes, even yours ... remember once I pestered you in the farmhouse ...

Arnav gulped his throat with difficulty and nodded his head.

Ayrin: So I will just go and get it, okay?

Ayrin asked in a low voice as she knows she had remembered him of something he rarely speaks about. Arnav nodded his head composing himself and she went away after giving him a quick hug and kiss on the cheeks. Reaching down she found that the men and women were engrossed in their talks in the living room and dining room respectively. She sighed in relief as she wouldn't have to make another excuse so that Arnav can finish his talks because she knows Arnav will never be comfortable to speak before the whole bunch of people and that is what exactly will happen if they got to know what Arnav is talking about, she was walking to the Kitchen silently but she realized that luck wasn't at her side when she heard.

Khushi: Tiny ... where are you going, Baby?

Ayrin: Hmm ... to get some coffee

Tania: Coffee ... at this time ... what happened to you, Tiny?

Sheetal: Are you having a headache, Beta?

Kiran: Ah ... that was bound to happen after waking up like an owl all night watching TV ...

Khushi: Oh please, Kiddu ... as if you have never done that ...

Ayrin saw that Sruthy, Naina, Priyanka, and Lavanya were also about to speak and she knows it won't end if that happened so she said quickly.

Ayrin: Mummy ... Badi Maa ... Mami ... Bui ... Big M, BM, and Aunties ... I am fine ... nothing happened to me ... and the coffee is not for me ... it is for SB and JB

Tania: Now? ... I mean they had tea sometime before

Ayrin: Big M ... that was two hours before ... and like that also they are a little cold sitting outside so ...

Sheetal: Outside ... what are they doing outside?

'Outside ... but you said you are taking them to the terrace as you wanted to show something to them'

Ayrin cursed her cousin for her wrong timing and said plastering a fake smile.

Ayrin: I meant terrace only, Yaami Di ... it is not termed as inside of the house, right?

Yaami shrugged her shoulders and went to get some water from the kitchen but before Ayrin could sigh in relief she heard Khushi again.

Khushi: But what do you wanted to show them?

Ayrin: Hmm ... Badi Maa ... that ... ah ... you know JB was telling me the other day that she hardly know our extended family so I was showing her Bade Papa's albums and SB was explaining the relations and all ... but then they were feeling cold ... so I voluntarily agreed to get some coffee for them ...

Khushi: Oh okay ... but you should have called me ... I mean Sam might not really know the older generation ...

Ayrin: Ah ... don't worry about that ... Bade Papa had told me once ... so I had explained that already ... rest SB knows ...

Khushi: Oh ... okay ... then go and get the coffee ...

Ayrin gave her a thankful smile and went running to the kitchen and getting the coffee and juice quickly went to the terrace and opened the door only to hear.

Arnav: We were successful in revealing Anjali's true colors but it took a long time for the rest of them to accept that the person they loved more than anything else can do all that heinous crimes especially Dadi as Anjali didn't even respect her age before spitting venom at her and she suffered a minor attack ...

Ayrin: Ah ... so the Angel had fallen down ...

Arnav: (With a dry chuckle) ... for the time being, yes ...

Ayrin: (Taking a cup) ... here Bade Papa ... drink this and continue ... and you two also Bhabhis ... here take this

Giving everyone their cups and taking her juice glass she once again settled beside Arnav. Arnav took a sip of the coffee and continued.

Arnav: It took a couple of weeks to get everything back to normal and soon Lavi and Nikhil got engaged and their marriage was fixed for the next year considering the auspicious moment and all that ... soon Kiddu who got admission to Harvard as her dream, thanks to her good marks but the problem was her stay because neither she nor we were able to live apart from each other at that time ... but finally, she took her decision and decided to stay in the hostel along with her friend Ana whose parents had also shifted to the other city as her father got transferred and we all had supported her in her decision ... but that wasn't very difficult as we thought considering the technologies and all that because we used to Skype her daily and even went to see her in alternate months ... but that staying away had created a huge communication gap between Kiddu and Rudy and then their egos played a major role and they ignored each other completely ... well not completely because she used to ask us about him and his whereabouts and was also following his social networking sites to know about his activities while he after a couple of months, stayed away from anything related to her as she hadn't even called once after she left for the university

Jhanvi: And he did?

Arnav: (Smiling) ... he didn't ... that's why I said ego played a major role ... but his explanation was that it was she who always called initiated the talks so if she is no more interested in that he too doesn't want to speak to her ...

Jhanvi: So why did Si stop doing that ... I mean her regular calls to him ...

Arnav: (Shaking his head) ... no, it is not like that, Jaani ... yes, it was she who initiated the talks but truth to be told they have never actually called or texted each other directly until then ... I mean yes ... they argued through voice calls or video calls but it was always through other's calls ... like when Rudy will call me or Kiya or Kiddu will call the Oberoies ...

Jhanvi: You mean till then they didn't have the need to call each other to know what is happening in the other person's life

Arnav: Exactly ... so when it became necessary to do that they didn't know how to handle the situation ... and surprising all of us he took a different direction to get her out of his head ... he started to date other girls which hardly lasted for a month and by the fourth or fifth one he understood it's not going to work and then it wasn't that hard for him to understand what he felt for her ... while Kiddu was more of missing her 'frenemy' as she liked to call him then and their arguments

Samira: You mean to say she hadn't realized that she loved him ...

Arnav: To know what she exactly felt that time you will have to ask her because I can say it only from my viewpoint and from what Ana has told me ... (Sighing) ... by then Jiju who had divorced Anjali had gotten married to Prinku Di and Neha was born but Kiddu couldn't come for both as she had some important workshops then ... but she was supposed to come for Lavi's wedding but due to Payal's complicated pregnancy we had to extend it ... so she just came for vacation, and that too only one week as she has been to Melbourne to help Ana for her brother's marriage preparation ... and since others too were busy in their own works me and Kiya went to the God's own country as the trip was long overdue ... by the time we came back it was almost time for Big B and Rishi's wedding and everyone got busy in the preparations

Jhanvi: So Si had come at that time?

Arnav: No ... unfortunately, it was again time for the exams which extended up to almost one month so she even missed Lavi's wedding and only came for the reception ...

Samira: Wasn't it during that time Maa conceived Anikt and Advik?

Arnav: Yes we found it out during that time ... one day she came to me and told me that she is pregnant as she had clear symptoms ... but to be sure we did the tests at home ... the majority of the results were positive but since I didn't want to be disappointed later, I told her that we will tell others only after confirming it with a gynec ... yes Lavanya was there but come on, it was her marriage ... and also because I had another wish ... that is we will disclose this first to Kiddu because like I said earlier I had always considered her as our first kid and also since her birthday was around the same time I thought what a better gift than this ... we were planning to visit the doctor after the reception of the three couples but on that day Kiya was really not feeling well and upon that skipped the meals ... so on my insistence we went to the hospital and finally, we were assured that she is carrying ... in between all this we had broken the promise we gave to Kiddu that we will pick her up from the airport and it was actually Rudy who picked her up

Jhanvi: Rudy Cha ... finally ... so how did they react when they met each other after that long?

Arnav: According to Ana they both were very mad at each other and had hurled some nasty words at one another too but when she reached here she was actually mad at us ... you know the reason ... and finally to clear up everything I had to summon everyone and tell the truth that we are pregnant ... after spending a week or so with us Kiddu and her friends went back ... hmm ... after a couple of months Payal gave birth and both her and Akash wanted me and Kiya to name her ... and we chose 'Meisha' which meant God's gift as that was what she for them ...

Samira: Pa ... hmm ... actually there is one thing which is always nagging me?

Arnav: What?

Samira: Didn't anyone of you tried to sort things between Si and Rudy Cha?

Arnav: Oh we did ... everyone had taken turns in talking to both of them but Rudy was adamant that he will propose her only when he will be sure of her feelings and Kiddu ... I think she was clear of her feelings much ... much later ... because even though she used to miss him I have never seen her that worried for him until the day he had a minor accident in the construction site ... in fact she took the next flight even after I had told her he was fine ...

Jhanvi: So it was she who confessed first?

Arnav: (Smiling) ... she was ... but it happened later ... but that incident again brought them back to talking terms and the frenemies were slowly changing to friends as she was here for almost three months for her vacation and especially since Kiya's due date was nearer and he was also staying here for some project ... soon my boys were born and everyone got busy in looking after them as you can imagine the difficulties to manage twins especially if they are boys ... for few months I had worked from home but when it started to affect business Dad voluntarily stayed at home going to the hospital only for important and critical cases and looked after them along with Kiya and by the end of that year more members added to our lives as Rishi and Sheetal, Aman and Sruthy, Prinku Di and Jiju became parents by the birth of 'Meher', 'Atul' and 'Yaami' and Rahul and Naina had their second child 'Lena' ... see that picture was taken on my boys' first birthday ... see Lena was only a few weeks old then ...

He said handling the pictures to Jhanvi who awed at the picture of the kids while like always Samira too smiled at the cute expression on their faces.

Arnav: Then a year later 'Samira' was born to Aman and Sruthy and the next year Rishi and Sheetal had their second kid ... a daughter this time whom they named as 'Ivani' while Prinku Di and Jiju had 'Hridan' and in weeks' difference Big B and Tania too became parents by the arrival of their daughter 'Tiara' and the following year Lavi and Nikhil also had their only kid 'Gulab' ... by that time Rudy and Kiddu had become so close but hadn't confessed yet ... so Nani had this not so new idea to make them confess ... she had bought a fake proposal for Rudy with the help of one of her close friends and as expected in that had riled up Kiddu and they both fought and in the heat of the situation she had confessed to him ...

Ayrin: Wow ... Mummy was quite bold, wasn't she?

Arnav: Yup ... just like you ... so yeah soon they got engaged but as she wanted to concentrate on her career and then due to Dadi's unexpected death, they got married a couple of years later ...

Ayrin: Bade Papa ... I will just come, okay

Saying this she went from there and Arnav removed his specs and rubbed his eye with the back of his hand as if removing the expected tears and continued in a low voice.

Arnav: And ... and during that time we had planned for another kid as I really wanted to have a princess because apart from us, everyone in our generation had one  ...

Jhanvi: (Shocked) .... what ... but?

Arnav: (Gulping) ... yes, Jaani ... Khushi was pregnant for the second time after three-four months to Kiddu and Rudy's marriage ... the boys were excited with the idea of having a little sibling of their own ... it ... (Gulping) ... it was Khushi's eighth month and I was in Scotland for a conference  ... I didn't want to leave her at that stage but like always she was able to make me agree for it as she knew how profitable it was for AR ... so I went there and everything was going well as there had a lot of people to look after her ... but then ...

He was in tears by now and Samira who knows what is coming next said in a weak voice.

Samira: Pa ... it's fine if you don't want to continue ... I ... I will tell her the rest ...

Arnav: (Taking a deep breath) ... Sam ... I knew what I was signing up when I decided to talk ... so it's fine ...

Jhanvi: But Dad

Arnav: Please Jaani ... don't interrupt me now ... because I don't think I will have the courage to do this the next time ... (Taking a deep breath) ... so as I said earlier the Angel had fallen down for the time being but she resurrected ... she ... she escaped from our clutches and the first thing she did was calling Khushi ... I don't know how did she even got to know that we had kids  ... but yes ... she called Khushi and said that she had our sons with her and if she didn't come with money alone to the place she says she will kill them ... the mother in her was afraid but she was still strong than I thought because before blindly believing her again she called the school and got to know that their Bua had already left with them ... that was enough for her to get panic attacks if she would have been the old Khushi ... but she was a mother ... (Tears rolling down) ... a very strong one at that ... so firstly she called Rahul and informed everything to him and then my eight-month pregnant Khushi drove the car and went to the place Anjali had demanded all alone ... Rahul had already started his investigation and had gotten to know that what Anjali had told was an utter lie because it was not Anjali but Lavi who picked the kids from school and Rahul readily understood her plan ... she wanted to get Khushi alone and hurt her ... so he sped up to the spot (Gulping) ... Khushi reached the cliff and as soon as she saw Anjali she launched on her asking for the boys only to know the truth from her ... realizing she was being trapped she tried to escape but how much ... (Gritting his teeth) ... how much can an almost due woman do to resist two-three men and a madwoman ... so during the attempts to escape she and Anjali both fell off the cliff and ... and ...

He got up and walked to the edge of the terrace to compose himself as he didn't want to break down in front of them. They too got up and looked at each other in confusion as they didn't know what to say to console him. But they didn't have to think more because after a few minutes he started to speak in a hoarse voice with his back towards them and holding the rail tight with his hands.

Arnav: Rahul and his team reached soon but she was already bleeding and the most painful thing was she knew what had happened to the kid ... Rahul left to the hospital with Khushi while his team searched for Anjali ... Soon they reached the hospital and like both the times Khushi's intuition of being pregnant was true this intuition too was right ... I was informed and I came as early as I could ... (Gulping) ... but by the time I reached everything ... everything was over and the most shocking part was that the doc announced that Khushi she is in a critical situation and that she could never conceive again ... (Taking a deep breath and composing himself) ... I wanted to kill Anjali by my own hands but Rahul's team informed that she was found dead ... at that time I was furious at God for snatching even that chance from me but when I think about it now ... it was all for good ... because if she was alive and I would have killed her ... I would have been in jail and I can't even imagine what would have happened to Khushi and my kids without me ...

Hearing the pain in his voice they both unknowingly called him at the same time.

Samira & Jhanvi: Pa/Dad

Arnav: It is fine, girls ... I have lived through it ... so this is definitely not more painful than that ... (sighing) ... so okay ... after some time I was being called by the doctors ... to know what I would like to do with my daughter's lifeless body ... I didn't know what to say ... what to expect ... because the one who always guided me in difficult times was fighting death in the ICU ... seeing me all clueless they called Dad in and repeated the question ... seeing my confusion he told me what happens if we decide to leave her there ... I ... (Gulping) ... I couldn't do that to her ... even though I hadn't seen her or taken her in my arms she was still my daughter ... she was in my Khushi's tummy for eight long months ... I had talked to her for hours ... so how can I allow her to be a cadaver ... so we received her and I had done the last rights of her along with the boys ... (Turning around) ... can you ... can you imagine the mental condition of two boys of around ten years who waited for the arrival of their younger sibling so excitedly for months only to receive the news of her brutal death and to do her last rites and not to forget their mother was battling between life and death in the hospital

They both gulped painfully and he turned around and wiped his tears before continuing in a composed voice

Arnav: Turn the next page ...

Even though confused Jhanvi turned the page only to gasp seeing the picture of a sleeping baby with Akira written beneath it while Samira caressed the picture with wet eyes as she remembered those painful days.

Jhanvi: (Whispering) ... Dad, this ... this is ...

Arnav: Yes ... that is her ... and 'Akira' was the name Khushi wanted to give her if she was a girl ... (Sighing) ... I know I probably shouldn't have taken that picture but ... (Gulping) ... but Khushi she was unconscious and highly infectious and thus was shifted immediately to the ICU as soon as she delivered and thus hadn't even seen her ... So I did that for her

Jhanvi: Dad ... where is she ... I mean Akira ...

Arnav: She ... she is sleeping in the garden of my farmhouse in Delhi ... and as you have guessed ... yes ... the orphanage we have here is named after her ...

Jhanvi: And how did Mom react ... I mean when she woke up ...

Arnav: (Sighing) ... she was numb mentally and top to it she was bed-ridden as she weak due to the fall and delivery for months ... so obviously it affected her mental and physical health more ... and the kids, they both were very attached to her so it started to affect them too and upon that the problems in the business here ... Nikhil was trying his best to handle everything while Aman, Akash, and Kiddu were managing the different Indian branches and I used to work from home ... but Nikhil being here and the rest in Delhi it started to disturb their lives too and top to it ... it was too much for Nikhil since he had never worked on the economic section ... the business needed me and so did Khushi and the kids while Nikhil was needed in Delhi ... so I took the decision ... asking Nikhil to go back to Delhi I, Khushi and the kids shifted here ... Dad and Nani wanted to join us too but he had professional commitments from his side and Khushi's side to fulfill and Nani's health didn't allow her ... for a couple of weeks I tried to manage everything from home but it wasn't enough and by that time Khushi was able to walk with the help of others and since Lucy was also there to help her I started to go to office ... (Sighing) ... but since she has the background of monophobia her mental condition wasn't much great and it was as if she had cast a spell around herself ... she ... she had become so silent ... talking only if we asked anything, eating if we pursued her, etc so kids wouldn't disturb her much with their tasks ... (Smiling) ... and even helped me in other tasks at night saying I was looking tired ... Anikt would help me in serving the dishes, cleaning the kitchen, washing the plates, etc while Advik would feed Khushi, give her medicines, help her in the therapeutic exercises and all ... soon the issue in the office solved and Khushi became fit physically but the mental condition didn't improve much ... (Sighing) ... but one day Lucy was on leave and I was held up in a meeting so I ordered food for them and they decided to eat as they were hungry ... and since the plate was in a higher place Advik climbed on the chair and took the plate but the sudden ring of a phone startled him and the plate fell from his hands on to Anikt's head who was taking out the food ... he started to bleed and both started to cry ...one in pain and other in fear ... luckily Khushi was in the living room and came there hearing the sound and seeing them like that the mother and doctor in her woke up ... she treated the wound and consoled them and by the time I came back she had fed them and they both were sleeping on the bed hugging her from either sides and she was wide awake ... as soon as she saw me she detangled herself from them and came running to me and finally after months she cried ... cried for our shattered dreams and apologized for ignoring me and kids and promised to be strong again ... and she did ... she started with cooking food which we three have missed for so long ... then started to help them in their studies ... then in the other tasks ... then slowly started to help me with my tasks like she used to do and then the other house chore works ... (Sighing) ... yes ... it took time but slowly everything came back to normal but since she wanted to take a break we stayed here itself and it was during that time Kiddu became pregnant ...

Jhanvi: Tiny was born here ... isn't it?

Arnav: Yes ... it was Khushi's wish to look after Kiddu and everybody agreed and Kiddu Rudy and Nani too shifted here ... Tiny was born but since Rudy had some important projects at that time they decided to stay longer ... we too stayed back as we knew how difficult it will be for Kiddu and Nani to handle everything alone ... after Tiny was three months old Khushi joined back in the hospital where she had completed the studies ... their stay got extended for one or the other reason and Tiny had been almost four years by then ... by that time our decision of shifting back to India had died down as Dad too shifted here when Kiddu was around two ... Dad proposed the idea of opening a new branch of RH here and Khushi took it upon herself and they accomplished it in almost half a year ... Kiddu rejoined AR and Tiny started to go in the school ... so by the time Rudy finished his works Kiddu had her commitments and by the time she was ready to go he got new projects and that cycle continued until Tiny was almost ten and they finally decided to move back ... but by that time Tiny was so much attached to us that she refused to go back with them until a few months ago as she had completed her schooling and since she wants to study in the same college as her Daddy, unlike others who did their education in foreign universities ... but she still visits us every other month along with other kids and spouses of the few who married outside our previous circle unlike Sam, Yaami and Atul as they had shifted here for their jobs and the elders who we meet on vacations or other important functions ... and now the circle also expanded with the addition of D' Costas, Syeds, Pauls, Agnihotris and now Kapurs

Jhanvi: Wow ... (Turning to the last page of the album) ... that was really eventful ...

Arnav: Yes ... because it is life ... and see that page ... it have the pictures of your generation which was taken on their important life events ...

Jhanvi admired the pictures while Samira explained about the incidents they had taken as Arnav was tired after speaking for a long time. Jhanvi was about to say something but before she can Ayrin came running to them asking.

Ayrin: Bade Papa ... did you finish? 

Arnav: Almost ...

Ayrin: Then finish it fast and come down soon ...

Saying this she ran from there and Arnav called out.

Arnav: Hey ... but what happened?

But all he got was a hurried 'finish it and come soon'. Sighing he got up and took out the files and handed one to each making them both ask at the same time.

Samira & Jhanvi: What is this, Pa/Dad?

Arnav: (Smiling) ... that is your wedding gift ...

Jhanvi: But this ...

Arnav: Yes ...I had brought two apartments in the opposite building in your names ...

Samira: But what is the need of this, Pa ... I mean we will be glad to stay here with you, Maa and Dadu ...

Arnav: (Smiling) ... I know ... but I also know that you guys need privacy especially in the initial stages of the wedding how much you guys deny ... so consider it a request or an order but please use that building for that purpose rather than going somewhere else ... I can still understand your needs and decisions but Khushi ... (Sighing) ... I don't think she will be able to take her sons living away from her because I had seen her condition while Advik was in London ... and yes ... I am not talking about vacations here ... (Expectantly) ... so will you?

In reply, they both hugged him from either side and murmured an 'of course Dad/Pa' and how can they not when he had trusted them enough to open his heart in front of them and tell them his life story. After some time he broke the hug and wearing his specs back asked with a smile.

Arnav: So girls ... let us go down now?

And they both smiled realizing the position he had given them ... daughters ... because he always mentioned his sons as boys so calling them girls meant that exactly. The three of them walked down the steps smiling only to hear.

Ayrin: Oh God Badi Maa ... no need to call the cop ... Bade Papa is in the terrace

Khushi: What ... and you are saying that to me now ... (Accusingly) ... how could you?

Arnav: Because I said so ...

Khushi: (Angrily) ... and you ... I don't even want to talk to you ...

Arnav: What the ... now, what did I do?

Khushi: (Coming towards him) ... you ... you are asking this ... you left to the terrace for God knows what ...

Arnav: (Calmly) ... I was talking to Sam and Jaani ...

Advik: What were you telling them?

Arnav: It is between me and my daughters ... you don't have to know that ...

Anikt: Okay fine ... but Pa ... couldn't you just inform Maa before going ...

Advik: And where the hell is your phone ... I mean ... do you even know how many times she called you?

Arnav: (Frowning) ... phone ... but I didn't hear ... wait let me check what happened ... (searching his pockets and taking it from his pant pocket) ... here it is ... (Switching it on) ... oh it is in silent 

Khushi: (Gritting her teeth) ... Arnav ...

Arnav: (Looking at her and chuckling) ... okay ... I have seen that look before also ... I will definitely suffer due to my idleness one day, right?

In reply, Khushi fumed more and looked away and he sighed and said looking at her.

Arnav: I was telling the past to them ...

Khushi instantly looked at him and raised her eyebrows and he blinked his eyes. But before she could say anything her sons who were standing in the left and right of her started as they didn't actually give much thought to what he said as they were worried seeing their mother's condition.

Anikt: So what ... you could have done that after informing her too ...

Advik: Exactly ... do you even know how worried she was ...

Khushi: Viki ... Niku ...

Seeing them going overboard Khushi called them sternly because she realized why Arnav didn't tell her ... because he didn't want to hurt her by going through everything. Hearing the warning call Anikt and Advik realized what they did and said in unison.

Advik & Anikt: Sorry, Dad/Pa ...

Arnav: (Smiling and patting their shoulders) ... that's alright boys ...

Saying this he stepped closer to Khushi but before he could say anything, she asked curiously.

Khushi: Did you give them the wedding gift or forgot that in the talks with your daughters?

Arnav: Don't worry ... I gave them ... (Whispering) ... but hey ... (Smirking) ... by any chance are you jealous?

Khushi: (Whispering back with a winning smile) ... I am not because I have my sons with me ...

She said making him shake his head with a smile as he knew that was an utter lie but he didn't pester her more as he had already worried unnecessarily with his earlier stunt while she stepped a little away from him and with a smile said to others. 

Khushi: And I think we all should go and take some rest for now

Everyone nodded their heads and started to disperse. Khushi was also going but he held her hand stopping her and stepping closer to her took her in a tight embrace whispering.

Arnav: I am sorry ...

Khushi: That's fine ... but please don't do that again ... you know I can't bear the thought of being away from you ...

Arnav: I know ... but don't worry I am not going up, down, left or right leaving you ... at least not this soon ...

He said making her chuckle and continued before she can reply.

Arnav: And ... ek baat kahu, Khushi (Shall I tell you something, Khushi)?

Khushi frowned hearing that and he said with a smile making her fall for him all over again.

Arnav: I love you dammit ...

Around 10000 words but finally over with it. So how did you find it? ... Did it meet all your expectations or have I left some loopholes? ... I hope not ... and yes a big thank you to every one of you for all the love and support you showered on me and my stories and for the patience you showed while the updates got delayed due to one reason or the other ... and I hope that will go on for the journey ahead too.

With love,

Maahi