Part 14

Next morning:

Everyone assembled at the dining table for breakfast.

"Chote. How are you feeling now ??"asked Anjali.

"Much better Di" said Arnav.

"Seems like Khushiji's paste worked effectively "said Anjali.

"Haan Di. It is true" said Arnav.

"Then Did you thank her chote ?"asked Anjali.

"Why Di ?? What's the big deal there ?? I got hurted because of her and it is just her duty to heal me. Also she din't do it on her own. she seeked her mother's help, so if I should thank someone then it is Garima aunty" said Arnav casually and left for office as he completed his breakfast.

"Iss Laadgovernor ki Gamand tho dekho ?" thought Khushi.

"Chote bhi naa. Never says Thanks or sorry to anyone" said Anjali.

After breakfast, when all the men left for their respective works. Khushi and Payal are in the kitchen preparing lunch.

Payal is making the dough while Khushi cutting vegetables.

"Payal"called Khushi.

"You never said to me about your family "said Khushi. Payal stopped her working.

"I mean you never said about your parents or siblings" said Khushi.

"I am an Orphan Khushi" said Payal.

Khushi looked at her wide eye, in the next second she said" Sorry. I don't know about it"

"It's ok Khushi. I was ten years when my parents died in an accident. Our relatives din't wished to adopt us" said Payal.

"Us" said Khushi confused.

"Yes. Me and My little sister Krithi. She was only two years at the time" said Payal.

Krithi!! Khushi remembered Krithi's name which flashed on Arnav's mobile few days before. So Krithi is Payal's sister thought Khushi.

Payal continued" We both were brought up in an Orphanage. I was a bright student so they got me admitted in School. My only aim to give my sister a good life. On the basis of scholarship, I completed my college. I got job in AR. While I was working there, Akash liked me. He proposed to me but I plainly refused because my first preference is my sister. After my refusal, Akash was disappointed and devastated. Arnavji came to know about this. He talked with me and promised me that he will take care of Krithi's each and every need. To make me believe he even signed the papers as he will be legal guardian to her until she finishes her studying. Finally I have to agree.

But when family came to know about this, they din't say anything except maaji. She don't want me as her Bahu. Then again it is Arnavji who convinced her.. After our marriage, Krithi to lived here for few days. Then she got admitted into the college in Mumbai. Arnavji is her inspiration so she too took fashion designing course. Krithi is very close to Arnavji. Very crazy girl. It is only she who have the ability to make Arnavji laugh. I wonder whether she is my sister or his sister.. She always takes his side. He is also no less. He has become a fatherly figure for her. Not only for her but he became a father, brother and friend for me too.

I really got a good family. Even though maaji taunts but I know she is good at heart. Shyam Jiju have become my Big brother.. it is he who did my Kanyadhaan. I am very grateful to God for giving such a wonderful family"

Khushi couldn't believe her ears. For the first time, she is hearing something more about Arnav as positive.

"Where is Krithi now ?"asked Khushi.

Payal's face paled, but quickly composed herself and said" She is in Mumbai"

"Payal. You said what relation you share everyone in this house except Dhruv. How he used to be ?? He must definitely be as your little brother. Isn't it ?"asked Khushi excitedly.

Payal stiffened hearing it. Then turning to Khushi with a serious look, gritting her teeth said" Khushi. Never ask about that person before me and you be better if you don't even take that bastard's name in front of me"

Khushi looked at her horrified.. All she could see is a pure loathe, disgust in Payal's eyes and as well as words.

Payal went away from there angrily kicking a vessel which came in her way..

In the Night:

After dinner, when all the males were in their rooms, Nani called all the ladies into the hall. Anjali, Mami, Payal and Khushi came there. Two women are sitting on the sofa

"Nani. Did you called us ??"asked Anjali.

"Anjali Bitiya. You know tomorrow is Karwachauth. You all need to fast for long life of your husband. So I called these Mehendi people to put Mehendi for you" said Nani.

"Haan yes. I forgot about it" said Anjali.

"Now I need to keep fast for him.. No way. How can I keep fast on his name ?? "thought Khushi.

"Khushi Bitiya" Nani called Khushi bringing her out of thoughts.

" You too sit and apply Mehendi" said Nani. Khushi nodded her head and sat for Mehendi.

" HHBB. Tomorrow we have to wake up early and whole day without food. This day will be terrible for me every year" said Mami.

Nani and others laughed to her comment.

While Mehendi is going on, Nani asked HP to bring sarees for them. When he brought them, Nani gave everyone their sarees.

"Khushi Bitiya. This is your first Karwachauth. Will you be able to keep fast ??"asked Nani.

'Haan Nani. Every year I used to keep fast on teej. "said Khushi. Nani nodded her head.

All of them were engrossed in their talks when the Mehendi lady asked Khushi" Mam. What is your husband's name ? I will write in Mehendi"

Khushi looked at her shocked. She got confused to say what .

"No you just leave it. I will write by myself " said Khushi. the lady agreed.

After Mehendi, Nani asked them all to wake up by 4 am in the morning. Everyone left for their respective rooms. Khushi saw Arnav already sleeping on the bed. So she took recliner.

She looked at her hand in the moonlight. The place where should be written husband's name is still empty. Whose name should she write Dhruv or Arnav ??

She remembered her conversation with Payal today. She could see the hatredness on Dhruv in Payal's eyes. Why Payal hates Dhruv soo much ?? He is a good person who helps everyone. Or Did she really went somewhere wrong in estimating about Arnav too ??

No!! No !! She will never go wrong in judging persons. Payal should have definitely misunderstood about Dhruv. She needs to clear it. But as Payal Arnavji is also not soo bad.

Then her thoughts went for Nitya. It is more than a week she have seen her. she even forget to ask her mobile number. Don't how is she ?? Whether her Boy friend's family accepted her or not ?? May be what if she needs anyone in this city..Next time, if she appears, she will take her number and address.