Tuesday..

The three girls were having their breakfast, prepared to face another day in their lives. For Lavanya and Meera, it would be like any other day but for Khushi, it would be a different day. Since she got a new job after so many tough days she went through to find one good job.

"Baby what's going on in your mind?" Lavanya asked after realizing Khushi was lost in her thoughts.

"I just realized that one week ago Advay Singh Raizada and his wife, Sana Singh Raizada met with an accident and both lost their lives.. only their little son survived in that accident.." Khushi said, "And perhaps I was called to work in their house!"

"Oh yes.. this didn't even came up on my mind.." Lavanya said with realization tone.

"But it's also possible you will be working for Advay's younger brother, NK Singh Raizada.. Or even to Advay's maternal family.." Meera said sipping her juice.

"Yes.. that's also possible.." Khushi nodded, "Let's see!"

"Anyways I'm getting late for college.. Bye Di.. Good luck.. Bye La!" Meera stood up from her chair, taking her phone and bag she hurriedly left from there.

"Thank you.. Bye Meera.. Take care of yourself!" Khushi shouted watching her cousin opening the door to leave.

"I don't know why is she in hurry to reach college when all she does is bunk classes!" Lavanya shrugged, shaking her head in disbelief.

"La!" Khushi giggled slapped Lavanya's shoulder, "We should get going also.. Today's my first day.. Can't risk to reach even a minute late!"

"Yes.. you're right.. These rich people don't miss a chance to bark and taunt people like us if we do a single tinny mistake.." Lavanya pouted.

"But you don't worry.. You're my brave girl, work properly and don't give them a chance to scold you, ok! Good luck baby!" Lavanya kissed Khushi's forehead.

Khushi smiled faintly, "Thank you Baby.."

****************************************************************

Shantivan..

"I no eat.. I no eat.. leabe me.. I no eat.." Aayu whined loudly as he ran around the garden area of the mansion escaping from Dai ma and other servants of Shantivan who were running behind him to make him eat his breakfast.

He ran so fast while trying to escape from everyone that he almost stumble with his foot, but two soft and delicate hands caught him in time.

Aayu looked up to see who caught him while Dai ma and the servants stood still watching both.

Khushi, the girl who saved Aayu kneeled down and pulled Aayu near her, she caressed the back of his hair while kissing his forehead, "Are you okay baby?" she mumbled softly to him.

Aayu nodded his head, he looked up to her innocently: Who ale you?

Khushi looked at him, "Well.. If you like my food, then I will be your cook! (smiling) But if not, then I will be kicked out of here! (pouting sadly)"

Dai ma approached them, Khushi quickly stood up and greeted her with a polite smile, "Namaste.."

"Namaste.. You must be Khushi, right? I talked with your Culinary arts school and they recommended you for the cook job.." Dai ma said.

"Yes.. I'm Khushi only.." Khushi nodded.

"Let's go inside.. I'll show you your working place as well as explain your few rules you'll have to follow!" Dai ma said.

She looked sternly at Aayu who stood beside Khushi, "Go and eat your food Aayu.. enough of your stubbornness otherwise I will call your uncle and he will scold you badly!"

"She cook.. I eat!" Aayu pointed to Khushi and went running inside the mansion.

Dai ma looked at him going surprised and shocked, "This is unbelievable.." she looked at Khushi with wide eyes, "You know his parents.."

"I know.. I watched it on news.. Ma'am it's normal for him to be cranky like this, if it's hard for us to accept that our dear one is no more, then imagine what this little innocent kid must be going through.. He must be feeling suffocated, alone and lost now.." Khushi said walking with Dai ma towards the house.

"It's indeed very difficult situation for all of us.. We're trying to be strong for Aayu only.. otherwise we all are broken.. Advay beta and Sana bitiya were such a good people.. God.. why did you have to take them away from us too soon!" Dai ma couldn't control herself as tears made way to her cheeks.

Khushi worriedly wiped away her tears, "Ma'am please don't cry.. everything will be alright.. Just have faith in God.. I know it's a huge loss for your family and especially for Aayu.."

Dai ma nodded and composed herself, "Let's go to the kitchen.."

****************************************************************

At the kitchen..

"This is your kitchen from now on!" Dai ma said.

"Very beautiful.." Khushi admired smiling.

"But your Boss is very strict person.." Dai ma said.

"Aayu?" Khushi asked confused.

"No, his uncle.. Arnav Singh Raizada, he is going to live here with us so he's the Malik of the house now.." Dai ma chuckled.

"But as far as I've read in magazines, Advay Singh Raizada had two siblings.. Anjali and NK, right?" Khushi asked.

"Actually before they became this successful and richest family in Delhi, Arnav beta who was younger to Advay and Anjali but elder to NK, left to London for his further studies.. he is very intelligent and Advay beta invested a lot in Arnav beta's education.. Arnav beta finished his college in London and decided to stay there and expand Advay business in London.. that's why you don't know about him.. Also he doesn't like attention of media people.. Arnav beta is different from his siblings, he's introvert, talks and mingles less with people, he doesn't trust anyone that easily and he's very much organized person.. and also he's very short tempered.. So if you want to save your job, try to make less mistakes!"

Khushi faked a smile and nodded, "I'll do my best Ma'am!"

"So here's the list of dishes Arnav beta wants you to cook for him and Aayu.." Dai ma handle a paper to Khushi.

Khushi took a look at the list, "Okay.."

"Make sure you do only what you're asked for.." Dai ma said.

Khushi nodded. Once Dai ma left the kitchen, she sighed resting her hands on her waist and looked around the kitchen, "Good luck Khushi.."

****************************************************************

AR office..

Arnav walked towards Advay's cabin and Aman, who was Advay's PA, now Arnav's was following him and updating him about AR situation.

Arnav opened the door of the cabin and to his surprise two person were already present there.

"Oh what a surprise Chote!" Anjali smiled brightly as soon as she saw him.

"What are you doing here Mrs. Anjali Jha?" Arnav asked staring at his elder sister who was comfortably sitting on his brother's chair.

"We're the owners of AR.. If not working here, then what are we supposed to do here?!" Shyam, Anjali's husband smirked evilly staring at Arnav.

"Your work here is done Chote.. We already did the last rites of Advay bhaiya.. One week already passed and we will eventually start to live our life normally now.. You should go back to London.. and yes.. if you're worried about Aayu.. then don't be.. His aunty and uncle are still here to take care of him and give love to him.." Anjali said.

"Aman is there any proof that my brother transferred all his property to Mrs. Jha?" Arnav asked.

"What rubbish Arnav.. There's no need of any proof got that?.. Anjali is also Advay's sister.. You live in London, NK doesn't have any interest in business.. So automatically the responsibility of handling AR goes to Anjali only.. You cannot snatch that right from her.." Shyam shouted angrily.

"I fear your dreams might not turn in reality.. Because you don't have any proof, but I've proof that Bhai transferred his property to me.." Arnav smirked.

Both Anjali and Shyam's face turned pale on hearing that. Anjali stood up from the chair and walked to Arnav, "That's a lie!"

Aman passed the property papers to Anjali.

"The proof!" Arnav whispered to her smirking.

Anjali snatched the papers from Aman and started reading it shocked and numbly. Shyam stood beside her and snatched the paper from her hands, when he finished reading he threw the papers angrily, "Dammit.. This is not possible!"

"How can Bhaiya be so unfair? He gave everything to you.. Why!" Anjali whispered confused and unable to believe what she just saw.

Arnav walked to his brother's chair, his eyes moistened thinking how proudly his brother used to sit and work in that chair. But his thoughts broke when Anjali and Shyam started shouting to Aman and creating a scene because of the property papers.

"Mr. and Mrs. Jha you both better get lost from here otherwise I will have to call the security to take you both out.." Arnav gritted his teeth frowning.

"You'll pay for this!" Shyam pointed his index finger to Arnav angrily and took Anjali with him.

"I can't believe they are Advay sir family.. I'm sorry ASR but as his sister, she should be more worried about who will take care of Aayu.. but no, just one week passed and she came here to take over AR!" Aman said, "I know that she and Advay sir weren't on good terms, but after Sir's death.. I thought she would change.."

"It's her husband that's brain washing her.. but I won't let him win at any cost.. He already managed to break our family apart, but he will never be able to take over AR!" Arnav said confidently.

"I'm sure about that ASR!  Advay sir trusted you blindly, now I know why!" Aman smiled faintly.

****************************************************************

Shantivan..

Khushi walked out of the kitchen and went to the living room with a tray on her hands.

She kept the tray on the near table and sat with Aayu who was watching cartoons.

"Can I watch with you?" she asked.

Aayu just nodded and continued to stare at the TV.

Khushi laughed loudly at funny scenes, making Aayu join her. He giggled staring at her laughing.

"Oh my God.. This is so funny.." she continued to laugh.

"It'sh my favolite caltoon!" Aayu said.

"Really? Then it's my favorite now also.. We will watch it everyday together, deal?" Khushi extended her hand to him.

Aayu shook his hand with her smiling, "Deal!"

"You want chocolate cookies? They are my favorites!" Khushi said as she took the plate and kept on her lap, she took one cookie and started eating it.

Aayu stare at the chocolate cookies, then at her. Khushi signaled him to eat.

He took cookie and started eating it, while watching cartoons with her.

"Are they good?" Khushi asked happily watching the cute boy eating one cookie after another.

"You cook sho good.. Kushie.." Aayu said with little smile playing on his lips.

"Thank you baby!" she kissed his hair. And rested her head on his head, as both continued to watch the cartoons.

Aayu whispered on Khushi's ear, "Kushie I want mole cookies!"

Khushi smiled in happiness that not only he ate but he's asking for more.

"Okay.. I'll give you more cookies but before that.. you need to eat according to your uncle's list.. He made a list of what you've to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.. And if Ma'am or your uncle finds out that I broke the rules and gave you chocolate cookies, they will throw me out of here.. So I beg you to eat what I've made for your breakfast.. Then I will secretly give your more cookies!" Khushi pleaded him.

"Okay.. I eat boling (boring) food.. then I eat youl cookies!" Aayu smiled with his eyes twinkling.

Khushi kissed his little nose and went towards the kitchen to serve his breakfast.

She feed him his breakfast and as promised gave him two more chocolate cookies to eat. But at the same time Dai ma was coming downstairs.

Khushi and Aayu looked at each other shocked. Aayu hide behind Khushi in the couch and stuffed the cookies on his mouth, eating as fast as he could so that Dai ma doesn't catch them.

Dai ma was going towards them only, but her eyes fell on NK. She smiled politely and walked towards him, "NK beta.. How are you?"

Khushi turned to see if Aayu managed to eat the cookies. Aayu sat properly beside her smiling sheepishly as he licked his lips, "I'm done!"

Khushi smiled and wiped his lips, then sat innocently with him, both pretending to watch cartoons.

"I'm better now.. Sorry Dai ma, I left you and Bhai alone to take care of Aayu.. It was just I was still in shock.. depressed.. I didn't know what to do.. I needed to accept the reality and handle myself first.. Now I'm feeling better, so I thought to meet Aayu.." NK said.

"I completely understand.." Dai ma said.

"How is he now?" NK asked.

"He's still not better.. everyday he gets cranky.. angry with everyone.. he doesn't even eat properly nor talks with anyone.. Me and Arnav beta are trying our best.. but all in vain.. I just can't see this child like this.. My heart breaks to see him like this.. You know from the time he got the news of his parents death.. he didn't even cried till now.. I'm so worried.." Dai ma said with teary eyes.

Aayu was staring at his uncle consoling Dai ma. He knew that both are talking about him. He became sad.

Khushi noticed his facial expressions changed, "What happened?"

"Kushie you know my palents died.." Aayu said and burst out crying, "My palents went fal away flom me.. I will nevel shee my palents again.."

Khushi pulled him near her and hugged him tightly, caressing his back, she shut her own eyes tightly and bit her lips trying to control herself from breaking down. She knew it wasn't easy, she has gone through the same!

Dai ma and NK rushed to Aayu, both stood shocked seeing him crying for the first time after his parent's death.

Khushi kissed his hair, whispering sweet nothings to him. NK also came and sat with him, he caressed Aayu's head.

Aayu cried for long two hours in Khushi's arms, and then fell asleep. Khushi and NK took him to his room and put him on bed.

"I'm really thankful to you Khushi.. today for the first time he cried after his parent's death.. I'm shocked.." NK said.

"It's okay.. You don't need to thank me.." Khushi smiled walking with him out of Aayu's room.

"Not only she made Aayu cry, but made him eat also.." Dai ma said surprised.

"What? Did he accept to eat?" NK asked to Khushi.

Khushi nodded her head, "Yes, cooki (she bit her tongue realizing what she was about to say) cook.. Yes I cooked for him and he ate the breakfast according to his uncle's list!"

"I don't even know how to thank you Khushi.." Dai ma said emotionally.

NK smiled at her expressing his gratitude.

Khushi smiled to both feeling happy that she could help the family in something.

****************************************************************

At night..

After freshening up, Arnav came downstairs and much to his surprise he found Aayu already sitting in the dining hall waiting for him to have dinner.

"Annav uncle fasht.. I'm hungly.. Kushie cooked fol ush!" Aayu said smiling.

Arnav smiled a little confused, "Did I heard right? My champ wants to have dinner with me?"

Aayu nodded smiling, "Becaushe Kushie cooked!"

"Kushie? The new cook?" Arnav raised his one eyebrow confused.

"Yes.." Aayu nodded his head.

"You liked her?" Arnav asked.

"A lot.." Aayu spread his arms smiling showing through gestures how much he liked Khushi.

"What's so special about her?" Arnav asked on his way to the kitchen.

Aayu followed him to the kitchen, "She ish vely beautiful.. she cooksh sho good.. she'sh vely fliendly!"

Arnav looked at his nephew surprised and shocked, not because he was complimenting the cook but he's talking normally now and not behaving cranky at all.

"Did you have your breakfast and lunch?" Arnav asked continuing their conversation. He wanted to hear more of Aayu now.

He walked towards the fridge to take the juice when he noticed a sticky note there. He took it and read it silently.

I've prepared a fresh natural fruit juice for you Sir and Aayu.. Don't forget to warm the food and give me your feedback!

"What the.." he whispered to himself.

"Annav uncle I had the besht chocolate cookiesh in my life in breakfasht time.." Aayu replied then gasped and covered his mouth realizing what he said.

"She gave you chocolate cookies?" Arnav asked clearly getting angry, he looked around the kitchen, "And made my kitchen a mess! Great!"

Dai ma walked in the kitchen, "Arnav beta you arrived.. Aayu was waiting for you to eat.. You go and sit in the dining hall.. I will warm your food now.."

Arnav walked to Dai ma, "Dai ma what's this? Didn't I gave you a list of what Aayu has to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? This new cook made chocolate cookies for him, natural fruit juice which wasn't mentioned in the list and just look at the kitchen.."

"Chocolate cookies? You must be mistaken beta.. The cook prepared the breakfast and lunch according to your list only.." Dai ma said confused.

"No Dai ma.. Kushie made cookiesh fol me.. but it wash oul seclet.. I only shaid to uncle by mishtake!" Aayu said sadly.

"It's okay baby.. You go to dining hall and wait for uncle.." Arnav said. Aayu nodded and went from there.

"Fire this cook Dai ma.. She is disobeying my rules.. hire another one.." Arnav said.

"If it's your order, then I'll do it.. but my advice is we should keep her only.. She's the best cook for you and Aayu.. She did a miracle today beta.." Dai ma said.

"Ah she did.. Messed the kitchen!" Arnav rolled his eyes.

"Not that.. Aayu eat breakfast and lunch today.. Aayu is talking normally with us and I've seen him laugh with her also.. and last but not the least Aayu cried for the first time today after his parent's death!" Dai ma said.

Arnav looked at her shocked on hearing the last line, "He cried?"

"Yes.. Now you say, every cook here just come to their job and leave.. but she not only did her job but won Aayu's heart.. If she stays, then it will be easy for Aayu to recuperate from this trauma and move on in his life.." Dai ma said.

"And about the kitchen, it's clean right?" Dai ma gulped as she didn't saw anything like mess in the kitchen as described by Arnav.

"It's not clean Dai ma.. I don't like things kept on the kitchen counter .. she messed with the position of the items here also.." Arnav whined, "But anyway, don't fire her.. just tell her to follow the rules and do only what she is asked for!"

"Okay.." Dai ma smiled lightly, "Now you and stay with Aayu.. I'll bring the food for you both.."

Arnav nodded,  he went to the dinning hall and sat beside Aayu.

"Annav uncle will you ashk Kushie to leabe me?" Aayu asked with teary eyes, "I plomishe I won't eat chocolate cookiesh anymole.. but pleashe don't keep hel away flom me!"

Arnav caressed his hair, "I won't ask her to leave.. she will stay here only!"

Aayu smiled and hugged Arnav.

"Chocolate cookies only once in a week, got that?" Arnav said.

Aayu nodded.

Dai ma came with their food, Arnav said: Dai ma add his chocolate cookies in the list.. but inform the cook that it should only be given to Aayu once in a week..

"Twice!" Aayu grinned.

"Twice! You want to get rotten teeth now.." Arnav tickled him.

Dai ma smiled watching them as she served in their plates.

Arnav tasted the food, he stopped for a while surprised that it tasted so good.

"It's tasty na? I confess that she's an amazing cook.. I couldn't control myself today that I licked my own fingers eating her food.." Dai ma smiled embarrassedly.

"Vely tashty.. hain na Annav uncle?" Aayu asked.

Arnav nodded his head, "Indeed tasty.. Must be an old woman with experience in culinary arts!"

"NO!" Aayu and Dai ma quickly replied.

"She's very young Arnav beta.. around her twenties.. she recently finished her course in Culinary arts school.." Dai ma said.

Arnav looked at Dai ma impressed.

****************************************************************

"Neither I'm working for NK, nor for Advay's maternal family.." Khushi said.

"What?" the girls looked at her confused.

"I'm working for Aayu's uncle.. A new addition in the story.. A mysterious uncle who stayed in London and away from media.. What a strange man yaar.. He made a list of what he and the kid have to eat for breakfast, dinner and lunch.. Like seriously? I can't make something of my own wish! I just have to follow his stupid list of boring dishes.." Khushi rolled her eyes.

"He must be handsome and sexy.. Trust me.. Did you meet him?" Lavanya asked.

"No! I didn't meet him till now.." Khushi said, "He must be a nerd type I tell you.. He's introvert, very much organized and like people who follow rules!"

"But apart from this, something especial happened today.. You know Aayu.. the little boy who survived in the accident.. I met him today.. he's such a cute and sweet boy.. My heart broke in pieces when I saw him.. He didn't deserve to lose his parents at such a young age.. seriously.. I was trying really hard to control myself and not break down in front of him.. Luckily he liked me, and we became friends.. I made him eat breakfast and lunch and Dai ma, she's the house most oldest servant and NK were surprised that he accepted to eat with me, they told me that he didn't accept to eat properly from past one week.. And he also cried for the first time in my arms.." Khushi said and burst out crying at the end.

Lavanya and Meera rushed to her and hugged her tightly whispering sweet nothings to her.

****************************************************************

Next day..

Khushi reached in the kitchen and was ready to prepare the breakfast when her eyes fell on the sticky note in the fridge.

She rushed to see what's written for her, smiling, she read loudly.

Thanks for everything you did for Aayu.

PS: Follow the rules and don't mess with my kitchen!

"Kya yaar? Can't he thanks me without having to warn me like this?" Khushi pouted, "Khadoos (rude).. Haww.. he didn't even give me any feedback on my food! And what mess I did in his kitchen.. I kept everything clean only.. seriously.. just misplaced few things but that's not a big deal.. and rules, forget it.. they are meant to the broken, right?"

She winked smiling and set to work.