Two Days Later

Ratna is supervising the decorations of the Raizada Mansion for the upcoming mehendi Function.

"Maa.. Stop stressing out." Arnav said standing next to Ratna while the latter was busy shouting instructions to the workers

"Chup raho chotte.. Humein bahut kaam hai. Jao aur jakar apne Dad ka dimaag khao (Shut up Chote.. I have loads of work. Go and eat your father's brain)" Ratna said

"Maa.. I am vegetarian. I don't eat brains" Arnav stated

"Chotte.. Please, Let me work. The guests will start to arrive today and the house isn't even fully decorated." Ratna said

"Ma.. You have practically stuffed the house with white roses and lilies. For God's sake the house is decorated enough" Arnav said irritated

"Lighting work is left chote. And the stairs are left too. Also did you call the caterers?" Ratna asked

"Khushi was supposed to do that Ma. And she has done that." Arnav said

"Why was Khushi supposed to do that?" Arvind asked

"What do you mean by that Dad?" Arnav asked

"What were you doing?" Arvind asked

"I was busy with Khushi's dress... The designers weren't clear with the specifications. Also I had to pick NK and La from the Airport. But luckily their flight delayed." Arnav explained

"Khushi's dress?" Arvind asked confused

"Haan the wedding attire Dad!" Arnav said

"But.. Wait? You were designing her outfit?" Arvind asked

Arnav bit his tongue. "Kyu.. Koi problem hai?(Why? Is there a problem?)" He asked

"Nahi... Bas tum itna romantic ho jaoge expect nahi kia tha na. Isiliye! Aur koi baat nahi hai (No... Just that we had not expected you to turn so romantic. That's why! Nothing else)" Ratna piped in

Arnav shook his head hopelessly.

"Are you done with the teasing session?" Arnav asked

"Chote!" Ratna chided.

"Anyway I had something in mind-" Arnav started

"No.. Chote, Today is your Mehendi. Aaj tumhe Khushi ko kaheen nahi lejane dia jayega. (Today you won't get to take Khushi out.) Ratna said sternly

Arnav smiled at his mother and held her shoulders.

"As much as I love Hazel, I do have a life beyond her Maa." Arnav said mock glaring at Ratna.

"Right. I do see that chote. The way you've always figured out ways to stay close to your Hazel these days, You seriously seem to have changed into someone altogether different." Ratna said

"Ma.. Aapki Khushi na magnet hai. Usse door raha hi nahi jaata (Mom.. Your Khushi is a magnet. I can't stay away from her)" Arnav winked at her

"Besharam hote jaa rahe ho Chote.. Kya karein hum tumhara!! (You're turning shameless chote.. What do I do with you!!)" Ratna scolded

"Inhe hum sambhaal lenge Maa. Aap fikr mat kariye (I will take care of him Maa. You don't worry)" Khushi said entering the hall

"Khushi Beta.. Aap yahaan? (Khushi child.. You here?)" Arvind asked pleasantly surprised

"Haan Papa.. Hum. Arnav ji... Aap Maa ko pareshaan kar rahe the? (Yes Dad.. Me. Arnavji.. You were troubling ma?)" Khushi asked glaring at Arnav

"Nahi Ma ki beti! Mein maa ko kuch nahi keh raha tha. Maa mujhe tumhare naam se tease kar rahi thi (No Ma's daughter! I wasn't saying anything to Maa. Maa was teasing me taking your name)" Arnav said with a pout

"Oh" Khushi whispered and hi-fived Ratna.

"Hopeless as ever!" Arnav muttered

"Rehne dijiye ab. Aapko amma dhoond rahi hain.. Kuch kaam hai unhe (Let it be now. Amma is looking for you.. She has some work)"

"Garima Ma..? Kyu? (Why?)" Arnav asked

Khushi shrugged.

"Tumhe pataa hai!(You know!)" Arnav said matter of factly

"Par hum batayenge nahi. Jaiye khud pata chal jayega!(But I won't tell you. Go and you'll get to know)" Khushi said sticking his tongue out.

"Hazel.. You're a good girl right?" Arnav said sweetly

"She wanted you to apply henna. So.. She told me to convince you for the same" Khushi said

"But.. But! No way Khushi yaar!!! Please I don't want to do this!" Arnav whined

Khushi pouted

"Please.. For me. Just a little na" Khushi pleaded cutely

"Khushi no way" Arnav declared

Khushi's face fell

"Please" Khushi mouthed

"Hazel.. You know I don't like you being sad na?" Arnav cupped her face in his palms

"Toh please na... Just a small drop" Khushi pleaded.

"Khushi.." Arnav sighed

"You are going to do as she says. End of discussion!" Arvind said

"Dad!!"

"Arnav!!"

Arnav sighed yet again.

"Okay" He gave up

Khushi smiled brightly hugging Arvind

"Thank You Papa!" Khushi squealed

"Anything for you darling" Arvind smiled at her

Khushi moved closer to Arnav

"Shagun hota hai Arnav.. Bas ek boond(It's auspicious Arnav.. Just a drop)" khushi explained in a whisper

"I can do anything for you Hazel. But just for you. I don't believe in all this" Arnav kissed her forehead

"Thank you Arnav.. By the way, Mohan will have to go with Maa for the last minute shopping, So you'll have to pick Lavanya and NK from the airport. Also our special guests will be arriving by the time the mehendi function starts. So.. Make sure you'll be home" Khushi said

"I'll make sure" Arnav assured

I'm back!!!

Damn I got too late didn't I?

Well.. I was a bit busy with my twelfth standard results coming... I am satisfied with my results. I did great *Woohhoooo* And Then I had to.. Look into admission and stuff.

Well turns out I'm growing up, and I am still figuring out how to cope with two things at a time. Either it can be my phone or it can be my.. My college. Though, It's not started yet... But still there are things which need to be done.

The pressure is.. Kinda hard to handle. And I don't even have my parents around anymore. *Sigh* I AM GROWING UP. And that.. Well it's difficult to cope with everything alone isn't it?

So I am really hoping you understand that I couldn't find time from my hectic real life to write anything out for ages. I am sorry for making you wait. I really am. I know you were waiting for an update and just coz it's IPKKND anniversary I forced myself to sit and write this one.

So... Wishing all my friends out there a very happy 7th IPKKND anniversary (I know nothing special... But that's all I could come up with. DEAL WITH IT!!)

NEXT UPDATE COMING UP SOONER HOPEFULLY.

Also.. Anyone interested in a REMARRIAGE TRACK story??? Do let me know, I have an idea.

Comment your thoughts about the chapter please.

Do vote and comment. Pretty please.🙏

I have honestly missed you, your comments and thoughts very much.

So please, For my sake give more comments than usual. I could really use some good relieving comments from you.

Hope the chapter is worth the waiting.

Again.. Please vote and comment.

Love
Vinny