Holiday Shenanigans OS Challenge

We're Stronger

Title : We're Stronger

Writer : SnowSpringBud

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"Khushi, please for god sake, stop stuffing me with Panner, I'm tired of it!" Arnav whined as he again noticed his plate filled with the, now everyday dish, paneer. Nothing to misunderstand, he likes, in fact loves, his wife's hand-made food. He could not go a day without having Khushi's food. But this is heights.

"But Arnav," Khushi shrunk her eyes pleading with him, "just a few more days, baby. Protein is important for you."

"Fuck this protein, man!" Arnav groaned already tired. "If protein is important, make something with eggs. Or better, get me chicken, a protein rich diet. But please, mujhe iss panner se baksh do!" Arnav made a crying face as he looked at the plate and then at his wife who stood at the threshold with wide eyes, and he knew her mouth had made another circle behind that mask.

"Stop whining like a kid, Arnav!" Khushi scolded her husband pointing a finger in his direction. "You know we don't make non-veg at home, and I'd be damned if I let you eat any outside food."

"Baby please..." Arnav sobbed dramatically.

"Arnav..."

"Alright... Alright," He looked at the plate pitifully, "Let us start Arnav, your wife has become pattar dil not even heeding to her poor ill husband's wishes."

"Arnav," Khushi sighed, her voice trembling with emotions, "baby, please be patient. It's just a few more days."

"Khushi... Khushi... don't start crying. You know I was just being a jerk. See, I'm eating too," Arnav stuffed his face with the roti and paneer and started speaking even before completely chewing the food, "Hmmmm... it is so tasty." He chewed some, "You're the best cook, Bab-" he started coughing badly, the food getting struck in his throat.

"Arnav, wai-" Khushi tried to enter the room, forgetting in her worry, but halted in her steps as she saw Arnav showing his palm before drinking a glass of water soothing the burn in his throat. "Don't I always tell you to never talk while you're eating. Why do you always do this, Arnav?"

"Khushi, I'm fine." Arnav smiled, worried himself about worrying her. He knew Khushi can be extremely sensitive sometimes, and especially in the last few days he noticed the twinkle in her eyes vanishing.

"Please, Arnav, I'm helpless here. I know you don't have it easy either, but please Arnav, please don't make it hard on both of us," Khushi could feel the pricking of her tears and held the fists of her palm to her eyes trying to push them back. She had promised herself that she will not fall weak before her husband and this is no time to break it.

"Khushi..." Arnav could feel the vulnerability seeping in as her composure stood on the verge of breaking. "It's okay. I am okay. I am going to be fine soon too. Remember, Khushi? We are strong and we'll fight this together."

"We're strong," Khushi parroted his words with a determined nod.

"I'm proud of you baby," Arnav passed her a bright smile, "now off you go and have your food."

"I will, Arnav," Khushi composed herself and she looked pointedly at his plate and then back at him, "And you, mister, are going to complete the food on your plate. No more tantrums allowed."

"Yes Ma'am," He saluted before looking down at his plate, specifically at the godforsaken item, "And you Panner, I'll deal with our enmity once I'm out of this room."