Love Me Like You Do

Do you know what's behind the acts?

"Nk bhai, koi toh idea do." Anjali was in deep thought. (Translation: Come up with some idea)

"Di apko nahi lagta ki we are messing unnecessarily. I mean they are together. They are happy."

"Nk bhai, Agar Chhote ghodi nahi chadhenge to Akash ka delay hoga na." (Translation: Until Chhote gets married, Nani won't let Akash get married)

"Right. But this is so stupid. Why should Akash be dependent on anyone about his happiness?" Nk argued.

"Nani won't listen to this logic. Socho Nk bhai."

They couldn't think of anything.

***

On Thursday when Khushi came by to talk to Nani, Anjali pulled her aside.

"Di kya hua..." Khushi was dragged to Anjali's room. (Translation: Di what's happened)

"Ekdum chup! Humein di bulati hain. Iss parivar ko apna parivar samajhti hain. Par humein apne dil ki baat nahi batati aap." Anjali complained. (Translation: Shup up! You call me Di, treat this family as your own, but don't share your heart, you feelings with me.)

Khushi felt really bad at the truth painted this way. "I know you know." Khushi accepted, tired of lying so much.

Anjali was shocked. "What? How?"

"Akashji told Arnavji that he told you." And then she lied again.

"Khushiji, why didn't you tell us? I am so happy for Chhote but not able to express it. I am happy for you yet can't-"

Khushi hugged Anjali tightly. "See, you can." She laughed.

Anjali chuckled. "Khushiji, I don't want you to be compromising. I want him to marry you. He loves you so much." Khushi was looking away. "Has he said?" Anjali probed.

Khushi looked down.

"See this is why I want him to understand that this is love not some romance that will end any day. And when it's love, marriage is the right decision. I know you agree with me on this."

Khushi controlled herself. "Di. I can't... he should come to this decision himself, not because you or Nani or I said anything. I am happy Di, trust me. He is happy too."

"I know, Khushiji. I just want to multiply this happiness."

"Then maybe you can do something about it." Khushi thought loudly.

"Tell me, anything." Anjali was acommodating.

"Invite my family to talk about Akash and Payal. It has been three days and Jiji is worried that Mami is not accepting. I have been teasing her and asked Akashji to also not tell her the truth. But I think it's gone long enough."

"Khushiji, that's not right!" Anjali's eyes went wide. "But, yes. I'll talk to Nani and invite your family for dinner. You also tell your sister the truth." Anjali reprimanded her.

"No." Khushi sighed. "I'll tell Akashji to. It's not my place."

***

When the Guptas arrived at dinner with Raizadas, they had no clue about the impending marriage talks.

Nani greeted them and Mami seemed low on battery.

Amma asked Payal. "Ye Arnav ki Mami thik toh hai na?" (Translation: Is Arnav's Mami okay?)

Payal smiled to herself, knowing why her soon to be mother-in-law was this way. "Haan Amma. Kabhi kabhi shaant bhi rahti hain." (Translation: Yes mother. Sometimes, she is silent, too)