Silent Affair (On Hold)

Chapter One

The ride back was just as buzzing as it was going to the airport. The only difference was that instead of Avantika chattering about her Bhai coming back, she was chatting away with him.

"Calm down Chatterbox," Arnav said.

Avantika pouted. "I thought you'd stop calling me that by now."

 "It's the only name that suits you," he smirked.

"What?!" Avantika turned. "Di! Did you hear what he said?"

"Di won't say anything because she agrees."

"Di!"

"Alright, calm down you two. It's like you're still kids," Anjali replied.

Avantika pouted while Arnav continued to smirk.

"Wait till we get home and I tell Ma and Papa. You're lucky they're in the other car."

"Oh, I just realized Khushi's in that car as well," Avantika said. "No wonder it felt kind of odd."

"Er, not to sound harsh... but why did you bring her, that too alone," Arnav asked.

Anjali placed her hand on his shoulder. "Chote-"

"Look, we're home," Avantika exclaimed.

Arnav looked up to see the iron gates pull open. The car came onto the driveway and went around the grand fountain to the front of the mansion. The car came to a halt and the workers came out immediately to greet Arnav. The car behind them pulled up and out came Vijay and Amoli Singh Raizada. Khushi stepped out as well and she rushed over to the elderly woman standing in the doorway.

"Chote?"

Arnav came out and looked at the elderly woman. "Nani," he grinned.

Arnav went over to her and hugged her. Deviyani hugged her grandson back and greeted him home with a prayer. She led him into the house while the workers took up his luggage to his room.

"Was your flight okay," Deviyani asked.

"Perfect! Not a single problem."

"How's business going in France," Vijay asked.

Amoli nudged him. "Don't start with your business talk. Our son just came home after three years! Give him a break!"

Vijay held his hands up. "Okay, I surrender."

Amoli shook her head.

"Some things haven't changed," Arnav grinned.

"Are you hungry? You must be hungry. I'll go-"

"No Ma, I'm fine actually. I ate well on board."

"It's a private jet," Vijay said. "If they didn't, there would be a problem."

Arnav nodded. "I'm just tired. I was too busy working on my laptop on the deal-"

"No business talk, no business talk," Avantika said, covering her ears. "It's bad enough Papa says business stuff all day so don't you dare!"

Everyone chuckled.

"Fine Chatterbox."

Avantika scowled at him.

"Chote, why don't you head on up to your room and rest," Anjali said.

Arnav nodded and got up.

"I'll take you to your room," Avantika smiled.

She took him by the arm and led him to the stairs. The family dispersed, Amoli and Anjali heading to the kitchen.

"I'll send up some milk for you," Amoli called out.

"Ma I'm not a little kid anymore," Arnav said, leaning over the rails.

"Chote, age has nothing to do with drinking milk. It's good for you and I'll send some up for you. Avantika, make sure he drinks it."

"Yes ma'am," Avantika saluted.

While those two headed up, Amoli and Anjali entered the kitchen to find Khushi helping the chefs with lunch. Amoli shook her head and went over to Khushi.

"Not even a moment back home, and she gets right down to work," she said.

Khushi gave her a smile.

Amoli sighed and smiled sadly. "Bless you child."

Anjali walked on over to Khushi's other side. "What's the master chef got for us today," she smiled.

Khushi gestured at the food and Anjali took in the smell of all that food.

"It smells delicious," Anjali beamed. "And what's for desert tonight?"

Khushi revealed two pouches with batter in them.

"Your famous jalebis!!! Lunch is gonna be great but dinner tonight is going to be amazing!"

Khushi smiled while Amoli chuckled.

"You're married, yet you still act like a kid," Amoli chuckled.

"Well my husband is away and I'm at home. Therefore I'm allowed to act like one," Anjali defended.

Amoli chuckled as she heated up some milk. Once it heated up, she poured it into a glass and placed it on a tray. Just as she was about to take it up, Vijay called out for her.

"Coming," Amoli hollered back. She turned to Khushi. "Honey, can you take this up to Arnav's room. Make sure he drinks it all."

Khushi nodded slowly and Amoli gave her a smile before leaving to her husband. Khushi picked up the tray and caught Anjali smiling mischievously at her. She wagged her eyebrows at Khushi and Khushi simply looked away and left the kitchen.

I know what she's implying, but she doesn't know the whole truth.

Khushi went upstairs and went down the hall. She turned right and went towards Arnav's room. The door was slightly opened, but she knocked either way.

"Come in," Arnav called out.

Khushi opened the door and walked into the very familiar room. She would come here every day, regardless of the past, and would clean this room daily for the past 3 years. Khushi set the tray down on the table and when she stood straight, Arnav came out of the bathroom, dressed in gray sweats and a navy blue t-shirt.

"Can't believe Ma is still making me drink milk like I'm still little," Arnav said, shaking his head. He picked up the glass. "Thanks," he said to Khushi, and chugged it down.

When he finished it, Khushi took the glass from him and placed it on the tray. She picked it up and was about to leave the room, when Arnav spoke.

"We didn't get the chance to properly talk back there since Di wanted us to rush home. So tell me Khushi, what's up?"

Khushi clutched onto the tray.

Oh no, what do I do?

At that moment, Avantika came in. "Oh hey Khushi! I'm guessing you brought up Bhai's milk?" She looked at Arnav. "Did you finish it?"

Arnav rolled his eyes. "Yeah Chatterbox, I did. And I thought I sent you back to your room."

Avantika went over to his bed and sat down. "Can't get rid of me so easily Bhai! I've got three years of annoying you to catch up on."

Arnav groaned and covered his face while Avantika laughed away. Khushi took this moment as her escape and quickly left the room. She rushed her way back to the kitchen and set the tray down.

That was close.