The Way We Were

Chapter 24

(Kanya Puja: Khushi)

It had been exactly 43 days since Khushi had stepped into Shantivan. Then, she'd been holding one child in her arms. Today, she was welcomed by eight.

"Khushi Didi! You came!" A girl from Payal's dance classes called out to her.

"Hey, sweetie. How have you been?"

"I'm good Khushi Didi. Come, meet my friends!" Khushi was dragged by the twelve year old.

"Khushi, Di needs you in the kitchen." Khushi heard Payal.

Payal had taken a sabbatical, of sorts. After her contract was over two weeks ago, she had denied signing one again with the production house, promising them she'd be back next year after her marriage had settled into a rhythm. Khushi had begged her to reconsider, but Payal was adamant that until the Oberoi court case of the Bera's was not resolved, until Aarav's life was in jeopardy, she couldn't in good conscience keep Akash away from his family.

"Coming, Payal." Khushi made her way into the kitchen space. It seemed a volcano of sweets had erupted.

"Hi Khushi." Sheetal smiled sheepishly, covered in condiments wrist to elbow.

"Hi." Khushi knew this was going to be hard. She had prepared herself for it. "Di?"

"Anjali Di is upstairs. She asked me to fix the jalebis. But-"

"Oh. Step aside for the professional, Ms Kapoor." Khushi teased. She grabbed a kitchen towel. With her expert hands, she had the oil in a better state within minutes. "You want to heat it high, but not burn it. It's about the heat. Hand me that." Khushi asked for the strainer Sheetal had been holding.

As she made circles in air, the batter fell in a perfect mess. "Wow, you really are a professional."

"I own a sweets chain. Didn't Arnav tell you?"

"He's barely talked to me. Except where Aarav is concerned." Sheetal admitted.

"Give him time, Sheetal."

"It's been more than a month. Sometimes, I'm afraid he'll just kick me out."

Khushi checked herself. "You are facing ASR, not Arnav. It going to take time, but when you meet Arnav, you'll understand."

"How do you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Make him answer to you."

Khushi wondered if Sheetal had lost her marbles. "He doesn't answer to me."

"But he does. I've seen it, Khushi."

Khushi gulped. "You're thinking too much. This batch is ready. Take it out for me?"

Sheetal grabbed another ladle, stepping up.

"Do I smell the infamous Senora Jalebis?" A voice interrupted.

"Yes, Jeeju." Khushi grinned.

"Ah, Khushi. Please stop calling me that." Akash moaned.

Khushi laughed. "Well, you married my sister. You knew what you were signing up for."

"Unfortunately, I did. Can I smuggle a few before Bhai finds out?"

"Go ahead. On that point, Sheetal, did you make a sugarless batch?"

Sheetal palmed her head in answer.

(Kanya Puja: Arnav)

Arnav felt a sudden calm in his restlessness. No doubt, she was here. 43 days. It had been 43 days since Khushi had walked out of Shantivan, never checking in with him in person.