Silver Linings

Consequence

Akash looked at the expectant faces of his family. Knowing them, he knew that his words would cause a ruckus. So he took his time to gather his thoughts on how to break the news, he decided to go for the straightforward approach, just like Bhai would. "Bhai office mei hai" (Bhai is in the office) he gave everyone a once over before dropping it, "aur Khushiji unke ke saat hai" (and Khushiji is with him) as he expected, his words caused an absolute pandemonium in the hall, everyone was talking over the other, mostly his mother and Di. "Aap kya keh rahe hai Akash ji" (What are you saying Akash ji?) Payal whispered, leaning in closer to Akash, he acknowledged her with a nod while keenly observing the one other person who was absolutely silent - Shyam, The man looked absolutely spooked.. Interesting, thought Akash.

It took a few minutes for everyone to calm down, then, they all looked towards Akash for more information "Bhai ne mujhe koi details nahi bataya.. sirf yeh kaha ki Khushi ji unke saat hai." (Bhai didn't give me any details, all he said was - Khushi Ji is with him) he turned to Payal "Aapse yeh kehne ko kaha ke Darne wali koi baat nahi Khushiji safe hai" (He told me to tell you not to fret, Khushiji is safe) he turned back to the family, "Khushi ji ko unke ghar chodne ke baad Bhai yahan aake hum sab ko batayenge ke hua kya hai" (After dropping Khushiji home, Bhai will come here and explain everything) Akash said in a matter of fact manner, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

He helped Payal up "Aap kamre mei jaake thodi der rest karlijiye.. Bohot royi thi aap, jab bhai wapis aajayenge, hum aapko bulayenge, teek hai?" (You go to the room and rest for a bit, you cried alot, when Bhai comes back I will call you back down, alright?) Payal nodded her head, She picked her phone up "Hum Buaji ko bhi call kardenge... warna wahan sab pareshaan honge" (I will call Buaji, or else everyone at home will be worried) Akash nodded "phir Mei bhi aata hu aapke saat" (then I will come along with you) the two of them excused themselves.

"Saasu maaa... hamka kuchh samaj nai aayi" (Mother in law... I didn't understand anything) Manorama said dramatically as she watched her son and his new wife go up the stairs, "oo phatti Sadi Arnav bitwa ke saat hai? par kaisee... howww??? Kya woh ghar se bhag kar Arnav bitwa ke office chali gayi thi" (That Phatti Sadi is with Arnav? but how? Did she run away from her home to Arnav's office?) Manorama was about to continue with her questionnaire when Devayani stopped her with the show of her palm "Akash bitwa ne kaha na, Chote ko aane dijiye, phir unse aap ee sab sawal puchiye" (Akash said right, let Chote come, you can ask him all these questions) turning to Anjali, she said "Bitiya, hum bhi thodi der araam karne jaa rahe hai.. Jab Chote aajayenge hume bula lena?" (Child, I am also going to rest for a bit, When Chote is back, let me know)

Anjali suggested that Devayani use her room which was downstairs, instead of climbing up the stairs just to come back down again a little while later. Shyam had also insisted that Anjali go rest along with Naani, since it might take a while for Arnav to come home. The two ladies left the hall, leaving behind Manorama , Manohar and Shyam.

***

Khushi felt so much better now, after her conversation with Arnav. The conversation took some turns she didn't expect it to.. But in the end, it was all good. She felt that she and Arnav actually got closer because of this. She kept thinking back to the moment Arnav saw her outside the station, there was so much relief in his eyes. His eyes always spoke volumes to her. She closed her eyes and rested her head on the car seat, a smile playing on her lips as she recollected all that happened in the office. The way Arnav held her when she cried.. The way he knelt down in front of her while he spoke.. He rarely displayed so much tenderness, and when he did, it was just so endearing. She was sure he was definitely in love with her, and she was ecstatic. The slight rocking of the car lulled her to sleep.