Hidden Scars (On Hold)

Part 3

Gupta House (Khushi’s Room)

Khushi’s room was adorned with light purple walls, adorned with various family photo frames. In the elegant and beautiful room, Khushi lay on her soft bed, cocooned in a duvet. Her mother, Garima, sat beside her, gently caressing her hair.

"Why is my baccha so quiet today?" Garima asked, her voice tender. "Did someone find the remote control for your mouth that your dad and I secretly stashed away in the locker? Did they mute you?"

Khushi shook her head, shifting to put her head in her mother's lap. She hid her face and whispered, "I wish Arnav had a mother like you, Mumma."

Shashi, who had entered the room, heard his daughter's vulnerable voice. He sat down beside her and asked, "What happened, Pillu?".

Khushi gazed at her father's face, her eyes brimming with tears. "Arnav was crying, Papa," she whispered. "And everywhere we went, people stared and whispered. And then, Devi Nani asked Arnav to take a photo with Ratna aunty and her awful husband. I know he didn't want to do it, but he agreed. Why do they trouble him like this?"

Shashi and Garima felt a pang of sympathy for Arnav. But when they heard more about Devyani, shock replaced their sympathy. Shashi's reaction was immediate. "What the hell? How can a lady ignore Arnav's pain? If someone had asked her to take a photo with Subadra Aunty, she'd understand."

Garima shot him a stern look. "Shashi, watch your words. You're teaching nonsense to our daughter."

Khushi couldn't contain her amusement. Finally, her butterfly smile emerged. She shook her head. "No, Papa. Someone should have messed up her makeup and forced her into a photo. Then she'd know how it feels when someone compels you to pose, even if you don't want to." She high-fived her father, who enthusiastically reciprocated.

Garima's eyes threatened to pop out of their sockets as she listened to the father-daughter duo's mischievous plans. She playfully slapped their hands and scolded, "What are you teaching her, Shashi? She's becoming naughtier by the day, and you're encouraging her."

Khushi pouted, glancing at her mother's stern expression. She then turned to her father. "Papa, tonight you're putting me to bed. Your 'Garu' darling is upset with me."

Khushi's candid remark left Garima flustered, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue. Meanwhile, Shashi erupted into hearty laughter, thoroughly amused by the situation. Garima shot him a playful glare, but her embarrassment was evident. These precious moments of laughter and affection eventually lulled their little princess into a peaceful slumber.

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Raizada Mansion, Arnav’s room

Arnav lay on the bed, his gaze fixed on the ceiling, lost in a labyrinth of thoughts. Arvind, observing his son's distant expression, gently caressed his head. "What are you thinking, chottey?" he inquired softly.

Arnav shifted his eyes to his father, then returned to staring at the ceiling. His voice was quiet but resolute. "Nothing, Dad."

Arvind's concern deepened. He sensed that Arnav carried a burden, a weight that remained unspoken. Despite his curiosity, Arvind hesitated to pry. "Chottey," he began cautiously, "what's troubling you? Is it connected to Ratna's marriage? Did something happen there? You can tell me, Chottey. It won't hurt me."

Arnav's vulnerability surfaced. His eyes welled up, and he swallowed the emotional lump lodged in his throat. "Dad," he whispered, "did Mom have an extramarital affair with that man? Is he the same person she dated during her college days? Is that why she left you?"