Arshi ff - A tale of love of Arnav and Khushi

31. Hearty Breakfast

As Arnav and Khushi descended the stairs, their presence seemed to illuminate the entire room. Khushi looked radiant in her sea green saree, her red bangles adding a vibrant touch to her ensemble, while Arnav exuded charm in his casually elegant attire.

Mama and Mami's faces lit up with genuine smiles at the sight of the newlyweds, their happiness evident in their eyes. Akash couldn't resist a teasing glance at his brother and sister-in-law, while the rest of the family wore expressions of varying degrees of disbelief and discomfort.

Mami couldn't contain her excitement as she exclaimed, "Oh my god, mere Shiv Parvati ki jodi lag rahi hai!" Mama's smile widened at her remark, his eyes shining with pride.

 Akash chimed in, "Oh yes, Maa, Bhabhi is looking like an apsara."

Khushi graciously thanked Mami with her beautiful smile and then wished everyone a good morning. Arnav took a seat on the sofa, and Khushi joined him, their hands subtly entwined, a silent reassurance of their unity.

Nani, feeling uncomfortable and distressed, spoke sternly, "Pooja ke liye der ho rahi hai. Anjali beta, thali laao aarti ki, aur chalo mandir."

Upon reaching the temple, Mami addressed Nani, "Ma, ab is ghar ki badi bahu aa gayi hai, toh Anjali ki jagah ab uska kartavya aur haq hai ki Ab voh ghar ka diya jalaye. Aur vaise bhi, Arnav aur Khushi ki pehli pooja hogi saath mein."

Nani, unable to find fault, remained silent, and taking it as silent approval, Mami asked Anjali to step aside. She then gestured for Arnav and Khushi to step forward and light the diya.

Anjali couldn't resist a snide remark, thinking to herself that only if Khushi knew, after all, she did not have her mother to teach her all these rituals. Khushi felt a pang at Anjali's words, but she held Arnav's hand firmly, silently urging him to stay calm. With determination, she moved forward and began arranging the plate for the Aarti.

Before Anjali could taunt her further, Khushi started the Aarti in her melodious voice, her devotion evident in every note. It was a silent yet powerful response to Anjali's attempt to demean her, asserting her place in the family and silencing her detractors with grace and dignity.

After Pooja, they all came out of temple and Mami remarked- Wow Khushi!! You have such a soulful voice. It felt so wonderful listening to Aarti you sang..

Khushi smiled politely at her and thanked her.

Arnav: (whispering huskily) I didn't know my Cookie could sing so beautifully... now I wish to hear you sing my name. You know what I mean, right?

Khushi: (shocked, eyes widening, lips forming an 'o' shape). Before she could respond, they heard a throat clearing, and both turned to see Akash and Aman nearby.

Akash: (teasingly) Oh, did we interrupt something?

Arnav: (recovering quickly) Nothing important. Just admiring the beauty of the morning.

Aman: (smirking) Sure, Arnav. We believe you.

Khushi blushed at the teasing remarks, grateful for the distraction from Arnav's playful yet suggestive comment. She quickly composed herself, offering a polite smile to Akash and Aman.

Khushi: (changing the subject) So, Aman are you both staying for breakfast?

Aman: (nodding) Yes Bhabhi, we thought I'd join you all before heading back.

Arnav: (gesturing towards the seating area) Well then, let's head back. Mama must be wondering where we've disappeared to.

As they made their way back to the Raizada Mansion, Khushi couldn't shake off the warmth of Arnav's whispered words, nor the playful banter with Akash and Aman.

As the group approached the dining area, they noticed Mama in a heated discussion with Nani, who looked visibly upset.
Mama intervened firmly, "Amma, let's have breakfast first, and then we can talk."
The four caught the gist of the conversation and Khushi instinctively tightened her grip on Arnav's hand, seeking reassurance.

They settled around the table, but before they could begin,
Khushi offered to help HP set the table. Arnav was about to refuse when Mami spoke up
Mami-  "No, bache, not today. First, you'll prepare something sweet, and then you can do some work in the kitchen."

Khushi nodded and took her place beside Arnav.

HP brought in breakfast - paranthas with curd, achaar, juice, and a single slice of bread and butter for Arnav. Khushi couldn't help but feel sorry seeing Arnav's meager portion.

Khushi: (concerned) Arnav, do you eat like this every day?

Arnav: (nodding) Yes, Khushi. I can't have paranthas because of dietary restrictions.

Turning to Mami, Khushi suggested making a quick, healthy breakfast for Arnav. Before Mami could respond, Anjali interjected dismissively.
Anjali- "Oh, please, no drama. This is what Arnav eats daily. And about paranthas, I really don't understand. He can have them with curd."

Khushi was taken aback by Anjali's tone and felt a surge of disappointment, but she held her tongue, knowing that speaking up now would only escalate the situation.

Instead, she turned to Mami and politely asked, "Mami, may I?"

Mami, touched by Khushi's concern for Arnav, nodded tearfully, silently approving of her kindness.

Khushi then walked to kitchen and started preparing the meal.

Khushi: (to herself) I hope this breakfast brings a smile to Arnav's face.

After she was done making she went towards temple with a lid covered bowl.

Khushi: (offering the bhog to the deity) Bhagwanji, please accept this humble offering.

After completing the ritual, Khushi brought the prepared dishes to the dining table, where everyone was seated.

Khushi prepared some sevaiyaan kheer, vegetable suji chilla, and upma, along with Arnav's favorite orange juice. After offering it to the deity in reverence, she carried the dishes to the dining table.

Khushi: (to HP) Could you please serve the food to everyone?

As HP began serving, Khushi personally served breakfast to Arnav, placing the dishes in front of him with a gentle smile.

Khushi: (softly) Arnav, please have your breakfast.

As Arnav enjoyed the delicious breakfast prepared by Khushi, each bite stirred memories of his childhood. He remembered the times when how his cookie's mumma, Siya Ma , and his beloved diya bua used to lovingly cook his favorite dishes. The aroma of the food, the familiar flavors, and the warmth of their presence flooded his mind, transporting him back to those cherished moments of his past.

Siya's gentle smile and comforting words would accompany each meal, filling his heart with love and warmth.
Arnav also remembered his diya bua's sweet treats, just like the sevaiyaan kheer Khushi had prepared. Her desserts were always a delight, and he would eagerly wait for her to serve them after Lunch. Those moments spent with his family were precious, and they made him feel loved and cherished.

As he savored the flavors of Khushi's cooking, Arnav felt a sense of gratitude wash over him. He felt blessed to have Khushi by his side, bringing back those comforting memories and filling his life with love and happiness once again.

Mami: (smiling) I am very happy today. Now my Arnav can have whatever he wants, and his wife will make it for him. But Arnav, you did wrong, you know. You never let me prepare something for you...

Khushi, noticing the concern and a hint of guilt in Mami's eyes, interjected gently.

Khushi: (assuringly) Mami, do not worry. I will take care that he eats a wholesome meal from now on.

Mama, observing the exchange between Khushi and Mami, silently blessed her and prayed for their happy future together.