Bed Of Roses

part 1

It was the vibrant festival of Teej, a day celebrated with great fervor and devotion in the Raizada mansion. The house was adorned with bright marigold garlands and colorful rangolis. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of traditional delicacies being prepared. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada was in her element, as she flitted about, ensuring everything was perfect.

Arnav Singh Raizada, her ever-doting husband, watched her with a soft smile from a distance. Despite their tumultuous journey, the love they had for each other was evident in every glance they shared. Today was no different, though Arnav couldn't help but notice that Khushi seemed a bit more fatigued than usual.

As the day progressed, Khushi found herself growing more and more tired. She brushed it off, attributing it to the day's excitement and the fasting she had observed for the festival.

The kitchen buzzed with activity as preparations for the Teej festival were underway. Khushi, the heart and soul of the household, bustled about with boundless energy, her laughter filling the air. She had decided to make sweets by herself, refusing anyone's help.

"Jiji, can you please pass me the sugar?" Khushi called out, her voice infused with cheerfulness as she juggled multiple tasks simultaneously.

Payal, her eyes twinkling with amusement, handed Khushi the sugar, her voice filled with affection. "Khushi, you're like a whirlwind in the kitchen! Are you sure you don't need any help?"

Khushi waved off Payal's concern with a dismissive gesture, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "No, no, Jiji! I've got everything under control. Today's festival is going to be the best one yet!"

Anjali, observing Khushi's antics with a fond smile, chimed in with a suggestion. "Khushiji, why don't we order some sweets from the sweet shop? It'll save you the trouble of making everything from scratch."

Khushi's eyes widened in mock horror at the suggestion, her playful spirit coming to the forefront. "Order sweets? di, how could you even suggest such a thing!" she exclaimed dramatically, a grin spreading across her face. "I'm a halwai's girl and don't forget, only I can make the best jalebis!"

Arnav, who had been watching Khushi with a mixture of amusement and concern, stepped forward, his brow furrowed with worry. "Khushi, are you sure you should be taking on so much? You've been working non-stop since morning," he said, his voice tinged with apprehension.

Khushi turned to Arnav with a reassuring smile, her eyes shining with determination. "Arnavji, don't worry about me. I'm perfectly fine," she insisted, though a hint of weariness flickered across her features for a brief moment.

But Arnav wasn't convinced. He reached out to gently cup Khushi's face in his hands, his gaze searching hers with unwavering intensity. "Khushi, please, let us help you. You don't have to do everything yourself," he pleaded softly, his concern for her well-being evident in every word.

Khushi placed her hand over Arnav's, her heart swelling with love for him. "Arnavji, I appreciate your concern, but Teej is a special occasion and I want to make sweet for everyone," she said earnestly, her eyes shining with determination.

Payal, the supportive sister, nodded in agreement. "She's right, Arnavji. Let her do what she wants. It's her festival, after all," she said, her tone gentle yet firm.

Arnav hesitated for a moment, torn between his desire to protect Khushi and his respect for her wishes. Finally, he relented with a sigh, knowing that arguing further would only worry her more.

"Alright, Khushi. But promise me you'll take breaks and not overexert yourself," he said, his voice filled with quiet concern.

Khushi nodded, her smile bright and unwavering. "I promise, Arnavji. Now, let's get back to work! We have a festival to celebrate!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious as she dove back into the preparations with renewed vigor.