Bed Of Roses

part 2

Made this one shot into a short story after some good response

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The morning sun filtered through the curtains of the Raizada mansion's living room, casting a warm glow over the family gathered there. The excitement from the revelation of Khushi's pregnancy lingered in the air. Khushi's laughter echoed through the halls as Nk made some joke. The family, absorbed in the vibrant spirit, surrounded Khushi with their love and concern.

Amidst the joyful chaos, Payal stood slightly apart, her smile genuine but her eyes betraying a hint of melancholy. She was genuinely happy for her sister, Khushi. However, as she watched everyone fussing over Khushi, a pang of emptiness settled in her heart.

Payal found herself drifting to a quiet corner of the living room. She looked around at the bustling family, their faces lit with happiness and excitement. Her thoughts began to wander, slipping into a space she rarely allowed herself to visit.

"Khushi deserves all this joy," Payal thought, her eyes softening as she watched her sister. "She's always been the heart of our family, bringing everyone together with her love and laughter."

But as she continued to observe the scene, a selfish thought crept into her mind, one she felt guilty for even entertaining. "When will it be my turn?" she wondered, a sense of longing filling her chest. "Why haven't I been able to conceive yet? Am I not deserving of the same happiness Khushi is experiencing?"

Payal's inner voice tinged with frustration and sadness. "I love Aakash and our life together, but the emptiness of not having our own child sometimes feels overwhelming. I want to experience the joy of motherhood, to see Aakash's eyes light up at the news of our child, to feel the love and excitement that everyone is showering on Khushi right now."

She sighed softly, chastising herself for her selfishness. "I should be focusing on Khushi and this beautiful moment for our family. But I can't help these feelings. I just want what Khushi has – a family of my own, a child to love and nurture."

Payal forced herself to push these thoughts aside. She took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and rejoined the family with a renewed smile. Her love for Khushi and her family was genuine, and she resolved not to let her own desires overshadow this special occasion.

Payal knew she had to be patient, to trust in her journey and the love she shared with Aakash. For now, she would celebrate Khushi's happiness and the joyous revelation, even as she carried her own silent hopes and dreams close to her heart.

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Everyone was engaged in a lively discussion about how to ensure Khushi got the rest she needed.

Arnav, seated beside Khushi on the sofa, was the first to speak. "Khushi shouldn't be lifting a finger from now on. We need to divide her daily tasks among us."

Nani nodded in agreement. "Yes, Chote is right. Khushi bitiya needs to rest. We must take over all her responsibilities. I'll take care of her medicines and ensure she eats on time."

"I'll take care of the outdoor errands and shopping. Anything Khushiji might need, when bhai is busy, I'll get it" Akash told with a smile

"Hello hi bye bye! I will make sure the house stays as sparkling as my jewelry. No dust or dirt allowed, pileej" Mami made a gun with her hand and acted like blowing the dust from it

Arnav glanced around the room. "We also need someone to handle the household chores. Who can take care of the kitchen?"

"I can do it" suggested Anjali, her eyes twinkling with excitement

At that moment, Payal entered the room, her smile subdued. Everyone turned to her with welcoming expressions, though Khushi noticed a certain melancholy in her sister's demeanor.

"Payalji, you and me can manage the kitchen duties?" Anjali asked gently "Khushiji has been managing everything so well, but now she needs to rest."

Payal nodded, agreeing to the task. "Of course, di. We will handle it," she replied, her voice steady but lacking its usual warmth.

Khushi, sensing the change in her sister, reached out to her. "Jiji, are you alright? You seem a bit quiet today."

Before Payal could respond, NK jumped in, attempting to lighten the mood. "Don't worry, Khushi ji! With Di and Payal bhabhi in charge, the kitchen will be a five-star restaurant. Just don't expect me to wash the dishes—please!" He scratched his ear

Mamiji added her usual flair to the conversation. "Hello hi bye bye! NK bitwa, that's the only work remaining.. So we don't have any choicewa!"

Mami teased Nk, his expression was worth a watch making everyone laugh.

"No Maasiji, if we do all these things what will the prakash brothers do? I dont want them to lose their job" Nk shrugged his shoulder

"But I have one more task. I'll be in charge of entertainment! I'll make sure Khushiji has plenty of laughter and fun to keep her spirits high!" Nk said with a grin

Everyone saw him with teasing eyes, when he named entertainment as his work task.

"Hey.. You guys don't believe me? Do you even know how much khushiji needs the laughter?" Nk said dramatically making everyone involved in his talks

"Why Nanheji? " Asked khushi because as far she know about herself, she is a jovial person

"Why? Khushiji, you are asking.. Why? If you  keep spending a lot of time with this khadoos nannav, even you will forget to laugh. Just imagine.. Your baby's first word will be What The" Nk was saying with so much seriousness

"What the" Arnav was shocked at NK's audacity to say all these in front of him

"See.. I told you" Nk showed his finger towards Arnav

Arnav controlled another "what the" coming out of his mouth and stared at Nk who know now it's time to shut up or else he will have to do all the chores alone

"Ok ok.. NK bhai, we agree with you" Anjali said making Arnav roll his eyes "Not the last part but i agree khushiji needs to be happy, so we should always cheer her" Continued Anjali with a smile

"Waise chote, What NK said isn't totally wrong. You should not get angry on khushi bitiya anymore, it will affect the child" Nani tried to explain Arnav

"Haan Nani, I'll try" He told making khushi raise both her eyebrows, as if asking, will he be able to follow it?

"Hello hi bye bye! Arnav bitwa, not try.. you Must keep your anger in check. Otherwise in phati saree's language.. Imagine, a tiny laad governor throwing tantrums! We'll need double the sugar to sweeten him up!"

"Yeah, Nannav! We don't want a mini ASR running around with that famous temper of yours." Everyone bursts into laughter, including Arnav, who shakes his head in mock exasperation.

Khushi smiles, feeling the warmth and support of her family. However, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss with Payal. Her sister's silence and lack of enthusiasm were unusual, especially considering how much her jiji loved being involved in family chitchats.

Arnav, always attuned to Khushi's feelings, glanced at Payal with a hint of suspicion. He knew his sister-in-law well enough to sense when something was amiss, but decided not to press the issue in front of everyone., he gave a reassuring squeeze to khushi's hand. "Khushi, don't worry. Payal's just adjusting to the changes. We'll all support each other."

Khushi nodded, but her worry for her sister remained. As the family continued to discuss and assign various tasks, Khushi kept a close eye on her sister, determined to find out what was bothering her. She knew that the bond they shared would help them through any challenge, just as it always had.

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Hope you like it!

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Love, ❤
Uzma