Bed Of Roses

part 3

Arnav sat in his room, reclining in a chair as he conducted an important online meeting with a major client. His focus was intense as he discussed the intricate details of the deal, eyes glued to his laptop screen. The faces of serious businessmen and women filled the display, all deeply engaged in the conversation.

Just then, Khushi entered the room. She paused for a moment, admiring her husband's handsome features. Her heart swelled with love, and she couldn't resist the urge to express her affection. Without noticing that he was on a call, she walked over and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. "You look so handsome, Arnavji," she said with a dreamy smile.

Arnav was startled, his eyes widening in shock. He quickly muted his microphone and turned to her, whispering urgently, "Khushi, what are you doing?"

Khushi, still in her own world, replied casually, "What? Can't I kiss my husband?"

Arnav subtly gestured toward his laptop with his eyes. Khushi followed his gaze and saw the faces of his clients staring back at her, some with teasing glances and others trying to suppress their smiles. Realizing her folly, she bit her tongue and her eyes widened in embarrassment. "Sorry, Arnavji," she mumbled, retreating quickly.

Arnav gave her a quick nod before turning back to his laptop. "I apologize for the interruption," he said, trying to maintain his professionalism. "Let's continue."

His clients exchanged amused looks but nodded in agreement, allowing the meeting to proceed. Khushi sat on the bed, her hands clasped in her lap, waiting patiently for Arnav to finish, hoping he wouldn't be too mad at her.

Just then, there was a soft knock on the door. Payal entered the room, carrying a tray with some fresh apples. "Khushi, I brought you some apples. They're very good for you during early pregnancy," she said with a warm smile.

Khushi returned the smile, grateful for her sister's thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Jiji."

Payal placed the tray on the bedside table and glanced at Arnav, who was wrapping up his meeting.

Arnav finally ended the call and closed his laptop. He turned to Khushi, who was looking at him with a mix of guilt and hope. "I'm sorry, Arnavji. I didn't realize you were on a call," she said softly.

Arnav's stern expression softened as he looked at his wife. "It's alright, Khushi. Just be careful next time."

Payal, sensing the tension, quickly tried to inject some humor into the situation. "What happened? I bet, this sanka devi must have done something stupid!" She slightly hit khushi's head making her pout

Arnav chuckled, his earlier annoyance dissipating. "You are right, Payal. You know what she did in the middle of my meeting? She ki..."

"Nahiii.. He's lying.. He's lying jiji.. I didn't kiss him" Khushi hurriedly tried to prove her innocence

"But khushi I didn't say anything about a kiss?" Arnav teased, making her utter a "hawww"

Payal smiled, understanding what must have happened. She patted Khushi's hand. "Take care, Khushi. I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything."

Payal left the room, closing the door softly behind her. Khushi pouted and asked "Why you told it in front of jiji? I feel so embarrassed"

Arnav raised his eyebrow "seriously? And what about me feeling embarrassed in front of my clients? Do you have any idea, how awkward it gets, when my employees and clients look at me with those teasing glances"

Khushi was really feeling bad about it "I'm sorry Arnavji" She repeated her apology

"It's okay khushi, And I love you for being you, even if you do surprise me sometimes."

Khushi smiled, feeling the warmth of his forgiveness. "I love you too, Arnavji."

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The aroma of spices and freshly cooked food filled the kitchen as Payal worked diligently, preparing lunch for the family. Khushi entered the kitchen, her steps light but purposeful. She observed her sister for a moment before speaking.

"Jiji," Khushi said softly, her voice tinged with concern. "Can we talk for a bit?"

Payal looked up from the vegetables she was chopping, a teasing smile playing on her lips. ""If you had asked permission from Arnavji, just like this, you could have avoided the embarrassment" she said, trying to lighten the mood.

Khushi blushed, her cheeks turning a rosy hue. "Jiji, stop teasing. That was so embarrassing!" she exclaimed, but her smile quickly faded. "Actually, I wanted to talk about something else. You seemed a bit off earlier. Is everything alright?"

Payal's smile wavered for a moment, but she quickly masked it with a reassuring expression. "I'm fine, Khushi. Just a little busy. You should be resting, not worrying about me."

Khushi wasn't convinced. She knew her sister too well to be fooled by such a simple deflection. "Jiji, I can tell something's bothering you. Please, talk to me."

Payal continued chopping the vegetables, avoiding Khushi's gaze. "It's nothing, really. Just some thoughts, that's all."

Khushi moved closer, her concern deepening. "Jiji, you're my sister. If something's troubling you, I want to help. Please, tell me what's going on."

Payal's movements grew more deliberate, her face tightening with each slice. After a moment of tense silence, she sighed and put down the knife. "Khushi, Can't you see I need some space?"

Khushi was taken aback by the sudden outburst. "Jiji, I'm just worried about you. Why are you pushing me away?"

Payal turned to face her, her eyes flashing with frustration. "Because not everything is about you, Khushi! You have everything now – a loving husband, a baby on the way. But have you ever thought about what I want? What I might be going through?"

Khushi's heart ached at her sister's words. "Jiji, I never meant to overshadow you or make you feel less important. I just want us to share our lives like we always have."

Payal's expression softened slightly, but the hurt in her eyes remained. "It's not about overshadowing, Khushi. It's about feeling... left behind. Everyone's so focused on you and the baby. Sometimes, I feel like I'm invisible."

Khushi reached out and took Payal's hands in hers. "I'm so sorry, Jiji. I never realized you felt this way. But you are not invisible to me. You are my sister, and I love you. Please, don't let this come between us."

Tears welled up in Payal's eyes as she squeezed Khushi's hands. "I love you too, Khushi. I just need some time to sort out my feelings. Can you understand that?"

Khushi nodded, her own eyes misting with tears. "Of course, Jiji. Take all the time you need. Just know that I'm here for you, always."

Payal hugged Khushi tightly, both sisters finding comfort in each other's embrace. They stood there for a while, letting their bond heal the rift that had momentarily formed between them. The unspoken promise of support and love lingered in the air, reaffirming their unbreakable connection.

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Love ❤
Uzma