Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh

Chapter 61: Proving Himself

Maya had slowly ascended to a position of power in the corporate world by building her own empire. Meanwhile, Malhotra Industries had been suffering significant losses over the past few years and was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Unbeknownst to Aarav, Maya had carefully orchestrated his isolation, preventing him from maintaining any contact with the office or the outside world. She cunningly secured his signatures to transfer every asset of Malhotra Industries to her newly formed business. With the support of Sumitra, Aarav's stepmother, Maya successfully seized the legacy from Aarav. As a result, his father's years of hard work and dedication were erased in an instant.

The little girl was just a month old when Aarav approached Maya, who was lounging on the couch, enjoying a moment of relaxation. "Maya, mujhe wo kuch baat karni thi tumse," he said.

"Kaho," she replied, flipping a page of her magazine.

"Hamari beti ka naamkaran ki rasam karna chahta hun main agar tum ijajat do toh," he requested.

Maya smiled and rose from the couch. She took the little girl in her arms and gently caressed her head. "Beta, der se sahi tumhare papa samajh gaye ki unhe har cheez ke liye mujhse ijajat leni padegi.."

Aarav looked at her with hope. Maya smiled warmly. "Of course sweetheart! Hum hamari beti ka naamkaran zaroor karenge."

He thanked her, and Maya carried the little girl into the room. Aarav followed and stood at the door, feeling anxious and worried about his daughter, as Maya's possessiveness sometimes became extreme. He sighed with relief when the little one fell asleep in her mother's lap. Despite everything, Maya never failed as a mother. Maya kissed her daughter's forehead and lay down beside her. Aarav admired the two and smiled, holding onto the hope that one day his daughter would change Maya's heart.

As Aarav stood there, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. He watched Maya's tenderness with their daughter, contrasting sharply with her often domineering nature. This gave him a glimmer of hope. Perhaps the innocence and unconditional love of their child would be the key to softening Maya's heart. Aarav prayed silently, wishing for a future where their family could be united not just by duty, but by genuine affection and understanding.

A few days later, as promised, Maya organized the naming ceremony for their child. Aarav emerged from the bathroom after his bath and glanced at his daughter, who was crying. He immediately lifted her into his arms and played with her. Within seconds, she calmed down, and her smile soothed him.

Maya entered the room and snatched the girl from his arms. "Get ready! Sab mehmaan aa gaye hai aur suno agar maine tumhe yahan wahan kisise bhi baat karte dekha toh..." she warned him.

"Don't worry, Maya, aaj tumhe shikayat ka koi mauka nahi dunga main," he assured her.

Maya left the room with the child. Aarav took a deep breath and donned his sherwani. He glanced at a photo frame of his parents and missed their presence. "Maa, papa, aaj aap hote toh yeh din aur bhi zyada khaas hota mere liye. Meri beti ko aapka aashirwad chahiye. Usey aap har dukh takleef se bachake rakhna," he prayed.

The ceremony proceeded with a blend of joy and tension. Aarav stepped out of the room and joined Maya for the ritual. The priest asked for the name of the child. Taking advantage of the crowd, Aarav quickly said, "Khushi Malhotra, pandit ji."

Maya gave him a sharp look, but Aarav ignored it, holding his daughter close. "Iske aane se meri zindagi mein khushiyan aayi hai isliye iska naam Khushi," he explained, his eyes moist with emotion.

Maya nodded in agreement. "Jee pandit ji, Khushi Malhotra."

After the naming ceremony, as the guests greeted the couple and began to depart, Aarav gently placed Khushi into her cradle, feeling exhausted yet hopeful for their family's future. He watched her sleep peacefully, hoping this moment of unity could be a step towards a better life together.