Twists and Tales of Arshi

OS 6: Cherished Whispers

This one is you for polymath_land I know it is too late but you know what happened during those days🙈🙈🙈 so belated happy Birthday Bhavi ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Arnav strode towards his abode, a broad smile lighting up his face—a stark contrast to the man he was years ago. Back then, if someone had suggested he'd yearn to leave the office for home, he might have met them with a defiant punch, dismissing it as utter nonsense. Yet, here he was, finding the solace he once sought in his office now within the walls of his home. It was as if someone special had breathed life into his once mechanical existence. His residence, aptly named Shantivan, resonated with a continuous melody of her laughter, her playful giggles, her occasional whining, and her voice—a symphony of sounds that brought everything related to her to life.

As he pressed the doorbell, HP, the housekeeper, flung the door open, gasping for breath. He must have sprinted like a marathon runner, fearing Arnav's wrath for any delay. But instead of the expected scolding, Arnav's chuckle filled the air, accompanied by a warm smile. Stepping into his sanctuary, he inquired with a gentle tone, "HP, Khushi kaha hai?"

HP's smile was a familiar sight in Shantivan, a testament to the profound change in Arnav since Khushi had entered their lives. The once stoic Arnav now wore his heart on his sleeve, his face a canvas of emotions that HP had never seen before. Khushi was the embodiment of joy in Arnav's life, a fact HP acknowledged with a respectful nod, "Bhabhi aapke kamre mein hai, Bhaiya.”
(Bhabhi is in your room, Bhaiya.)

Arnav responded with a grateful nod, entrusting his laptop bag to HP, "HP, please bring black coffee and pomegranate juice."

"Of course, Bhaiya," HP replied, his eyes twinkling with anticipation of the impending event.

As Arnav made his way across the hall towards his sanctuary, his steps halted at the sound of his sister's voice. "Chottey." With a resigned sigh and a momentary closing of his eyes, Arnav turned, his voice carrying a mix of affection and weariness, "Haan, Di?"

"Chottey, guess who's here to see you?" Anjali halted Arnav in his tracks, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she fought back a smile. She relished every opportunity to tease her brother.

Arnav's gaze shifted to the visitor, and he couldn't help but roll his eyes. It was Sheetal, the so-called friend from Harvard who seemed to have made his home her regular haunt. With a tone laced with annoyance, he remarked, "Di, why the suspense? She's here practically every other day." Anjali's expression faltered, turning to her guest with an apologetic gasp.

Facing Sheetal, Arnav's words were pointed, "Sheetal, don't you have a job to attend to? No offense, but as a single mother, shouldn't you be looking for work? How else will you support your son?" His intent was clear: to nip this intrusion in the bud before his home became her permanent residence.

Sheetal's cheeks were flushed with embarrassment, her attempts to capture Arnav's attention failing miserably. Aside from Anjali, no one seemed inclined to engage with her. With a look of feigned vulnerability, she pleaded, "I've been job hunting without any luck. Ar... Arnav, could you possibly help me?"

Arnav recoiled as if Sheetal were an unpleasant odor he wished to distance himself from. His eyebrow arched in disbelief, "Me? What could I possibly do about it?" He had an inkling of what was coming next.

With a calculated gesture of innocence, Sheetal tucked her fringe behind her ear, "Could you help me secure a position at AR?"

Anjali's heart sank. She knew Sheetal had crossed a line. If there was anything Arnav held as dear as Khushi, it was his AR. The company was his fortress, impregnable to all but the most worthy—and Sheetal had just attempted to breach its walls.