Arshi ff - A tale of love of Arnav and Khushi

33. Gifts

In Arshi's Room,

Arnav, Khushi and Abhi were on a video call with Malhotra Family.

Abhi turned to Khushi, his expression softening as he held her by the shoulders.

Abhi: (gently) Bacha, you can't stay silent anymore. Remaining quiet won't help you or Arnav. You need to take a stand with him. Show them that you're strong together, that their words can't harm you.

Khushi: (nodding slowly) But Bhai, it's so hard...

Abhi: (encouragingly) I know it's tough, but you're not alone. You have Arnav, and you have us. We all believe in you. Now, you need to believe in yourself.

Arnav, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward, his eyes full of gratitude and determination.

Arnav: (firmly) Cookie, Abhi is right. We need to face this together. And I need to apologize to the entire Malhotra clan for not giving Khushi the respect and position she deserves as the eldest Raizada bahu.

Raj and Siya, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped forward with supportive smiles.

Raj: (calmly) Arnav, a grand wedding ceremony isn't the main concern. What matters is that you both have a healthy and loving marriage. We want you to strive through any problems together. Despite your differences, never be indifferent to each other's emotions.

Siya: (nodding) Exactly. A marriage is about the journey you take together, not just the ceremony that starts it.

Arnav: (feeling blessed) Thank you,  Raj Papa, Siya Ma. Your support means everything to us.

Raj: (smiling) So, when can we expect you both for a visit? It's high time we get to know our new son-in-law better. (In a teasing manner, wiggling his eyebrows)

Arnav and Khushi exchanged a glance, their hearts swelling with gratitude and love.

Arnav: (smiling) Soon, very soon. We can't wait to see all of you.

Khushi: (smiling warmly) Thank you, Bhai, Papa, Ma. 

Abhi: (grinning) Anytime, Bacha. And remember, we're always here for you.

He leaves after sometime.

...

As the morning sun cast a warm glow over the Raizada Mansion, the atmosphere was still tense from the recent confrontations. Anjali, ever the opportunist, seized the moment to create more drama. She dialed the Gupta family, requesting their presence at the mansion.

When the Gupta family arrived, they were greeted by Anjali's calculated hospitality.

Anjali: (smiling sweetly) Gupta family, please come in. We have some important matters to discuss.

She led them to the living room where the Raizada family was gathered.

Bua Ji : what is this Khushi? Why you introduced yourself as an orphan? We never knew you had a family.

The Guptas looked upset.

Garima: (shocked) What is this, Khushi? Why would you say such a thing?

Khushi: (stepping forward, her voice steady) I never said I was an orphan. I always said I was alone. Alone because I left my family home and was living on my own.

Arnav: (supporting her) And I always knew Khushi had a family. She was never hiding anything from me.

Anjali: (smirking) Akash, you must choose a wise daughter-in-law, unlike Arnav who chose someone who speaks white lies and traps her husband around her pinky.