Bed Of Roses

part 4

Akash returned home from the office, exhausted but glad to be back. He made his way to the kitchen for a glass of water. As he approached, he overheard Khushi and Payal's conversation. He paused just outside the door, listening intently.

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

Payal's voice trembled 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?"

Akash's heart sank as he heard Payal's words. He realized he hadn't been paying much attention to her lately. Feeling a pang of guilt, he quietly retreated from the kitchen, not wanting them to know he had been listening. With a heavy heart, he headed to his room, his mind filled with thoughts of Payal's unhappiness.

Later that evening, Akash went to Arnav's room to discuss a project. Arnav was seated at his desk, reviewing some documents. He looked up as Akash entered, noticing the troubled expression on his brother's face.

"Akash, what's on your mind? You look lost," Arnav observed, setting aside his work.

Akash tried to brush off his concern. "Oh, it's nothing, Bhai. Just a long day at the office."

Arnav wasn't convinced. "Akash, I know you better than that. Something's bothering you. Tell me what's going on."

Akash hesitated, then sighed deeply. "Bhai, I overheard Khushiji and Payal talking earlier. Payal is unhappy, and I feel like I've failed her. I promised her so much when we got married, and now I can't even keep her happy."

Arnav leaned forward, his expression serious. "Akash, this phase shall pass. Relationships have their ups and downs. It doesn't mean you've failed."

Akash shook his head, his voice filled with regret. "I was the one who pursued Payal, who convinced her to marry me. I promised her all the happiness in the world, and now I can't even keep my word."

Before Arnav could respond, they heard a soft voice from the doorway. "Nothing is impossible, and it's not too late for anything."

Both brothers turned to see Khushi standing there, her eyes filled with determination. She walked over to Akash and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Jijaji, you can still make Jiji feel special. It's never too late to show her how much you care," Khushi said gently.

Arnav nodded in agreement. "Khushi's right, Akash. We've helped you and Payal come together before, and we can do it again. You just need to rekindle those old memories and make new ones."

Akash looked at them both, feeling a glimmer of hope. "How do I do that? Where do I even start?"

Khushi smiled, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "We can recreate some of your special moments, the ones that made you fall in love with each other. Plan a surprise date, take her to places that hold meaning for both of you. Show her that you still cherish her."

Arnav added, "Small gestures go a long way. It doesn't have to be grand; it just needs to be genuine. Payal needs to feel valued and loved."

Akash felt a surge of gratitude towards his brother and Khushi. "Thank you, both of you. I want to make things right, and with your help, I think I can."

The trio exchanged smiles, a sense of camaraderie and determination uniting them.
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Khushi paced back and forth, her mind racing with ideas. Arnav watched her from the bed, a mix of amusement and curiosity on his face.