Jab We Met

Part 5

"Arnav, she's my Buaji," Khushi added, her voice filled with affection as she introduced her aunt.

(Arnav, she's my aunt.)

"Baitho, Bitwa, I'll bring some coffee," Buaji welcomed him warmly, gesturing towards the couch. This was the first time she was meeting Arnav but she knew enough about him, thanks to her niece.

(Sit down, son, I'll bring some coffee.)

"Nahi. Iski koi zarurat nahi hai Buaji," Arnav tried to decline politely, feeling a bit out of place in this new environment.

(No. This is not necessary, aunt.)

"Aise kaise zarurat nahi, babua? Coffee ya chai peekr toh hi jana hoga," Buaji insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument. She was determined to show her hospitality.

(How can it not be necessary, son? You must have coffee or tea before you leave.)

Arnav reluctantly sat on the soft couch. She walked into the kitchen as Khushi sat beside him, grinning wide and was talking about something. Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen and saw it was an urgent call.

"ASR, there's another body we found in the outskirts," the voice on the other end informed him, urgency clear in their tone.

Arnav was momentarily stunned, the gravity of the situation sinking in. He knew he had to leave immediately. He stood up, his expression turning serious.

"Khushi, I have to go. Duty calls," he said, his voice firm and resolute.

Khushi looked at him with concern but nodded understandingly. "Be careful, Arnav."

Arnav gave her a reassuring nod before rushing out. As he drove away, his mind was already focused on the case, the urgency of the situation pushing all other thoughts aside.

Meanwhile, Buaji entered the room with a tray. "Ye lo, babua. Coffee..." she trailed off, not finding Arnav in his place.

(Here you go, son. Coffee...)

"Eyy Sankadevi, apne sanak se Arnav babua ko bhaga toh nahi diya na?" Buaji glared at her niece, who was lying on her stomach on the sofa, laughing while watching some reels.

(Hey crazy girl, you didn't scare Arnav away with your antics, did you?)

"Buajiii!!" Khushi glared back at her and said, "Mene nahi bhagaya, vo us serial killer ne bhagaya hoga. Office se call aaya tha toh vo chala gaya."

(Aunt!! I didn't scare him away, that serial killer must have. He got a call from the office, so he left.)

Buaji, still holding the tray, looked at Khushi shaking her head. "Pehli baar milne par hi kaam ke liye jana pada. Bahut zimmedar lagta hai tumhara Arnav babua."

(He had to leave for work on the first meeting itself. Your Arnav seems very responsible.)

Khushi nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Haan Buaji, vo apne kaam ko bahut seriously leta hai. Lekin vo phirse aayega, me leke aaungi, aur tab hum sab saath baithenge."

(Yes, aunt, he takes his work very seriously. But he will come again, I will bring him, and then we will all sit together.)

Buaji smiled.

_________________________

A few weeks later, Anjali brought Khushi to RM again for the weekend. As they entered, they saw Payal chatting animatedly with a young man. Anjali greeted him warmly, while Khushi looked on, puzzled by the unfamiliar face.