Arshi ff - A tale of love of Arnav and Khushi

34. The Weight of Secrets

Khushi sits in her room, her phone in hand. She takes a deep breath and dials her family, initiating a video call. On the other side, her parents Raj and Siya, along with her Chote Papa Viren, Choti Ma Divya, and brother Abhi, are seated together, their faces reflecting concern as they see Khushi's tense expression.

Khushi: [Speaking softly but with urgency.] "Hi, everyone. I'm sorry for calling so suddenly, but I needed to talk to you all."

Raj (Father): [Leaning closer to the screen, his voice calm.] "We're always here for you, Gudiya. What's on your mind?"

Khushi: [Takes a deep breath, trying to steady her voice.] "The Raizadas want to invite you all to the AR Fest next week. It's a big event, and they're excited for our families to finally meet."

Siya (Mother): [Smiles gently, though her eyes are filled with concern.] "That sounds wonderful, Bacha. But you seem worried."

Khushi: [Nods, her expression growing more serious.] "I am, Maa. I've been thinking about it, and I don't feel right about letting this meeting happen without telling Arnav the truth first."

Viren (Chote Papa): [His brows furrow in concern.] "You mean... the truth about his parents?"

Khushi: [Her voice wavers slightly.] "Yes. Arnav still doesn't know that his parents are alive. His father is in a coma, and his mother has... she's turned silent because of his condition. Everyone believes they're dead, but we know the truth. I can't let him find out from someone else during the event. He deserves to hear it from me before the families meet."

Siya (Mother): [Nods understandingly.] "We knew this day would come, Bacha. It's okay. We've been expecting the meeting, especially after Abhi returned home. Arnav deserves to know the truth, and it's better that he hears it from you before we collide with the Raizadas."

Raj (Father): [His voice firm but compassionate.] "You're making the right choice, Gudiya. Arnav needs to know the truth, and it's better that he's stabilized before the families meet. This is something he shouldn't find out in the midst of everyone."

Divya (Choti Ma): [Her tone is empathetic.] "You're right, Khushi. Arnav needs to know, but it won't be easy. How do you think he'll handle it?"

Khushi: [Closes her eyes for a moment, trying to steady her emotions.] "I don't know, Choti Ma. I'm scared he'll be devastated. This is going to shatter everything he's believed for so long. But I can't keep this from him any longer. It's time he knows."

Abhi : [Leaning in, his voice supportive.] "Khush baby, whatever happens, we're all here for you. You're doing the right thing by telling him before the event. He needs to know the truth, even if it's painful."

Raj: [Nods in agreement, his voice steady.] "Gudiya, you're doing what's right. The truth is hard, but Arnav deserves to hear it from you. We'll stand by you, no matter what."

Khushi: [Looks at her family on the screen, her heart swelling with gratitude.] "Thank you. I'll talk to him before the event. He needs to know what really happened... and why."

Siya: [Her voice is gentle but encouraging.] "He'll understand, Bacha. You're doing this because you love him, and he'll see that."

Khushi: [Nods, her resolve strengthening.] "I hope so, Maa. I'll tell him everything, and we'll face whatever comes next together."

Siya (Mother): [Gently.] "Khushi, how do you plan to tell Arnav? This is a lot for him to take in, and I'm worried about how he'll react."