"I will be taking my leave now," Arnav politely announced as he and Khushi entered the dining room side by side. Arnav glanced at Khushi with a hint of uncertainty in his eyes before directing his attention towards Buaji and addressing her as, "Buaji!"
Buaji placed her morsel of food back on the plate as she swiftly stood up. Arnav raised his hand, indicating that she need not interrupt her meal for him. "Please continue enjoying your dinner, Buaji. I just wished to express my gratitude to you and Shyam for your gracious hospitality before I leave."
However, Buaji disregarded his words and proceeded to walk around the table, approaching him with the intention of guiding him towards the door.
Khushi watched her Buaji and Arnav's departing figures, then redirected her attention to her brother who remained unresponsive, quietly eating his meal while disregarding Arnav's presence. She experienced a sense of internal conflict, torn between Shyam and Arnav. While she wanted to talk with her brother and address any potential misunderstandings, she also felt compelled to acknowledge Arnav and bid him a proper farewell. This dilemma left her uncertain about whom to prioritize her attention.
With limited time remaining to make a decision, she let out a sigh and swiftly followed Arnav and Buaji, making a mental note to pacify her brother at a later time.
*****************************************
"You should come over more often, chotuwa. You only came today because of the rain. You haven't visited me since the first time we met," Buaji said, looking at him affectionately as he stood at the door.
Arnav nodded, glancing at Khushi who had just arrived.
"Don't just nod your head, I genuinely hope you will come to visit me. If you make empty promises, I will not allow Titaliya to come to your office, and you will have to manage all your work without your personal assistant for an entire day!" Buaji threatened him, then chuckled playfully when Khushi widened her eyes exclaiming, "Buaji aap bhi na!"
"Aur haan.. don't forget to cover yourself with a warm blanket and drink some turmeric milk before you sleep tonight. You don't want to catch a cold, do you?" Buaji continued to affectionately pull his cheek until Khushi intervened, pulling her Buaji back and whispering in her ear to spare Arnav's cheek as it might be causing him discomfort.
"Arey kya disco-discomfort," Buaji expressed her annoyance at Khushi with a disapproving look, before turning to Arnav with a warm and affectionate smile. She gently caressed his cheek, which had been the target of her playful pulling stunt, and remarked, "Ye toh Buaji ka pyaar hai (This is simply an expression of Buaji's love)."
Arnav responded with a weak smile.
"Oh really, so we're the only ones who don't get your love at home?" Khushi teased Buaji, but her eyes were fixed on Arnav. She was surprised to see him smile because of Buaji.
"Sanka Devi.. do I not treat you and Shyam in the same manner as my own children?" Buaji raised her hands to pull Khushi's ear, but Khushi swiftly evaded her grasp and sought refuge behind Arnav, discreetly tugging at the hem of his kurta.
In order to save her from Buaji, Arnav cleared his throat to redirect Buaji's attention back to him as he stated, "I will make sure to drink turmeric milk before retiring for the night. I will take my leave now, Buaji."
Buaji expressions softened as soon as she heard his voice, with a smile gracing her lips again, she nodded at him, "Bye bye, chotuwa. Take care."
Arnav nodded as he turned to Khushi who readily volunteered to accompany him to his car in order to escape from Buaji's reprimands.
