Accepting Reality

Part 31 - Leap

The scene opens with a quiet, serene morning in Sydney. Arnav and Khushi's spacious, elegantly furnished apartment is filled with the soft murmur of Sanskrit chants. The light filtered through the tall windows, casting a golden hue over the room where a small puja was being conducted in memory of Devyaani Raizada, Naani. The puja was an intimate affair, with just Arnav, Khushi, and their two-year-old son, Aarav, in attendance. Khushi was seated beside Arnav, her head bowed in reverence, her fingers absentmindedly playing with Aarav's hair as he sat on her lap, trying to imitate his parents' folded hands. The priest concluded the ceremony, offering blessings to the family. As he left, the apartment returned to its usual calm, the echoes of the chants still lingering in the air. Arnav remained seated on the floor, lost in thought, his eyes were fixed on the flickering flame of the diya. Khushi watched him, noticing the weight of grief still lingering in his eyes.

Khushi (softly): "Arnav... I wish there was something I could do to make you forget what happened three years ago. I'm so sorry... it was my mistake."

Arnav shook his head, his voice was gentle but firm as he placed a comforting hand on hers.

Arnav (whispering): "Shhh, Khushi. It wasn't your mistake. If anything, it was mine. We both know that..."

He trailed off, not wanting to dredge up the past any further. Khushi leaned into him, placing her head on his shoulder, as they sat in silence for a moment, drawing comfort from each other's presence. The day ended with them offering food to the homeless and needy which had become a ritual for the last two years.

The next day, the small family decided to take Aarav to the park. It's a bright, sunny day, the kind of day that invites laughter and joy. The park was alive with the sounds of children playing, birds chirping, and the occasional bark of a dog. Aarav, with his cherubic face and bright eyes, runs ahead, his giggles echoing as he chases after the birds and plays on the swings. Arnav and Khushi walk hand in hand, watching their son with smiles of pure adoration. Khushi tightened her grip on Arnav's hand and says laughing.

Khushi: "Look at him, Arnav, he's so enthusiastic he might run away somewhere"

Arnav nodded, his eyes never leaving Aarav.

Arnav: "He gets his craziness from his mother" he replied, smiling down at her.

Khushi: "Arnnaavv, stop making fun of my baby"

Arnav: "You know baby, this is the life I never thought I'd have, peaceful, simple, and with you. My baby and my baby's baby, our baby."

Khushi leaned her head on his shoulder as they continued to walk.

Khushi: "And yet here we are" she said softly.

Arnav: "And here we are, I wouldn't trade this for anything Khushi. Thank you for coming into my life, thank you for Aarav, thank you for everything you did for me. I don't want anything else, just us together forever."

Khushi: "Us always"

They found a perfect spot under a large tree, with enough shade to keep them cool and enough sunlight to keep the day warm. Arnav set down the picnic basket they had brought along, filled with all of Aarav's favourite snacks, and a few of their own. Khushi spread out a checkered blanket on the grass, smoothing it out before sitting down. Aarav came running over, his cheeks flushed with excitement.

Aarav: "Paa! Mama! Can we have sandwiches now?"

Arnav: "Of course, champ," he said, ruffling Aarav's hair.

Aarav plopped down on the blanket, his legs crossed as he watched his parents unpack the basket. Khushi handed him a small sandwich, cut into the shape of a star, which he eagerly took a bite out of. As they enjoyed their meal, Khushi glanced around the park. The families scattered about, the children playing, everything seemed so serene.