Arshi Love Saga: The Journey of Two Hearts

Chapter 2: The Unexpected Leap

Authors Note: I am not sure about the areas in Delhi so i am just using one of the names
Please follow the time lines so you know if its a flashback
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22 Feb 2018 : Malviya Nagar- Delhi

The early morning air in Delhi carried a crisp chill, a rare delight for the bustling city as the first rays of sunlight peeked through the quiet neighbourhood of Malviya Nagar. The serenity of the dawn was quickly overshadowed by the commotion inside the Gupta Residence. The usually calm household was thrown into disarray, with sounds echoing from the kitchen, dining room, and living room, creating a chaotic symphony of hurried footsteps and clattering dishes.

Garima Gupta, descending the stairs, was greeted by an unusual sight. Her younger daughter, Khushi, was darting back and forth like a whirlwind, moving with an intensity that seemed almost surreal for the early hour. It was as if an impromptu marathon had been set in motion, and Khushi was the only participant, determined to cross an invisible finish line. Garima's eyes widened in surprise, a soft smile playing on her lips as she observed the flurry of activity.

Madhumati Mishra, Khushi' Buaji, appeared at the top of the stairs, her face a picture of disbelief. "Hai re Nandakishore! What madness is this so early in the morning?" she exclaimed, her usual chant echoing through the hallway. Her gaze fell on Khushi, who seemed oblivious to the world around her, lost in her own frenzy.

"What is this, Sankadevi? First, I need to see if the sun has risen in the west," Buaji muttered, her voice tinged with both amusement and exasperation. She clutched her head, feigning a headache at the sight of the mess scattered across the living room.

"Buaji, I'm in a hurry! Don't disturb me!" Khushi shot back, her voice breathless as she disappeared into the kitchen once again.

"And what's the hurry today, hmm?" Buaji called after her, raising an eyebrow. "The girl who never wakes up before ten is running around like a squirrel. Has the night owl turned into a morning sparrow?" Her words were laced with mockery, but there was a trace of affection in her tone.

Garima, sensing the need to intervene, stepped forward and gently caught Khushi by the arm, halting her mid-stride. "Stop, Khushi. Take a breath," she urged softly, her eyes filled with concern. "Now tell me, what's going on, beta?"

Khushi finally paused, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. "Amma, I have an interview today," she confessed, her voice tinged with excitement and anxiety. "It's for a very reputed company-I've been waiting for this opportunity."

Garima and Buaji exchanged surprised glances. "An interview? That's wonderful news, Khushi!" Garima exclaimed, her face lighting up with pride. "But what's with this marathon from the kitchen to the dining room?"

Khushi glanced around, suddenly aware of the extent of the mess she had created. The dining table was laden with an assortment of dishes-parathas, aloo puri, samosas, and sweets. It looked more like a feast prepared for a grand celebration rather than breakfast for five people.

"I... I made breakfast for everyone," Khushi mumbled sheepishly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd do something useful."

Buaji shook her head in disbelief. "And you think this is useful? Waking the whole house with your ruckus?" she teased, her voice softening as she placed a hand on Khushi's shoulder. "And how much do you think we can eat, Sankadevi? You've made enough to feed an army!"

Khushi's smile was apologetic, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "I'm sorry, Buaji. I just got carried away."

Garima's expression softened, her heart swelling with affection for her younger daughter. "Beta, it's all right. But you should relax now. Go, take a bath, get ready, and we'll have breakfast together."