Arshi ff - A tale of love of Arnav and Khushi

36. Shadows of the Past

As Arnav and Khushi stepped through the familiar gates of Vrindavanam, Khushi's family greeted them with warm smiles and open arms. Khushi's father, Raj, hugged her tightly, while her Chote Papa, Viren, patted Arnav on the back with a welcoming grin. Arnav felt a sense of ease; their hospitality and genuine warmth reminded him of the home he'd always longed for.

After exchanging pleasantries, they all settled in the cozy living room, the soft lighting creating a relaxed atmosphere. Khushi sat beside Arnav, her hand resting in his, while her mother, Siya, brought over a tray of tea and snacks.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Arnav began, "I was hoping you could all make it to our AR Fest next week. It would be a great opportunity for our families to finally meet. Everyone in the Raizada family is eager to meet you all, especially after all Khushi has told them about Vrindavanam." He smiled, his eyes flickering with excitement.

Raj nodded slowly, a faint smile touching his lips, but as Arnav's gaze moved across the room, he noticed a strange silence hanging over everyone else. Khushi's family exchanged glances, their faces reflecting a mix of hesitation and a weighty apprehension. Sensing the unspoken tension, Arnav's brow furrowed as he asked, "Is everything alright?"

Raj took a deep breath, breaking the silence as he cleared his throat. "Arnav," he began, his tone steady but serious, "you once asked Khushi if we knew about you... if we knew about your life and why we never reached out earlier."

Arnav felt his heart clench, a faint flicker of apprehension stirring within him. He nodded, unable to shake the sudden sense of dread creeping in. He could feel Khushi's hand tighten around his, her support steadying him even as his mind swirled with questions. The answer to a question he'd held for so long was finally within reach, yet something within him feared the truth it might reveal.

Viren leaned forward, his expression serious yet compassionate, as he addressed Arnav directly. "Arnav, before we tell you anything, please understand one thing: we were your family, we are your family, and we will always be your family, no matter what. Come what may, you will always have us."

Arnav's heart softened at Viren's words, but the uncertainty in his mind only deepened. He looked at Khushi, who gave him an encouraging nod, silently telling him to listen. Viren's calm demeanor helped steady the swirling emotions inside Arnav, but his curiosity and apprehension only grew.

Viren continued, his voice steady but filled with an undercurrent of emotion, "You might be wondering why we never reached out to you, why we stayed silent for so long. Please, Arnav, don't make assumptions. What happened... was far more complicated than anyone could have imagined. We didn't want to hurt you further."

Khushi, sensing the tension and the pain that her family was holding back, gave Arnav's hand a reassuring squeeze. The room fell silent for a moment, each person lost in their own thoughts, the weight of the impending revelations hanging in the air.

Arnav swallowed, his voice a little strained. "I've been asking myself that question for years. Why didn't you come? Why didn't anyone tell me? I've spent so much time wondering if I was just... forgotten."

Raj, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, his voice gentle yet firm. "Arnav, you were never forgotten. Not once. But sometimes, decisions are made out of fear, out of love, and... out of protection. The truth is, everything that happened—everything that led to the silence—we did it with the hope that, one day, we would be able to tell you the whole story."

Khushi felt the weight of those words, and though she knew it was time to tell Arnav everything, she also understood the pain and turmoil her family had gone through. She glanced at her father and Chote Papa, seeing their vulnerability.