Choti Si Duniya - ArShi FF

124. Guptas in Shantivan - part 2

It was a relaxed Sunday morning in Shantivan. After a busy post-Diwali week at the office and in school, the Raizada men and children took full advantage of a few extra hours in bed. Especially the cold early-winter mornings!

Normally, Khushi and Payal too would have stayed in their rooms a little longer, but with their Amma, Babuji, and Bua ji staying in their house, the Gupta sisters had woken up early and made their way to the room given to Shashi, Garima, and Bua ji. These moments of seclusion before the rest of the house- especially their husbands and kids- woke up and staked claims on their time was the only time Khushi and Payal could properly spend with their amma.

HP brought them their specially made tea with adrak-elaichi (ginger-cardamom), extra sugar and milk, just how Guptas preferred, and Khushi helped Garima sit in the high-back padded chair brought for her.

"Hum thik hai, Khusi, tum bhi ab apni chai pee lo (I am ok now, Khusi, have your tea)." Garima said, holding Khushi's hand as she was looking for an additional pillow for Garima's back support.

Shashi looked at his daughter with pride and love. He and Garima were indeed lucky to have a daughter who looked after their smallest of the small needs. Both their daughters did, in fact.

Garima had been diagnosed with early signs of osteoporosis, a disease associated with weakening of bones often observed in women post-menopause time. It was in fact Khushi's insistence that Garima went for a full body checkup and the hospital in Lucknow shared their preliminary diagnosis. Khushi and Payal then insisted that Garima come to Delhi and take her further treatment from here. It was not that they didn't believe the doctors in Lucknow wouldn't be capable, but mainly this arrangement would help them look after Garima. It would also help them look after their babuji and buaji as well with Garima herself needing rest.

Another thing that Garima had confided in khushi was having sudden bouts of feverish feelings, seemingly for no reason. And khushi had taken her amma to her trusted gynac who told them this was one of the known post-menopause symptoms. Commonly referred to as hot flashes.

Now, with all necessary tests and doctor visits completed, Garima was on a proper diet and medication routine, something which Payal and Khushi took care of.

It was decided that once the doctors confirmed Garima could resume her normal routine without needing frequent visits to the clinic, the Guptas would return to Lucknow.

Until then, they were to fully enjoy the hospitality of the Raizadas!

Lost in their conversation about mundane things and random topics, they lost track of time and didn't realize when more than an hour had passed.

It was payal who checked her phone to realize it was past 8 and she quickly excused herself to check on Palash.

"Ae parmeswari, ab tum bhi jao au apne baccho ko dekho (Now you also go and check on your kids)." Buaji said, fearing that more than her titaliya's kids, her husband (Arnav) would appear there if she didn't leave soon!

"I will go after some time, Buaji." Khushi said and resumed her conversation with her babuji about some new ways of making jalebi that she had learnt!

"Jiji sahi kah rahi hai (Jiji is right), bitiya. Tum bhor se hamare sath baithi ho, thodi der aram karo lo (you are here since dawn, take some rest)." Shashi said. Though the father in him selfishly wished for more time with both his daughters, he knew they had their own kids to attend too now.

Khushi pouted. "Fine. If you want me to go..." she said getting up.

"Pagaliya hai bilkul (she is crazy)." Buaji said affectionately.