Choti Si Duniya - ArShi FF

127. When Khushi Goes Missing -1

Arnav knew it would be a disaster when he agreed to accompany Khushi on this shopping trip that evening. Because rather than visiting brand outlets or upscale malls commonly found in this national capital, her choice was 'Purani Dilli' (Old Delhi), (in)famous for its narrow lanes and jam-packed crowds!

And as he parked his SUV in the parking garage, which he fortunately found in this area which was supposedly "the heart" of old Delhi, he hoped that his beloved wife would complete her shopping quickly so they could get out of here. Besides, they weren't alone, his niece Piya as well as their own 3 kids had also tagged along! Piya like her maasi and her mother- Payal, loved shopping on the streets while Khushi had insisted Kavish to come with them today, so he learns young about bargaining skills! Forget that his father had taken a proper course in Harvard about professional ways to negotiate...

Anyhow.

Arnav could have easily denied her coming here but that damned guilt he carried with himself from over 12 years ago when he had let Aman shop for a handbag on her birthday and then hadn't been able to please her with whatever he arranged either always made him bend. And hence he had sworn to never deny her anything that she liked to own. In any case, his wife was a pretty low maintenance lady, her choicest things barely would cost anything and despite his urge to spend a fortune on her, the things that made her happy rarely carried a big price tag!

Which is why today, she had convinced him to come with her to Chandni Chowk, a famous place for its vibrant market and street food in Delhi.

Arnav stepped out of the car and paused for a moment, taking a deep breath as he observed the crowd they were about to merge into. Lucky for him, he wasn't alone in this feeling today, his son and his younger daughter, Aru, also seemed apprehensive as they looked at the crowd.

Meanwhile, Khushi, carrying Pari in her arms- who, despite recently turning five, still enjoyed being carried(and they indulged her) - along with Piya, had already sprinted ahead, clearly excited...

"Khushi, wait!" Arnav called her out, "Are you sure, you want to shop here? I mean- we can get whatever you need in Phoenix m-" he tried one last time. A man's got to try until the end, right?

Khushi twisted her lips as she replied, "Bilkul nahi (No)! Waha na toh dhang ki cheezein milti hai aur na mol bhaav kar sakte hai (Neither do we get good things there nor can we bargain)." she very kindly ended the argument, "Maybe you'll also pick that skill from me today." she added with a mischievous smile.

Arnav grimaced but kept quiet. No matter how much he was tempted to tell her that the 'mol-bhaav' she was talking about, he was known as the master of that art! A tough negotiator, always keeping AR in profits year after year!

Reluctantly he let his feet drag him behind her, with Chiku and Aru in toe.

.

.

Soon, Arnav realized he had underestimated the trade scene here. It was an entirely different ballgame, and Khushi seemed to be a true master at it!

For instance, she stopped by a small shop selling beautiful dupattas with chikankari work and started observing them.

"Socho mat, bass kharid lo bitiya, aaj hi aaya hai ye sara fresh maal, aise dupatte pure chandni chowk me nahi milenge (Don't think, just buy it, dear, it is the latest collection. You won't find such pieces in entire chandni chowk)." the middle-aged shopkeeper sweetly said to Khushi.

"Tum jaanti ho inhe (do you know him)?" Arnav asked, shocked that the shopkeeper addressed with a sweet endearment...

Khushi pressed her lips at his innocence and whispered, "No Arnavji, but yaha aise hi hota hai, they address you as bitiya, didi, bhabhi etc. You will also get new relatives today." she said with a chuckle.