The Raizada mansion was filled with a quiet anticipation. Arnav Singh Raizada had returned after two months, and the family had gathered in the living room.
As he stepped inside, his sharp gaze swept across the room. He gave a small nod to his father, Avinash Singh Raizada, a gesture of respect rather than warmth.
Devyani Raizada was the first to speak. "It's good to see you back, Chotte."
Arnav gave her a polite nod. "dadi." His voice was steady, distant.
Anjali smiled brightly. "Chotte, you finally remembered us?" she teased, moving forward to hug him.
Arnav allowed the brief embrace but didn't react much. "Di."
His mother, Ratna, stepped forward. Her eyes held warmth, love—something no one else in this house gave him.
He bent down and touched her feet before pulling her into a brief but firm hug. "Maa," he whispered, his voice holding emotions he showed to no one else.
Ratna smiled, cupping his face. "How are you, beta?"
"I'm fine now," he replied, his eyes briefly flickering toward Khushi.
As the conversation continued, Arnav's patience was running thin. He needed a moment away from these exchanges.
He turned to Ratna. "Maa, I'll freshen up before dinner."
Ratna nodded. "Of course, beta."
Then, his gaze settled on Khushi. His voice was neutral, but the intensity in his eyes told a different story. "Khushi, bring me some clothes."
Khushi's heart skipped a beat. Without a word, she turned and walked toward the stairs.
As soon as she reached their room, she moved toward the closet, hands slightly trembling. She placed a fresh set of clothes on the bed, knowing he would be there soon.
Before she could turn, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind.
"You took too long," Arnav murmured against her ear, his voice deep, husky.
Khushi gasped, her hands clutching onto his. "Arnav—"
He turned her around in one swift motion, his eyes burning into hers. "I was counting the minutes, Khushi," he whispered. "I need to hold you."
Her heart swelled with warmth. "I missed you too," she admitted softly.
Arnav wasted no time. He tilted her chin and captured her lips in a deep, consuming kiss. Khushi melted into his embrace, her hands clutching at his shirt as the world faded around them.
When they finally pulled apart, Arnav rested his forehead against hers. "I should freshen up," he muttered. "Or I won't let you go at all."
Khushi blushed, pushing him toward the bathroom.
As he disappeared inside, she smiled, already anticipating the long night ahead.
As Arnav freshened up, Khushi made her way to the kitchen, her steps light, her heart soaring with happiness. He was back. She had spent two long months without him, and now that he was here, she wanted nothing more than to be by his side.
She entered the kitchen and found Ratna already there, preparing a tray.
"Maa, I was just coming to ask if you wanted to have dinner in the room," Khushi said softly.
Ratna looked at her with a knowing smile. "I already set the plates, Khushi. You and Arnav should eat together in your room. He must be tired."
Khushi's eyes widened with surprise, then delight. "Maa..." she whispered, touched by Ratna's gesture.

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Echoes Of Silence - An Arshi FF
General FictionIn the grand Raizada mansion, silence is more than the absence of sound-it's a weapon. As Khushi Gupta enters an arranged marriage with the enigmatic Arnav Singh Raizada, she discovers a household haunted by unspoken pain and hidden torment. Her mot...