Choti Si Duniya - ArShi FF

138. A hands-on dad

This chapter is for ZainabKhan211748, a very dear reader of CSD. Thanks for waiting patiently for this one, dear!❤️🤗

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Mohan watched in the rear-view mirror, his workaholic boss was still having a laptop open on his lap and typing away something. In the last 15 years since he worked for this man, he had always seen Arnav have the same dedication to his work. Yes, after marriage with khushi ma'm and then having kids, he had reduced his crazy work hours. Yet, there were days like this, when Arnav sir refused to stop until every task was done. On such evenings, Mohan was asked to drive him home.

Unknown to him, his Arnav sir was not working on any of the AR deals, but science project for his 9-year-old! Kavish's school had given him a project which had a very tight submission schedule and arnav, as usual, had come to his baby's rescue. Yes, mostly it was khushi who took care of their homework and as per their mutual understanding, until her hindi-medium education didn't become a limitation, she was going to take care of their kids' homework. But some occasions, he was asked by her to help and other times, he would volunteer himself, as he had today.

After Mohan parked the car in Shantivan's driveway, Arnav finally looked up from his screen and realized they had arrived. He closed the laptop, kept it in the bag and gave an acknowledging smile to Mohan who wished a 'shubh-ratri', that sounded less formal tonight as it carried an unsaid 'take rest' as well.

When Arnav stepped into the hall, he was met with unusual silence. A quick glance at his wristwatch told him why, it was past 10 pm. Between traffic and stops along the way, he hadn't noticed how late it had become. Well, it was way past the children's bedtime; no wonder the house felt so still.

He took quick steps on the stairs and reached his bedroom.

Sure enough, he saw khushi come out of kids' bedroom, having put them down for the night.

"Bacche so gaye (kids went to sleep)?" he asked the first question as he saw her.

Khushi smiled, "Haan, Arnavji. Aap ko itni der kaise ho gayi (why did you get so late)?" she asked, taking the laptop bag from him.

He sighed. "Sorry. Actually, I had an impromptu meeting in the evening. Main nikal nahi paaya (I couldn't leave on time). I know kavish has that project deadline-"

Khushi stepped closer, helping him get out his jacket and tie, "Arnavji, why did you stress yourself so much? You could have called me, no? His project got 2-days extension. So, we have time."

"Really? Thank goodness." Relief washed over him.

"Haan." She smiled, brushing her hand over his arm. "Ab aap be-fikr ho jaiye (Be stress-free now). Go, freshen up. I'll get your dinner here itself."

It was post-dinner, when they both sat by the poolside, arnav showed her the progress he made on the science project and sought her approval. Although, most kids would be taking their parents' help if not all, Arnav's dedication to it was on another level!

She couldn't help a chuckle escaping her mouth, seeing him take it as seriously as a multi-million-dollar business proposal.

It made Arnav look at her in confusion, "Why are you laughing, Khushi?"

She shook her head, still smiling warmly. "I don't know, Arnavji... it's just, seeing you this serious about a primary school project, it's kind of adorable."

He blushed a little, but said, "I know. I just want to ensure that kavish has everything perfect. His project should be the best in the world!" his voice carried his sincerity.