Reawakening

Part 11 - Back to normal - is it?

"Titaliya, I think we should not say a word about all this to Amma or Payal now." Shivering with dread, "Hai re Nandkishore, What was I doing? I had sacrificed the whole family by giving shelter to that snake. I don't want Shashi's treatment to be impacted in any way, but again like you mentioned earlier, if Shashi did know about that scoundrel we must tell him that he has been caught. At least he will be in peace while his treatment goes on." Buaji told Khushi as soon as Akash had dropped them home and made extra enquiries about Payal...

Snuggling close to her Buaji at night, "Buaji, let us keep to ourselves for now. Can't explain these things on the phone. Let us see how his treatment goes, I will take a few days off and we can visit them again. Buaji I feel very bad for Anjali ji. I know they have previously had a very bad past as well, now this...." She could not stop thinking of the sad chocolate brown eyes.

Overridden with guilt, Buaji hugged her tight and apologised sincerely. "Please forgive your Buaji titaliya, I was going to spoil your life." Khushi hugged her back saying, "As long as Babuji and Devi maiyyas blessings are there, we don't have to worry"

Next few days saw all the Raizadas get back into their normal duties, with Manohar taking up the legal issues concerned with the snake. With his previous marriage still valid, Anjali's was considered void, but he was looking into getting as severe a punishment as possible.

Having constant attention and company, Anjali was getting rather frustrated. She wanted to have some alone time which was quite difficult at Raizada mansion. One issue was bothering everyone. Arnav questioned his Di everyday, "Di, did anyone come to meet you today?" Lavanya quite guessed who he meant, but she dare not say a word..

Khushi kept to herself, she dared not even sleep in RM's direction. She got even busier with her work and seriously contacted all her acquaintances in Lucknow to find something suitable. Even though she had wanted to see Anjali, it was too much to take in for the poor soul.. Yet she had called and spoken to Anjali, who sincerely thanked Khushi "Khushi ji, if it was not for you, we would have never known the truth. We were all in our bubble which you have come and burst open. I can't even imagine how terrible it would have been if things had gone further."

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Another soul was also on a guilt trip which was eating him day by day. Every time he saw Lavanya, he tried to avoid her, but for how long could this continue. Mustering all the courage, nearly a week since the upheaval in their lives, "Lavanya, I need to discuss a few issues"

She knew it..

One day or the other, it had to come. She was rather surprised it wasn't any earlier. Though there was no mention of Khushi since the fateful day, it was painful for her to think Khushi still resided in every one's mind and in one person's heart, because they consciously avoided speaking about her.

"Yes ASR, go on? What's bothering you?"

"Lavanya, I don't know how to say this,.. but it has to be said.. I don't want to keep you in the dark.. because.. because.." he hesitated

ASR hesitating in front of a girl..., She let him continue, Lavanya wanted to have a bit of fun....

"I am extremely sorry, I feel ashamed to have dragged you this far, but I will not be doing justice if we continue like this. " he said with his head bent..

"ASR?" she looked at him, concerned but expected him to elaborate.

"Lavanya, You have slowly gained everybody's trust in this house, we all have a very high opinion of you. You have earned a special place in this house. Especially Nani, who now completely depends on you, thinking you as her own. How much you did for Di, I can never thank you enough. "