Reawakening

Part 14 - Best laid plans

Anjali was enjoying her trip to her hometown. Her faith in her god did not deter even after receiving blow after blow in life and she loved visiting all the places she once used to frequently visit with her mum. She was in bliss with the feeling of nostalgia.

Even though she had previously paid visit to Lucknow during the takeover of Sheesh Mahal, there was always the fact she had to return back to Delhi, but now, she was free. Free to do anything she wanted, stay where she wanted.

Arnav's bitterness to visit Lucknow had by now reduced with Khushi being there. He was busy planning to bring her back to Delhi with some good proposal,.. "Di, Akash, what is the need for all of us to go? You know why I am going there. Leaving Nani alone and going, what's the point?" Arnav's arguments to visit the rehab centre alone, fell on deaf ears when both Akash and Anjali insisted they would accompany too. This soon started raising Arnav's concerns about Akash's purpose for visit. He was now for sure there was more to what the eye could see. He had to investigate.. Things were getting more and more complicated.

Nani was too glad to be left alone. She too wanted her me time!! So what if she was old? This was the city she grew up and had lived most of her life until they moved business to Delhi. Just being driven around the city was enough to invoke all the memories – good and some bad. With the passage of time, she had gained enough wisdom to bear the bad memories also with equal calmness. On a large scale to things, she knew "This too shall pass"

The whole night had passed with Buaji and Khushi recounting the events again and again, and Garima expressing shock and surprise every time Buaji unfolded the snakes character. Khushi wondered if they told anything different, but it was the same facts retold.. However, the Raizada men had in deed impressed both Shashi and Garima.

"Jiji, whatever you say, that Arnav beta is a gentleman. And Akash bitwa is no less. Both were so helpful. From what I saw, it is hard to believe what you all used to say about him", to which Shashi also nodded raising Buaji, Payal and Khushi's temper. Garima also added, "I think we should take their help and you two should come back here right away. We can always return it later. It is not safe for just you two in Delhi.." her mums instincts rose after hearing the dreadful story of the snake.

Straight away Khushi and Payal refused, "No, Amma don't you trust us? Just a few more days and Khushi and Buaji will be back. So no need to ask any favours from anybody." Remembering her mums words about them being a gentlemen,

"Yes yes, you will like them. You would have known how much of a gentleman he was when Khushi was working in his office" Payal complained, though she chose to keep quiet about the other Raizada. It was Akash who had helped Khushi then. However, now she wondered and colour rose to her cheeks as she thought, "was he coming to see me then?"

It was no surprise when Payal walked out glowing with a smile, Akash fell again!!

"Payal...." is all he had to say, when she could no longer hold her smile, and gave him a genuine full blown smile flattening him further.

"Akash I did not know you were coming today" she had to somehow control her smile from growing.

"Not just Akash, we are also here", Anjali too joined them while Khushi too had come out hearing Payal. Khushi was surprised again seeing Payal and Anjali hug each other. They seemed a bit extra friendly for her. But her attention soon grew to the fact that another gentleman was missing!!

"Di I will leave now, you stay with them" Akash excused himself from the ladies. Payal and Khushi raised their eyebrows, Anjali explained clearing their doubts, "Chote has gone to meet the doctor. Akash just wanted to drop me and go.."