Aapke Pyaar Mein [IPKKND AU] - to be continued

Chapter 26

The Raizadas had been standing at the door to welcome the Gupta family. Buaji and Garima entered rolling Shashi's wheelchair followed by Arnav and Khushi. If it were for Anjali, she would have had their Aarti done as a couple and carried out the Grah Pravesh ritual for her soon-to-be-Bhabhi right now.

'Namstey Madhumatiji. You took time in coming here.' Nani greeted them already engaging in a small talk

'What do I say Nand Kishore ? These girls nowadays.' Buaji complained looking at Khushi who dropped her jaw dramatically. 'This Sanka Devi took hours to get ready.'

'Anyway, here.' Buaji handed Nani a steel box. 'These are homemade laddoos. Payalia told how much you liked them when I sent them last.'

'Thank you Madhumitji. You make such delicious sweets, one can't have enough.' Nani smiled stating honestly.

Khushi looked at Arnav standing beside and motioned her eyes towards the ladies. He frowned his brows not understanding anything.

'Khushiji, why are you standing there? Come here, meet us.' Anjali called her with an excited smile plastered on her face.

Khushi moved to them and hugged both Anjali and Payal.

'You are looking so beautiful.' Anjali exclaimed pressing her hand and then giggled looking behind once at her brother whose eyes seemed to follow Khushi. 'You know, red suits you so much.'

Khushi lowered her eyes blushing a little. 'Thank you Anjaliji.'

Payal's eyes noticed something and she grabbed her hand frowning. 'Khushi, this...?'

'It's fake Jiji!' She pulled her hand back before Payal could examine it closely.

'Hello hi bye bye. Fakewa nahi hoga toh aur ka? Eh asli diamondwa lene ki aukat nahi hai ie Phati Sari ki haaa.' Manorama taunted at the opportunity and earned a glare from her mother-in-law. (What else if not fake? This Phati Sari can't afford a real diamond.)

Buaji grimaced at Mami insulting her niece while Garima pleaded her through her eyes to let it be.

'Arrey, why are you all still standing here? Come, let's sit.' Nani guided everyone towards the living area. Khushi threw a glance at Arnav and turned to move along with the rest but was pulled back by her sister.

'Khushi, what's the matter? You seem to have put some extra efforts into getting ready.' Payal examined her from head to toe and narrowed her eyes teasingly.

Khushi gulped and thinned her lips looking behind at Arnav. 'Um, no Jiji. You're mistaken. I just wanted to wear this new Sari, so...' She avoided Payal's expectant eyes and then composing herself pulled her Jiji's hands into her own.

'Leave me. Where's Jija ji? Is he hiding from his Saali Sahiba?' She snickered amusingly diverting Payal.

'He's in the room, will get down anytime.' She answered and then walked towards the others.

Khushi looked behind only to find him walk past her. Her eyes followed his trail with anticipation only to be met by dismay. He left for his room even looking back once.

'So Garima aunty, how is uncle's treatment going on?' Anjali asked while passing her a cup of tea.

The snacks and tea were served by Prakash brothers. Everyone from the Raizadas family including Akash and Mama excluding Arnav were sitting down in the living room. Mami was least taking part in any conversation. She was warned by Nani beforehand to keep her nonsense comments to herself.

'The physiotherapy has been going on bitiya. By God's grace soon he should be able to move.'

'I'm sure Garimaji, your husband will become fully well soon.'