Battle within Hearts

Chapter 3

Shantivan, New Delhi

That morning, though Shantivan was crowded with the Guptas and the Kumars, a wave of gloominess spread through the walls and the inhabitants. That particular day of every year, usually lost the charm it had. The reason being the death anniversary of Arvind Singh Raizada and his wife Ratna Singh Raizada, who lost their lives in an accident twenty years back.

Arnav Singh Raizada, locked himself up in his room, not allowing someone to either console him or drag him along to the havan that was being conducted. A particular person had the ability to bring him out of his dejected state, but to his dismay the very same person had disappeared from his life pushing him more deeper into the pit of darkness. Hence he preferred staying alone with the memories of his parents the whole day, reminiscing the beautiful days of his early life with them around, for the past two years.

'Anjali, just check with Pankhuri about Khushi's arrival', Devyani prompted.

'She will be landing soon Nani. I have asked her to come here directly', Pankhuri informed reaching them.

'After two years, I can again hope to see Arnav in the havan', Devyani's eyes brimmed with tears.

'Only she could drag him out of his room every single time', Anjali praised with a soft smile on her lips, remembering the times Arnav obliged Khushi and participated in the havan. They never really mentioned anyone on how Khushi could do that, neither the others questioned. All they wanted was Arnav to take part.

'She has that magic to spread happiness wherever she goes', Pankhuri commented fondly.

'And thats why she is Khushi, true to her name', Adi joined the ladies. 'I dont want her to see all these crestfallen faces when she arrives. You guys need to cheer her up, after all she is making an entry after two whole years!' Adi warned them.

Obliging him, everyone busied themselves in the preparations of the havan awaiting the presence of Khushi eagerly.

*****************

Delhi airport

After a long flight, both Khushi and Payal were exhausted and badly needed rest to overcome the jet lag. Unfortunately, Khushi's phone beeped indicating a message from her sister when she switched it on which read,
'Come straight to Raizada Mansion. Its 29th September today'.

How can she ever forget this particular day! It was the day she formed a deep bond of friendship with someone, slowly turning out into love, only to get rejected by the same person for all the foolish reasons! But she was a friend before everything, and after two years she finally had the opportunity to lend her support for that one friend who gave her the right (only her) to invade his space on this doomed day! She alone knew how she controlled her urge in these two years to call him up once on this day to check whether he was fine.

Pushing back all the thoughts to the back of her mind, Khushi got herself seated in the vehicle to her destination- Raizada Mansion!

***************

Shantivan

A crowd has been gathered at the living room, all dressed in white, seated in a row while a havankund was placed in the centre which emanated a huge puff of smoke, and there was no eye that was not teary. This was the sight that welcomed Khushi when she stepped inside Shantivan.

No one noticed her as their backs were facing her, while the loyal servant of Shantivan, Hari Prakash fondly called as HP by the inhabitants, spotted Khushi and rushed to take her bags. She gave a soft smile to him while HP's face glowed upon seeing her.