Battle within Hearts

Chapter 4

Shantivan

'Khushi?' Exclaimed Akash Singh Raizada, overwhelmed to find his friend after a long gap of two years.

He took her in a brotherly hug while others kept admiring the bond they shared. While Adi, Arnav and Pankhuri were the cribbing and fighting friends, Akash and Khushi were the most mature and understanding friends.

'I missed my partner in crime. These three never left a chance to trouble me as I had no one to back up', Akash complained pouting.

Khushi chuckled at Akash's statements and replied, 'Dont worry, I am here now. We shall tackle them'.

'Hey happiness', called out an ecstatic Harish who rejoiced at the return of his favourite kid among the group.

Khushi spotted her most favourite uncle and rushed to embrace him.

'I missed you Uncle', Khushi expressed, her eyes brimming with tears.

He kissed her forehead affectionately and said wiping her tears, 'You are meant to spread happiness not to drown yourself in tears'.

'If you both are done, can we take Khushi along to enjoy? Like a youngsters night out?' Akash butted in.

'Awesome idea. We will have a blast like the olden days', Adi screamed delighted of the fact to spend time with the gang.

Khushi observed Avantika standing a few feet away from the crowd witnessing the scene not welcoming her yet. She had met all the members of the family and had enough of scoldings from them. But Avantika was unusually quiet. Like Harish, she too was very close to her and they were like her second parents. Though Harish kept in touch with her over the years, Avantika stopped talking to her the minute she left to Paris. Her hasty step was the reason and Khushi was determined to get Avantika's forgiveness.

She marched towards her and holding her ears in her hands, Khushi apologised sincerely, 'I am sorry Aunty. Please forgive me'.

Avantika gave a stern look to Khushi and was not prepared to melt to her apologies. Inturn she asked, 'Do you even know why am I angry on you?'

Khushi gave a confident reply, 'Because I left all of you without much prior intimation. I know my decision has hurt you all a lot'.

Avantika let out a sarcastic chuckle before answering, 'No Khushi, you are wrong. It was your life and you had all the rights to take decisions. I have better reasons to get angry on you'.

Khushi was puzzled to know that there was some other reason but nevertheless pursued, 'I know you wont share the reason Aunty, but can you not forgive me?'

Avantika still wondered how Khushi knew her so well when ever her husband and son failed to understand her sometimes. Maintaining the stern glance, she replied, 'Its not easy Khushi. Its not forgivable', Avantika strode out leaving a confused Khushi, lest she would let the truth out.

Khushi was still pondering over Avantika's words when she heard a loud scream echoing in the walls of Shantivan. All the heads in the room turned towards the staircase where Payal came running down with a goat following her. Raizada's pet goat- Lakshmi.

While the inhabitants of the mansion shared quizzical looks amongst each other, Khushi alone burst out laughing seeing her friend scared of a goat.

'Payal, meet my friend Lakshmi', said Khushi taking it in her arms.

'A goat?' Payal questioned arching her eyebrows.

'No! She is Lakshmi', boomed Devyani's voice not liking the way her pet was called a goat.