Rabba Mere Kya Hai Tere Marzi?

Part 28 (ii)

First of all, a very Happy birthday to Barun Sobti. May God bless him abundantly. Wish him everything of the best.
........................................................................

This is one of the longest updates I've ever written. I hope you all enjoy it, it's a compensation for not updating for so long. I hope it meets your expectations.

.......................................................................

After feeding her daughter, the duo sat in silence, admiring the serenity that the moonlight bestowed upon the pool water and the peace the plants provided. It was then that Arshi sought refuge in her mother's lap and relished the warmth she provided by closing her eyes. Khushi reciprocated by caressing her hair.

"This is home! My real home!", Arshi sighed. She missed this so much. She was so tired. This is so unlike her, to be aloof from everyone. She thought to let her guards down by conveying her feelings and the past to her mother. The whole Shyam fiasco, the reason why she initially refused to treat both her father and brother, also that she was the one who sent Sanjana and Sunaina to treat them, the reason of her arrival, and the fact that despite being away from them all for two long years, she still hasn't gotten over her horrid past that included him. She wanted to tell her mother about the reason of her arriving late today. But who was she kidding? It's easier said than done.

For the second time that night, her best friend's words echoed in the back of her mind, "Sab tumhari saath ki zaroorat hai, jataugi nahi par tumhari saath ki saag zaroorat hai!"
(Everyone needs, they won't say it but they really do need you!)

She wondered could she be there for her family without hurting them. Could she be there for her parents as their pillar of strength without crumbling herself? Could she really be herself despite knowing, that she is the cause of their plight? Could she trust herself with her family again?

While Arshi was fighting her inner conflict, Khushi's concentration was on her daughter. She also wondered what was going on in that mind of hers. She felt Arshi's body tense up against hers and saw frown lines appear on her forehead much to her dislike.
She caressed her forehead to ease out those lines causing Arshi to come out of her reverie.

Khushi's eyes clashed with her daughter's and what those eyes reflected left her bewildered, as this wouldn't be the first time she has encountered such emotions. Arshi's eyes held and conveyed regret, guilt and most of all, it held pain. It felt familiar yet distant. She wasn't oblivious to the depth of pain her daughter was experiencing but it felt distant. At least when Arnav was going through emotional turmoil, he would vent out his anger, conveying how disturbed he was. Arshi is not even doing that. She still continues to remain aloof from everyone except, her father.

Meanwhile in Khushi and Arnav's room...

"Dammit! Why didn't Khushi come yet? I need to talk to her. Does she hold me responsible for Aarav's condition? Does Aarushi also share the same sentiments? Is this the reason for their aloofness... Does she hate me for all my wrongdoings towards her mother? Do they hate me?

Also because of me Aarushi's engagement broke... What kind of father am I? What kind of person am I, who can't even look after his family? Because of me Khushi can't be herself? I'm so bad." Arnav cursed.

Arshi took her mother's hands in hers gaining her mother's full attention.

Khushi looked at her daughter preparing herself for whatever she is going to hear.

"Kaise ho Ma?" Arshi asked.
(How are you mom?)

Khushi looked at her daughter dumbfounded. Out of all the things she expected Arshi to say, this certainly wasn't one of them. On seeing her mother's expressions Arshi probed further, "I know jab se mein aayi hoon, mein aapke saath theek se dau baatein bhi nahi ho payi...
(I know, since I came I never sat down and spoke to you properly.)