Retrouvaille: An IPKKND FanFiction

Chapter Ten: Demons

It was half-past eight when they drove past the secured gates of Shantivan. He heard the gates beep shut behind them, followed by a distant babble of his guards to kick in the security system. He briefly focused his eyes on the road that led to the garage before looking at the woman who sat on the passenger seat and then, at his hand firmly held into hers.

Their afternoon with the Guptas hadn't turned out to be as he had hoped for, but the family's love towards him more than made up for the tension that stayed in the air long after Khushi accidentally let it slip about his kidnap. Garima, along with Khushi, had hovered over him for the rest of the evening to ensure that he felt at home. She made his favorite Lucknowi food for dinner with Buaji and ensured that his tea was brewed exactly to the strength he liked. It was served right after a scrumptious dinner with a heaping bowl of fruits next to it. For someone who had shied away from the concept of being pampered, Arnav had thoroughly enjoyed the attention from Garima. Not that he had never felt the love from his family. Between his elder sister, aunt, and grandmother, there was never a moment when he had felt alone after the sudden passing of his mother.

But the three Raizada ladies were not his mother.

Garima was.

As they waited for someone to get the door, he tried to remember the last time he had felt truly peaceful as he did at that moment. He liked it – feeling the love of a mother after so many years. If someone had told him a year ago that Khushi and her family would be an integral part of his life, he would have scoffed. Now, he knew he wouldn't have it another way.

And so, when his wife was engulfed into a bear hug from her sister, he smiled.

"Khushi," Payal sounded visibly upset, "I told you to come straight back home after the meeting."

"I know, Jiji. But Arnav ji thought it would be a good idea to visit Amma," she replied, "And it was. It was so good to see them. Did you know Babuji can now move his hand? I don't know how I missed that!"

Payal quietly nodded and gestured Khushi to come with her to the dining room. When they reached the dining room, they saw Akash and NK at the table with half-eaten food in front of them. They seemed to be immersed in deep discussion over something that stopped abruptly as soon as they realized that they had company. Arnav did not miss that the conversation died down quickly upon their arrival. Nor did he miss the forced smile that stretched across NK's face. Akash followed the suite. He had to ask what were they up to.

"Nannav, Khushi ji," NK exclaimed, "Welcome back home! Join us for dinner. Shall I grab you both a plate?"

Khushi shook her head, "Thanks, Nanhe ji. But I think if I eat anything more, I'd burst. Amma made sure I ate enough to last me through the rest of the week," she added with a pout. Payal chuckled at her face.

"You are too funny, Khushi ji!" NK said. "I won't keep you long at the table then. Why don't you freshen up – maybe we can have coffee later?"

"No, NK," said Arnav, "Maybe tomorrow? We are very tired. Payal, why don't you walk Khushi to the room? I will join soon – I just have something to talk to Akash."

Payal nodded at the brothers and then turned to Khushi. "Let's go", she exchanged a look with Akash before she ushered Khushi out of the dining room.

"So, what's the matter?" asked Arnav as soon as the sisters were out of the earshot. "What were you talking about before Khushi and I came home?"

Akash exchanged a nervous glance with NK. "It's about Di, Bhai," he muttered, "We thought to call you before, but NK suggested we wait till you are back. We didn't want you to worry."