Chapter 15

Payal

I was over the moon after seeing everyone. Especially Khushi. There haven't been a moment we lived together, and suddenly these three days at Santivaan felt lonely without her. Of course Akash was there, Dadi ji, and everyone but still her place was something no one could ever fill even if someone tried to.

I was talking to Amma in the living room while Bua ji made sure to stuff Akash's mouth with every snacks she made. I smiled because Akash was enjoying it. He was happy with this and not awkward. And after seeing the family dynamics in Santivaan in the past three days, I could sort of understand why. Because having breakfast together everyday didn't mean they were that close as a family. Even strangers agree eat with other strangers everyday if situation calls for it.

"Bua ji, don't worry, mein sab kuch khake jaunga." Akash said as Bua ji filled his half plate with a few more Gujiyas.

"Wo toh khana hi padega, Babua. Humne masala samosa bhi banaya hain." Bua ji added and I smiled.

As they continued, I looked back at Amma. "Where is Babu ji?"

"He's resting. You can met him at lunch." Amma responded  with a smile, glancing at her bedroom.

I nod and looked around then glanced back at her. "Where's Khushi?"

"She went to walk Arnav Bitwa to his car." Amma answered simply.

I nodded again. He wasn't in a very good mood today. During the whole car drive, he only spoke to Akash about office. I could clearly tell he wasn't happy with coming to drop us, but couldn't or didn't really defied Dadi ji. I just hope Khushi won't tease him. She has a habit of doing that. As I was thinking that, suddenly I saw Khushi storming in through the front door then directly headed straight to her bedroom.

*

I sat with Khushi on the small backyard with tea and a container of Bua ji's special laddus. She won't be veryhappy about this in the morning, but we will see when the ship hits us. and I hadn't protestedwhen Khushi suggested this because I missed us. I missed spending time with her. And I was lonelyin Santivaan. So when everyone alongside Akash had fallen asleep soon after dinner and a small chit-chat when Khushi called me to the small backyard I follwed her. It also meant Khushi and I can spend time together without any kind of any interruption.

"So? How is married life?" Khushi asked with a big cheeky smile as she folded her legs in crisscross  and looked at me eagerly.

I smiled back. "I can't really tell anything in just three days but my Pehli Rasoli want good and, um, everyone is nice." I nod lightly.

Khushi's smile turned slightly mischievous as she replied, "Even Mami ji?"

That broadened my smile more and we both ended laughing. "No, no, she's good," I say, she haven't been overly understanding but she was just okay. "She haven't been calling me Khunbhari Tang now at least."

Khushi nodded as she sipped her tea. "How's Anjali ji?"

"She's fine, morning sickness and many more mood swings and sickness. But she's doing good." I say and sipped my tea too. Then I stepped into the unchartered area. This has been bugging me for a long time and more after I spoke to Akash.

I took a light shuddering breath as Khushi started eating her infinte number of laddu for the day. "Um, Khushi?"

"Hm?"

"What...do you think? About...Arnav ji?" I ask, holding my breath.

Her brows pulled together slightly before she looked up at me and asked, "Why? Why are you suddenly asking about him?"

I shook head almost too soon. Because she might be my younger sister, but she is a little dangerous than me.

"Then?" She added.

"I open my mouth and try to think of something, but nothing comes to me. So I sigh and give up, saying, "Do you like him?" I pause waiting for her answer.

She remained silent for a moment before shaking her head. "Not anymore."

Not anymore? Does it means she used to?

"Not anymore?" I ask, waiting for her to emphasize that.

She finished the laddu and reached for another one.

"Not anymore matlab?" I asked again.

"Matlab pehle karti thi, ab nahi karti," She said simply, keeping her gaze lowered as she focused on eating.

While I sat like the biggest idiot Devi Maiya has ever sent on earth. She used to like him, but doesn't anymore. What happened? Was it because of the Shyam thing? Or was it something else?

So I asked, "Kyu?"

After a brief pause she told me everything. Starting from the start to this morning. And honestly, I was speechless. I knew Arnav ji was a little cold and distant, rude even. But how he treated my sister was ridiculous and absolutely unacceptable. But I can't really complain. So many thing happened and she didn't felt like she could tell me. Maybe, somehow I failed as a sister.

"You will tell me immediately if anything happens, alright?" I tell her and only when she nodded, I smiled. I will have to tell Akash.

"By the way, Jiji, why did suddenly Jija ji came with you? I thought Pag Phere ki Rasam is only for the bride." Khushi asked, looking at me, changing the topic.

I smile. "He said he won't be able to sleep alone. I changed his habit of whole life in three days," I tell her. But I know why he came with me. And whether he admits or not, living with the Raizada family all his life can be a lot. I learned it only in three days.

"Amma was worried about how he will adjust here, you know. But Bua ji handled it." Khushi said softly.

I nod. "I was too. But he did well. And is sleeping already, so I think he is doing well." I say and she nodded. And we both fell in a comfortable silence. I don't know when I will find this peace again. Surely not it Shantivaan, neither will Akash. So, I will savor it while I have it with my sister.