Khushi opened her eyes to a room with white walls. Her first realization was a splitting headache and terribly aching leg. Slowly it dawned on her that she was in a hospital. She looked to her side to see her father looking at her with worrisome face. She slightly smiled at him only to be embraced in a comforting hug. He kept on patting her back until she made an effort to break the hug.
Few minutes later , the doctor came to check her vital statistics and declared that she was all right except for a broken leg which will require 3 weeks rest .She would be discharged on same time the next day. Her leg was already in a cast. She looked at her father apprehensively.
She belonged to an all male family and her immobility would be their primary concern. They all were going to be utterly inconvenienced for quite a while. She really felt guilty for ever trying to ride all alone.
Mean while she received calls from both her brothers. She had a tough time placating Abhay who was already getting ready to come. She didn't want her brother's scheduled to be affected. She knew once here, he wouldn't be able to leave her side. So she made him promise on her to wait until she calls to come.
Ron was already on his way back when Khushi admonished him stating that he was the only representation from family and he couldn't walk out on them.
Khushi knew her brothers would rather be with her when she is injured than being anywhere else. She was brought up with strong family values. She knew the family name bought quite a few responsibilities with it. So she couldn't let him take an emotional decision. Ron agreed stating that as soon as the knot is tied he is catching the first flight back, which was still 2 days away.
She knew her family cared too much to ask any questions on her disobedience but then she will have to ask an apology. But that will have to wait. Her father hovered feeding her dinner and the nurse helped her with the washroom. That was when it hit her. How was she going to manage the 3 weeks with no female to help. She couldn't show her concern. It would devastate her father. She knew he might have already thought about it but was not voicing it. Probably they could arrange a home nurse.
With these thoughts in her mind and a non stop chatter with her father in an effort to cheer him up, she finally fell into a deep slumber.
The next day morning while she was lying on bed waiting for her father to clear hospital bills, she had visitors.
Akash and NK. They had barged in with a flurry throwing all kinds of questions at her. She couldn't suppress her smile at the commotion they made. She made them sit and explained them what happened. While chatting with them , her father came back with Arnav following him. He looked at her with such fury she could feel its burn. She just couldn't fathom why fury.
Akash and NK had volunteered to get things ready at home while Arnav stayed back with Shashi. He noticed she wince in pain when she was helped by the nurse to get her to washroom. He waited out with her father until she was ready to discharge from hospital. Shashi helped the nurse to get Khushi to wheelchair while Anav held the door open for them to proceed taking along with him her luggage for the day.
While walking Arnav was in deep thought. "How is she going to manage? It was painful for her to get up from bed. How will she do her chores with no women at home? I shouldn't have taught her to ride. Damn It!" Finally an idea stuck him. "I could do this much for my friend",thinking of Ron
While Shashi made his way home with Khushi, Arnav left for his home.
He went straight to his mother who was in the kitchen instructing Hariprakash for lunch.
"Ma,I need a help from you" said a flustered Arnav.
Saanvika was surprised and concerned, to say the least. Her son had never asked anything from her after he had turned 6 year old. Till then his only plea was to get him near her,out of the boarding school. She didn't want to recall that heart breaking conversations. So she concentrated on the present
Arnav explained in as little words as possible his requirement to help his friend's sister. He concluded "she had been put on constraint on her movements.Her father could arrange a home nurse but I think Ron would be happy if you are there. If it is inconvenient,it is ok to say so"
Saanvika was sad to hear the formal tone of her only son but she was determined to look past that. She wanted to grab this oppurtunity to help him. She stood up without saying anything and walked towards the door. Arnav watched with an indifferent look. He had trained himself to expect the worst in all situations.
At the door Saanvika turned around and asked "Don't you want to show me the route".
She didn't miss the twinkle in his eyes. She was happy of her decision.
The driver drove them to the Zala Residence. Saanvika looked at the building which had two floors. She followed her son to the house.
He knocked on the already opened doors. The first sound that reached Saanvika as she entered wass the mirthful laughter of a girl. She half smiled at the sound as she followed Arnav to a room upstairs following the sound of the laughter. As she walked in through the door , she watched an angelic face of a girl who was laughing her heart out with her eyes closed.
Khushi opened her eyes to hear the scream of "Badi Maa" from Akash and NK. She saw a serene looking lady with a kind smile and calm eyes looking straight at her.
"Mother like" that was the first thought she had and she had no idea what prompted it.
She looked at lady enquiringly with a smile. Arnav volunteered "My mother".
As Khushi looked on she sat beside her and gave her a full dazzling smile. "Khushi" said she introducing herself.
Arnav hovered for a few minutes listening to NK and Akash, looked at Khushi and before leaving said to his mother "Call me if not comfortable". Saanvika responded "Yes. Though I don't think that would be required. Have your lunch,Beta".
Khushi's father came back after giving directions for the lunch. To his surprise he saw a lady with Khushi. Saanvika got up from beside Khushi, folded her hands and said "Namaste,I am Mrs Saanvika Jai Singh Rathode. Arnav's mother". Sashi returned the greeting politely . After exchange of pleasantries , an awkward silence seems to fall. Saanvika initiated the reason for her stay stating "Since there are no ladies here I thought I would help Khushi until she is good enough to manage on her own, that is only if you have no inconvenience".
Sashi didn't know should he be relieved or confused. So he replied "I have arranged for a home nurse who should be here starting tomorrow". Saanvika looked at Sashi thinking what it would have taken him to bring up a daughter with no mother to support. She supplied "I would be like to be of help to Khushi,if she don't mind" and smiled at Khushi
Khushi gave a beaming smile and said "Not at all. Let her stay Babuji. It would make me really happy"
Sashi gave in to her insistence and smiled at Saanvika, nodding his approval. He left the room silently. Akash and NK had been listening to the interaction .
Akash said to Saanvika in an affectionate voice "Thanks Badi Maa. Khushi is our little sister. We couldn't have asked for a better person to help her" to which Saanvika replied with a smile "So she is family, then what is the need for thanks"
Khushi was already beginning to like her.
Saanvika sat beside Khushi and asked "How are you feeling, bitiya? Are you feeling any pain?"
Khushi : "No Aunty but I am feeling sleepy"
Saanvika said with a smile "I am addressing you as beti, Shouldn't you call me Ma".
Khushi was taken back. She could never recall herself calling her mother that. She had been too small to recollect her interaction with mother. She was overwhelmed but she didn't want to pull a drama in front of Akash and NK.
She collected herself together, put her signature smile and responded "Then Amma it is."
Saanvika bent forward , hugged her and gave a small peck on her forehead. NK and Akash looked on with a very satisfied smile. "Gudiya is now officially family" thought NK.
Later Saanvika helped Khushi to lie down. She sat beside Khushi while she explained to Saanvika about her family. She had been explaining about her brothers and Bauji with such passion, Saanvika couldn't help her smile that adorned her face for the entire narration. "Girl absolutely loved her family" thought Saanvika happily
Khushi continued her chatter until she fell asleep with Saanvika running a hand through Khushi's hair. Khushi fell into a deep sleep with a happy smile on her face. Khushi was busy enjoying her first taste of mother's love after a very long time
Another first from Arnav to Khushi
Meanwhile Saanvika was busy admiring her first beti ever. "Trust my son to bring me to a family with no introduction what so ever. I have no idea what Khushi's life is like, who all are there and what happened to her mother" thought Saanvika. She had notice the various emotions that had flickered across the large brown eyes of Khushi when she had asked Khushi to call her as mother. That had been an instinctive reaction for Saanvika too. She never had been the kind to impose relationships so soon, especially not of a mother. But seeing Khushi , the words had come out without a thought. She had felt Khushi had needed it and she too had been longing for a daughter. She had a very strong conviction in her heart, Khushi would prove to be an adorable daughter. For the first time after seeing Khushi, Saanvika took a good look at her. She was a beautiful little kid. Fair complexion,long straight black, smooth skin,large expressive brown eyes which shone with innocence, a heart warming smile and a cheerful countenance. She is going to be a heart breaker, Saanvika smiled to herself.
Saanvika took a good look at the room. The room reflected the personality of the owner. The wall had a collage containing three other boys, other than NK and Akash. Saanvika assumed two of them to be her brothers by their looks. She didn't understand who the other boy was. She also so some girls which she assumed must be Khushi's friends. She saw the posters of Salmaan Khan and Aamir Khan adorning the wall. Saanvika held back a chuckle. She also saw TV and home theater system with a very impressive CD rack. To her utter surprise Saanvika saw Mohammed Rafi,Kishore Kumar and few gazal collection topping the collections. She also saw that there were paintings of all sorts on the walls. They didn't seem professional. She walked closer to the painting and saw that the paintings were signed 'Khushi'. "She had good talent", thought Saanvika.
She sat on the recliner next to the window ,switched on the TV and brought down the volume.When she noticed that it was around 12:30 pm, she went downstairs to the kitchen. She spend an amicable 30 mins with Rahim kaka who happened to be the house help of a long time. Khushi hadn't forgotten to mention him to Saanvika. After arranging with Rahim kaka to get the lunch in another 15 mins, she went to Khushi's room. She was still sleeping.
Saanvika tried to wake her up. After a good five minutes she succeeded in waking Khushi. Khushi opened her eyes to look into a pair of kind brown eyes. It took her few minutes to adjust to the surrounding. It must have been the pain killers,she was a little dazed, thought Khushi as it dawned on her that it was Arnav's mother.
She smiled softly and asked "Amma, how long have you been trying to wake me up?"
Saanvika returned the smile stating "For five minutes but it doesn't matter, bitiya. I wouldn't have called you but you need to have your lunch before your medicines.So let us get you freshened up first "
Saanvika helped Khushi to the wheel chair arranged for her and wheeled her to the washroom. Helping her to stand up, Saanvika stood by turning her back to Khushi. Khushi really felt humiliated. She knew she was imposing on Saanvika but once done of her needs , she looked at Saanvika with teary eyes. There was not a trace of disgust on Saanvika's face. She wheeled Khushi back to bed and got her comfortable. She wiped Khushi's face with a wet towel all the while talking to her of lunch and medicines. By then Rahim kaka came with lunch. Saanvika helped Khushi with lunch,wiped her mouth,gave her medicines and made her lie down. Saanvika asked Khushi about her school and that was all the encouragement she needed. She started about her friends, the extracurricular games she participated,her hobby of painting etc. Both of them didn't know how the time flew by. It was already 4:00 pm and. Rahim Kaka had served tea .Sashi had made several visits to Khushi by then. Saanvika noticed that Khushi loved her Bauji very much, they had an out of the world relationship which didn't require much assurance from either.
Saanvika then watched the evening news while Khushi read some book after having sometime with her Bauji. After a while they selected a music of choice and both tried to sing along . Saanvika stunned Khushi by singing the songs impeccably well. So she shut down the system and insisted on Saanvika singing the song. Once it was done , dinner was announced. Khushi had her dinner and medicine fed by Saanvika. Later helping her to washroom and changing a very reluctant Khushi to her night dress , Saanvika put her to bed and tucked her in. She gave a very warm kiss on Khushi's forehead . She then went downstairs ,had her dinner and made a call to her home informing that she was staying back. She informed Sashi of her decision for which he thanked her profusely. Sashi though insisted her to take the guest room, she refused it gently but firmly stating that Khushi might require her near. So he asked Rahim kaka to get the required bed sheets and pillows. She said she will sleep on the recliner.
Once back at Khushi's room , to the utter astonishment of Khushi, Saanvika prepared herself to lie down on the recliner when Rahim kaka provided her the sheets and pillows. Khushi put her foot down stating the bed was big enough for two people and she wouldn't have it in any other way. So Saanvika agreed. She lied down with Khushi and both of fell asleep soon. Somewhere in the night Khushi turned on her unhurt side and hugged Saanvika. Saanvika opened her eyes on contact , hugged Khushi and went back to sleep with a smile.
Khushi was awakened early by the pain as the effects of the painkillers started waning. She found her head cushioned by a hand and another hand on her waist. Tears formed in her eyes. She was experiencing it for the time - the bliss of opening your eyes on the warm embrace of mother. She understood no teddy bear or pillow can remotely match it. She went back to her sleep not wanting to break the feeling.
Few minutes later , the doctor came to check her vital statistics and declared that she was all right except for a broken leg which will require 3 weeks rest .She would be discharged on same time the next day. Her leg was already in a cast. She looked at her father apprehensively.
She belonged to an all male family and her immobility would be their primary concern. They all were going to be utterly inconvenienced for quite a while. She really felt guilty for ever trying to ride all alone.
Mean while she received calls from both her brothers. She had a tough time placating Abhay who was already getting ready to come. She didn't want her brother's scheduled to be affected. She knew once here, he wouldn't be able to leave her side. So she made him promise on her to wait until she calls to come.
Ron was already on his way back when Khushi admonished him stating that he was the only representation from family and he couldn't walk out on them.
Khushi knew her brothers would rather be with her when she is injured than being anywhere else. She was brought up with strong family values. She knew the family name bought quite a few responsibilities with it. So she couldn't let him take an emotional decision. Ron agreed stating that as soon as the knot is tied he is catching the first flight back, which was still 2 days away.
She knew her family cared too much to ask any questions on her disobedience but then she will have to ask an apology. But that will have to wait. Her father hovered feeding her dinner and the nurse helped her with the washroom. That was when it hit her. How was she going to manage the 3 weeks with no female to help. She couldn't show her concern. It would devastate her father. She knew he might have already thought about it but was not voicing it. Probably they could arrange a home nurse.
With these thoughts in her mind and a non stop chatter with her father in an effort to cheer him up, she finally fell into a deep slumber.
The next day morning while she was lying on bed waiting for her father to clear hospital bills, she had visitors.
Akash and NK. They had barged in with a flurry throwing all kinds of questions at her. She couldn't suppress her smile at the commotion they made. She made them sit and explained them what happened. While chatting with them , her father came back with Arnav following him. He looked at her with such fury she could feel its burn. She just couldn't fathom why fury.
Akash and NK had volunteered to get things ready at home while Arnav stayed back with Shashi. He noticed she wince in pain when she was helped by the nurse to get her to washroom. He waited out with her father until she was ready to discharge from hospital. Shashi helped the nurse to get Khushi to wheelchair while Anav held the door open for them to proceed taking along with him her luggage for the day.
While walking Arnav was in deep thought. "How is she going to manage? It was painful for her to get up from bed. How will she do her chores with no women at home? I shouldn't have taught her to ride. Damn It!" Finally an idea stuck him. "I could do this much for my friend",thinking of Ron
While Shashi made his way home with Khushi, Arnav left for his home.
He went straight to his mother who was in the kitchen instructing Hariprakash for lunch.
"Ma,I need a help from you" said a flustered Arnav.
Saanvika was surprised and concerned, to say the least. Her son had never asked anything from her after he had turned 6 year old. Till then his only plea was to get him near her,out of the boarding school. She didn't want to recall that heart breaking conversations. So she concentrated on the present
Arnav explained in as little words as possible his requirement to help his friend's sister. He concluded "she had been put on constraint on her movements.Her father could arrange a home nurse but I think Ron would be happy if you are there. If it is inconvenient,it is ok to say so"
Saanvika was sad to hear the formal tone of her only son but she was determined to look past that. She wanted to grab this oppurtunity to help him. She stood up without saying anything and walked towards the door. Arnav watched with an indifferent look. He had trained himself to expect the worst in all situations.
At the door Saanvika turned around and asked "Don't you want to show me the route".
She didn't miss the twinkle in his eyes. She was happy of her decision.
The driver drove them to the Zala Residence. Saanvika looked at the building which had two floors. She followed her son to the house.
He knocked on the already opened doors. The first sound that reached Saanvika as she entered wass the mirthful laughter of a girl. She half smiled at the sound as she followed Arnav to a room upstairs following the sound of the laughter. As she walked in through the door , she watched an angelic face of a girl who was laughing her heart out with her eyes closed.
Khushi opened her eyes to hear the scream of "Badi Maa" from Akash and NK. She saw a serene looking lady with a kind smile and calm eyes looking straight at her.
"Mother like" that was the first thought she had and she had no idea what prompted it.
She looked at lady enquiringly with a smile. Arnav volunteered "My mother".
As Khushi looked on she sat beside her and gave her a full dazzling smile. "Khushi" said she introducing herself.
Arnav hovered for a few minutes listening to NK and Akash, looked at Khushi and before leaving said to his mother "Call me if not comfortable". Saanvika responded "Yes. Though I don't think that would be required. Have your lunch,Beta".
Khushi's father came back after giving directions for the lunch. To his surprise he saw a lady with Khushi. Saanvika got up from beside Khushi, folded her hands and said "Namaste,I am Mrs Saanvika Jai Singh Rathode. Arnav's mother". Sashi returned the greeting politely . After exchange of pleasantries , an awkward silence seems to fall. Saanvika initiated the reason for her stay stating "Since there are no ladies here I thought I would help Khushi until she is good enough to manage on her own, that is only if you have no inconvenience".
Sashi didn't know should he be relieved or confused. So he replied "I have arranged for a home nurse who should be here starting tomorrow". Saanvika looked at Sashi thinking what it would have taken him to bring up a daughter with no mother to support. She supplied "I would be like to be of help to Khushi,if she don't mind" and smiled at Khushi
Khushi gave a beaming smile and said "Not at all. Let her stay Babuji. It would make me really happy"
Sashi gave in to her insistence and smiled at Saanvika, nodding his approval. He left the room silently. Akash and NK had been listening to the interaction .
Akash said to Saanvika in an affectionate voice "Thanks Badi Maa. Khushi is our little sister. We couldn't have asked for a better person to help her" to which Saanvika replied with a smile "So she is family, then what is the need for thanks"
Khushi was already beginning to like her.
Saanvika sat beside Khushi and asked "How are you feeling, bitiya? Are you feeling any pain?"
Khushi : "No Aunty but I am feeling sleepy"
Saanvika said with a smile "I am addressing you as beti, Shouldn't you call me Ma".
Khushi was taken back. She could never recall herself calling her mother that. She had been too small to recollect her interaction with mother. She was overwhelmed but she didn't want to pull a drama in front of Akash and NK.
She collected herself together, put her signature smile and responded "Then Amma it is."
Saanvika bent forward , hugged her and gave a small peck on her forehead. NK and Akash looked on with a very satisfied smile. "Gudiya is now officially family" thought NK.
Later Saanvika helped Khushi to lie down. She sat beside Khushi while she explained to Saanvika about her family. She had been explaining about her brothers and Bauji with such passion, Saanvika couldn't help her smile that adorned her face for the entire narration. "Girl absolutely loved her family" thought Saanvika happily
Khushi continued her chatter until she fell asleep with Saanvika running a hand through Khushi's hair. Khushi fell into a deep sleep with a happy smile on her face. Khushi was busy enjoying her first taste of mother's love after a very long time
Another first from Arnav to Khushi
Meanwhile Saanvika was busy admiring her first beti ever. "Trust my son to bring me to a family with no introduction what so ever. I have no idea what Khushi's life is like, who all are there and what happened to her mother" thought Saanvika. She had notice the various emotions that had flickered across the large brown eyes of Khushi when she had asked Khushi to call her as mother. That had been an instinctive reaction for Saanvika too. She never had been the kind to impose relationships so soon, especially not of a mother. But seeing Khushi , the words had come out without a thought. She had felt Khushi had needed it and she too had been longing for a daughter. She had a very strong conviction in her heart, Khushi would prove to be an adorable daughter. For the first time after seeing Khushi, Saanvika took a good look at her. She was a beautiful little kid. Fair complexion,long straight black, smooth skin,large expressive brown eyes which shone with innocence, a heart warming smile and a cheerful countenance. She is going to be a heart breaker, Saanvika smiled to herself.
Saanvika took a good look at the room. The room reflected the personality of the owner. The wall had a collage containing three other boys, other than NK and Akash. Saanvika assumed two of them to be her brothers by their looks. She didn't understand who the other boy was. She also so some girls which she assumed must be Khushi's friends. She saw the posters of Salmaan Khan and Aamir Khan adorning the wall. Saanvika held back a chuckle. She also saw TV and home theater system with a very impressive CD rack. To her utter surprise Saanvika saw Mohammed Rafi,Kishore Kumar and few gazal collection topping the collections. She also saw that there were paintings of all sorts on the walls. They didn't seem professional. She walked closer to the painting and saw that the paintings were signed 'Khushi'. "She had good talent", thought Saanvika.
She sat on the recliner next to the window ,switched on the TV and brought down the volume.When she noticed that it was around 12:30 pm, she went downstairs to the kitchen. She spend an amicable 30 mins with Rahim kaka who happened to be the house help of a long time. Khushi hadn't forgotten to mention him to Saanvika. After arranging with Rahim kaka to get the lunch in another 15 mins, she went to Khushi's room. She was still sleeping.
Saanvika tried to wake her up. After a good five minutes she succeeded in waking Khushi. Khushi opened her eyes to look into a pair of kind brown eyes. It took her few minutes to adjust to the surrounding. It must have been the pain killers,she was a little dazed, thought Khushi as it dawned on her that it was Arnav's mother.
She smiled softly and asked "Amma, how long have you been trying to wake me up?"
Saanvika returned the smile stating "For five minutes but it doesn't matter, bitiya. I wouldn't have called you but you need to have your lunch before your medicines.So let us get you freshened up first "
Saanvika helped Khushi to the wheel chair arranged for her and wheeled her to the washroom. Helping her to stand up, Saanvika stood by turning her back to Khushi. Khushi really felt humiliated. She knew she was imposing on Saanvika but once done of her needs , she looked at Saanvika with teary eyes. There was not a trace of disgust on Saanvika's face. She wheeled Khushi back to bed and got her comfortable. She wiped Khushi's face with a wet towel all the while talking to her of lunch and medicines. By then Rahim kaka came with lunch. Saanvika helped Khushi with lunch,wiped her mouth,gave her medicines and made her lie down. Saanvika asked Khushi about her school and that was all the encouragement she needed. She started about her friends, the extracurricular games she participated,her hobby of painting etc. Both of them didn't know how the time flew by. It was already 4:00 pm and. Rahim Kaka had served tea .Sashi had made several visits to Khushi by then. Saanvika noticed that Khushi loved her Bauji very much, they had an out of the world relationship which didn't require much assurance from either.
Saanvika then watched the evening news while Khushi read some book after having sometime with her Bauji. After a while they selected a music of choice and both tried to sing along . Saanvika stunned Khushi by singing the songs impeccably well. So she shut down the system and insisted on Saanvika singing the song. Once it was done , dinner was announced. Khushi had her dinner and medicine fed by Saanvika. Later helping her to washroom and changing a very reluctant Khushi to her night dress , Saanvika put her to bed and tucked her in. She gave a very warm kiss on Khushi's forehead . She then went downstairs ,had her dinner and made a call to her home informing that she was staying back. She informed Sashi of her decision for which he thanked her profusely. Sashi though insisted her to take the guest room, she refused it gently but firmly stating that Khushi might require her near. So he asked Rahim kaka to get the required bed sheets and pillows. She said she will sleep on the recliner.
Once back at Khushi's room , to the utter astonishment of Khushi, Saanvika prepared herself to lie down on the recliner when Rahim kaka provided her the sheets and pillows. Khushi put her foot down stating the bed was big enough for two people and she wouldn't have it in any other way. So Saanvika agreed. She lied down with Khushi and both of fell asleep soon. Somewhere in the night Khushi turned on her unhurt side and hugged Saanvika. Saanvika opened her eyes on contact , hugged Khushi and went back to sleep with a smile.
Khushi was awakened early by the pain as the effects of the painkillers started waning. She found her head cushioned by a hand and another hand on her waist. Tears formed in her eyes. She was experiencing it for the time - the bliss of opening your eyes on the warm embrace of mother. She understood no teddy bear or pillow can remotely match it. She went back to her sleep not wanting to break the feeling.
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