Her Unexpected Husband- 31

Khushi mouth opened wide seeing Lavanya mother, Ratna. Her shock seems no end that she found Rekha beside her.

“I need to talk to you, Lav.” Lavanya mother walked near them and dragged Lavanya with her to a room.

Khushi saw everything with a confused frame of mind and looked at Rekha fearfully. Even though Rekha has indirectly accepted their marriage, she has never once said she consider Khushi as her daughter-in-law. Her confession is more or like out of compulsion knowing she has no say in their relationship which is bound by both ritually and legally. Khushi further gulped noticing Rekha’s eyes fixed on Arnav arms which are still wrapped around Khushi waist. She immediately shoved Arnav hands and stood up. Arnav blinked his eyes and can only frown seeing the ladies expression. He was in deep sleep when he heard some noise near him and when he tore his eyelids he was bestowed with serious expressions of his wife, mother, Lavanya and her mother. Meanwhile, Rekha gave a firm stare at them before scooting away.

Khushi stood clutching the hem of her dress not knowing what to do. Her eyes automatically went to the wall clock and her brain made her aware of her duties. Silently she went towards the kitchen obvious to the presence of Arnav parents in their room.

*

“Maa, Are you mad? Why you want me to leave Arnav’s life?” Lavanya bellowed at her mother unable to believe her mother words.

“A mother cannot be simply mad in her children live especially when she experienced the repercussions of her actions.” Ratna answered firmly, gripping Lavanya hand.

“All I need is your happiness Lav. When your happiness is at stake I cannot simply sit and see you fighting the lost battle.”

Lavanya felt a sting in her heart apprehending her mother words. Tears brimmed in her eyes in no time and her lips trembled under intensity. She couldn’t believe her mother who supported her actions are now disgracing her confidence and mission, “What? I’m fighting for the lost battle? Can’t you see how that girl weaved her magic on him? I have to bring him out of her clutches. It happens only if I stay here.” She said desperately hoping to make her believe in her.

“That’s why I’m saying Lav we need to leave from his life at least for some time. Do you realise how much that girl becomes important to him than anyone? He even left his parents for her. What do you think? Arnav will hear you and leave that girl for you. Never. The more you show your hate for that girl, the far he is going away from you. The more you show your right on him, the more you’re cultivating hate for you. Do you want to see hate in his eyes for you?”

Lavanya nodded hastily, feeling worst after envisioning hate on his eyes. The eyes which always showed care, the eyes which always carried protectiveness, the eyes which always shower unconditional love, she cannot see hate in those chocolate brown orbs. She looked at her mother helplessly who in turn also looking at her with the same helplessness. For Lavanya, it may be her words and decision. But in reality, the said words are Rekha’s.

At the very morning, Rekha knocked her door and dragged her out to explain that she cannot allow Lavanya to disturb her son’s life. She strictly ordered her to take Lavanya away from there else she can only see her daughter mad at the end of the stay in Arnav house. She further explained how Arnav and Khushi closeness is not going to do any good to her rather it may affect her mental health badly. She also described how it’s impossible to break Arnav marriage knowing Arnav always considered Lavanya as his sister. Which mother wants her child to be mad? Ratna has no choice but obliges Rekha words knowing how true are the words. At hindsight, she also knows how hopeless it is to dream Arnav and Lavanya marriage after the revelation of Arnav feelings for Lavanya. She compelled under Lavanya mental condition and allowed Lavanya to do things on her way only in a hope to get her back. At that time, only Lavanya matters so she didn’t mind Lavanya wishes. But when the reality strikes in front of her eyes at the living room showing Arnav and Khushi closeness, she has to abide Rekha.

Moreover, Rekha suggested the above words to convince Lavanya. She even asked her to omit the part where they planned to take the help of a psychiatrist to bring her out from her obsession and depression. Once she’s out of obsession it’ll not be hard to feed the reality on her. Both mothers know, they’ve complicated things in their own children live and they’ve to fix it anyhow.

“Shall we leave now?” Ratna asked gulping her tears.

“You’ll bring me to Arnav again, right?” Lavanya indirectly given her consent and asked for confirmation like a child. She is in a state that she can do anything to see not hate in Arnav eyes.

Ratna nodded her head, wiping the corner of her eyes. Lavanya bit her lips stopping herself from crying out loud. Her father who was a silent spectator till now patted her head softly and gave a comfortable hug. From the start itself, he has no say in this issue and when the issue went beyond his hands, he has only comfort to offer.

*

“Shall I help you Khushi?”

Khushi turned around in surprise, “Papa?”

“Why are you looking at me like an alien jumped into your kitchen? I'm from this planet Earth Khushi.” Raj chuckled softly entering the kitchen.

“It's… not like that papa.” Khushi stammered in embarrassment and adds after a brief time, “You're different from Arnavji.”

Raj raised his brows and chortled, “I don't think so. But yeah, he's lazy on some things.”

Khushi giggled at the talk and continued to roll the dough, “So true papa. He wants everything in place but throws everything carelessly and sang my name every morning. But he’s responsible papa.” She summed up.

“So you're not going to let your husband down in front of his father?” Raj asked proudly feeling content by Khushi choice of words. She's beautifully handling everything from engaging himself with a conversation that teases Arnav habits and at the same time she didn't fail to underline her husband's goodness not letting him down also.

Seeing her silently smiling herself he let go off the topic, “Arnav said you've exams at the end of this month. Shall I appoint a helper for you?”

Khushi looked up and met his eyes in surprise. Whatever he does is what she missed in her life. Love, A love of a father which only a father can give. It may be a small pat on the head or simple affectionate words or depicting through actions as Raj does. “No need papa. It's only three of us, I can manage.”

“Are you sure? Or shall I speak to Arnav?”

“No… No papa. Don't even breathe a word to him. He'll sit only after bringing a helper. Besides, I like to do things for my family. If I felt the need for a helper, I myself will ask you or him. Now there's no need.”

*

“Keep what I said in your mind Arnav. Now drop us home.” Rekha said coming out of the room.

“Ok, mom.” Arnav nodded and walked to the kitchen.

Seeing his dad talking something with Khushi he entered inside, “Dad what are you doing here? Everyone is ready to go.”

“Oh, Take care Khushi. Don't hesitate to call me anytime.” Raj gently placed his hand on her head as if blessing her and moved out squinting his eyes.

“What? Where are they going?” Khushi questioned shocked by the turn of events. She quickly washed her hands and ready move out when Arnav stopped her.

“I'm going to drop them. Will tell you everything afterwards.” Arnav didn't wait or better say didn't give her the chance to speak fearing her selflessness would come between which results in halting their departure.

Khushi followed Arnav and stood silently watching everyone leaving without a word. If it's a shock, then Lavanya calmness is another shock for her. After yesterday stunt she thought Lavanya stay would extend more than a month but never she thought everything would end so soon, just like lightning.

“They left?”

Khushi spun around and nodded at Meera effectively.

“Thank God. Finally, their brain started working.” Meera said with a yawn, shoving her sleep away.

Contrary to her sister's content face, Khushi stood with stern face glaring at her, “They're elder to you Meera. You shouldn't talk about them like that. Now go and get ready for your school.”

Meera scooted from there twisting her lips. Khushi expelled a heavy sigh before indulging herself in daily chores. Only Arnav can answer her doubts and for that, she has to wait till he returns back.

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