Arshi FF: Second  Love  and Marriage
Chapter  9         

Arnav came to the dining table where Anjali, NK and Lavanya are waiting for him. Nani and Chachi are present there to have breakfast. Arnav took Anjali’s beside seat with Aryan in his lap.

“ Jiji. Come for breakfast” shouted Manorama.

“ Coming” said Ratna from the hall. Soon she too came and sat for the breakfast. Ratna, Manorama and Nani completely ignored him. but the trio had a question in their minds, where is Sheetal ??

Anjali had already asked HP to make Arnav’s favourite food. So, she served him his favourite breakfast. Arnav started having breakfast while feeding Aryan in between. He is often stealing glances at his maa, nani and chachi  hoping they would see him atleast for once but it din’t happen. 

Aryan got cranky as he is sleepy. He started to throw food when Arnav broguth it near him.. So, Arnav got up.

“ I will put him to sleep” said Arnav.

“ But Bhai have your breakfast. HP will look after Aryan until you finish” said Anjali.

“ No Anju. He is sleepy and won’t listen to anyone” said Arnav and took Aryan form there.

“HHBB. Anjali baby. Why did your so called brother came only with his son ?? Where is his wife ??”asked Manorama.

Anjali din’t thought they will ask her about Sheetal, so she said” Hmm. Actually Sheetal died during delivery”

The three ladies were shocked hearing this new piece of information.

“ What ??”asked Manorama.

“ yes. Sheetal died after giving birth to Aryan. From then, Bhai is alone taking care of Aryan” said Anjali.

The trio felt sorry hearing it not for Arnav but for the little boy who got devoid of mother’s love even before he understands importance of mother.

It was in the evening. Akash entered the house shouting” maa. I am home”

He sat on the sofa loosening his tie, keeping his head on the sofa head, closed his eyes. He felt something at his legs and opened his eyes.

To his surprise he found a ball at his legs. Whose ball is this ?? There are no small children in house to play. Ratna came there with his coffee and water glass in a tray.

“ Maa. This ball” asked Akash. Ratna signaled him towards Aryan who is standing for his ball.

When Akash and Ratna both looked at him, he smiled cutely at them. Both of them can’t resist and smiled back to him. they can be angry with Arnav but can’t be harsh with little child. 

Akash extended the ball to Aryan and he took it smiling. Aryan’s eyes fell on water glass Ratna is holding in the tray.

He signaled at water to drink.

“ You want water ??”asked Ratna. Aryan nodded his head cutely. She held glass for him and made him drink water.

After finishing, Aryan said” Thank u”

Ratna and Akash looked at him amazed for his manners. Ratna patted his head softly. Aryan left from there with the ball.

“ We can’t be harsh with child mamma. There is no mistake of him” said Akash.

Ratna nodded his head and said” Poor baby. He got devoid of his mother’s love at such a young age”

Akash looked at her shocked” What ??”

“ Hmm. She died during delivery said Ratna not even willing to say Sheetal’s name. Akash too felt sorry hearing it.

 Anjali who watched the whole scenario felt happy. She knew her family never hold grudges with Aryan. Now Aryan is her medium to make Arnav close to family. One work is successful making Aryan close to family. She have faith that seeing Aryan daily and looking his cute antics, her family’s hearts melts.

Akash is coming out of the room talking over the phone when he heard giggles from Arnav’s room. He peeped in and found Anjali, NK, Lavanya sitting on the bed and Arnav on the recliner. Aryan is standing in the middle of the room with his ball playing.

“ Bhai. Why isn’t he coming to us still ??”asked Lavanya pouting.

“ Lav. Didn’t  I said to give him sometime ??”said Arnav

“ How much time Bhai ?? It is already ten hours you came” said Anjali. 

Arnav smiled at his sister’s complaints. They are dying to be close to Aryan but his stubborn son is not allowing them.

“ You both have squeezed him out when he came.. so he is not ready to come” said NK.

“ Aryan. My champ come here” called NK.

Aryan looked at him and went near him. but when Anjali tried to hold him, he turned his back. 

Anjali opened her mouth wide seeing his straight denial.

Aryan’s eyes fell on Akash and he squealed in happiness. He threw ball at Akash as if to catch him. that is when Arnav noticed Akash standing there. His little brother have grown as young man. There is no boyish look in him now.

Aryan rushed to Akash who held the ball. Arnav came to him. Both the brothers looked at each other. Akash wanted to hug his elder brother who have always been his guide. Mentor but refrained himself.

“ How are you Aki ??”asked Arnav.

“Hmm.. Fine” mumbled Akash enough audible to Arnav not meeting his eyes. He looked at Aryan and passed his ball smiling. Then without waiting for a second, he left from there.

Arnav sighed seeing it. he can’t expect good behavior from them.

It was night. Everyone seated at the dining table. Aryan is sleeping, so Arnav left him in the room securing with pillows. 

“ maa. Where is papa and bade papa ??”asked NK not founding them.

“ They both went to one of their friend’s party. They will be late” said Ratna.

Everyone sat having dinner silently until Akash observed Payal who came there looking at Arnav angrily.

Payal came sometime back. she was in good mood when she came but seeing Arnav changed her mood.

“ Payal” whispered Akash enough audible to everyone.

All looked at Payal who faked a smile to them.  She came to the dining table. Arnav observed her. She too had grown up. Not able to meet her eyes, he looked down at the plate.

“ Lavanya. You friend Deepthi asked me to give this to you” said Payal forwarding a book.

“ Oh.. Thank you” said Lavanya.

“ Payal Bitiya.. Join us for dinner” said Nani.

“ No Naniji. It’s ok. I will leave” said Payal controlling her tongue and anger.

“ are Payal why are you behaving like a new one here ?? Come and have dinner with us” said Nani.

“ Let it be Naniji. What if some people here think that we are looting your money by eating your food ??” came a direct answer from Payal making the Raizadas shock. They all knew about Payal’s sharp tongue but now it is direct.

Arnav closed his eyes and his fingers tightened on the hold of spoon.

To control the situation, Lavanya said” Huh.. Payal. Tomorrow I am going for shopping. I have to bring a lot of stuff as the marriage is nearing.. will you come with me ?? Let’s do shopping together for Di’s marriage “

“ Lav. It is your Di’s marriage not my Di’s that I will go for shopping… Didn’t your Di made it clear that Guptas should not attend any functions ?? So, when we are not even attending, then why do I need to go for marriage shopping ??”asked Payal.

Raizadas felt like they had eaten a bitter medicine mostly Anjali. Arnav was startled hearing it.

“ Payal !! Anju said it in anger..” said Nk trying to persuade her.

“ Nk Bhai. Isn’t it truth that comes out in anger..  there is a saying that the words we say in anger are the words we have in our heart from long but couldn’t voice it.. So, we have decided to fulfil Anjali Di’s wish after all she is groom. She must be happy in her marriage not tacky by seeing us.. So, Guptas won’t be in marriage functions and you can enjoy to your fullest..” said Payal and left from there.

Ratna silently left from there leaving her food. Akash followed his mother giving a deathly glare to Anjali who herself is feeling guilty now.

“ What is this Anju ?? Is it true ??” said Arnav 

“ Bhai. I was in anger and din’t realized what I said. I din’t mean to say those words” said Anjali.

“ You are doing the same mistake as me Anju.” Said Arnav and left from there.

Nani and Manorama were surprised hearing Arnav’s words. Anjali sat there holding her head. She really needs to control her tongue. 

“ Anju. Do you think  Payal mean whatever she said ?? Doesn’t they attend the functions ??”asked NK.

“ I don’t know Nk Bhai. I never thought they will take my words seriously. Let’s talk with Khushi Di. if this is only Payal’s decision, we can change it. but if Khushi Di too has same opinion, then no one can change it. Khushi Di even won’t listen maa and papa’s words.” said Anjali sighing.