Chapter 3: Shiv

Arnav was back at a place he returned from months ago. Khushi. As if losing her wasn't enough, she was now coming back. Did she want to taunt him? Haunt his dreams again? Exhausted he sat down onto his recliner. That's when another thought struck him.

Maybe she was back for him. Maybe this was his chance to get her back. He had failed once and maybe this was his second chance. Maybe she was here to challenge him. That's what they did best - challenge each other.

Arnav Singh Raizada was well educated on how to win over clients. He was ready to take on this challenge. Khushi Kumari Gupta was something else, he warned himself. Oh wait, he thought. Kushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. He smirked with the knowledge that he already had the upper hand in this challenge.

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At 6 o'clock, a knock at Khushi's door announced that a car was waiting to bring her to dinner.

"How typical of Mr.Raizada," she thought, "treating everyone like a client."

With Shiv, Khushi climbed into the car. Her heartbeat increased with each mile the car traveled. She wanted Arnav to be there today, but she didn't know how to face him. Where would she find the courage? She looked at Shiv, who was watching Khushi with his eyes. She would find courage in him, he reassured with his eyes.

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Payal Singh Raizada was overcome with emotions as she waited for her sister's arrival. One year felt like an eternity. Her beloved sister was returning. As soon as she heard the gates of the Raizada mansion open to let the car in, Payal and the entire family hurried to the door. Payal paused in surprise for a second as she saw Arnav slowly descend the stairs, and then she proceeded to run out the door.

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Arnav heard the commotion downstairs that confirmed Khushi had arrived. He would be brave, he had decided, and be there to greet her. After all, she was coming back.

He stayed in the back with Akash as Payal ran out the front door and everybody else waited in the doorway.

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The car had barely stopped when Khushi's door was thrown open and her Jiji, overcome with emotion, pulled her out the car and embraced her.

Tears sprung into Khushi's eyes as she whispered, "Jiji..."

Her Jiji kissed her cheeks and pulled her toward the door. Khushi turned to the car and saw Hari Prakash unloading her luggage.

As she was pulled away, she motioned Hari Prakash to the backseat and was able to say "Get Shiv!" before her Jiji pulled her away.

Khushi froze at the doorway of the Raizada mansion as memories flooded her. The last few memories were the freshest and she shut her eyes to stop the tears. She opened her eyes to take in Nani-ji, Anjali-ji with a thali,Mami-ji, Mama-ji, Shyam (she did a small cringe), Akash, and... Arnav-ji. She dropped her gaze as Anjali and Nani embraced her and welcomed her into the house.

She could feel Arnav's eyes on her, but she looked at everyone but him.

"Khushi dear, you finally came." Nani said as she embraced her.

"Khushi-ji, you've been missed. A lot." Anjali added stroking her cheek.

A voice outside interrupted the reunion. "Khushi-ji," Hari Prakash was at the door with Shiv. "Here you go." Khushi looked at Shiv and took him into her arms. He cooed as he recognized Khushi.

The Raizada family stood silently watching. Even Arnav, who a second ago couldn't keep his eyes off Khushi, now looked back at the baby in Khushi's arms and back at her.

"Who is this, Khushi?" Nani asked concerned.

Khushi took a deep breathe. The time had come and everyone was here. She looked at Shiv and smiled. Shiv, her five month old son, played with her earrings.

"Nani, I told you about something important..." Khushi started.

The family waited for her answer. Arnav was impatient, but he too waited.

"Nani, this is Shiv. He's... He's five months old." Khushi continued.

"Yes but who is he, betiyan?" Nani asked her.

"He's... He's Shiv Singh Raizada. He's my five month old son."