Nayika Writes

U is for... Umbrella As Khushi held up her umbrella for Anjali her mind was still on what she had just witnessed. She could never have imagined that ASR, the raakshas , the Laad Governer would be such a child inside.   'Chotte, you're getting more wet. Come here under the umbrella,' Anjali gave Arnav who was at her side a small push. His eyes met hers and Khushi was sure he would refuse but he surprised her for the second time that day. Still supporting Anjali he stepped under the umbrella, behind them both. Khushi held the umbrella higher to accommodate his taller frame, also supporting Anjali with her free hand. They stopped briefly when they reached the steps and Khushi wondered how they would navigate them. Arnav made a small sound of annoyance and took the handle from her hand. He held it high sheltering the three of them until they reached the car. *** Set during the first rakhi episode.

T is for... Table 'Were you and Khushiji alright by yourselves last night Chotte? Did you make sure to eat?' 'Yes Di. We ate at the table.' Arnav smirked and looked over at Khushi who was now hiding her flaming face behind her magazine. 'Khushi didn't want to; she wanted to eat in our room. I convinced her eventually though and I think she enjoyed herself.' ' It is a very big table, you must have felt odd there by yourselves but never mind, the whole family will be there tonight.' Khushi nodded weakly at Anjali as she walked away. 'What do you say Khushi? Do you want to... eat in front of the whole family tonight?' He then ducked quickly to avoid the magazine Khushi threw at his head.

S is for... Scared 'Why can't you tell us now damn it?!' After another minute Arnav threw the phone on the bed and let out an anguished groan with his head in his hands. 'He wants us to go in and discuss the results of the tests.' Khushi put a shaking hand on his shoulder, urging him to look at her. 'Arnav I'm scared.' Arnav gathered her up in his arms, tucking her head beneath his chin. He wished he could tell her everything would be okay, that she had nothing to be afraid. 'I'm scared too baby, but we'll... we'll face it together.'

R is for... Raizada 'And you?' Arnav looked up to see the woman looking at him curiously. Instinctively he hid himself partially behind Akash who despite being a year younger was already much taller than him. The woman didn't scare him but her question did. Since that night, he dreaded being asked his identity; his name. Akash moved further in front and spoke for him, 'this is my bhai.' It was a known fact that Akash was painfully shy and only ever spoke when spoken to but the fact that he had now made a surge of pride shoot through Arnav. This was his new identity. He stood straight, shoulders back and chest out. 'Raizada. My name is Arnav Singh Raizada.' 'I didn't realise you had another son, Mahendra.' Arnav stiffened, waiting for his Mamaji to correct the woman but instead he felt a comforting arm land on his shoulder and Mamaji simply smiled.

Q is for... Questions without Answers  'Do you think we did everything all wrong Khushi?' Payal stroked Khushi's back, not expecting a response. 'Maybe we shouldn't have questioned Babuji. Should we have let him mortgage the shop? Should I have married Abhishekji regardless? What do you think Khushi?' Her eyes rested on her parents, her father resting an awkward hand on his wife's head. 'Would Babuji be well do you think? Would he be able to walk and talk and smile and laugh? Would Amma be smiling instead of crying?' Khushi lifted her head slightly and looked at Payal with tearful eyes, 'Jiji, will he come?' *** Set during Khushi and Arnav's second (actual) wedding when he was delayed angsting in the street about his mom.