Zaroorat - Arshi FF

CHAPTER 3

Khushi took a spoonful of cereal during breakfast and looked over a few sketches. Khushi Gupta was a well established fashion designer, the owner of the famous AMORE, a clothing boutique with a reputation of style and glamour. A favorite of many celebrities, AMORE is known to dress the best of the best, and was Khushi's dream come true.

Technically, Khushi was on vacation and was supposed to be on her honeymoon with hubby dearest. But since nothing like that was happening, she decided to get some work done for the spring line.

It's been 3 weeks since the wedding and she barely had a decent conversation with Arnav. It was the usual 'hello' and 'how was work?' Arnav left for work before she woke up on most days, and got back after she had put Ahaana to sleep and went to bed herself.

It was the same routine...every day, for the past two weeks. She finished her breakfast, put her sketches back in their folder, and headed to the living room. An elderly woman was tiding up the magazines on the coffee table. She turned when she heard footsteps approaching and saw the new lady of the house give a sweet smile.

"Good morning Khushi beti." The elder woman greeted.

Khushi welcomed the warm greeting, "Good morning Devyani aunty."

"Arre beti...I work for you...call me by my name." Devyani replied. Devyani's main job was to take care of Ahaana in Khushi and Arnav's absence, but she tried to help in household chores when she can. Khushi met Devyani the day after her wedding and took an instant liking to her. She had a kindness about her that helped Khushi in this difficult situation. Devyani treated her like a daughter, and not like a replacement or an outsider.

"Aap umar mein humse badhe hai...hum aapko Aunty hi pukarenge." Khushi replied, causing Devyani to chuckle and admit defeat.

"Alright beti you win. Did you need something?" Devyani asked, politely.

"I was thinking...why don't you take the rest of the day off? I can take care of this." Khushi said, taking the duster from Devyani's hands.

"Are you sure?" Devyani asked. When Khushi confirmed, Devyani didn't argue and took her leave.

Having the house to herself, Khushi got to work in tidying the shelves. She just needed something to do to avoid boredom.

While dusting the shelves, her green eyes fell on a picture of Arnav and his first wife. Both had brilliant smiles in the photo and looked extremely happy. Arnav's eyes held a charming twinkle and Payal's held warmth, as always.

Automatically, Khushi's hand lifted to trace Payal's face, and a tear slid down the side of her cheek.

*FLASHBACK*

"Ammi! Abbu! I have some AMAZING news!" Khushi yelled as she barged into her parents' house. At 28, Khushi Gupta was the epitome of beauty and brains. She started her own clothing line when she was 24 years old and established AMORE . Now 4 years later, AMORE has become one of the best fashion boutiques in India. Bollywood stars always seek out Khushi to style them because Khushi knew elegance and she knew how to make a statement with her designs.

Today, Khushi was in a cheerful mood. She just got off the phone with her older sister and she was ecstatic. She couldn't wait to share the great news with her parents.

Khushi's parents, who were in the library, heard their youngest daughter's loud and cheerful voice.

"Here comes hurricane Khushi..." Mr. Shashi Gupta said to his wife affectionately.

Mrs. Garima Gupta simply smiled as she saw her youngest daughter march into the room, full of life.

Khushi rushed to her parents' side and engulfed them both in a hug. "Abbu...Ammi, I have amazing news! I just got off the phone with appi, SHE'S PREGNANT!" Khushi announced excitedly.