Love is not always Sweet

chapter 20

Both Arnav and Khushi enter the house while following Lavanya... They saw Lavanya's parents already sitting in the living room... Lavanya introduced them to Khushi...

Lavanya(pointing them): Khushi, meet my parents... My mom Shruthi and my dad Rajeev...

Khushi immediately joins her palms and greets them... They smile at Khushi, getting up...

Shruthi: so, you are the one who changed our daughter...

Khushi smiled uncomfortably...

Rajeev: you brought out the beautiful woman inside my daughter Khushi... Thank you... (he smiled)

Khushi: she was always a beautiful woman... and I met a great friend inside her who could be as crazy as I was...

Lavanya smiled and hugged Khushi... She looked at her parents and spoke...

Lavanya: you both can talk to ASR... I am taking Khushi to my room...

Saying that, Lavanya drags Khushi to her room...

***

Lavanya: I am glad, I could see you after these many months...

Khushi: I am happy too... I don't know that you live in Lucknow...

Lavanya: actually, this is my grandmother's house... She went to temple... So, I couldn't introduce her to you... Mom and Dad returned from states recently to start my wedding preparations...

Khushi: oh... wait... Wedding?

Lavanya(smiling brightly): yes Chamkeli... I am getting married soon... See... (she showed her engagement ring)

Khushi: wow... love or arranged?

Lavanya: Amit and I met in a business meeting... Their company used to supply raw materials for us... He started flirting with me which I ignored completely because ASR was still there in my mind... but after some time, I started enjoying his company... He was one of the good friend who cared about me so much... I told him about ASR and when he proposed me finally, I knew that I could be happy with him for my entire life... So, I accepted him... I don't know if I am in love with him completely but I love his presence in my life more than anything... I am happy with my decision... I said the same to him and he was supportive... So here we are... My marriage preparations...

Khushi: I am very happy for you, Lavanyaji... (she said while hugging Lavanya)

Lavanya: thanks Chamkili...

They pulled back and Khushi could see the spark in her eyes... Obviously, she could see how happy Lavanya looked...

Lavanya: I never thought I could move on from my feelings towards ASR... but now, I see him just as my friend...

Khushi thought for a moment before speaking again...

Khushi: Lavanyaji, can I ask you a question?

Lavanya: oh come on Chamkeli... You know, you can ask anything...

Khushi: how... how did you move on?

Lavanya let out a deep breathe and spoke while holding Khushi's palms...

Lavanya: I know what happened between you and ASR, Khushi... ASR told me... and no matter what, I will be there with you... If you want to move on, I will help you with it...

Khushi: you think, I can do it?

Lavanya: it depends on how much you want to start your life afresh...

Khushi: I started it already, Lavanyaji... I moved to Lucknow... started sweet shop again... I tried my best to take off my mind from my past...

Lavanya: I know... I know... but you need some change in your life... don't worry... I will help you with that... You once taught me how I could be a beautiful woman... and now, I will teach you how to move on and restart your life...