Darshil's words had shocked Aarvi. She doesn't wanted to believe him but somewhere deep down she knew he is right.
This.... this can't be possible. Why would my sister do anything like this to hurt me. She loves me. Aarvi said
Darshil could see the hurt and disbelief in her eyes, and it made his heart ache.
Hazel..... your sister loves you, I have no doubt about that. But what she did last night, giving you those pastries... it was wrong. She never should have done that, and I bet she didn't even realize what those pastries would do to you. Darshil said
She loves me the most..... then why? Aarvi said in low voice, looking on the floor.
Darshil gently placed a hand on her chin and lifted her face up so that she looked at him, his eyes locked on hers.
Hazel.... I'm sure your sister loves you, she really does. But sometimes, people do things they think are right, even if they're wrong. She thought she was doing something good for you, but she didn't realize how those pastries would affect you. She didn't realize the danger they would put you in. Darshil said
Aarvi continued to look at him and nod. At the same time, Aarvi's phone buzzed, as Aarvi looks at the caller id, it was Siya. She picked the the call and places the phone on her ear.
Hello. Aarvi said
Aarvi.... Are you okay? Siya asked
What was in those pastries? Aarvi asked
Uhh, bhang. I am really sorry Aarvi, I made a mistake. I had some kind of crazy plans with my freinds at their place. So, I made two types of pastries, one for my freinds with bhang, and other one for you, without a drug. But, by mistake, I got you the wrong one. I am really sorry. Siya said
It's.... Okay. Aarvi said
Are you alright? Siya asked
Yeah.... I am fine. Aarvi said
Okay then, take care. Siya said and Aarvi hung up the call.
What did she say? Darshil asked
She said, she got me the wrong pastries, containing bhang. Those were for her friends but as they looked same..... It was just a mistake. Let's forget it. Aarvi said
Darshil nods
Yeah.... I told you, she would never do anything to hurt you intentionally. Darshil said
Yeah... Aarvi said and sighs
Are you feeling okay now? Darshil asked
Yes, I am fine. I am going downstairs to dadi. Aarvi said and walked out of the room.
Meanwhile, Darshil looks at the pastry box again and gets lost in thoughts.
The soft morning light filters through the windows as Aarvi steps out of the pooja room, her hands gently holding the silver aarti plate. The scent of incense fills the air, mixing with the fragrance of fresh flowers that adorn the beautiful mandir of the house. Aarviâs face is serene, her heart calmed by the familiar rituals she has performed every morning since she arrived at Darshilâs home.
As she turns back, she see Nandini ji and Poorva and she gives Aarti to both of them.
Are you okah now Aarvi? Poorva asked.
Yes, much better. Aarvi said with a smile.
Aarvi beta, take the aarti to Darshil. Heâs in his study. Nandini ji said
Aarvi pauses for a moment, her thoughts briefly flickering to Darshil. Sheâs still not comfortable around him, not after everything thatâs happened between them. But Dadiâs request is simple, and Aarvi doesnât want to disappoint her.
She nods to herself
Ji, dadi. Aarvi said and makes her way towards the study.
Dadi, you know bhai don't like all this. Poorva said in a low voice
But he likes everything that Aarvi does. Maybe, he take aarti and blessings of god if Aarvi's asks him to. Nandini ji said with a smile.
Darshil is sitting at his desk, engrossed in his work, the glow of the computer screen casting a soft light on his face. Heâs deep in thought when the door creaks open. He looks up, surprised to see Aarvi standing there, the aarti plate in her hands.
Hazel? Darshil said
Dadi asked me to give you aarti, after pooja. Aarvi said
Darshil stares at the plate for a moment, his expression unreadable. Heâs never been one to indulge in religious rituals. In fact, heâs never really believed in them at all. Aarvi, unaware of his lack of faith, stands there, waiting for him to accept the aarti.
Didn't she told you that I never participate in any kind of religious action, like pooja and aarti as I don't beleive in god. Darshil said
But you never said this before. And in Jaipur too, you performed the pooja with me. Aarvi said
I did all that for your happiness. But, I don't involve myself in such stuffs and I won't anymore. Darshil said
But why? Why don't you worship god? Pooja, aarti, is a part of life..... Why don't you do it? Aarvi asked
Why do you do pooja, Hazel? Darshil asked
Aarvi looks up at him, surprised by the question. She meets his gaze, feeling a mix of emotionsâcuriosity, confusion, and a hint of vulnerability.
Pooja and aarti give my heart.... peace and relaxation. It makes me happy when I worship god. Aarvi said
Darshil watches her, something in her words striking a chord deep within him. For a moment, he sees her differentlyânot just as the woman heâs obsessed or in love with, but as someone who finds solace in things heâs never understood.
Without breaking eye contact, Darshil reaches out and takes the aarti plate from her hands. Aarviâs eyes widen in surprise as he gently lifts the plate and starts to revolve it in front of her, the way one would do in front of an idol.
Darshil, what are you doing? Aarvi asks in surprise.
Darshil finishes the aarti and sets the plate back on the table, his movements slow and deliberate. Then, he takes a step closer to Aarvi, his eyes searching hers.
You said doing aarti gives you peace. For me, Hazel, looking at you, being with you... that's what brings peace to my heart. Youâre the relief of my heart, the only thing that brings me any sense of calm.Worshiping you is my way of finding that calm, that relief. Darshil said
Aarvi's breath as his words catches in throat. Sheâs stunned by his words, by the intensity in his eyes as he looks at her. For a moment, she doesnât know what to say, her mind struggling to process what just happened.
Darshil places the aarti plate back in her hands, his fingers brushing against hers briefly, sending a jolt through her. She pulls back slightly, her heart racing, unsure of what to make of this sudden shift in him.
Darshil..... I..... Aarvi said in hesitation but Darshil interrupts in middle.
You don't have to say anything, Hazel. Just know that you are my peace, my calm in the storm. I may not believe in God, but I believe in you... in us. Darshil said
Aarvi stands there, her emotions swirling inside her. She doesnât know how to respond, how to reconcile the man standing before her with the one sheâs come to fear and distrust. And again, thereâs something different in his eyes today, something that makes her heart ache in a way sheâs not ready to confront.
I should go⦠Dadi will be waiting. Aarvi said in a low voice.
Darshil nods, stepping back to give her space. He watches as she turns and walks out of the study, the aarti plate still in her hands.
Aarvi walks back to the pooja room, her mind racing with thoughts she canât quite control. The weight of Darshilâs words lingers in her heart, leaving her more confused than ever.
As she places the aarti plate back on the altar, she closes her eyes, trying to find the peace she usually does in the rituals. But today, her mind keeps drifting back to the way Darshil looked at her, the way his words made her feel.
Aarvi finds herself wondering if thereâs more to Darshil than the man sheâs feared and didn't like. But she quickly pushes the thought aside, reminding herself of everything thatâs happened between them. Yet, despite her best efforts, she canât quite shake the feeling that something has changed between themâsomething sheâs not sure sheâs ready to face.
Her thaught was interupted when Nandini ji called her for the breakfast. She walks at the dining table and takes her seat.
Aarvi, Nandini ji, and Poorva sit together, waiting for Darshil to join them. The table is set with an array of breakfast itemsâfresh fruit, parathas, and steaming cups of chai.
Aarvi, have some more parathas. You look too thin these days! Nandini ji said with a smile.
Dadi, you say that every day! I think you just want an excuse to feed us all more. Aarvi said with a slight laugh
Aarvi's right, Dadi. You always think we're too thin. Poorva said
The three women share a light-hearted laugh, but Aarviâs smile fades slightly as she glances toward the hallway, expecting Darshil to appear any moment. Just then, they hear the sound of footsteps, and Darshil enters the room, looking as composed and serious as ever.
Good morning, everyone. Darshil greets
Good morning, beta. Come, sit. You must be hungry. Nandini ji said
Darshil takes his seat at the table, and Aarvi canât help but notice the slight tension in his posture. He seems preoccupied, his mind elsewhere.
I have something to tell you all. Darshil said in a calm tone
The light chatter at the table quiets as everyone turns their attention to him. Aarviâs heart skips a beat, sensing that whatever heâs about to say isnât good news.
What is it? Aarvi asked
I have to leave for Italy this evening. Thereâs an emergency at work that requires my immediate attention. Iâll be gone for about a month. Darshil said
Thereâs a moment of stunned silence at the table. Nandiniâs expression falls, and Poorva and Aarvi looks surprised.
A whole month, Darshil? Thatâs a long time. Canât it wait? Nandini ji asked in concern
Italy? Is everything okay, bhai? Poorva asked
Darshil nods.
Itâs a critical situation, and Iâm the only one who can handle it. I wouldnât leave if it werenât necessary. Darshil said
Aarvi listens quietly, her emotions swirling inside her. She feels a pang of sadness at the thought of Darshil being away for so long. Despite everything, sheâs grown used to his presence, and the idea of him being gone leaves her feeling unexpectedly lonely. But she doesnât say anything, choosing instead to focus on her tea, her fingers gripping the cup a little tighter.
Work is important, I know. But weâll miss you, beta. Take care of yourself over there. Nandini ji said
I will, Dadi. And Iâll be in touch every day. Darshil said
Make sure you bring back something nice for all of us, okay? Poorva said Darshil smirks slightly
Of course. Iâll make sure to get you something special, Poorva. Darshil said
Aarvi forces a smile, her eyes meeting Darshilâs for a brief moment. She wants to tell him to stay, to find a way to manage without leaving, but the words donât come. Instead, she simply nods, hiding her disappointment behind a mask of calm.
I hope everything goes well in Italy. Aarvi said
Darshilâs gaze lingers on her for a moment longer than necessary, as if heâs searching for something in her eyes.
Yeah.... Darshil said
The breakfast continues, but the mood is more subdued. Aarvi barely touches her food, her thoughts occupied by the idea of Darshil being gone for a whole month. She had never imagined she would feel this wayâso conflicted, so unsure of herself.
As they finish breakfast, Darshil excuses himself to start packing, and the others disperse to their own activities. Aarvi remains seated at the table for a few moments longer, staring down at her half-empty cup of tea.
Finally, she stands up, resolving to push her feelings aside. Itâs just a month, she tells herself.
Aarvi walks into the room where Darshil was already packing his stuffs.
Shall I help you? Aarvi asked
No Thankyou, I am almost done with it. Darshil said with a smile.
So..... Are you going to office today also? Aarvi asked
Yes Hazel, I'll go to office first where I have to attend a meeting. After which, I'll lead to airport where Daksh will join me for this journey to Italy. Darshil said
Daksh? So.... you both are going together? Aarvi asked
Yes..... He is my buisness partner. Darshil said
O.... Okay then, have a safe flight. Aarvi said and turned to walk away but Darshil grabs her hand and pulls her close.
Are you upset? Darshil asked
N.... No, why would I be upset? Aarvi said
Doesn't this separation make you feel a pang of sadness in your heart? Darshil asked
Aarvi looked into his eyes and her heart was beating fast.... as if they wanted stop him. Aarvi pulls back.
No..... I'm instead..... relaived. I'll be happy alone for after a long time. Aarvi said with a smile.
Darshil smirks.
Really? Darshil asked
Yes..... I am happy. Aarvi said
Darshil grabs her waist and pulls her close enough to make his breathe tpuch her face.
Then I am sorry to say that..... I won't let you get this happiness for a long time Hazel. Darshil said
I know, but I have one full month..... I know it's a very short period of time but still. No Darshil, no drama. Aarvi said with a teasing smile.
Darshil smiles.
Well, it would have hurted me under normal circumstances but, now..... I'm used to your tantrums Hazel so I find all these adorable now. See you soon..... And make sure you answer my calls on time or I'll take a flight back to Mumbai, the minute you ignore a single call of mine. Darshil said with a smirk and walks out of the room with his luggage.
Darshil takes blessings from Nandini ji and hugs Poorva. He takes glances of Aarvi and then leaves leaving Aarvi's heart and mind completely blind.
Nandini ji looked at Aarvi who couldn't hide her sadness.
Aarvi..... Are you okay beta? Nandini ji asked
Yes dadi, I am fine. Aarvi said with a smile.
I know, Darshil's absense has already started making you feel lomely but remember we are with you all the time. Nandini ji said
Actually, dadi, we are already in habit to bhai's sudden buisness trips but Aarvi is new to all. Don't worry, he will also miss you a lot. Poorva said and Aarvi nods.
Time skip......
the whole day passed, and at the mansion all the three ladies ate their food, they all behaved normally they didn't miss Darshil too much because they were all used to it, but Aarvi.....
Aarvi walks in her room after dinner bit today something was different.
So, this huge luxurious room is mine for the next one month? I can finally be alone and has all the freedom I want..... but I am not happy. I've always wanted this but now..... it doesn't feel like I thought. When he was in this room, I hated it but when he is gone..... why does this room looks like a desolate desert? Gosh..... I hate when I miss him. Aarvi said. She wraps her arms around herself, trying to ward off the chill that seems to have settled in the room. Itâs confusing, this mix of emotions and at the same time, Ruhi arrived there.
Chachi, are you sad? Ruhi asked
Aarvi smiles.
Not after seeing you. Aarvi said and lifts Ruhi up in her arms.
Chachu is not here, so...... Ruhi said
So?? Aarvi asked
Can I sleep with you? Ruhi asked
Aarvi smiles.
Awww, off course my baby. You can see with ke everyday Ruhi. Aarvi said
Thankyou chachi..... Ruhi said and kissed Aarvi's cheek
Then Aarvi tells her a story as she insisted and puts her to sleep.
On the other hand, Darshil arrives in Italy with Daksh by his side. The private jet touches down in a remote airstrip after 18 hours, and they are quickly whisked away in a convoy of black SUVs. The drive through the winding, picturesque countryside of Italy should be calming, but Darshilâs mind is far from at ease. Despite the beautiful surroundings, he canât stop thinking about Aarvi and his family back in Mumbai. He informed his family that he safely reached here
You seem distracted, Darshil. Everything okay? Daksh said
Just thinking about Aarvi... and the family. I didnât expect to miss them this much and especially Aarvi. Darshil said
Daksh grins.
Youâve gone soft, my friend. But I get it. Family has a way of getting under your skin and Aarvi, she is everything you've ever craved for till now after your dream career. Daksh said
She is much more important than my stupid career, she is everything, she has become the reason, I want to breathe. Darshil said
I know..... love is complicated but at the same time, it's the best feeling. Daksh said
Darshil chuckles.
But how do you know, about love. Got someone? Darshil asked
Daksh smirks.
It's a secret, let it be one. Daksh said
*********
So guys, that's all for today.
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As English is not my first language so there can be some grammatical mistakes, I just request to please ignore it.
Thankyouð¥