ibtidaa-e-ishq

2. UNWANTED

(HEGDE HOUSE)

Aradhya, after a delightful shopping spree, returned home eager to share her treasures with her family. Upon entering, she warmly greeted her mother, who inquired about her purchases with a curious smile. The air was filled with anticipation as Aradhya revealed that she hadn't added to her own wardrobe but had, instead, chosen thoughtful gifts for her mother, her beloved brother Varun, and even her father.In response to her mother's inquiry about whether she had found a dress for herself, Aradhya humbly replied, "No, Mom. I have enough dresses already. I bought clothes for you, Varun, and Dad. I hope Dad will appreciate the gesture." This statement hinted at a complicated relationship with her father, as Aradhya seemed aware of his disapproval.Aradhya's mother, sensing the underlying tension, attempted to offer comforting words. However, their conversation was interrupted by the playful entrance of Varun. In a typical sibling manner, he mischievously pulled Aradhya's hair, initiating a lighthearted squabble between them. Such moments of camaraderie were undoubtedly a common sight in their household.As the siblings engaged in their playful banter, Aradhya took the opportunity to share her grievances with her mother. "Mumma (MOTHER) see he's again troubling me", With a mix of exasperation and humor, she complained about Varun's antics, seeking solace and understanding. Perhaps it was her way of coping with the complex dynamics within the family. Her mother says, "Stop! varun she's tired, grow up when will you stop being kid" after hearing this Aradhya smirks and said "probably when Bhabhi (Sister in law) will come, Hain na bhaiya?" (is it right brother)

Aradhya, with a sly grin, declares, "Varun, just wait until Sister in law arrives. I'll complain about your antics, and she'll undoubtedly take my side. You won't stand a chance!"Varun, never one to back down, responds with a playful smirk, "Oh, Aradhya, you underestimate my charm. She might end up joining Team Varun instead. After all, mischief runs in the family!"Their banter unfolds like a well-rehearsed comedy routine, each exchange escalating the teasing. Aradhya, confident in her strategy, fires back, "Varun, your charm won't work this time. Bhabhi (Sister in law) knows who the real troublemaker is in this duo."Varun, feigning innocence, counters, "Trouble? I prefer to call it spontaneous fun. She will surely appreciate my spontaneous approach to life."As the banter continues, their words become a delightful dance of sibling camaraderie. Aradhya, with a hint of exasperation, exclaims, "Varun, you're impossible!"Varun, enjoying the banter, chuckles, "That's why you love having me around, Adorable Aradhya."

Aradhya's laughter echoed through the room, a joyful symphony of sibling banter that filled the space with warmth. However, as their father, Shekhawat Hegde, entered the scene, the atmosphere changed dramatically. His stern expression and furrowed brow betrayed his displeasure at the seemingly carefree moment.

"Aradhya!" he bellowed, the thunderous tone silencing the room. She flinched at the sound of his voice, her laughter replaced with a nervous uncertainty.

"Stop being good for nothing for once, will you?" he snapped, his eyes narrowing in disapproval.

In an attempt to diffuse the tension, Aradhya stammered, "Dad, I was waiting for you. Look, I've brought your favorite kurta."

He dismissed her with a swift gesture, silencing her attempt to explain. His face contorted with frustration as he launched into a harsh monologue, words dripping with disdain. "You're always a burden, Aradhya. It would have been better if a son had been born into this house instead of you."

Aradhya, desperately trying to hold back tears, met her father's gaze with a mixture of hurt and defiance. "Dad, I try my best. I brought the kurta thinking you'd like it. Can't we just enjoy a moment together?"

But Shekhawat Hegde was relentless, continuing his tirade. "You're unwanted, a disappointment. No matter what you do, you'll never be good enough."

As his words hung heavy in the air, Aradhya struggled to maintain her composure. The room, once filled with laughter, was now shrouded in a suffocating silence broken only by the harsh words of her father. The emotional turmoil within her was palpable, a storm of hurt and rejection.

Varun, sensing the heavy atmosphere, decided to shift the focus to a more positive note. "Dad, today Shekar uncle spoke to Mansuri Khan Company, and they are ready for today's meeting," he announced, hoping to divert his father's attention.

Shekhawat Hegde's demeanor transformed at the mention of business success. His scowl turned into a proud smile, and the lines of stress on his face seemed to ease. "That's why I'm proud of you, my son," he declared with genuine admiration. "You never disappoint me when it comes to the family business."

Varun, basking in his father's approval, replied, "I've been working hard to make you proud, Dad. Today's meeting could be a turning point for us."

Encouraged by the positive shift in the conversation, Shekhawat Hegde continued, "Success runs in the blood of the Hegdes. I expect nothing less from my children. Keep up the good work, and you'll inherit the legacy of our family."

Varun, appreciative of his father's acknowledgment, responded, "I'll make sure to live up to your expectations, Dad. Together, we'll take the family business to new heights."

Varun, with a reassuring smile, glanced at Aradhya, hoping to bring a moment of relief. Aradhya, catching her brother's eye, responded with a genuine smile, nodding her head in appreciation for his attempt to change the atmosphere.

As Shekhawat Hegde patted Varun on the shoulder and exited, Varun approached Aradhya, enveloping her in a comforting hug. "I'm proud of you, sis. You're not a disappointment. I love you," he whispered, his words carrying a genuine warmth.

Aradhya, feeling the emotional weight lift from her shoulders, hugged him back tightly. Her voice slightly choked with emotion, she replied, "I love you more, brother. Thank you for always being there for me."

In that embrace, the sibling bond became a source of solace, a reminder that amidst the challenges of family dynamics, their love for each other endured. The atmosphere, once heavy with tension, now held a sense of connection and understanding between Varun and Aradhya.

Aradhya, still embraced by Varun, felt a gentle pat on her back. As she turned, she saw her mother, Renuka, standing there with tears welling up in her eyes. Aradhya broke the hug, concern etched on her face.

Renuka, her voice choked with emotion, said, "I'm sorry, beta. I can't do anything. I'm helpless. Please forgive me."

Aradhya, wiping away her mother's tears, shook her head and said, "No, Mom. Don't make me feel ashamed. You're the best mom in the world. You're not at fault. Please don't say that."

Renuka, overcome with emotion, pulled Aradhya into a heartfelt embrace. In that moment of shared vulnerability, Aradhya reassured her mother, "We'll get through this together, Mom. You're not alone."

Renuka, holding Aradhya close, whispered, "I just want the best for you, beta. It hurts to see you go through this."

Aradhya, with a soft smile, replied, "I know, Mom. And having you by my side means everything. We'll face whatever comes together. You don't need to apologize for anything."

Renuka, still holding her daughter, felt a mixture of gratitude and remorse. "You're so strong, Aradhya. I wish I could change things for you."

Aradhya, with a determined look, said, "We can't change some things, Mom, but we can choose how we face them. And we'll face them as a family, with love and strength."

As the three of them stood in that moment of shared understanding, the strength of their familial bond became a source of solace. In the face of adversity, they found unity and love that transcended the challenges they were confronting.

Varun, ever the light-hearted peacemaker, broke the emotional moment with a playful remark. "Let's stop the sentimental moment, embrace the happiness. Otherwise, Aradhya's future husband will think, 'My wife is always crying. She's emotional full.' He'll say, 'You guys have given me your crybaby daughter, Mom.'"

Aradhya, unable to resist the humor, lightly punched Varun and retorted, "I'm not going anywhere. You guys have to endure me for a lifetime."

Varun chuckled, "Well, I guess we're stuck with you, then."

Their laughter filled the room, creating a much-needed shift from the heavy emotions that lingered moments before. Renuka, Aradhya's mother, joined in, her smile returning. "You two never fail to lighten the mood," she remarked.

Varun, still grinning, replied, "That's our secret talent, Mom. Now, no more tears. Only laughter and joy."

Aradhya, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, added, "And if my future husband can't handle a bit of emotion, he's in for a ride."

Varun, feigning shock, exclaimed, "Uh-oh, poor guy. I hope he's prepared for the Hegde family drama."

Renuka, enjoying the banter, said, "Well, he'll have the best training with you two around."

Aradhya, feeling the warmth of her family, teased, "He should thank his lucky stars to be part of this crazy but loving family."

Varun, raising an imaginary toast, proposed, "To the Hegde family – where tears are temporary, but love is permanent."

Varun, always ready with a witty comment, interjected, "But what if your husband is a drama queen, and you have to endure his nakhre?" (tantrum)

Aradhya, playfully considering the scenario, tilted her head and replied, "Well, if he thinks he can outdo me in drama, he's in for a surprise. I've perfected the art of emotional roller coasters."

Varun, grinning, teased, "Imagine both of you having a nakhre (tantrum) competition. The neighbors would be thoroughly entertained."

Renuka, joining the banter, added, "Our family gatherings would turn into drama festivals. I can already see it – 'The Great Nakhre (tantrum) Showdown!'"

Aradhya, her imagination running wild, laughed, "And the winner gets the title of 'Supreme Drama Monarch.' It's a prestigious title, you know."

Varun, with mock seriousness, declared, "I'm placing my bets on Aradhya. She's got the Hegde genes for drama."

Aradhya, with a twinkle in her eye, countered, "Oh, please! You can't underestimate the potential drama in your future brother-in-law. I bet he'll give me a run for my money."

Varun, pretending to ponder, said, "Hmm, true. It might be a close competition. But remember, Mom, you'll be the judge. Choose wisely."

Renuka, enjoying the lighthearted exchange, chuckled, "I might need some extra judging criteria for this competition. Emotional outbursts, dramatic gestures, maybe even a tear count."

Aradhya, with a theatrical gasp, exclaimed, "A tear count? That's a game-changer. I need to start practicing my dramatic tears."

Varun, shaking his head in amusement, remarked, "Our family gatherings are never dull. Who needs reality TV when you have the Hegde family drama?"

As laughter filled the room once again, the Hegde family embraced the joy found in the simplicity of shared humor and playful banter. The imaginary "Nakhre (tantrum) Showdown" became a delightful addition to their repertoire of family jokes, creating memories that would be cherished for years to come.