- Bhai, I need to talk to you…

Arnav put down the watering can next to roses bushes he was tending to and turned around to look at Javed. His friend sounded kinda awkward… and he called him "bhai" which was Jev's tell for intense and dramatic moments. And since there were no news on Shyam this evening (or Arnav would've heard directly from Mr. Thompson) then it must've been something else… But what else could get Jev into this state of unease – shaky hands, wandering eyes?

- OK, Jev, stop searching around – I'm in front of you! Say your piece because we have about half an hour before Khushi will drag both of us to some big family gathering that she so suddenly announced!

Javed overstepped his feet and said:

- Well, that's what I kinda was going to talk about… I called for that meeting and asked Khushi-ji to get it together…

Arnav raised an eyebrow and smiled in surprise (Khushi called it his "signature smirk"):

- Well, bhai, you've got my attention! What is it that you want to discuss both with me and our family? I hope it's not one of those "I'm going away to South Africa for a year" conversations?

Javed laughed nervously and straightened his kurta. Arnav made a mental remark to mock Jev on his choice of suit later – they were both not fond of this "traditional clothing" stuff.

Javed cleared his throat and said:

- Bhai, it's quite the opposite – I want to ask for your help so Nani-ji wouldn't kick me out from the house.

- What the..? Why would Nani-ji kick YOU out? You are her favorite grandson, if she had to choose one of us – I'd be the one packing my suitcases!

Javed nodded along with this statement – he knew he was really loved in this family:

- Yeah, true, true… but I'm afraid the tide may turn when I will… - he inhaled deeply, - ask for Anjali's hand in marriage. Today. In half an hour.

Javed was expecting Arnav to lead with his traditional "What the…" – instead his best friend went silent. And kept silent for few more minutes… and then he suddenly clapped his hands and exclaimed:

- How does she always do it?! I mean, really?!

It was Javed's turn to be surprised:

- Ok, Arnav, you've lost me… Who does what?

- Khushi! – Arnav went on to explain with awe and a bit of envy in his voice – She told me like few days ago that soon enough you two will… - and then he stumbled and coughed to conceal his embarrassment with this situation.

Javed nodded and cleared his throat, which in men's world universally meant "yeah, yeah, moving along" – so neither Arnav not he had to finish that sentence and label it.

Still, Javed wasn't done with this topic:

- But how would Khushi-ji know?

This was an important question for him – Javed needed to know where he'd slip up before and gave away the essence of their relationships with Anjali to Khushi's observant eye.

Arnav waved off Javed's question:

- How does she always know? Last time it was about Di's favorite colors, this time it was something about Anjali not buying Rakhi for you… I dunno – there always something she sees! And in her crazy mind this "something" means something more, and one thing leads to another, and so on and so forth… My wife is crazy, I'm telling you!

One would think that this was a scolding speech on Arnav's behalf… but it was said with so much warmth and love that it would fool nobody – and definitely not Javed. Jev nudged Arnav:

- You don't have to tell me that, her diagnose is written all over your marriage certificate – only mental would take you as her husband!

Arnav nodded with happy smile:

- Whatever works, man, whatever works…

…

Wind chimes announced arrival of Khushi who practically ran to the poolside while screaming:

- Arnav-ji, Javed-ji, everybody is waiting for you in the common room and I really don't know what to tell them about the reason for this meeting so would you please both come already? And while we are here – has anybody seen my herbal tea bag? I need to make some soothing tea for Di – I thing she might have a mild fever.

Khushi kept searching their bedroom frantically while talking to Arnav and Javed until Arnav stopped her midspin and demanded:

- Di I what again? What fever?

Khushi shrugged:

- Nothing to worry, Arnav, I think she's just overly exited to tomorrow activities… bit she's a bit flushed and short of breathe and kind of nervous… so a nice hot cup of tea would be just perfect for her!

With that Khushi tenderly freed herself from her husband's arms and continued her search. Arnav was watching her absentmindedly and then he's heard Jev's relieved sigh – he turned around to see his best friend spotting silliest most happy smile ever. Some things added up in Arnav's brain and he laughed out loud earning Khushi's concerned gaze:

- Arnav-ji, maybe I should make this tea for you too?

Arnav couldn't stop laughing and he waved his hands in objection to her offer. When he finally caught a breath he just said:

- No, Khushi, make that tea for Jev – he and Anjali are going down with the same virus called "missing Rakhi".

Khushi looked at Javed who was trying to disappear in evening shadows – he was not used to be in this kind of spotlight. But Khushi's reaction was softer than her husband's – she simply smiled approvingly and said:

- Well, then I guess I should go and arrange some tea for the whole family… and jalebis… and maybe some light snacks… it's going to be an interesting and looooooong evening.

She turned around to leave with one last regal remark:

- Gentlemen, you are most definitely expected in the common room.

…

As Arnav and Javed was leaving the room, Arnav turned to Javed and asked in his best intimidating voice:

- Wait! Aren't you supposed to ask ME for Di's hand in marriage? My opinion is important in this matter, you know!

Javed scoffed:

- Man, you are not the elder of this house… and we both know you wouldn't say "no" to me in this matter. Right?

Javed stretched out his hand and it was met by Arnav's firm handshake:

- True, Jev, true. Ok, let's go talk to the family…

…

The talk with the family was way different. No matter how much Raizadas loved "Javed aka Chote's best friend" they were not ready for "Javed aka Anjali's fiancée". Especially with him living in their house. Especially considering how previous similar situation between Arnav and Lavanya ended in complete disaster. Especially since Anjali was under too much stress lately and Nani'ji didn't want her to be dragged through rumor mills of upper crust engagement.

But… Javed made it clear that he would never leave Shantivan while Shyam was still out there waiting for a chink in the armor to get his revenge… Javed would never abandon his loved ones like this.

Also… Arnav was on Jev's side, Khushi was on Jev's side, NK and even Lavanya was on Jev's side… Akash and Payal didn't have a say in the matter as they haven't arrived yet… and Manorama was turn between fear of her saasu-ma and thrill of approaching spotlight for their family.

And Nani-ji finally agreed. Because deep down inside she knew that Javed may have been the perfect choice for her granddaughter. Anjali was broken so many times in so many horrible ways… she needed somebody to coat her with care, to stand by her, to love her. And Javed loved Anjali – that much was obvious with every warm glance, every supportive smile, reassuring nod and tender word. He loved her with all of his life.

…

Raksha Bandhan went on happily the next day. Anjali didn't offer to tie Rakhi to Javed, he didn't have to decline her offer with some nonsensical excuse. They were a couple now.

And they were to be engaged as soon as Javed's parents arrive the next day. The day Anjali dreaded… because she was not ready to meet Genevieve Marion-Khan. Javed's mother.