#AND THEM ON THEIR 20TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

[satorisoup]

⌗ 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐁𝐎 ! ⁝ ( ᰔ )

— timeskip! koutaro bokuto

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 ﾉ fluff. one mention of pregnancy (facepalm). bokuto seems to be a bit forgetful.

𝐖𝐂 ﾉ 833

the blinking bedside lamp reads 7:00am, september 20th. it’s your husbands birthday today, and you’re sure he’d love to sleep in after all of the training he’s been doing. you snuggle closer into the radiant heat beside you, enjoying the morning silence before the events of today, until you’re not.

you’re abruptly interrupted by none other than your husbands loud, rather obnoxious alarm. it dings and shouts, and bokuto moves to slide out of bed with a groan.

perhaps he’s just going to the bathroom.

you wait patiently for his return, until about 15 minutes go by and your hair is swept away from your forehead, a pair of lips replacing it.

“… kou ? ”

bokuto seems almost upset with himself that he had woken you. unbeknownst to him, you had already been awake, lying down in confusion.

“ crap— i’m sorry baby. im off to practice, kay ? ”

your eyes shoot open at that, only for your worries to be answered, bokuto was indeed dressed in his practice uniform, gym bag swung over his shoulder.

“ what ? kou— you don’t have practice. they canceled it for today, didn’t you know ? ”

he reels back, almost distraught with the pout that adorns his face.

“ huh ? why would they cancel practice ?! i was supposed to help shoyo learn my cross-shots ! ”

“ because it’s an important day ! why wouldn’t they do that ? you want to practice today ? ”

“ what’s more important than that ! did i forget an anniversary ?! ”

it hits you at the same time the morning sun rises, your lawfully wedded has forgotten his own birthday. you mentally want to facepalm at bokuto for his forgetfulness, so incredibly eager to practice, but you’re dawned with the humorous fact that this is just so him.

and maybe it wouldn’t hurt to play along for now.

you’re now at the grocery store to buy food and some treats, beer and cake, for the birthday party you had planned at your house tonight. bokuto, the birthday boy in question, strolls beside you absolutely oblivious. maybe by now he’d of caught on.

“ what do we need a cake for ? ”

or maybe not.

you’d already sent a text to everyone invited tonight telling them of your current situation, and all agreed to act completely casual until your husband would eventually come to his senses.

you’re now preparing food, cutting up slices of prosciutto as atsumu pops a grape into his mouth.

“ you married n’ airhead, y’know ”

and yes, you do know, you’re sure of it. bokuto suspected absolutely nothing from the friendly visit of his teammate, and nothing by the arrival of 10 more of his closest friends.

perhaps akaashi’s arrival would make him suspect this is definitely more than just a regular get together, considering akaashi is usually never able to take a break from work for these kinds of things.

there’s a loud slap heard from a hand colliding with akaashi’s back, and bokuto’s bright smile is in view.

“ man, did all of you miss me or what ? ”

or perhaps not.

there’s a gift pile that grows with the more people that show up, and bokuto doesn’t even realize it until it’s practically overloading the table.

“ what’s with all the gifts ? ”

he stands next to you, glancing at it once, twice, before his entire face pales and drops into one of pure shock.

this is it. you’ve got him.

“ oh my god— is this a baby shower ? babe— are you pregnant ?! put that beer down ! ”

after you reveal that you are in fact not pregnant, you can tell that bokuto’s visibly becoming more confused and skeptical. his brow is quirked up into a questioning arch, and his arms are crossed over his puffed chest.

not one single person has cracked into spilling the so called “ secret ”, and you decide that your husband truly doesn’t understand what is going on.

kuroo then sits bokuto down into a chair, holding his shoulder as all of his friends gather around. he’s unable to see you in his linesight, only viewing the many cameras that are now pointing to him.

“ is there something on my face ? ”

and it’s not until you round the corner, holding tightly to a cake with candles and setting it down in front of him, that you let it slip.

“ happy birthday, bo. ”

the cheers that erupt from his friends and the kiss on his cheek from you is all bokuto needs for his face to form into a wide smile, blowing out his candles in a final realization as he bellows in a loud laughter.

“ whoops ! happy birthday to me ! ”

no, you didn’t even have to plan a surprise party, because being married to bokuto koutaro is a surprise in it of itself.

[the-jam-to-the-unicorn]

Olena's Summit is on September 6 ... 😏

[boarix]

Nobody here but us lilies...

[phaoi]

.

[radiant-reid]

I love the hot wife blurbs so could you do one where reader and spencer go to a hightschool reunion

Spencer loathed high school. They were some of the worst years of his life when he felt completely alone.

So it made sense that he'd refuse to go to high school reunions, seeing kids that were 5 years older than him and much further ahead in their lives. The last and only time he went- a five-year reunion- most of his graduating class had spouses, and some kids, and he was still the young weirdo dedicated to school. So he left fifteen minutes in.

This time, for the 20th anniversary of their graduation, Y/n had seen the e-vite before Spencer could delete it and she wraps her arms around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder and her body against his back. "Come on." She pleads. "We've got to go."

"But I hate reunions." He complains. "Everyone uses them to brag."

"Yeah, and?" She prompts. "You've got lots to brag about since you last went. Husband, dad, profiler." He's proud of all those things, immensely, but he still shakes his head. "Even if it's horrible and we leave five minutes into it, we'll have a weekend alone in Las Vegas." She tries to persuade him. "No baby, no BAU. Just us with alcohol, casinos, and hookers."

Spencer snorts with laughter. "I've never solicited a prostitute."

"Morgan tells a different story." She mumbles.

"It was a lapdance." He reminds her with a groan. It's a story Morgan's been twisting for years. "Which he paid for, too, by the way... she just offered more."

"We're going." She affirms. "And we're going to have so much fun. Pinky promise." She holds out her pinky finger in front of him and he kisses it.

~

It's at a private backyard space with a bar, probably somewhere designed for weddings, and she picked out the best dress she owns. She can tell he's a little nervous, squeezing her hand tightly. "Hey, it'll be fine, Spence. You've done more than enough to be proud of." She reminds him.

He's grateful for it, especially when he notices some of his tormentors from years ago while they're getting drinks. Unfortunately, they notice him too even though he looks very different from how he did at 12 or 18, and one's brave enough to walk over, offering out his hand to shake Spencer's.

Spencer accepts it even though he: one, hates handshakes, and two, hates Carlton Williams. "Spencer, right? How are you doing, man? I feel like we haven't seen you in years."

Spencer's shocked he bothered looking for him, but someone who peaked in high school is bound to want to see and laugh at the successes of his victim.

"Yeah, I've been busy with my work at the FBI," Spencer states factually, although it sounds like bragging.

"You?" Carlton scoffs like he can't believe it. It's jealousy, ugly jealousy. "In the FBI?"

Spencer shuts down at the insecurities, and Y/n steps up. "I'm Y/n Reid. His wife." She introduces herself.

"No shit? I thought you were just someone he rented for the night." He replies. "Was going to ask for the agency."

She keeps her cool despite how rude his comment is and holds out her hand, displaying the big rock. It's hard for anyone not to gawk at it. "Yeah, it pays to not peak in high school." She informs him.

After Carlton decides he's been humiliated enough, he leaves the couple alone.

"I'm sorry he's such a dick." Spencer apologizes.

"We can always frame him for murder, you know?" She offers. "Or get Penelope to put his house on Craigslist for way below its value."

Spencer laughs, nodding slightly. "Yeah, let's."

[hand-picked-star]

The 13th Anniversary Arshi Fiesta

Moodboard : Historical AU

Whispers of the Heart | Chapter 25 ( final)

DISCLAIMER: The story is set in the early 20th century. While I have made efforts to capture the essence of the era, there may be inaccuracies as this is a work of fantasy. I do not own the characters Arnav and Khushi, and this story is purely fictional with no relation to any real individuals, living or dead. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

WARNING: 18+, MATURE CONTENT.

Final Chapter

Three years later.

It was the eve of Diwali, the festival of lights. The Rajput haveli was a vision of grandeur and festivity this evening. The entire estate was adorned with intricate decorations. Strings of twinkling fairy lights draped over every window and doorway and vibrant rangoli patterns were meticulously crafted at the entrance. Rows of gleaming diyas, their soft flickering flames casting a warm, golden glow, lined the pathways and courtyards, creating a serene and enchanting ambience. The air was filled with the scent of freshly made sweets and the sounds of laughter and celebration, as the household came alive with the spirit of joy and togetherness.

Arnav and Khushi had been celebrating their Dewalis with the Rajput family instead of their own Haveli, which they had finally managed to build according to their own taste. It was especially Khushi's touch that could be seen in every corner of the new Raizada state. Though they had a beautiful house of their own, they very much enjoyed spending their Dewalis with the Rajputs. Because, all of their near and dear ones were here and with Mahindar and Manorama's advancing age, they wanted to celebrate the festivals surrounded by all of their children.

"Oh shit."

Arnav hurriedly entered the room and locked the door behind him. Khushi was in the midst of getting ready. was adjusting a delicate gold necklace around her neck. She had styled her dark hair elegantly in loose waves that had gone perfectly with the stunning deep red sari, she had worn. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of concern as she looked up from her reflection.

"What happened?"

"The string of my trousers just snapped. Did you bring a spare?" Arnav replied, noticing how gorgeous she looked.

"Let me see."

As Khushi proceeded to see Arnav's broken trouser string, a mischievous smile appeared on his lips.

"Aren't you a bit too eager to see my treasures, Mrs. Raizada?"

Rolling her eyes at his antics, she said, "Take it off."

"As you wish."

Arnav grabbed her waist, gently placing her on the desk in her room. The old desk was not that big, leaving her back pressed against the wall. He moved to stand between her legs, gently pushing them apart.

"What are you doing?" she whispered yelled as his hands slid up her thighs. He wrapped one of his hands around her waist, pulling her a little closer, while he put the other hand against the wall, above her head.

"Nothing, just testing how sturdy the desk is," he said leaning closer to her. A playful smirk curled on the corners of his lips.

"Arnav, everyone is waiting for us downstairs."

"A few more minutes won't hurt them," he said, capturing her lips in a teasing kiss while his hands gathered her saree around her waist. He touched her in between her legs, finding her already eager for him.

"Ap aise nahi kar sakte," she whispered, biting her lips.

"Kyun nahi kar sakta? Biwi ho tum meri, my legally wedded wife." A soft whimper escaped her lips, as he pushed his fingers in between her nether lips. "And look at you," he murmured, "....already so ready for me. The idea of us on this desk excites you, huh?"

Khushi swatted his shoulder lightly and smiled, her eyes full of mirth. "Shut up."

"Make me."

In the past few years, so much had changed. What hadn't was the undeniable pull between them. Despite the upheavals in many aspects of their lives, there they were, still wrapped up in their own little world.

He looked devastatingly handsome, as always-nothing special in that. But the navy blue kurta he wore today made his eyes stand out even more, and they were now focused on Khushi, brimming with mirth.

Khushi clutched his collars and pulled him close as she fused their lips together, successfully wiping off the teasing grin on his face. Meanwhile, Arnav got rid of his trousers and entered her in a swift motion. Both of them moaned softly, their pleasure barely contained. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt as she pulled him closer. Her back arched slightly while she adjusted to him. His lips travelled down her neck alternately sucking and kissing her soft supple skin. Her head fell back, eyes fluttered shut.

"Don't leave marks. It would be very awkward in front of the relatives." The desk beneath her creaked softly as he began to move.

"Shhh... I won't... at least not where everyone can see." He whispered, lightly sucking behind her ear.

Their rhythm grew frantic. They tried desperately to muffle their moans, as he pounded repeatedly into her. He then realized they were making lots of noises.

"Shit, your bangles.''

"Huh..?" When Arnav saw his wife completely blissed out and lost in the sensation. He just shrugged his shoulder and went back to his previous activities. Soon, their moans mingled in each other's necks as they finished together.

Both were breathing heavily. Khushi cradled her face against his shoulder, her fingers gently playing with his hair. While Arnav tried to catch his breath by resting his head on her neck. A sudden knock on the door startled them. Instead of pushing him away, Khushi clutched his neck even tighter, holding him close. Akash Bhai's voice came through the door.

"Khushi?"

Regaining her composure, Khushi answered in a shaky voice, "Haan, Bhai?" Her body froze in place.

"Where's Arnav? Hasn't he come yet? Bareilly wale Fufaji usko kabse dhoond rahe hain."

"Hume nahi pata, Bhai. Humne unko nahi dekha."

Khushi noticed her husband's shoulders shaking lightly. She cast a glare at his shoulders as if willing them to stop.

"Theek hain, main dekhta hoon. Tum jaldi tayaar hoke niche aao."

As Akash Bhai's footsteps faded, Arnav couldn't hold back his laughter any longer. He looked back at his wife, his amusement contagious. Khushi tried to give him a stern look but ended up laughing along with him, playfully swatting his chest. Arnav gazed at her affectionately before capturing her lips with his.

As much as he loved to kiss her whimpering lips, he loved kissing her smiling ones even more.

After freshening up, Arnav headed downstairs. As soon as he reached the bottom, two little bodies collided with him, and he effortlessly scooped them up into his arms. Three-year-old Akansha, a spitting image of Anjali as a child, brought back memories of his sister's younger days, while five-year-old Ajit, a perfect blend of Akash and Payal. They grinned up at him. Arnav settled into a nearby lounge chair, both children comfortably perched on his lap.

Little Akansha said in her baby voice, "Mamaji, thank you for the gift. Ma said me to thank you." She placed a tiny kiss on his cheek.

Not to be outdone, little Ajit mimicked her. "Ha, Mamaji, thank you."

Akansha quickly turned to him, frowning. "Arre, buddhu, wo sirf mere Mamaji hain. Tumhare nehi."

"He isn't your Mamaji either," Khushi chided little Akansha lovingly. "Remember what I told you? When you go to our house, you'll call him Mamaji. But when we come here, you have to call him Fufaji."

Arnav scrunched his nose in response, "Don't confuse the children, Khushi." Then, turning back to them, he added, "Why don't both of you just call me Uncle, okay?"

Both of them nodded and sprinted off to play in the courtyard.

Meanwhile, two pairs of brown eyes eagerly awaited their turn on his lap. As soon as it was vacant, they climbed onto each of his thighs. A sweet, confused voice asked, "Daddy, do we need to call you that too?"

"Oh, no, I've worked too hard for you to ever call me that."

"Well, your daddy was very close to being called 'Uncle' by my children once upon a time," Khushi said, lightly touching the little girl's nose.

Arnav cast her a mock glare and mouthed soundlessly, "How dare you?" In response, Khushi just laughed.

While little Ayushi snuggled against her father's neck, little Kush played with his toy, absorbed in his own world. Roma Chachi had remarked aptly that Khushi had indeed given birth to their own reflections, as the three-year-old twins were perfect mirrors of their parents.

While little Ayushi was a bit clingy and voiced her need for attention, little Kush was more reserved. Arnav saw himself in Kush more and more as the days went by. Though Kush didn't seek attention outwardly, inside he was just as eager for snuggles and cuddles as his sister. Even if he pretended otherwise, he desired the same affection. So, Arnav made sure to give both children equal attention. And in some cases, he made an extra effort to give affection to Kush while he was still open to it. Because, As Kush grew up, Arnav knew his little boy might not appreciate his father hugging him as much as his daughter might. It's just a man-code.

Arnav pulled little Ayushi closer, planting a kiss on her head, while he affectionately rubbed his son's back. Khushi watched them with a soft smile, her heart swelling with warmth and tenderness. It had been three years since their birth, and Khushi had been pestering Arnav for another child, but he kept refusing. Their birth had traumatized him enough. Arnav till date clearly remembered and almost felt the panic that he had gone through that night.

He had arranged for the best midwife in the area and had called a trained nurse from the missionary hospital for the delivery. The doctor had come as well and assured him that everything was alright and that the birth would proceed naturally. And there he was, pacing in front of the room where Khushi had been for two hours-two hours of listening to her whimpering and screaming in pain. Arnav was just minutes away from asking Hariprakash to fetch the doctor again when a deafening cry of a newborn pierced the air.

A joyous shout of Roma Chachi came from inside, "It's a boy!"

A few moments later, Roma Chachi emerged from the room with a little crying bundle and approached Arnav. But at the same time, another scream from Khushi nearly stopped his heartbeat. Roma Chachi tried to pass the baby to Arnav, but he grabbed her upper arms and asked urgently, "What's happening inside? How's Khushi?"

A hushed whisper circulated among the women in the room who had come to assist with the birth, noting Mr. Raizada's reluctance to take the baby in his arms. Roma Chachi looked around, guessing how the situation must appear, and spoke to Arnav in a hushed voice.

"Take your son, Arnav. Khushi will be alright."

Chastised by his mother-in-law, Arnav looked at the baby, who had stopped crying and was now gazing at him with wide eyes. He took the baby in his arms and sat on a sofa in the corridor. The baby's little body squirmed in the palm of his hand. Father and son stared at each other for quite some time. An overwhelming sense of protectiveness washed over him, though he couldn't exactly name the other emotions coursing through him. He just kissed the baby boy's forehead lightly and spoke softly as if the baby would clearly understand his words, "I'm not mad at you. I'm just scared."

A little while later, Anjali took the baby from Arnav while Khushi's screams continued to echo from the room, driving him to the brink of madness. He asked Hariprakash to fetch the doctor and also asked Anjali to go inside and see what was happening. Suddenly, the screaming stopped, and Arnav's heart pounded at the sudden silence. Roma Chachi emerged with another bundle, her face radiant with a brilliant smile. "There was another baby-a girl. It's a little Khushi."

Arnav placed his hand on the baby's head and asked, "How's she?"

"She will be okay, Arnav," Roma Chachi reassured him and transferred the baby to Arnav. He felt her snuggle into him as he placed a soft kiss on her crown. Since then, Little Ayushi never missed a chance to snuggle into her father's arm.

When everybody went home and the babies were settled with Anjali and Payal in the next room. Roma Chachi decided to sleep in the room, attached to where Khushi was. She was sleeping soundly after giving birth. The doctor said she had lost a lot of blood. Although the bleeding had stopped, she had become very weak. She looked pale, alarmingly pale actually and her breathing was shallow. Fear gripped Arnav's heart despite everybody's reassurance.

He spent the night holding her hand and sitting on the floor near her head, counting her breaths. He didn't know when he fell asleep, his head resting near their joined hands. But he woke up to Khushi's gentle fingers lightly gliding through his hair. When he opened his eyes, she urged him to lie down beside her on the bed. He obliged, and she didn't waste any time snuggling into his chest, her arm draped across his belly.

"Will you be angry with me for the rest of your life if I leave this world before you?"

Arnav's heart dropped at her question. "Don't ask me questions like that."

"Answer me, please."

He pressed his lips to her forehead. "I can never be angry at you."

"Good, I don't want you to be angry at me at all."

"Then don't even think of leaving."

Khushi tilted her head to look at him and smiled tiredly. Arnav placed a soft kiss on her dry lips. "I felt like I would never see you again, or our babies..... I was so scared."

Arnav gulped down the lump in his throat and didn't say anything in response, only pulled her closer to his body.

She had been quiet for a while, and Arnav thought she had fallen asleep when she spoke again."We have two babies now," she said almost disbelievingly.

"Yes, we do. We didn't even know how to raise one."

"Shhh, we'll manage," she said dreamily. "One baby is for you, one baby is for me. Did you hold them?"

"Yes, I did."

"I haven't yet. I guess I had fainted at the end," she said sadly.

"Why don't you get some sleep and gather some energy, Mommy?" he said lovingly. "If they're to be like you, we'll have a lot on our hands."

"What are you saying? I was a very quiet kid."

"Sure, you were," he whispered against her forehead.

"You were no better, mister. I know all the stories from your childhood, so you can't deny it. At least I didn't get stuck in a patila."

Laughing, Arnav gathered her in his arms even tighter, and both of them fell asleep like that.

"Bhaiya, Bhabi, come quickly! Roma Aunty is calling you," Amelia's voice called out across the courtyard to the little bubble of the family of four, who were just chatting.

Over the years, Amelia blossomed into the remarkable young lady she was destined to be. As the cloud of melancholy gradually lifted, it revealed her true essence—a kind, compassionate, and fun-loving individual, fiercely protective of those she loved.

"Let's go Mrs.Raizada."

He extended his hand toward his wife.

Khushi looked up at his extended hand, recalling a time when he had reached out in much the same way to guide a little girl out of the darkness.

Khushi scooped up Kush in her arms as Arnav held Ayushi. Hand in hand with their children nestled in their arms, they joined the rest of the family. The warmth of the burning diyas cast a golden glow over them.

In the end, as they embraced the spirit of the festival, they realized they found their perfect piece of forever in each other's arms, in each other's eyes, knowing that this was where they were always meant to be.

----------THE END----------

<previous>

@featheredclover @arshifiesta @phuljari @msbhagirathi @jalebi-weds-bluetooth @chutkiandchotte

[sunbloomdew]

Listen. Listen. All of Step 4 versions could canonically take place during the same summer, right next to each other. Derek's Step 4 takes place first. Father's day in America is on the third Sunday in June, so in 2021 that would be June 20th.

Moms wedding anniversary is referenced multiple times in Derek's Step 4, as an event happening a few weeks later.

Then Cove's Step 4 takes place during the anniversary, a few days before and after the event. Taking the estimated time period, their party would be happening in June, i'd say around the middle of the month, maybe closer to the beginning.

Derek makes an appearance here too!

(i actually had to speed replay cove's step 4 cause i had no, and i mean no screeshots from it lmao. that was before i learned that you can make screeshots through steam and don't have to do it MANUALLY sigh)

Then we have the last Step 4 version, the events of Baxter DLC.

I'm assuming the Adams' wedding takes place sometime in August, probably also in the middle, but leaning towards the end of the month.

So hypothetically speaking, MC could canonically participate in all of these events.

All THAT to say: imagine meeting Xavier in Baxter's Step 4 after first meeting them in Derek's Step 4, and them being like "Oh, hi MC! Good to see you again :D" with Baxter looking so confused sdhfjkshfsjk

That's right, it was a Xavier post all along! You got tricked! Xavier DLC when 👀

Just kidding, but i'm living for this version of events. And just in general, it's nice to imagine everything happening, even if it's not possible in the game itself. I headcanon it all happening, it's so fun to think about <3

[buttercupyellow]

BBC Merlin Timeline (canon info only)

Pre-Series

Kilgharrah born - over 1000 years ago

Ashkanar hides a Dragon Egg in his Tomb - 400 years ago

7 of Camelot's knights are seduced by a sorceress and become The Knights of Medhir - 300 years ago

Uther conquers/usurps/is a laughing heir to Camelot

Morgause born to Vivienne and smuggled out of Camelot

Gaius begins working as the Court Physician - 25 years ago

Gaius and Alice meet - 25 years ago

Morgana born to Vivienne

Uther uses magic to conceive Arthur, Ygraine dies in childbirth, Uther begins the Great Purge of magic

Uther tricks the Dragonlords (Balinor) and Kilgharrah into coming to Camelot "to make peace" but kills them and captures Kilgharrah - 20 years ago

Balinor and Hunith concieve Merlin in Ealdor - less than 20 years ago (max 19 min 16)

Balinor is hunted into hiding by Uther/Camelot

Gorlois dies on the Northern Plains, Uther adopts Morgana as his ward - Morgana 10 yro

Uther holds a tounament in Arthur's honour, The Sarrum attends - Arthur 10 yro

Arthur leads an attack on a Druid camp but is unable to control his men and a massacre occurs

Arthur is challenged by Odin' Son to a duel, asks him to withdraw, and kills him in the duel

Elyan leaves Camelot - 4 years before S3, ep7

Season 1

The Dragon's Call

Valiant

The Mark of Nimueh

The Poisoned Chalice

Lancelot

A Remedy to Cure all Ills

The Gates of Avalon

The Beginning of the End

Excalibur - Arthur's Coming of Age/Arthur's Birthday (approx April)

The Moment of Truth - Harvest time (August - September)

The Labyrinth of Gedref - Harvest time (August - September)

To Kill the King

Le Morte D'Arthur

Season 2

The Curse of Cornelius Sigan

The Once and Future Queen

The Nightmare Begins

Lancelot and Guinevere

Beauty and the Beast, pt 1

Beauty and the Beast, pt2

The Witchfinder

The Sins of the Father

The Lady of the Lake

Sweet Dreams

The Witch's Quickening

The Fires of Idirsholas

The Last Dragonlord

Season 3 - "Over a year" since S2, ep12

The Tears of Uther Pendragon, pt 1

The Tears of Uther Pendragon, pt 2

Goblin's Gold

Gwaine

The Crystal Cave - Morgana's Birthday

The Changeling

The Castle of Fyrien

The Eye of the Phoenix

Love in the Time of Dragons

Queen of Hearts

The Sorcerer's Shadow

The Coming of Arthur, pt 1

The Coming of Arthur, pt 2

Season 4 - "A year" since S3, ep12

The Darkest Hour, pt 1 - Samhain/Oct 31st - Nov 1st

The Darkest Hour, pt 2 - (Nov contin.)

The Wicked Day - Arthur's Birthday (approx April)

Aithusa

His Father's Son

A Servant of two Masters

The Secret Sharer

Lamia

Lancelot du Lac

A Herald of the New Age

The Hunter's Heart - Ostara/Spring Equinox/March 20th

The Sword in the Stone, pt 1 - Beltane/May 1st

The Sword in the Stone, pt 2 - (May contin.) Arwen Wedding

Season 5 - "For three long years, we have been blessed with peace and prosperity"

Morgana and Aithusa captured by The Sarrum - 2 years

Morgana and Ruadan begin searching for the Diamair (at Ismere) - 3 Months prior to S5

Gwaine, Percival and some knights investigate Ismere - 6 Weeks prior to S5

Arthur's Bane, pt 1

Arthur's Bane, pt 2

The Death Song of Uther Pendragon - Anniversary of Arthur's Coronation, possibly Beltane/May 1st

Another's Sorrow

The Disir

The Dark Tower

A Lesson in Vengeance - Arthur and Gwen's Wedding Anniversary, possibly May

The Hollow Queen

With All My Heart

The Kindness of Strangers

The Drawing of the Dark

The Diamond of the Day, pt 1

The Diamond of the Day, pt 2

[scriberye]

on wedding anniversaries, fandom, and getting older

This September, my husband and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. He has been my greatest supporter, and sometimes my greatest enemy (beside myself, lol). Recently, I shared with him that I've been writing fanfiction, and much to my surprise, he was highly encouraging of it. Although he helps me with writing issues (like does this sequence of events make sense?), his knowledge of lore within my fandoms is limited.

If I ask him about Warhammer, he can tell me about Orks. If I ask him about Transformers, he tells me it's about robots and cars. If I ask him about Star Trek, he'll ask which one and give me a blank stare.

But if I ask him about the fine art and history of medieval cooking, he's got me covered!

And this is where my challenge arises: I want fandom friends.

I'm in my late 30's, and I've noticed I'm aging out of many fandom spaces, many of which are dominated by much younger people. It's nothing new, but it feels like many have become more vocal toward older people in fandom, questioning why they're in these spaces, like aren't you too old for this?

Yet, still, I am an adult who wishes to discuss adult things in adult spaces and maintain respectful boundaries. I didn't turn 30 and start chucking plushies and Transformers in the trash cause I'm 'too old' to enjoy them.

I ended up distancing myself from actively engaging in fandom. When I do find people closer to my age, I try to connect (anxiety can make this difficult), but I'm often met with silence. I reactivated my main account in hopes of encouraging more conversation, but there's still doubts in the back of my mind.

My husband encourages me to persist, and sometimes I do, but at one point I have to consider if it's worth it to continue if it's never going to be reciprocated.

If you made it this far, hey, thank you. This doesn't mean I'll stop writing and doing what I'm doing, I just needed to vent.

[i4bellingham]

please a jamal musiala like general dating headcannon he’s barely written for on tumblr LMFAO

DATING HEADCANONS: jamal musiala x reader

CONTENT: lowercase intended, suggestive content, descriptions of kissing and making out, just a general idea of what i think dating jamal would be like

NOTE: tried finishing this for my baby’s birthday ♡ but ey knee ways, happiest 20th birthday to my baby boy in bayern i fucking love you even though you have no clue of who i am <33 also to the beautiful people reading this, enjoy !! and happy jamal day! <33

first thing’s first, jamal is definitely a sucker for cuddles.

LOVES to be the small spoon and he's not embarrassed to admit that, not to you and definitely not to everyone.

loves laying his head on your chest while you play with his hair and enjoys the feeling of your fingers running through the back of his neck because it helps lull him to sleep. it's a therapy for him as much as it is a cuddle.

he loves feeling you close to him whether that may be within the enclosed walls of your home or out in public.

he usually have an arm around your waist or shoulder or sometimes holds your hand in his while you're both out.

cheek and neck kisses are definitely his thing. love placing them on your skin and does so unconsciously often times.

he's definitely getting called whipped, and a simp online by the fans because the numerous pictures about the both of you due to how touchy he is and how fearless he is to show affection towards you despite his seemingly shy demeanor.

speaking of which, he can sometimes come off as borderline possessive especially when he feels like those fools around you thinks they have a shot to shoot with you.

he slams their dreams down by wrapping an arm around your waist and lip-locking with you no matter if it's out in public.

hides his face on the crook of your neck afterwards.

jamal loves it when you come to his games. your attendance is definitely a major contributing factor to his amazing plays.

he's definitely not trying to show his skills off with you watching the game.

and on that note, of course, you have to attend games wearing his kit.

seeing his number and last name being worn by you surely brings a proud glint in his eyes and motivates him to work extra harderㅡ

loves marking you up against a wall while you're wearing it too, or inside the car with you perched on top of his lap as he sucks hickies on your neck or tongue lapping at the inside of your mouth after the gameㅡ

you're definitely one of the first people he goes to after a game ends.

often times reaching for you over the barricade while you wrap your arms around his sweaty body, not minding his situation after a game but you're there to congratulate him and sing him your praises.

you help him cool down after a match by offering a massage, a bath or if the both of you are in for it, a post match session where both of your bodies are entangled in the sheets afterwards.

jamal’s certain that he'll never meet someone as supportive and as loving as you again.

that's why in your third year anniversary, he's already purchased your dream wedding band, safely tucked in his closet as he waits for the perfect timing to finally ask for your hand.

[porryc]

Detailed description of how old Gabriel Agreste is acording to show with leaks

In Episode 20, the date on Gabriel's real ID as “Gabi Grassette” is given is April 23, 19*5.

They didn't want to give an exact date because Thomas and other creators don’t like give exact dates for show so they blacked out the middle number, but the storyboards show the date as 1985.

But that can't explain it fully because anything not shown in the show is not real , So much can be extracted from storyboards

Here Gabriel definitely looks like a pre-teenager , probably 14-15 years old

But if we have to go based on the information given to us :

Thomas Astruc said in a comic-end interview that he wanted to publish a comic in which he wanted to tell about Gabriel's life as a teenager and how he met people like Emilie and Nathalie

So this means that Gabriel met Emilie when he was a teenager and in Episode 24 show what Gabriel looks like when he meets Emilie in Felix's story

He has wavy hair and wears a blazer, freed from his old punk look with purple mohawk and he’s big enough to have its own apartment

18-19 is still a teenage age, but you are entitled to have your own apartment and explains the case of Emilie, who came to Paris for "study" , Emilie may have come to Paris for college or for the last year of high school or as a some kind of exchange student

According to Felix's, Emilie found true love "Immediately ”when she came to Paris , they probably decided to be together for less than one year and they got married quickly in the story

Also, in Episode 22, we learned that Audrey and Andre are really old friends of this couple and that's they are the ones made the two of them come together even Gabriel sewed his first suit to Andre so he could feel more confident in expressing his feelings to the girl he liked : Audrey

When Audrey and Andre were not together, Gabriel and Emilie were together and even lived in the same house as a married couple according to Andre’s “Do you remember when we were young and penniless? You, Me and Emilie would make the world a better place from yours little attic” in Episode 22

In an episode of Season 4, we see Andre and Audrey celebrate their 20th anniversary , so they have been married for at least 20 years and we also know that Gabriel and Emilie have been married longer

In the Weredad episode, we learn that Tom will turn 40 from 39, and we find out that Sabine and Tom have been married for 20 years , This information makes him married at 19-20, as confirmed by his Wiki page

So according to the Miraculous universe there are lot of people were married at that young

But I think Gabriel must be older than Tom because he has gray hair.

Gabriel and Emilie met in the story, they got married right away which makes me think that they married between the ages of 18-20, when Gabriel should have met her "when he was a teenager"

Now we all know that Emilie is inferitle , Gabriel said “For so long…We thought we would never able to have a child,” in final episode

They were married for a very long time until they have Adrien : Which makes sense because they were poor when they got married.

Gabriel was the son of a fast-food business owner who didn't come from a wealthy family anyway, and Emilie, on the contrary, was the heiress of a old-money and noble British aristocratic family and she was a “Lady”

Her parents were furious that she was with a ordinary man like Gabriel who were not the extremly wealthy and powerful man we know at the time so her parents wanted her to end this relationship and they probably had a plan in their mind for her to have a arranged marriage with a powerful and rich man just like they would do to her twin sister Amelie

But she choose him and they married poor , I guess they didn't even have a wedding because Felix showed off his parents' marriage with a fancy wedding, but Emilie simply split her ring in half and put it on Gabriel

But then we saw them living in the mansion we know now so they are pretty rich enough have to afford a huge mansion next to the Eiffel and they still don’t have a child so they didn't have a child from their poor to ultra-rich times, confirming Gabriel's "Too long time"

Also we know they are married more longer than Andre&Audrey who is married for 20 years

Of course, we cannot interpret Gabriel's "Long Time" perception, maybe 5 or 10 years

So if we collect all this information :

He married Emilie when he was a teenager who could have his own apartment so thats make him 18-19 and there are couples who get married so young in the series and he supposed to fell for and married with Emilie after a short time she came to Paris

They didn't have children for long, and that was long enough to go from poor to a multi-rich life (So maybe 5-10 years)

They look grown-ups here and never look like the teenagers-to-adult types so probably 30

And we know that Adrien is 14-15 years old and they're going to make Adrien there

And this is a series set in 2014-2015

and Marinette and Kagami's birth dates are 2000 and 2001, and Marinette and Kagami are where he talks about the Chinese zodiac signs

This means that confirms Gabriel's date of birth in the storyboard and yes Gabriel was born in 1970 , because the date 1985 is the date of issue of that identity, not the date of birth

This makes Gabriel 44-45 years old and possibly married with Emilie since 25 years

[real-life-senshi]

10 (Mostly) Spoiler-Free Reasons to Watch Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon 2003 Live Action

A countdown to the 20th anniversary of Act 1 air date!

Reason 5: The captivating story!

Ultimately, I would say the live-action stayed true to the essence and intention of the original source material when concerning the Dark Kingdom arc.

I’m choosing to use the word “essence” though, because it is also factual that in multiple aspects, the story does diverge from its source material, but with the intention of further amping up the stakes and angst for drama, and possibly even pulling in elements from story arcs beyond the manga’s Dark Kingdom arc into the one season we (sadly) only have.

Sometimes those differences could be due to limitations of CGI and execution methods in real-life filming, while others could be due to updating the content to appeal to the newer generations of viewers in the early 2000s.

Regardless of what's faithful or not faithful to original source material, I think PGSM did really well striking a balance of making it a kid’s show, and also adding some complexities to appeal to viewers who were kids or teenagers that grew up reading the manga or watching the '90s anime, who would be in their late teens or adulthood or even parenthood by the time the live-action aired.

Warning: Going forward these series of posts will contain minor spoilers to introduce some live-action only elements. It will only be at the introductory level though!

Staying true and delving deeper into source materials

Personally, I can’t speak much to the ’90s anime, but I can confirm the live-action pulls many elements from the manga source material where possible. Here are just a few:

Introducing the Sailor Senshi!

The story of how Usagi and Ami discovered their Senshi power largely follows the same story, while Rei and Makoto's intro episodes heavily reference the original manga chapter and use the same theme behind the attacks that lead to them accessing their transformation. There's no magic bus to whisk victims away in Rei's case, and there's no wedding dress ghost story in Makoto's, probably due to the feasibility of recreating those scenes.

The Forbidden Love & the Past Life lore

The live-action definitely deep-dived into the 'forbidden love' concept when it came to Usagi and Mamoru, and further created a whole complexity of the storyline to justify WHY it's forbidden. In the manga/anime, it felt like the idea of their forbidden love was purely political and mostly glossed over since the past life kingdoms were dead, but in the live-action, there were actual stakes and consequences to consider even for the present.

And the ABSOLUTE MOST AMAZING THING and by far my favourite twist to the live-action storyline is they actually ventured into exploring the impact of making teenagers soldiers of war! There is actually ample screen time and dialogues AND monologues dedicated for us to see individual Senshi AND the team together grappling with the pros and cons and exploring both extreme sides of the need to follow the past life mission to avert tragedy regardless of the sacrifices made, versus the necessity of making one's choice and finding ways to live in the present in spite of the past life lore! Do they support Usagi's and Mamoru's love for each other or not???? Do they know for sure whether their love WILL cause misfortune again or not or can they trust Usagi to know what she's doing????? FASCINATING AND ANGSTY STUFF RIGHT THERE!

Rei’s Personality

More as an FYI, but Rei’s personality is much more similar to the manga Rei’s personality, instead of ‘90s anime Rei. More cool beauty and calm, less aggressively hotheaded and abrasive. And very importantly, NOT boy-crazy.

New, original dramatic elements

On the other hand, here are some live-action exclusive dramatic elements that I'd like to highlight:

Aino Minako the idol

Even many who haven't watched the series would have heard about how Minako's character is drastically changed in the live-action. Indeed, Minako is an acclaimed teenage idol and singer with best-selling songs in the show!

It's basically as if the live-action screenwriter pulled in the Outer Senshi elements from the Mugen arc into Minako's character: she's famous, experienced, and serious. Minako has full access to past life knowledge and is ultimately mission-driven like Haruka and Michiru are in the Mugen arc, which causes some of her decisions to maybe not be as morally white as we'd expect her to be (I think her costume style of white and black is a nice nod to the idea of her double life and her sense of moral).

Now, that's not to say live-action Minako is completely a new character, you can certainly see manga/anime Minako's character traits here and there if you pay attention - pun-loving, prank-loving, mischievous. For god's sake, the girl named her album Venus, and one of her most iconic songs is called C'est La Vie, which sounds exactly like "Sailor V" pronounced in Japanese. Just imagine this girl playing a vigilante life, and having a chuckle every time she sings her best-selling song that basically announces her identity to the world and no one realizes. lmao

Basically, Minako's character embodies the extreme result of what happens if a teenager is burdened with all the knowledge of the Past Life war and has the weight on her shoulders while working alone.

If you can get past Minako's changed character setting in the live-action, you'll find there are still plenty of Dark Kingdom arc manga/anime Minako elements in there, just some more exaggerated while others are more subtle. (Coz to be fair, Minako didn't start becoming Usagi's twin until after the Dark Kingdom arc.) And her relationship with Artemis is absolutely heartwarming to see in the live-action.

Who's in the wrong? Who's an ally, and who's not?

While our Senshi team is clearly the heroine, and the Dark Kingdom the villains, the live-action takes a more interesting take on what's considered "good" versus "evil", and more importantly, who's in the wrong on how things ended badly in the past life. Who is actually the person the Senshi needs to protect the world from? And that drives the story into a direction that is more complex than what you'll ever find in manga or anime, and certain characters react accordingly and act more grey than black or white - from both the heroine side and the villain side!

Shitennou & Endymion

Something we didn't really get to see as much in the manga and anime, while we know who the Shitennou are, we don't really see the Shitennou and Mamoru interacting until after they... became their name-sake rocks (okay, technically, GEMS). And we don't get many hints on what their past live relationships were, so for many years fans have taken to pen/paper/tablets/keyboard and filled the gaps with their amazing imagination and creative work instead.

In the live-action, we get a much more expansive and interesting take in seeing the Shitennou - technically still under the Dark Kingdom's influence, interact with Mamoru as they all grapple with what happened in the past life.

How would the prince's ex-guardians act seeing their master again? How would Mamoru react? Choosing to accept his responsibility for his past life or not? After all, they had such fond memories of arm-wrestling each other! (Spoiler alert: Nephrite won.) :P

I must once again emphasize that I love what they did with the Shitennou's characters and gave each of them a different story trajectory. They are written so well they pull at your heartstrings!

If you want some canon-material for writing the Shitennou in the age of Elysion Kingdom, definitely give the live-action a go!

Power up! The Senshi Needs Training

Because the live-action only gets one arc, there's no room for us to see the Senshi team (conveniently) get upgraded transformation like they do in each arc in manga or anime. Instead, the live-action takes a different, and I dare say, a more realistic approach, where the Senshi learns that their initial access to their transformation isn't the full access to their powers as they expected. They are put through some legit, and some questionable training of the body, mind and spirit, and each of them has to overcome something within themselves across the series to access their power!

This approach highlights and solidifies each Senshi's strengths AND ties in really well into the girls' character development throughout the series. As well, it makes it feel like the Senshi did have to put in work to get strong and gain access to their power, instead of relying on the plot to get them new powers at the right opportune time, seemingly out of the blue.

Remember: THEY ARE IN SCHOOL!

Yep, sometimes in the manga and in the anime, it's so easy for us to forget that the Senshi are kids in school when they are in the thick of a crisis or fighting evil. Somehow, it always seems quite clean and convenient that the Senshi could separate their school life and their heroine life, doesn't it? How the responsible adults in the world may wonder... "Gosh, where did that kid go in the middle of [insert context]????" Or for a fellow peer in school to wonder - "How the hell did this random group of girls come together like an odd band?"

The live-action takes time to make room for some reality checks in their episodic storylines to explore all the different repercussions our heroine's double (or triple) life has on their normal life, and with that ties in personable and relevant topics and themes into their episodic plots:

Family relationship

Peer relationship

Romantic relationships

Moments that remind everyone how awkward and tough it is to be a teenager.

The toll of lying through your teeth to keep a secret, etc

I cannot emphasize enough that the screenwriting is superb in the series! Not one thing is referenced only once and left out the window, everything that happened builds up into a moment of learning or lasting impact for our characters!

To people who've not watched the live-action, PLEASE GIVE IT A CHANCE! At least give it 6 episodes, and you'll probably be hooked!

You can watch the subbed versions of the series at:

Miss Dream Fansubs

Sea of Serenity Fansubs

The series is also on other online streaming sites, but be cautious to only visit them with good adware and firewall installed.

6 days till the 20th anniversary of Act 1 air date!

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |

[leebrontide]

When we got married, I promised Ty that someday we'd get them a reason for a black ballgown.

In 5 years, we'll have our 20th wedding anniversary, and we thought that seemed like as good an excuse as any for formalwear.

So I was thinking about like...wedding themes and colors and stuff, because I couldn't find my good pen.

And I thought...how about taking the pallets and inspiration from pigeons?

So I started dinking around on Pinterest and like...I think I might have something here.

[jamethinks]

Bored so heres a list of iconic thing Melinda has done (not this is a list for my fanfic so that I don’t forget lmao)

Marrying a man notorious for being ugly and anti social and creepy and proceeding to actually love him

Before she got married she did a photo shoot for a sewing pattern book and her eye makeup went viral and everyone wanted her long eyelashes

Her blue wedding was famous and reported on for the 30th anniversary of VOGUE Ostania where she graced the cover

Her wedding hairstyle was so popular it became a trend (yes it’s that deranged hairstyle Yor does but a bit bulkier)

For her 20th birthday, Donovan got her a blue hillside mansion that is like an architectural landmark that’s literally so iconic it’s under a preservation act

A movie was actually filmed there and it was one of the high grossing movies in Europe

Popularized the mini skirt in Ostania all the way back in the 50s

The first ever private jet to be owned by an Ostania was a gift she got for her 25th birthday. It was baby blue of course. Donovan got it for her because she loved to travel but found the usual methods to be a hassle. In 15 years he has bought her 3 private jets

After being harassed by the press for not having kids she told a reporter to “stay out of her vagina” and got cancelled for like 20 minutes

She was in an American movie shortly but it was successful

She owns a classic 1950 Cadillac that was custom made to blue. She got it for her 21st birthday after she got her license

Between 1954 to 1963 she was in a variety of ads for War and military recruitment. This coincided with the war between the east and west following the supposed assassination of the Prime minister and deputy prime minister of Ostania even roping poor Demetrius into it

There is series of fighter jets known as the MLD30 series when is obviously named after her. They dropped bombs that would release a blue smoke that would choke people give them terrible rashes

The tv show Berlint in Love is based on her with the original female lead being named Linda. It was based on the rumors that she was cheating on Donovan with a young attractive man who worked for the Desmonds (a young Jeeves who she was seen photographed with a lot)

Melinda love reptiles and has a bunch of exotic ones in her house most notably her massive 20+ year old 200 pound sulcata Tortoise and a yellow boa that she ended up giving away when Demetrius was born because she worried it would kill him. She also kept a Greek tortoise in Donovan’s office (the prime minister one where he had to meet with other government officials)

A video touring her house was filmed and to be released on tv after coloured tv was introduced in the US in 1954, it aired overseas and in Ostania (in black and white) but the official coloured version was re-aired in 1968 when coloured tv became available as one of the first official broadcasts which only reignited interest in her

That’s all that I’ve got baby

[morbidology]

Public opinion about Betty Broderick is deeply divided. Some view her as a woman driven by revenge, while others see her as a victim of emotional turmoil stemming from a bitter divorce. Betty's twenty-year marriage to Daniel Broderick resulted in four children, and they established their family in San Diego, California.

Initially, Betty was the sole breadwinner, supporting the family and even financing Daniel's college education. He later obtained medical and law degrees and started his own practice, allowing Betty to step into the role of a traditional homemaker while Daniel focused on providing for their family. In 1983, their marriage took a tumultuous turn when Daniel hired 21-year-old Linda Kolkena as a receptionist in his medical business. It was around this time that Betty's suspicions of an affair between Daniel and Linda began to surface. Constant conflicts marred their relationship, and in 1985, Daniel moved out of their shared home and into a bachelor pad.

Daniel eventually gained custody of their children after Betty left them on his doorstep. He also admitted to Betty that she was right all along - he had been having an affair with Linda, and it had started not long after she began working for him. This revelation was a painful blow to a woman who had been devoted to her husband, raising their four children and supporting the family financially for many years. The divorce proceedings were protracted and acrimonious, finally concluding in 1989. Later that same year, just after what would have been Betty and Daniel's 20th wedding anniversary, Daniel married Linda.

On the night of November 5, 1989, Betty covertly entered Daniel and Linda's marital home, armed with a Smith & Wesson revolver, and fatally shot the couple. Linda died instantly, while Daniel, unfortunately, survived momentarily, uttering his last words, "Okay, you shot me. I'm dead." Betty promptly surrendered to the authorities and faced charges of second-degree murder. She was subsequently sentenced to two consecutive terms of 15 years to life in prison.

[hand-picked-star]

The 13th Annniversary Arshi Fiesta

Moodboard:Historical AU

Whispers of the Heart | Chapter 01

I am not very good at writing ffs. I even read ffs very selectively. But it was an attempt of me to participate in the 13th-anniversary arshi fiesta. I might be wrong about certain aspects of that age and era, but it's a fantasy, so why not?

I don't own Arnav and Khushi and the story is purely fictional and has no relation to any living or dead. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

warning : death,murder,rape,suicide. so it's a trigger warning.

Chapter 1

In the early 20th century, in Delhi, standing in a field where the cremation was happening, the people gathered in their white clothes watching two pyres of fire burning, mourning for the two lives that ended too early.

"Give them peace and make it easy for them to pass the afterlife."

Praying silently for the departed soul, Manoroma Rajput wiped the tears from her cheeks and looked at the small soul beside her. The child hadn't uttered a single word in the two days following her parents' tragic death. Manoroma reached down to take the young girl's hand, hoping to offer some comfort to the only child of her dearest friend, Garima Gupta.

When the son of Jamidar of Laxminagar, Sashi Gupta, saw Garima Roy Chowdhury, daughter of a respectable Jamidar of Calcutta, in his best friend, Jamidar of Santinagar and neighbour Mahindar Rajput and Monorona Sengupta's wedding, he fell head over heels in love with her. Manoroma was so happy that she could have her childhood friend with her all through her life as a neighbour. But alas a few days ago, a dakoit attack had crumbled all her dreams along with the happiness of the eight-year-old child. Sashi was brutally murdered and Garima was brutally raped and murdered alongside her husband and the details that Manoroma pried from her husband, the little girl might have faced the same consequence as her mother if the servant Madhumati ji had not intervened in time risking her life. Madhumati had been with the Gupta family since childhood. And She considered Sashi as her own brother. So, when she came to Rajput's house that fateful night with that unconscious child wrapped in a blanket, Manorama and Madhumati could nothing but cry at the horror of the situation. To make matters worse, the next day, Sashi Gupta's elder brother came to take the child home, only to marry her off to a man old enough to be her grandfather to shake off her responsibility and capture the property of her father. In these days and age, female children had little right over their parents' properties but Sashi Gupta was ahead of his age. He had a connection with the local government and transferred some of the property to his daughter's name. No wonder her uncle was so ready to marry her off in exchange for money. But Manoroma and Mahindar had intervened in time and all but snatched the little girl back to their home and heard her uncle disowned her of the Gupta title. But who was he to disown her, that title was all she had of her parents left.

Coming back to the present, Manoroma tried to comfort her by squeezing her hand, but the little girl didn't want her comfort. She gently pulled her hand away before looking up at Manoroma with eyes so big and brown and broken that Manoroma felt her heart break all over again. A sob caught in Manoroma's throat. It was unthinkable, unimaginable… and yet it had happened. Sashi and Garima were gone, leaving behind their eight-year-old daughter.

The service concluded, and yet Khushi remained still, refusing to speak or even look at those who stepped forward to offer their condolences. Not wanting to put any additional strain on the young girl's shoulders, Manoroma glanced at her husband.

Mahindar nodded, instinctively knowing what his wife had communicated.

"I'll get the carriage "

The ride back to the house was filled with a strained silence. Manoroma sneaked a glance to check on the child quietly sitting all alone in front of her. Worry and concern battled for dominance, little Khushi was such a sensitive child - how would she cope with such a devastating loss?

The next few days, Manoroma and Mahindar were devoted to the child, trying to draw her out of the little shell she'd retreated into. Mahindar always loved Khushi as his own, always wanted a daughter himself but after two sons back to back his dream was yet to be fulfilled. But looking at his best friend's daughter so small and vulnerable, he vowed to himself, that if God gave him a chance, he would do anything for this girl and raise her as his own as she was gifted to him. And then nobody came to take care of the child from Sashi's in-law's side and God fulfilled Mahindar's wish of having Khushi as his daughter.

It was unnatural for a child her age to be so very still. She seemed to sit and stare no matter where she was. In her room, she would stare out the window, clutching the rug doll her mother had made for her to her chest. If prompted, she would wander outside only to sit on the small bench and stare at the trees. She would pick up things they tried to give her, but her actions were more dutiful than enthusiastic. She had no interest in food or any games they tried to play with her. She spoke not at all, though she could be coaxed to nod or shake her head. She didn't even touch her favourite jalebies.

At the end of the year, Manoroma and Mahindar's two sons came home from boarding school in Darjeeling. Manoroma was excited and hopeful for Khushi too. Because he always adored her Akash vai and the chocolates he brought for her every year since he went to boarding school. Sixteen-year-old Akash swept the tiny girl right up off her feet, tossing her high in the air. His ever-present grin faltered and fell when Khushi reacted not at all. She didn't cry out, nor did she giggle with delighted little-girl pleasure. Unsure how to handle her apathy, Akash sat her back down again. Fourteen-years old, Amandranath Rajput and his friend Arnav Singh Raizada looked at the scene in front of them with a forlorn look.

Arnav was Mahindar's best friend Amarpal's son. Mahindar, Sashi and Amarpal used to be thick as thieves. He never thought in a million years that all of his friends would face such horrible consequences. Amarpal's father was a great businessman at that time. Despite not being a Jamidar, Amarpal's father had the same amount of properties as Mahindar's father. But Amarpal's father wasted most of them on gambling and alcohol. Amarpal and Ratna's marriage was arranged by their fathers who were business partners and the couple had a daughter, Anjali and a son, Arnav from their union. Amarpal Singh Raizada was not like his father at all, he was a scholar and was too fascinated with Western education and culture. Seeing his enthusiasm Ratna allowed her husband to leave India to study at British University for a few years, but little did she know that her husband would have an affair with a ferengi, Natalie Smith there. Upon hearing this news, Ratna Singh Raizada hanged herself, discovered by her 12-year-old son. And on the other hand, receiving the news of his wife's demise Amarpal shot himself in the head in a drunken state out of guilt. After that, Arnav's Uncle had all but thrown them out of their home. Till then Anjali and Arnav were living with their maternal grandmother Suvadra Malik. He too was studying with Akash and Aman in the same boarding school and as a result spent most of his holidays in Rajput haveli, actually he lived with the Rajputs when he came to Delhi as his grandmother couldn't bear the sight of him as he looked so much like his father. But thank god, that lady adored Anjali and had no problem with her. So, Arnav was just bidding his time to end his education and do something of his own and be free from his grandmother's torment. Because without education and no properties, he was no better than a manual labourer. And Arnav Singh Raizada was nothing but ambitious.

Amandranath aka Aman moved first, squeezing Khushi's cheek to get a reaction from her awkwardly but failed. Arnav didn't greet the child at all. Manoroma and Mahindar watched them curiously. Their eyes followed the children, watching as Arnav sat on the step beside Khushi without saying a word.

This continued for several days. No matter where Khushi would choose to sit and stare, Arnav would sit quietly with her. He might read or work on his homework, but he was always with her.

On the fifth day, Arnav stood suddenly and said unceremoniously. "I'm taking a walk," he said to no one, his voice unassuming.

He extended his hand toward the little girl.

Manorama watched, surprised, as Khushi first turned her head, staring at his hand with a look of serious contemplation that seemed wrong on such a small angelic face. Then she stood, tucking her rug doll safely under one arm, and put her hand in his.

Together, they walked out beyond the tree line hand in hand.

@arshifiesta @phuljari @featheredclover

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