After the Raizadas left, Garima seized Khushi's hand with a cruel grip and dragged her to a dark corner, her glare burning with hatred.
"Aha! Amma, what are you doing? Where are you taking me? Leave me, Amma-it's hurting!" Khushi groaned, wincing in pain. Garima dug her fingernail deeper into Khushi's soft skin, relishing her daughter's torment as tears filled Khushi's eyes.
"What about the pain we've suffered because of you?" Garima spat.
"You won't dance with Arnav bitwa, samajh gayi? Go refuse them-especially that old lady. Did you get it?"
Khushi yanked her hand free, her voice firm despite the tears. "No. I can't deny people who've shown me nothing but love and respect from the start. If you want to refuse, do it yourself. But... don't give them lame excuses like last time."
Her defiance marked a refusal to be their punching bag any longer. Garima's fury ignited, her face contorting as she prepared to explode, when a cold, husky voice sliced through the tension.
"What's happening here? Any problem?" Arnav stood leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets, his blank stare fixed on Garima.
Garima whipped around, panic flashing in her eyes. "No... no, Damad ji! Nothing was happening. I was just telling her to perform well. After all, YOU are her dance partner. She should meet your expectations, right?"
Arnav's gaze shifted to Khushi, and a pang stabbed his heart at her tear-streaked face. Her tears were acid to his soul. He clenched his jaw, fists tightening, but held his tongue. Insulting Garima further might provoke her to harm Khushi more.
"Really? Okay, if you insist," he said, turning to Khushi. He extended his hand with a playful grin. "So, let's go, partner-to-be!" Khushi's heart fluttered at his blatant flirting, her startled expression prompting him to correct himself. "I meant dance partner, Khushi. What did you think?" Khushi's pulse skipped, but she brushed it off, frowning at him. "What a shameless man! Flirting with his saali at his wedding sangeet," she muttered under her breath, twisting her mouth in mock disapproval.
