The Unwanted Bride

2 - Goa Trip

Typed from 19/12/2018 – 21/12/2018
Edited On – 12/06/2019
Chapter 2- Goa Trip

Khushi's Pov:

Currently, we were sitting on the dining table. Dad looked normal but I know my words were still running around his head like cats and dogs fighting. Every time after our mini fight I felt bad for being too hard on him but I can't be the seventeen-year-old Khushi again.

I lifted my eyes chewing my roti only to see the mother and daughter playing some eye game. Isha was pouting showing her puppy eyes to mu—step-mum. In return her mother gave her a sharp stern look that could shut anyone up. Her mother caught me staring to which I respond by looked away eating my food quietly in the unbearable silence in our house.

"I heard you're going to Pune Khushi?" she questioned making me go all blank in amaze. She cares? It was very rare for her to ask me questions about my private life. Her eyes stung mine bring me back to reality and I quickly nod. A weird scandalize smile appeared on her small dark red lips. Who wears makeup at home?

My eyebrows knitted together, silently and patiently waiting for her to continue. "Isha's dad," He called out to my dad. That's right, she never used his name. Every time she spoke she addressed dad saying 'Isha's dad.' At first I couldn't understand why she said Isha instead of Khushi, I mean I was his oldest child and that's what most Indian mothers use for addressing their husband from the eldest child's name. After turning ten realization hit me hard, I wasn't her child, that's why.

No grudges though. Not everyone can accept relationships as well as I can. "Isha's vacations are going on, why not both the girls travel together?" I chocked on my food, unable to swallow it inside my throat. Reaching out for the glass of water across the table I gulp it down, watching Isha looking at me with unreadable expression. So that's why they were playing the eye game!

"Ma my friends are going as well." I started. To be very honest, I was fine with Isha coming. Even though we didn't share the same mother I still loved her as a sister, she didn't feel the same way, though. I suppose the age gap and having different mothers is the barrier between our relationship for her. Spending time with her meant closeness, I always wanted that. I wanted a sister.

But, my friends weren't her big fan. Neha wasn't for sure.

"I don't have any problem but I don't know if she'll be able to blend in with us. You know, we-we're all above twenty-five and she's only nineteen." My voice was barely audible from the constant eyes hovering over my body like I'm speaking a complete different language from them.

I silently prayed she doesn't come but at the same time I want her to come. God, I'm so confused! We were going to Goa for crying out loud.

"She'll blend in won't you, Isha?" She questioned her daughter, of course she nodded smiling. "You're her older sister, I'm sure you'll take care of her." As strange as it sounds, it felt really nice hearing ma's words. Especially the highlighted affection she showered me with in her statement.She sounded so sweet, I know it was all fake because she wanted Isha to explore around and I was the key but it felt nice.

Least for once I felt wanted. In other scenario I'm the unwanted guest in this house.

"Ok," I shrugged looking at Dad, "if you allow her, she can come with me." And Neha and Rahul will kill me.

Dad looks over from me to his wife. His shallow eyes looking at us two like he's trying to read our minds. Standing up from the dining table after a few minutes of staring at us with a blank face, he bores down at Isha's mum before casually saying in his authority tone, "Ruhi give the girls some money for the trip." Not giving me a second glance he walked away in his room, out of my sight.