Making Her Mine- An IPKKND story.

Chapter 72 - Raizada

Arnav went to find Nani. This was it, he needed her help. Respecting elders was one thing, but having an evil incarnate live among them was something else entirely. Dadi had to go.

He met Nani just as she was returning from the mandir, and told her, as calmly as he could, about what happened.

Nani didn't understand. "Subhadra is old fashioned, Chotay," was all she said. "She blames Khushi bitya for your elopement, but of course it was both of your faults."

"Nani, but Khushi is blameless in this. She's unnecessarily —"

"Chotay, we have forgiven you both. But Subhadra has just got here, she doesn't know Khushi bitya like we do. She just —"

"How is it Khushi's fault when I forced Khushi to marry me? I threatened to stop Akash and Payal's wedding if she didn't marry me. She had no choice!"

Nani stared at Arnav, her face horror stricken.

"What? Why..."

"Because – Shyam had told me he was having an affair with Khushi. I believed him like a fool..."

Nani collapsed down on the sofa, her eyes wide with shock.

"I thought Akash and Payal told you..."

It turned out Akash and Payal hadn't told the family this part when they had exposed Shyam. Arnav had to tell Nani everything, her face growing more ashen the longer he spoke.

"We blamed her..." Nani said, as she stood up, unsteady on her feet. Arnav reached out to support her, but she pulled her arm away, and called out to Jai Prakash.

"Bring everyone here, I have to talk to them," Nani said, fixing her gaze at Jai Prakash, "And I am perfectly able to stand on my own, please tell Arnav I don't need his support."

Jai Prakash looked at Arnav sheepishly, and went away to let the family members know they had been summoned. Nani sat down again, and despite her measured words to JP, she was looking suddenly old and fragile.

When the whole family had gathered at the living area, Nani addressed them, her face a worrying shade of grey as she detailed the things Arnav had done to Khushi.

Mama, Mami, and NK looked between Nani and  Arnav with horror. Dadi stood apart from them, her face impassive.

"We have to apologize to Khushi Bitya," Nani said. "For what Arnav has done, and for what we did." And then, a tear slid down her wrinkled face. His regal Nani, who always held her head high, was weeping.

Khushi was frantic. She rushed to Nani, and held her, telling her how it was okay, she had never blamed them, it was a misunderstanding, she had already forgiven Arnav...

Akash and Di had tried to speak up, but now Nani's tears held them back, too.

Arnav stood, helpless. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen his grandmother cry. He had certainly never made her cry before. Whatever differences they had, Nani had been on his side when it mattered. She and Nanaji had taken them in when they could have blamed his father's side of the family for what had happened. They had given Di and him a home, and dug deep into their pockets to support him in college in America.

Mamaji held Nani. Mami looked guilt ridden. NK turned to comfort her. Arnav couldn't stand it any more. He walked away, unable to meet anyone's eyes.

—-

Khushi found him in their room, lying on his recliner, gazing at the ceiling.

"I've talked to them, Arnav Ji. Don't worry—everyone will be fine. It was just the shock. I reassured them that everything is okay. I don't blame them..."