Daayre | ✔

Chapter Three

Khushi held the green bell pepper on the chopping board and slowly sliced it in halves with the knife that her trembling hand held. She occasionally glanced over at Payal who was next to her, stirring something in the cooking pot. Her lips turned downwards in a frown as she looked away. 

Since morning everyone had spoken to her, apologizing for their behaviour and forgiving her for hers - all except Payal. She was simply standing in a corner as everything happened and even now, when they were alone in the kitchen preparing for lunch, she didn't spare her a glance. 

Was she still angry?

"Ji-jiji?" Khushi at last called, unable to bear her callousness. Payal hummed still not looking at her and that made Khushi drop everything that was in her hands and clutched Payal's.

"Jiji," Khushi muttered as tears formed in her eyes at the indifference of her dear sister, "At least look at me once. I'm sorry, I really am. Whatever happened, I had no intention of hurting anyone, especially not you." 

Payal sighed hearing the cracking in Khushi's voice and finally looked up with an emotionless stance. "Do you really think I am angry because you got married suddenly?" 

Payal's question added another layer to the mysteries Khushi was left to solve on her own, and so she stared at her - slumped by another perplexity. 

"What do you mean, Jiji?" 

"Khushi, I trust you. We all do and that's why even Buaji and Amma decided to forgive you for your sudden marriage. But there's one thing I'm really disappointed about." Payal heaved a heavy and dramatic sigh as she forced a frown on her forehead, "And that is, you forgot all about me once you got your Arnavji, huh? Didn't even bother telling me you guys were together!" 

There was a hint of humor in Payal's eyes as she finished, followed by a line of smile that she was trying to keep from appearing on her face. Khushi took a few seconds to realise Payal had been kidding and as soon as the realisation settled in, she slumped against the kitchen counter.

"Khushi?" Humor evaporated from Payal's tone and was replaced by worry when she saw the tears in Khushi's eyes. With panic on her face, she then reached for her sister. 

"Hey, hey, calm down. I was just joking, Khushi!" 

"I know." Khushi sniffled, shrugging Payal's hands away whilst her lips pouted. "But it wasn't funny! It was anything but funny!" 

The tears that Khushi was shedding made Payal concerned, but at the same, the way Khushi complained made her almost laugh. Yet, swallowing her smile, Payal pulled her sister in her arms and caressed her head to comfort her. 

"Okay fine. Fine, I'm sorry. I won't do that again, okay? Now stop crying, please?" She requested as she broke the hug and stared at Khushi with pleading raised eyebrows.

Khushi nodded, wiping her face. "You better not do that again. I already have a lot to deal with right now." Though she added the last part in a barely audible whisper, Payal had caught on and so she frowned. 

"What do you mean you have a lot to deal with right now?" She asked, catching Khushi off-guard. "Is everything okay?" 

Khushi now chuckled nervously and waved her hand in the air. "Yeah, everything is fine. I just, I think I'm still under the shock of what happened yesterday. That's why. A lot to deal with." 

Khushi prayed from something or someone to come save her at that moment because Payal seemed to be anything but convinced by her lie and as if God finally had mercy upon her, they both heard Devyani's voice summoning them in the hall.