Reawakening

Part 3 - It matters .... does it?

Thanks to all who have commented. SOrry I have not replied to your comments, but I have read each and everyone of them.. THank you so very much.. please keep them going...

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Each one were in their own thoughts as to what could Nani and Khushi have to discuss. Mami had disappeared into her room with La, while Anjali went to finish her daily chores. ASR had to vent out his frustration and soon was heard talking to Aman.

Nani listened very attentively to Khushi. All the facts stated by Buaji and Khushi matched, which also matched with the facts shyam had given when they had first met. She also learnt how he had expressed his desire to marry Khushi and Buaji had only got too eager with each passing day. With her father having a sudden stroke, things had to be hurried, so she had finally consented on Diwali.

"Khushi bitiya, do you not have any pictures at all?" she could see how uneasy Khushi displayed with every mention of Shyam and how very disinterested she was.

"No Nani ji, I don't. "

"Khushi bitiya, you don't look very well, is there a problem?"

Seeing the concern and love in Nani's eyes, Khushi opened up, "Nani ji, I was never interested in this proposal. There are a few things I need to sort out. I wanted my jiji to marry first, especially after it was broken because of me. Then my Babuji is not well. With all this, do you think it was easy for me to agree? And actually, it was guilt not love. I don't even feel anything for him, but you know, my amma said, it will all be ok after the marriage a few years down the lime."

Khushi tried to brush away Nani's questions on how Payal's marriage was broken, but Nani insisted on getting all the information today. She had to know what the history was behind. Khushi, who had long forgiven the man who made her go through hell was very hesitant to recount the incidents, since she knew how Nani would feel. But there was no escape today, Nani had to get to the bottom of all the problems.

It was nearly tea time with the rest of the family wondering what they had to discuss for such a long time. Arnav was seething in anger, his call to Aman only made his frustration worse. For the first time Nani was utterly displeased with her Chote's behaviour. She was always proud of him, but today forced to put her head down. She was ashamed he had brought such doom to Khushi's family, which in turn lead Shyam to enter into their lives.

When the whole story was learnt, Nani heaved a sigh of relief with the engagement being put off for the time being.

But first things first. She still had to confirm Shyam's identity, and was not sure how to go about it.

"Khushi, where is your PG now? "

"Don't know Nani ji, we could never guess when he would be home or away. He keeps going away on client visits. "

"I think you are doing very well by concentrating on getting your Babuji well. I don't like girls to get married very young now a days, in our days it was different."

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Akash was pleased he had picked up the phone, "Yes Payal, she is here. She is with Nani and I will ask her to call you when she is out."

"Thanks Akash, she called to say she was coming to your place, but I did not think it would take this long"

Akash spoke very quietly, "Payal, my sister Anjali wants to talk to you. Now please, before you refuse, just give it one chance, I know you will not change your decision, but there is no harm in talking to her as a friend. Please.."