Taken For Granted

Chapter 21

Khushi's POV

I turn around to identify the familiar voices, and to my surprise, I see Mum and Dad standing there. Before I can rush to them, Jiji, who recognized them instantly, runs up to greet them.

As I approach, I see Jiji taking their blessings and whispering something that makes their faces turn to shock.

"Mum! Dad!" I exclaim, unable to contain my joy.

Dad engulfs me in a tight hug. "How are you, dear? Did you miss us? We missed you a lot."

Still in the hug, I respond, "Dad, I missed you a lot, and I'm very fine. Where have you been? It's been two months, Mum" (I looking at her) "two months, Dad" (I turn to him again).

Jiji steps back from the hug to get Aru and Vivu, bringing them to take Mum and Dad's blessings. I wrap my arms around Mum, who starts to cry.

Mum, through her tears, says I can't believe my little gudiya (doll) is so grown up and that it's her daughter's birthday. I missed you, dear... I am still guilty for not being able to see your childhood, and I am so sorry."

I cover my tears to stop myself from crying once again, as every time I see Mum, she repeats the same thing, and I always try to cheer her up even though I know what they did was wrong.

Cupping her face and smiling, I say, "Mum, please, at least for today, don't cry. It's your granddaughter's birthday, and you should be happy, not sad." I wipe away her tears.

Aru interrupts, "Nani! I missed you!" She runs toward Mum, taking her blessings and then Dad's, with Vivu following suit.

Approaching Jiji, I ask, "Jiji, what were you whispering to Dad and Mum?"

Jiji pretends to be innocent. "Nothing, Khushi. Oh, look, Nanheji and Lavanyaji are here." She excuses herself and heads toward Lavanya to bring her to Mum and Dad.

As soon as Lavanya sees them, she starts shedding tears and screams, "Mummy! Daddy!" She runs from Nanheji to Mum and Dad.

Mum holds her gently. "Be careful, Lavanya. You are six months pregnant, and running isn't good, especially at this stage."

Lavanya apologizes and hugs Mum while Nanheji looks at her with a confused face.

Before I can react, a familiar voice breaks through the moment. "Well, I guess you forgot us. Should we go back, Anika?"

Khushi's POV ends and Payal's POV Starts

As soon as I hear Bhai's voice, I run up to him and hug him tight. It's been so long since I've seen him, and I've missed him terribly. Bhai lets go of Bhabhi's hand and responds to the hug, while Bhabhi goes to hug Khushi.

Payal (letting go of the hug) - Bhai! It has been so many months. I know those people who want to kill us are keeping an eye on you, but you could have at least met us secretly and let Bhabhi come as well.

Shivay (cupping her face) - Princess, you know that I've already lost you once, and I don't want to lose you again. Now, I will be able to be around you as those guys are no longer following me. As for your Bhabhi, she was also being followed, and you know I've kept security around her so that nothing happens to her. That's why she couldn't come.

I understand why Bhai is doing this, but I still feel a little hurt. He's a big businessman, and he could have found a way to come, but he decided to hide instead.

I know Bhai seemed a little hurt by my attitude, but it's been six years since I found out about him, and he doesn't even have time for us. He comes on Vivu and Aru's birthdays and only if there are other important events.

As I walk away from him, I can feel the distance that has grown between us over the years. It's not just physical, but emotional too. I know he's doing his best to protect us, but it's hard not to feel neglected.

Why is Shivay avoiding Payal and Khushi?

What did Payal whisper that made Tej and Jhanvi shocked?

Precap - Karan and Samrat Entry

Should Arshi and Payash unite?