Taken For Granted

Chapter 25

Payal's POV

As soon as I finish my quick shower, I wake Vivu, who jumps up excitedly and gets dressed. We head downstairs, where Vivu's eyes light up upon seeing Karan uncle. He lets go of my hand and runs to Karan, wrapping his little arms around him. Karan returns the hug, but his eyes lock onto mine, and we share an uncomfortable silence.

Vivu (breaking the moment) - Uncle!! Mummy!!

It feels like we're in our own world, but as I realize the situation, I quickly look away, avoiding Karan's gaze.

Me (avoiding eye contact) - Where did Khushi go?

Karan (still staring at Payal) - Khushi went with Sam... we have to go together.

I know Khushi did this on purpose, but my heart is still with Akash, and I can't bring myself to love anyone else, knowing the consequences.

Vivu (interrupting my thoughts) - Mummmyyy, I need to buy Aru a gift... I don't want to be a bad brother.

Before I can respond, Karan lifts him up and heads to the car. I quickly head to the kitchen to grab the keys.

Karan's POV

To avoid any awkwardness, I take Vivu with me to the car. On the way, Vivu starts to cry.

Vivu (crying) - What will I buy Aru? Chacha left for work and chachi is at Mama's house, please help me.

I see the little boy's tears, and it breaks my heart. I don't know much about Aru, but I realize something important.

Me (smiling) - Vivu, what did Aru want yesterday? You can get her that.

Vivu (crying more) - sh...she ... (sniff)...

Me (worried) - Stop crying, baby, and tell me, otherwise I can't help you.

Vivu (stopping tears) - She wanted a da... dad, and I can't help her. You know, uncle, every day at school, we get bullied because we don't have a dad. Before coming home, we wash our faces so mummy and maasi don't find out about our worries. I know uncle, it's bad to lie, but I don't want mummy to be worried because of us.

I look at him with deep sympathy, feeling proud of his maturity. He's only seven but speaks like an older soul. I know my suggestion might sound odd, but for this little guy, I'd do anything.

Me (smiling) - Baby, why didn't you tell me? I can be your dad... I mean, dear, you can tell everyone I'm your dad. From next week, I'll pick you up from school, and Samrat uncle can be Aru's dad and pick her up too. Are you happy now?

Vivu nods and hugs me tightly.

Payal (tears in her eyes) - Vivu, baby, why didn't you tell me this? Don't you love your mummy? What about your massi? Don't you love her?

I gently put Vivu down, and he ran to his mum, apologizing and expressing his love for her. I can't bear to see any more tears, so I tell them to sit in the car.

After 15 minutes

Payal's POV

Thankfully, there's no heavy traffic, and we arrive at the mall quickly. Karan parks the car, and I take Vivu to the toy store where Khushi and I usually meet after work. We started a catering company from scratch with Khushi's help, while Khushi works with bhai in the company as a fashion designer.

Khushi (smiling) - Jiji!! What took you so long? Sam took Aru with his shopping, and I've been waiting for you so we can shop together like we always do, and Vivu can spend some time with Karan.

I know Vivu and Karan should bond, but I'm uncomfortable with them being too close. Their bond is strong, and I fear Vivu might break down if they have to separate.

Me (nervous) - Khushi... why don't we all go together? I mean, I can... help... Vivu gets a gift for Aru.

Khushi (nervous too) - NOOOO!! I mean... jiji, they should bond sometimes. Please, jiji...

I look at Khushi, who's pleading with me. If it were the old me, I would have said yes, but I don't want them to get too close. I have a bad feeling about it.

Karan (interrupting) - Payal, I want to spend some time with Vivu... please...

Me (worried) - Karan... please... I'm not feeling good today... please.

Karan, Khushi, and Vivu (begging) - Please Payal/Jiji/mummy.

Me (pretending to smile) - Fine

As soon as I agree, Khushi and Vivu hug me, and Karan, in his excitement, almost hugs me too but stops just in time.

Khushi's POV

I know blackmailing isn't right, but I know that jiju cares for Jiji a lot, and since they're engaged, it's better if they get married. I really like Karan jiju more than Akash because he knows how to respect women.

Jiji (smiling) - Let's go to the toy store and buy the children some gifts.

I happily follow Jiji to the toy store, while Jiju and Vivu head upstairs.

After 15 minutes

We pick out two gifts for Aru and Vivu and are about to pay when a little girl, around six years old, runs to us, crying.

Jiji picks her up instantly, concern etched on her face.

Jiji (worried) - What happened? Are you ok?

Girl (crying) - Aunty... I... am... lost... please... help me.

I watch Jiji, who is wiping her tears with tenderness.

Jiji (worried) - What's your name bacha (child)?

Girl (crying harder) - P...Pa...Pari

Jiji (smiling) - If you don't stop crying... Pari, I won't take you to your mama.

Girl (crying more) - I don't have a... m...mummy.

We both hug her, trying to comfort her. To cheer her up, we get her the same gift we got for Aru and a chocolate.

Jiji (looking at me) - Khushi... let's take Pari... to her family.

Jiji puts Pari down, and takes her hand, leading her to the information desk to find her parents.

Jiji (trying to distract her) - So who do you have in your family?

Pari (smiling faintly) - I have dad, bade papa, and bhai.

Me (smiling) - What's your bhai's name

Pari (happily) - His name is...

Firefighter (urgently) - Leave right now... there's a fire on the top floor... LEAVE!!

I look at him horrified, and Pari starts crying.

Jiji (tensed) - Let's go

I pick up Pari and we run towards the exit, with Jiji close behind me. On the way, I feel a touch I've desperately tried to forget. I turn back, hoping it's not who I think it is, and shout to the firefighter to stop them. Then, I run towards the exit.

Will Aru and Vivu survive? Will Aru and Vivu survive?

Who was the person that Khushi was trying to avoid?

Will that person survive?

Precap - Aru and Vivu stuck in the fire