Taken For Granted

Chapter 27

Mama's POV

It had been seven long years. Seven years since the world had crumbled around us with the news of Arnav and Akash's tragic deaths. Seven years since Aarav went missing, and Khushi and Payal bitiya walked out of our lives. Our home, once filled with laughter and love, had become a shadow of its former self. Soon, this house would be auctioned off, a testament to Anjali bitiya's negligence.

Manorama, always the fierce protector of our family's honor, was shouting my name, her voice echoing through the empty halls.

Manorama (angry) -  HHBB where are you?

Me (scared) - What happened Manorma? Why are you screaming?

Manorma (angry) - HHBB hamen mandir jaana hai (I want to go temple)

Manorama had changed so much over these years. She had stopped trying to speak in English and had become the epitome of a devoted wife and daughter-in-law. Yet, her relationship with Anjali bitiya had soured. Manorama blamed her for Akash's death. As for Sheetal, she had taken over as the CEO of AR, the company Arnav bitiya had built from scratch—the same company he named after Anjali before he passed away. It wasn't long before Shyam's truth was revealed, leaving Anjali consumed with guilt. Her depression rendered her unfit for work, so Sheetal had stepped in. Mummyji had been living in the torment of her own guilt, believing that her indulgence towards her granddaughter had led to the downfall of Arvind Malik, our son-in-law.

Manorama (worried): "HHBB, aap thik ho? Main itane lambe samay se chilla raha hoon, aur aapne humein nahin suna hai." (Are you okay? I've been shouting for so long, and you haven't even heard me.)

I managed a small smile and nodded, trying to assure her that I was fine.

Manorama (smiling): "HHBB, chalo milate hain mummyji." (Let's go meet mummyji.)

We walked towards mum's room, and as we entered, I saw mummyji gently caressing Anjali bitiya while she sobbed uncontrollably.

Mummy (smiling): "Manorama, aao aur yahaan baitho." (Come and sit here.)

Manorama (to me, not even looking at mummyji): "Mummyji, main agalee baar aaegee jab vah yahaan nahin hai." (Mummyji, I will come next time when she isn't here.)

Before mummy could say anything, Manorama stormed out, but I knew she would only retreat to our room, where she would cry silently. Every time she saw Anjali bitiya, the pain was too much for her to bear.

Anjali (crying): "Mamaji, I'm sorry... I didn't mean to do anything... I am sorry... I was wrong... Khushiji and Payalji were made of gold... in my jealousy, I... I am sorry."

Me (painful smile): "Anjali bitiya, I know you have realized your mistake, and I'm glad. But what you did... can't bring our sons back. Unless Akash and Arnav beta come back, I'm sorry... you aren't forgiven."

I walked out of the room to find Manorama, who was sitting by Akash's picture, clutching Arnav's photo in her arms. I approached her, trying to offer some comfort. As soon as she saw me, she hugged me tightly.

Pretend she is speaking Hindi

Manorma (crying) - My son... she killed.... Him... she killed her brothers.

Me (trying to console her) - Dear...

Manorama (crying and hugging me): She failed the brakes in his car, thinking she could kill Khushi bitiya, but my Arnav beta died, and with him, Akash beta. She tampered with the brakes two days ago because she thought Khushi bitiya would be in that car. But that day, Khushi was kicked out of the house... by us. In her happiness, she forgot to get the car fixed. Arnav beta ran.... which... caused Arnav and Akash beta to...

Me (crying): "It has been seven years, Manorama... seven. We have to move forward. I can't forgive Anjali bitiya, but I have accepted the truth. By crying, Akash and Arnav beta won't come back. We need to move on. Who will look after mummyji if you keep crying like this?"

Manorama (letting go of the hug): I will never forget that she killed them, and I don't want to either. I will not talk to that killer ever. I will not move on. You don't know the pain a mother goes through when her son, who has been a part of her life for so long, suddenly... dies. I miss him so much. When he was here, I took him for granted. All I thought about was my happiness and my daughter-in-law who... would be rich and pretty. But I forgot my standards. Even I came from a poor household... and I married you despite being poor. How could I say that Payal bitiya can't be my daughter-in-law? I have lost both my sons and daughters-in-law due to my greed. I didn't even think once about his happiness. All I wanted was for him to be as successful as Arnav bitiya. I didn't care that he didn't want to do business. I was a bad mum... I am a bad mum... I failed as a mother-in-law and as a mum.

Me (consoling her): Manorama... I know the pain of losing him as well... I was his father. I know the pain you are going through. But the difference is that I have accepted he is gone, and I am trying hard to mend the family. You... you are not accepting the truth. You are separating yourself from the family. I have also lost my son, but our son wouldn't want us crying day and night for him. He would want us to mend the family together. Mummyji isn't well, and you know that. Instead of being with her, you are here crying. You should at least sit beside her and be a good daughter-in-law. Even if Anjali bitiya is there, don't forget your duty. Akash and Arnav would want you to do this.

Manorama wiped her tears, taking in my words. The room was filled with silence, a silence that spoke volumes about the pain we all carried. As we stood there, the echoes of the past mingled with the resolve to find a way forward.

Manorama, with a newfound determination, nodded, her eyes still glistening with unshed tears. You're right, HHBB. I will try... for mummyji, for the family. But I will never forgive Anjali bitiya.

I squeezed her hand, knowing that the road to healing would be long and filled with pain, but we would walk it together. Our sons, in their memory, would want nothing less.

Should Anjali be forgiven?

Where is Sheetal?

Precap - Back to Khushi and Payal