Taken For Granted

Chapter 28

Khushi's POV after she comes out with Pari

As soon as we step outside the mall, Jiji's phone rings. She picks up, her expression shifting from worry to anger instantly.

Jiji (worried): Karan... where are you?... What???? (angry) .... How could you????..... I want my son... With me..... You are so irresponsible... Ok.

Me (worried) - Jiji... what happened? Where are ji... I mean what did Karan say? Where are they?

Jiji (worried): Khushi... Karan said that they had lost Aru and Vivu as Aru ran away from them... and they were on the top floor.

I look at Jiji in shock, tears welling up in my eyes.

Pari (crying as well): Aunties... why are you crying? Everything will be fine... my bade papa says.... Don't lose hope... in difficult situations... pray to God.

I painfully smile at the little girl and then turn to Jiji, who is crying non-stop.

Me (forcing a smile): Jiji... it's ok... everything will be fine. We've faced so much already and come through. We will find them and they will be safe.

Payal (angry): How could you even say that?? Do you even realise that our children are in there? I told you... I told you not to separate Vivu from me... But... you didn't even bother listening... I knew today wasn't a good day... Khushi... you are my sister... but that doesn't mean you can control my life.... I know... that you are doing this... so... that me and Karan could be together... but let... me tell... you... I only LOVE AKASH and WILL ONLY LOVE HIM.... I won't love anyone else... Could you stop trying to interfere in my life?

Me (shocked) - Jiji... I ...

Payal (angry): No... don't try to act smart... I am not dumb... I can see what you are doing... and... I heard... from Bhabhi that... me and Kara...Karan... are engaged... and you...want us to be... together... I understand your concern... Khushi... but don't you get it... the way you loved your husband in the same way... I loved mine and... I can't move on.

Me (guilty and crying): Jiji... I am sorry... I didn't mean to... I just wanted you to be happy as I have seen you are always satisfied with Karan but I won't force you... I am sorry... I understand now that just like me... you can't... move on.

Jiji is about to respond, but we are both interrupted by Aru and Vivu.

Aru and Vivu (screaming) - Mummmyyyy!!

Jiji and I instantly turn around and see our children running towards us. We hug them tightly, tears streaming down our faces.

Karan (smiling and holding his ears) - Sorry Payal... I am sorry

Payal's POV

I know what I said to Khushi in my anger was mean, and to make it up to her, I whisper:

Me (whispering) - I am sorry... Khushi... I didn't mean to outburst at you... I am sorry.

Khushi (smiling) - Jiji... it's fine

Me (crying) - you are such a wonderful sister.

Karan (smiling) - What happened?

Overwhelmed by my emotions, I hug him tightly, tears still streaming.

Relief and anger battle within me as I see my children safe. I turn to Karan, tears of gratitude and frustration streaming down my face.

Me (letting go of the hug, angry but grateful): You are a really good friend, Karan... but how could you be so irresponsible? Losing my children like that? I was terrified! But... thank you for finding them. I shouldn't have talked to you like that.

Karan (smiling, understanding): It's ok, Payal... I'm really sorry. I should have been more responsible.

I give him a genuine smile, overwhelmed by the relief of having my children back and the gratitude for Karan's efforts.

Me (requesting):  Khushi and I have to go somewhere... will you and Samrat please take care of Aru and Vivu for us? And can I borrow your car?

Karan (smiling) - Of course...enjoy.

I give him a quick smile and then drag Khushi with me into the car

Me (rushing) - quick Khushi put your seatbelt on... it's already late.

Khushi (doing as I say) - Where are we going?

Me (smiling through tears) - The same place we go every year

Although feeling guilty for leaving our children just after they survived such a dangerous incident, we head to the place that brings back memories of the good old days, where we can act like children again. It's the same place we want to visit often but are restricted to only visiting on certain days. This place is our home, the one refuge where we can be ourselves and revisit our past. As we drive, a wave of regret washes over us for not being able to take our kids there, to show them the warmth and love that once filled its walls. Our hearts ache with the weight of leaving them behind, but we know that this visit is necessary—for our souls, for our memories, and for the hope that someday, we can bring our children to this sanctuary and share with them the essence of our childhood.

Who are Payal and Khushi going to meet?

Precap - Suprise