What happens if the guy you truly love takes you for granted?
What happens if you are treated like a slave in your own house?
What happens if he accuses you of not trusting him when he doesn't trust you?
What happens if a guy has to choose between...
As soon as Jiji and I come out of the house and get into the car, the weight of the day crashes down on us. We start to cry, unable to hold back the flood of emotions. Jiji hugs me tightly, offering a sense of comfort even as we both sob uncontrollably.
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For the past 7 years, we've kept our distance from the family that stood by us through thick and thin. Despite their flaws, they've always cared deeply for us. Their love and concern never wavered, even when circumstances tore us apart.
Today has been incredibly eventful and draining. We nearly lost our children in the chaos of the mall, felt the terror and helplessness, and finally the relief of finding them safe. Then, visiting Amma and Bauji, seeing them silent and withdrawn, brought a new wave of pain. They may be alive, but they're not the vibrant, loving parents we once knew. Despite all hardships, they fulfilled their roles perfectly.
It breaks my heart that we had to distance ourselves, forced by our real parents' protective love. The only time we see our family is one day each month, filled with longing and heartbreak. Amma and Bauji, though not our biological parents, loved us truly. Their silence is a reminder of their sacrifices and love.
I feel guilty for leaving our children, especially after the dangerous incident. But this place, our old home, is where we can be ourselves and relive our past, even if only for a short time each year. We regret not being able to bring our kids here, but it's our refuge and connection to a cherished past.
Jiji (angry) - I think we have to talk to mum and dad today... let's go to their house and confront them... I can't... I want to know the truth...TODAY!!
I look at Jiji with a shocked expression. Jiji has never been so angry and the last time she was angry was when we find out about our parents. Not wanting Jiji to drive as she isn't in the right state of mind, I take the wheel.
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As soon as I parked the car, Jiji bolted out with an angry expression, and I hurried to follow her. We entered the mansion to a scene we'd never witnessed before: Mum and Dad were in a heated argument, while Lavanyaji and Bhabhi tried to intervene.
Papa's voice boomed angrily, How could you, Jhanvi? They'll find out soon. Stop hiding things from me. We're married; you need to trust me. What happens now?
Before Mum could respond, she spotted us and rushed over with a bright smile, oblivious to our solemn faces.
"Mum (hugging us tightly), How are my gudiya and princess? Did you miss us that much? You know we can't meet like this often...
Jiji's anger erupted, cutting Mum off mid-sentence. "Stop with your fake love. We don't need it. Where were you when we needed real parents? Amma and Bauji were there when we had fevers, stayed up at night, and took care of us. Bauji struggled to get us medicine when we were sick and couldn't afford it. Where were you during parent-teacher meetings? Bauji never missed one. He did so much for us, while all you did was give them money to take care of us. How could you?"
Mum (shocked) - Pri...
I interrupted fiercely, my anger rising. "Don't say anything, Mum. We want answers today. Where were you for more than half of our lives?"
Dad's voice cut through, equally furious. That's it. If you want answers, then wait. Anika, Lavanya, go inside.
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As much as I wanted to intervene, I knew their fragile health, especially with their pregnancies, couldn't handle more shocks. Dad's voice trembled with emotion as he recounted the painful story.
"Okay... it's time to tell you the truth," Dad began, his eyes welling up. "Shashi worked in our company and was about to marry Garima, your mum's best friend. At that time, we had a 4-year-old son, and your mum was pregnant with you, Payal. On Shashi and Garima's wedding day... someone kidnapped your mother, who was five months pregnant, and her pregnancy had complications."
Mum, interrupting through tears, continued, "They took me to an isolated place and tied me to a pole. I survived for five days with little food and water. Thankfully, the police found me on the fifth day, thanks to your dad's efforts. After my rescue, the kidnappers tried contacting us and demanded money under threat of harm to me and the baby again. Your dad endured agonising calls, blocked numbers, and threats.
Dad, visibly struggling to keep his composure, added, "Your grandmother passed away unexpectedly a month later. The doctors claimed it was a heart attack, but we received a chilling letter soon after, threatening our child's life. In fear for all our lives, we decided to give you to Shashi and Garima after you were born. We made a secret arrangement with them, offering financial support and convincing them not to have children of their own.
Dad's coughing fit interrupted the tense atmosphere. I rushed to get water, but Jiji beat me to it. Dad looked pale and unwell, his health visibly affected by the emotional strain of recalling these painful memories. Do you think that Tej and Jhanvi are at fault as well?
