Taken For Granted

Chapter 35

Khushi's POV

As soon as we enter the meeting room, I start presenting the pros and cons of merging our companies, but I can't focus. His gaze is fixed on me, and it's making it hard to concentrate. I force myself to stay composed by thinking of Aru and Jiji, trying not to let his presence affect me.

After 30 minutes, I finally wrap up the presentation and sit down. "That concludes our meeting, Mr. Rai... I mean, Mr. Arnav. What do you think?"

He continues to gaze at me, almost lost in thought. "Beautiful," he murmurs.

I stare at him, shocked, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. I stop myself from blushing and snap my fingers to pull him back to reality.

He blinks and quickly composes himself. "Sorry... I think it's a wonderful idea. We should definitely merge the companies. When should we start the paperwork?"

I knew he would agree, but the thought of him being around me more often worries me. My feelings for him, which I've been trying so hard to bury, threaten to resurface. I already love him, but...

Feeling exhausted, I say, "Shivay, can you handle the rest of the meeting? I'm feeling tired."

Shivay, noticing my fatigue, responds with concern, "Okay, Ms. Khushi. You may leave."

I quickly exit the room and rush to my cabin. Once inside, I start gathering my things, but the emotions I've been holding back come flooding in, and I can't stop the tears. Why did he have to come back? Why does he make me feel so weak?

As I try to compose myself, a strong hand suddenly pulls me into a warm embrace from behind. For a moment, I almost give in to the comfort of it, but I quickly pull away with all the strength I can muster and turn to face him, anger flashing in my eyes.

"Who gave you the right to touch me, Mr. Arnav?" I demand, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt.

Arnav remains calm, his eyes soft. "Khushi... have you forgotten me? I've missed you so much... Where were you? I'm so sorry."

With icy resolve, I look him straight in the eyes, my voice steady and void of any emotion. "The Khushi you knew is dead. This is Khushi Singh Oberoi standing before you—cold, unyielding, and done with you. I don't want anything to do with you anymore. I HATE YOU, Mr. Arnav. Do you understand? Your 'sorry' means nothing. It's just a word, empty and meaningless. Your actions cut deeper than you can ever know. You were hurt because I did a DNA test? Seriously? I gave you another chance despite your lack of trust in me, in our so-called contract marriage. You accused me of stealing your sister's husband when, in reality, I was the one who was deceived. He came into my life under false pretenses, claiming to be single, and even got engaged to me. The moment I discovered he was your brother-in-law, I broke off the engagement. I didn't tell you because your sister was pregnant, and I didn't want to add to her stress. But none of that matters to you, does it? All you care about is your sister and her life."

I pause, letting my words sink in, the coldness in my voice mirroring the frost that has settled in my heart. "Your sister made a mistake by going back to her ex-husband even after seeing his true colors. And what did you do? You brought him back into her life. Yet, when I made one mistake—one DNA test—you punished me severely. Why were you so unfair? Your sister's mistake was far greater than mine, but you overlooked hers while you threw me out of my... no, your house for a simple, insignificant mistake."

I stare at him, my eyes accusing, yet devoid of any warmth. I know my words have hurt him, but I don't care. He's hurt me far worse—physically and mentally.

"Khushi..." Arnav begins, worry evident in his voice.

Before he can say more, Sam walks in, interrupting. "Khushi, are you coming? We have to pick up our prince and princess."

I grab my bag and leave with Sam, tears threatening to spill over again. "Sam... I need to fix my makeup. Can you pick up Aru and Vivu today and take them to Karan's house? Jiji and I have to meet Mom and Dad."

Sam looks worried. "Khushi, there's something I need to tell you about Uncle..."

I turn to him, my worry growing. "What is it, Sam? Tell me what you're hiding."

He hesitates but finally says, "Khushi... Uncle hasn't been feeling well since Payal's birthday. That's why he couldn't call her. Jiju didn't want me to tell you because he didn't want you to worry, but..."

Before he can finish, I rush out of the door and into my car. I quickly call Jiji, telling her to be ready in 15 minutes. When I arrive, I see her waiting outside, looking anxious. I honk to get her attention, and she immediately gets in the car.

"Khushi, what happened?" Jiji asks, her voice full of concern. "You look like you've been crying, and you called me so suddenly. Is everything okay? Weren't you supposed to pick up—"

I force a smile, though it doesn't reach my eyes. "Jiji, everything's fine... but Dad's health isn't. He's been sick since yesterday, and that's why he didn't wish you on your birthday. I picked you up early so we could see them. Don't worry, Sam is picking up the kids and taking them to Karan's place."

Jiji's worry deepens, her voice trembling. "Is Dad going to be okay? I'm so scared, Khushi... And why were you crying? Don't pretend to smile for my sake."

I look at her, my own worry mirrored in her eyes. "Jiji, we're here."

I park the car, and we rush inside, both of us dreading what we might find.

I rush to my crying brother, wrapping my arms around him in an attempt to provide comfort, while Jiji moves to hug Bhabhi, who is also silently shedding tears.

With tears streaming down both our faces, we ask, "What happened?"

Bhabhi, her voice trembling, replies, "We'll tell you later. Papa wants to see you both. Please, go to him."

I want to press for more details, desperate to understand why Bhai is crying like this—something I've never seen before. But knowing they will explain later, I rush with Jiji into Dad's room. The sight of our crying mother and our father lying in bed sends a jolt of fear through me. Jiji immediately embraces Dad, while I try to console Mum.

Mum, wiping her tears, says, "Payal, I'm so sorry we didn't wish you a happy birthday. Your father wanted to wish you in person, but he got sick and couldn't do it yesterday. And when you came to see us, we had to keep it a secret."

Jiji quickly hugs Mum, her voice full of guilt, "It's fine, Mum. I'm so sorry... I've been selfish and a bad daughter."

Seeing Mum and Dad fine brings a wave of relief over me. I move toward Dad, and he hugs me back warmly.

Smiling, Dad says, "Today, I want to reveal something to you. As I was saying..."

Mum interrupts, her voice firm, "Stop! Don't talk. I'll talk."

She takes a deep breath before continuing, "We were blackmailed into staying away from you... Thankfully, when you both were pregnant, we discovered who the blackmailer was. It was none other than... Arnav's Dadi, Subhadra Devi."

Why do you think Arnav's Dadi blackmailed Khushi and Payal's parents?

What connection do the Raizadas and Oberois have with each other?

Precap - The reason is revealed