Taken For Granted

Chapter 44

As I sat across from Arnav, my thoughts spiralled. Suddenly, an image of Jiji's furious face filled my mind, her words sharp and unforgiving.

Jiji (angry): "Are you stupid, Khushi? There are other ways to convince Nani! Do you think marriage is a joke? You've married twice—twice! And now, you're thinking about another contract marriage? Have you lost your mind? Marriage is not a joke—it's a personal, physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual bond. And you? You're treating it like some disposable arrangement! Why, Khushi? Why?"

The imagined slap in my mind was so vivid that I flinched, the sting feeling all too real.

"Khushi!" Arnav's voice broke through, shaking me gently. "Are you okay?"

I blinked, disoriented, and looked at him with fear and uncertainty. "No... I can't marry you," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I can't make the same mistake twice."

Arnav (shocked): "What? Why? How?"

I took a shaky breath, guilt coursing through me. "Look... Jiji is right. Marriage isn't a joke, Arnav. Do you even realise? We've already been married twice, and what came of it? Divorce. Pain. I can't do this again. I need to move on. I want to help you, but... I think it's best if you handle this on your own. For once, I need to be selfish."

Arnav stared at me, his expression a mix of shock and desperation. "Khushi, please... Be selfless today, just this once. If you want, we can pretend to be married—nothing more. Please try to understand."

I stood abruptly, overwhelmed. "I need to call someone. Wait here."

Without waiting for his reply, I left the café and dialed Karan. I needed someone rational, someone who wouldn't judge me. Jiji already had too much on her plate, and Bhai... I couldn't add to his burden, not with everything he was dealing with.

Karan picked up on the second ring.

Karan (worried): "Khushi! Are you okay? You never call me at this time."

Me (smiling weakly): "I'm fine, Karan, but I'm stuck in a situation."

Karan (concerned): "What's going on?"

I explained everything to him—Nani's condition, Arnav's plea, and my own turmoil. Karan listened quietly, his silence filled with understanding.

Karan (firm): "Khushi, you're right. Marriage isn't a joke, and honestly, I don't think you should marry him. If you want to help, you don't need to go that far. Pretend, if you must, but don't marry him. You've already been hurt enough."

Me (hesitant): "But Bhai and Jiji will never agree. They'll see right through it."

Karan: "I know they care about you, Khushi. They don't want to see you hurt again. Look, if you decide to help him, make sure you protect yourself. Don't let him take you for granted. And if you feel like you can't do it, tell them the truth. You don't need to carry this burden alone."

Tears spilled down my cheeks as I whispered, "Thank you, Karan. I'll figure something out."

Karan: "You're strong, Khushi. Just don't lose yourself in this. Call me if you need anything."

After ending the call, I returned to the café. Arnav's stress was evident as he sat, fidgeting with his phone.

Me (firmly): "Fine. I'll help you, but only on one condition. We'll pretend to be married. Nothing more. This isn't real."

His head shot up, relief flooding his features, but before he could speak, I cut him off.

Me (coldly): "I'm only doing this for Nani. Not for you."

Arnav (pleading): "Khushi, please... Give me another chance. I promise this is the last one I'll ask for. If I break your heart again, I'll never bother you again."

I laughed bitterly, shaking my head. "A chance? Arnav, chances are for people who make mistakes once. You've made them repeatedly. You don't deserve the kindness I'm showing you. But for Nani's sake, I'll do this. Nothing more."

He nodded, defeated, as we prepared to leave.

45 minutes later

We arrived at my house, tension thick in the air. My nerves were on edge as I opened the door. I had agreed to let Arnav speak to Aru, guilt gnawing at me for keeping them apart despite knowing he deserved it.

Arnav (offering his hand): "Khushi... Let's go."

I hesitated before placing my trembling hand in his. As we entered, Jiji and Bhai rushed toward me, concern etched on their faces. But their steps faltered when Arnav appeared behind me, and their expressions shifted to shock and unease.

What do you think of the step that Khushi took? Is it right?

Does Arnav deserve a chance?