Taken For Granted

Chapter 45

Payal's POV

I storm up to Khushi, who is avoiding eye contact, her head bowed as if carrying the weight of the world. I know my sister—this isn't something she'd do without reason. But I'm furious, and I need answers.

Me (sternly): "Khushi, come with me. Now."

She flinches, startled by my tone, but quietly follows me to my bedroom. Once inside, I shut the door firmly behind us and turn to her, my frustration boiling over.

Me (angrily): "Khushi! What have you done?"

Khushi keeps her eyes glued to the floor, refusing to meet my gaze.

Khushi (hesitant): "Jiji... Arnav and I... we got married again. I want to give our relationship another chance."

Me (angrier): "Say that to my face, Khushi."

I grab her shoulders and gently but firmly lift her chin, forcing her to look me in the eye. Her teary, guilt-ridden expression confirms what I feared—she's hiding the truth.

Me (upset): "Khushi, stop lying and tell me everything. Now."

At last, she starts talking, spilling out the story in halting, tearful sentences. As I listen, my shock grows. When she finishes, her tears stream down her face like a broken dam. I can't hold back anymore.

Me (angrily): "Khushi, stop crying! You need to hear this."

Before she can react, I slap her. It's not something I wanted to do, but I needed her to snap out of it. She looks at me, stunned, sobbing harder now.

Me (firmly): "You can't keep being so selfless, Khushi! You promised me you'd leave the past behind. And yet, here you are, willingly stepping back into that same pain. Do you even remember how his family treated us? Like we were nothing! They valued Sheetal and her son more than you—their own daughter-in-law! And now you want to help them? For what? For Nani? Tell me, Khushi—what has Arnav done to deserve your help? He claimed to love you, but look where that brought you."

Khushi (angrily): "Jiji, stop! He would never hurt Aru. I know that much. Whatever he did to me, Arnav would never lay a finger on his daughter. He loves her."

Me (mockingly): "Love? The same love he claimed to have for you? Open your eyes, Khushi. If he could hurt you, what's stopping him from disappointing Aru? You deserve better. And so does she."

Khushi's anger dissolves as her guilt and fear take over. I hate to see her like this, but she needs to hear the truth.

Me (softly): "Khushi, I'm only saying this because I care about you. You have to value yourself more. Stop letting others take advantage of your kindness. And stop hiding things from us—you don't need to protect me and Bhai. We're your family, and we deserve to know everything."

I pause, steadying myself.

Me (hesitant): "There's something I need to tell you too... but not right now."

I pull her into a hug as she breaks down on my shoulder. Slowly, her sobs fade, and she falls asleep in my arms. I gently lay her on the bed, covering her with a blanket, before heading downstairs.

When I reach the living room, I find Bhai glaring at Arnav, his fists clenched in barely restrained fury.

Bhai (furious): "How dare you come back here, Arnav?! After everything you've done!"

Before I can intervene, Bhai punches him squarely in the jaw, sending Arnav staggering backward.

Me (angrily stepping between them): "Bhai, stop! Violence won't solve anything!"

Bhai (angrily): "Move, Payal! He needs to pay for what he's done to Khushi."

Me (firmly): "I'm angry too, Bhai, but hitting him won't change anything."

I turn to Arnav, my voice dripping with contempt.

Me (to Arnav): "How dare you blackmail my sister again? You know how vulnerable she is, and yet you keep exploiting her kindness. She told me the truth, Arnav. This so-called marriage of yours is fake, isn't it? And she only agreed to it for your Nani. But do you realize what will happen if Nani finds out about this lie? She'll be devastated. Have you even thought about that?"

Arnav looks desperate, his hands clasped together as he pleads.

Arnav (begging): "Please, Payal. Don't tell Nani. Her health is fragile—this truth could kill her. I know I don't deserve your help, but I need it. Not just for Nani, but to expose Sheetal. Please."

His words hang in the air, and I can feel Bhai's anger simmering beside me. I take a deep breath, weighing my options.

Me (coldly): "You have no right to ask for anything, Arnav. But if Khushi insists on helping you, then fine. We'll meet Nani—but not by pretending. We'll tell her the truth. She deserves that much."

Arnav looks at me, a mixture of hope and desperation in his eyes. I know this isn't over, but for now, I've said my piece.

Should Payal give Arnav a chance?