Taken For Granted

Chapter 46

Payal's POV continues

I look at the man in front of me, broken and desperate, pleading for my help. This isn't the ASR we once knew—he's a shell of his former self. The mighty Arnav Singh Raizada has been shattered, betrayed by the one person he trusted the most—his beloved Di

Me (angry): "Fine... I am willing to help. But there are conditions. I will return to RM, but I will not go alone. Akash and I will be there to protect Khushi, and so will Sam and Karan. Yes, you heard me—Sam and Karan! For the past six years, they have treated us like princesses, given us the love and care that you"—I point at Arnav—"failed to give, despite being married to Khushi."

I step closer, my voice firm and unyielding.

Me (warning): "And let me be very clear—you will not meet Aru or Vivu. I don't trust you, and I certainly don't trust your brother. If you're okay with this, then we will come. Otherwise..."

I turn sharply to leave, but before I can take another step, a hand grabs my wrist and pulls me back. My breath hitches as my gaze locks onto familiar eyes. Time seems to stop, but then I snap back to reality, pushing him away with all my strength.

Me (angry): "What are you doing here?!"

Akash (calmly): "Payal... I came to talk to you, but I overheard your conversation with Bhai..."

Me (furious): "You know what, Akash? You've become exactly what Arnav was seven years ago. You've lost yourself. You don't deserve a second chance."

Akash (shocked): "What? Why?"

Me (angry): "Don't interrupt me! First, I never told you where I live. I never invited you here. So why are you here? Why do you suddenly want to be a part of my plan? If you think I will forgive you so easily, you're wrong! I am not some weak damsel in distress. I am PAYAL SINGH OBEROI—the princess of one of the richest businessmen. And let me make one thing clear—if you want me back, you need to become the Akash I fell in love with, not this weak version of yourself. If you can't do that, then leave!"

I point toward the door, my resolve unshaken. I see the tears welling in Akash's eyes, but I refuse to back down. Khushi and I have endured enough. If she is weak, then I will be her strength. I will protect her.

Akash (teary-eyed): "Payal... you're right. I need to be the Akash you loved. Please, just give me one chance... one chance to prove my love for you."

Me (mocking): "One chance? You think chances are given to just anyone? No, Akash, they are earned. But fine, I will give you a chance. I want to expose Sheetal and return to RM as your fake wife. As I told Arnav, I will not show any love or mercy. In front of others, I will act, but behind closed doors, we are nothing. And one more thing—Karan will be there too. Me and Karan may not be in love, but our bond is strong. Here's your chance, Akash. Redeem yourself—if you can."

Arnav (teary-eyed): "I am ready..."

Akash (also teary-eyed): "So am I."

I turn to Bhai, his eyes blazing with fury. He looks at Arnav and Akash with pure hatred, then at me, demanding an explanation.

Me (angrily): "LEAVE. NOW."

I shove both Arnav and Akash out of the house and turn back to face Bhai.

Bhai (angry): "How could you? Why are you forgiving them so easily? Why?"

I smirk, my voice laced with determination.

Me (smirking): "First of all, I am not forgiving them. They don't deserve it. But I have my reasons. One, Nani was like a mother to us when we were in RM. She did so much for us, and I won't let her suffer in her last days. And two—Sheetal. That woman ruined my sister's life, and yet she's living comfortably in RM? That b**** deserves a punishment she will never forget. And she will get it—once I set foot in RM."

I take a step forward, my voice dropping into a deadly whisper.

Me (coldly): "You see, Bhai, the Payal Gupta who loved Akash Raizada is dead. In her place stands Payal Singh Oberoi—a woman who hates him with every fibre of her being. And if Arnav and Akash think they can reclaim what they lost, they are sorely mistaken. Because now, they will experience the same pain they inflicted on us. It's time they taste their own medicine."

What will Payal do?

Precap - Karan, Sam, Payal Khushi, Akash and Arnav in Delhi