Taken For Granted

Chapter 48

Khushi's POV

I keep my gaze locked on Sam, my smile unwavering—until my idiot ex-husband disrupts it. Arnav strides up, his grip firm as he pulls me close, as if he still has any claim over me. The audacity.

I lean in, my lips barely brushing his ear, my voice sharp and cold.

Me (whispering) – Let go of me... or I promise, it won't end well for you.

For the first time, the Laad Governor actually listens. His grip loosens, and I step back, making my way toward Jiji without sparing him another glance.

Mama (approaching me, teary-eyed) – Khushi bitiya... I have missed you a lot... where have you been?

His voice, so full of longing, breaks something inside me. I don't think. I just throw myself into his arms, my tears falling freely. I missed him. I missed him so much.

For a moment, it's like nothing changed. No betrayals, no heartbreaks. Just a daughter finding her way back home. But the moment passes too quickly.

Jiji's hands settle on my shoulders, a silent reminder that we have something else to do. I wipe my tears and nod, following her towards Nani's room, Arnav and Akash trailing behind us.

The sight before me makes my breath hitch. The strong, dignified woman I once knew now lies fragile, her form thinner, weaker. Even in her sleep, deep lines of worry crease her forehead. How much has she suffered while we were gone?

Me and Jiji kneel beside her, touching her feet in silent reverence. As if sensing our presence, her tired eyes flutter open.

Nani (weakly, in a low voice) – K...Khushi bitiya... Payal bitiya... you are here...

The lump in my throat grows unbearable. I lean in, wrapping my arms around her frail frame, seeking comfort, offering it. She was never my real Nani, but my heart never knew the difference.

I cry softly in her arms—until I feel strong hands pulling me away. My body stiffens instantly. I don't need to look to know who it is.

I rip myself from his grasp, glaring at him before turning back to Jiji, who wipes her own tears.

Me (whispering through my tears) – Jiji... go see Nani.

Jiji nods, stepping forward to take Nani's blessings. As much as I hate lying, we both know we can't burden Nani with the truth of our fractured marriages. So, we smile, we reassure, we pretend. For now.

Arnav and Akash speak with Nani as well, their voices soft with emotion. But I feel nothing watching them. No sympathy. No warmth.

Just emptiness.

Three hours later, laughter fills the room as Nani talks to us, a fleeting moment of peace—shattered when she arrives.

Sheetal (stumbling in, drunk) – Hellooos...

Nani's entire demeanor changes. Her warm expression hardens into shock and disgust as she takes in the sight before her—Sheetal, dressed in skimpy clothes, the stench of alcohol thick in the air.

This is what they left us for?

Jiji reacts first, grabbing Sheetal's arm and yanking her out of the room before she can cause more distress. I stay behind to calm Nani, gently pressing medicine to her lips until she drifts into sleep.

When I step outside, the sharp sound of a slap rings through the air.

I barely have time to register what's happening before I see Jiji's furious form towering over Sheetal, whose face is twisted in shock.