Taken For Granted

Chapter 50

Khushi's POV

As Arnav drags me toward the kitchen, my blood boils. How dare he? I yank my arm free, ready to lash out, but before I can, he speaks.

Arnav (upset): "I'm sorry, Khushi... I know you wanted to handle Sheetal on your own, but I couldn't just stand there and let her insult you. I had to do something. I'm really sorry."

I stare at him, his eyes heavy with guilt. Not again. I'm so tired of this version of Arnav—the one who drowns in remorse, who looks at me like he's afraid I'll shatter. This isn't the man I fell in love with.

I don't want apologies. I don't want guilt. I want my Laad Governor back—the Arnav Singh Raizada who never backed down, who would do anything to win me over.

Me (angry): "STOP! Don't look at me like that—I hate it. I want my Laad Governor back... the one who never gives up, the one who would do anything to get me back. Where is he?"

I see something flicker in his eyes—something dangerous, something exciting. His lips slowly curve into a smirk. There he is.

Before he can say anything, I turn on my heel and storm toward the living room, where Jiji is talking to Mami and Akash. She's saying she wants to see Sheetal. I refuse to let her go alone.

Me (firmly): "I'm coming with you."

Inside Sheetal's Room

We walk in to find Sheetal pacing in frustration.

Sheetal (angry, muttering to herself): "How did my plan fail? How did they unite? This wasn't supposed to happen!"

Jiji suddenly starts clapping slowly, the sound echoing through the room. Sheetal whirls around, glaring, but Jiji only smirks, her eyes dark with fury. Meanwhile, I quietly shut the door behind us.

Jiji (coldly): "Ms. Jha... I told you before, didn't I? I will ruin your life. You have seven days. Do whatever you want—because after that, no one will be able to save you from me."

Me (deadly serious): "And if you so much as think about harming anyone in this house, it will be your last day here. Also, we have proof against you. So be ready... your life is about to be destroyed."

With that, we leave the room, slamming the door shut behind us.

In My Room

As soon as we walk in, Karan and Sam are waiting, their faces tense.

Karan (upset): "What are we going to do about the kids?"

My stomach twists in guilt. Damn it. In all the chaos, I had completely forgotten about them.

Jiji (stressed): "We'll have to bring them here... in a few days."

Sam (shocked): "What?!"

Jiji (sighing): "Yes... There's no other choice. There are four of us, we can all take care of them. And the family... they need to know. Not that they deserve to, but... Nani is on the verge of... d-death. Maaji (Manorama) seems to have changed, and Papa... They should at least get to see their grandchildren and great grandchildren. And if something happens to Nani before she meets them, I'd never forgive myself."

I nod. "I agree. Our children need their blessings too. We can't..."

My voice trails off as I suddenly notice Jiji swaying on her feet, her eyes fluttering shut. My heart stops.

Me (panicked): "Jiji!"

Before she collapses, Karan catches her, swiftly placing her on the bed.

Karan (urgent): "Sam, call a doctor—a female doctor."