Taken For Granted

Chapter 55

Khushi's POV

Rahul's words hung in the air, and I found myself searching his face for any signs of deception. But there were none. His eyes—dark and steady—held nothing but truth. I wasn't an expert at reading people, but my gut told me he wasn't lying.
Jiji (worried): "We need your help."
She didn't waste any time. She started explaining everything—who Shyam was, what he had done, and the destruction he had left in his wake. Rahul listened intently, his expression unreadable. But the moment Payal finished speaking, he sat frozen, his face pale, hands clenched into fists.
Krystal immediately went to him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
Krystal (concerned): "Rahul... it's okay. We need to focus on what comes next." (Turning to us) "Can you come back tomorrow? He needs time to process this."

Jiji and I exchanged a glance. This was unexpected, but we had no choice.

Jiji (softly): "Alright. We'll come back tomorrow."
With that, we left the house. The car ride was silent until Jiji parked and turned to me, her expression serious.
Jiji: "I have three questions for you."
I braced myself.

Jiji (firmly): "First, do you think Rahul can be trusted?"

I hesitated for a moment before nodding.

Me (uncertain but hopeful): "Jiji... I saw it in his eyes. He wasn't lying. Even the detectives said he was trustworthy. I think we can trust him."

Payal (nodding slowly): "I feel the same." (Pausing before continuing) "Next question. After everything... do we want our ex-husbands back in our lives?"

Her words sent a shiver down my spine.

Jiji (serious): "We only have six days left before Sheetal is exposed. Once she is, I think it's best we tell everyone the truth and leave. But before that, we need to decide. If you want to give Arnav another chance, remember he has already failed to trust you twice. He turned his back on you even when the evidence was in your favor. He let his so-called love for his sister blind him. What guarantee is there that he won't do it again?"

Her words hit hard.

Jiji (softening slightly): "I'm not saying don't give him a chance, Khushi. I'm just saying... if you do, take it slow. Make him prove himself. I'll support whatever decision you make."

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

Me (quietly): "What about you? What will you do?"

She sighed.

Jiji (honest): "I... I want to give Akash a chance. I understand why he did what he did, but I won't forgive him easily. I loved my Akash—not Akash Singh Raizada. If he proves his love, if I can trust him again, we'll start slow."

There was a moment of silence before she took a deep breath.

Jiji (gently): "Final question. Karan and Sam will be here in three hours with Aru, Vivu, Pari, and Aarav. I think... it's time we tell Aru and Vivu the truth about their parents. They deserve to know. What do you think?"

I felt my heart tighten.

Me (hesitant): "I... I don't know..."

She cupped my face gently.

Payal (reassuringly): "I understand, Khushi. But no one—no one—will take our children from us." (Her expression hardened slightly) "Now, let's focus on exposing Sheetal."

Just as she started driving, my phone rang so I put the phone on speaker.

Caller: "Is this Ms. Oberoi? Khushi Oberoi?"

Me: "Yes."

Caller: "Ma'am, we've discovered that Anjali Jha's child wasn't stillborn. She is alive."

I nearly dropped my phone.