Taken For Granted

Chapter 56

Payal's POV

Fury boils inside me as I stride toward Anjali, my palm tingling with the force of the two sharp slaps I deliver across her face. The sound echoes in the room, silencing everyone.

Me (voice shaking with anger) – The first one is for trying to kill my sister's child. And the second? The second is putting our husbands' lives in danger. Do you even realise what you've done? Shyam may have been a monster, and he may have tortured us, but even he wouldn't have risked your life the way you risked ours. And you expect love? You expect forgiveness?

Anjali stumbles back, eyes filling with tears, but there's something else—rage, bitterness

Anjali (shouting, voice cracking) – STOP! What was I supposed to do? My husband was thrown out by my own brother! I lost my child! I was drowning in depression, and all he cared about was his wife! Arnav forgot me! Even Akash did! I am Anjali Raizada! I should be the one getting all the attention! The only one who stood by me was Sheetal! I–

Before she can spew another word, a deafening slap lands on her cheek, harder than before. My sister's hand. The mark of Khushi's fury burns bright against Anjali's skin.

Khushi (voice dangerously low, trembling with rage) – You attention-seeking, selfish woman. Did you even stop for one second to see things from our perspective? Every single day, your brothers accused us of ruining your life, and you? You were the root cause of every rift in our marriages! We never once blamed you, we stood by you, but you—you—tried to kill my child? My baby?

Anjali flinches, tears rolling down her cheeks, but Khushi isn't done.

Khushi (spitting her words out) – And Sheetal? Are you five years old? Couldn't you see she was using you? She played with your emotions, just like her disgusting brother, because all she wanted was money. You think she cared for you?
A small, broken voice cuts through the storm.

Aarav (crying softly) – Anjali Mum... Khushi Aunty is right.

Everyone turns to see the boy standing there, his tiny frame shaking, his face stained with tears.

Aarav (voice quivering) – Sheetal... she was using me. She would hit me if I made a mistake. She would hit me when she was angry. I was never her son. I was just a toy to her. She forced me to act like I was dad's son because she wanted the Raizada property. But I... I am just an orphan, Anjali Mum...

A thick silence falls over the room.

Anjali gasps, her hands covering her mouth.

But it's too late. It has always been too late.

I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head.

Me (mocking, pain laced in my voice) – A child understood what that witch was doing, but you? You let her manipulate you? You let her destroy this family?

Akash steps forward, his voice colder than I've ever heard.

Akash (eyes dark with fury) – You betrayed us in the worst way, Anjali. And you didn't stop at ruining our lives—you brought him back.

Anjali's breath hitches.

Akash (spitting out the words like poison) – After we 'died', you immediately brought Shyam back. You didn't even mourn us. You didn't trust us. Do you know what that means? This man—(he gestures toward Arnav)—he gave you everything. After your parents died, he sacrificed his childhood, his happiness, just so you could have yours. And how did you repay him? You threw his love away.

A deep, painful silence settles in the room.

I glance at Akash, scoffing.

Me (mocking) – Look who's talking about trust.

His jaw tightens, guilt flashing in his eyes.

Akash (voice breaking, but determined) – I know, Payal. And I'll do anything to earn yours back. But first, we deal with Sheetal.

I hesitate.

A part of me wants to push him away, make him suffer like I did. But then... I see the regret in his eyes, the sheer desperation. It makes my heart clench painfully. I sigh.

Me (softly, but firm) – Then help me. We expose Sheetal. He nods without hesitation.

Akash (small, weak smile) – I'll do whatever it takes.

Khushi's POV

I watch Jiji and Akash disappear upstairs, their battle still ongoing.

My own war is far from over. I grab Arnav's wrist and drag him toward the bedroom, slamming the door shut behind us.

He tries to mask his pain with a small, forced smile.

Arnav (trying to act normal) – Thank you, Khushi... I cross my arms, staring him down.

Me (coldly) – When did you find out about Anjali? His expression falters.

Arnav (quietly) – I got a call from my agency.

They told me everything.

A fire ignites in my chest.

Me (furious) – That witch tried to kill my baby, Arnav. Do you even understand what that means?

His guilt is unbearable to watch.

He looks away, his hands clenching into fists.

Arnav (whispering) – I am so sorry, Khushi...

I shake my head, stepping back.

Me (firm, resolute) – Sorry won't heal the pain you gave me. I'll tell you my decision soon—whether I'll accept you back or move on. But for now? I need your help.

I explain the plan, watching as he listens, his sharp mind absorbing every word.

When I finish, I turn to leave, needing to check on the kids. But just as I open the door—

Sam (blocking my way, looking nervous but determined) – Khushi... I need to tell you something.

I frown. What now?

Sam (softly, but intensely) – I love you.

My breath catches in my throat.

Sam (quickly, before I can interrupt) – I've loved you since the moment I met you. And I love Aru too. I know this isn't the right time, but I had to tell you. Please... just think about it. Give me a chance.

I stare at him, my heart hammering.

Me (stunned, voice barely a whisper) – Sam... I... I don't know what to say.

Sam (gentle smile) – Take as long as you need.

He steps aside, letting me pass.

But before I go, I turn back.

Me (softly) – I need your help... call Karan too.

His eyes light up, and he nods.

Payal's POV

The Next Morning

I wake up to the sound of my phone buzzing. Groaning, I reach for it.

Me (sleepy, answering the unknown number) – Hello?

A familiar voice crackles on the other end.

Caller (urgently whispering) – Payal! My eyes fly open.

Me (shocked, sitting up) – Rahul?! How did you get my number?

Rahul (serious tone) – I have my ways. I'm ready to help. Tell me the plan.

A slow smile spreads across my lips.

Me (determined) – The plan goes into action tomorrow. Sheetal has no idea what's coming for her.