Taken For Granted

Chapter 60

Khushi's POV

An idea suddenly strikes me, and a mischievous smile spreads across my face.

Me (grinning) - Why don't we get you guys married?

Everyone (in shock) - What?

Me (smiling brightly) - Why not? It'll be fun, and honestly, it's the perfect way to bring some light into all this.

Jiji (looking down, sad) - We can't... Vivu and I are going back to Mumbai...

Mami (shocked) - Payal bitiya? What? You're our daughter-in-law...

Jiji (frustrated) - No! I'm not anyone's daughter-in-law. I came here to expose Sheetal and to be with nani because of her health. I've stayed long enough... I need to go.

Mami (hurt) - Please stay... Why are you leaving?

Jiji (sad, but firm) - A relationship needs trust, something that's been lacking here (she looks pointedly at Akash).

Akash (approaching Jiji, holding her hand gently) - Please, Payal... give me a chance. I will prove to you that I trust you. I beg you...

Jiji (soft, but resolute) - Fine. I'm willing to give you a chance, but from now on, we're strangers. If you can win my heart, and Vivu's, then we'll be yours. But if you fail... you will never show your face to us again. You have... what? Pick a number, Vivu.

Vivu (hesitant, nervous) - 5.

Jiji (determined) - You have five weeks to win us over. Deal?

Akash (nervous but determined) - Deal.

I can feel the tension lift just slightly, knowing that Akash has finally recognized his mistakes, and Jiji, despite everything, is willing to give him a chance. I'm certain that in these five weeks, he will prove himself.

Me (growling, protective) - But if you hurt my Jiji again... I will not spare you.

Akash (visibly scared) - I promise, I won't hurt Payal again...

Just then, Arnav steps toward me, and his gaze meets mine, pulling me away from the tension in the room.

Arnav (softly, but with authority) - Khushi, what's your decision? All eyes turn to me, waiting for my answer. The weight of their gazes presses on me, but Jiji steps forward, offering me her unwavering support.

Jiji (gently, encouragingly) - Khushi, I want you to not be afraid... Tell the truth. I'll support whatever decision you make.

I take a deep breath, feeling the calm assurance in her words. The truth, my truth, needs to be spoken. And I need to stand firm, no matter the consequences.

Note - this story has two endings

Arshi Scene

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions as I face the man who once broke me—who once shattered my trust beyond repair. The years have passed, but the scars of the past remain, sometimes fresh, sometimes faded, but never completely gone.

Me (nervous, but resolute) - I truly love Arnav... and I can't move on (Sam leaves the room upset while Karan follows him)... but I'm not ready to move on with him... I'm sorry, but you've hurt me to the point where I'm regretting ever loving you. You abused me physically and mentally. You showed a complete lack of trust in me, and now, you want me to just accept you back because you've "changed"? I'm sorry, but it isn't that easy for me to move on... If you could hurt me, then what about our daughter?

(Arnav opens his mouth to speak, but I hold up a hand, stopping him.)

Me (firm, angry) - Let me speak. I know you'll say that you'll never hurt Aru, but who knows what destiny holds? I was taken for granted in this house once, with my Jiji. I don't want that to happen again. I need time. I need you to prove to me that you're worth my love. If you can do that, then maybe I'll accept you.