Khushi's Decision

Khushi sighed as she walked back to her Nana and Nani's house, feeling a bit down after the awkward encounter with Kashish. She was lost in thought when her phone rang.

She answered it to hear Raj and Nalini's voices on the other end. "Khushi, beta, why didn't you come visit us today?" Raj asked, his voice warm and loving.

Khushi hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I...I was at Arnav's house, and I didn't want to disturb you," she said finally.

Nalini's voice was curious. "Arnav's house? What were you doing there?"

Khushi took a deep breath before explaining. "Arnav got selected for the Under-19 cricket team, and I went to congratulate him."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Raj spoke up. "That's great news, beta! We're so proud of Arnav. But next time, don't forget to visit us, okay?"

Khushi questioned "Ma, why I should be away from you always? What wrong did I do Ma?"

Nalini's voice was firm. "Khushi, beta, we know that Kashish can be...difficult. But we also know that you're a strong and capable girl. We're not keeping you away from us because of anything you've done, but because of Kashish's behavior. We don't want you to get hurt or affected by her actions."

Raj added, "We're trying to protect you, Khushi. But we also want you to know that we're here for you, and we love you no matter what."

Khushi was not happy with her parents' response because its been almost 8 years since she left home but no one bothered about her feeling other than Arnav who made all efforts to cheer her up.

Khushi's voice was tinged with sadness and frustration. "Eight years, Papa. Eight years since I've been living with Nana and Nani. And in all these years, none of you bothered to ask me how I felt, if I was happy or sad. No one except Arnav."

Raj and Nalini exchanged a guilty glance, realizing too late that they had been so focused on protecting Khushi from Kashish's negativity that they had neglected their daughter's emotional well-being.

Khushi felt a lump form in her throat as she disconnected the call. She couldn't help but feel a deep sense of hurt and betrayal. Her own parents, who were supposed to love and care for her, had neglected her emotional needs for so long.

She thought about Arvind and Ratna, who had taken her in and treated her like their own daughter. They had shown her love, care, and support, even when her own parents hadn't made effort after she shifted.

Khushi felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she realized that she had found a sense of belonging and happiness with the Raizadas, rather than her own family. She wondered if things would ever change, or if she would always feel like an outsider in her own family.

Nalini's tears fell uncontrollably as she confronted the harsh reality of their decision. "We've been unfair to Khushi, Raj. Eight years have passed, and we've barely made an effort to reconnect with her. Just meeting her and paying money for her needs is not enough"

Raj's expression was etched with concern as he wrapped a comforting arm around Nalini. "What's troubling you, Nalini?" he asked softly.

Nalini's voice trembled. "We prioritized our own fears over Khushi's well-being. We kept her at arm's length, depriving ourselves and her of a loving relationship."

Raj's gaze dropped, his eyes clouding with regret. "We thought we were protecting her, Nalini. Giving her a stable life."

Nalini's sorrowful eyes met Raj's. "At what cost? We've missed milestones, laughter, and tears. Khushi's growing up without us. It's unjust to her."

Raj pulled Nalini into a warm hug. "We'll make amends, Nalini. I promise. We'll rebuild our bond with Khushi."

Just then, Kashish sauntered into the room, a sly smile spreading across her face. "You can bring Khushi back home now. I'm sure she'll be thrilled."

Raj's expression turned grave, his eyes clouding with concern. "I don't trust her, Nalini. She's always been manipulative, but this time it feels different. It feels like she's planning something big."

Nalini's face set in a determined expression. "We'll keep a close eye on her, Raj. And we'll make sure that whatever she's planning, it doesn't harm Khushi."

Just then, Raj's phone rang, breaking the tension in the room. He answered it, listening intently to the person on the other end.

Nalini watched him, her curiosity piqued. "Who is it?" she asked, as Raj hung up the phone.

Raj's face was thoughtful. "That was Arnav's father, Arvind. He invited us to dinner tomorrow night. He wants to celebrate Arnav's selection to the Under-19 cricket team."

Nalini's eyes sparkled with interest. "That's a great opportunity for us to reconnect with Khushi. We should definitely go."

Raj nodded in agreement. "I'll confirm with Arvind. And who knows, maybe this dinner will be the start of something new for all of us."

The dinner table was filled with warm conversation and laughter as the two families came together to celebrate Arnav's achievement. As they sat down to eat, Arvind cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

"I'm so glad we could all come together tonight."

Raj and Nalini exchanged a hopeful glance, while Kashish's expression turned sullen. Raj speaks "As we celebrate Arnav's success, I think it's also a good time to discuss something that's been on all our minds - Khushi's living arrangements."

He continued, "We've all come to realize that Khushi's been living with her Nana and Nani for far too long. It's time for her to come home to her family."

Nalini nodded, her eyes shining with emotion. "We've missed our daughter so much. We're ready to make things right and welcome her back home."

Nalini's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Khushi. "We promise to create a loving and supportive environment for Khushi. We want her to feel happy and secure with us."

Arnav's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with concerns. He knew Khushi's situation better than anyone, and he was certain that going back to her parents' house would be a disaster. Kashish's toxic behavior would only bring Khushi down.

He glanced at Khushi, who was quietly eating, her eyes fixed on her plate. She seemed lost in thought, and Arnav's heart ached for her. He wanted to reach out, to reassure her that everything would be okay.

But before he could do anything, Khushi suddenly got up from her seat, her eyes still downcast. "Excuse me," she murmured, and quickly left the table.

Arnav's instincts told him to follow her, to make sure she was okay. He pushed his chair back and stood up, his eyes locked on Khushi's retreating figure.

"I'll go check on her," he said to the others, and quickly followed Khushi out of the room.

Arnav found Khushi standing by the window in the living room, staring out into the night. Her back was to him, and he could sense the tension in her body.

"Khushi?" he said softly, not wanting to startle her.

She didn't respond, but he could see her shoulders sag slightly. Arnav's heart went out to her. He knew she was struggling to process the sudden decision about her living arrangements.

He walked up to her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, what's going on? You're not okay with this, are you?" he asked, his voice low and concerned.

Khushi slowly turned to face him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I don't know, Arnav. I just feel like my whole life is being turned upside down again. I was happy with Nana and Nani. I do miss my parents but don't want to go back to house." After a pause "I am just a kid right? I should do what they say."

Arnav's expression softened as he looked at Khushi. He could see the confusion and uncertainty in her eyes. He gently wiped away a tear that had escaped from the corner of her eye.

"Khushi, you're not just a kid," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "You're a strong and capable person who deserves to have a say in your own life. Just because your parents want you to come back home doesn't mean you have to do it if you're not comfortable."

He took a deep breath and continued, "And it's okay to miss your parents, but it's also okay to prioritize your own happiness and well-being. You don't have to go back to a situation that makes you unhappy just to please them."

Khushi looked up at Arnav, her eyes searching for reassurance. Arnav's face was set in a determined expression, and he nodded encouragingly.

With newfound confidence, Khushi walked back into the dining room where her parents, Nalini and Raj, were still seated. Arnav followed closely behind her, his presence a steady source of support.

Khushi took a deep breath and stood tall, her voice clear and firm. "Mama, Papa, I've thought about it, and I don't want to come back home."

Nalini's face fell, and Raj's eyes widened in surprise. Kashish, who had been quietly observing the scene, let out a triumphant smile.

"But Khushi, beta," Nalini protested, "we want to make things right between us. We want to be a family again."

Khushi's expression remained resolute. "I appreciate that, Mama, but I'm happy living with Nana and Nani. They've taken care of me and loved me for who I am. I don't want to leave them."

Raj's face turned stern, but Khushi stood her ground. "I'm sorry, Papa, but I've made up my mind. I'm not coming back home."