FF: Bruised Hearts II - Chapter 42, 43.1 pg 39; Updated 4/8/14 - Page 7

RK Mansion

There's a lethal grace to Madhu's gait as she stalks up the stairs. RK's guards and servants took one look at her burning eyes and decided it's best to take cover. They have no wish to be ripped apart for their Chief's actions. Madhu has only one mission and that is to corner him. RK loves to bring out the wild cat in her but is he prepared to face the consequences?

Without any warning, she enters his room. RK is not in his room so Madhu sits down on the recliner. He's bound to come in to his room and then she will attack. Come out RK...wherever you are. Your jungli billi is waiting for you.

Malik House

Khushi is lounging on the bed after her long, hot shower. Only one thing on her mind.

I will not think about Arnav. He is not worth my time. I will not think about Arnav.

Despite the constant reminder, she can't stop thinking about the blasted man. She is disgusted with herself. The man hurts her, mistrusts her and breaks her heart and yet she still wants to throw herself into his arms. And never let go. Why can't she just fall out of love with him? Life would have been so much easier. Yesterday she was tempted to hear him out. Willing to accept any excuse so she can be near him again. But she held herself together by sheer willpower. She cannot allow Arnav to think that she is still the same girl from 5 years ago. No indeed, Khushi is no longer a weak-minded, ninny ready to sacrifice her happiness the sake of people who do not give a hoot about her. As an orphan, she always felt it was her duty to make sacrifices for her adopted family. It was her way of showing appreciation, of belonging. In her own way, she was trying to buy their love. But she knows better now. Family means unconditional love and she didn't need to sacrifice her self-respect to earn that love. She is not the same girl anymore and Mr. Raizada cannot walk over her as he pleases!

Sitting up, her thoughts drift to her amma. It has been puzzling her since the day she abruptly ended the call. Khushi needs answers and she will just have to keep prying till she gets them.

Khushi (picks up the phone and calls Garima): Amma...

Garima: Khushi! How are you beta?

Khushi: I am fine amma... (Hesitating) I have something to talk...

Garima (quickly interrupts): Good! I am glad you are well. My little Sanka Devi around you? She sent me such a sweet card for Mother's Day. She's such a sweet girl, just like you when you were her age.

Khushi (smiles): No amma she's downstairs. I'll tell her that you got the card. But amma...I am calling to discuss...

Garima (interrupts again): Khushi I am glad you told Arnav about Tara. As her father, he had a right to know.

Khushi (irritated): Amma. Please stop interrupting! I need to discuss my parents' death with you and I need you to be completely honest.

Garima (nervous): Khushi...why are...you digging up the past?

Khushi: Amma please...I want to no I need to know the truth. Maa...pitaji...their deaths were no accident but they were murdered. In fact, they died due to a bomb planted in our car.

Garima (pleading): Khushi...please stop digging the past. Please! You are only bringing trouble on yourself and...think about Tara. You are taking a risk.

Khushi: Amma...I know now my parents were murdered and I have to know who and why. I want justice! Who killed them amma? Did they threaten you to keep quiet? To sever connections with other family members?

Garima (panicked): I knew it...I knew I should have taken you far far away when I first encountered dadiji.

Khushi (sharply): Did she order the hit on my parents?!?

Garima (hastily): No...no! She didn't...(gulp) order the hit.

Khushi: Then why did you bring up dadiji when I asked you about maa...pitaji's killer?

Garima (frantically searching for a reason): Because...because...umm...she stopped your wedding! If she hadn't, then you would have been happily married. You wouldn't have found the time to dig up your past.

Khushi feels a little twinge in her heart about being happily married but she squashes it down.

Khushi (stubbornly): I am very sure now that you know who killed my parents. Please give me the name. I won't do anything stupid... I promise.

Garima (nervously): Khushi...I don't know.

Khushi: Then who threatened you amma...to keep quiet?

Garima (loudly): Yes! I was threatened to keep quiet and to never investigate the murders. They threatened to kill you and I couldn't take the risk. I didn't go to Di because I knew she would have questioned me and would have put you, us, all of us in jeopardy. I couldn't risk it!

Khushi: Amma if you give me the name, I can discreetly look into and get rid off our problem. How long are you going to live in fear?

Garima: The threat was carried out by the person's henchmen. I don't know who he or she happens to be. Khushi...please reconsider. You are bringing on more trouble.

Khushi (ignoring the plea): Amma I will be very careful. I promise. I have to go now...will speak to you soon. Thank you for answering my questions.

Garima (worried): You are too stubborn Khushi. I hope Devi Maiyya keeps you safe.

Hanging up the phone with her amma, Khushi is utterly frustrated. She didn't learn much but simply a confirmation that her parents were murdered. And her amma was threatened to keep quiet, which she already deduced. Nonetheless, she couldn't help but think that Arnav's dadi may have been involved in her parents' murder. Amma's denial was too quick.

Author's Note: Dear readers, hope you liked the update. 😳 Please like and comment. Thanks! 😳