IPKKND New FF: The Redemption - Chapter 5 : Concern- Page 5

Chapter Five : Concern

Khushi rushed to get ready, having forgotten all thoughts of dolling up for her only sister's wedding. She had to find Arnav Ji and tell him the truth right that minute, before the snake came up with another diabolical plan to destroy Anjaliji's life.

Once she was done, she rushed out of the room, pulling her dupatta behind her. In her rush, she hadn't noticed that it was trailing behind her, and that if someone stepped on it, she would take a tumble.

She spotted him going up the stairs and rushed to catch up to him.

"Arnavji! Arnavji, stop!"

She saw his stiffen up on hearing her, and saw his fists clench.

Her brows drew together in confusion. She hadn't done anything, yet, to make his so angry.

She came to a stop in front of him, and smiled hesitantly, hoping to alleviate his anger a little.

"Arnavji, I need to speak with you."

He continued glaring at her, and if looks could kill, she would have been six feet under already.

"Arnavji, what..."

"Oh! Sanka Devi!"

Hearing Buaji call out to her, she turned around, and found herself face to face with her grumbling aunt.

"Where did you run off to, Sanka Devi? Payal needs your help. Go! Go, help her get ready!"

"Yes, Buaji. Just give me five minutes..." she turned around to speak with Arnav, only to find him gone.

"Five minutes!? We don't have five minutes! Go now!" Buaji said, and rushed off to place the flower tray she was carrying in the Mandap.

Khushi sighed in disappointment, and walked back to her sister's room to help her get ready.

-----

Arnav paced the length of his room in agitation.

You're going to be a mama, Chotey.

He screamed in frustration, and picking up the closest thing to him, which happened to be a glass of water, threw it at the wall.

The crack of the glass echoed in the empty garden, but the torment in his heart did not ease.

Picking up the keys lying on the poolside table, he stormed out of his room.

-----

"Khushi? Khushi!...Khushi!!" Payal called for what felt like the millionth time.

Khushi was startled out of her thoughts by her sister's shouts.

"Haan, Jiji?" she replied.

"Where were you lost, Khushi? Is everything alright?" Payal asked, her brows drawing together in concern.

"Yes, of course, Jiji!" Khushi replied, planting a fake smile on her face. "You know, Buaji gave me a right name, Sanka Devi. Who knows where I get lost, right? Now, what did you need?"

"Can you drape the dupatta over my head?" asked Payal, still not looking convinced that everything was alright.

"Of course!" Khushi replied and walked over to her sister to take the dupatta from her hands.

Draping the dupatta over her sister's head, Khushi felt tears well up in her eyes. Ever since she could remember, Payal had been her sister in all the ways that had mattered. Not once had Payal treated her like an outsider. Buaji and even Garima, had sometimes brought up the fact that Khushi was adopted, but her Jiji had always stood by her side as a sister should. Now that Payal was getting married, Khushi didn't know how that would change.

Who would she talk to when she woke up from her nightmare about the accident that took her parents away from her? Who would protect her from Buaji's wrath when she, inevitably, did something to piss her aunt off? Who would sit on the cot, outside their house, and drink tea with her, while she conversed with her parents?

"Khushi?" Payal whispered, her concern shining through her voice, when she saw the tears in her sister's eyes. "Are you okay?"

Khushi nodded shakily and replied, "Yes, Jiji. I was just thinking that nothing would be the same after tonight, right?"

She was speaking as much of the marriage, as she was of what would happen when Arnav found out the truth.

Payal got up from the dressing stool and turned to hug her. "Pagli, nothing is going to change. You are and will always be, my Khushi, you understand?"

When Khushi continued to remain silent, Payal continued, "But that is not what's bothering you, is it? There's something else. What is it, Khushi? You know you can tell me anything."

"I...," Khushi started, before being interrupted for the second time that night.

"Khushiji! Khushiji?" NK barged into the room, without knocking. "Khushiji, did you see the camera? I seemed to have misplaced and I have no idea where I left it! Maa is going to eat me alive if I don't film the wedding for them."

Khushi wiped away her tears discreetly, so as not to startled NK.

"Nanheji, I didn't see it. Are you sure it's not in your room?"

"No, Khushiji! After filming the rituals this morning, I don't remember taking it to my room. But I can't remember where I put it either!"

"Nanheji, it's okay. I'll help you search for it. I am sure we'll find it in time," Khushi said, and making sure Payal needed nothing else, she left with NK.

What are you hiding from me, Khushi? Payal thought worriedly.