Your cue. Its your turn to speak up. On many levels.
1. Tell Akash the truth about Shyam, you wont regret it. Its your duty and your responsibility to your new family. Akash is about the only guy who will listen patiently and work with you. Your dignity and self respect on the line, honey
2. Have a conversation with Mamiji, alone and in private. Tell her, you respect her, and that you will never aspire to replace her. Assure her that to you, she is a mother and your lack of funds/dowry etc be not held against you. How bad can she be? She raised a good son after all.
3. Take charge of your life. You are the eldest daughter, live up to your role.
Now, I know CVs will not have Payal reveal Shyam secret
I know CVs will not allow Mami Payal conversation and the Saas-Bahu politics will continue to appeal to the lowest common denominator of viewers
I know Payal will always be the weakling and Khushi, always the savior.
So why bother with this topic. Yes, sorry. I should edit it.