AAD Chapter 11: No Other Choice

This chapter is brought to you by Zondra. I know it's a little late guys but she's been busy with work and she's ill, so show her some understanding and support please. Enjoy :)

Chapter 11: No Other Choice

Khushi was trembling by the time Arnav ended the call.  Her phone was about to slip from her fingers if Payal had not taken it out of her hands.  Khushi felt cold, numb, scared.  All her confidence was gone on seeing the video and from Arnav’s call.  He had already won, she thought.

At that moment, Khushi was clueless as to how she should proceed.  All her brain was coming up with was a huge blank.  She had absolutely no idea how to stop the destruction Arnav was about to wreck on her and her family; except of course, if she acceded to his demands.

Payal was very worried seeing Khushi like this.  She could see the light of defeat in Khushi’s eyes, and that was a terrible horror to her.  

Payal asked her: “ Khushi, what happened? Tell me what he said.”

Payal’s voice brought Khushi out of her trance-like state, and she replied in a voice completely devoid of emotion: “The same thing Jiji.  He wants me to come to him.  Or else, he’ll broadcast this video on national television.”

Payal was speechless at this.  Khushi continued: “He’ll do it, Jiji.  The only way out is for me to go to him.  Or else he will ruin our family.  And I cannot let that happen.”

“Are you out of your mind!!” Payal was completely incensed at Khushi’s words.  She could not believe that Khushi was seriously considering such a thing.  “How can you even suggest that when you know that he wants you with him for his immoral purposes.  You are not that kind of an easy girl.  How can you even think of going to him?  I will hit you if you say that again.”  Payal scolded Khushi soundly.

But Khushi was not deterred.  She went on to say: “He will ruin you, and our parents.  Our family’s reputation will be destroyed forever.  If I go to him, I am the only one ruined.  If I do not go, we are all doomed to a life of humiliation.”

“Stop it, Khushi!!” Payal shouted now.  She was hating the turn that the conversation was taking.  She could not even entertain the idea that Khushi was considering going to that Devil.  “If you talk of doing this again, I will beat you.  I am not letting you ruin yourself, you hear me?” Payal threatened Khushi.

From her sister’s words, Khushi knew that Payal would never allow her to do what she had proposed.  But she found no other way out.  She kept quiet and thought how she could carry out her plan to safeguard her sister and her family’s honour.  She was indebted to her family; and she could never bear the eventuality that they might be the victim of ASR’s wrath against her unwillingness to do what he wants.  She would never allow her family to be destroyed just for her sake.  She knew what she had to do; she just was not sure if she had the courage it would take to get away from Payal and hurt her so much.  She quaked in fear at the thought of another confrontation with the Devil ASR.

Raizada Mansion

Arnav was relaxed; he knew Khushi would not win against him.  He had all the power, and she was now at his mercy.  He knew Khushi would come to him.  So, he had been making all arrangements.  His apartment was ready.  He had his lawyer draw up a non-disclosure agreement for Khushi; and also an ‘Employment Contract’ for her.  He had all loose ends tied up.  He had even set his personal shopper up with the task of appropriating a proper wardrobe for his new soon-to-be mistress.

As he finished a video call with clients in Japan, he thought about the conversation he needed to have with his family.  They knew he had an apartment.  They also knew he used it to take his girls there.  His family knew that Arnav was a good son; devoted to everyone he was related to.  However, they were also aware that Arnav was totally against marriage for himself.  He had rejected all their attempts to set him up with a good girl from a respectable family.  They pitied him for being commitment-phobic.  None of them approved of his relations with easy women; but they never questioned not judged him because they knew what had made him so bitter and broken up inside.  They kept quiet and ignored his activities since he had never showed disrespect to them by bringing his unhealthy habits home.  He always respected his family and their home.    

He had already told his sister that he would be staying in his apartment for some time due so increased work load.  Now he had to talk to his nani, mama and mami.

He waited for tea time, then went down to the dining hall where the whole family was assembled.  He greeted them and sat down.  They ate and drank and chatted.  Afterwards Arnav told them that he might be sleeping at his apartment for some ten days.  That was the amount of time he thought it would take till he got his fill of Khushi.  After that, they would part ways and he would come back home.

“Okay beta.” Nani said.  “You have to do what is best.  If you will be working long hours, then its best if you stay over there, rather than driving all the way from home to office twice a day.  I have only one order; you have to take care of yourself.  Proper meals right on time, and no missing your medicines.”

“I know, nani.  Plus, Di and you will keep phoning me to remind me several times daily.  Besides, I will still come and visit you.”  Replied Arnav.

Gupta House, Dinner time

The whole family had sat down for dinner, but no one talked to Khushi except for Payal.  Suddenly Buaji decided to switch on the T.V.  Payal tried to convince her not to, saying that they should eat in quiet.

“What? But we watch news everyday.  Why should today be different, Payaliya?” Buaji asked confusedly.  She switched it to the news channel.  And there it was: the video of Khushi falling into Arnav’s arms, and their eye lock.  Afterwards, it showed Khushi leaving a room in tears.  The whole family was struck wordless.  The all froze.  

He did it, thought Khushi.  The newsman and reporters were wondering who is mysterious girl was.  The rumour was that he was ASR’s newest girl.  The flavour of the month.  Khushi felt nauseous at the filthy words they were using.  Then the next issue was tackled.  But no one in the Gupta household was listening to the newsman anymore.  All eyes were fixed unblinkingly on Khushi, who shook in her seat.  All of them were looking at her with murderous, accusing eyes.  All except for Payal.  Payal only showed sympathy and a quiet promise “I’m with you” to Khushi.  

Then the elders began.. Once more they accused Khushi; they called her names.  Buaji held Khushi’s hand and pulled her out of her chain.  She pulled her to the front door and told : “Get out now.  We do not want to see you. Go!!”  All this was delivered in a voice filled with anger and disgust.  Garima had again started crying and cursing her fate.  Shashi was so disappointed that he just stared at Khushi with accusation in his eyes.

Payal came forward and told to them: “You cannot throw Khushi out.  If you try that, I am also going with her.”  At her words, the family calmed down n tried to devise ways to escape the predicament.

Payal pulled Khushi up the stairs to their shared bedroom.  Payal tried to comfort her, but Khushi decided she had to do something now.

“Jiji, I will go to him. No, listen to me” said Khushi when she saw Payal begin to interrupt.  “I will go because I will not be the reason for your ruin, nor our family’s humiliation.  But more important than that is… I like him JIji.. And I want to be with him.  I think we will get married and be happy” Khushi lied to Payal.  She hated the idea of what she had to do.  The very thought made her hairs raise in disgust.  But she had to lie to Payal.  She had to convince Payal that she wanted to be with ASR, or else Payal will never leave her to go, Payal would never abandon her to her fate.

“Whan nonsense are you talking, Khushi? Do you want me to slap you?” Payal was out of her mind with anger and worry.

Khushi replied “ I am telling you the truth.  I like him.  Since the first time that he saved me from falling, I liked him.  I was scared, that’s why I kept it secret.  But I really like him Jiji. “

“I am not letting you go to him, Khushi. Never.”  Payal was adamant and refused to listen to Khushi

Khushi, however, had not given up.  “You are under my oath, Jiji.  You will not stop me.  I will go to him, or else I will die.  You are under my oath, you will have to let me go.  I like him.”

Payal was dumbfounded.  She had no idea what she should do now.  One one hand she was scared and worried for Khushi, while on the other hand she was angry and disgusted at Khushi for liking that devil.

Payal was still lost in thoughts when  she heard Khushi talking on the phone : “Yes, I just told you, I am ready to come to you.  So, what should I do?”

AHEA Chapter 11: Moving On

This is the last chapter before the epilogue guys.

Chapter 11: Moving On

It had been 2 weeks since Anjili moved back into the Raizada Mansion. It had also been a day since Payal and Akash announced that they were expecting their first child. They had been very nervous about it and once it was announced everyone had turned to look at Anjili. To their surprise, she was completely supportive.

Today Anjili had decided to hold a family meeting. She was getting tired of hushed talks about the baby and no one was including her in any of this. She knew that everyone thought she was going to have a nervous breakdown but they were wrong.

She had the entire family gathered around before she started talking.

“First of all, I want to say congratulations again to Akash and Payal.”

They both said: “Thanks Di.”

“I also would like to request something. I want people to stop talking in hushed tones about the baby. Some people even go so far as to stop talking about the baby all together when I enter the room.”

“Actually Di, umm we just thought umm-” started Payal.

“I love that you guys are trying to be sensitive about this.” Cut in Anjili. “But I chose to get an abortion. I didn’t have a miscarriage. So can you please stop all this nonsense? I am just as excited to become an aunt as Payalji is excited to become a mother. I can’t wait to spoil the new Raizada.”

She looked back at her family and they were still shuffling about uncomfortably.

She sighed. “I promised to tell you guys why I got the abortion when you were ready. I think you guys are ready. Firstly, I knew I wouldn’t have been able to love that child. I knew who its father was and there would be a constant fear that it would turn out like him. Or if it was a boy then it would look like Shyam. I just couldn’t take that. And when it grew up and asked about it’s father, what would I tell it? No child wants to know that their father was a vile repulsive man who is capable of murder.”

“But Di-”

“Please let me finish. I wanted to have the baby and give it up for adoption but I knew you guys would never let me do that. It was part Raizada and you would force me to raise it and look after it and I wouldn’t be able to do that properly because I wouldn’t love it. If you guys did let me give it up for adoption, then you’d all feel guilty; you’d constantly check up on it to make sure it was ok. Eventually it would find out who it’s real family was and come asking questions. Questions that only have harsh answers. I know you think I’m selfish for doing something like this but I thought about it constantly before I made my decision and I don’t regret it. I’ve made peace with what I have done.”

Everyone was quiet. They were processing all the information that Anjili had given them. Finally Arnav spoke.

“I understand now Di and I respect your decision.”

Akash stepped forward and hugged Anjili. “Me too Di.”

One by one, the entire family hugged Anjili and showed their support. Eventually they dispersed.

“Now enough about me.” Said Anjili. “Let’s talk about what we are going to buy our new niece or nephew.”

The whole family began chatting about the things that they would need to buy for their newest member. They talked about baby proofing the house, what room to convert into a nursery and all sorts of things related to babies. They also had an unspoken mutual agreement never to bring up Shyam or Anjili’s abortion again. Because they were family and they loved and supported each other no matter how many obstacles the world threw at them.

IAL Chapter 11: Explanation

Thank you everyone for all the comments and likes.

 

Chapter 11: Explanation

 

 

Khushi watched the video to the end even though it was totally unnecessary. She had been there for everything but she wanted to make sure that this wasn’t all a dream and that it really happened. After the video was finished she remained silent.

 

After a while she finally spoke, “Who else knows?”

 

“Apart from me?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“No one, if you don’t count jiju and Nanav.”

 

“What do you think happened Nanheji?”

 

“I really don’t know what to think that’s why I came to you.”

 

So Khushi sat down with NK and explained everything from the beginning, from when she met Arnav to the rooftop misunderstanding.

 

“Wow! So jiju, I mean Shyam, has been deceiving us all?”

 

“Unfortunatly yes. And I know what you’re thinking, “Why should I believe Khushiji? She’s not family,” but I swear on Devi Maya that I’m telling the truth.”

 

“I believe you Khushiji but how are we going to convince Nanav and the whole family. I mean, Shyam is clearly dangerous and he can’t stay in the family any longer, he could do a lot of harm.”

 

“I can’t tell anyone NK, no one would believe me.”

 

“But I have proof.”

 

“NK, that recording only makes it look like me and Shyamji had an affair and that we’ve broken it off now. Besides, it’s Jiji’s wedding, I’m not going to ruin it.”

 

“Fine, we’ll tell everyone a few days after the wedding. But our biggest problem now is convincing Nanav of your innocence.”

 

“Ok, I just hope Arnavji doesn’t do anything stupid. Do you have a plan?”

HWGA Chapter 11: Nightmares

Purple bits are Hindi. The bold bits from now on will be dreams/nightmares/past.

Chapter 11: Nightmares

Khushi was totally mesmerised by him. This feeling felt foreign yet familiar to her, as if she’d already experienced it somewhere. She didn’t understand what he was saying but his voice completely captured her.

“Well tough, I don’t care what he says, she’s not going to come back until her mother’s ok. My son is perfectly capable of handling this project. He needs this as much as we do so do something to convince him or else you’ll be demoted.”

Logan cancelled the call and felt someone was looking at him. He turned around to find Khushi peaking at him while Karan was trying to find the right key to unlock the door. Logan smiled at her and she looked away, blushing deep red.

“Namaste Khushi.” He said joining his hands together.

Khushi gaped at him while Karan shot him a warning look.

“You know Hindi?” She asked him.

He smirked. “Of course I do. Karan and I have been neighbours for ages and you do come and visit a lot.”

She smiled at him. There was something about him that made her comfortable. “Namaste, umm…”

“Logan.”

“Namaste Logan.”

Before Logan could say any more Karan cut in. “Yes well I’m sure Logan has more important things to do then chat with us. Come on Khushi.” Karan rang the door bell as he had given up hope on the keys.

Khushi face fell a little and seeing this Logan tried to pacify her. “He’s right. I only came to get a few important things. I should really get going.”

Just then Amba opened the door. “Oh dad, you’re back. Mu- I mean Khushi aunty how are you feeling now?”

“I’m ok now, thank you.”

Amba noticed Logan standing on his door step looking at them. “Hey Logan!”

“Hi Amba.”

“Have you re-met Khushi aunty?” Logan could hear the slight anguish behind that innocent question.

“Yes I have.”

“That’s great, you should come over some time soon.”

Both Logan and Khushi smiled at this. “I might later, but now I have to get back to the office.”

“Amba why don’t you take Khushi in and show her around the house. I want to talk to Logan for a bit.”

“Ok dad.” Amba grabbed Khushi’s hand and dragged her away.

Karan closed the door softly and turned to face Logan. “What exactly are you trying to do Logan?” Karan demanded.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I respect you a lot Logan but what if you had said something-”

“You really think I’d endanger her health like that? If you do then you don’t know nor do you respect me!”

“She’s in a fragile state right now-”

“Yes and she needs to see familiar faces. You can’t keep her coped up at home-”

“She just got home!”

“Look, I just needed to see for myself her condition.”

Karan sighed and let the matter go. He knew he was being too over protective of her but there was too much she didn’t know and that meant a lot could harm her. “I understand.”

“She’s so different. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her blush so much.”

“She was very naïve. She was forced to face some unexpected things to get her to where she is today.”

“I know.”

Karan was surprised. “You know?”

“Yeah she told me everything a couple of months ago.”

“She didn’t tell me that she told you.”

“We were too busy with Nik’s wedding to tell anyone anything.”

“I don’t believe you.” Karan said sceptically.

“Arnav Singh Riazada.”

It was only three words but the way Logan said it convinced Karan that he indeed did know everything. “If you know everything, why are you doing business with him?”

“Because Khushi suggested it was a good opportunity.”

“Khushi said that?” Karan asked in disbelief.

“I was surprised too. When his proposal came, she was the first person I consulted with and she said she was fine to deal with him. I think she was ready to face her past. She was even thinking of going back to India.”

“She was?” Karan couldn’t believe Khushi had kept so much from him after all he had done for her. Did she think he wouldn’t support her anymore?

Logan could see Karan’s inner turmoil. “Come on mate, we’ve all been really busy lately.”

“Too busy to pick up the phone and talk? Too busy to come to my house, which is 10 minutes away, and explain all of this?”

“She was indecisive especially because of Mohini.”

“Mohini?”

“Remember she had you wrapped around her little finger and she didn’t like the fact that Khushi was so close to you. As I recall, you didn’t have any time for us until you heard about Nik’s wedding.”

Karan turned away guiltily. “But Mo and I broke up ages ago.”

“You broke up in the middle of Nik’s wedding preparations, by that time Khushi was in full scary wedding mum mode. She was too absorbed in everything as she wanted every last detail to be perfect and it was perfect. Karan I’m sure when she gets her memory back she’ll tell you everything. I have to go now.” With that Logan went into his house.

Karan stood there for a while before deciding to go in to Khushi’s house. As he walked in he saw Amba showing Khushi the living room.

“Wow Karan, you’re house is so big!” Her voice full of awe.

Karan smiled. “I’m glad you like it. Amba did you show Khushi her room?”

“I chose to leave the best till last.” With that Amba dragged Khushi to her room. She paused when she got there for dramatic effect but when she looked at Khushi, she decided not to delay it any longer. She opened the door and said “Tada!”.

Khushi was speechless. The entire theme for the room was green, her favourite colour. The room was spacey and simple, just the way she liked it. There were a few Salman Khan pictures on the wall. Above the bed hung lots of little stars and she noticed they were all on the ceiling too.

Amba saw her staring at the stars on the ceiling. “They glow in the dark.”

She started moving around the room. She noticed a door in the corner and she opened to find a joint bathroom. Khushi was so over come with emotions that she hugged both Amba and Karan.

“Thank you so much.”

“Silly girl, is that any reason to cry? I just showed you your room. Thank God, I didn’t tell you I got jalebies too otherwise you’d be hysterical.” Karan teased.

Khushi laughed through her tears and whipped them. “There’s jalebies?”

“Of course there’s jalebies! You think you’d come around and I wouldn’t buy jalebies? I’m offended.”

Khushi hit him lightly. “Where’s Nikil?”

“He’s gone to finalise his apartment.”

“He won’t be staying here after marriage?”

“No, I don’t want him to.”

“Why not?”

“Because they’re very loud.” Karan said suggestively.

Khushi was confused. “I’m loud, does it mean you don’t want me here either.”

Karan smirked, wanting to make a joke but thought better of it. “You’ll see what I mean at night.”

“Why? What happens at night?” Khushi asked innocently.

Karan just wanted to wrap her in cotton wool and hide her from the world due to her naivety. “Nothing, let’s have some jalebies!”

Karan looked around to find Amba had gone out of the room. He lead Khushi down to the kitchen and gave her a plate full of jalebies, then he went to look for Amba. He found her in her room working on the laptop. He crossed over and closed it.

“Dad I love you but it you do that again-”

“What’s wrong with you?”

Amba raised an eyebrow. “Is that a rhetorical question?”

“Why are you acting like this?”

“Because I don’t know how else to act.” Amba said quietly.

Karan softened a little. “You can at least try.”

“But it’s easy for you!”

“And if you don’t try it’s not going to be easy for you.”

Before Amba could respond the door bell rang. Amba took it as an opportunity to get out of the conversation and she went to check who it was. When she opened the door, she found Logan standing there. It was almost like a déjà vu of the last time they had seen each other.

“Can I help you?” She asked coldly.

“I want to formally apologise for my behaviour. Can you please call your dad?”

“Dad! It’s LJ!” She shouted and then skipped to her room.

Karan came down and gave Logan a hard look. “Yes?”

“Karan, I’m really sorry about my behaviour last time and I regret my action deeply.”

“Apology accepted.” Karan was about to close the when Logan stopped him. Karan raised his eyebrow.

“Umm, how is she?” Logan asked hesitantly.

“Who?”

“Khushi.”

“She’s fine. Thanks for your concern, now goodbye.” Karan didn’t give him time to protest before he slammed the door on his face. “Sleeps with my daughter and acts like nothings happening!” He murmured all the way to the kitchen.

Khushi saw him looking agitated. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” He looked at the now empty plate of jalebies. “Wow, you’re appetite never decreases, does it Titaliya?”

Khushi smiled proudly. “Oh Karan, I want to call my parents.”

“It’s quite late in India, I think they might be sleeping.”

“Stupid time difference! Can you at least try?” The face she was making compelled him to do it.

The phone rang a couple of time before someone picked up. “Who is it Nand Kishore?”

“It’s Karan, Buaji, Khushi wants to talk to everyone.”

“Really?! Hold on, let me get everyone.”

Karan put his phone on loud speaker and gestured Khushi to come foreward. “Hello?” She said tentatively.

“Oh thank Devi Maya, betiya are you ok?” asked Garima.

Khushi teared up at the sound of her mother’s voice. It felt like forever since she had spoken to her. Little did Khushi know that that was exactly the truth. “Amma, I’m fine now. Karan’s taking such good care of me, you don’t even know. I can’t wait to come back.”

“No!” commanded Sashi.

Khushi was really confused. “Why Babuji?”

“I want you to get better fully and then come back.”

“But Babuji, who will take care of you guys?”

“We have a lot of servants, Titaliya, we will manage.”

“How can we afford servants?”

Karan cut in before anyone else could. “You had a job in LL Indian branch.”

Khushi’s mouth fell open. “But that’s one of the most prestigious companies. How did I get a good position there if I’m not that well educated?”

“You got educated, you just don’t remember.”

There was a dull ache forming in Khushi’s head. “How did we afford it? With Jiji’s wedding and everything, how did we afford it?”

“I helped.”

Khushi gave him a shocked and disapproved look. “Karan-”

“You paid me back every penny once you got a job. You also got servants to help out when you were at work. You gave your parents and Buaji the best medical treatments.”

“I don’t remember any of this.”

“It’s ok, don’t strain yourself.”

“But if I’m successful and my parents are well taken care of, why didn’t I get married.”

“By the time you became that successful, you were too busy with your career and parents to get married.”

The dull ache had turned into a full fledged migraine. “Karan, my head really hurts I want to lay down.”

“I’ll take you to your room.” He was about to leave when he realised that the Gupta’s were still on the phone. “Sorry Buaji, Khushi’s got a headache and she needs to lay down.”

“It’s ok. Tell her we don’t want her home until she’s fully recovered.”

“I will.” He cut the call, picked up Khushi and carried her to her room. She was in too much pain to protest and when she hit the mattress, sleep instantly claimed her.

Amba’s distort expression filled him with some sick pleasure. She looked like she was going to break down any second now.

Good!  She deserves it! But he couldn’t think why.

“You’ve said a lot of horrible things to me in the past but you really got me this time.” She said.

For some reason the images became blurry and his father stood in front of him with a hard expression on his face. The slap he had given him seemed to echo endlessly. His father didn’t believe in violence and never raised his hands to his children. The sting he felt was nothing compared to what his father said next.

“You’re no son of mine.”

Nikil Malik shook himself out of the dream violently. He panted heavily and looked around his surroundings quickly. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw he hadn’t woken up Natalie. He knew she loved him but it would be too hard to explain some of his nightmares to her. He got up quietly and headed out of the room. Once he closed the door, he slid down to the floor and sobbed quietly.

When he and Natalie came home, they found the house unusually quiet. He was so used to coming to Khushi auntie’s house and finding a lively atmosphere but today it felt like some one had died. His dad had informed him that Khushi had a migraine and that Amba was working but it just didn’t feel the same. He had gone to check up on her but after getting short replies he had left her alone. Him and Nat had their dinner and decided to sleep early as they’d have to start packing to move out.

He got up shakily from the floor and made his way to Amba’s room. He didn’t know what the time was but he hoped she was awake. He knocked lightly and waited. After a while he was sure she was asleep, he was about to leave when she opened the door. He regarded her dishevelled state and raised an eyebrow.

“What?” She asked rudely.

“You don’t look like you were asleep. Logan?” Trying to delay what he really wanted to say.

“Yeah, so?”

“No nothing.” They stood there for a while not really knowing what to say.

Amba chose to break the silence. “Did you want something?”

Nik gathered his wit. “Can I come in?”

Now Amba was confused but she gestured him in. She sat in the middle of the bed and stared at him. He chose to stand. When she saw he wasn’t going to speak any time soon, she sighed. “What do you want Nik?!”

Nik managed to surprise her when he went to his knees and started bawling. Amba looked at him in shock and went over to comfort him. “I’m so so sorry, Amba.” He said in between sobs.

“I didn’t know asking you questions would make you react like this. I promise never to ask you questions again.” She joked, trying to make the situation light.

“No it’s not that. It’s everything I’ve been doing since you’ve been born.”

“Nik-”

“I’m sorry for constantly putting you down, for bullying you, for for everything.”

“Nik shut up.”

“No Am, you need to know that I regret everything I did to you deeply.”

“Nik, I forgave you a week after you had done anything.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re my brother and I know you never actually meant to hurt me. And besides these past few years you’ve been an ideal brother.” She said honestly.

“But that’s no excuse-”

“Nik, if you speak about that again or apologise, I will slap you.” She warned.

“But-” Before he could complete his sentence, he received a slap. “I didn’t finish!”

“But I knew what you were going to say so I chose to hit you. This is how I became a successful business woman.”

“By slapping everyone?” He teased.

“Exactly.” She smiled.

They laughed they’re hearts out but when they realised it was late into the night, they calmed down to a giggle. They were about to hug each other when they heard screaming. They ran out of the room and followed the scream which lead to Khushi’s room. They rushed in and found Karan trying to wake Khushi up. Amba rushed to the bathroom and got some water to sprinkle on her face. With a lot of shaking and sprinkling Khushi finally woke up.

She clung on to Karan like her life depended in it. She was shaking badly. “Karan, thank Devi Maya you’re here. There was a man and he was holding a knife.” She mumbled.

Amba and Nik looked at each other in confusion. “Did she say knife?” Amba asked Nik.

“Get out!” yelled Karan.

“What?!” Nik and Amba said simultaneously.

“Both of you get out!”

Nik and Amba left the room quickly. They’d never seen their father act like this before.

“I’ve only seen her act like this once before.” Said Nik.

“When?” asked Amba curiously.

Before Nik could answer, they saw Natalie coming towards them.

“I heard screaming and I thought it was outside but then it continued and I realised it was coming from somewhere in the house. Is everyone ok?” Nat asked.

“Mum’s having nightmares. Nothing to worry about. Dad’s in there trying to calm her down.” Amba explained. “Dad’s obviously not going to give us an explanation, so I think it’s best just to go back to bed.

They all went their separate ways. Amba realised Nik was going to tell her when her mother had acted like this before but Nat had interrupted them. She was debating whether or not to go and ask Nik but she decided against it, vowing to ask him in the morning.