The house quieted as night fell again over Shantivan, but peace continued to elude the hearts that resided in it. Two people-tied together by force, divided by misunderstandings-laid restless beneath the same roof.

-×-

Night - Poolside

Khushi sat on the recliner, staring up at the stars. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her dupatta-her usual way of seeking comfort.

Khushi (murmuring):

"Devi Maiyya... maine kis janam mein aisa kya kiya ki meri zindagi mein itne sawaal aur itni takleef hai?"

(Oh Devi Maiyya... what did I do in a past life to deserve such pain and so many unanswered questions?)

Just then, she heard footsteps. Arnav walked out with his phone but paused as he noticed her. Her eyes glistened in the moonlight. He hesitated.

Arnav (softly):

"Tumhe neend nahi aa rahi?"

(Can't sleep?)

Khushi (without looking at him):

"Neend toh sirf sukoon walon ko aati hai. Hum jaise logon ko nahi."

(Only peaceful hearts find sleep. Not people like us.)

Her words struck something in him-something unspoken. He sat on the bench across from her, unusually quiet.

Arnav:

"Main bhi nahi so paaya."

(I couldn't sleep either.)

Silence.

Khushi (after a pause):

"Jab dil mein guilt ho... toh neend door bhaag jaati hai."

(When guilt lives in the heart... sleep disappears.)

Arnav looked at her sharply. Not angrily. Just searching her face for something he himself couldn't understand.

Arnav:

"Tum samajhti ho... ki main galat tha?"

(You believe... I was wrong?)

Khushi (gazing into his eyes):

"Main yeh samajhti hoon ki aapne mujhe judge kiya. Mujhe samjha nahi."

(I believe you judged me. You didn't try to understand me.)

There was no accusation in her voice-just truth. And truth is what burned the most.

-×-

Next Morning - Shantivan Living Room

Nani and Anjali sat together, going over the guest list for an upcoming family function. Anjali looked up, sensing someone at the door.

Anjali (smiling):

"Chhoti bahu! Itni subah subah kahan jaa rahi ho?"

(Khushi! Where are you going so early?)

Khushi, dressed in a simple salwar kameez with a dupatta tightly clutched in her hand, gave a polite smile.

Khushi:

"Mandir jaa rahi hoon, Di. Devi Maiyya se kuch jawab lene hain."

(Going to the temple, Di. I need some answers from Devi Maiyya.)

Nani:

"Akeli jaaogi?"

(You'll go alone?)

Khushi (nodding):

"Hamesha se toh akeli hi gayi hoon."

(I've always gone alone anyway.)

Her voice held no bitterness, but Arnav-coming down the stairs-heard her. And it made him pause.

-×-

Later - At the Temple

Khushi stood before the idol, her hands folded, eyes closed. Tears spilled freely as she whispered her heart.

Khushi (in prayer):

"Agar maine kabhi kisi ke saath bura nahi kiya, toh mera sach samne zaroor aayega... aur jinhone mujhpar ilzaam lagaya, unka bhi sach samne aana chahiye."

(If I've never wronged anyone, my truth will come out... and so will the truth of those who wronged me.)

Behind her, a presence watched silently. Arnav had followed her, quietly, without understanding why. Seeing her cry... seeing her pray with such intensity... stirred something unsettling inside him.

Suddenly, his phone rang. Startled, Khushi turned and saw him standing there.

Khushi (coldly):

"Yahan bhi peecha kar rahe hain, Arnav ji?"

(Following me even here, Arnav ji?)

Arnav (gruffly):

"Nahi. Main bas... pass se guzar raha tha."

(No. I was just... passing by.)

Khushi (eyes sharp):

"Waise bhi... mera dard dekhne ka aapko ab aadat ho gaya hai."

(Anyway... you've gotten used to watching me in pain.)

She walked past him, but he didn't move. Her words kept echoing in his head. "Mera dard dekhne ka aapko ab aadat ho gaya hai."

-×-

Evening - Arnav's Study

Later that evening, Arnav sat in his study, looking through office files-but none of them held his attention. His eyes fell on an old security folder. A thought hit him.

He opened the file and searched the CCTV footage from the day of Akash and Payal's wedding. He forwarded until he saw it-the terrace. The moment he had overheard Shyam and Khushi.

Only this time, he watched the whole clip.

Shyam (in the video):

"Khushi ji, aap bas haan keh dijiye. Main Anjali se alag ho jaunga."

(Khushi ji, just say yes. I'll leave Anjali.)

Khushi (firmly):

"Mujhe aap se koi matlab nahi! Aap ek dhokebaaz insaan hain!"

(I want nothing to do with you! You're a deceitful man!)

Arnav's face went pale. He hadn't seen this part that day.

Arnav (whispering):

"Maine... galti ki?"

(Did I... make a mistake?)

His heart pounded. For the first time... the wall of certainty c

racked.

-×-

To be continued...

Next up: Chapter 6: Ilzaam ke Peeche Chhupa Sach

By

Muskan Tarway

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