Chapter 2: Why?

Why?

Khushi sighed. "It's important, Nani. It's very important. I'm going to need the family there. The entire family."

Nani knew what she meant by "entire". It meant Arnav. "Of course dear. You'll be here for dinner?"

"Ji han, Nani."

"Okay, dear, we'll talk then. I need to prepare to receive you properly. Do hurry."

"Of course, Nani."

---

Khushi, his Khushi, was on the phone with Nani. Nani had passed through an array of emotions throughout the conversation and Arnav was able to figure out something was happening today. Then Nani talked about her coming for dinner.

"Khushi was in Delhi? Why was she here? Why didn't I know about it? And she's coming here today? Where was she now? She has no place to stay! She's back!" Arnav's internal monologue sped up with each question.

"CHOTE! ANJALI! MANORAMA! AKASH!" Nani's voice sounded from the main room.

Arnav descended the stairs quickly. It was about Khushi - he knew it. From all corners of the room, the family members emerged. Manorama with Mama-ji, Akash with Payal, and Anjali with her baby and Shyam trailing behind.

Arnav still didn't like the sight of his brother in law, Shyam. He took a deep breath in and reminded him of Shyam's condition.

"I have some important news." Nani started. Once she had everyone's attention, she continued. "Believe it or not, Khushi betiyan just called me."

Gasps and murmurs were exchanged and Nani kept her gaze on Arnav. Payal shed tears of joy as Akash held her. Arnav's eyes had flashed at the mention of her name, but his face remained emotionless.

"She will be reaching here in time for dinner. I don't know know why she's coming, but she has told me it is important. She has requested everyone to be present when she comes." Nani threw a stern look at Arnav. "Everyone."

"Aur han-" Nani reminded. "She is still the daughter in law of this house. Preparations to welcome her should be done without flaw." Nani paused with uncertainty as she said the next sentence and kept her eyes on Arnav. "Anjali, you, please... Please arrange the guest room for her."

---

Anjali Jha was more surprised than pleased at the news Nani had just delivered. She had watched Chote as Nani shared information about her recent phone call. He left with Nani's last comment to Anjali. Anjali sighed. Maybe there's still a chance.

Anjali - the entire family, actually - was now aware of why Arnav had married Khushi. She was aware of the deceit her husband had pulled her entire family into. She was shattered at first. When Chote and Khushi told her the truth about her husband, Anjali had fallen into an emotional pit. It took some time, but Anjali realized that as devoted as she was, she was not a bad judge of character. There had to be something, something, that triggered her husband.

It took more time, but the family learned of Shyam's mental condition. He was a schizophrenic. Anjali took to nursing him with open arms and blamed everything he had done on his condition. Chote was the most difficult to convince, but he too had started on the path of forgiveness.

And now Khushi...

---

Khushi Kumari Gupta had never imagined what it would be like to make that phone call. She smiled in relief. That wasn't so bad. However, dinner tonight - no, going there tonight - would be difficult. She clutched the Mangalsutra that still hung to her neck. "I have to do this." She reminded herself.

Khushi stared at the city from the window of the hotel she stayed at. She no longer had a place to call home in Delhi. Buaji, Bauji, and her Amma had moved back to Lucknow. She felt alone now in this city that, a year ago, meant so much for her.

In another room, a voice awoke Khushi from her thoughts. Shiv. With a smile, she realized she wasn't alone.

And why? "It's the right thing to do," the voice reminded her.