Reality Check

Khushi's POV

I smile weakly at Nanheji and then slowly head towards the Raizada Mansion. I am ready...

As I open the door for RM, I am greeted by the entire family who is just chilling on the sofa... gossiping something, except Jiji, who looked gloomy. Jiji sees me and runs to hug me... while the rest of the Raizadas finally notice me.

Di (smiling) - Khushiji... you came... where did you go? It's 9 pm... we were all worried about you

Mami (annoyed) - HHBB Phatti saree...

Before mami could continue, I rudely interrupted her...

Me (annoyed) - Khushi...

Mami looks at me with a confused face and therefore, I decided to put some sense in her tiny brain.

Me (annoyed) - My parents have named me Khushi... standing for happiness... not some insulting name that you are calling me... from now on, it would be Khushi or Payal, not Khoon bhari taang... understand?

Mami looks at me with a shocked face... Of course, everyone just ignores her comments... who would have thought I would actually answer back.

Nani (upset) - Khushi bitiya... you shouldn't have talked like that to Manorma...

Mami (upset) - HHBB, his is right (she is right)

Sheetal - Yes Khushi... As a good daughter in law, you shouldn't have answered back...

That's it.

Me (annoyed) - first of all Sheetal Ji, you shouldn't be teaching me how to be a good daughter-in-law... as, you aren't even a daughter-in-law... you are a single mother and a guest here so please stay within your limits... otherwise, I will not be afraid to kick you out of here... second, naniji... Why do my sister and I have to always tolerate mamiji's insults... do you see her calling Sheetal as Shit tal... or as a homewrecker... No... why because she is the guest. We are the daughters-in-law in this damn house... and you treat a guest better than the daughters-in-law.. Woww... what's this logic? Secondly, nami... You had a problem with Lavanyaji who wore shorts clothes and her dressing sense...and her culture but how come you have no problem with this lady who has been staying at our house for god knows how long... And has been wearing short clothes and is even a single mother... why Nani?

Nani looks at me tongue-tied and then the good for nothing lady speaks up.

Di (shocked) - Khushiji, are you okay? Why are you speaking like this?

Me (annoyed) - because I have a mouth di... Unlike you, I will speak up when something wrong happens... I won't be a coward, to run behind my husband or brother...I am an independent woman, who will fight for her rights...

Arnavji (annoyed) - what the... Khushi, is this the way to talk to the elders? What is wrong with you? Where were you anyway? (looking at Nanheji) Why did you go with him?

Me (annoyed) - My dear husband... where I went is none of your business... do I question why you come home late with Sheetalji... no...then you shouldn't either... next, my parents have taught me one thing which is if adults are going on the wrong path then youngsters should teach them... and that's exactly what I am doing. I have finally decided to not be the weak girl who can't even recognise herself in the mirror. Every day, a piece of me is losing... because I am tolerating all this torture.. (upset)... A family is supposed to be a support system for you... a cure for your problems... but this family is, the cause of all my problems... the constant comparison... The constant mock of me... I have had enough...

Akash jiju (annoyed) - what is this Khushiji, why are you insulting the family that has given you so much... Payal, you better tell your sister to stop bashing my family...

Jiji (upset) - no Akash, she is right... what has this family given us except sadness... we are the ones forced to make lunch and dinner... why? Because we are daughter in law... why doesn't ma... or di have to work... I have never seen ma step into the kitchen once... but we, We can't even come outside of the kitchen... because as soon as we finish... we get demands... make this for Aarav... make this for choote... have they ever said to us... make what you like... make your favourite food... or, we will help you... no... you know what Akash... tell me this, what's my favourite food? Do you even know that (jiju hangs his head low)... do any of you guys know my favourite food... (everyone lowers head except me)... but I know all yours...

Jiji starts to mention everyone's favourite food which makes more and more people feel guilty. I could even see Naheji looking down... he did forget me when Sheetalji came but was there for me when I needed someone the most... He shouldn't have his head low... I signal him to have his head high but he ignores me and lowers it.

Never mess with Khushi...

Pre cap - none

Note: Here is an early update, however, it's short and two more parts left. Hope you like the update, do comment and share. Also, make sure to stay safe and wear masks.