Chapter 16

Khushi

I was honestly surprised next morning, when Jija ji said that he wants to stay for another day here with Jiji. I was happy but also surprised, very surprised. But then again, Jija ji was always the nice one in the Raizada family. Maybe it was as Jiji had said, that he is actually happy.

So after a very joyful breakfast, he asked me to come in to my bedroom, where he and Jiji were staying. Jiji sat on the bed and smiled as she saw me. Jija ji dragged a chair and sat acroos asI sat down beside Jiji. Hai Devi Maiya, why does this feel like an interrogation?

I glanced at both of them, trying to read the room, but I failed.

"What...happened?" I asked, carefully, as I glanced between them. My heart beating in my throat. They shared a glance with each other and Jiji gave Jija ji a nod and he looked at me.

He shook his head then started with, "I would never want anything bad to happen to you. You are like my younger sister now, Khushi." He spoke softly with a  light smile. "And I also want you to think of me as an older brother than a brother-in-law,"

I nod once as some of my anxiety misted away, yet some remained, because why is he suddenly saying this.

He exhaled then took off his glasses and folded them between his hands and looked at me again. "I would like you to tell me if anything happens...with Bhai." His nod looked more at himself than at me. "I will be happy if you think that you can lean on me as you lean on Payal if anything or any harm comes your way."

I blinked and then stared at him with slightly parted lips. Then I looked at Jiji. She told him? Why? Jiji smiled lightly as she nodded her head and covered my hand with hers.

"I can't promise you yet that you won't have to Bhai again, but I can promise that I will be there for you." I looked at Jija ji as he said that. I could see the determination in his eyes and that made my heartache. It felt good having such a caring and good brother. But what felt more then good was that, this is the person my sister married. And I'm happy that she did. I'm glad.

I blinked as the back of my eyes burned, and forced a big smile and nodded. "Thank you." I nodded as I swallowed and glanced at the two of them. "Really. Thank you."

Jiji smiled slightly but it didn't reach her eyes as she patted my cheek softly. "I'm sorry, I didn't see it before,"

I shook my head and opened my mouth to tell her that it wasn't her fault, but before I could Jija ji cut in.

"But we can promise that we will now," He smiled. "We are there for you, Khushi. Always." Pause. "Even if it's my brother against us."

*

I waved from the porch was they left the next day. Bua ji and Amma beside me. We had packed lots of laddus and snacks and sweets for them to eat together with everyone at Shantivaan.

"Ghar kitna khali lagega kuch din," Amma said with a sad smile.

Bua ji nodded but soon her expression changed as the car left our line of vision. She turned to me with a look that I recognized very well anywhere and everywhere. As she put her fists on her hips, I realized that she might've registered the missing laddu in the top shelf in the kitchen counter.

"Did you ate the bhog ke laddu, Sanka Devi?" Bua ji asked, her eyes slightly narrowing in suspicion.

I pressed my lips then shook my head hurriedy with my eyes wide. Bua ji will kill me this time for sure. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Amma shake her head with a soft smile before she returned inside.

"I..didn't," I say slowly. "ate them alone...Jiji and Jija ji did too," They had only eaten 2 or 3 together. The rest 20 or so was me.

"Sanka Devi!" Bua ji yelled and I ran inside the house.