Chapter 5

It was evening when Kushi returned home. she was angered to see Shyam waiting for her near Gupta house.

Khushiji please listen to me, please...

I don't want to hear anything, saying this to Shyam she entered her home and closed the door. She found her family making preparation to make sweets for tomorrows order. But soon they heard a knock at on their door; Buaji went to open the door not before Kushi warning the person at the other side may be Shyam.

But buaji said I want to know why he lied to us, let him explain, it's not that we are going to believe anything he say. I loved him like my own, how could he betray me.

Kushi was right, it was Shyam.

Why are you here now. Buaji asked with all the anger she felt.

Buaji please listen to me, please, Buaji couldn't refuse even though she was in dilemma whether to give ears to him, but she decided to listen anyways.

Tell me what made you lie to all of us? Why did you insult the love and respect we gave you?

Buaji I lost my parents during my collage days ,first dad then after one year mom too ,I was their only child, I was craving for somebody to love me and care me , genuinely be there for me and I found that in your home. I know I shouldn't have lied you but I didn't want to lose all these because I was related to Raizadas . I would have told you about how I  am related to them at the beginning but stopped after knowing they are the reason for your plight. I was afraid I may lose what I found after so many years.

But you could have said that after Kushi started working for them, and as far as I know you have a large family so why us ? Buaji asked.

"I do have family that I am not a part of. I craved to belong with them, but all I was a trophy husband. I felt so lonely even among so many people. But with you all I just felt like I was a part of you all. I could find a sister in Payal, I could find a friend in Khushiji, and I found a mother in you. Nobody cared for me like you all after my parents."

"Don't lie Shyamji. I myself have seen how much Raizadas respect you, I have seen Anjaliji worship you".

"I am not a god to be worshiped Khushiji, I am just a human being who craves love ,a person who have emotional social, and physical needs. All I want is somebody to sit beside me when I am sick, not somebody who orders her servants to take care of my needs and leave to temple to arrange for a Pooja. All I want is someone who understand my emotions not somebody who orders her chotte to make sure I have all luxury as if I am some possession to be kept in exchange of luxuries."

" Do all these give you right to hide the truth that you are married even when Buaji wanted you to marry me?"

"No, I would have never married you .I couldn't. I love Anjali and will never think to cheat her."

"Are you delusional shyamji? Just a minute back you were saying she's not enough for you?"

"NO...I said I wanted more from my relationship with Raizada family, I do love them, I do love Anjali but I want her to treat me like a husband not a trophy. I crave for something more which is a feeling of belonging, being a part of, which I got from you all."

But that is not an explanation to hide your relationship. You could have said to us about them and still be a friend to me or seek the love which you claimed to be got from Buaji.

"No, I couldn't...I..I Have some other reason for that..."

"And what is that?"

"I don't know whether you will hate me after hearing my reason or even you will like to see me after that ,but I have to tell you that now ,I think...

Khushiji I...with that he explained his reasons (will reveal later) after he finished, all he could see was tears in the eyes of his listerners, most devastated was Khushi,

But he continued ,"I couldn't come and tell you all that and also that I was a part of the family who added to your miseries .Me being brother in law of Arnav who lead your family to all these and Being Husband of the woman who Blackmailed you would have made you hate me more, I couldn't afford that. I wanted to help Khushiji in any way possible and in that way to be there for her .But in all these , found a family in you all. I became greedy. I know you all wont forgive me especially Khushiji, but I swear I meant no damage to you all.It happened unknowingly and I have been guilty all along .I am ready to take any punishment but please forgive me."

Kushi was crying, but she could see the anguish and torment of shyam too. She heaved a sigh, wiped her tears and slowly walked towards Shyam ,who by now was crying cupping his face, and took his hands in her

" I forgive you", Which not only made Shyam but all Guptas shocked.

Buaji couldn't hold back

"How could you Kushi? He lied to all of us, hided things from us "

"I know buaji, but I understand him, he must be suffering too in guilt for long, its time he too get rid of that, we can't change what happened, all we could do is look forward, I am over it, he should be too...don't you think.."

Garima first time in the evening choose to speak "let it go Jiji, if Khushi could forgive him, we too should, It was she the most affected with everything. It was her who faced worst situations and yet if she have it in her to forgive him, If she could look past it and forgive him we too should."

Shyam try to speak again ",I don't expect you to forgive me Khushiji,...."

Khushi cut him," I told you already shyamji, I forgive you and I understand your need to be a part of us too. who other than me will know that better .I am thankful that amma babuji found it in them to give me shelter, Jiji consider me a sibling and buaji her niece so I perfectly understand. And I am not angry with you too. I also understand why you hide things from us. I forgive you with all my heart but only if you make a promise ..."

"I promise Khushiji," Shyam dint bother to hear what she want to ask, he was so desperate, he could do anything for her forgiveness

"Areeee...Let me complete. Any way, now that you made the promise you have to hold on to that... You will be my friend or even I can promote you to a brother which me and Jiji never had, and be the same Shyam bitwa to my buaji .If only you promise that you will be forgiven .My buaji loves you too much, she see you as her son."

Everyone could see buaji trying hard to suppress her sobs, it was true, she found a son in Shyam she longed for ,in her loneliness she craved to have at least a child to call her own which she could never have.Not that Khushi and Payal where not her children . And that made her attached to Shyam . Now when Khushi said what she have buried deep in her heart she couldn't contain her tears.

Shyam was so happy to oblige what Kushi demanded and in his happiness he ran to buaji and hugged her tight, both were crying.

"Please forgive me buaji I never intended to hurt you all. I made a mistake please forgive me; please consider me just like before..."

"It's okay bitwa, I was angry, sad but after hearing you I can understand...But no more lies bitwa...."

"No buaji, no more lies."

"Khushiji can I ask you something?"

"Ji Shyamji."

"Am I the reason you left the job at Raizadas?"

"No shyamji ,I was planning it for some time..."

"But what will you do for expenses ,I know your financial condition. Can I find you some other job?"

"No shyamji ,we are planning to do some business," then she explained her plan..

"Can I help you in any ways?"

"I will ask you if I need any help shyamji."

"Khushiji you said you will consider me as a brother ,so why don't you call me so.?"

"I too wish shyamji but it feels awkward to call you bai after buaji proposing me for you, you know it feels weird, give me some time we will reach there."

"As you wish Khushiji, All I want is you all to be part of my life.

"Shyamji I want to tell you something, can you please not tell about this to Raizada family.You know what happened last time.I don't want any more drama with them."

"I understand Khushiji, I too for now don't wish to tell anybody about this .You know Raizadas .I don't to create more problems in your life, if I say anything they will start unnecessarily interfering in your life, I tried to stop Anjali when she planned to blackmail you, but you know she won't give heed to what I say, everything has to happen the way they decide. so don't worry I won't tell them anything ..It's getting late...I will meet you all later...bye buaji and expect me any time, I will come here when ever I feel and will also have your sweet, make sure to keep something aside for me always.

All laughed and bid bye to him..

Gupta returned back to their work while discussing the happenings expecting a better tomorrow.