After finishing her work for the day, Khushi left office early. She was quite tired after the emotionally draining episode in court and working in office. So decided to have an early dinner and go home to rest. She also bought some snacks for herself to munch on if she feels hungry later at night.

After having dinner at her usual restaurant, she reached home. As soon as she stepped inside the house, she heard voices of someone shouting and crying. She frowned hearing that. Now, what new drama is these Raizadas upto. Can't these people live peacefully for even one day without creating any mess. She sighed tired.

Reaching the living room, she saw Nani shouting at Mami for her behaviour. Then she went onto dictate her set of punishments for Anjali, Mami, herself and Sheetal. Khushi watched in amusement as Mami looked horrified thinking about working at home and not having access to unlimited money for her lavish life.

Akash trying to defend Mami didn't surprise her. In fact she was more amazed by Akash's silence when Nani was scolding his mother. She was well aware of Akash's stance in these situations. He wouldn't mind slaving her or Payal around the house or them getting humiliated but if someone even said a word to his mother or sister, he would shout at that person.

Sometimes, she regret getting him married to her sister. She also feels pity for Payal who keeps doing everything in her power to make these mother-son duo happy. Still they never acknowledged or valued her efforts. Most of the times she feels angry on Payal for giving these ungrateful creatures so much importance and compromising with her self respect, rather than Payal's own misbehaviour towards herself.

Another surprise for her, was Nani asking her beloved Anjali Bitiya to find work and take care of her own expenses. Is she missing something or misinterpreting Nani's words. Can she actually ask her Anjali Bitiya to work. And why is this Raizadas brother sister duo quiet hearing Nani.

Why Anjali is not doing her emotional blackmailing or recounting her sob story. She is definitely crying but it doesn't seem to be for having to work. And why Arnav is quite? Shouldn't he be lashing out at everything and defending his sister. What happened to him. Why is he sitting stoic as if none of this affects him. What the hell happened in few hours for Raizadas to have such drastic changes. Did today's court hearing made them frightened? Are they doing all this so that they don't have to go to jail.

But one thing definitely made her happy. Nani asking Sheetal to shift to servants quarters. Atleast the Raizadas got a little bit of brain and started seeing the true face of Sheetal. Though it doesn't affect her anymore if Sheetal stays in this house or the Raizadas keep pampering Sheetal and Arav as she was over that phase long back. Still she couldn't tolerate seeing them getting all the happiness and luxuries.

She just simply hated them and wanted them to suffer for everything they did to her. People might think that it is more of Arnav's fault than theirs. Maybe it's true. But what this mother son duo did to her, the way they ruined her and her life, she can never forget that. Till she is alive, she will hate them both. Period.

After couple of minutes, she came out of her thoughts and walked inside. Ignoring everyone she silently started walking to her room. Will Raizadas let her go without any drama. Nah. So seeing Khushi, Anjali ran to her and stood in front of her.

Khushi looked at her frowning. If she noticed her tear stricken face and disheveled state, then she ignored it.

"What?" Khushi asked frowning.

"I... I want to talk." Anjali said hiccuping.

"I don't have anything to talk to you. Please move." Khushi said impatiently.

"Please Khushiji. Please listen to me once." Anjali pleaded crying.

Khushi rolled her eyes. She decided to relent. If she keeps arguing, then her energy will be wasted. They will not let her leave without doing some drama. Definitely not without hearing Raizada Princess's precious words.

"Say whatever you want to say." Khushi said nonchalantly.

"Khushiji, please don't leave Chote. It's all my fault. I only caused all these misunderstandings between you both unknowingly. Chote doesn't have any fault in all this. He really wanted to mend things between you both. But because of my lies, misunderstandings happened between you both and things got ruined. It's all my fault. If you want to punish, punish me. But please don't leave Chote." Anjali pleaded crying.

Khushi frowned hearing her. "Lies. Misunderstandings. What are you talking about. What did you do." Khushi asked confused. Now what is this new drama.

"Khushiji, Chote wasn't deliberately trying to stretch the problem between you both. He did wanted to sort the problem. That party organised by Neeraj. In that, Chote wanted to take you and introduce you to everyone. He was planning to talk to you and sort the problem between you both then.

"He called me to tell you to get ready for the party. But that day, A... Arav was upset about something. So to cheer him up, I decided to send Sheetal and Arav to that party with Chote. And when Chote came home to take you to the party, I lied to him that you refused to accompany him to the party and asked to take Sheetal with him. I only forced him to take Sheetal and Arav with him for the party. That's why, all this misunderstandings and problems happened.

"Trust me, Khushiji, I had no idea about the fight between you both or your problems. If I had a slight hunch about that I wouldn't have send Sheetal and Arav with him. It's all my fault. Please don't punish Chote for this. Because of me, all this misunderstandings and problems happened. I know I have done so many mistakes and crimes. I have hurt you and treated you very badly. I am ready to endure any punishments for that, but please don't give Chote punishments for my mistakes. Please don't leave him. He will be devastated without you. Please don't punish him for my mistakes." Anjali pleaded falling on her knees.

Khushi stood there with a neutral face and faraway look. Her eyes filled with tears remembering her past. Yes, that party was the first step towards all the destruction. It was what caused the first crack in their relationship. After that incident, things went from bad to worse.

One thing led to another, they kept breaking apart. And what happened four months ago, this incident was the triggering point for that. And now knowing that all this happened because of someone else's lies and a misunderstanding caused by them, she felt like tearing the whole world apart.

She looked Anjali with bloodshot red eyes. "How convenient, isn't it, Anjaliji?" Khushi sneered at Anjali. Anjali looked at her shocked with teary eyes.

Ignoring her surprise, Khushi continued, "Do whatever you wish to do without thinking about it's consequences. Hurt anyone as you like. And when the person has broken apart, you come asking for sorry along with your endless excuses regarding your wrecked life, and you expect to get sympathy and an easy forgiveness.

"I don't know if you have realized this already or not. The major reason for our marriage falling apart is you. It was you who destroyed our relationship and marriage. Not Sheetal, not Arav, not Mamiji, not Shyamji. But you. Yeah, the first reason is definitely Arnavji, himself. But along with him, you were an equally important reason why our relationship broke." Khushi said seriously looking sharply at Anjali.

Raizadas were flabbergasted hearing Khushi. They couldn't understand what Anjali did to cause this divorce. They looked at Anjali waiting for her to explain. Arnav kept looking at Khushi as he understood the meaning of her words.

Anjali looked at Khushi with wide eyes shocked. She felt her heart falling to the pit of her stomach. She looked at Arnav hoping he would say something. But he didn't even give her a look. She saw everyone looking at her expecting her to answer. She felt difficult to breath as the full weight of the accusation dawned on her.

"I didn't... I didn't do anything. I never intended to separate you both. I... I agree I lied about party. Other than that I didn't do anything." Anjali said with lot of difficulty as she felt her throat closing up.

"Maybe you didn't do anything deliberately or directly. But still because of you everything happened. Because of you, I have been suffering in this house since I got married. I never had a moment of peace since I entered this house. Directly or indirectly, you were the reason always.

"Do you remember, after I quit from AR, I was going to leave Delhi. Actually I had got a job offer to work in Oberoi Construction's Mumbai Branch. My dream job. But because of you and your blackmailing to put me in jail, I had to leave that job opportunity and come here to train Lavanyaji where I was treated like a maid.

"If not for you, I would have got my dream job so much earlier and would have reached heights by now. And that was only the first thing, you ruined for me. After that, because of you, my life started becoming a hell.

"You knew why I had quit from AR. You knew how much your brother hated me and how I almost lost my life because of him. Yet, for your own selfish reasons, you dragged me into this house. Why did you do that. If it was about training Lavanyaji, even you or Mamiji could have done that. But no. Why will you make any efforts for others. How can you do petty work like training your future sister in law to be the idea daughter in law.

"You know that day, I really cursed the moment I met you. I had really wished I had never met you all. You very easily, ruined all my dreams for your own selfishness. And it was the first step towards my destruction. If I had left Delhi that day, then maybe neither Shyam nor your brother would have entered my life. They wouldn't have got the chance to ruin me. Still I never hated you and tried everything in my power to safeguard your happiness.

"Even when I found out about Shyam's reality, I wanted to tell you the truth that time itself. And I tried to do that also. I didn't even care about my sister's marriage which could have broken once again. Still, I wanted to save you. I went against my whole family for you. But you yourself took that opportunity away from me.

"When I came here to talk to you. You broke your Mangalsutra in your carelessness and went hysterical about it. Seeing your condition, I couldn't hurt you because somewhere I started loving you as my own sister. And I couldn't see you broken. Today, I think if I hadn't got weak in my affection for you and had told you the truth that day. Then maybe all our lives would have been so different.

"You wouldn't have believed me. I am sure of that thing today. When you didn't believe your own brother's words, you definitely wouldn't have believed my words. Maybe my sister's marriage would have broken. Maybe our families never had a relation. But atleast I won't have suffered so much because of you.

"For you, your brother forced me into this marriage. Because of you, I had to suffer in the hands of your brother and your husband. Your husband have been lusting over me and had been manhandling and molesting me at every given chance. Everyday, since I entered this house till your husband's exit from this house, I have constantly lived in this fear of that man touching me and raping me.

"Do you know, how dirty I used to feel everytime that man used to corner me or tried to touch me. I used to feel like a thousand worms are crawling under my skin. You can't even imagine the horror I had lived for all those months, everyday trying to escape from that man. I couldn't even stay alone for a moment in this fear that he would come and do something to me.

"Even inside my bedroom I had to lock all doors and windows and stay inside. Everytime, I had to be constantly vigilant, keeping my guard. I had to constantly make sure that I wasn't in the same room as him as his lustful gaze always made me feel dirty.

"And your brother, even after knowing everything about that man, married me and brought me into this same house. Everytime, that man used to corner me or tried to touch me. I had to bear the torchures from two men. Your husband and your brother. Your husband would try to ruin my dignity and your brother would physically and mentally torchure me to safeguard you.

"Because according to your brother, I was the one who was luring your husband. I was the characterless, gold digger running behind a married man. Your husband was the one who was cheating on you. He was the one who was pursuing me even after being married. Yet it was me who should be punished. Your brother very conveniently let your husband off the hook and allowed him to continue with his lecherous ways while I had to suffer in the hands of two men.

"For your happiness, your brother had forgiven all your husband's misdeeds while I was paying the price for caring for you. For you, he married me, brought me into this house and practically gifted me to his brother in law for him to do anything to me.

"While you were living the best moments of your life, enjoying the joy of motherhood, getting pampered by everyone, I was struggling in this house to save my dignity. And I had no one to understand me or help me. My husband, who was supposed to save me and keep me safe, even after knowing everything about his brother in law, kept quiet letting his brother in law do all the atrocities on me. And once in a while when my husband would actually notice his brother in law's misdeeds, he would start blaming me for that.

"While all of you were living in your happy bubble, everyday all those months, I had to constantly think of ways to escape from that man. Those dabba service, giving tuition for children, going to stay with my parents, everything was a way to escape from that man atleast for sometime.

"Eventhough, Arnavji never did anything to stop that man, the only time I have felt safe or could let my guard down was when he was in the house. Shyam wouldn't dare to come near me when he was around. So,  everyday I would try to stay with him maximum time bearing his torchures, to escape from Shyam's advances.

"Those 9-10 hours for which he would go to office would be the most difficult time. I would always be in fear that Shyam would pounce on me from some corner and drag me to some room and... and..." Khushi stopped feeling difficult to breath after crying so much.

Arnav who was hearing everything with shock, hugged her safely in his arms. He gulped feeling scared thinking about the horrifying incidents Khushi was describing. God, what was happening in this house before him and how aloof he was to all of that. He finally realised with pain the extend of violence Khushi had to endure in this house.

Yes, she was right. At that time, he was only thinking about his sister's happiness. He never thought about how Khushi would have felt all that time. How violated she would have felt. How Shyam would have behaved with her.

"All those times, while you were enjoying your blissful married life, Anjaliji. Not even for once, anybody thought about how I would be coping. Neither my husband nor my family who knew everything. All left me to my fate. Even if that time, Shyam would have ra... raped me, nobody would have bothered. Here in this house, there are so many soundproof rooms. He could have dragged me into one and fulfilled his lust. Nobody would have saved me or believed me. My husband would have still blamed me." Khushi said painfully remembering the darkest phase of her life.

Arnav shook his head crying, hugging her tight.

"Tell me, Arnavji. What would you have done if he had raped me." Khushi asked crying looking at him.

Arnav gulped not having any answer.

"Now, don't tell me you didn't think about it. You practically gifted me to him by marrying me and bringing me here. He could have easily done anything to me in this house while you were away. You even left me here alone and planned to go to London. What if he would have done something to me while you were away?" Khushi said sarcastically.

Arnav looked down not having anything to say. The truth was he never thought about it. He never gave her a benefit of doubt or thought she could be a victim to realise the extend of danger he was subjecting her to, by bringing her into this house.

"Tell me, Arnavji, what would you have done if he raped me? Tell me." Khushi shouted shaking Arnav by clutching his collars.

Arnav looked down crying feeling ashamed of himself. Khushi stopped as realisation dawned upon her.

"You never thought about it, right. For you, I was always the culprit. The one who was having an affair with your sister's husband. Even for a thought, you couldn't imagine me to be innocent. Isn't it. Tell me this, Arnavji. Did you thought I was sleeping with your brother in law?" Khushi asked sharply.

Arnav looked at her wide eyed hearing her question.

"Did you thought I slept with your brother in law? Did you thought so low about me? Tell me Arnavji, did you thought about me like that?" Khushi asked painfully.

Arnav shook his head crying. He hugged Khushi securely to his chest.

"Arnavji, if we had a baby, would you have believed that the baby was yours?" Khushi asked in pain.

Arnav's eyes widened hearing that. "KHUSHIII!!!" Arnav shouted in shock holding Khushi by her shoulders. "What nonsense are you talking? How can you think like that? Of course I would have believed our baby to be mine." Arnav said panting hard. He hugged Khushi tightly, feeling scared.

"Khushiji, please don't talk about all this. Nothing would have happened to you. Mata Rani wouldn't have let any wrong happen to you." Anjali said feeling pain and regret.

"You please keep quiet, Anjaliji. It was all because of you only. For the people in this house, only you mattered always. Your happiness, pain or hurt are the only things that mattered to everyone here. Your brother was torchuring me for you.

"As if that was not enough, he got himself kidnapped by your husband. Even then, the responsibility of saving him fell over me while you were yet again in your dream world. Do you know what and all, I had to go through to save your brother.

"You can't even imagine the horrors I have faced while saving him. I was almost raped by one of your husband's goons once in my attempt to reach him. If you don't believe me, ask your brother.

"I have nearly escaped death so many times. I have to pretend to be in love with your husband. I had to bear his lustful gaze and dirty touches. You can't even imagine how hard it was for me everytime that man would try to come close to me or touch me.

"While you were happily arranging things for your unborn baby, I was dying a thousand death having to tolerate your husband. I used to bath for hours everyday, after I had to pretend to be in love with him. At that time, I used to scratch and bruise myself trying to rub his touch away from my skin.

"You very easily rubbished my efforts to save your brother. But do you know I almost fell from cliff and was killed while saving him. But why would you bother about it. After all me saving your brother only led to your husband being thrown out of house.

"Anjaliji, you say that you never did anything to separate us. But have you ever realised the impact of your actions on our lives. Everytime, a tear drop fell from your eyes, I had to pay the price of it.

"You very easily rubbished all my pain and months of suffering as some misunderstanding. You believed your husband's fake stories over my truth. Have you ever thought about the repurcussions of your actions on my life if my words were true. But why will you think about it.

"All you cared about is your husband, your happiness and your life. If your husband is a rapist and if he molests me, then what's the big deal. Isn't it. Still you wanted your husband.

"Anjaliji, you say you never wanted to hurt me. But the truth is, for your every actions, I was the one who had to endure the pain. After being a victim to your husband's lust for months, having to fight a bunch of brutal goons to save your brother and almost loosing my life, when I felt that I will finally have a peaceful life. You and your family made my life a living hell.

"It was you who couldn't come to terms with your husband's truth, yet it was me who suffered. I was blamed, accused, called names, literally got jailed in this house. It was you who tried to kill your child, yet it was me who was called bad omen and biggest mistake of my husband's life.

"Even after all this, I tried to forget and move on in life. Once again, I was blamed for your child's death. Today, I want to ask you all. What was my fault in her child's death. I did everything in my power and more to keep her and her child safe. Still why I was the only one blamed for that baby's death till date. What was my fault in that. I didn't ask Arnavji to throw Shyamji out. I didn't ask him to keep Anjaliji away from her husband.

"In fact I even tried leaving this house so that you all can live happily like before. But it was Arnavji who dragged me back blackmailing me again. Tell me, Arnavji why everytime I was the one who was blamed. Is it because I don't have parents to stand up for me and question you all regarding the injustice done to me.

"I brought Shyamji back for your sister and you yet again blamed me that I don't care about your sister and was trying to hurt her. But have you ever thought why I had to do it. Do you think I was happy bringing back my tormentor, knowing that the coming days I had to relive the same horror I had been living in for months. Yet I was forced to do it because I was fed up of the accusations and blames your family was throwing at me. Then also you blamed me saying that I was deliberately trying to hurt your sister. Not even for once, anybody tried to understand what I was going through or how that man was torchuring me. All of you were only concerned about your dear Anjali Bitiya's happiness. So what if you all have to torchure Khushi for that.

"Even today, I feel the chills in my body remembering those initial days after our second marriage. The realisation that Shyam had installed cameras all around the house and would be watching me lustfully sitting somewhere. Do you know how I felt. As if someone was undressing me every minute and watching me naked. I never felt so exposed before. But once again, why will anyone bother about it. After all Anjali Bitiya is happy, then why bother about Khushi's pain and discomfort.

"Do you know, Anjaliji, that eight months I had to live in the same house as your husband's, had been the worst days of my life. I have never felt so violated and scared in my entire life. Every minute, it was battle to save myself from that lecherous man. But you will never understand that because you as always were lost in your fairytale world. To keep that dream world of yours intact, it was me who had suffered torchures and abuses from both your so called family and your husband.

"You know Anjaliji, after you realised Shyam's truth, I really thought this is it, this is the end of the torchures. Now we all will live happily. But it never stopped. You all just needed a opportunity to taunt and hurt me.

"Unfortunately, I myself gave that opportunity to you by bringing Sheetal and Arav. The one thing which you could use to hurt me and you utilised it completely. You hurt me so much that see today I have nothing left in me. You have brought me also to the same position as you, actually worse. You gave me the same pain which you are going through. While you have your whole family to safeguard and protect you. And here I am, all alone, broken and ruined. Sometimes feeling death would have been better." Khushi said painfully.

Silence fell all over the house for few minutes. All were crying hearing the pain the innocent girl has to go through. Even Sheetal felt pity for Khushi. No woman deserves to go through this. The constant fear of her dignity getting ruined. It's horrible.

Few minutes later, Khushi sighed in exhaustion. "Well, why I am telling you all this. It's already proved that you all are not bothered by my pain and suffering. Then why am I telling you people all this. After all, I am only an orphan, unpaid servant of this house, not someone like the precious princess of Raizadas, Anjali Raizada. So my pain will not affect you all. Let it be. I am tired of all this. Also, all these things doesn't matter now. The divorce case has already started and recounting these old things and trying to find who is right and who is wrong, is not going to make any difference." Khushi said shrugging.

"Khushi Bitiya, I know mistakes has happened from all of us. But none of us, ever wanted to separate you and Chote.  I know it's futile and meaningless telling this now but we all loved both of your relationship and wanted you both to be together forever. We all never did anything intentionally to hurt you or separate you both." Nani said sadly.

Khushi frowned hearing that and shook her head. "Naniji, if you are speaking for yourself, then I will believe you. But please don't say that everyone in this family liked my and Arnavji's relation and wanted us to be together. Even you know that it's not true. Maybe you never wanted us to separate.

"To an extent, I will believe Anjaliji also. But don't say that all wanted that. If not anybody else, we all know definitely Mamiji wants us to separate and will definitely go to any extend to make it happen. Even today, if she gets a chance, she is still willing to get us divorced and get Arnavji married to a rich girl of her choice." Khushi said straightforward without mincing her words.

Nani looked away hearing that. She doesn't have anything to say to what Khushi said. It's truth and all of them knows it too. Mami looked down embarrassed hearing that.

"Khushiji, I know that you and Maa has issues with each other. Maa is not a good supporter of you. She has done many wrong things against you. But you also know it's her nature. I am not happy about it. But still you also know why she is not overly fond of you. It's because of her prejudices against middle class and poor people. She behaves rude with all poor people. It's nothing personal, Khushiji. It's because of her dislike towards poor people." Akash said feeling ashamed of his mother.

"That's where all of you are wrong. Mamiji doesn't behave with me like this because of her prejudices against middle class people. It is personal. It is because she hates me. Not because of her dislike towards poor people. But because of her hatred for me." Khushi said sternly.

"No, Khushiji. That's not true. You know she wanted her daughters in law to be from rich families. When that didn't happen. She became bitter towards you both. That's why she behaves like this with you." Akash said defending his mother. No his mother doesn't hate Khushi. Why will she. Khushi is a good person. His mother can't hate good people.

"If it is so, then why did you and your brother married me and my sister. If you both knew that your mother wouldn't accept us and would mistreat us. They why did you both married us. We didn't come begging to you both to marry us. It was you people who ran behind us to marry. If you knew that your mother was going mistreat and hurt us and you both could never stop her, then why did you both married us and ruined our lives." Khushi shouted at Arnav and Akash. Even Payal looked at Akash with accusations.

Both brothers looked down ashamed and guilty. Khushi shook her head.

"Once again, no answer. The truth is you people are selfish. Only thinks about your happiness, and your comforts. You both wanted to marry us, so married. How we survive in this house or what atrocities happen to us in this house, it doesn't matter to you." Khushi said with disgust.

Akash and Arnav didn't even tried to defend themselves as they knew they were at fault.

"Akashji, I will agree that your mother has a prejudiced thinking towards middle class people and hence she hates middle class people. But I can prove that her hatred or atrocities towards me is not because of her prejudices against middle class people. It's solely directed to me. Nobody else but me.

"I agree that initially she only hated me because I came from a middle class family and got married to her nephew shattering her dreams of a rich daughter in law. So she didn't like me. But now she hates me. And it has nothing to do with me being middle class and all.

"If it's so, then in that party, Mamiji would have introduced Sheetalji as your wife, Akashji and Arav would have been called Akash Singh Raizada's son, not Arnav Singh Raizada's son. Tell me this everyone, which situation would have helped Mamiji in showing off to her kitty party friends more. Which situation would have helped her in climbing the social scale. Telling that her son's wife is a rich, modern, classy, stylish woman or that her nephew's wife is a rich, modern woman.

"If it was only about showing off to her kitty party friends. Then, she could have easily introduced Sheetalji as her own son's wife. That would have garnered her more impression among her friends. Why she chose Arnavji as Sheetalji's husband for the introduction, not Akashji. Aren't they both equal to her.

"There is one thing that was not told in the court. It is that, on that day even Payal jiji was present here. And Mamiji had no problem introducing her as her daughter in law to her friends. When she didn't felt ashamed to introduce Jiji as her daughter in law. Then why was she only ashamed to introduce me. Why did she only slaved me around that day and called me a servant." Khushi asked looking at Mami.

All looked at Mami hearing that. Anjali remembered something and said in confusion. "Yes. Khushiji is right. That day, when I was here, Mami had sent Payalji to get ready in her room. Then she ordered Khushiji to serve everyone drinks and snacks. I didn't pay much attention regarding that. But Mamiji really did introduced Payalji as her daughter in law. She even stopped Payalji from helping Khushiji that day."

All were shocked hearing that. Khushi gave a sarcastic smile. "Now, do you understand, Akashji, why I said your mother's hatred and atrocities towards me is personal. I have no qualms in her giving Payal Jiji respect and introducing her to her apparently high society friends.

"But my only question is when she could accept Jiji, then why can't me. Why she hates me so much that she stooped so low and introduced some other woman as my husband's wife and humiliated me by treating as a servant. What wrong did I do to your mother for her to behave like that with me." Khushi asked with contempt.

Every Raizada looked at Mami with questions in their mind. Mami looked down and gulped.

"I will tell you why Mami behaves this way with me. You are right to an extend, Akashji. The origin of her dislike and hatred towards me, is definitely because of my middle class background. She wanted rich girls for her son and nephew who she could flaunt in front of her friends.

"But her dreams were crushed first when you were adamant in marrying Jiji going against her. I don't know how Arnavji convinced her for your marriage but she did agreed for that. Then she thought she could fulfill her wishes through Arnavji. Even there, her dreams remained unfulfilled because of me. So she definitely started hating me and Jiji.

"But her hatred for middle class people turned personal when she learned that her dear Anjali Bitiya's husband is behind me. On top of that my Maasi (Mother's sister) turned out to be the other woman in her Ratna Jiji's life. Now how can she accept the girl who ruined her Anjali Bitiya's life and is related to the woman who caused her Ratna Jiji to commit suicide, in her house. From that day, she has been doing everything in her power to separate me and Arnavji and throw me out of this house.

"Sheetal and Arav were the perfect means for that. Moreover, Sheetal is exactly the kind of daughter in law, Mamiji wanted. One who looks elegant and classy, wears modern clothes, speaks fluent English, who will easily pass off as a rich, high class bimbo. And Arav was the icing on the cake. A little version of her Arnav Bitwa whom she can easily pass off as her Arnav Bitwa's son and nobody will doubt her also.

"So she did everything to hurt me using Sheetal and Arav and treated me like a servant. She purposely introduced Sheetal and Arav as Arnavji's family to hurt me. She was killing two birds from one stone. One, hurt me very much, so that she could get her revenge and separate me and Arnavji. Second, she could show off in front of her friends using Sheetal. And that's the truth." Khushi said firmly.

Raizadas were shocked to hear Khushi's words. They couldn't believe Mami could do something like that. Some looked at Mami expecting her to deny Khushi's accusation and defend herself. But Mami kept looking down silently with shame.

Anjali was confused hearing Khushi's point of view. "No, Khushiji. I think you are mistaken. Mami would never hurt you deliberately or try to separate you both. She loves Chote like her own son. She knows how much Chote loves you. She would never hurt Chote by separating you both." Anjali said in defence of Mami.

"You are right, Anjaliji. Mamiji loves Arnavji like her son. But he is not her son nor she is his mother. Anjaliji, there is a lot of difference between being a mother and being like a mother. For a mother, her all children are equal. But Mamiji is not all three of yours mother. She is Akashji's mother and she is like a mother to you and Arnavji.

"She might love Arnavji like a son but not more than Akashji and you. If it was so, then she would have never compared Arnavji and Arav. Nor she would have introduced Sheetal as Arnavji's wife. No mother would like to give her son's children's rights to some outsider.

"If Sheetalji was Akashji's ex girlfriend instead of Arnavji, would she have agreed to keep her in the house or compared Arav with Akashji. If it was about Akashji, will she still insist to keep the woman, who caused misunderstanding between her son and daughter-in-law and pushed them towards divorce, in her house. No. She will not. That's why I said Mamiji loves Arnavji but not equal to her own son.

"Well, Akashji is her own son. So it is obvious she will love him more. But between you and your brother also, Anjaliji, your Mami only loves and cares for you more. When Arnavji was kidnapped, Mamiji knew about it and tried to help me in finding him. But in the middle, she stopped it as she got injured. OK. It was acceptable as she couldn't do anything to help in that condition.

"But she still knew about all my efforts and the pain I was going through to find him. Even then, when she saw me and Shyamji together and heard us talking about divorce, she forgot about everything and only thought you. She knew that Arnavji was in danger, she knew that I was desperately doing everything in my power to save him.

"Then also, when she suspected me, she forgot about her so called son whose life was in danger. Her only concern was her beloved daughter's dream world would shatter. She didn't even gave me a benefit of doubt. Forget me, she didn't even think her one wrong move could put Arnavji's life in danger.

"Well, why will she think about Arnavji when it's a matter of her beloved Anjali Bitiya's life. If not anything, at least she could have talked to me or NKji before taking that step. Have you ever thought Mamiji, if that day I didn't reach Arnavji on time and saved him. Then what would have been the repurcussions of your this move.

"At that time, exposing Shyam and me, means putting Arnavji in danger. If Shyamji had got a slight hunch about our plan or we wouldn't have reached Arnavji on time, then today he wouldn't have been among us. That man would have ki... killed him. All because you couldn't think anything above protecting your Anjali Bitiya's fairytale world.

"That day, I actually realised that when it comes to Arnavji and Anjaliji, Mami's first priority will always be Anjaliji. She could happily sacrifice Arnavji for keeping her Anjali Bitiya's happy world intact.

"So I am not much shocked on knowing that Mamiji is deliberately trying to separate us to avenge her Anjali Bitiya. It's not unbelievable thing for me that Mamiji could knowingly hurt her Arnav Bitwa for her Anjali Bitiya." Khushi said seriously.

Raizadas stood shocked hearing everything Khushi said. They all have never thought about this matter before. It is not easy for them to digest that Mami could actually hurt Arnav and put him in danger. Yeah, it's true all of them were always a bit biased towards Anjali but never intended to hurt Arnav for her. Can Mami actually do it.

"And Akashji, all these hatred, plotting and revenge plan of your mother has nothing to do with my or anybody's middle class background and social status. If it was so, then the first person she hated, would have been Sheetalji. I don't think Sheetalji comes from some Richie rich family or her parents are multimillionaires for Mamiji to support her so much and hurt me.

"And if it's about her rich family. Then let's hear about it from her itself. Tell me Sheetalji, which millionaire family do you belong to. Or your parents are some rich beaurocrats, royals or businesspeople. Tell us which high class family do you belong to. What work does your parents do? Does your parents live in India or abroad?" Khushi asked smirking.

Sheetal squirmed at her place feeling trapped. No. She doesn't want to talk about her parents. It's one of the humiliating part of her life. She doesn't want to remember that nor want anything to do with her parents.

"What happened, Sheetalji? Why are you silent? Tell us about your parents." Khushi prompted.

"My parents... My father... He... he is a dri... driver. My mother works as a primary school teacher. They live in Meerut." Sheetal said embarrassed. She always felt ashamed to talk about her parents and their jobs. She hated the poor life, she had to live. She always wanted to get out of the middle class lifestyle and live a lavish life.

Raizadas were shocked hearing that. Mami felt as if she fell from Mount Everest. The girl who always gets all the expensive things, talks about rich lifestyle and acts as if she owns the world, actually comes from a poor family. It's truly said, don't judge a book by it's cover.

Arnav was also shocked hearing about Sheetal's background. The girl who he knew in college, always wanted all the expensive things and hated even standing in a substandard place. That's one reason they broke up back then as he couldn't afford the rich lifestyle she wanted or rather lived. He couldn't believe she actually came from a poor background.

"Then how did you got into Harvard University. How did you manage the fees and other expenses?" Arnav asked shocked.

Studying in Harvard is not an easy thing. Even after having a complete scholarship and help from Mamaji, he had to do part time jobs to pay fees and other expenses. As far as he knew, Sheetal had no scholarship nor she did any part time jobs.

Sheetal frowned hearing that. She was not comfortable discussing that aspect of her life. "I got help from my father's boss. He was a lonely man without family. So when he found out that I got admission in Harvard University. He helped me with the fees and other expenses." Sheetal answered briefly looking away.

Khushi looked at Raizadas sarcastically. She could see Mamiji's eyes propping out of their sockets. So much for having a rich, spendthrift daughter in law.

"It's OK. Sheetalji's family or her background doesn't matter. That is her past. Let's come to present. Now, at this point of time, Sheetalji doesn't even has a house of her own to stay on and is practically staying in our house and living on our mercy. Still she belongs to the category of rich and high society people for you, Mamiji? What is that special sort of high class society, which includes homeless and beggars among them. I didn't know a homeless person also comes under high class." Khushi taunted with sarcasm.

Mami looked down red-faced.

"And if it's about staying in abroad or studying in a foreign country. Then, Mami should have started supporting me also by now. Maybe she didn't know this fact earlier but now she knows this right, that I also lived in abroad for 7 years and studied in one of the top most colleges in world. In that case, she should support me also but she is not doing it. In fact she is not even bothered about it. Also, she is still doing everything to hurt me and support Sheetal." Khushi said tauntingly.

"Fine. Let's leave these factors. Having home or leaving in abroad doesn't actually matter to determine if a person is rich. Let's come to the main aspect. Education, Occupation and Income. First education. OK, guys. Tell me, whether a MBA in  fashion designing or a masters in architectural engineering with an MBA, which is a better qualification. Tell me, Arnavji. Which is included as more educationally qualified."

[OK. No offense against any occupation or degrees. This is purely for story. So please don't feel offended regarding this. I am a doctor. But still I believe all jobs have it's own dignity and respect. So please don't bash me for this. And the salary is also imaginary. It has nothing to do with reality.]

" Masters in Architectural engineering with MBA." Arnav answered proudly. He doesn't feel offended by the question. Yes, he is also a MBA holder in fashion designing. But his wife is a professional along with a masters in business administration. He doesn't have qualm to accept that his wife possess a educationally better and more difficult degree.

Sheetal looked down feeling humiliated. She never thought Arnav would say something like that. She thought he would support her as they both possess same qualification.

"OK. Since that is settled. Let's move on to next aspect. Occupation. Tell me, Anjali. Which is a better post. A junior architect post in one of the best construction company of Asia or an assistant designer in AR." Khushi asked looking at Anjali.

"Junior Architect post" Anjali said.

"Yes, it is true. Junior Architect post in Oberoi Constructions is better. Assistant fashion designer post is the lowest post for anyone who completed fashion designing in AR. Only interns are given that post. Above that there are Associate designers, Senior Designers, Executive designers, Creative directors, Project heads, and finally me." Arnav also said revealing how low Sheetal's post is in AR.

Sheetal reddened in embarrassment hearing that. All Raizadas except Arnav and Akash looked at her frowning. Seeing her behaviour all these days, they used to think that she is at a very high position in AR. All these days, she behaved as if the responsibility of entire AR fell on her and if she doesn't go to work for one day, the whole company will be shut down. Now, they were seeing her true face slowly.

"OK. Finally, the last aspect. Income. Since, you are the financial head of AR, tell me Akashji. How much does Sheetal earn in a month?" Khushi asked nonchalantly.

"35 thousand." Akash said shrugging.

"Well, my salary is 2.5 lakhs per month." Khushi said smirking. "Also Mamiji, for your kind information let me tell you. I am getting this much salary only because I am working in India. Otherwise, if it was in UK or USA, then for my qualifications, I will be earning 5 times my salary now. By the way, it is only my first job. When I am earning this much now itself, then think how much I will be earning when I will be reaching your dear Sheetal Bitiya's age. Even after being in fashion industry for nearly 7-8 years, your Sheetal Bitiya does not earn 1/5th of what I earn now. So Mamiji, still if you think that your Sheetal Bitiya is rich, then it will be called your foolishness only.

"Hence it's proved that according to education, Occupation and Income also, Sheetal doesn't come above me. Then, how come Mamiji favours her for being rich and treats me like a slave. In that case, she should be supporting me, isn't it? After all, I am more rich than Sheetal.

"If it's because of her speaking in English. Then Mamiji, let me tell you, I can speak in nearly 23 languages including English. Just because I am always talking in pure Hindi, it doesn't mean I can't talk in English. I can speak English very well. I know it doesn't really matter to you whether I can speak English or not.

"You were not actually bothered about her social status, richness, job, salary or educational qualification. All you wanted was a person who had looks and dressed modern. Someone who fitted in the high class harlot category. That's it. Nothing else. Someone who you thought you could use to make me feel jealous. Someone who you could use to show me down and hurt me." Khushi said sarcastically.

"The truth is, Mamiji, you judge people only by the dress they wear and the amount of make up they put on their faces. If at our first meeting, I had come to your house wearing a short dress and ton of make up on my face, then today you would be running behind me and favouring me also.

"According to you, only a person's dress and amount of make up determine how rich they are.  And that's the only thing needed to impress you or for you to favour them. Well, guess what Mamiji, I am not willing to sacrifice my self respect and identity, just to impress you. I am this. I wear clothes of my choice and comfort and doesn't like to make a picture on my face with colours in the name of make up. If people can't accept me as I am, then I don't want such people in my life.

"I am not willing to become another person, for you to like me or accept me. That's not me. And if you cannot accept me like this, then don't. If you can only accept a women who wears short dresses and wears tons of make up on face, then don't accept me. Because I am not willing to be another person for you to like me." Khushi said sharply.

Mami looked down ashamed. Nani, Payal, Anjali and NK looked at Mami disgusted with her thinking and atrocities. Akash was feeling embarrassed knowing his mother's truth. He was finally seeing the other side of his mother. Prejudiced, sadistic and unreasonable side. He couldn't believe his mother would resort to such mean ways in her unreasonable anger and hatred. Arnav sat on the chair and held his head tiredly. Khushi sat beside Arnav trying to calm herself.

Nani came forward and stood in front of Khushi. "Khushi Bitiya, we all agree that Manorama did very wrong with you. And none of us stopped it. We all are very sorry about it. I promise you we will not forgive her for this or let her go scott free. I promise you I will punish her for this. She will pay for what she did to you. I..." Nani tried to say.

But Khushi stopped her showing her hand. "Stop, Naniji. If you're talking about the punishments that you were dictating when I came in, then I really don't understand how you are giving me justice by those things. " Khushi asked mockingly.

"Khushi Bitiya, I thought..." Nani looked down not understanding what to say.

"What you thought, Nani. By stopping the endless flow of money into your accounts, cutting down your expenses, by making Mami and Anjaliji do household work or by asking Anjaliji to work, you are giving some punishments to yourself and giving justice to me.

"Well then, I will say your plan failed miserably. Because by cutting down your expenses or doing household work, you all are not doing some favour on me. In fact, all this doesn't bother me also. It's your grandson's, nephew's or brother's money, how you spend it is none of my concern. That's between you and him.

"And regarding the household work. I never had any problem doing household work. I have never complained about having to do household work. Everyone does work in their house. That's basic. Not everyone can afford servants. People do work at their house. That was never my problem.

"My problem was your attitude towards me. My problem was how you people treated me. It's not big deal to work in your house or cook for your family. But the way, you people have torchured me with these work, that was my problem.

"Every woman work at their house but they do it thinking it's in their house, for their family. But here, I wasn't working because I was happily doing things for my family. Instead, I was forced to work. It was like I am obliged to do that work.

"If not, I will be scolded and taunted. Even then after I did all those work, still I am criticized for my work and treated like a servant and called degrading names. That was what hurt me. You people literally treated me like a slave. In fact, you people didn't even show basic humanity towards me. I was treated like dirt.

"I work for 8-10 hours a day in office. In usual families, after that, when a person comes home. What do people at home usually does, they take care of that person and their needs. Of course, I can't expect the great Raizadas to care for a middle class girl like me. It's impossible to expect you people to do anything for me.

"It's OK if you don't do anything for me. But what do people with basic humanity do. They do the house work and not burden that person with work. OK, you all don't know to or want to work. Whatever the reason. Still, if it's necessary for that person to work, you will try to help that person.

"If you can't help, then you will let other people like servants to help. But what the great Raizadas will do. At that exact time when I will need help, they will remember the endless errands that should be completed and would assign the house helps for that. Someone will want water, someone will remember that their dress should be ironed, someone will remember the juice glass kept on their room from hours, someone will have things to be bought and you all will very conveniently send the house helps for those silly things.

"You yourself can't help, you will not let others also to help. In such cases, what will you do. A person with little bit of humanity, will do adjustments and will try to make the work easier. But no, how could the great Raizadas compromise with their demands.

"If they want 10 dishes, then they want 10 dishes. They will not compromise. In this house, there are 10 people excluding me. And everytime, Anjali Raizada expect me to make 10 different dishes for 10 different people. Someone wants Indian, someone wants Italian, someone wants bread toast, someone wants Hyderabadi biryani, someone wants salad, another wants heavy 3 course food.

"What do you all think of me. Am I some machine. After working in office for hours, I come back home tired. And you all expect me to make different different dishes for each and everyone. And when I make it, you all will find hundreds of reasons to criticize it. Sometimes, it becomes too oily for you, sometimes dry, either there will be too much spice or salt, sometimes less.

"Have you guys ever tried appreciating the efforts that I take for you people. Forget appreciation, can you people stop criticizing it unnecessarily. Today morning, you people were coaxing me to have breakfast with you all, isn't it? Do you know why I stopped having breakfast with you all?

"Because from past six months, everyday I used to cook 3 times meals for you all. But everytime, I would come to have breakfast, there was not even one day, I was allowed to have my food peacefully. Either I have to serve all of you food and wait for everyone to finish and wash their plates to have my own.

"And if by some miracle, HPji is present and I get to sit with you all to eat. Then, you all will start your criticism for the food. Specially all of yours dear Arav. That boy could never let me have my food in peace for even one day. If he sees me sitting to eat, then his tantrums will start. He will start with his variety of demands for food.

"Usually he only wants his toast and juice. Only the day, I sit to eat, he will want pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, what not. And everytime, I has to leave my food to cater to his needs." Khushi said with teary eyes.

All Raizadas looked down in shame. They all never noticed these things before. All of them were so ignorant towards her pain. They all felt guilty.

"Why everytime I was the one who was expected to fulfill his tantrum. Have any of you ever tried doing it. In fact, everytime I cooks, he has some problems. Still all expect only me to cook for him. If he hated my cooking so much, then instead of criticizing me everytime, why none of you could cook for him and fulfill his demands. Well, that can't be done. Isn't it. After all, it will hurt the ego of great Raizadas.

"Even his own mother gets to enjoy her meals while I have to leave my food in the middle to cook for him. Everytime, she and her son find faults with my food. But never ever in these six months, she made any efforts to cook something her son likes.

"When you all can give all the rights of a daughter in law to her, then why only me and Jiji gets the previlage to work, no not work, slave around in this house. Why nobody expects Sheetal to do household work. When she is like your family and daughter in law in all other aspect. Then why she is not asked to fulfill the other duties of daughter in law like cooking, cleaning etc. When it comes to household work, I become the daughter in law and she is guest. For everything else, she is given the right of daughter in law. How fair is that. Even she should be given right to do all the household work for all, isn't it?

"Well, I know why you people don't ask her to do work. After all that according to you, she works in a high position in AR. How can you ask such a person to work. For you all, her work is dignified and upscale, while you all don't even value me or my work. How much ever big position, I reach also, you all will always treat me like trash only. It's your mentality towards me.

"That's why I stopped serving or eating with you all from last one month. See now, there is no everyday drama in dining table. Nor Arav throws his tantrums now. He will happily eat whatever he is given without any problem. And you all also don't have to find something to criticize me everyday. Even I could have my food happily and peacefully without any taunts or interruptions. All are happy now. Isn't it." Khushi asked sarcastically.

All Raizadas look down ashamed.

"Nowadays, I don't do any household work in this house. And that's why I stopped eating in this house also. I don't want to be freeloader in this house without doing any work. I know none of you are bothered about all these. Except maybe for one person. My dear Payal Jiji. After all, without me, the entire household duties fall on her shoulders.

"So, like I said all these punishments and all doesn't affect me. Who does household work, who slave around in this house now, it doesn't concern me now. I don't even know why you all are doing these drama daily. If it's to impress me and change my mind, then no need to do it. All these are not going to make any difference to me.

"And one thing, I want to make it clear to you all today. I don't know what is going to be the outcome of this divorce case. Whatever it is, I am not going to live in this house for long. Few days more, after that I will be out of this house forever. Even if, you all manage to stop this divorce, I will never come back in this house or go back to become that old slave of you all who used to work around this house fulfilling all your whims and fancies.

"That Khushi is never coming back. I had prefer death anyday than ever going back to be that slave of you all. So don't even dare to think like that even in your dreams. That's never going to happen. I will never go back to live that life or let you all use me like that." Khushi said determinedly.

None of the Raizadas said anything to that. Arnav had a thoughtful look hearing Khushi. Nani and Anjali sighed tiredly. They somewhere expected something like that to happen.

Then remembering something, Khushi said thoughtfully."Well, on a second thought, I want Anjaliji and Mamiji to try and do household work on their own for few days."

Raizadas looked at her frowning. Just now she said all these things doesn't affect her. Now she wants Anjali and Manorama to do household work. But why? All thought confused

Khushi looked at Anjali and Manorama with a sarcastic smile. "Try doing these work for few days. Specially try cooking 10 different dishes for the 10 different people of this house. Then let's see how much they appreciate your efforts and how they eat your food without any rebukes. Also try handling the household work. Maybe then you will understand the true meaning of hardwork and learn the value of appreciation." Khushi said smirking.

Anjali looked down guilty and ashamed. Manorama was still horrified by the thought of working. Khushi shook her head hopelessly. She started leaving, then remembering something, stopped.

"Wait, I forgot something. Hmm. Oh yeah. My dear sister. Payal Jiji." Khushi turned to her with a wide smile. Payal frowned in confusion as Khushi turned to her suddenly.

"I know you have asked me to stay away from your life. I will obey that. But a last piece of advice to you. Don't get too happy seeing all these changes and these punishments and all. If you think that all this is going to last forever. Then, I will only say that you are stupid.

"Please, don't be foolish to think that these Raizadas are going to let their precious Anjali Bitiya, and her follower, Manorama Mami, to do household work forever. All these drama are for few days. Till this divorce case is going or till they could tolerate their precious Anjali working.

"After few days, when they will realise that all these things are not going to change anything or when they will not be able to stop this divorce, they will go back to their old life. At that time, you only will suffer. All these duties will fall on your head. Then nobody will be there to help you. And your mother in law will also take revenge from you, for all that she has to endure now.

"So take my advice, don't be too happy with these arrangements. And secondly find a good brand new Jethani for yourself. A rich, naive, homely Jethani who would help you in household work and also whom your mother in law can boast about.

"That way, you will have double benefit. First, you will get a helping hand in all the work. Second, a rich Jethani will surely impress your mother in law. All these months, you were doing so much to impress her and your husband. What if this will help you to finally get into the good books of your mother in law.

"Trust me, this is the best for you. You also know after this divorce, Raizadas will definitely bring a new Jethani for you. And according to the current scenario, Sheetal will be the most likely candidate. Raizadas will definitely prefer her and she will be ahead in the race.

"With your experience of all these months, you know what will happen to you if Sheetal becomes your Jethani. Even when she is staying here as a guest, she and her son treat you like trash. What will happen if she becomes your Jethani. She will definitely reduce you into a slave.

"In such a situation, you will have only two options. Either you yourself find a brand new Jethani for yourself so that you will have some help and leverage in this house or you will have to get divorce like me. Second option is not upto you. So best option is first one. Find a good new Jethani. What if your dear Jethji also like your selection and get married to her. There is no guarantee for your Jethji. He can like and fall for anyone anytime.

"See first it was Lavanyaji. Well, there were many before her also. I don't know them. So let's start with Lavanyaji. First he liked Lavanyaji and wanted to marry her. Then he got interested in me and got married to me. And now his new interest is Sheetalji. Who knows maybe he likes your selection also and marry her. See, it's quite possible." Khushi said smiling as if she solved a big mystery.

Raizadas were shocked. Arnav looked at her with pain and disbelief.

"Khushi!!!" Arnav yelped in anguish.

"What?? Why are you shouting? I am just giving my sister an overview of what's going to happen in future and how she should be prepared for it? Don't I have that much right to caution my sister. Come on, I am concerned for her. After all it's about her life for which I have done so much." Khushi said smiling innocently.

Arnav gulped hearing that. He kept quiet not wanting to stretch the matter further. Even, she looked tired. He didn't want to stretch the matter and start a new drama. It's been a long day for all of them.

Arnav silently nodded his head agreeing to her to end the matter. Khushi shrugged carelessly. Then she walked away from there. Raizadas too went to their rooms, not before Nani ordering Mami and Anjali to cook food and send it to everyone's rooms through HP.

The next chapter is up as promised, guys. A very long chapter. 5 times bigger than last chapter. Hope you all will like it.

Coming to chapter. This is another confrontation between Khushi and Raizadas. I have tried to portray Khushi's feelings and hardships that she went through during the contract marriage period. Also a reality check to Raizadas regarding Mami's true intentions. Then, a direct face off between Sheetal and Khushi regarding their status and social class. Finally a small warning to Payal. Hope you all will like it.

And please please please give your valuable opinions regarding this chapter. It was an emotionally draining chapter. Honestly it was very difficult to write it. Portraying a person's feelings in such circumstances is very difficult. So please say how you all liked it. If I made any mistakes or forgot anything.

Once again thank you everyone for all votes and comments for last chapter. I never expected you all to reach the target so soon. Thank you all for the immense support you are giving for this story. Please continue do it. Please continue giving votes and comments.