When you say Nothing at All

Chapter 14

Four Years Ago:

"Khushi, are you ready?"

"Yes, Payal. I am so excited. I have never been to Pune"

"You'll be going to love it over there. But you shouldn't have packed so much"

"Actually Payal, I have something I need to ask"

"Yes, go ahead. We have 20 hours inside this train so feel free to ask anything"

"What happens to your house when you and your brother both are in Delhi?"

"We close it down. My brother goes to Pune every two weeks and cleans it up"

"Are you planning on selling the house?"

"At first we thought. But it's the last memory we have of our parents. So neither of us feels comfortable selling it. We sold everything else in Pune to open up that cafe"

"If you don't mind, can I suggest you something?"

"Please, go ahead"

"I want a fresh start as you said and living in Delhi doesn't help with that. So I can be your caretaker for the house. I will take care of the house"

"That's a fantastic idea, Khushi. I was even planning on suggesting that. But the problem is we just opened the cafe so we won't be able to pay you a lot"

"No no, you don't have to pay me. I will live there so you are paying me by providing a roof over my head. In return, I can keep it clean so that your brother doesn't have to come to Pune every two weeks"

"That's a great idea. But the only problem is how are you going to be alone in this situation?"

"Don't worry about me, Payal. Tell me if you are ok with the idea. Talk to your brother as well"

"Oh he'll be cool with it"

Payal and Khushi arrived in Pune and Khushi purchased a new sim card on her way to Payal's house. She turned on her phone and called Anjali. 

"Di......"

"Where the hell are you Khushi? Look, whatever happened as happened. We can work out something. So come back"

"Mom and Dad? Are they ok?"

"For parents who just found out their 19-year daughter is pregnant and left the house, yes they are holding well"

"I didn't mean to hurt them or you. It's just... I don't know what to say"

"They are angry. Ok, they are furious and Dad will rather kill you than talk to you. But you can stay with me. It's just a matter of time. Once Mom and Dad are calmed down, we can talk to them"

"No Didi. I need to do this on my own. I am with a friend and she is helping me to start my life from scratch"

"What do you mean you are with a friend? Where are you now?"

"I am in Pune"

"Khushi? That's far"

"I know Didi. I wanted a fresh start and Payal and her brother are helping me to do so"

"Is her brother the father of the child?"

"No, I haven't even met him yet"

"Then who is the father?"

"I can't tell you didi"

"Khushi, we are your family. We have the right to know"

"As the mother of this child, I have a right to share what I feel like sharing didi. I will tell you everything when the time is right"