Typed from 19/12/2018 – 21/12/2018
Edited On – 12/06/2019
Chapter 2- Goa Trip

Khushi's Pov:

Currently, we were sitting on the dining table. Dad looked normal but I know my words were still running around his head like cats and dogs fighting. Every time after our mini fight I felt bad for being too hard on him but I can't be the seventeen-year-old Khushi again.

I lifted my eyes chewing my roti only to see the mother and daughter playing some eye game. Isha was pouting showing her puppy eyes to mu—step-mum. In return her mother gave her a sharp stern look that could shut anyone up. Her mother caught me staring to which I respond by looked away eating my food quietly in the unbearable silence in our house.

"I heard you're going to Pune Khushi?" she questioned making me go all blank in amaze. She cares? It was very rare for her to ask me questions about my private life. Her eyes stung mine bring me back to reality and I quickly nod. A weird scandalize smile appeared on her small dark red lips. Who wears makeup at home?

My eyebrows knitted together, silently and patiently waiting for her to continue. "Isha's dad," He called out to my dad. That's right, she never used his name. Every time she spoke she addressed dad saying 'Isha's dad.' At first I couldn't understand why she said Isha instead of Khushi, I mean I was his oldest child and that's what most Indian mothers use for addressing their husband from the eldest child's name. After turning ten realization hit me hard, I wasn't her child, that's why.

No grudges though. Not everyone can accept relationships as well as I can. "Isha's vacations are going on, why not both the girls travel together?" I chocked on my food, unable to swallow it inside my throat. Reaching out for the glass of water across the table I gulp it down, watching Isha looking at me with unreadable expression. So that's why they were playing the eye game!

"Ma my friends are going as well." I started. To be very honest, I was fine with Isha coming. Even though we didn't share the same mother I still loved her as a sister, she didn't feel the same way, though. I suppose the age gap and having different mothers is the barrier between our relationship for her. Spending time with her meant closeness, I always wanted that. I wanted a sister.

But, my friends weren't her big fan. Neha wasn't for sure.

"I don't have any problem but I don't know if she'll be able to blend in with us. You know, we-we're all above twenty-five and she's only nineteen." My voice was barely audible from the constant eyes hovering over my body like I'm speaking a complete different language from them.

I silently prayed she doesn't come but at the same time I want her to come. God, I'm so confused! We were going to Goa for crying out loud.

"She'll blend in won't you, Isha?" She questioned her daughter, of course she nodded smiling. "You're her older sister, I'm sure you'll take care of her." As strange as it sounds, it felt really nice hearing ma's words. Especially the highlighted affection she showered me with in her statement.She sounded so sweet, I know it was all fake because she wanted Isha to explore around and I was the key but it felt nice.

Least for once I felt wanted. In other scenario I'm the unwanted guest in this house.

"Ok," I shrugged looking at Dad, "if you allow her, she can come with me." And Neha and Rahul will kill me.

Dad looks over from me to his wife. His shallow eyes looking at us two like he's trying to read our minds. Standing up from the dining table after a few minutes of staring at us with a blank face, he bores down at Isha's mum before casually saying in his authority tone, "Ruhi give the girls some money for the trip." Not giving me a second glance he walked away in his room, out of my sight.

It was uncommon of dad to spend money on such useless things. According to him, 'money should be used in necessary things like bills, transport and food. Nothing else,' so this left me stunned.

Well, he broke his own rule.

Now that he agreed I had to think of a way to disclose this news to my friends. My ears weren't excited to be yelled at for sure. I bit the inside of my cheek in order to supress the rising guilt growing within me. Neha will murder me. This was meant to be just our friend's trip but I was bringing someone else along with me.

I was currently sitting on my bed, about to break the news to Neha when Isha approaches me with a bored look plastered on her dusky skin. Her skin was so beautiful and clear. So lucky, if only she'd learnt how to embrace herself. My brows arch questionably and I wait for her to speak. "When are we going?" her tone flatter than ever. It's ok. She'll come around one day.

"Pack your bags. We'll go on Sunday." She nodded ready to walk away only to be stopped by my voice. "Isha?" I call out, my voice extra soft with this delicate young girl standing in front of me. I really did crave her love and a small 'didi' (Elder sister) from her which she never used.

"Yeah?" She turned around facing me curiously, her hands slang on her hips, and waiting for me.

"You really want to come? With us?" It was important for me to know if she actually wanted to come. Only then I'd tell her about Goa. I kept my voice as a light whisper.

"Of course." She responds rather quickly, the spark beaming her orbs. "I want a break from everything. I don't care with who and where I'm going, I just want peace." She said straight forwardly with a hint of frustration lingering over her forehead now. Her mood changes faster than lightening. Why? Oh right, she hates me. My heart crushes.

"Ok, I'm glad you're coming." I smiled putting my novel on the bed that I was reading before deciding to call Neha. Getting up I walked closer to her, Isha's eyes following each and every move of mine. "We're going to Goa. Not Pune." I whispered biting my lips. I hated lying. She was coming along so I had to tell her the truth.

Every time I lied to someone or felt uneasy I unintentionally start to bite my lips. I wasn't exactly lying to her but I did to our parents. Seeing her wide eyes I was ready to receive a slap from my father because for a second it felt like she'll start yelling in horror and tell our father with those big eyes and wide open mouth.

"G-Goa? The party land?" She whispered yelled in excitement. Wow. She's even more excited and over joyed than I am.

"Yes? Don't tell ma and dad, they aren't aware of it. Neha lied to them. If they find out we wouldn't be going for obvious reasons." I said instantly so she could shut her mouth. I didn't want to lie to dad but I realised how right Neha was. I needed a break from everything.

"Sure! My mouths zipped!" She chipped clapping her hands like a little baby. Her excitement was unbearable. A smile formed in my lips seeing her smiling because of me. For the first time I made her smile, the feeling was indescribable.

~

"If only what?" Asked Neha impatiently.

Right now I was walking around the park with my best friend for our morning walk. It was time for me to inform her about the change of plan. Trust me, this wasn't an easy task. I could tell from her expression that she wasn't going to say something pleasing to me in return.

"I-if, only Isha comes with me. See, I know you guys aren't in good terms, but she's my sister" I hoped to sound as nice as possible trying not to create a tension between us. "Ma-"

"Step-mum" she corrected me stressing the word more than expected. I knew she'd be pissed.

"Wow, really? Well let me correct you." The dramatic-ness hinted from her facial expression and cold icy voice definitely proved she's already angry with this.

"She's your half-sister. You can try whatever you want, she'll never like you! Why are you even trying after everything? You'll probably get married soon then what's the point? You've stayed and tolerated her and her mother for decades now so why try harder when you will leave them soon? And yes, I hate her. I hate her for the way she treats you! I hate how ignorant and annoying she is. Don't you see, are you blind?" By the time she finished I sighed.

Licking my dry lips I start to speak, "I clearly understand where you're coming from but she already knows about our plan. If I tell her to back off she'll tell dad and then I'll be restricted from travelling outside for my whole life! Maybe this trip can help our relationship? I don't want to lose hope. She might start appreciating me. I just, feel it-it'll make her happy."

I could see how unhappy Neha was, her expression gave it all away. But I knew I just had to stick to my words and she'll melt. I knew she really wanted me to come badly at any cost, even if it meant tolerating Isha for her.

"You won't drop this idea would you?" She said with a grumpy look, her arms folded across her chest. Deep inside my heart, I didn't want Isha to come after having this mini argument with Neha. She was right but I couldn't give up so easily. Maybe after this trip I'd finally have someone to call me sister?

I remembered my mother telling me 'If trying to make someone happy hurts you a little it's fine, at the end you'll be appreciated.' I still remember how she said that with a smile. A smile I hadn't seen for nearly twenty years now.

"Why are you smiling Khushi?" Until I could reply to her question she cut me off breaking my thoughts once again. "Leave it, I know it's hard but trust me she'll never change even after this trip. Try as much as you want, nothing will make a difference to this fake relationship of your guys."

Few hours later-

I see my little sister walk in, her face showed visual tiredness. "H-hey Isha. How was collage?" She gave me a dry look. She was never interested in talking to me like I'm nagging her like a creepy lover. Ok then. Did I bore her?

"Uh, what do you want now?" And the stony cold look was face on her face.

Fidgeting with my hand I said, "I just wanted to remind you to start packing. That's all."

Her frown turned into a smile quickly hearing my comment. She probably forgot about the arrangement until I mentioned it again. "Oh ok, I'll start packing. Thank you for reminding me." The sincerity held her reply close to my heart. Looks like someone's happy.

Sunday-

We all sat on our tourist van. All my friends, Neha, Ruby, Shivam, Ajay, Rahul and Isha. All seven of us were excited for the next seven days of bless. A beautiful memory we all wished to remember for lifetime. Who knows what might happen tomorrow?

"Oh, I didn't know you were coming Isha?" Asked Ajay with a smile.

Before Isha could reply rudely I answered for her in a hush tone, "Her vacations are on so I thought it'll be a wise if she comes with us." Only Rahul and Neha knew the real reason behind Isha's presence. Her mother. Everyone found themselves seated on the empty seats, chatting away for the first few hours of the drive until now.

After that no one really spoke. It's like they've all lost topic to have decent conversations on. Perhaps the gossips were also already spilled by Ruby. The trip was super long making everyone tired. One by one everyone doze off to sleep except me. My eyes looking out the window, inhaling the beautiful nature throughout the journey.

I wish I remember this trip forever, this might be my last trip before I get married to some stranger who might drink. As much as I ignore it, I know dad would wed me off. Again.

I never wanted to get married, although Neha would say the opposite. She knows every little detail about me, my life. Honestly, I don't know where I'd be if she wasn't with me. Standing strongly shoulder to shoulder with our chins up high.

Life was so unfair from the time my father decided to remarry. Why? For the sake of me. But did I ever ask for another mother? No. I was numb, quiet, I was dead from all the trauma going around me. I don't understand nor remember me saying 'I need a mother,' then how did he get the idea of introducing me to my new mother. It stings, a lot. Knowing my father married Ruhi a couple of months after my mother's death. Couldn't he wait? Least a year?

I should hate them. A lot, with all my heart. But I don't. Because for some it's easier to cope with themselves, others it's not. Remarrying isn't bad. If it is then I shouldn't be allowed to wed again but the circumstances my father chose to do it makes me sad.

My mother may have died when I was just five years and ten months old, but her values were still running around my head, controlling me to not cross the limit. She used to say, 'you're alive because of your father,' but does he really care that I exist?

Sometimes his behaviour doesn't matter to me, and sometimes it matters the most. I think that's part of life. I've been following my mother's words since day one of respecting my father, agreeing to what he says. Loving who he loves. Looking after him. And last but not the least, holding no grudges.

My mother thought holding grudges only ruins us. Maybe I'm just too scared to ruin myself more than I am already. Because my relationship wasn't at it's best stage with Ruhi Ma and Isha.

Now at twenty-five, I just want to live in peace. Alone, probably, with two adopted children smiling at me when I come back home from work.

Time flies someone said. Indeed it does. I opened my eyes to see the beautiful beach waves from the window. The breeze touched my skin instantly making me calm and composed. It looked better than what I had imagined.

Children making sand castles with their parents. Young couples walking around the beach engaged in deep conversations with their mouths opening into what looked like a chuckle. Teenagers dancing and drinking. The place was made for enjoyment.

I couldn't believe we were finally at Goa, everyone was asleep except me. Not that I wasn't sleepy but because I was scared. Traveling into another city which my parents don't know about. And of course, most importantly our driver. We didn't know him personally, and neither did we know the roads of Goa. Anything could go wrong. I felt like I think too much, causing my brain to heat up easily.

If I do get married, I hope my husband wouldn't think as much as I do or we'd be all over the place. But then again, I'm happy alone with my Quora. Jumping up from my seat, I stretch my arms and yawn before tapping everyone's shoulders "We're here guys." I shouted causing them to wake up with a jerk. Some ignored at first the others snarled in irritation.

Once checked into the hotel, we all retreated to our rooms. Rahul, Shivam and Ajay booked a big room for all three of them to fit in, they figured it'll be cheaper for them compared to one rooms each.

Ruby and Neha shared a room as Isha didn't know Ruby well enough to sleep next to her and didn't like Neha as much. There was no chance that Neha would stay with Isha, both the ladies had bad blood. Neha was just too honest and straight forward which of course Isha didn't like. So, yeah, we're sharing a room to ourselves.

I'm sure the boys including Neha and Ruby fell asleep after witnessing their sleepy faces. We did wake up at five AM so I could understand the desire of sleep even though it wasn't early in the morning now. Isha also dropped her body on the bed hugging the pillow tightly, falling into deep slumber.

Surprisingly I wasn't sleepy at all. I suppose it's the exciting atmosphere of Goa wanting me to look around the place. While others slept, I on the other hand felt the need to explore around. I couldn't capture myself inside the room until everyone woke up so I went outside the hotel by the beach area to get some fresh air.

That's where I saw him

The Unwanted Bride

The tone and structure of the book may change/sound different because the first two chapters were written in 2018. The rest are being written presently in 2023.