Chapter Two

Before Khushi went for her first day of college, she went to visit her elementary school. She drove over and looked at it, thinking back to her first day of school. Her mother was so excited for her and because Khushi was scared, Kinjal had gone with her. It took her a few days but then Khushi got used to the idea of school.

She next went to her junior high school and remembered her crazy days there. What hadn't happened in junior high? First crushes, first detentions, all that stuff. But Kinjal being the person she was, she had taught Khushi that cutting was wrong and didn't approve of it. Khushi followed her words and to this day, she has never cut. Not even on Senior Cut Day.

She last went to her high school and remembered the good times she had. It wasn't as crazy as junior high and she figured it was because of all the fun she had in junior high. She didn't mind, but she had met her real friends here. One was away at London, to follow her father's footsteps, while the other was going to another college.

After spending some time there, Khushi finally went to her college and there were many students there. Luckily, freshman had their classes starting later, so that was a good thing. All the freshman had to go to the auditorium. they were having an orientation and when Khushi walked in, the auditorium was jam packed.

The orientation took place and after an hour and a half, it was over. Khushi headed to her dorm and finished up the last few touches. Once she finished and was about to sit, in came her roommate, who she still hadn't met. She came stumbling in with a box and blew her hair out of the way and placed the box down on her bed.

"Hey," Khushi said. "I'm Khushi."

"Lavanya. From New York."

"Really? Why would you come here then?"

"My parents moved back here and said that I had to go to college here. Way to screw my life."

"It's not that bad."

"Are you serious? Look at what you're wearing."

Khushi looked down at her purple anarkali. "So?"

"Ugh! Cultural clothes! Yuck!"

"Hey! It's not that bad! Made it myself!"

"What? Made it? Am I gonna have to make my clothes too?!"

"What? No! I'm a designer."

"Really? Me too."

"Cool."

The girls got to know each other and Khushi invited Lavanya over for dinner at her place. Once everything was all settled, Khushi went to visit Kinjal at the hospital.

"So Kush, how was your first day?"

"Perfectly fine."

"Met anyone?"

Khushi saw the faint smirk running across her mother's face. "Very funny," she said sarcastically.

Kinjal chuckled to herself and slowly got up. Kinjal was allowed to go home so they were getting her stuff together. "I'm just messing with you Kush."

Khushi gave a fake smile and finished packing up her bags. Khushi got Kinjal discharged and they headed towards home.

"Khushi?"

"Hmm?"

They were sitting in the car as the driver drove them home.

"Are you sure you didn't meet anyone?"

Khushi sighed deeply. "No Ammi!"

"Really?"

"Geez Ma, what's with you today."

Kinjal let out a sigh. "It's just that... my heart is telling me that very soon that man in your life is going to come soon."

"The man of my life?"

Kinjal nodded.

"Ammi, you're so corny."

"Shut up!"

Khushi giggled. "Amma, you're such a kid!"

"Hmm? And you going on with you infinity names for me hasn't changed either, huh?"

"You know me."

"Indeed I do. Ever since you were a little girl, you'd say all the ways to call a mother. Sometimes Ma, Amma, Ammi, Amu, everything!"

Khushi held her mothers arms and snuggled into it. "Because I like it." Khushi let out a deep sigh. "Ammi?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm sorry."

Kinjal looked down at her. "For what?"

"For being... how should I put this... a b*tchy daughter."

Kinjal stroked her hair. "Ssh, don' t say that. You're the best daughter in the world."

Khushi just shut her eyes and rested on her mothers arm. "Ammi?"

"Hmm?"

"... Papa was asking how you were."

Kinjal showed no emotions. "And?"

"And I told him you were okay."

She simply nodded once.

"Aren't you gonna ask what happened next," Khushi asked.

"It doesn't matter to me sweetheart."

Khushi sighed and played with her Ammi's dupatta. "Well... he didn't say anymore than that."

Kinjal didn't say anything.

"Ammi?"

"Yes sweetheart?"

"Within all these years of marriage, have you ever, even once, felt like you loved Papa?"

Kinjal looked down at Khushi and Khushi was already looking up at her. Kinjal caressed her hair and let her rest her head on her shoulder. "Khushi, to tell you the truth, I never, not even for a moment, loved your father."

Khushi looked down.

"As much as it might hurt you, it's the truth. I feel bad at times too but it's the truth, and the truth always hurts."

"I... guess."

"Khushi, tujhe ek baat batao?"

"Hmm?"

"Ever since Aditya and I had been in a relationship, it was like as if our lives depended on each other. If one were to be sad, the other would get sad. If one were extremely happy, the other would be as well. And if one were to get sick, the other would as well."

"Wow."

"That's love sweetheart. Someday you'll understand when dhamatji comes into your life."

Khushi gave her mom a glare and Kinjal just laughed.

"You'll see," Kinjal said and then she sighed. "If there's a reason why I'm alive today, then it's because Aditya is."

Khushi caressed her mother's cheeks and made her look at her. "You loved him that much?"

Kinjal smiled faintly, sadness in her eyes. "More than my own life."

Khushi hugged her tight and they arrived at home.