Chapter Six

Khushi sat in her room as thought of what Arnav had said earlier.

*Flashback*

"Khushi... I'm sure you haven't told your family about this."

*End of Flashback*

Khushi stood up, feeling really disturbed. She couldn't focus and she felt like the walls were caving in on her.

What do I do, she cried in her head.

Khushi looked up at the clock and saw that it was 3 AM. She just couldn't fall asleep. She continued to stay up, when there was a knock at her door.

"Khushi?"

It was Ammijan.

Khushi got up and opened the door. She saw Ammijan standing in her night clothes, tired.

"Khushi, why are you still awake?"

Khushi couldn't help herself but to break into tears and attacked Ammijan, hugging her tightly and crying.

"Khushi? What's wrong?"

Khushi just cried and Ammijan led her over to her bed and sat Khushi down. Pouring Khushi a glass of water, she gave it to Khushi and Khushi drank it slowly.

"Now tell me," Ammijan said as Khushi calmed down, "what's wrong?"

Khushi didn't say anything but sniffled.

"Khushi? Tell me. Otherwise how am I supposed to help you?"

"You can't help me," Khushi whispered. "It's too late."

"'Too late'? What do you mean?"

Khushi began to tear up again. "I'm..."

"You're...?"

"I'm... I'm pregnant," Khushi cried.

Ammijan looked at her in shock. "What," she breathed.

"I'm pregnant!"

Ammijan just gaped. "Wha-what? Are you sure? I mean, are you sure you're not just a bit late?"

Khushi shook her head. "I'm over two weeks," she cried.

Ammijan was still. She couldn't believe what she heard.

Khushi hugged Ammijan tightly. "I've committed such a big sin," she cried.

Ammijan caressed her hair. "Shh, you're young-"

"No Ammijan! I've committed such a great sin!"

"Shh," she soothed. "Just relax honey, just relax."

Khushi cried a little bit more and then calmed down. She stayed still, her head rested on Ammijan's shoulder, her staring off.

"Khushi," Ammijan began softly, "does the boy know?"

Khushi snapped back to reality and then slightly nodded. "Yes," she whispered.

"And did he say anything?"

"He wants me to move in with him."

"What?"

Khushi looked up at Ammijan, who looked shocked.

"He said that," Ammijan asked. "It's hard to believe. Especially since most boys don't want to have anything to do with pregnancy."

Khushi sighed. "I guess."

"What else did he say?"

"He wants me to move in with him so he can take care of the baby and me."

"That's kind of him. What did you say?"

"No." Khushi sighed. "Oh Ammijan, I don't know what to do! At some points, I feel like abortion is better."

"Shh! Don't ever say that Khushi! Besides, what fault did the baby commit?"

"You're right. It's the stupid mother at fault, not it."

"Don't say things like that."

Khushi laid down on Ammijan's lap. "What should I do, Ammijan?"

"I think you should give the boy a chance Khushi. Let him have his connection with his child."

Khushi looked up at her in fear.

"Honey, I'm not throwing you out, if that's what you're fearing. But I think you should go to him. Live with him, but be cautious. Don't strip the child of its father. You know what it's like not having both parents around."

Khushi sighed and nodded. "I do."

Ammijan kissed her forehead. "Whatever you do from now on, should not just be about you, but for your child. Okay?"

Khushi bit her quivering lip and nodded.

"Oh sweetheart," and Ammijan held her tightly as Khushi wrapped her arms around Ammijan's waist and cried into her belly.

"I'm so scared," Khushi cried.

"Shh... everything will be okay." Ammijan kissed Khushi's hair with a tear trailing down her cheek. "You're a strong girl Khushi. A very strong girl."

That night, Ammijan stayed with Khushi in her room and helped Khushi to fall asleep.