Aarav and Maya were in the car, heading towards his house after the marriage. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness, the kind that accompanies the beginning of a new chapter. Aarav glanced at Maya and noticed tears glistening in her eyes. Concerned, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, handing it to her.

Maya looked at him in confusion, unsure of his intention. Aarav gave her a gentle smile and signaled for her to wipe her tears. She returned his smile and used the handkerchief to dry her eyes.

"Aap rote hue achi nahi lagti, muskurate hue achi lagti hai," Aarav said softly, his voice filled with genuine care.

Maya's smile broadened at his words. "Aap har kisike baare mein sochte hai, mujhe yeh baat bahut achi lagti hai aapki," she replied, her voice tinged with admiration for his considerate nature.

They exchanged glances, their eyes locking in a moment of silent connection. The car ride felt timeless as they got lost in each other's eyes, each glance building a bridge of understanding and affection between them.

Soon, the car pulled up to the Malhotra house, a beautifully decorated mansion standing grandly in the evening light. The driver opened the door, and Aarav stepped out first, then offered his hand to help Maya out of the car. She accepted his hand, stepping out gracefully.

"Welcome to your new home, Maya," Aarav said, his voice filled with warmth and reassurance.

She looked at the house, then back at him, her heart swelling with hope for the future. "Thank you, Aarav. Main tayar hoon yahan apni nayi zindagi shuru karne ke liye," she replied, her voice steady and filled with determination.

Together, they walked towards the entrance, ready to face whatever the future held for them, side by side.

At the entrance, Aarav and Maya saw Sumitra standing at the door holding an Aarti plate. Aarav looked into her eyes, which were filled with a silent plea for forgiveness for her past actions. He smiled and took blessings from her in return.

Sumitra performed their Aarti with a gentle grace, and Maya dropped the rice kalash before stepping into the house with Aarav, signifying the start of her new life in the Malhotra household.

Sumitra glanced at Maya and smiled. "Aao bahu, tumhe tumhare bedroom tak le chalti hun," she said, her voice soft and welcoming as she guided Maya along with her.

Aarav watched them go and then headed to the temple. He folded his hands in front of the God idol, his heart filled with hope and prayer. "Hey Kanhaji, apna aashirwad iss ghar par banake rakhiyega. Aaj se mere hi nahi, balki pure parivar ki nayi shuruwat hai," he prayed earnestly.

"Aarav baba," Sharda, the family's longtime housekeeper, called out to him gently.

Aarav turned and smiled at her. "Sharda kaki," he greeted warmly.

"Aapne Sumitra ko aise hi jaane diya! Mujhe nahi lagta wo badlengi," she shared her concern, her brows furrowed with worry.

"Kaki, sabko dusra mauka milna chahiye na," he said with conviction, his eyes reflecting his belief in redemption and second chances.

"Main bhagwaan se kaamna karungi aapki baat sach saabit ho," Sharda said, her voice filled with both hope and skepticism.

Aarav nodded, appreciating her concern but firm in his decision. He then headed upstairs to his bedroom, reflecting on the new beginning for his family. He felt a mix of emotions-hope, determination, and a bit of trepidation-but he was ready to face the future with Maya by his side and a renewed sense of purpose for his family.

He reached the bedroom and was stopped by his office secretary Tanya. "Sir, aap abhi room mein nahi jaa sakte," she teased him with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Kyun Tanyaji?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow.

Tanya sighed deeply, "Kya Sir! Main aapki secretary hun aur aap mujhe ab bhi Tanyaji kehte hai," she said, feigning disappointment.

Aarav smiled, "Tanyaji, maa kehti thi beta kabhi kisi ki ijjat karna mat bhoolna chahe wo jo bhi ho," he said, his voice carrying the wisdom of his mother's teachings.

Tanya was touched by his words, "Aap apni maa se bahut pyaar karte hai na?" she asked softly.

"Bahut Tanyaji. Ab aap hatengi toh main thoda pyaar apni patni ko bhi dedun," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Tanya giggled, "Ji Sir! Waise aapki koi behen toh hai nahi, aap mujhe hi apni behen samajhke thoda neg de dijiye andar jaane ke liye," she said, blocking the way to his bedroom with her hand on the doorframe.

Aarav smiled, took out his wallet, and pulled out some cash. He handed it to her, "Yeh lijiye."

Tanya shook her head, "Nahi Sir, main mazak kar rahi thi. Aap jaaiye."

Aarav placed the cash in her hand, "Ab behen kaha hai toh haq bhi lijiye."

Tanya smiled at his sweet gesture. She remembered something and asked, "Tanyaji, aapke husband abhi thik hai na? Agar aapko office se koi bhi madad chahiye jo bina sankoch kare mujhse kehna," he said, his concern evident.

Tanya nodded, "Haan Sir, wo abhi recover kar rahe hai. Unhone aapko thank you bhi kaha hai mere muskil waqt mein itni madad karne ke liye."

"Agar hum apne staff ka dhyan nahi rakhenge toh hamara kaam kaise hoga?" Aarav replied, his tone practical yet caring.

Tanya smiled hearing him. She stepped aside and opened the door. Playfully, she pushed him inside and closed the door behind him, "All the best Sir, aapse baatein toh main office mein karti rahungi. Filhaal, aap apni patni ke saath samay bitayie," she said teasingly.

Aarav smiled at her act, appreciating her lightheartedness. He looked around the room, the anticipation of the wedding night mingling with memories of his childhood abuse, causing a twinge of anxiety. But he took a deep breath, reminding himself to move forward and embrace this new chapter of his life. However, he noticed that Maya was nowhere to be seen.

Suddenly, the door of the bathroom opened, and Maya stepped out, clad in a black nighty after shedding her heavy jewelry and lehenga. She let out a sigh of relief as she sat on the bed, visibly exhausted from the day's festivities.

"God! Yeh itni saari rituals, I am just so tired," she expressed, her fatigue evident in her voice.

She glanced at Aarav and apologized, "Sorry Aarav, maine change kar liya, tum kaafi der tak aaye nahi toh."

"Koi baat nahi, sach mein tumhara lehenga bahut hi heavy tha. Main bhi change kar leta hun," he reassured her as he headed to the wardrobe to pull out his trousers and t-shirt. However, Maya blocked his way as he attempted to enter the bathroom.

"Mere saamne hi change karlo, patni hun tumhari," she said, attempting to inject a bit of romance into the moment.

He hesitated, feeling a bit awkward, "Nahi wo..."

Maya laughed and playfully pulled his cheek, "You are too cute Aarav, jao," she encouraged him, stepping back to give him space.

He smiled slightly, feeling at ease with her playful demeanor, and went to change in the bathroom. Upon returning, he settled on the right side of the bed, his mind still grappling with the whirlwind of emotions.

Looking at Maya, he gathered his courage and spoke, "Maya, mujhe kuch waqt chahiye. Hum abhi ek dusre ko thik se jaan bhi nahi paaye hai. Main chahta hun ki hum ek dusre ko pehle jaanle, samajhle, aur phir apne rishte ko aage badhaye."

Maya gave him a understanding look and smiled, "Aarav, I respect ki tumne mujhe sach kaha. Jab tum comfortable ho tab."

He thanked her for her understanding, feeling a sense of relief at her acceptance. Maya smiled, "Shukriya kehne ke liye bahut mauke dungi main tumhe. Waise, yeh batao, bahar uss Tanya se kya baatein kar rahe they itni der tak?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Aarav smiled at her little insecurity, "Abhi se insecure ho gayi? Shaadi hue toh kuch ghante hi hue hai," he teased her gently.

"Aarav, Maya jise chahti hai, use pura apna banake rakhti hai," she asserted.

Aarav smiled affectionately, "Ab toh tumhara hi hun."

Their eyes locked, and they became lost in each other's gaze, the warmth of understanding and acceptance enveloping them as they embarked on their journey together.

Meanwhile, Karan had been sitting on the rocking chair, lost in thought, recalling the conversation he had overheard between his wife and son. He also remembered Sharda's warnings about Sumitra's intentions to harm Aarav, but he had been manipulated by his wife's words.



Getting up from the chair, he opened his wardrobe and took out a picture of his late first wife, Nandini, along with him and the young Aarav, gently caressing his wife figure.

He missed her presence deeply, feeling remorseful for failing as a father. "Mujhe maaf kardo Nandini, main hamare bete ka khayal nahi rakh paaya... Tumhare jaane ke baad wo itna toot gaya tha ki main hi nahi paaya usey laga usey maa ke pyaar ki zaroorat hai. Isliye maine Sumitra se shaadi ki, lekin uss aurat ne toh hamare bete ka bachpan ki barbaad kar diya," he lamented, tears welling up in his eyes.

Taking a deep breath, he resolved, "Ab aur main uss aurat ko iss ghar ki neev ko khokla karne nahi dunga." He then took out his phone and called his legal advisor, instructing him to prepare divorce papers immediately.

"Thik hai Sir, reason?" the lawyer asked.

"Mere bete ko saalo tak mental aur physical harassment ka case lagana," Karan declared firmly.

The lawyer agreed, and after the call ended, Karan turned around, only to find Sumitra standing before him, fake tears streaming down her face.

"Karanji, Aarav ne mujhe maaf kar diya hai aur aap mujhe talaak dene ki baat kar rahe hai," she exclaimed in shock.

Karan gave her a stern look. "Tumhare har irade main samajh gaya hun, Sumitra! Janti bhi toh tumhari harkaton ki wajah se uski shaadishuda zindagi pe kya asar padega? Haan?" he shouted at her.

"Karanji, ek mauka de dijiye mujhe," she pleaded.

He refused adamantly. "Nahi Sumitra, tumhari jagah iss ghar mein nahi hai! Kal subah tak tum mujhe iss ghar mein dikhni nahi chahiye."

With a heavy heart, Karan lay down on the bed, closing his eyes. Sumitra watched him, her mind fraught with fear and desperation. Where would she go if he divorced her? All her efforts to gain control over him and his son would be futile if he cast her out, leaving her stranded on the streets.

A mischievous smile slowly spread across Sumitra's face as she spotted a cushion on the nearby couch. Picking it up, she approached Karan with a sinister glint in her eyes. Placing the cushion over his face, she pressed down firmly, cutting off his air supply. Karan struggled beneath the cushion, gasping for breath, but Sumitra remained resolute.

"Kal se aapko main iss ghar mein nahi dikhungi Karanji! Aapke jaane ke baad main aapke bete ka ache se khayal rakhungi," she declared triumphantly, her voice tinged with malice.

Karan fought desperately to free himself, but as his movements gradually ceased, Sumitra removed the cushion, a victorious smile gracing her lips. "Alvida Karanji," she whispered, closing his eyes with a chilling finality.