In the sterile confines of the hospital room, Aarav lay motionless on the bed, his body battered and broken from the fall. Agonizing pain surged through him with every shallow breath, but it was the ache in his heart that cut deepest of all.

"Khushi...," Aarav's voice was barely a whisper, choked with tears as he reached out into the emptiness, longing for the touch of his daughter's small hand.

Sharda, his faithful ally, stood by his side, her own eyes brimming with tears as she watched Aarav's anguish unfold. "Aarav beta, tumhe aaram ki zaroorat hai," she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion.

But Aarav's cries for his daughter echoed through the sterile halls, a haunting lament that pierced the silence of the night. Each tear that fell from his eyes carried the weight of his longing, the ache of his separation from Khushi carving a deep, unfillable void in his soul.

As the hours passed and the night stretched on, Aarav's cries grew softer, his sobs gradually fading into the stillness of the hospital room. But even in the depths of his pain and despair, one thing remained constant: the unwavering love he held for his daughter, a flickering beacon of hope that burned brightly in the darkness of his shattered heart.

With hesitant steps, Aarav returned to the familiar surroundings of his home, his heart heavy with the weight of his recent ordeal.

Maya stood before him, her expression unreadable as she observed his weary form."Maya, I fulfilled your demand," Aarav's voice was hoarse with exhaustion, his eyes pleading for mercy as he held out his trembling hands.

"Please, let me see Khushi."Maya's gaze softened slightly, a flicker of compassion glimmering in her eyes as she considered Aarav's plea.

With a silent nod, she turned and disappeared into the depths of the house, returning moments later with Khushi cradled in her arms.

Aarav's heart skipped a beat at the sight of his daughter, her innocent face a balm to his weary soul. Tears welled in his eyes as Maya gently placed Khushi in his embrace, their reunion a poignant reminder of the bond that bound them together.

"Khushi," Aarav whispered, his voice trembling with emotion as he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, his tears mingling with hers as they embraced each other in a silent symphony of love and longing.

In that fleeting moment, as father and daughter were reunited at last, the pain and suffering of the past melted away, replaced by the overwhelming joy of their shared embrace. And as they held each other close, Aarav knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, their bond would remain unbreakable, a beacon of hope in the darkness of their tumultuous lives.

Maya thought "aajke baad tum kabhi sochege nahi mujhse door jaane ki Aarav kyuki jis din tumhe yeh kia tum apni beti hamesha ke liye kho baithoge"

4 years later

In the living room of their home, Aarav sat on the floor with a smile lighting up his face as he played with Khushi, his beloved daughter who was now four years old. Despite Sumitra's relentless attempts to drive a wedge between them, their bond remained unbreakable, strengthened by love and resilience.

"dekho, Dadda! Maine kya banaya!" Khushi exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she held up a colorful drawing she had created.

Aarav's heart swelled with pride as he admired Khushi's artwork, marveling at her creativity and imagination. "Wow, Khushi, that's amazing!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Sumitra watched from the doorway, her expression dark with resentment as she witnessed the closeness between father and daughter. "Aarav, it's time for Khushi's dancing lesson. She needs to start preparing for the competition," she interjected, her tone cold and demanding.

Aarav glanced up at Sumitra, his smile faltering slightly at her interruption. "abhi nahi Sumitra, abhi main aur meri bachi ek dusre ke saath waqt bita rahe hai" he replied firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Sumitra's eyes flashed with frustration, but she quickly masked her emotions behind a facade of indifference. "thik hai lekin yaad rahe, Khushi ka future uske upar hi depend karta hai! tum use apni tarah nakara toh nahi banake rakh sakte na" she retorted before turning on her heel and storming out of the room.

Aarav sighed deeply, his heart heavy with the weight of Sumitra's expectations. But as he looked into Khushi's eyes, filled with love and trust, he knew that their bond would always be stronger than any obstacle they faced.

"Let's keep playing, Khushi," Aarav said, his voice soft and gentle as he pulled her into a warm embrace. "Nothing can ever come between us."

In the serene ambiance of their home, Aarav sat with Khushi, engrossed in a playful game of building blocks. Maya entered the room, her demeanor softened as she approached them.

"Khushi, sweetheart, would you like to bake cookies with me later?" Maya's voice was gentle, her eyes warm as she addressed her daughter.

Khushi's face lit up with excitement at the prospect of baking with her mother. "Yes, Mumma! I want to bake cookies!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious.

Aarav smiled at the interaction between Maya and Khushi, grateful for the moments of harmony they shared as a family.

"That sounds like fun, Khushi. Mumma sabse best cookies banati hai! haina Maya?" he chimed in, his tone playful as he winked at Maya.

Maya returned Aarav's smile, her heart warming at the sight of their shared joy. "Thank you, Aarav. I'll make sure to save some for you too," she replied, her voice tinged with sincerity.

As they continued to play and laugh together, Aarav couldn't help but marvel at the semblance of normalcy they had achieved, if only for a fleeting moment. Despite the challenges they faced, he cherished these moments of happiness, knowing that they were a testament to the strength of their love and resilience as a family.

Maya gently guided Khushi to the kitchen, her small hand nestled in her mother's. Meanwhile, Aarav bent down to pick up the scattered drawings his daughter had left on the floor. As he lifted the colorful papers, a warm smile spread across his face. The crayon strokes and innocent doodles took him back to his own childhood, a time when he too had created such drawings. But his smile faltered slightly, memories of his past creeping in. His stepmother's harshness had robbed him of those carefree moments, leaving a void filled with a deep sense of loss and longing.

Aarav's grip tightened on the drawings as he made a silent vow. "meri bachi kabhi wo sab nahi chodegi jo usey pasand hai," His daughter would never experience the same pain. He would protect her joy and innocence, ensuring no one could ever snatch away her happiness as had been done to him. With a determined heart, he promised to cherish and nurture Khushi's childhood, filling it with love and security.

Aarav heard giggles coming from the kitchen, and the joyful sound filled his heart with warmth. Quickly, he arranged Khushi's drawings neatly in her room before walking towards the source of laughter. In the kitchen, Maya was teaching Khushi how to make cookies. Flour and cookie cutters were scattered across the counter, and Khushi's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Main bhi help karta hun," Aarav offered, stepping into the room with a smile.

"Haan mumma! Dadda ko bhi help karne do," Khushi chimed in her babyish tone, looking up at Maya with hopeful eyes.

Maya ruffled Khushi's hair affectionately. "Theek hai, Dadda ko bhi help karne do," she agreed with a smile.

Together, the family worked on making cookies, laughter and conversation flowing easily. Aarav noticed a smudge of flour on Maya's face and reached out to wipe it away. She glanced at him, her eyes filled with love and appreciation.

"Dadda... Mumma ko kaam karne do," Khushi complained, her small hands trying to mimic the mixing motion.

Aarav chuckled and looked down at her with a playful smile. "Kar toh rahi hai kaam tumhari mumma. Main toh bas unka face saaf kar raha tha," he said, his voice gentle.

Maya gave him a mock stern look. "Stop flirting, Aarav," she said, though her eyes twinkled with amusement.

Aarav laughed, the sound rich and full of joy. He glanced at Maya, momentarily confused by the way she effortlessly balanced warmth and playfulness, never showing possessiveness or anger, especially not in front of Khushi. It was moments like these that reminded him of how deeply she loved him, creating a safe and loving environment for their daughter.

As the night draped the household in a tranquil stillness, Khushi drifted off to sleep, her peaceful breaths filling the room with a sense of serenity. Aarav watched over her, his heart swelling with love and protection for his slumbering daughter. The soft moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over Khushi's innocent face.

Maya's demeanor shifted as she turned to Aarav, her eyes cold and calculating. "Now that Khushi is asleep, we can have a little chat," she remarked, her voice devoid of warmth.

Aarav's heart sank as he sensed the impending confrontation, his stomach twisting with apprehension. "Maya, please... abhi nahi. Let's not ruin the peace," he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation.

But Maya's expression hardened, her resolve unyielding as she advanced towards him. "Acha? Lekin ghar ki shanti toh pehle se bhang hai tumhari wajah se," she accused, her tone laced with venom.

Aarav looked at her, confusion and frustration mingling on his face. "Ab kya kiya maine?"

"Yeh Khushi ke saamne jo tum mujhse pyaar karne ka natak karte ho na, usey achhe se jaanti hun main," Maya said, her voice sharp and accusing.

Aarav sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "Main koi natak nahi karta hun, Maya! Sirf Khushi ki wajah se main tumhe aur Sumitra ko iss ghar mein bardasht kar raha hun, samjhi tum? Warna tumne jo harkatein ki hain na mere saath..." His voice trailed off, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

Maya grabbed his collar, her eyes blazing with anger. "Toh kya, Aarav? Mujhse door jaana chahte ho?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

Aarav took a deep breath, his expression softening. "Nahi, Maya. Bas chahta hun tum badal jao hamari beti ke liye. Sumitra ke saath milke mujhe pareshan karna band karo, please," he said, folding his hands in front of her, his plea earnest and heartfelt. Without waiting for her response, he walked out of the room. 

He peeped into Khushi's room, the sight of her peaceful face calming his turbulent emotions. Slipping into bed beside her, Aarav hugged her tightly, finding solace in the embrace of his daughter the only smooth part in his otherwise tumultuous life. As he held her, the worries and conflicts seemed to melt away, replaced by a profound sense of love and determination to protect her at all costs.

As the morning sun peeked through the curtains, Khushi's laughter filled the air, a sweet melody of innocence and joy. She was playing with her toys, her imaginative world unfolding in front of her. Aarav watched her, a fond smile on his face.

Just then, Khushi's hand slipped, and a glass of milk toppled over, spilling its contents across the table and onto the floor. The sudden crash of the glass breaking echoed through the room, bringing Maya rushing in, her face a mask of irritation.

"Maine kitni baar kaha hai, Khushi, careful raho!" Maya snapped, her voice sharp. Khushi's eyes widened with fear, and she instinctively shrank back, clutching her toy tightly.

Aarav stepped forward, his tone soothing. "Maya, it's just an accident. Bacche hain, galti ho gayi."

But Maya's eyes turned cold as they fixed on Aarav. "Hamesha tumhare dikhave se mujhe koi farak nahi padta, Aarav," she said icily. "Tumhari wajah se hi Khushi itni careless ho gayi hai."

Aarav frowned, sensing the unfairness of her accusation. "Maya, aisa mat kaho. Khushi abhi bachi hai, usey samajhane ki zarurat hai, na ki daantne ki."

Maya's face hardened, and she turned to Khushi. "Jao, apne kamre mein," she ordered. Khushi hesitated, looking between her parents, but Maya's stern glare sent her scurrying away.

Once Khushi was out of sight, Maya rounded on Aarav. "Tumhe saza milegi iske liye," she said, her voice low and menacing.

Aarav's heart sank. "Maya, please..."

Maya ignored his plea, her mind set on punishment. "Yeh poora hafte tum bhooke raho ge, Aarav! My eyes are on you," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Aarav clenched his fists, anger and helplessness coursing through him. He knew better than to argue further; it would only make things worse. Silently, he accepted it as he couldn't let Khushi's innocence be tainted by these harsh punishments. He would find a way to shield her, to give her the carefree childhood he never had. Despite the weight of his own burdens, his love for his daughter kept him moving forward, determined to create a better world for her.

Aarav headed to Khushi's room and found her curled up on her bed, eyes wide with fear. It was the first time Maya had scolded her so harshly. He gently pulled her into his lap and kissed her forehead lightly. "Mumma ne danta meri bachi ko..." he said softly.

"Dadda, solly," she whispered, her voice trembling as she apologized for breaking the glass.

Aarav smiled, trying to ease her distress. "Koi baat nahi, beta! Galti sabse hoti hai... Chalo, lunch karenge."

He took her to the dining table and settled her in her chair. As he served her food, Khushi glanced at his empty plate, concern etched on her small face. "Dadda... aap tyu nahi kha rahe ho?" she questioned, her innocent eyes full of worry.

"Aap khalo, main baad mein khata hun," he said, forcing a reassuring smile.

Khushi shook her head and picked up a spoonful of food, trying to feed him. Aarav's heart ached as he recalled Maya's punishment. He knew he couldn't risk disobeying, not if it meant Khushi might suffer the consequences. Gently, he pushed the spoon back towards her. "Mujhe bhook nahi, Khushi. Aap khao, chalo."

Khushi nodded reluctantly and started eating, her eyes occasionally drifting to her father's empty plate. Aarav watched her, his resolve strengthening. He would endure any hardship to protect his daughter, to ensure her days were filled with love and security. As Khushi ate, oblivious to the storm brewing within him, Aarav silently vowed to find a way out of this darkness, for her sake.

Aarav approached Sharda, his voice low and filled with determination. "Kaki, iss hafte Khushi ko aap khana khilana. Main nahi chahta meri bachi baar baar mujhse ek hi sawal kare," he requested, the strain evident in his tone.

Sharda agreed, concern etched on her face. "Beta, kya puri zindagi yeh sahoge?" she asked softly, her eyes searching his for answers.

Aarav took a deep breath, his resolve unwavering. "Nahi, Kaki... lekin main apni bachi ki jaan bhi khatre mein nahi daal sakta. Aap chinta mat karo, mere rehte Khushi pe koi aanch nahi aayegi, Maya ya Sumitra ki wajah se," he said, his voice firm and reassuring.

Sharda nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "Theek hai, beta. Main Khushi ka dhyan rakhungi," she promised, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Aarav gave her a grateful smile. "Shukriya, Kaki," he said, his heart a little lighter knowing that Khushi would be cared for.

With that, Aarav returned to Khushi, who was now playing quietly in the living room. He watched her, his love for her providing him with the strength to face whatever came their way. He knew he had to find a way to protect her from the toxic environment Maya and Sumitra created, and he silently vowed to do whatever it took to ensure her safety and happiness.

As the days passed, Aarav endured the hunger, his mind constantly thinking of ways to shield his daughter. Every time he saw Khushi's innocent smile, it renewed his determination to fight for a better future for her, one free from fear and filled with love.

In the dimly lit hallway, Sumitra approached Aarav with a predatory gleam in her eyes, her movements sinuous and calculated. Aarav tensed at her approach, his instincts on high alert as he prepared for yet another confrontation.

"Aarav, kya haal banake rakha hai apna? Itne dino se bhooke ho, chalo tumhari kuch bhook mitadun main?" Sumitra purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness as she reached out to touch him.

Aarav recoiled instinctively, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive at the thought of his daughter witnessing anything untoward. "Sumitra, please, meri beti tumhe dadi kehti hai aur tum ho ki..." he began, his voice firm with resolve.

But Sumitra's eyes flashed with impatience, her temper simmering beneath the surface. "Oh, Aarav, always thinking of that brat," she spat, her voice tinged with bitterness as she lashed out at him.

Aarav's heart pounded with fear and frustration as he tried to reason with Sumitra, his mind racing for a way to diffuse the situation before it escalated further. "Sumitra, please, socho Khushi ka. Main nahi chahta wo yeh sab dekhe jisse use dukh ho," he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation.

However, Sumitra's anger boiled over, her control slipping as she lashed out impulsively. "Aarav, jabse Khushi aayi hai tum bahut na karne lage ho! Shayad bhool gaye main kya kya kar sakti hun," she warned him.

"Kar lo jo karna hai tumhe!" Aarav denied, his voice resolute.

Sumitra fumed in anger. "Dekho mujhe na karne ka anjaam!" she hissed, glancing at Khushi, who had been playing near the stairs. Without a second thought, Sumitra walked to the corridor and pushed Khushi from the top of the stairs, sending her tumbling down to the floor below.

Aarav's heart stopped as he watched in horror, his world crumbling around him as he rushed to his daughter's side. His hands trembled as he cradled her broken body in his arms. "Khushi, no... please, wake up," Aarav pleaded, his voice choked with tears as he prayed for a miracle that would never come.

Desperation fueling his actions, Aarav scooped Khushi into his arms and rushed her to the hospital. The drive was a blur of panic and fear, his mind filled with images of his daughter's lifeless form. When he arrived, the doctors immediately attended to the little girl, whisking her away to the emergency room.

Aarav paced the waiting area, his thoughts a chaotic storm. Every second felt like an eternity. The sterile, white walls of the hospital seemed to close in around him, amplifying his sense of dread.

After what felt like hours, a doctor emerged, his expression grave. "Mr. Aarav, we've stabilized her for now, but she's in critical condition. We've done everything we can, but the next 24 hours are crucial."

Aarav's world collapsed around him as he sat in the sterile hospital waiting area, his mind replaying the horrific scene of Khushi falling down the stairs. The image of her limp body haunted him, each breath he took weighed down by guilt and sorrow. He had promised to protect her, yet now she lay in critical condition because of Sumitra's malicious act.

Maya's arrival cut through the tense silence like a storm. Her eyes, usually warm with love for her daughter, now burned with fury and disbelief. She glanced at Khushi through the small window of the hospital room, her heart breaking at the sight of her motionless child. Without a word, Maya turned to Aarav, her emotions unleashing in a torrent of anger.

"How dare you, Aarav??" Maya's voice sliced through the air, filled with accusation and pain. In a moment of rage, she slapped him hard across the face, the force leaving a trail of blood trickling from the corner of his lip.

"Maya, meri baat suno," Aarav pleaded, his voice strained with anguish as he tried to explain.

"Kuch nahi sunna hai mujhe, Aarav! Phir se tumne Sumitra ki baat nahi maani hogi, isliye usne meri bachi ko saza di," she screamed, her voice trembling with raw emotion.

"Maya, main bas..." Aarav attempted to interject, but Maya cut him off with a steely glare.

"Tumhari koi safai mujhe nahi sunni hai, Aarav! Aaj se main tumse Khushi ke baap hone ka haq chhin rahi hun! Meri beti ke aas paas bhi mat nazar aana tum," Maya declared, her words cutting deep into Aarav's heart like shards of glass.

Aarav's spirit shattered as Maya's words washed over him. He felt the weight of her judgment and the crushing finality of her decision. His desperation grew as he pleaded, "Maya, please... yeh mat karo, uski meri zaroorat hai."

But Maya remained resolute, her resolve unyielding as she took control of the situation. "Ab bahut der ho chuki hai, Aarav. From now on, Khushi sirf meri beti hai. And you... you have no place in her life anymore," she declared, her voice cold and decisive.

As Maya turned and walked away, leaving Aarav alone with his shattered dreams and broken heart, he watched her retreating figure with a mixture of anguish and determination. The battle for Khushi's love and safety had only just begun, and Aarav knew that he would fight for his daughter with every ounce of strength he had left, despite the daunting odds stacked against him.

In the quiet solitude of the hospital corridor, Aarav found solace in the small temple tucked away from the bustling activity of the wards. Lit only by flickering candles and the soft glow of oil lamps, he knelt before the serene idols, his heart heavy with worry and his mind filled with prayers for Khushi's recovery. Each whispered plea carried the weight of his love and desperation, seeking divine intervention for his beloved daughter lying unconscious in the hospital room nearby.

As he lit incense and offered flowers with trembling hands, Aarav's thoughts were consumed by memories of Khushi her laughter echoing through their home, her innocent questions that brightened his darkest days. He prayed for her healing, for the strength to endure whatever lay ahead, and for the chance to see her awake, safe in his arms once more.

In the dimly lit corridor outside the hospital room, Aarav knelt in quiet supplication before the temple's serene idols, his heart heavy with worry and prayers for Khushi's recovery. The flickering candles cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and hope amidst the medical turmoil that surrounded him.

Suddenly, a gentle touch on his shoulder startled him from his reverie. It was Sharda, the elderly caretaker of the temple, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "Aarav, Khushi ko hosh aa gaya," she whispered quietly, her voice tinged with relief and emotion.

Relief flooded Aarav's heart like a tidal wave, washing away the darkness of his fears. "Sach mein?" he repeated, his voice trembling with hope and disbelief.

Sharda nodded solemnly, her eyes reflecting the faint glow of the temple lamps. Aarav's pulse quickened with anticipation and gratitude as he rose swiftly, his mind racing towards Khushi's room where his beloved daughter had awakened from her ordeal.

But as he rushed towards the door, Maya intercepted him. Her expression was stern, her eyes flashing with a mixture of concern and a firm resolve. "Maine kaha na tum meri beti se door rahoge," she warned him firmly, her voice cutting through the tense atmosphere.

"Maya, please..." Aarav pleaded desperately, his heart pounding with the need to see Khushi, to hold her close after fearing the worst.

But Maya's resolve remained unyielding. "No means no! Agar tum andar aaye toh mujhse bura koi nahi hoga, Aarav," she insisted, her voice edged with frustration and protectiveness.

With a heavy heart and a sense of powerlessness, Aarav watched helplessly as Maya entered Khushi's room. His emotions surged within him, a tumultuous mix of relief at Khushi's recovery and frustration at being kept away from her side.

Inside the room, Khushi's eyes fluttered open, her gaze searching the familiar faces around her. "Dadda..." she murmured weakly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maya smiled tenderly and brushed a strand of hair from Khushi's forehead. "Dadda ghar pe hai, Khushi... Mumma hai aapke paas," she reassured her gently, her voice filled with maternal love and reassurance.

But Khushi's brow furrowed with confusion and disappointment, her innocent heart yearning for her father's comforting presence in this moment of vulnerability. Her eyes welled up with unshed tears as she struggled to understand Maya's words.

Outside the room, Aarav stood frozen in the corridor, his eyes locked on the scene through the glass window. Tears streamed down his cheeks unchecked, a mixture of relief at Khushi's awakening and anguish at being denied the chance to comfort her.

In that moment, a storm of emotions gripped Aarav's soul. His fists clenched with determination as he looked towards Sumitra, whose actions had caused this rift in his family. Anger smoldered in his eyes, his resolve hardening like steel. He vowed silently to rid their lives of Sumitra's and Maya's toxic influence, to ensure that Khushi never again suffer because of their cruelty.

As the hospital corridor buzzed with the sounds of medical activity and muted conversations, Aarav stood alone, his heart heavy but his spirit resolute. The battle for his daughter's happiness and well-being had just begun, and he knew that he would fight with every ounce of strength he possessed, no matter the obstacles in his path.