As Khushi finally returned home from the hospital, the atmosphere in the house was tinged with both relief and lingering tension. Aarav had been eagerly awaiting this moment, his heart filled with a mix of joy at having Khushi back and apprehension about the challenges ahead. He stood by the door, ready to embrace his daughter and reassure her of his unwavering love and presence.

Khushi entered cautiously, her steps tentative but filled with the innocent curiosity of a child eager to return to familiar surroundings. Her eyes searched eagerly for her father, longing for his comforting presence after the ordeal she had faced.

"Dadda!" Khushi exclaimed with a bright smile as she spotted Aarav standing there, her face lighting up with joy.

Aarav's heart swelled with love as he rushed forward to scoop Khushi into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. "Khushi, meri jaan! Tum wapas aa gayi," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

Khushi clung to him, her small arms wrapping around his neck as she buried her face against his shoulder. "Dadda, mujhe aapke paas rehna hai," she murmured softly, her voice filled with a child's innocence and trust.

Aarav held her closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Haan beta, main hamesha tumhare paas rahunga," he assured her, his voice gentle yet resolute.

But just as Khushi seemed content in her father's arms, Maya entered the room. Her expression was composed, yet there was a subtle edge to her demeanor—a hint of calculation that didn't escape Aarav's notice.

"Khushi, beta, tumhe abhi araam karna chahiye. Aarav, tumhe is waqt ghar ka kaam karna chahiye," Maya interjected smoothly, her voice measured but firm.

Khushi looked up at Maya, her eyes wide with confusion. "Mumma, main Dadda ke saath rahna chahti hun," she said earnestly, her voice pleading.

Aarav glanced at Maya, silently hoping for understanding and cooperation. "Maya, Khushi ko thoda waqt mere saath rehne do. Usne hospital mein bahut kuch saha hai," he requested, his tone gentle but firm.

Maya's expression hardened imperceptibly, a flicker of annoyance crossing her features before she masked it with a placid smile. "Aarav, Khushi ki tabiyat abhi theek nahi hai. Tumhe usse bahut jyada disturb nahi karna chahiye," she cautioned, her voice tinged with subtle manipulation.

Aarav's heart sank as he sensed Maya's attempt to assert control over Khushi's desires. "Maya, main bas Khushi ke saath waqt bitana chahta hun," he insisted, his voice tinged with frustration.

But Maya remained steadfast, her gaze unwavering as she gently guided Khushi away from Aarav's embrace. "Khushi, beta, tumhe abhi araam ki zaroorat hai. Aarav, tum samajh rahe ho na?" she questioned, her tone turning slightly colder.

Khushi's lower lip quivered, torn between her father's warmth and Maya's authority. She looked back at Aarav with tear-filled eyes, silently pleading for him to intervene.

Aarav's heart ached with helplessness as he watched Maya lead Khushi away, his daughter's small hand slipping from his grasp. He knew that Maya's subtle manipulation had created a divide between them once again, a barrier that seemed insurmountable despite his deepest desires.

Left alone in the room, Aarav clenched his fists in frustration, his jaw set with determination. He vowed silently to find a way to bridge the gap Maya had widened between him and Khushi, to ensure that his daughter would never doubt his love and presence in her life again.

Alone in the study room, Aarav stood amidst the echoes of memories and the weight of unresolved family history. The shelves around him held artifacts of his lineage—aged books, framed photographs, and his father's cherished belongings that seemed to hold secrets of their own. Emotions churned within him as he navigated the turmoil of his past and present.

"Jis tarah bachpan mein Sumitra mujhe aapse door rakhti thi, usi tarah Maya meri bachi se mujhe door kar rahi hai, papa!" Aarav's voice echoed softly in the stillness, his frustration palpable as he clenched his fists in a silent plea for guidance. "Main nahi chahta meri bachi itni si umar mein kisi ke control mein rahe... Koi toh rasta dikhaye mujhe," he murmured, his words a mix of anguish and determination.

Carefully placing his father's belongings back onto the shelves, Aarav's hand brushed against an old diary that slipped from its place. The diary fell open, revealing a cryptic entry that caught his attention: "Today, lawyer urgent task." His eyes widened as he noticed the date it matched the day of his own wedding.

"Why did my father need to speak to a lawyer on the day of my wedding?" Aarav wondered aloud, his mind racing with possibilities. His thoughts turned to Sumitra, her deceitful actions from his childhood surfacing once more. "Kahin papa unse divorce..." he speculated, a flicker of realization dawning in his eyes.

Quickly regaining his composure, Aarav replaced the diary and other items on the shelf, his movements deliberate yet tinged with urgency. The weight of newfound insights bore down on him as he resolved to uncover the truth, to confront the shadows of the past that had shaped his family's destiny.

As he left the study room, Aarav's steps were purposeful, his mind buzzing with unanswered questions and a newfound determination.

He paced back and forth, the weight of recent events pressing heavily on his shoulders. The memory of his last conversation with his father echoed painfully in his mind. He had pleaded with him to forgive Sumitra, to start afresh despite all she had done. Little did he know that would be their final exchange.

"kyun aap achanak mujhe chodke chale gaye, Papa?" Aarav whispered to himself, his voice tinged with sorrow and disbelief.

His thoughts then turned to Sumitra—her manipulations, her cruelty that had shattered their family. The image of her betrayal, not just towards his father but towards him as well, fueled a simmering rage within him. He clenched his fists, his jaw tightening at the realization of how deep her deceit ran.

"kya Sumitra ne... aapki jaan li hai?" Aarav wondered aloud, the thought sending a chill down his spine. The idea that she might have played a role in his father's sudden passing gnawed at him, filling him with a mix of horror and indignation.

Standing in the middle of the room, Aarav took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside him. He knew one thing for certain—Sumitra would not get away with this. She had crossed a line that could never be uncrossed, and he was determined to uncover the truth, no matter where it led.

With a newfound resolve hardening his gaze, Aarav vowed silently, "main sach pata karke rahunga papa.. uss raat aakhir hua kya tha mera wada hai aapse."

Maya had been in the office, and Khushi returned from school, her steps slow and heavy with the weight of her thoughts. She settled on the couch, her eyes lingering on the familiar surroundings. Every day, Aarav used to come to her and pamper her, his warm presence a constant comfort. But since her accident, he hadn't seen her even for a minute. The disappointment gnawed at her, a dull ache in her chest. She glanced towards his door, which was closed, a barrier that felt insurmountable. Resolute, she ran to the door and knocked, "Dadda..."

Inside, Aarav's heart raced upon hearing her voice. He rushed to the door and placed his hand on the knob, the cool metal grounding him momentarily. He remembered Maya's warning, her stern face flashing in his mind. He couldn't bear the thought of his daughter facing Maya's harshness because of him.

"Beta, dadda thoda busy hai, baad mein baat karenge," he said helplessly, his voice cracking slightly.

Khushi's voice was soft, filled with longing, "Dadda, I miss you."

Aarav's eyes welled up with tears, his hand trembling on the knob. "I miss you too," he whispered, the words choked with emotion.

Khushi turned away, her small shoulders drooping. She spotted Sumitra sitting on the couch, her eyes warm and inviting. Sumitra extended her arms, and Khushi ran to her, seeking solace. Sumitra hugged her tightly, her embrace deceptively comforting, and she showered Khushi with fake affection.

"Dekha, aapke dadda aapse pyaar nahi karte," Sumitra murmured, her voice smooth and insidious.

Khushi remained silent, her heart heavy with confusion and hurt. Aarav's behavior left her feeling abandoned, and she didn't know how to reconcile the love she felt for him with the distance he maintained. Sumitra's words only added to her turmoil, a seed of doubt taking root in her young mind.

Maya returned from the office, her eyes immediately falling on Khushi, who sat quietly on the couch, her usual bright smile missing. Concerned, Maya approached her and gently asked, "Khushi, what happened?"

Khushi looked up, her eyes filled with confusion and sadness. "Dadda gussa hai mujhse? Mere paas nahi aate mumma," she complained, her voice trembling.

Maya bent down to her level, placing her hands on Khushi's small shoulders. "Unki wajah se aapko hurt hua na... agar wo Sumitra daadi ki baat maan lete toh aisa nahi hota," she explained, her tone soft but firm.

Khushi's eyes widened with a glimmer of hope. "Main dadda se kahungi wo daadi ki baat maane. Phir toh dadda baat karenge na Khushi se?" she asked, her voice eager.

"Haan, zaroor karenge," Maya agreed, a reassuring smile on her face.

Buoyed by Maya's words, Khushi ran to Aarav's room and pushed open the door. "Dadda! Dadda!" she called out.

Aarav, who had been standing by the window lost in thought, turned immediately. He was shocked to see her in the room. His heart leapt as he rushed to her, enveloping her in a tight hug. "Khushi... tum," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

Khushi looked up at him, her innocence shining through. "Dadda, aap daadi ki baat manlo na phir aap mujhse baat kar sakte. Mumma ne kahan," she said, her voice sweet and trusting.

Aarav parted the hug and caressed her face gently, his heart aching. He glanced towards the door and saw Maya standing there, a wicked smile playing on her lips. It was clear she was trying to manipulate their daughter, using her as a pawn in their strained relationship.

Aarav's mind raced. He needed to protect Khushi from the toxic dynamics swirling around them, but how could he do that without alienating her further? His eyes met Maya's, and he could see the satisfaction in her expression, a stark contrast to the confusion and hope in Khushi's. He took a deep breath, determined to navigate this treacherous situation carefully.

"Khushi, dadda tumse hamesha baat karna chahta hai," he said softly, keeping his focus on her. "Lekin kuch cheezein hoti hain jo samajhna mushkil hota hai. Dadda tumse bahut pyaar karta hai."

Khushi nodded, still holding onto him tightly. Aarav kissed her forehead, his heart heavy with the weight of their complicated world. 

After ensuring Khushi was settled and safe, Aarav knew he had to address the underlying issue. Steeling himself, he went to find Sumitra. She was in the kitchen, preparing tea.

"Sumitra," Aarav began, his voice respectful yet strained, "mujhe aapse maafi maangni hai. Maine aapki baat nahi maani, aur uska nateeja Khushi ko bhugatna pada."

Sumitra turned to face him, her eyes glinting with a mix of surprise and satisfaction. "Ab samajh aaya tumhe?" she said, her voice cold. "Agar pehle hi meri baat maan lete, toh yeh sab nahi hota."

Aarav nodded, the guilt weighing heavily on him. "Aap bilkul sahi keh rahi hain. Please, mujhe maaf kar dijiye."

Sumitra's expression softened slightly as she approached him. "Thik hai, Aarav," she said, placing a hand on his arm. "Mujhe bas yeh hi chahiye tha ki tum meri baat maan lo."

As she stood closer, Aarav felt a shift in the atmosphere. Sumitra's hand lingered on his arm, and she moved even closer, her intentions becoming alarmingly clear. She pressed herself against him, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made Aarav deeply uncomfortable.

"please.. sumitra," Aarav said, his voice trembling with shock and confusion, "yeh aap kya kar rahi hain?"

Sumitra's smile was unsettling. "Aarav, tum samajh nahi rahe. Mujhe hamesha se tumhare kareeb rehna tha," she whispered, her hand moving to his chest.

Aarav quickly stepped back, his mind reeling. "please, meri beti aapko daadi kehti hai aur aap iss tarah," he said, his voice firm despite his unease.

Sumitra's expression turned hard, anger replacing the unsettling smile. "meri baat tumhe manni hi hogi. Khushi ke liye yeh hi behtar hoga," she said, her tone threatening.

Aarav nodded slowly, his mind racing with how to navigate this new and disturbing development. He had to protect Khushi and himself from the manipulations around them.

He thought, "Agar mujhe papa ki maut ka sach janna hai toh mujhe inke qareeb jaana hi hoga! Inke zariye hi main ghar se bahar jaake lawyer se mulakat kar sakta hun."

He looked at Sumitra and said, "Bas meri beti ko inn sabse door rakho."

Sumitra smiled slyly and replied, "I promise usey kuch nahi hoga jabtak tum meri baat manoge."

She pulled him into the bedroom and spent the night with him. Late at night, when she was in a deep sleep, he quietly got off the bed and began to search for some proof that could lead him to the truth about his father's death. He looked back and found her stirring.

He quickly stepped out of the room and let out a sigh of relief. He thought, "Ghar ke har kone mein CCTV hai! Siwaye inke aur mere kamre mein... Mujhe saboot dhoondhne hain toh inn dono ki nazron se bachke."

He headed to his bedroom and saw Maya sleeping peacefully. He deliberately dropped a vase, and Maya woke up hearing the noise. She glanced at him and asked, "Tum kahan se aa rahe ho?"

"Jaise tumhe pata hi nahi hai!" Aarav retorted.

Maya got up from the bed and walked towards him. She questioned, "Sumitra ki baat maan li tumne?"

"Toh kya karta? Phir se apni beti ko hospital nahi dekhna chahta main... Tumhe kya farak padta hai? Tumhe toh bas mujhe saza dene mein maza aata hai chahe galti meri ho ya na ho," Aarav said, his voice laced with frustration.

Maya gave him a sharp look. "Aarav, don't speak to me in this tone," she said sternly.

He smiled bitterly, "Maya waise toh koi mujhe touch bhi karta hai toh tum bhadak jaati ho lekin Sumitra ko kuch nahi kehti ho tum" he paused, unable to continue.

Maya gave him another look, more curious than before. Aarav said, "Kahi aisa na ho ek din Sumitra hi mujhe tumse cheen le," trying to manipulate her against Sumitra. He then lay down on the bed, leaving Maya in her thoughts.

Aarav smiled slightly, thinking, "Maya, I am sure tumhe sab pata hai Sumitra ke baare mein... Sach kya hai ab tum hi mujhe bataogi."

The next evening, when Maya returned from the office, she saw Aarav massaging Sumitra's head.

"Aarav, tumhare haathon mein toh jadoo hai. I just love this," Sumitra said with closed eyes, placing her hand on his and caressing it.

"Aarav!!" Maya shouted.

Aarav looked up, startled. "Haan, Maya?"

"Get me a coffee," she demanded, her tone laced with insecurity.

"Maya, wo abhi meri head massage kar raha hai. Ruko thodi der," Sumitra interjected, enjoying the moment.

"I said get me coffee!" Maya shouted again, more forcefully this time.

Aarav nodded and reluctantly headed to the kitchen. Maya seized the moment, grabbing Sumitra's hand and pulling her towards the bedroom. Aarav quietly followed them and hid just outside the door.

"Sumitra, kya kar rahi ho tum? Mere pati ko mujhse door karne ki koshish?" Maya confronted her angrily.

"Maya! Tumse pehle uspe haq mera hai, samjhi? Mat bhoolo maine tumhari usse shaadi karwayi yeh jante hue bhi ki tum apni possessiveness ki wajah se kisi bhi jaan le sakti ho," Sumitra retorted, her rage palpable.

"Aur aap bhi mat bhoolna ek hukkum ka ikka mere paas bhi hai! Agar Aarav ko de diya maine toh aap iss ghar mein nahi, jail mein dikhengi," Maya threatened, her voice cold and menacing.

"Dhamkao mat, Maya! Agar main doobi toh saath mein tumhe bhi leke jaungi," Sumitra replied carelessly, a hint of a smirk on her face.

Aarav was stunned by their exchange. He thought, "Kahi Maya ke paas aisa kuch toh nahi jo yeh sabit kare papa ki maut Sumitra ki wajah se hui thi." With a heavy heart, he walked back to the kitchen and prepared the coffee.

He returned and handed the coffee to Maya. She grabbed his arm and pushed him onto the bed, her eyes blazing with possessiveness. "Tum sirf mere ho, samjhe?" she declared fiercely.

Maya then leaned in, getting romantic with him. Aarav responded with equal passion, his mind made up. He had decided to play along with both women to uncover the truth.

As the night wore on, he held Maya close, his thoughts a whirlwind of plans and possibilities. He knew he had to tread carefully, using the knowledge he had gained to find a way out of this twisted web. For now, he would play the part they expected of him, but deep inside, his resolve to protect his daughter and seek justice for his father grew stronger with every passing moment.

Each interaction, each conversation, was a step closer to the truth. Aarav's heart ached with the weight of his mission, but he found strength in his love for Khushi and his determination to honor his father's memory. The road ahead was fraught with danger and deception, but he was ready to face it all, for the sake of his family and their future.

A few days later, Khushi had been running in the hall while Aarav chased after her, both laughing joyfully. Finally, he caught her in his arms, and she giggled, "Dadda... Neeche utalo" she said, wriggling in his grip.

He placed her down gently and smiled. Khushi looked up at him with bright, hopeful eyes. "Dadda, kal school mein sports day hai. Aap aaoge na?"

Aarav smiled tenderly at her, "Aapki mumma jayengi na..."

Khushi's face fell, and she pouted. "Aap kyun nahi?"

Aarav sighed softly, his heart heavy with the burden of his reality. "Dadda ko yahan bahut kaam hai..."

Khushi crossed her arms defiantly, her little face scrunching up in anger. "Dadda... You don't love me! Aap kabhi kahi nahi aate mere saath," she said, her voice rising with frustration.

Aarav knelt down to her level, struggling to find the words to explain the complexities of his situation to his four-year-old daughter. He looked into her eyes, full of innocence and misunderstanding. "Sorry, bache... Dadda promise karte hai agle saal zaroor aayenge," he said, hoping against hope that by then he would find a way to escape from Maya and Sumitra's control.

Khushi nodded reluctantly, still upset but mollified by his promise. Aarav pulled her into a warm hug, holding her tightly as if to shield her from the turmoil in their lives.

The next morning, as Khushi got ready for school, Aarav approached Maya with a request. "Main bhi chalun? Uska bahut mann hai."

Maya smiled slyly, a hint of suspicion in her eyes. "Taaki waha teachers pe nazar daal sako? Never, Aarav."

Aarav, hiding his disappointment, replied, "Thik hai, lekin main market toh jaa sakta hun na? Please, tumhare aur Khushi ke liye kuch gifts laana chahta hun."

Maya hesitated. "Fine, lekin..."

"Sumitra hai na, woh sab batayegi tumhe, haina?" Aarav interjected, glancing at Sumitra.

Sumitra chimed in, "Haan Maya, don't worry. Main nazar rakhungi ispe."

Maya, anger flashing in her eyes, snapped, "Koi zaroorat nahi hai! I trust him... Jao, Aarav."

Aarav felt a small sense of relief at her words. Maya left for Khushi's school, and Aarav headed to the market, ostensibly to purchase gifts for his wife and daughter.

However, instead of the market, Aarav made his way to the lawyer's office. Upon entering, the lawyer, Gupta, looked up in shock. "Aarav sir, aap?"

"Haan, main, Guptaji... Mujhe aapse bahut zaroori baat karni hai," Aarav said urgently.

Gupta insisted he sit down. "Sir, aapki tabiyat kaisi hai ab?"

Aarav forced a smile, "Tabiyat toh thik hi hai! Mujhe bas sach janna hai... Kya papa ne aapko phone kiya tha unki maut ki raat?"

Gupta's face grew anxious. Aarav, desperation clear in his voice, folded his hands in front of him, "Please batayie... Papa ne aapki madad tab ki thi jab aapke paas kuch nahi tha! Agar kabhi aapne mere papa ki zara si bhi izzat ki hai, toh mujhe sach batayie," he cried.

Gupta, visibly moved, pulled Aarav's hands down. "Please, mujhe sharminda mat kijiye. Main sab kehta hun aapko."

Aarav's heart pounded with hope. The lawyer revealed that Karan had asked him to file a case against Sumitra for child abuse. He had prepared the divorce papers and had come to deliver them at the funeral.

Aarav was stunned. "Kya!!" he exclaimed.

His mind raced with the implications. "Iska matlab Sumitra ne khud ko bachane ke liye unhe maar daala," he thought, tears brimming in his eyes.

He asked the lawyer for the papers, but Gupta told him that Sumitra had taken them. Aarav thanked him for revealing the truth and left the office, his mind a whirlwind of emotions.

As he walked out, Aarav felt a surge of determination. The realization that Sumitra had killed his father to maintain her power and control fueled his resolve. He took a deep breath, his mind set on justice. "Sumitra! Wada karta hun, tumhe jail bhejunga aur Maya ko apni zindagi se hamesha ke liye door karunga. Meri beti tum jaise logon ke beech rahke badi nahi hogi ab waqt aa gaya hai tum dono ka hamesha ke liye meri zindagi se jaane ka," he vowed, his voice firm with conviction.