Aarav had just finished shopping for dresses for his daughter and settled into his car, instructing the driver to take him home. As they pulled away from the curb, Aarav glanced out of the window and suddenly noticed someone familiar outside the courthouse.

"Driver car roko" he ordered abruptly.

The driver complied, bringing the car to a halt by the sidewalk. Aarav swiftly got out and his eyes widened in surprise and anger as he saw Manvi standing in front of the courthouse, engaged in a heated discussion with a lawyer. It was evident they were arguing over something intensely.

His attention was drawn to Dhruv, who emerged from the courthouse with a smug expression, triumphantly looking at Manvi. Aarav's jaw clenched with fury. He had previously sent Dhruv to jail, yet here he was, causing trouble for Manvi once again.

Aarav watched helplessly as Dhruv grabbed Manvi's hand forcefully, causing her to struggle in his grip. The sight filled Aarav with a surge of rage and protectiveness towards Manvi, whom he had cared deeply for despite their complicated history.

Manvi managed to break free from Dhruv's hold, her eyes reflecting a mixture of defiance and distress. Without further confrontation, she turned and swiftly walked away from the scene.

Frustrated and seething with anger, Aarav returned to the car, his mind racing with thoughts. He settled back into his seat, and with a determined expression, directed the driver to Malhotra Mansion.

This encounter outside the courthouse reignited Aarav's unresolved emotions and protective instincts towards Manvi. 

After arriving home, Aarav handed the newly purchased dresses to Khushi, who beamed with delight upon seeing them. "Wow, Dadda, these are so beautiful!" he inquired gently.

Aarav smiled warmly and affectionately ruffled her hair. "Khushi ek baat puchun?" he asked

"haan dadda.." Khushi replied cheerfully.

"tumhari dost.. Manvi unse tumhari koi baat nahi hoti?" Aarav asked, his tone tinged with curiosity.

"nahi dadda.. uss din hospital ke baad main bas aapka dhyan rakhne mein busy ho gayi" Khushi responded sincerely.

Aarav fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. "bahut din ho gaye hai na.. tumhe milna naih hai unse?" he asked, his voice reflecting a hint of longing.

Khushi was taken aback by his unexpected suggestion. "aap chahte hai main dost se milun?" she asked, surprised.

Aarav gave her a meaningful look. "milne ko kah raha hun sirf" he clarified.

Khushi chuckled warmly, touched by her father's concern. "aree mere dadda.. thik hai main kal jaungi unse milne" she agreed happily.

"main chod aaunga tumhe"Aarav offered.

Khushi nodded in agreement, sensing that her father wanted to understand more about her life and possibly reconnect with Manvi. Aarav's interest in Manvi was driven by a sense of empathy and connection they both had experienced pain in their lives; Manvi with her abusive husband and Aarav with his controlling ex-wife who had made his life miserable.

The next day, as Aarav pulled up in front of Manvi's house, Khushi stepped out of the car with a sense of anticipation. The neighborhood was quiet, with neatly lined houses and a serene atmosphere. Aarav watched from the driver's seat, his expression a mix of concern and hope, as Khushi approached the front door of Manvi's home.

The door opened, and Manvi appeared, a surprised yet warm smile spreading across her face as she recognized Khushi. "Khushi!" she exclaimed, genuinely happy to see her friend.

Khushi returned the smile eagerly, feeling a rush of excitement to reunite with Manvi. "Dost!" she greeted warmly, stepping forward to embrace her.

Aarav observed quietly from the car, his heart swelling with emotions as he witnessed the genuine connection between Khushi and Manvi. He couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing Khushi was with someone who cared for her deeply.

Manvi gestured for Khushi to come inside, and they disappeared into the house, their voices carrying faintly through the quiet neighborhood. Aarav remained in the car, lost in his thoughts. 

As Khushi and Manvi settled into a heartfelt conversation inside Manvi's home, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and understanding.

"Dadda kaise hai tumhare ab?" Manvi asked sincerely, her eyes reflecting genuine concern.

Khushi beamed with pride as she responded, "Bahut achhe hai, dost! Itne mahino mein kitne badal gaye hai Dadda... Janti ho, unhone drink karna bilkul band kar diya hai aur unhone apni paintings bhi shuru kar di." Her admiration for her father's transformation was evident in her voice.

Manvi's smile widened at Khushi's words. "Yeh toh bahut acchi baat hai! Issi tarah unhe apna waqt aur pyaar deti raho, Khushi... Yahi unhe andar se heal karega," she encouraged warmly, recognizing the positive changes in Aarav.

Khushi's expression turned solemn as she continued, "Par kuch zakhm unke aise hai jinhe unki beti kabhi heal nahi kar payegi." Her sadness was palpable, hinting at deeper emotional wounds within Aarav that even she, his devoted daughter, couldn't fully heal.

Manvi understood the gravity of Khushi's words. "Koi baat nahi... Unke liye tum hi kaafi ho," she reassured Khushi gently, acknowledging the irreplaceable role she played in Aarav's life.

Khushi's smile returned at Manvi's comforting words. "Wo toh hai! Mera chodo, apna batao kya chal raha hai aapki life mein?" she asked, shifting the focus to Manvi with genuine curiosity and concern.

"Sab thik hai, Khushi," Manvi replied with a faint smile, but Khushi could sense there was more beneath the surface. Despite Manvi's attempt to reassure her, Khushi could read the truth in her eyes there were challenges Manvi was facing, ones she wasn't willing to openly share.

Manvi had always been more than just a tutor to Khushi; she had been a guiding force, a mentor, and even a maternal figure in Khushi's life. Through her teachings, Manvi had helped Khushi evolve into a better person, instilling values of respect and compassion for others.

In turn, Khushi's presence had also been a source of solace and companionship for Manvi, who had endured her own share of pain, particularly in her tumultuous relationship with Dhruv. The unspoken bond between them transcended mere friendship, embodying a profound connection of mutual understanding and support.

As Dhruv unexpectedly enters the house, Manvi's initial calm dissolves into palpable anxiety. She senses his presence and immediately feels unsettled, knowing the history and emotional turmoil he represents in her life. Her voice quivers slightly as she turns to Khushi, her trusted friend whose companionship has been a source of solace.

"Khushi, ab tumhe jaana chahiye," Manvi urges quietly but urgently, her eyes betraying a mix of fear and concern. She doesn't want Khushi to witness the confrontation that might unfold or to be caught in the crossfire of emotions that Dhruv's presence inevitably stirs. 

Manvi's body language subtly shifts, her shoulders tensing as she watches Khushi's reaction, hoping her friend will understand and leave before the situation escalates further. There's an unspoken plea in her gaze, conveying both a desire to protect Khushi and a vulnerability borne from past experiences with Dhruv.

Khushi turned abruptly at Manvi's sudden request for her to leave, only to find Dhruv standing there, which instantly ignited anger in her eyes. "Yeh yahan kya kar rahe hai dost?" she sharply questioned.

Dhruv, maintaining his calm demeanor, replied casually, "Main iss ghar ka aadha rent deta hun." His nonchalant response starkly contrasted with Khushi's evident displeasure.

Khushi glanced at Manvi, who remained silent in the tense atmosphere. Dhruv smirked and probed further, "Tumhare papa kahan hai? Manvi mere aate hi chupa diya use." 

Manvi couldn't hold back any longer, shouting, "Shut up, Dhruv! Ek baat main baar baar nahi kahungi."

Dhruv chuckled confidently, "Sach saamne hai, Manvi. Iska yahan hona saboot hai aaj bhi tumhara rishta hai uss Aarav Malhotra ke saath."

"Haan hai rishta! Insaniyat ka rishta hai... lekin ye tum nahi samjhoge," Manvi retorted with a mixture of frustration and defiance.

Taking Khushi by the hand, Manvi led her out of the house, apologizing, "Khushi, I am sorry. Main tumse phir kabhi baat karungi... main nahi chahti Dhruv tumhe kuch kahe."

Feeling the tension, Khushi expressed her concern, "Dost, aap muskil mein hai."

Manvi smiled reassuringly, "Nahi beta, main ek dum thik hun."

Though still unsettled, Khushi nodded in reluctant acceptance. Manvi continued, "Apne dadda ka khayal rakho aur Aaravji ko kuch mat batana iss baare mein.

Khushi stepped out of the house, her mind swirling with the tense encounter she had just witnessed between Manvi, Dhruv, and herself. As she approached the car where her father, Aarav, was waiting, she couldn't hide the turmoil on her face. Aarav looked at her, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Kya hua Khushi, tum pareshan kyun ho?" he asked gently, noticing her troubled demeanor.

Khushi hesitated for a moment, recalling Manvi's request not to disclose anything to Aarav. "Dadda wo... dost," she began, uncertain of how much to reveal.

Aarav sensed immediately that something significant had transpired. "Batao Khushi," he encouraged softly, his tone reassuring.

Relieved to have his understanding gaze upon her, Khushi recounted the events inside the house. Aarav listened attentively, his demeanor calm yet attentive. 

As Khushi finished explaining, she looked at her father earnestly. "Dadda, aap dost ki madad karo na please... wo Maya mumma ki tarah nahi hai," she pleaded, hoping he would intervene somehow. 

Aarav nodded thoughtfully, placing a comforting hand on Khushi's shoulder. "Main jaanta hun Manvi Maya nahi hai, Khushi... main uski madad karunga tumhare liye," he assured her with unwavering support.

Khushi's face lit up with a grateful smile, reassured by her father's promise. 

Aarav had settled into his work routine at the office after a few busy days. As he was immersed in his tasks, his phone buzzed with a message from his daughter, Khushi.

"Dadda.. lunch time pe kar lena aur shyam ko jaldi aana aaj humhe hamari dinner date ke liye jaana hai" she texted.

A smile spread across Aarav's face as he read her message. "aa jaunga.." he replied, then set his phone aside. For a moment, he pondered something before making a decision. He reached for the intercom and called his manager.

A few minutes later, his manager, Gautam, entered the office and greeted him. "Yes Sir."

"Dhruv Shergill ka pura kacha chitta mujhe 2 ghante mein mere table pe chahiye Gautam," Aarav ordered, his tone firm and authoritative.

Gautam nodded, "ho jayega Sir."

Aarav leaned forward, his voice lowering to a threatening tone, "yeh baat kisiko pata nahi chalni chahiye I hope I am clear warna you know me."

Gautam smiled reassuringly, "don't worry Sir.. aap mujhpe bharosa kar sakte hai."

Aarav fixed him with a stern gaze for a moment longer before Gautam turned and left the office. Aarav returned to his work, his mind momentarily at ease.

True to his word, Gautam diligently gathered all the necessary information about Dhruv Shergill. Precisely two hours later, he re-entered Aarav's office, a stack of documents in hand. He placed the file on Aarav's desk with a confident nod.

Aarav glanced at the documents, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Everything was in place for whatever he had planned. 

"Sir, uske kisi family member ne uski bail karwayi! Phir uske baad wo zyadatar iss address pe dikhta tha apni wife Manvi ko daraya dhamkaya karta tha," Gautam said, his voice laced with concern.

Aarav glanced at the documents, his eyes scanning the detailed information. Gautam continued, "Usne rent liya ek flat aur itefaq ki baat hai uski wife ne bhi wahi flat rent kiya."

Aarav quickly pieced together the situation. It was clear Dhruv had manipulated Manvi into renting the same flat through an agent, making it easier for him to intimidate her.

"Lawyer se kya pata chala?" Aarav asked, his tone demanding answers.

"Sir, wo..." Gautam hesitated, knowing the delicate nature of the information involving Aarav.

"Speak, Gautam," Aarav urged, his patience thinning.

"Sir, unki wife ne divorce file kiya hai. Case chal raha hai lekin Dhruv ka lawyer unpe ilzam laga raha ki unka affair aapke saath..." Gautam paused, unsure of how to proceed.

Aarav's face contorted with anger. "What nonsense is this! How can he do that?" he exclaimed.

Gautam forwarded a newspaper article. "Iski wajah se, Sir."

Aarav took the article and sighed in disappointment as he read it. He thanked Gautam, who then left the chamber. Alone, Aarav's thoughts drifted back to Manvi. She had wanted to speak to him days before he had cast her out of his house. The weight of misunderstanding hung heavily in the air.

Every time Aarav saw magazines and newspaper articles about his supposed affairs, he had learned to brush them off; the news was never entirely false. However, the insinuation of a relationship with Manvi struck a chord of guilt. They had never shared such a relationship she always saw him as a friend. It was he who had kept his distance, aware of the emotions she inadvertently awakened within him.

Aarav wondered why she hadn't said anything when she came to the hospital to meet him. Despite her own struggles to divorce her abusive husband, Dhruv, she had supported him by finding his daughter and standing by him during his hard times. He had always misunderstood her intentions, thinking she wanted to take Khushi away from him. In reality, she genuinely cared about Khushi.

Reflecting on these events, Aarav felt a mixture of regret and determination. He needed to set things right, not just for his own peace of mind but for Manvi, who had been wronged by both Dhruv and himself. He resolved to take action, to protect Manvi and clear the misunderstandings that had plagued their lives.

Aarav left his office, determined to set things right. He drove swiftly to Manvi's house, parking his car in front of her building. Stepping out, he headed inside and took the lift. As the lift ascended, he suddenly noticed Dhruv approaching. Quick on his feet, Aarav moved out of Dhruv's sight and took an alternate route, climbing the pipe to reach the balcony of Manvi's flat.

He silently jumped into the balcony and peered inside. Manvi was sitting at the dining table, sipping her coffee. Dhruv walked in and arrogantly settled beside her, placing his legs on the table next to her coffee mug.

"Dhruv, pair neeche rakho," Manvi said, her tone firm but tired.

"Nahi rakhunga kya kar logi?" he taunted, his voice dripping with contempt.

Manvi sighed deeply, knowing there was no point in arguing. She stood up, intending to leave, but Dhruv grabbed her hand. She jerked it off and warned, "Don't touch me, Dhruv! Mat bhoolo phirse jail bhej sakti hun main tumhe."

Dhruv laughed mockingly. "Jail? Aur tum? Kar hi nahi sakti tum," he sneered, walking into his room and leaving Manvi feeling helpless.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Manvi went to open the door, finding her lawyer, Sharad, standing there. He entered and immediately spoke with concern, "Manvi, tumhara case weak hota jaa raha hai! Please allow me to call Aarav Malhotra in court."

Manvi shook her head. "Nahi Sharadji... Wo pehle hi kaafi kuch cheezon se guzar rahe hai. Abhi abhi unki beti se unka rishta sudhra hai. Main unhe pareshan nahi kar sakti hun."

Sharad looked at her earnestly. "Manvi, iss tarah toh tum Dhruv ke lagaye hue sabhi ilzaam sach hone dogi! Phir main tumhe divorce nahi dilwa paunga."

Manvi's voice was resolute as she replied, "Sharadji, mujhe sachai pe vishwaas hai! Mere bhagwaan jante hai mera aur Aaravji ka rishta insaniyat ka hai."

Sharad sighed, seeing her determination. "Thik hai Manvi... Kal court mein milte hai."

Manvi nodded, and the lawyer left. She felt a familiar presence and turned towards the balcony, but Aarav had already jumped off before she could spot him.

Standing hidden from view, Aarav's heart was heavy with guilt and admiration. Manvi's unwavering faith in truth and her concern for his well-being, even amidst her own struggles, struck him deeply. Her words echoed in his mind, reinforcing his resolve to protect her and set things right.

As he walked back to his car, Aarav's thoughts were consumed by the realization of how he had misunderstood Manvi. He was determined to support her, not just as an act of redemption, but as a testament to the bond of humanity she so staunchly believed in.

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