Aarav sat at his desk in the corner office, the soft glow of the afternoon sun casting a warm hue across the room. He was reviewing some financial reports, his mind momentarily distracted by thoughts of upcoming meetings and project deadlines. The gentle hum of activity outside his office provided a steady backdrop to his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Manvi stood outside his office door, nervously adjusting the stack of files in her arms. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage, before knocking lightly on the door.

"Come in," Aarav's voice called from inside.

Manvi entered cautiously, her heart beating a little faster as she approached his desk. Aarav looked up from his work, his expression softening as he saw her.

"Manvi, come in," he greeted warmly, gesturing for her to take a seat across from him.

"Thank you, Aaravji," Manvi replied, feeling a mix of nerves and gratitude.

They sat in a brief silence, Aarav observing Manvi with a thoughtful gaze. He noticed how she carried herself with a newfound confidence, a testament to her resilience despite the challenges she had faced.

"sab kaisa hai?" Aarav asked gently, breaking the silence.

Manvi took a moment to collect her thoughts. "It's been a learning curve, but I'm grateful for the opportunity," she replied sincerely.

Aarav nodded in understanding. "I'm glad to hear that," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "tum bahut acha kar rahi ho"

Manvi smiled gratefully at his words, feeling a surge of appreciation for his support. "Thank you for believing in me," she said softly.

Aarav leaned forward slightly, his gaze meeting hers. "I always have," he replied earnestly.

Their eyes held a silent understanding, a shared acknowledgment of the journey they had been through together. Despite the complexities of their past, they found themselves in this moment, connected by mutual respect and a growing sense of camaraderie.

Aarav sat at his desk, the scattered client folders surrounding him, his focus unwavering until the folder labeled "Maya" caught his eye. As the afternoon light streamed through the window, it bathed the room in a soft, warm glow, but Aarav's heart felt cold, heavy. His fingers paused mid-flip, and the name on the folder pulled him into a spiral of memories he had buried deep a bitter past filled with heartbreak and betrayal, the remnants of his failed marriage.

His breath quickened, and his hands began to shake, the calm he had moments ago shattered. Waves of panic coursed through him, tightening his chest, making the room feel smaller, suffocating.

Across the room, Manvi, engrossed in her own work, sensed the shift in the atmosphere. She looked up and immediately noticed Aarav's distress. Concern flickered in her eyes as she moved toward him, her steps gentle and deliberate, not wanting to startle him further.

"Aaravji, aap thik hai?" she asked softly, her voice full of care. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, offering him a lifeline to steady himself.

Aarav looked up, eyes wide with the vulnerability he rarely showed, as though caught between past pain and present reality. His throat tightened, words refusing to form as the weight of old wounds pressed down on him. He had always been the composed one, the pillar of strength, yet in this moment, the cracks were evident.

Manvi's hand remained firm yet soothing, her presence grounding him. "Take your time," she said, her voice steady and warm, allowing him the space he needed.

After a few deep, shaky breaths, Aarav managed to speak, though his voice was barely audible. "It's Maya," he whispered, the name hanging in the air like a dark cloud. "The name... it brought back everything."

Manvi's gaze softened, understanding the gravity of what he was feeling. She knew of his troubled history with his ex-wife, Maya, the scars that still lingered just beneath the surface. "Main hoon yahan, Aaravji," she said softly, her voice a balm to his unraveling emotions. "Aap akele nahi hai."

He closed his eyes for a moment, drawing strength from her words, from her presence. Slowly, the tightness in his chest began to ease, the chaos within him subsiding. He wasn't alone Manvi was here, steady, unwavering. And in that moment, it was enough to help him breathe again.

"Thank you, Manvi," Aarav finally managed, his voice steadier now. "Mujhe nahi pata kyu yeh sab..." His words trailed off, his confusion palpable.

Manvi smiled gently, her hand still resting on his shoulder, her presence comforting. "It's okay to feel this way," she said empathetically, her eyes soft with understanding. "You've been through a lot."

Aarav took a deep breath, the tension in his chest loosening ever so slightly. Her kindness, her patience it was more than he expected, and he felt a mix of gratitude and embarrassment wash over him. "I'm sorry tumhe yeh sab dekhna pada," he muttered, lowering his gaze, feeling exposed in his vulnerability.

Manvi shook her head with reassurance, her voice unwavering. "Aapko maafi mangne ki zaroorat nahi hai. We all have our moments," she said with a comforting smile, her tone kind, devoid of judgment.

They sat in a calm silence for a few moments longer, letting the weight of the earlier tension slip away. The quiet between them wasn't awkward but rather soothing, as though an unspoken understanding passed between them. Aarav felt lighter, his mind no longer racing. Manvi's quiet presence had become a sanctuary in the storm of his thoughts.

"Thank you for being here, Manvi," Aarav said earnestly, his gaze meeting hers. The gratitude in his eyes was unmistakable.

Manvi nodded, her eyes reflecting warmth. "Anytime, Aaravji. We're in this together," she replied softly, her words carrying a promise of unwavering support.

As they turned back to their work, the atmosphere between them had changed lighter, yet deeper. The bond they shared was no longer just professional; it was built on mutual respect and trust. Aarav knew that he could count on her, just as she could lean on him. Their relationship had evolved, paving the way for healing and growth, not only for Aarav but for them both.

The hours passed, and soon the day came to an end. Aarav, grateful for her support, offered to drop Manvi home. She agreed with a smile, and they left the office together.

The quiet of the evening wrapped around them as Aarav drove through the dimly lit streets, the soft hum of the engine the only sound between them. After a while, Aarav broke the silence. "Khushi ko mat batana," he said, his voice steady but with a hint of concern. "Main nahi chahta wo pareshan ho." He didn't want his daughter to carry the weight of his struggles.

Manvi glanced at him, her expression understanding, and offered a reassuring smile. "Nahi bataungi," she promised. Then, after a beat, she asked, "Aapko yeh panic attacks saalon se aa rahe hai?"

"Haan," Aarav replied, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Kisike saamne maine inhe zahir nahi kiya. Pata nahi kyu aaj tumhe main kamre se bahar nahi kar paaya," he admitted, a rare vulnerability seeping into his voice. It was strange for him he'd always kept his emotions locked away, never letting anyone in.

Manvi's smile grew warmer, more tender. "Aaravji, aap bahut strong hai. Itne saal se akele hi khudke dard se ladh rahe hai." Her words were a quiet affirmation, a recognition of the battle he had been fighting alone for so long.

Aarav turned to her briefly, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips, a mix of relief and gratitude filling him. In her, he found a sense of safety he hadn't known he needed.

The city passed by in a blur of lights and shadows, the streets calm as the evening deepened. Eventually, they arrived at Manvi's house, a small haven nestled quietly in the city. Aarav slowed the car to a stop, and Manvi unbuckled her seatbelt, turning to him with a gentle nod.

"Thank you, Aaravji," she said softly as she stepped out of the car, her voice carrying both warmth and gratitude. "Safe drive home."

"Thank you, Manvi. Good night," Aarav replied, watching her as she made her way to the door. He waited until she safely entered her home before driving away, the calm of the evening settling back over him.

As he drove towards Malhotra Mansion, Aarav's thoughts wandered. He felt a curious blend of emotions-gratitude for Manvi's support, a lingering sense of relief, and an unfamiliar lightness in his heart. The bond between them had shifted, deepened. In her, he had found an ally, someone who stood beside him without judgment, without expectation. And in that quiet understanding, he realized he was no longer as alone in his journey as he once thought.

The car hummed quietly as it glided through the dimly lit streets, the city lights casting fleeting shadows on the dashboard. Aarav gripped the steering wheel, feeling a renewed sense of calm and strength. Manvi's support had given him clarity, and he felt ready to face the challenges that lay ahead whatever they may be.

Upon reaching home, he parked and walked inside, the familiar quiet of Malhotra Mansion settling around him. He headed straight to his room to change, but as he was about to close the door, faint noises from Khushi's room caught his attention. Curiosity piqued, he moved toward her room and gently pushed the door open.

Inside, Khushi sat amidst a chaotic spread of old items-pictures, mementos, and various trinkets from their past life, things she had kept over the years. There were photographs of her with Maya, her mother, from happier times, each one a reminder of a fractured family. Her face was clouded with nostalgia and confusion, her eyes betraying a depth of emotion Aarav hadn't seen in a long time.

Aarav's heart ached at the sight. These items were remnants of a life that had long since broken apart, and he knew Khushi had held on to the belief that her mother was the victim and he the villain. It pained him deeply, knowing the truth was far more complex, but he never wanted to taint her memories of Maya.

"Khushi, yeh kya kar rahi ho?" Aarav asked gently, stepping further into the room.

Khushi looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yeh sab mujhe nahi chahiye, Dadda. Yeh sab aapko takleef dengi," she said, her voice cracking as she gestured to the scattered items.

Aarav was momentarily taken aback by her words. "Nahi, Khushi, yeh tumhari mumma ki yaadein hai," he said softly, his tone gentle yet firm. These were the memories of her mother, and Aarav had never wanted to take that away from her, despite everything.

But Khushi shook her head, her voice trembling with suppressed pain. "No! Unhone mujhe mohra banake aapko hurt kia kitna." There was anger in her voice now, but underneath it was hurt-a wound too deep for her to heal on her own.

Aarav's chest tightened at her words, and he moved closer, kneeling in front of her. With a tenderness only a father could offer, he cupped her face, his thumb brushing away the stray tear that had slipped down her cheek. "Beta," he said quietly, "wo jaise bhi thi, tumhari mumma thi. Tumhe usne kabhi takleef nahi di, Khushi. She always loved you."

Khushi let out a deep sigh, torn between the love she still felt for her mother and the pain of knowing the truth about her manipulations. "Kyun ho aap itne ache, Dadda? Kyun ho?" she asked, her voice thick with emotion, as though she couldn't understand how he could still hold compassion for someone who had hurt him so deeply.

Aarav's eyes softened, and his voice, filled with sorrow, carried the weight of years of emotional pain. "Khushi, maine bahut mauke diye the tumhari maa ko sudharne ke liye, par... use toh maza aata tha mujhe dard deke." He glanced toward a framed wedding photo on her dresser, the image of a time that now felt like a distant, painful memory. He shut his eyes, unable to bear the flood of emotions that rushed back.

Overwhelmed, Aarav quietly stood up and left the room, the weight of the past too heavy for him to face in that moment. He had tried so hard to shield Khushi from the ugliness of their family's history, but now, seeing her pain, he wasn't sure if he had done the right thing.

Khushi, concerned and conflicted, watched him leave. She hesitated for a moment before getting up to follow him.

Khushi, her heart pounding with fear and concern, watched in disbelief as her father her strong, composed Dadda sat on the edge of his bed, drenched in sweat. His hands trembled uncontrollably, and his eyes, red and swollen, brimmed with unshed tears. She had never seen him like this before.

"Dadda!" she exclaimed, rushing to his side, panic rising in her chest.

Aarav's breathing was erratic, shallow gasps escaping him as the panic attack took hold of his body. His face was pale, his usual calm and collected demeanor shattered. Khushi knelt beside him, gripping his trembling hands tightly, her voice soft yet urgent. "Dadda, please calm down. Main yahin hoon. Aapke saath hoon," she whispered, trying to steady her own voice, trying to anchor him with her presence.

She could only watch helplessly as her father fought to regain control, his body betraying the composure he had always tried to maintain. The sight of him like this, vulnerable and breaking, sent a wave of anguish through her. "Dadda, please... deep breaths. Aap theek ho jayenge," she urged, her own breath catching as she fought back tears.

Aarav, clinging to the sound of her voice, slowly began to focus. With each word, each squeeze of her hand, he tried to pull himself out of the suffocating grip of panic. His breathing began to slow, the sharp gasps becoming deeper, more controlled. His hands, still shaking, relaxed their grip on hers ever so slightly.

Khushi knelt directly in front of him now, looking up into his tear-filled eyes. She held his hand tightly, refusing to let go, as though her touch alone could hold him together. Aarav looked at her with raw vulnerability, his voice breaking as he spoke. "Yeh wo Aarav hai jise do aurton ne barbad kar diya, Khushi," he said, his words dripping with years of pent-up pain. "Yeh panic attacks mujhe chahke bhi mera ateet bhoolne nahi dete."

Khushi's eyes, already glistening with unshed tears, filled with deep empathy and understanding. Her father's pain was finally laid bare before her, and it broke her heart to see how much he had been carrying alone. "Sorry, Dadda," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Main aajke baad kabhi unka naam nahi lungi."

Aarav, moved by her words, cupped her face tenderly, his rough hands brushing her tear-streaked cheeks. "Tumhari galti nahi hai," he said softly, his voice filled with sorrow and regret. "Tumhe itne saal sach sirf isliye nahi bataya kyuki main nahi chahta tha tum mujhe..." He stopped, unable to finish, his voice catching as the weight of the truth hung between them.

But Khushi shook her head firmly, her eyes full of resolve. "Dadda, jante ho main bhi chupke chupke roti thi jab main akela mehsus karti thi. Aur aap toh khudse ladh rahe ho saalon se," she said, her voice breaking with the weight of her own unspoken loneliness. "You are very strong, Dadda. Aaj se main aapke dard ka bhi hissa hun."

Aarav felt a surge of emotion at her words, the weight of years of isolation and silence lifting from his shoulders. Relief washed over him, and for the first time in what felt like ages, he smiled a genuine smile, one that reached his tired eyes. The tension in his body began to ease as Khushi's words sank in, and the burden he had carried alone for so long suddenly felt lighter.

Moved by the moment, Khushi leaned forward and placed her head gently in his lap, seeking the comfort and warmth she knew only he could provide. Aarav, his heart full of gratitude and love, placed his hand gently on her head, stroking her hair with a tenderness that spoke of a bond unbreakable by time or pain.

The room, once suffocating with the weight of old memories and unresolved wounds, now held a quiet, new hope. They sat in silence, the air between them thick with unspoken understanding and love. In that stillness, they both found solace-Aarav, in the comfort of his daughter's presence, and Khushi, in the quiet strength her father had always carried, now shared with her.

They stayed like that for what felt like hours, the outside world fading away as they found peace in each other. The tension that had gripped Aarav's body gradually melted away, replaced by a calm he hadn't felt in years. He knew that with Khushi by his side, he could face anything, no matter how painful.

Khushi, too, felt a deep sense of peace, her father's warmth wrapping around her like a shield. She had always seen him as a pillar of strength, and now she finally understood the depth of his struggles. In this quiet, intimate moment, they both realized they were no longer alone. The burdens they had carried separately for so long were now shared, and in that sharing, they found the strength to heal.

As the night grew darker outside, the bond between father and daughter grew stronger, unspoken promises made in the silence. They had weathered the storm alone for years, but now, they would face the future together.

Aarav slept soundly, the tension in his face finally eased. Khushi glanced at her father with teary eyes, her heart heavy with remorse. She recalled his rude behavior towards everyone but always maintaining a soft side towards her, despite her being disrespectful towards him every single day. The memories of her father's harsh exterior contrasted sharply with the tenderness he had always shown her.

She felt a deep pang of guilt for hurting him for years. How could she have been so blind to his selfless love? twelve years ago, Aarav had endured her mother's punishments to keep her alive and secure, yet she had been unable to see his sacrifices. Instead, she had believed the twisted narratives of Maya and Sumitra, letting their words fuel her hatred for him.

Khushi sighed deeply and cursed herself for believing Maya and Sumitra when she was a child. She had allowed their manipulations to poison her mind, turning her against the one person who had always loved her unconditionally. As she watched her father sleep, she saw the lines of worry and pain etched into his face, each one a testament to the burden he had carried for so long.

"Dadda... ab aapko wo pyaar milega jo aap deserve karte hai!" she thought, her resolve strengthening. Aarav deserved to be surrounded by love and happiness, and she was determined to make that happen. Her thoughts drifted to Manvi, her dear friend who had always been there for her and who understood Aarav's struggles in a way few could.

"Dost se behtar aapke liye koi jeevan saathi ho hi nahi sakti," she mused. Manvi had always shown a deep understanding and compassion for Aarav, qualities that Khushi now realized were exactly what her father needed. She wondered how she could bring them closer, how to foster a connection that could blossom into something beautiful.

Khushi's mind raced with ideas. Perhaps she could arrange more opportunities for Aarav and Manvi to spend time together, to let their bond grow naturally. She could encourage her father to open up to Manvi, to share his burdens and find comfort in her presence. And she could gently nudge Manvi to see Aarav not just as her friend's father, but as a man deserving of love and companionship.

With a new sense of purpose, Khushi vowed to bridge the gap between Aarav and Manvi. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to see her father happy and loved. As she quietly left his room, she glanced back at him one last time, her heart swelling with love and resolve.

Aarav deserved the world, and Khushi was ready to help him find it. With Manvi by his side, she believed that her father could finally experience the happiness and peace he had long been denied. And in that moment, Khushi made a silent promise to herself and to her father: to do everything in her power to bring light and love back into his life.

Khushi headed to Sharda's room and knocked softly on the door. "Daadi," she called out, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sharda woke up from her sleep, surprised by the unexpected visit at this hour. She opened the door, her face filled with concern. "Khushi beta, iss waqt sab thik hai na?"

Khushi entered the room and shut the door behind her. "Haan Daadi, sab thik hai. Mujhe aapse baat karni thi aur sorry bhi kehna tha," she said, her voice tinged with emotion.

Sharda looked at her in confusion. "Sorry kisliye, beta?"

Khushi's eyes welled up with tears as she began to speak. "Meri mumma ne aapki beti ki jaan li! Aur aapne mujhe paal poske bada kiya..."

Sharda was deeply touched by Khushi's words. She smiled warmly and cupped Khushi's face in her hands. "Khushi, mere liye tum Aarav ki beti thi janam se. Tumhare dadda ko maine apni godh mein bada kiya hai, aur tum toh uska aansh ho. Mujhe usse bhi zyada pyaari ho! Anika se kiya wada nibha rahi hun main, aur hamesha nibhaungi."

Khushi's heart swelled with gratitude and love. She smiled through her tears. "Daadi, aapne dadda ko hamesha himmat di hai. Ab main chahti hun aap meri madad kare unhe phirse pyaar pe yakeen dilane mein. Unhe samjhana hoga har koi ek jaisa nahi hota hai."

Sharda took a deep breath, understanding the gravity of what Khushi was asking. "Beta, yeh thoda muskil hai lekin main tumhari madad zaroor karungi. Batao, kya karna hai mujhe?"

Khushi chuckled softly, her spirits lifting at her grandmother's willingness to help. She sat down with Sharda and began to outline her plan. They spoke in hushed tones, Khushi explaining how she wanted to bring Aarav and Manvi closer, to help her father believe in love again.

Sharda nodded thoughtfully. "Aur hum un dono ko thoda space bhi denge. Unke beech ek natural connection banne denge."

Khushi agreed. "Haan Daadi, exactly. We won't force anything, just create situations where they can bond and get to know each other better."

Sharda smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Beta, tumhare dadda ko khush dekhne se zyada khushi mujhe kisi aur cheez mein nahi milegi. Main tumhare har kadam pe tumhare saath hoon."

Khushi's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Daadi. Aapka support mere liye bahut maayne rakhta hai."

As they finalized their plans, Khushi felt a sense of hope and determination. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but with Sharda by her side, she was confident they could help Aarav find the happiness and love he deserved. They spent the next hour discussing their strategies, each detail carefully considered, and by the end of their conversation, both women felt a renewed sense of purpose and unity.

When Khushi finally left Sharda's room, she did so with a lighter heart and a clearer vision for the future. Together, they would help Aarav heal and open his heart to love once more. And in doing so, they would strengthen the bonds of their family, bringing them closer than ever before.

♥️♥️♥️ Hope you liked it. What is Khushi upto? Stay tuned.