Aarav reached Manvi's flat and rang the doorbell. There was no response. He looked down and found the lock still engaged. He sighed deeply, frustration gnawing at him. He tried calling her but her phone was unreachable. "Kahan hai yeh?" he thought to himself, feeling disheartened.

Disappointed, he returned home. Upon arriving, he found Khushi sleeping on the couch. He sat down beside her and gently placed his head on her shoulder, finding solace in her presence. His daughter always managed to calm his troubled soul.

The next day, Khushi opened her eyes and saw her father sitting beside her. She smiled warmly and kissed his cheek lightly. Aarav woke up and managed a small smile in return. Khushi noticed his expression and immediately sensed his disappointment.

"Dost nahi mili?" she asked softly, concern evident in her voice.

Aarav nodded sadly. "Nahi mil payi," he replied, his voice tinged with regret.

Khushi sat up, determined to lift his spirits. "Koi baat nahi! Office toh aayengi na aur meri naak mat katana, Dadda... ek dum dhamkedar proposal karna," she encouraged him, trying to inject optimism into the situation.

Aarav sighed, unsure of himself. "Lekin mujhe yeh sab nahi aata..."

Khushi gave him a playful glare. "Dadda, yun hi nahi ab tak har ladki aap par fida hai! I know you know everything, toh zyada innocent mat baniye," she teased gently, nudging him to believe in himself.

Aarav chuckled softly at her persistence. "Tum bhi na, besharam ho gayi ho," he remarked fondly, appreciating her unwavering faith in him.

"Aapki hi beti hun," Khushi winked, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Aarav couldn't help but smile at her playful banter before heading to his room to get ready for office.

As he got ready, Aarav couldn't shake off Khushi's words. Despite the setback with Manvi, her confidence in him and her unconditional support gave him a renewed sense of determination. He knew he had to keep trying, not just for himself but for Khushi too, who believed in him wholeheartedly.

Aarav reached his office with a heavy heart, still reeling from the disappointment of not finding Manvi at her flat the previous day. As he entered his cabin, he noticed an envelope placed conspicuously on his desk. His heart sank further when he saw it was addressed to him and recognized Manvi's handwriting.

Slowly, he picked up the envelope and opened it with trembling hands. Inside was a neatly typed resignation letter. Aarav read through it, each word feeling like a weight on his chest.

The letter detailed Manvi's decision to resign from her position effective immediately. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunities provided to her but cited personal reasons for her abrupt departure. Aarav's mind raced with questions and regrets as he absorbed the implications of her decision.

Khushi's encouraging words echoed in his mind, urging him to not give up. Despite the setback, he knew he had to find a way to reach out to Manvi, to understand her reasons and perhaps salvage what he could of their budding relationship.

Feeling a mix of emotions—sadness, frustration, and determination—Aarav sat back in his chair, staring at the resignation letter in his hand. He knew this wasn't the end of the road; it was a new challenge he needed to face head-on.

Aarav sat in his office chair, the resignation letter from Manvi still in his hand. His thoughts swirled with determination and a hint of resolve. Despite the setback, he knew he couldn't let this opportunity slip away without a fight.

With a deep breath, Aarav looked up, a small but determined smile playing on his lips. "Miss Manvi, ab tumhe Aarav Malhotra ki power dikhani padegi," he muttered to himself, his voice firm with renewed purpose.

He picks up his phone and calls the manager. He said "ek ghante mein mujhe Manvi mere farm house pe chahiye" 

He reached for his phone and dialed his manager's number. After a couple of rings, the manager picked up. "Sir?" came the prompt response.

"Ek ghante mein mujhe Manvi mere farm house pe chahiye," Aarav instructed crisply, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

"Ji Sir," the manager replied promptly, accustomed to Aarav's decisive commands.

Aarav ended the call and leaned back in his chair, contemplating his next moves. He knew he had to act swiftly and decisively to get to the bottom of Manvi's sudden resignation. His mind raced with thoughts of how to approach her, what to say, and how to convince her to give their relationship a chance.

Outside his office window, the city buzzed with its usual energy, unaware of the personal turmoil within Aarav. Yet, in that moment, he felt a sense of clarity and determination—ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead in his pursuit of happiness with Manvi.

Manvi sat at the railway station, her emotions a turbulent storm inside her. The bustling station around her seemed distant and irrelevant compared to the turmoil raging within her heart. Her eyes welled up with tears as memories of her painful past flooded her mind.

"iss shahar ne mujhe sirf dard diya hai," she thought bitterly. First, the agony of losing her unborn children due to her abusive husband's behavior haunted her like a dark shadow. Then, the excruciating process of divorcing him, enduring humiliation and false accusations, added another layer of anguish to her wounded soul.

Despite these hardships, two people had entered her life and touched her heart in ways she hadn't expected. Khushi, her student, had brought motherhood back into her life, filling a void she thought would never be filled again. And Aarav, Khushi's father, had unknowingly captured her heart with his kindness and gentleness, even though she knew he could never reciprocate her feelings.

But recent events had shattered her fragile hope. Aarav's silence and apparent indifference had wounded her deeply. Despite her efforts to give him a chance to open his heart, he had withdrawn into silence, leaving her feeling abandoned and unloved once more.

Unable to bear the pain of staying in a city that held only reminders of heartbreak and unrequited love, Manvi made a decision. She would leave, without meeting the two people who had become so dear to her heart. The ache of their absence tore at her, but she felt she had no other choice.

As she sat there, clutching her luggage, tears streaming down her cheeks, she wrestled with conflicting emotions. Regret and sorrow mingled with a sense of self-preservation and a desperate need to escape the pain.

Little did she know, as she sat there contemplating her departure, that fate had other plans in store for her and the people she was leaving behind.

Manvi sat inside the train compartment, her mind still heavy with the decision to leave everything behind. As she stared out the window, lost in her thoughts, the hustle and bustle of passengers boarding the train gradually filled the compartment.

Suddenly, a group of men entered, their demeanor rough and unsettling. One of them glanced at a photo and then exchanged a significant look with the others. Their eyes settled on Manvi, sending a chill down her spine.

"Yahi hai!" one of the men declared abruptly, pointing at her.

Manvi's heart skipped a beat as fear gripped her. Before she could react, one of the men reached out and grabbed her hand forcefully. Shock and confusion overwhelmed her.

"Yeh kya badtameezi hai?" she protested, trying to pull away from their grasp.

The men paid no heed to her objections. With a steely grip, they began to pull her towards the exit of the compartment, their intentions unclear but menacing. Manvi's mind raced with fear and panic as she struggled against their hold.

"Chhodo mujhe!" she cried out, her voice trembling with desperation.

But the men remained resolute, their actions driven by a determination that sent shivers down her spine. The other passengers in the compartment looked on, some with concern but most choosing to avert their eyes, unwilling to intervene in the unfolding scene.

With each passing moment, Manvi felt the weight of helplessness descend upon her. Trapped in the grasp of strangers, she realized she was at their mercy, her future uncertain and fraught with danger.

The men, unmoved by Manvi's pleas, proceeded with their sinister intentions. Blindfolded and with her hands tied tightly behind her back, Manvi was thrust into a vehicle. Fear gripped her heart as she struggled against her restraints, her mind racing with terror.

"Help! Koi hai wahan? Please help me!" Manvi's voice echoed in desperation, her cries piercing through the air as the vehicle sped away from the train station.

The darkness of the blindfold heightened her senses. Every bump in the road, every turn, amplified her fear of the unknown. She could hear the low murmur of voices among her captors, but their words were unintelligible, adding to her sense of isolation and vulnerability.

Despite her fear, Manvi's mind raced with thoughts of Khushi and Aarav, the two people she had come to care deeply about. She prayed silently that somehow, someone would come to her rescue, that her cries for help would not go unanswered.

In the confined space of the vehicle, her breath quickened with panic. Each passing moment felt like an eternity as she clung to a faint hope of escape, her heart pounding with fear and determination to survive whatever awaited her at the end of this terrifying journey.

The car came to a sudden halt in front of a secluded farmhouse, its eerie silence amplifying Manvi's fear. Rough hands grabbed her, pulling her out of the vehicle and dragging her towards the farmhouse entrance. Despite her struggles and protests, they forcefully ushered her inside.

"Chodo mujhe! Bahut bhaari padega samjhe! Main police mein complaint karungi!" Manvi shouted desperately, her voice laced with both defiance and fear. Her attempts to break free were met with stronger grips, leaving her increasingly hopeless.

Inside the dimly lit farmhouse, they pushed Manvi into a room and shut the door with a resounding thud. The sound echoed ominously in the silence that followed, signaling her isolation and captivity.

Alone in the room, Manvi's heart pounded furiously. The reality of her situation sank in, overwhelming her with a mix of terror and determination. She strained against the ropes binding her hands, her mind racing with thoughts of escape and survival.

Manvi's heart raced with a mixture of relief and disbelief as she felt familiar hands deftly loosening the ropes that bound her wrists. The touch was gentle yet firm, and in that moment of uncertainty and fear, it was a lifeline she desperately clung to.

As the ropes fell away and the blindfold was lifted, Manvi's initial relief turned quickly to shock and anger as she found Aarav standing before her. Her eyes widened in disbelief, struggling to reconcile the caring man she knew with the one who had orchestrated her frightening ordeal.

"Aarav ji!" Manvi gasped, her voice barely above a whisper, her tone laced with accusation and confusion.

"Haan main," Aarav replied solemnly, his expression a mix of remorse and determination.

Manvi's disbelief quickly gave way to anger as she processed what had happened. "Yeh aapne kiya?" she demanded, her voice rising with each word.

Aarav met her gaze, unable to mask the guilt that weighed heavily on him. "Haan, maine kiya," he admitted quietly, his voice tinged with regret.

Manvi's anger flared uncontrollably as she confronted Aarav, her voice laced with fear and indignation. "Aap pagal hai kya? Aap mujhe kidnap kaise kar sakte hai? Pata hai kitna ghabra gayi thi main?" Her eyes burned with fury and hurt as she waited for his response.

Aarav's shoulders slumped with guilt and regret as he tried to explain himself. "Manvi, baat toh suno..."

But Manvi cut him off, not willing to listen to any justification. "Kya suni? Pehle toh aapne khud mujhe kiss kiya... phir uske baad mahino tak mujhe ignore kiya! Ab jab main finally jaa rahi thi toh aapne mujhe kidnap kar liya!"

Desperation tinged Aarav's voice as he pleaded, "Manvi, please listen to me..."

"Nahi! Mujhe nahi sunna hai, Aaravji!" Manvi's voice rose in defiance. "Aapka dard aapki takleef mera kuch nahi? Jab mann kiya aapne mujhse dosti ki... mere feelings phirse jagaye aur phir..." Her words trailed off as Aarav abruptly covered her mouth with a handkerchief in frustration.

Manvi's eyes widened in shock as Aarav took her out to the lawn, her struggle against his grip becoming more desperate. Her muffled protests were barely audible in the tense silence that enveloped them, her confusion, fear, and anger palpable.

Once they were outside, Aarav held her firmly and looked into her eyes. "Bahut bolti ho tum," he said softly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Manvi shot him a glare, her expression a mix of defiance and disbelief. Aarav sighed and continued, "Sorry, maine tumhe kidnap kiya lekin aur koi rasta nahi tha tumhe dundhke wapas laane ka."

She crossed her arms, still wary of his actions. Aarav's voice softened with sincerity as he spoke again, "Janta hun maine bahut galat kiya Shimla se aane ke baad. Mujhe tumhe iss tarah ignore nahi karna chahiye tha. Isliye aaj main wo kehna chahta hun jiski umeed maine kabhi khudse nahi ki thi."

Manvi's heart softened slightly at his words, though she remained cautious. Aarav gently removed the handkerchief from her mouth, silently signaling her to look ahead. Curious, Manvi turned and gasped in amazement at the sight before her.

The lawn was a vision of romance, bathed in the soft glow of twinkling lights and the gentle flicker of candles. Flowers adorned every corner, their sweet fragrance mingling with the evening breeze. Aarav stood beside Manvi, his heart laid bare as he took a deep breath, gathering his courage.

"Manvi," he began, his voice thick with emotion. He knelt down before her, his eyes earnest and vulnerable. From his pocket, he retrieved a small box, opening it to reveal a glistening ring. The diamond sparkled in the candlelight, a symbol of his deep affection and commitment.

"Meri beti tumhe apni maa ka darja mahino pehle de chuki hai," he continued, his voice wavering with sincerity. "Tumne mera bahut saath diya hai, Manvi. Chahe wo meri beti ko mere qareeb laana ho ya mujhe sambhalna. Mera ateet aaj bhi mera peecha karta hai, lekin jab tum mere paas hoti ho na, main safe feel karta hun."

Manvi stood there, stunned and overwhelmed by his words. Tears welled up in her eyes as she listened to him pour his heart out. Aarav's admission of vulnerability and his plea for forgiveness touched her deeply.

"Manvi, Shimla mein wo kiss ek physical desire nahi thi," Aarav continued, his voice trembling with the weight of his confession. "Mera wo ek emotion tha jisse main door bhagta raha. Tumne wo deewar tod di hai, Manvi. Main tumhara pyaar chahta hun tumse wahi pyaar karna chahta hun jo kabhi maine kisise kiya tha, tumhara saath chahta hun, aur khudko ek mauka bhi dena chahta hun. Kya tum mujhse shaadi karogi? Meri beti ki maa banogi?"

Manvi couldn't believe what she was hearing. The man who had once shut himself off from love, who had pushed her away and even slapped her when Khushi had innocently suggested they marry, was now on his knees, pouring his heart out to her. The depth of his transformation and the sincerity in his words moved her beyond words.

Tears streamed down Manvi's cheeks as she gazed at Aarav, her heart overflowing with love and forgiveness. Aarav stood before her, his eyes filled with anticipation, waiting for her response. With a trembling smile, Manvi extended her hand towards him, silently accepting the ring he held.

Aarav's face lit up with joy as he gently slid the ring onto her finger, sealing their promise. Overwhelmed with emotion, Manvi reached up and cupped his face tenderly, her fingertips brushing away the tears that trickled down his cheeks.

"Aaravji," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Aap kabhi mujhe iss tarah propose karenge, maine toh umeed ki hi nahi thi. Aap bahut ache hai, Aaravji. Main wada karti hun kabhi aapko takleef nahi dungi, aur koshish karungi main aapko itna pyaar karun ki aap apna dard bhool jaye."

Aarav was deeply moved by her words. He leaned into her touch, closing his eyes briefly as if savoring the moment. With a heart full of gratitude and love, he softly brushed his lips against hers, a gentle and tender kiss that spoke volumes of their newfound connection and shared commitment.

As they kissed, tears of happiness mingled on their cheeks, a poignant reminder of the pain they had both endured in their past relationships. Yet here, in this moment of tender embrace, they found solace and hope for a brighter future together.

The evening breeze whispered around them, carrying with it their whispered vows of love and dedication. The garden, adorned with twinkling lights and fragrant flowers, bore witness to their embrace, symbolizing the healing power of love and the courage to embrace second chances.