Manvi packs her things, folding clothes meticulously and placing them into her suitcases. The room is filled with the soft rustling of fabric and the occasional clink of zippers. The sunlight filters through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. Neatly folded saris and kurtas form orderly stacks in her suitcase, while toiletries and personal items find their place in the side pockets.

Her hands move with practiced ease, ensuring every item is placed just right. Her movements are deliberate, reflecting a blend of efficiency and care. As she smooths out a final blouse and lays it atop the others, the doorbell rings, breaking the tranquil atmosphere.

Manvi straightens up, brushes her hair back, and walks to the door. When she opens it, she is greeted by the owner of the house, a kind-faced man with graying hair and gentle eyes.

"Namaste," she greets him warmly, her smile genuine and appreciative.

"Namaste, Manvi ji," the owner replies, returning her smile with a kind one of his own.

Manvi calls the driver, who promptly starts taking her things out of the flat, carefully loading them into the car. Each suitcase is handled with care, the soft thud of luggage being placed into the trunk echoing through the hallway. Manvi reaches into her purse, retrieves an envelope with the final payment, and hands it along with the flat key to the owner.

"Yeh lijiye aur shukriya, aapne muskil waqt pe mujhe ghar diya," she says gratefully, her voice sincere and warm.

The owner smiles back, slightly embarrassed. "I am sorry, mujhe nahi pata tha wo agent aapke hi husband ko share ke liye flat dene waala hai," he apologizes, a hint of regret in his tone.

"Koi baat nahi," she replies with a reassuring smile, and then walks to the lift, her footsteps soft but purposeful.

She reaches the car and sits inside, her thoughts still troubled by the incident from the previous night. The driver looks at her through the rear view mirror, his eyes reflecting his concern and happiness.

"Ma'am, main bahut khush hoon aap Aarav Sir ki wife banne waali hain," he says, his voice filled with genuine joy.

Manvi smiles faintly, her mind preoccupied. "Ab aapke Sir aapko zyada tang nahi karte," she remarks softly.

The driver chuckles. "Ma'am, ab mujhe unka koi darr nahi hai. Aakhir ab wo pehle waale Aarav Sir jo ho gaye hain," he says with a sense of relief.

Manvi silently vows that she won't let anyone transform Aarav back into his cruel personality. She needs to figure out who is trying to push him to his past again.

The car weaves through the busy streets, the city a blur of colors and sounds outside the window. The driver stops the car in front of the Malhotra Mansion, and Manvi steps out, taking a deep breath as she prepares to face the day ahead. She walks in, noticing the house adorned with vibrant decorations for the first pre-wedding ritual. The scent of fresh flowers and the hum of activity fill the air, creating an atmosphere of joyous anticipation.

The staff carries her bags upstairs to Khushi's room temporarily. The house is alive with movement, the preparations in full swing. Sharda, approaches her with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with happiness.

"Aao beta! Tumhare liye upar ka kamra ready hai! Shaadi tak tum Khushi ke room mein rahogi aur Khushi Aarav ke room mein..." Sharda says, her voice filled with warmth and excitement.

Khushi giggles, "Aur mere bechare Dadda neeche guest room mein!" she adds playfully.

Manvi smiles at Khushi's playful words, feeling a sense of belonging in this bustling household. She knows she needs to buy new dresses and jewelry since everything had been destroyed. Without informing anyone, she decides to handle it herself to prevent the happiness from turning into worry for others.

Manvi's thoughts were a swirl of determination as she settled into her temporary room at the Malhotra Mansion. The warm hospitality of Aarav's family contrasted with the troubling incidents that had shaken her sense of security. She unpacked her belongings methodically, her mind racing with plans to protect Aarav from his past demons.

Sitting by the window, she gazed out at the manicured gardens below, the setting sun casting long shadows across the lawn. She replayed recent events in her mind, trying to piece together clues. There had been subtle hints, fleeting moments when Aarav's demeanor shifted, reminders of a darker time she had hoped was buried.

"He's changed," she muttered to herself, recalling the driver's words about the transformation in Aarav. Yet, someone seemed intent on resurrecting his old, harsh self. Who could it be? Was it someone from his past, someone with a grudge, or perhaps someone with a hidden agenda?

She made a mental list of people close to Aarav who might have the means or motivation to manipulate him. Each name brought a mix of suspicion and doubt, but she knew she needed concrete evidence before accusing anyone. She couldn't afford to be wrong; Aarav's stability and their future together depended on it.

Her resolve strengthened as she formulated a plan. She would discreetly investigate, observe Aarav's interactions, and subtly probe into his recent acquaintances. She needed to be cautious, not tipping off anyone who might be watching her every move.

As the moon rose over the mansion, casting a silvery glow through the window, Manvi felt a flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty. She wasn't alone in this; Aarav was by her side, and she would do everything in her power to shield him from the shadows of his past. Tomorrow, she would begin her quest for answers, determined to unravel the mystery and safeguard their happiness.

The next day dawned with a sense of urgency for Manvi as she navigated through the bustling market, determined to salvage the disrupted preparations for her upcoming wedding. The previous plans for her attire had been spoiled, leaving her with the daunting task of finding suitable replacements in a short span of time.

As she entered the designer's boutique, the air thick with the scent of fresh fabrics and the hum of sewing machines, Manvi approached the owner with a mix of apprehension and resolve. She explained the situation calmly, her voice carrying a hint of desperation. The designer, well-aware of Aarav Malhotra's influence, hesitated at first, citing the busy wedding season and the time required to recreate the outfits.

"Mam, shaadi ka season hai, kam se kam 15 din lagenge," he replied, his tone apologetic yet firm.

Manvi's heart sank momentarily at the prospect of such a delay. With her wedding rituals looming closer, waiting was not an option. She weighed her options quickly, knowing she had to act decisively.

"Jante ho mera hone waala pati kaun hai? Aarav Malhotra. Ek minute mein tumhari yeh dukaan band ho jayegi," she stated, the mention of Aarav's name carrying a weight of authority and consequence.

The designer's eyes widened in fear, recognizing the gravity of the situation. He relented, agreeing to prioritize her order and promising to have everything ready by the next few days. Manvi managed a relieved smile, thankful that she could resolve this issue swiftly, albeit with a heavy heart over her use of Aarav's influence.

After ensuring the dresses were being handled with utmost care, she hurried to the jeweler's shop. There, she explained the predicament to the jeweler, who sympathetically understood her plight. He swiftly replaced the damaged jewelry pieces, presenting her with gleaming new ones. Manvi paid from her own savings, knowing the importance of keeping such matters discreet.

"Main kuch mahino mein dungi aap iske baare mein mere husband ko mat batana," she requested earnestly, hoping to manage the expenses without burdening Aarav with unnecessary worries.

The jeweler nodded understandingly, assuring her of confidentiality. As she left the shop, Manvi felt a sense of accomplishment mixed with lingering concern. She had managed to fix the immediate issues, but the weight of handling everything on her own shoulders felt daunting.

Returning to the Malhotra Mansion, she took a moment to gather herself before facing Aarav and Khushi. She knew they would have questions about the changed attire and jewelry, but for now, she had bought herself some time to handle these delicate matters without disrupting the joyous atmosphere of the upcoming celebrations.

With renewed determination, Manvi resolved to uncover the source of the disruptions and protect Aarav from any further threats to their happiness. She would navigate these challenges with grace and strength, ensuring that their journey together remained steadfast and secure.

Manvi ascended the stairs of the Malhotra Mansion, following Sharda's instructions to maintain the tradition of not seeing Aarav until the pre-wedding rituals. The grandeur of the mansion surrounded her, but her thoughts were on Aarav and the anticipation of their upcoming union.

Meanwhile, downstairs in the living room, Aarav returned from his office, his demeanor a blend of exhaustion and eagerness to unwind. He settled onto the couch, loosening his tie with a sigh of relief. Khushi, his spirited daughter, bounded over and nestled beside him, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Dadda... kaisa tha din? Aaj mumma nahi aayi office mein na," Khushi teased, her tone playful.

Aarav glanced at her, his expression softening despite his attempt at seriousness. "Khushi!"

Khushi giggled, undeterred by his mock sternness. "Sirf 9 din ki baat hai, Dadda. Phir toh jab chaho tab mumma ke saath romance karna," she teased further, her laughter filling the room.

Aarav couldn't help but smile, his daughter's banter a welcome distraction from his hectic day. He playfully covered her mouth with his hand, trying to silence her teasing. "Chup! Kal se guests aane shuru ho jayenge aur tum ho ki apne mumma dadda ko chedde jaa rahi ho," he chided gently.

Khushi, quick-witted and feisty, bit his hand lightly with her teeth before darting away, her laughter echoing through the hallway. She turned back, glaring at him with mock defiance. "Dadda, aapko chedna mera birthright hai," she declared proudly before disappearing around the corner.

Aarav chuckled to himself, watching his daughter's retreating figure with affection. Despite the challenges they had faced, moments like these reminded him of the joy and liveliness Khushi brought into their lives.

Upstairs, Manvi paused outside Khushi's room, hearing the echoes of their playful exchange downstairs. She smiled to herself, grateful for the warmth and love that surrounded Aarav and Khushi. Adjusting her thoughts, she focused on the tasks ahead and preparing herself for the pre-wedding rituals that would unite their lives in a new chapter of happiness and hope.

The designer himself arrived at the Malhotra Mansion with Manvi's repaired dresses. Khushi, always curious and perceptive, intercepted the delivery, taking the parcel from the designer's hands. As she inspected the neatly wrapped package, confusion flickered across her face.

"Mumma ki dresses toh pehle hi aa gayi thi fitting hoke," she mused aloud, puzzled by the sudden need for repairs.

She turned to the designer, her brow furrowing in concern. "Fitting mein kuch issue tha?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of worry.

The designer shook his head reassuringly. "Nahi! Yeh sab torn the, toh maine kaise bhi inhe fix kar diye hai," he explained, his tone indicating he had done his best to rectify the damage.

Khushi's shock deepened. How could her mother's dresses have ended up torn? Grateful for the designer's efforts, she thanked him politely and swiftly made her way upstairs to Manvi's room. Placing the bags on the bed, she called out, "Mumma!"

Manvi emerged from the bathroom, a towel draped over her shoulder, her expression brightening at the sight of Khushi. "Khushi," she greeted warmly.

"Aapki dresses aa gayi hai," Khushi informed her, her voice carrying a hint of concern mixed with curiosity.

Manvi's heart skipped a beat as she caught the suspicion in Khushi's gaze. "Kya hua tha?" Khushi pressed gently, sensing her mother's unease.

Manvi hesitated, her mind racing for a plausible explanation. "Arre bas suitcase mein pack karte hue thodi kharab ho gayi thi," she replied, forcing a casual smile despite the knot of worry in her stomach.

Khushi studied her mother intently, weighing her words. Though not entirely convinced, she chose to trust Manvi's explanation for now, offering a reassuring smile in return. Manvi exhaled softly, relieved that Khushi seemed to accept her explanation, albeit with lingering doubts.

Khushi's mind raced with a mixture of worry, determination, and a deep sense of protectiveness towards her father, Aarav. Sitting in her room, the events of recent days replayed in her thoughts like a relentless storm. Maya's actions, starting from the emotional letter on the engagement day to the unsettling phone call, now culminated in the inexplicable damage to Manvi's dresses.

She couldn't ignore the pattern anymore. Maya's possessiveness towards Aarav had always been evident, even though Khushi had been shielded from its full force until now. Her mother's actions were beginning to reveal a darker side, one that threatened to disrupt the happiness Aarav had found with Manvi.

Khushi knew firsthand the pain Maya had caused her father in the past. She had witnessed the anguish it had left behind, scars that ran deep within Aarav's heart. Maya hadn't been a good wife to Aarav; instead, she had inflicted endless suffering that still haunted him.

Now faced with the possibility of Maya meddling once again, Khushi felt a surge of protective instinct rise within her. She couldn't stand by and watch her father's newfound happiness be jeopardized. Manvi had become more than just her father's fiancée; she was a friend and a pillar of strength in their lives.

"Maya! Iss baar Dadda ki beti unki dhal banke khadi hai," Khushi thought fiercely. She was ready to confront her own birth mother if necessary, to defend the happiness of Manvi and her father. It was a daunting prospect, challenging someone as formidable as Maya, but Khushi was resolved.

With a determined nod, Khushi made a silent promise to herself. She would gather evidence, prepare herself mentally, and when the time came, she would stand up to Maya. For now, she would observe closely, gather information discreetly, and plan her next steps carefully.

As the evening settled around her, Khushi felt a mix of apprehension and determination. She knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was prepared to fight for her family's happiness with unwavering courage and strength.

Manvi and Khushi found themselves in a situation where they shared a common resolve: to protect Aarav's happiness at all costs, even if it meant keeping each other in the dark about their individual plans and suspicions regarding Maya.

For Manvi, the recent incidents involving her dresses being damaged had raised suspicions about Maya's possible interference. She was determined to uncover the truth and shield Aarav from any potential harm or emotional turmoil. Manvi knew that Maya's past actions had caused deep wounds in Aarav's heart, and she was committed to ensuring that their future together remained secure and undisturbed.

On the other hand, Khushi, had her own worries and suspicions about Maya. She had witnessed firsthand the pain her father had endured in the past because of Maya's possessiveness and manipulations. Khushi felt a fierce protective instinct towards her father and was prepared to confront Maya if necessary, even if it meant confronting her own birth mother to safeguard Aarav's happiness.

Despite their shared determination, Manvi and Khushi chose to keep their intentions and investigations hidden from each other. They believed that by acting independently, they could minimize the risk of alerting Maya or causing unnecessary worry to Aarav. Each was willing to shoulder the burden alone, driven by their love and concern for Aarav's well-being.

As Khushi held the letter from Maya in her hands, her emotions surged like a turbulent sea. She carefully unfolded it, her fingers trembling slightly as she read the familiar words penned by her grandmother.

"Khushi bahut badi ho gayi hogi tum ab... 4 saal ki thi jab aakhiri baar maine tumhe gale se lagaya tha. Uske baad Aarav ne tumhe mujhse kabhi milne nahi diya. Kitni baar use jail se call kiya maine aur kahan ek baar meri beti ko mujhse milwade par usne meri baat nahi suni. Tadapti rahi hai main tumhare liye itne saal. Bache mumma always loved you and still does. Ek baar apni mumma se mil lo..."

Khushi's eyes welled with tears as memories from her early childhood flooded her mind. She remembered the last time Maya had held her close when she was just four years old. It had been a fleeting moment, a fragment of a memory now overshadowed by years of separation and hurt.

Her mother's words tugged at Khushi's heartstrings, stirring a mix of emotions within her. Maya's plea for reconciliation, her longing to see her daughter again, echoed through the room. For a brief moment, Khushi felt a pang of sympathy, understanding the depth of Maya's yearning despite their strained relationship.

But as quickly as the wave of emotion came, Khushi's thoughts turned to the painful reality of Maya's actions towards her father, Aarav. She remembered the countless times Maya had tried to manipulate and control their lives, the hurt she had caused Aarav, and the tears she had seen him shed in private.

Khushi clenched the letter in her hand, her emotions conflicted. She couldn't forget the pain Maya had inflicted on her father, the betrayal he had felt time and again. As much as Maya professed love for her daughter, Khushi couldn't ignore the wounds Maya had left in their family.

Tears rolled down Khushi's cheeks as she struggled with her inner turmoil. She wanted to believe in Maya's words, to give her mother another chance, but she couldn't forget the past. The love she felt for her father, Aarav, outweighed any fleeting sympathy she felt for Maya in that moment.

Taking a deep breath, Khushi folded the letter and placed it back in the drawer. Her resolve strengthened as she wiped away her tears. She knew what she had to do to protect her father's happiness and their family's unity. Maya's words would not sway her from that path.

With a determined expression, Khushi vowed silently to herself, "I will fight for my father's happiness, no matter what." She would confront Maya if necessary, but she would do it on her terms, ensuring that Aarav remained shielded from any further pain or manipulation.

As the evening light faded outside her window, Khushi found solace in her decision. She would be her father's steadfast protector, standing strong against any threat to their happiness, even if it meant facing her own mother in the battle ahead.