Few days later

Everything was calm in these few days. Apart from a little tiff between Anjali and Sheetal regarding money, everything was fine. Apparently Sheetal was using the money that Anjali used to give her to pay the private detectives that Sheetal had claimed to appoint for finding Arav, for her own expenses. But now Anjali refused to give money.

After Arav went missing, Sheetal tried to get everyone's sympathy using his name. Arnav and Akash started staying aloof from everyone and just concentrated on finding Khushi and Payal and their work. Sheetal claimed that since Khushi went missing because of Arav and her, Arnav won't be interested in finding Arav.

Even though Arnav had appointed detectives to find all three of them, the detectives would be mainly focusing on Khushi and Payal. So Sheetal wanted to appoint another detective to find Arav. Then she started her drama of having no source of income, her economic conditions are poor etc.

This melted the heart of Raizada ladies even though Arnav wasn't bothered. They were worried about the safety of the little boy. So Anjali decided to help her and started giving her money to pay the detectives. Sheetal started using the money lavishly for her own expenses.

And whenever the Raizada ladies used to get suspicious on her or questioned her about the money and progression of detective's work, she used to shed her crocodile tears. She used to start emotionally blackmailing them that they are not bothered about Arav. They must be hating Arav and her as because of them Khushi left house. They were just burden on them. They must be wanting to get rid of them so that only they are asking about money.

Hearing that Raizadas used to feel uncomfortable. So they later stopped asking her about what she did with money or whether she got any information on Arav. But now since Arav came back, Anjali refused to give Sheetal money. Sheetal tried convincing that there were some pending payment of the detectives.

Then Anjali asked her to pay it from the money that she used for shopping and clubbing. Sheetal tried convincing her but Anjali was adamant on her decision of not giving money. Sheetal even tried gaining sympathy by saying that Khushi had snatched her only hope in life (Arav). But Anjali didn't budge, an argument happened between them. Finally not seeing any way to get money, Sheetal left from there frustrated.

It had been three days after that incident. Arnav and Khushi were in office attending a meeting with the investors of their venture. Khushi was feeling uneasy from the morning like something bad was going to happen. Ignoring it, she came to office for attending meeting.

But since the last few minutes, the uneasy feeling had increased. A fear was slowly creeping in her heart. Her instincts were warning her about some danger but she couldn't understand what it was. Arnav has noticed her disturbed from morning itself. He wanted to ask but didn't as he couldn't predict her reaction.

When after few minutes the fear and anxiety became unbearable for her, Khushi excused herself in pretext of using washroom and came out of the conference room.

Arnav seeing her disturbed and worried followed her out giving excuse. Coming out from the conference room, Khushi immediately took out her phone and dialed Payal.

Tring Tring

Phone Conversation
Shantivan, living room
Payal (picking up the hall): Hello

Khushi (slightly worried): Hello, Di. Di, where are you?

Payal: Kuku, Are you OK? You sound worried.

Khushi: Yeah Di, I'm fine. You tell me, Are you OK. Where are you.

Payal: I'm fine Kuku. I am in Shantivan only. I was doing some work in laptop. I am sitting here in the living room. Why, what happened? Why are you asking this all of a sudden.

Khushi: Nothing Di. Don't know why, I am not feeling good from morning itself. I am feeling as if something bad is going to happen. I don't know. I am feeling scared. Some uneasy feeling is there from morning itself.

Payal: Relax Kuku, everything is fine. Don't worry. Nothing bad will happen. You just calm down. Everything is alright here. Don't get tensed.

Khushi (still worried): Di, Where is kids? Are they with you.

Payal (looking in front of her with a slight smile): Yes, Kuku. Kiddos are right in front of me. They are playing here in the living room itself. You don't worry.

Khushi: And Aru. He is also with you guys, right.

Payal (slightly frowning): Aru... No Kuku. He is not here with us.

Kuku (panicking): What? Where did he go? What do you mean by he is not with you?

Payal: Kuku, he was playing here with us only. But then he told me that he had to use washroom. So he went upstairs. But he didn't come till now.

Khushi (in panic mode): What? He went to room alone. When did he go? Is he fine? Why didn't he come till now.

Payal (slightly worried): Kuku, you are right. He went long back. But he didn't come back till now. He should have come back till now. Wait. Lemme check.

Khushi was scared hearing that.
Khushi (frightened and panicked): Di, go and check him fast. (Thinking something) Di, where is Sheetal? Is she at home? Is she there with you?

Payal's eyes widened hearing Khushi's question.
Payal (worried and scared): Kuku, Sheetal... She is at home only. She was here sometime before. But now I couldn't see her.

Khushi (screaming): Di.... Di please go and check Aru fast. Di, I am getting scared. I am feeling like something is going to happen. You check Aru fast. I am coming home right away.

Phone Conversation ends

Khushi cut the call and ran out of the office in full panic mode. Arnav who came out of the conference room behind Khushi heard her talking to Payal. Feeling something fishy and worried for Khushi, he immediately left behind Khushi after asking Aman to handle the meeting.

Even Akash was worried seeing Arnav and Khushi, so he also went with Arnav. Soon both the brothers were following Khushi's car which was going in high speed towards Shantivan.

Shantivan

On the other side, as soon as the call got cut. Payal immediately stood up from her seat and ran upstairs to kid's room. Nani, Anjali and Mami, who were sitting in the living room alongwith Payal were slightly worried hearing the one sided conversation.

They could see the different emotions that were running on Payal's face. When they saw Payal cutting call and running upstairs with full worried expression, they were concerned. They could understand that something is wrong and it is related to Sheetal and Arav. So not wasting any time they also went behind Payal asking HP to take care of kids.

Reaching the kids' room, Payal stopped. Nani, Anjali and Mami were right behind her. Seeing the room closed, Payal was scared. Not wasting anytime, she pushed the door open and entered inside alongwith the Raizada ladies.

Entering inside all four of them felt their heart stop beating. The sight frightened them. Tears welled up in their eyes. Their breath hitched. There in one corner of the room lied Arav bundled up in fetal position. His face and body were badly bruised and blood was coming out of it. Sheetal was standing over him with a stick in her hand.

It was clear that she was beating Arav with the stick. Seeing the scene the Raizada ladies and Payal felt their heart breaking. The innocent life who lied on the floor looked as if he had no life left in him.

Sheetal was shocked seeing them there. Earlier when she was sitting in living room doing window shopping in her phone, she saw Arav going upstairs alone. Seizing the opportunity, she also left behind him without anyone's notice.

She immediately went to her room and got the wooden rod. She knew that Arav was scared of it and will obey her as soon as he will see it. She then went to kids' room and closed the door. As soon as she saw him coming out of the washroom, she went to him and started threatening him using the rod.

But Arav proved to be a tough nut to crack. He denied her. Then she started beating him with the rod trying to make him agree to do what she tells. But Arav still refused. His continuous denial unleashed the monster in her and she started hitting him without any mercy.

But Arav refused to obey her at any cost. In her anger and frustration Sheetal forgot what she was doing and continued beating him without thinking about the consequences. She beat him all over his body making him bleed. She was blind with rage seeing all her plans failing. So without thinking anything she was showing her cruelty to Arav.

It was at that time, Payal entered with Raizadas. Seeing them she was shocked. Before she could do anything or try to justify herself, Payal reached her and pulled her away from Arav. Holding Sheetal's hand in tight grip, Payal started slapping her left and right.

Payal was blind with rage seeing the little baby boy in such state who was like her own baby for her. She considered him as her elder son and now seeing him in such state made her rational mind stop working. She was slapping Sheetal again and again when a weak voice stopped her.

Arav (weakly): Massi....

Payal stopped hitting Sheetal and immediately went to Arav. Scooping him up in her arms she held him close to her chest. Arav felt relieved feeling her motherly warmth. But he wasn't satisfied. He wanted his mother. He wanted to go to his Mumma.

He wanted to be in the protective and safe arms of his Mumma. He wanted to feel her motherly warmth and love, that could only sooth his pain and suffering.

Arav (whispering): Maasi, Mumma...

Payal (holding him close): Haan Aru, Mumma is coming baby. She will come just now. You be strong OK. Everything will be fine.

Payal held him in her arms and stood up. Taking him in her arms she went to Sheetal and pulled her by her hair.

Payal (angrily): You b***h, how dare you? How dare you hurt him. I won't leave you.

Payal started slapping her left and right again. After giving her three to four rounds of slaps, she again pulled her by her hair and brought her to the living room. The little ones were playing there.

Seeing their Aru Bhayya hurt, the little ones were scared and started crying. Consoling them Payal send them to her room alongwith HP.

Again turning to Sheetal, Payal was about to slap her when a loud shriek echoed the four walls of Shantivan making even the lifeless bricks feel the pain and anguish held in the shriek.

Khushi (shrieking): Aru...

Khushi had just entered inside through the main door when she saw the bloodied form of her son cuddled up in her sister's arms. Seeing his state, her heart stopped beating. Her breathing became irregular. She felt pain and hurt fill every fibre of body seeing her baby son in such a state.

Tears welled up in her eyes. She felt her body feeling weak. Her knees buckled. She was about to fall down on the floor when a pair of strong arms held her. But her heart was in too much pain to even recognize the familiar touch.

Arnav held her in his arms preventing her from falling down. But the pain in her heart was unbearable. Finally not able to take it, a shriek escaped her lips making the whole house aware of her pain.

Payal turned and looked at Khushi who was in Arnav's arms. The tears were continuously flowing from her eyes which was fixed on the little bundle in her arms. Seeing his Mumma, Arav felt relieved. He felt safe.

Getting out of Payal's arm, he slowly moved towards Khushi with his weak body while Khushi was still paralyzed in her spot seeing his condition. Limbing and with wobbly legs he moved as fast as his weak body would allow him to reach the safe cocoon of his mother.

But after few steps his body gave up. Loosing his balance, Arav was about to fall down when loudly screaming his name, Khushi and Arnav reached him and took him in her embrace preventing him falling down. Arnav embraced both of them in his arms feeling protective of them.

Yes it is true that he was never comfortable in accepting Arav as his son. But it doesn't meant that he hated Arav or wanted anything bad for him. Surely the boy held a special place in his heart. He loved him. Seeing him in this state he felt anger rising in him.

He wanted to punish the person responsible for his state. Also he felt guilty that he was thinking to give him back to that same person who had done this to him. He can't imagine what would have happened if he succeeded. He could have never been able to forgive himself if anything would have happened to Arav. He was glad that he couldn't give Arav back to Sheetal.

On the other hand, Arav felt better being in his parent's arms. He felt safe and secure. His mother's warmth and his father's strong arms were enough to make him better. He just wanted to stay there.

Khushi cried seeing her son's state. She was horrified seeing the bruises all over his body. She felt like taking him in her arms and keeping him away from the world safely in her arms. When Arnav wrapped his arms around them, she didn't resist because right now she wanted that. For herself and her son.

The strong protective arms of her husband to ensure that he will save her and her kids from the cruel world outside. Like every woman she also wanted her husband's support when such a mishap had happened to their child. She maybe a strong woman, but there are situations where even though they deny for a thousand times, but a woman, a wife, a mother would want her husband's support for herself and her children.

The three of them were lost in their own world. But their reverie was broken by Akash.

Akash: Bhai, I think we should take Arav to the hospital. He is bleeding, Bhai.

Arnav and Khushi came back to senses and looked at Arav who was covered in blood all over. Khushi cried more while Arnav felt his eyes filling. Immediately taking Arav in her arms Khushi rushed outside making Arnav to follow her. The whole family rushed outside behind them.

Arnav: Akash call the hospital immediately and ask the doctors to be ready.

Akash: Yes, Bhai.

Payal: Kuku, you don't worry. You take Arav to hospital. Here I will handle everything. I won't leave that b***h.

Arnav and Khushi rushed to hospital alongwith Arav. As soon as they reached there, Arav was taken to the emergency room with doctors immediately taking care of him.

Here back at Shantivan, Payal was beyond angry at Sheetal for hurting her nephew. Coming back she started hitting her badly. Even the Raizada ladies were so angry that they couldn't control their rage and slapped Sheetal few times.

Sheetal was beaten by Payal and the Raizada ladies very badly. Akash stood at one corner allowing the ladies to handle the situation. As soon as the ladies were finished, Payal called the police and handed over Sheetal to them after filing case against her for child abuse.

She even gave police some bribe to give third class treatment in jail. Then what Sheetal faced hell in jail.

In the hospital

After a couple of hours, doctor came out of the emergency ward to see the worried couple sitting outside. He himself felt sad seeing the little boy's condition. Then he can't even imagine the pain his parents would be going through.

As soon as Arnav and Khushi saw doctor, both ran to him.

Khushi: Doctor, how is he? How is my son? He is fine right? Nothing happened to him na?

Doctor looked at the young lady in front of him. He could see the love, care and concern brimming in her eyes for her son.

Doctor: Relax Mrs Raizada. Your son is fine. There are bruises all over his body. We have dressed them. Luckily there is no fractured bone. There may be pain due to the wounds but don't worry we have given him pain killers. He will be fine. Just take care of him and make him rest. We will keep under observation for 2-3 days then we will leave him. You can meet him after he is shifted to ward.

Saying that Doctor left. Arnav and Khushi were waiting outside for Arav to be shifted to ward. At that time, Payal alongwith Raizadas and kids came there. Payal ran to Khushi and hugged her.

Payal (crying): Kuku, I am really sorry. I... I couldn't take care of Aru. I am really sorry Kuku. I don't know how I just forgot about him and didn't realize that he wasn't there with us. I am really sorry Kuku. Please forgive me.

Khushi: Di, it's OK. It's not your fault. I know you didn't do it intentionally. If anyone is at fault then it is that Sheetal. (Gritting her teeth)

Payal (angry): You don't worry Kuku. I have taken care of her really well. She would regret for this for her entire life. She won't come out of jail for her lifetime. Leave all that tell me how Aru is. He is fine na. Nothing happened to him right.

Khushi: Yes Di, he is fine. Doctor said that there are bruises all over his body but luckily there is no fracture. Now he is sleeping. We can meet him after they shift him to ward. But he has to stay in hospital for 2-3 days.

Payal: Relax Kuku. He will be fine. We are there na. We will take care of him well. He will be alright in no time.

Just then the little ones came and hugged Khushi around her legs.

Little ones: Mumma, Aru Bhayya...

Khushi kneeled down in front of them.
Khushi: Hey, kiddos. It's OK babies. Your Aru Bhayya is fine. He is hurt a little bit so Doctor uncle has kept him here. You don't worry Aru Bhayya will be alright soon and then he will play with you. Till then you guys don't disturb him. OK.

Little ones: OK Mumma.

At that time a nurse came and informed them that they can meet Arav. Hearing that everyone rushed inside the private ward where Arav was kept.

Khushi (entering inside): Aru...

Arav (weakly): Mumma.

Khushi ran to him and sat on the bed near him.

Khushi (caressing his hair): Aru baby, Are you fine.

Arav: Yes Mumma. I am fine.

Khushi (slightly touching his bandages): Baby, is it hurting a lot.

Arav: No Mumma. Just light pain.

Khushi cried hearing that. She knew that it is paining him a lot and her little baby was trying to hide his pain. But she was his mother. She could very well understand his pain.

Khushi: Aru, it's OK. You will be fine soon.

Little ones: Aru Bhayya...

Arav: Kiddos...

Arsh: Bhayyu, all u allight, Mumma say you fine. (Bhayyu, are you alright. Mumma said that you are fine.)

Arav: Yeah Ashu, I am fine.

Arush: Bhayya You fine soon. We play. (Bhayya you become fine soon. Then we will play)

Arav: OK. After I become fine. We will play lots of games.

Arshi: Bhayyu, Kiddos lub you.

Arav (smiling): Bhayyu loves Kiddos too.

Akira: Bhayyu, get well soon.

Arav: I will Akki.

Arnav: How are you feeling Arav?

Arav: I am fine ASR.

Arnav: Be brave Arav. You will be alright soon.

Arav: Hmmm.
(Turning to Khushi) Mumma, I am feeling sleepy.

Khushi (covering him with comforter): OK Baby. You sleep.

After that everyone left from there leaving Khushi and Arnav with Arav. Akash went home alongwith everyone and came back with food and other necessities for Arav, Arnav and Khushi.

Three days passed. All this time Khushi and Arnav will be there with Arav in the hospital. They will stay there day and night taking care of Arav. Initially Arav and Khushi refused Arnav's help. But slowly both of them gave in.

Arav became a little bit more comfortable with Arnav. Though both Arav and Khushi were downright formal with Arnav, they didn't refused Arnav's help when he would do anything for Arav. Like taking him to washroom, changing his dress, getting his medicines etc.

Arnav was also happy that they were letting him help them. In these three days neither Khushi nor Arnav went to office or did any official work. They were just taking care of Arav.

On the other side Akash was taking care of the office alongwith Aman. Not only office he was also helping Payal take care of the kids as well. Since the kids were always restless not seeing their Mumma and Aru Bhayya, it was difficult for Payal to handle them alone.

So the whole Raizada family were taking care of them. The kids would always make fuss when the Raizada family try to do something for them but still the family members were patient with them. They never showed any displeasure towards the kid's rude behavior towards them as they could understand that the little ones were only annoyed on not seeing their mother and brother for such a long time.

Payal always refused taking any help from the family members but they still tried to help her even after her constant denial. She would always shout at Akash when he would come near kids but Akash nevertheless did everything. He would help her in bathing kids, dressing them, feeding them. He would also take them out to distract their mind so that they don't get much sad missing their mother and brother.

Three days later Arav was discharged from hospital. Arnav and Khushi took him back to home. Seeing them everyone was happy. Kiddos ran to their Mumma and Aru Bhayya and hugged them tightly.

Arav was in Arnav's arms as he was still weak to walk on his own. Nani took Arti of Arav and welcomed him inside. Everyone was fussing over Arav trying to take care of him. Khushi smiled seeing her little babies trying to make their brother happy.

They have brought a gift for their Bhayya when they went out with Akash. Seeing the love of his little siblings Arav was very happy. They all had dinner and settled in the living room for some chit chat. Later Khushi took Arav to her room and made him sleep.

After Arav slept Khushi was standing in the poolside looking at the sky. Her mind went to the past. She remembered the first time she saw Sheetal beating Arav.

Flashback

Three years ago

It has been few days since Arav and Sheetal came to Shantivan. Everyone was fussing over them. It had become routine for Khushi to hear comparison between Arnav and Arav.

She used to get upset about it but like always used to hide her pain in her heart melting smile. She had seen Arav behaving just like Arnav in every aspect but her logic mind had doubts. Even if Arav behaved like Arnav but how come Arav doesn't have a single quality or character of Sheetal with whom he had spent five years of his life.

How can a child have no similarity or behavior of the parent who have brought him up. The idea was too much absurd to be true. Arav not having a single similarity with Sheetal confused her.

She liked the little boy. No she loved him. She couldn't describe but she felt a sense of belongingness with him. Like he is someone close. Like he is her own. She felt her heart going out for him even if she didn't want to. But the circumstances were not allowing her to show her fondness for him.

The constant rude behavior from him and his mother and the ignorance of her own family was hurting her. She just wanted her family to understand her. But no they were too much engrossed in taking care of their guests and pampering their Anjali Bitiya that they never saw her hurt and pain. But the thing that hurt her most was the ignorance of her own husband.

Now a days she really missed her husband who would go out of his usual ways to just bring a smile on her face. Who would make jalebis at night just to cheer her up. Who would dance on Salman Khan songs for her happiness. But now he is missing. She is feeling like it was some other person in the face of her husband.

Her husband who used to love her with all her craziness and shortcomings, was missing. On the other hand, a man who would shout at her and point her mistake in everything that she did, was what she saw everyday. A man who would be laughing with his ex girlfriend at her craziness and foolishness.

A man who ignored her. A man who never saw her hurt and pain. A man who had time for everything and everyone in this world apart from her. Who was he? He was surely not her Arnavji. Because her Arnavji could never hurt her like this. He could never ignore her. Her Arnavji loved her beyond everything. Her Arnavji's world revolved around her. Then who was this man who was not even ready to acknowledge her presence.

All he did was going to office, spending time with his family, pampering his sister, playing with Arav, joking with Sheetal and reminiscing their memories. What had he done to her Arnavji. Wasn't he supposed to be with her as well. Doesn't she has any right on his time.

Heck they were newly married. It wasn't even three months to their remarriage and he was already going away from her. She never wanted to take him away from his family. She was happy that he was spending time with family, and friends. But can't he include her in his world also. Why he has to ignore her to be with them.

Can't he give her a place also in the world which included those people. Why he has to ignore her and hurt her feelings to be with them.

Khushi was getting hurt with the things happening around her. But she kept it to herself. She was trying to compose herself and mask her pain everytime. But was it that easy. When the same people who you expect to be with you, love you, cherish you, understand and soothe your pain, itself is ignoring you and hurting you. Well that was what Khushi was going through.

It was a usual day. As it was the routine for the past few days, Khushi was going to kitchen to make the evening snacks and beverages after spending time in her room and Laxmiji in the whole afternoon. While walking towards the kitchen, she heard noises from Sheetal and Arav's room.

First she thought to ignore it but her curious mind got better of her and she decided to check. She was going to knock on the door when she heard shouting from inside.

Sheetal (angry): How many times should I tell you to do everything like I say you. Then why can't you just do a single thing correctly.

Arav (crying): But Mumma I did everything like you asked me to do na.

Sheetal: Oh really. Then what were you doing in the morning. Didn't I ask you to ask Khushi to make juice for you and shout at her. Then why didn't you do it.

Arav: But Mumma. She made juice na.

Sheetal: Didn't I ask you to ask her to make another juice. Then why didn't you say.

Arav: But Mumma. The juice that she made was what I like. She made juice after asking me only. Also she is very nice. I like her very much. She always take care of me and make everything that I like. She also gives me everything that I ask. Then why are we doing all these. She is very good Mumma. I don't like shouting at her.

Sheetal: Oh really. Now you will teach me what is right and what is wrong ha. You will tell me what I should do and what I shouldn't. Haan. You idiot. I have taken you from orphanage and gave you everything and you will tell me what I should do. You can't do a single work of mine and here I am tolerating you day and night. You wait I won't leave you today.

Khushi was shocked hearing all these. She immediately went near the window and peeped inside. What she saw made the ground slip beneath her feet. She felt numb.

There Sheetal was hitting the little boy with a wooden rod. His cries could be heard loudly by Khushi. She felt her inside churn. Her heart paining. The cruelty happening in front of her was beyond all the worst things she had ever seen in her life. She felt paralyzed with shock.

Few minutes later she recovered from her shocked state and was going to confront Sheetal when she saw Sheetal leaving the room. She wanted to go behind her and confront her but the weak sobbing sounds that came from inside the room, stopped her. Forgetting everything she rushed inside and pulled the soft young body curled on the floor into her arms.

She sat on the floor with Arav curled up in her arms rocking him back and forth. Arav felt relaxed feeling the kind and loving motherly touch. He snuggled to her chest seeking warmth in his half unconscious state.

Khushi was crying seeing his state. She didn't know what to do. She could go and tell the truth to the family but will they believe her. Hadn't she experienced her family's lack of trust in her in past the two times she had tried to prove Shyam's truth to the family. It took her to almost loose her life just to make her husband believe her truth. Then also the family didn't believe her.

Finally they had to stage a complete drama and a lot of evidence including the live video footage to make them believe the truth. Then will they believe her if she says Sheetal's truth now. When she doesn't have a single evidence to prove her point. Sheetal could easily prove her wrong.

Well Arav could support her but still he was a little five years old boy. How much will they believe him. Moreover his state now itself says how much he feared Sheetal. What if he won't be able to say truth in front of everyone because of his fear. If her plan backfires then it will cause more problems for Arav.

Moreover nowadays her family's behavior along with her husband's, made her doubt that he would ever believe her over Sheetal. If they didn't believe her and Arav tried to support her by saying truth, then surely Sheetal could hurt him.

No she can't take the risk. Whatever she had to do she had to prove her point with proof. She had to find a way to expose Sheetal. But before that she has to save Arav from Sheetal. If Sheetal comes to know that she has come to know her truth then she could hurt Arav more.

She can't let it happen. She decided to help Arav with whatever it will take. Khushi scooped the innocent baby boy in her arms and took him to her room. She slowly tend to his wounds and made him feel better.

She asked him about the things that Sheetal was talking to him in the room. He was scared first but then slowly said everything to her that Sheetal had brought him there from orphanage and was asking him to do things so that she could make problems for Khushi.

After listening everything Khushi asked Arav to listen to whatever Sheetal say and do it. She also asked him to not tell Sheetal about her knowing the truth. She promised him that she will make everything fine.

Flashback ends

After that day Khushi tried to keep Arav away from Sheetal most of the time. Nobody didn't noticed it as Arav would usually be with family members. Arav always said Khushi about everything that Sheetal would ask him to do.

Khushi would tell him to do it and not to make Sheetal angry. Arav would also do it on Khushi's saying. Hence Khushi never felt bad when Arav used to shout at her and be rude to her as she knows that it is his helplessness. Khushi always protected Arav from Sheetal and kept him away from her.

She was trying to collect proves against Sheetal. But still it hurt her when her own husband used to support Sheetal when she used to mock her or be rude to her and make fun of her. His behavior used to break her again and again.

Khushi came out of her thoughts feeling a hand on her shoulder. Turning around she saw Payal standing there.

Payal: Kuku, where were you lost.

Khushi: Nothing Di, was just thinking something.

Payal: About what happened three years back, right.

Khushi: You know na what happened three years back. I could never forget it. Nor I could ever forgive them. They have broken me beyond limits that there was nothing left in me to live. If my kids were not there I don't know what would have happened to me.

Payal: Kuku...

Khushi: You know it was very difficult to come out of everything and still live.

Payal: I felt like you are going to forgive everyone.

Khushi: Do you really think I could do that, Di. If you are wounded for once then it can be healed. But if you are wounded in the same place again and again then it will become difficult to heal it, Di. I could never forget and forgive them for what they did to me. Not for anything. You tell me can you forget everything.

Payal: Never.

Khushi: They have not just hurt me Di. But they have killed me. The pain and hurt they have caused me is something that I could never forget in this lifetime.

Payal: You are right Kuku. Sometimes we try to forget everything and move on. But the reality will too much painful that even if you give your everything and try to move on, you still find yourself standing at the same place. The past will haunt you in such a way that you loose your faith in everything around you. You just looses yourself while try to fight but still you will find yourself drowning in the same pain.

Khushi: Di

Khushi hugged Payal tightly. Tears welled up in their eyes thinking of everything that they had to go through. They had tried to fight the pain but still the hurt was what that never left them.

They had tried to fight it. Fight against everything to remove the pain from their lives but it still haunted them not allowing them to live. In our ignorance we hurt somebody but we never think of the pain the person has to go through because of our behavior.

Khushi Agnihotri and Payal Gupta were two strong women who tried to fight the pain their loved ones caused them but still the memories of their past never left them to move on and forget everything. Now only destiny can say if they will ever be able to come out of their pain. If their loved ones will heal their pain or hurt them more....

***************

Next day morning

Everyone was having breakfast on the dining table. There was silent all around the tables except for the little chatter by the little ones. Everyone was enjoying their cute antics.

There was calmness in the atmosphere. Everyone was lost in their own thoughts. A slight smile played on everyone's face looking at the innocent faces of the little babies.

After breakfast everyone retired to their own rooms to finish their work. Arnav was in poolside working in the laptop as he had taken leave from office in case he was needed for any help at home as Arav was not fully recovered yet.

He was working, when his phone rang. Seeing the unknown number he frowned at first. Nevertheless decided to take it.

Phone Conversation

Arnav: Hello, ASR speaking

Other side: Hello Mr ASR. I am Inspector Gowde from xyz police station.

Arnav: Yes tell me Inspector. Why did you call me. What is the matter.

Inspector: ASR, you know, four days back  we have arrested Miss Sheetal Kapoor from your house on charge of child abuse.

Hearing the name, Arnav's blood boiled. His hands fisted. Image of Arav's wounded body came into his mind. He felt like killing Sheetal then and there.

Arnav (gritting his teeth and controlling his emotions): Yes Inspector I know. In fact my wife only gave the complaint. You tell me what is the matter.

Inspector (hesitantly): Well Mr ASR. Miss Kapoor has requested us to call you as she wanted to talk something important with you.

Arnav (full angry mode): I don't have anything to talk to her.

Inspector: ASR she is saying that it's something very important and you would want to hear it. Otherwise you will have some problems.

Arnav: I don't care. I don't want to hear any of her nonsense.

Inspector: Mr ASR, I think you should come here and hear her once. From the way she was talking I felt like it was something important. If you could just come once. There is no harm in knowing what she wants to say right. Maybe it will be beneficial for you.

Arnav (thinking for sometime): Hmm. OK. I will come.

Inspector: Fine then. I will keep the call. Thank you.

Arnav: OK

Phone Conversation ends

Arnav sat there thinking about what Sheetal wanted to talk to him. He was confused. He didn't know whether he did right agreeing to meet Sheetal or not. He just hope everything goes fine. Nevertheless he decided to go and meet Sheetal.

On the other side, in police station. Sheetal smirked after knowing that Arnav had agreed to meet her. Just wait and watch Khushi how I will destroy you. The game is still on.

So that's it. So what do you think will happen next. Will Arnav go to meet Sheetal. What does Sheetal has to say to Arnav. What's Sheetal going to do. Will she succeed in her plan. Will Khushi be able to save herself and her kids. For answers stay tuned.

Also I know many of you may be confused about why I am giving so much importance to Arav, Arnav and Khushi's relation. It's because Arav is an important character in this story. There will be lots of shades of their relations. All the three will have a long way to go through in their relation. Arav's relation with Khushi and Arnav was something I always wanted to see in the show but since it stopped suddenly so only few interaction were there. Arnav and Khushi as Arav's parents will have a lots of shades in this story.

Khushi's love, Arnav's care, his struggle to accept him everything will have many phases so please don't get annoyed that I am giving too much importance to that because it's a part of the story.

Also please comment. Your comments are really valuable. It's the inspiration that make me give more updates. So please comment.