Arnav alongwith Akash came down. They saw Khushi and Payal sitting with the others. Silently they both joined the others. Few minutes later Samar and Anjali came there. They all started talking with each other.

Garima Gupta was looking at everyone sitting around. Her whole family was here. Her parents, brother, sister, kids, grandkids everyone. She looked at Raizadas sitting with everyone and chatting nonchalantly as if everything is fine. Otherside she could see her daughter and niece trying to ignore their presence as if they are not affected.

But she knew how much they are affected by everything. It's not easy to forget your past and move on and that too when your past is right in front of you. You could show as if you are unaffected by everything but the truth is it will be hurting you deep down and still you will not be able to do anything.

More than her who will be able to understand this pain. Hadn't she experienced the same pain all her life. The burden and pain of her past had never left her. Even if she had tried to move on and was successful to some extend but still the past haunted her.

Her life had turned upside down because of it. It had changed her completely but still it never left her. The pain, the hurt, the guilt, everything just haunted her.

Garima Gupta or rather Garima Kirloskar was never a woman who was soft spoken, weak, or gullible. But one past changed her completely.

She was the elder daughter of Avdoot and Kalindi's Kirloskar. Being the eldest child, she was pampered by everyone in all three families (Kirloskars, Agnihotris and Randhawas). Her younger siblings always obeyed her and looked up to her decision in every matters.

Whatever she wanted, she got that. It made her stubborn and arrogant. She never paid heed to anybody. All she thought about was her own happiness and comfort. Being the eldest child she was pampered and spoiled badly by her family.

She never learned to bent or adjust to anything in her life. Her younger siblings were different. They were more mature, responsible and understanding. But she was immature, stubborn and bossy.

But her life took a complete U turn when her marriage was fixed with Shashi. She was just 20 year old then. Very young and immature. Having lived all her life in a very protected and lavish way, it was very difficult for her to accept her marriage with a middle class man that too someone who was almost 10 years elder than her.

Shashi's father was Avdoot's (Garima's father) old friend. Their marriage was fixed in childhood just like Aastha and Shlok's. But unlike Aastha and Shlok who lived all their life knowing that they were going to marry each other, Garima was unaware of the fact that she was going to marry Shashi.

When the marriage was fixed, it came as a shock for her. She couldn't accept a marriage with a middle class man. It was something that she couldn't digest. She had always dreamed of a marriage with a man who was rich and with a high social status. Shashi was nothing what she dreamed of as a husband.

Shashi on the other hand was aware of the alliance from earlier itself. His family had informed him about that. He was a man with a kind heart and a lot of self respect. Having seen the cruel world at a tender age itself, he was matured and understanding.

His father was Avdoot's childhood friend. After they had grown up and got married, they decided to change their friendship into relation by getting their children married but fate had some other plans. Shashi's father passed away even before he had a chance to see his children grow up.

After the death of his father, all the responsibilities of the house felt on the shoulders of an young Shashi who was merely 15 year old then. This included the responsibility of an ailing mother and an unmarried older sister. Thus he never got a chance to study or fulfill any of his dreams.

Moreover the responsibilities and expectations made him to work day in and out to meet the necessities of his family. After two years of his father's death, his mother also passed away finally giving into her ailment. After that Madhumathi took care of the household and supported him like a mother.

Few years later when she also left him after getting married, it was then Shashi really understood the feeling of loneliness. His brother in law was a kind man. He had always considered Shashi as his own brother.

After his marriage with Madhumathi, he had asked Shashi to move in with them to Delhi but Shashi politely refused as he didn't want to leave Lucknow and his shop. He stayed back in Lucknow itself. Madhumathi alongwith her husband used to visit him regularly.

It was at that time, Kirloskars put forward the proposal of his marriage with Garima. Shashi had almost given upon that proposal by that time as he was well aware of the difference in the social status between both the families. But the Kirloskars insisted for the relation as they wanted to keep the word they had given to Shashi's parents.

Finally due to constant persuasion from Kirloskars he agreed for the marriage. On the other hand, Garima also had to agree for the marriage due to her family's insistence. Thus their marriage happened. After marriage Garima shifted to Lucknow with Shashi.

It was very difficult for Garima to adjust in the middle class family as she had lived all her life in luxury. But Shashi was very supportive. He tried to fulfill all her demands within his capabilities and when something was beyond his reach, then he used to patiently make her understand and then used to work hard to fulfill her needs.

Even though Garima was against the marriage initially and was very annoyed with everything. Slowly she also tried to adjust with everything seeing Shashi's love and care. She couldn't help but fall in love with the kind and loving Shashi. Apart from the small fights and arguments due to financial crisis, they were happy.

And their happiness reaches new heights when they were blessed with their little angel, Payal. But with that responsibilities and expectations also increased. Garima who always dreamed of a luxurious life wanted that for herself and her daughter.

She started demanding more things from Shashi. The small fights started turning into big arguments. Even though Shashi tried to be patient and make her understand, Garima was nowhere to listen. Her demands increased day by day.

On the other hand, seeing her sister living a comfortable and luxurious life with her husband, only gave way to her insecurities and jealousy. She wanted a life like her sister. Seeing all her friends and family enjoying their life where she had to adjust in everything to meet ends, annoyed her.

Shashi was not unaware of her situation. He could very well understand her situation. Somewhere he had expected it to happen in their life. That was the reason he was against their marriage. But then nothing can be done. He tried everything in his capabilities to fulfill her dreams but she always remained unsatisfied.

But everything took an ugly turn due to one incident. There was a function in Agnihotri Mansion. Garima alongwith her family was invited. Everything was going smooth until few high society ladies started to gossip and their interest suddenly turned to the difference in the social status between Garima and other family members.

Garima who was always proud and egoistic couldn't take the insult. Coming back, an argument broke out between Shashi and Garima. Shashi tried to make her understand but Garima was nowhere to understand. Madhumathi who came to visit also tried to talk to Garima but Garima in turn insulted her.

Dejected Madhumathi left. Soon the argument turned really ugly and Shashi lost his cool and shouted at her. Garima who had never been shouted at before, took it as an insult and in anger left home. In her immaturity and stubbornness she didn't realize what she was doing. She left a little eight years old Payal with Shashi and went away.

She first went to her maternal house, but her family who was aware of her nature understood what would have happened, tried to make her understand and send her back. But that only increased her stubbornness, and she again left house.

She went back to Lucknow but didn't return to Shashi's house. Instead she started staying in a ladies hostel. She then demanded divorce from Shashi. All her family members were shocked on knowing her decision. Everyone tried to persuade but she was stubborn. Even Madhumathi and Shashi personally tried to talk to her and make her understand. But she was adamant on her decision.

Finally not seeing any other way, Shashi agreed for divorce. It was then Garima faced real problems in her life. Till then she was living with the small amount she had and on the money she got by selling her jewellery. But once the money finished, she started having problem. She started searching job to meet her expenses.

It was then her life took another turn. The handsome, rich, charming, cunning Arvind Mallik entered her life. After trying for a job in many companies and getting rejected, she got a job in Mallik industries. She was assigned the job of Arvind Mallik's personal assistant.

Garima had always lived her life in a very protective environment till then. Be it her parents or Shashi, everyone had always kept her protected, never allowing her to see the cruel world outside. So when she was forced to go out and live by herself, it was very difficult for her.

She never understood the cunningness of the outside world. She was always immature and naive by heart due to the protective world in which she had lived. This made her to believe that everyone around her is good and caring. She never saw the deceit hidden behind the smile in the people around her. Her this naive nature was what made her fall in the trap of the cunning Arvind Mallik.

Arvind Mallik who always had a weakness for beautiful woman was smitten by the innocent Garima. Her naive nature attracted him. Unknown to Garima he was making plans to have her.

It was easy for him because the naive Garima was impressed with him when he supported her and praised her work. A few words of appreciation from his side and she had added him in her good books. Garima who was new to all the ways and politics of corporate world was on the top of the world when her boss praised her work when on the other hand he always scolded all other employees for their work. It made her feel special. She never realized the slyness behind the sweet coated behavior of her boss.

Unknowingly she was falling in his trap. When he gifted her expensive gifts, house, cars, and other luxuries, she was clean bowled. Garima who always wanted to live a rich life was fascinated by the luxuries showered upon her.

Finally after being separated from Shashi, she was looking forward for a new life with Arvind. When Arvind declared his love to her, she was on the top of the world. In her happiness she didn't even realize Arvind's wrong motives in asking her to keep their relation a secret. Nor she thought about the possibility of a man almost fifteen years elder than her being married or having kids.

Arvind also took advantage of her trust on him and cleverly hid his marital status from her. His only motive was to bed her but Garima having high morals denied him and asked him to marry her. Even after many attempts to persuade her, Garima didn't oblige. Arvind was trying every way to make her agree. But she continuously denied his advances and asked him to marry her.

With time, Arvind's patience was running out and Garima's trust was decreasing. Arvind's constant denial for marriage made her suspicious. She tried to persuade him but his disinterest towards the topic increased her suspicion. Arvind on the other hand seeing all his attempts failing was fed up of her and started staying away from her.

Moreover Anjali's approaching marriage made him busy and he started staying aloof from Garima. Arvind started spending more time with his family due to the upcoming marriage and this made Garima doubt him.

Finally all the deceit came forth when Garima saw Arvind with his family in the temple. After knowing the truth, she was sad, heartbroken, furious and hurt. The man whom she trusted broke her faith. It was too much for her to take. She decided to confront him.

Thus she reached Sheesh Mahal that night. In her fury and hurt after knowing the truth, her mind didn't acknowledge the function happening in the house. Arvind who was happy about the marriage of his daughter was shocked seeing Garima there. But getting afraid of his truth coming out in front of his family, he quickly took her away from the crowd to a lonely part of the Mahal.

But unknown to them two pairs of eyes had seen them that night. One was the ever cunning Subhadra Mallik who after witnessing her son dragging an unknown lady away was concerned and furious and followed them. Subhadra Mallik was not unaware of her son's lifestyle. She very well knew about his involvement about the female population around Lucknow. But her belief that men are always correct never made her question her son. But that day seeing Arvind with a stranger woman that too on his daughter's wedding made her furious.

She could in no way allow the powerful Mallik name to get drowned due to her son's illegitimate relationships. So she followed them, and saw them both arguing in the lonely west wing of Sheesh Mahal. Seeing that woman accusing her son of illegitimacy and fraud, Subhadra Mallik was furious and instead of supporting the correct, she supported her son due to her strong believes regarding the superiority of male and also not wanting to tarnish her family's reputation due to that woman.

Thus both Arvind Mallik and Subhadra Mallik insulted, accused and verberally abused Garima that night in the silent corridors of Sheesh Mahal. Finally not being able to take the accusation and insult Garima ran away from there with moist eyes.

But in all this, none of the three noticed another figure who saw all these exchange and was heartbroken. Ratna Mallik on seeing her husband dragging an unknown lady from the crowd was confused. Concerned, she followed them only to witness the harsh truth of her husband.

Knowing her husband's reality she was shocked, hurt, and heartbroken. The relation in which she had so much trust and respect was nothing but a deceit. It was too much for her to digest. The relation which she had fulfilled giving her heart and soul was based on lies.

The life that she had been living for all those years was engulfed with a web of lies. The reality was something that she had not even thought in her wildest dreams. Her husband who she thought was a loving, caring, honest and loyal person was anything but that. The truth that she witnessed few minutes back had shattered her years of trust, faith and love in her husband and their relation.

The same relation which was the very basis of her existence. She couldn't believe it. The truth was beyond any of her worst nightmare. Her whole existence had become a question mark in a few minutes.

It was too much for her soft and innocent heart to take. But one look at the horrified face of her husband seeing her, she knew it was the truth. Entering inside, she questioned her husband. He tried to defend himself, denied the claim of infidelity, but Ratna could easily see the truth hidden behind his sugar coated words.

The truth that she hadn't seen all those years back or rather chose to avoid as her innocent mind wasn't ready to accept that her loving husband could be a cheat. But now she couldn't ignore nor she could deny the fact when the truth was standing in front of her naked.

But what shattered her more was the fact that her mother in law knew all that. But she still chose to support her son. Her blind belief that men are always correct and whatever her son did was not wrong shattered Ratna's belief in all the relations. How could her mother in law think like that, how could she support him. Does her years of love, care and sacrifice had no value for them.

How could they do this to her. Don't they have any value for her feelings. She couldn't bear the pain. She felt her whole existence shattering. She couldn't breath. She couldn't live. How will she live knowing that her husband was nothing but a cheat. A fraud who was using her belief on him and was betraying. No she couldn't bear the pain of betrayal. She couldn't live knowing that her marriage was a sham.

She couldn't face the humiliation. The betrayal. The deceit. She couldn't live with it. So she chose the easiest way. She killed herself. She killed herself not thinking about anything. Not thinking about her children who will be most affected by her decision. Taking a promise from her innocent 14 year old son that he will take care of his sister, she killed herself.

Arvind Mallik was shocked seeing his wife killing herself not being able to take his betrayal. It evoked a strange feeling inside him. A feeling that he never felt before. Love. He never knew that he loved his wife. She was something that he considered as a showpiece for the world. But seeing her killing herself he felt his heartbreaking. He felt like someone had killed his soul.

Did he really loved her. The answer was yes. At that moment he knew that he loved his wife immensely. More than his ownself. But it was too late he had already lost her. He had lost her because of his own mistakes.

When that realization dawned upon him, he felt another new emotion engulfing him. Guilt. For the first time in his life he felt guilty of his actions. He felt guilty that because of his mistakes his wife, his love lost her life. He felt his heart constricting.

His mistakes were standing before him. He couldn't face it. What will he answer. To the society. To his family. To his own children. What answer will he give when they will ask about their mother. No he can't face it. He couldn't take the guilt and humiliation. So he chose the easiest way. He also killed himself like his wife not facing his problems. Not caring for his family. His innocent children.

Thus that night two innocent children became orphans. One lost her dreams and another lost his innocence. One become so weak emotionally that she never learned to live on her own and always became emotionally depended on others. And the other was ripped off of all the feelings shutting himself behind a strong wall.

The next morning came with the news of the mishap spreading around the Lucknow like a wildfire. Hearing about the deaths, Garima was shocked. She felt guilty. She never wanted anything bad to happen to Arvind or his family. It was never her motive. But unknowingly she became a reason for Arvind and Ratna's death. The realisation made her guilty.

The regret suffocated her. Even though unknowingly she became the reason of the destruction of a family, it was never her intention to hurt Arvind or his family. She was hurt by his betrayal. But she never thought ill for him. She never wanted anything bad happening to him.

But it was too late. The damage had already happened. Two lives were lost. Another two innocent lives were ruined. And she couldn't do anything about that. She couldn't undo what had happened. The only thing that she could do was seeking forgiveness.

She knew even though unknowingly she had become the reason for the loss of two lives. She had to apologize for her mistake. She had to get forgiveness from atleast the soul of the innocent lady who had lost her life. It wasn't her mistake but somewhere she was the reason the ugly truth had come in front of that lady which costed her life. So the only way she could get forgiveness was by seeking apology from her soul.

Thus Garima reached Sheesh Mahal once again in less than 24 hours. The sight made her guilt increase. The house that she had visited few hours back and the house she was visiting then was entirely different. Few hours back it was a place of celebration and now everything was shattered and only mourning sound was heard.

She once again entered the palace with thudding heartbeats. But before she could accomplish the task for which she came. She was stopped in her way by none other than Subhadra Mallik herself.

Hurling insults and shouting profanities at her, Subhadra Mallik threw her out of the palace. Garima couldn't help but go to the God seeking apology for her mistakes. But it wasn't the end of her misery.

Not being able to take the burden of her guilt she ran away from Lucknow to her maternal house, thinking that she would get solace and forgiveness in the lap of her mother. But alas, what happened was different.

It is said that parents are the epitome of forgiveness. Whatever mistakes the child may commit, the parents will always forgive them. But Kalindi Kirloskar refused to forgive her daughter. She couldn't accept that her daughter could commit such a big mistake. She could be the reason of someone's death.

It shattered the trust Kalindi had on her daughter. Garima's mistake of first breaking her own house and then ruining another family even though unknowingly, was too much for the Kirloskars. They  refused to accept Garima. They cut all ties with her and asked her to leave house.

It shattered Garima more. Her own family disowning her was too much for Garima to take. The same family which was her pride. The same family who always loved, cared and respected her. She felt like her existence was shattered. She felt like she had lost the reason of life. She always felt that whatever may happen her family would stand by her. But them turning their faces away from her broke her.

She felt like the purpose of her living was snatched from her. Moreover the guilt made it difficult for her to take breath. She couldn't live. She decided to end her life not having anymore energy left in her to face the world.

She tried committing suicide by jumping in lake but before she could take her life, someone saved her. But what shocked her more was the person who saved her life. Her ex husband, Shashi Gupta. She felt guilt burdening her more.

Shashi knew everything but he didn't question her. He didn't accuse her. He simply took her to his house and gave her shelter. Payal was very happy getting her mother back. Garima started staying with them.

Shashi kept himself away from her. He never questioned her or demanded anything from her. Just took care of her like a guardian. But Garima's guilt was increasing day by day. Finally not able to take the burden, one day, she fell on Shashi's feet asking for forgiveness. Shashi being the kind person forgave her.

By the time Garima was changed completely. She became silent, matured, soft spoken and timid. Gone was the proud, arrogant, demanding and dominating Garima. Her experiences had changed her a lot. Her thinking and behavior also changed drastically.

With time Shashi forgave her completely and accepted her again in his life. She also tried to forget everything and started a new life together with Shashi. They remarried and started living happily with Payal in their little world. Garima had very well got adjusted in Shashi's life finally learning how to compromise and find happiness even in small small things. Their life was blissful.

But still the past never left her. The guilt never left her. Her family especially her mother never forgave her. They were in good terms with Shashi and adorned Payal very much but they never acknowledged her. Thus both the families always stayed away. Years passed by but still past always haunted her. It completely changed her.

She was a completely new person altogether. A person who was soft, silent, gullible, who never raised her voice. She started being silent and never raised her voice on anybody especially Shashi and Madhumathi. Her behavior during the initial stage of her marriage always made her ashamed that she never said a single word against Shashi or Madhumathi even if they were wrong. Shashi never liked her this behavior and tried to make her the old Garima who was outspoken and spoke her mind, but Garima never changed. She continued to be like that.

Garima had also taught Payal to be always soft spoken and respect her husband and in laws and never to raise her voice against them. She never wanted her daughter to make the same mistake that she did. Payal also always heard and followed her mother's teachings.

Even after all this Garima Gupta was happy. Her family was with her. Her husband and daughter were with her. They were happy in their little cocoon. And the happiness only increased when five years ago her niece her little Khushi came to stay with them.

Khushi was the happiness of her whole family. Garima very well knew it. She also loved and adorned Khushi like her own child. She was seeing Khushi after many years. The last time she saw Khushi was when she was a little child.

Now seeing her sister's little baby girl grown to such a beautiful young woman made Garima very happy. She was thrilled with the idea of having her niece, someone from her family, with her. She started taking care of her and loving her like her own child. With time she even forgot that Khushi was her sister's child not her own.

But one thing worried her. Khushi's high spirit. Her innocent, naive, happy go lucky nature. She feared that in her innocence Khushi will get into some trouble just like her. Sure Khushi wasn't like her. She was down to earth, loving, caring, adjusting and understanding but still her innocence frightened Garima. What if someone tried to take advantage of her innocence.

That instilled a protective feeling for Khushi inside Garima. She always tried to keep Khushi away from trouble. She admonished her, scolded her for her childish and mischievous acts. But secretly she always loved Khushi. Maybe a little more than Payal also. Well how could someone not love that cute bundle of joy.

But all her fears came true when a certain Raizada entered her little girl's life. She was scared of the past repeating. She was scared of her baby girl getting hurt just like her. For some reasons Arnav Singh Raizada reminded her of the vicious Arvind Mallik. Not that she knew the actual connection they shared but somewhere she felt that the guy would also break her daughter like that man broke her.

Garima's fears increased everytime Khushi had an encounter with Arnav. She could see and feel the strange bond that pulled them towards each other. But she purposefully ignored it. More so after knowing that Arnav had some other girl (Lavanya) in his life. She didn't wanted Khushi to get hurt. And it was the reason why she agreed for Shyam and Khushi's alliance when her sister in-law proposed the alliance.

She had no intention of getting Khushi married to a man who was more than 10 years older than her. Khushi didn't deserved that. She was the Agnihotri princess. She should get everything perfect. Shyam was just a distraction to keep Khushi away from Arnav. Even she had made her intentions clear with her sister in law.

First Madhumathi was against it. She tried to convince Garima that Arnav is a good boy and he won't play with their daughter's life. But later she also got convinced as she also loved Khushi as her own. Even though Madhumathi always scolded and teased Khushi for her childish behavior, she loved Khushi with all her heart. Thus the two ladies decided to make Khushi engaged to Shyam to keep her away from Arnav and later break the engagement and send Khushi back to her family when right time comes, so that she won't get hurt. They knew that Khushi didn't love Shyam and somewhere they were wrong in using Shyam for their benefit, but they didn't care. All they wanted was to protect their little angel from heartbreak.

But they realized the blunder in their decision when they came to know Shyam's true face. They were shocked and scared. Scared that while saving their daughter from one problem they unknowingly pushed her into another one. After throwing Shyam out they thought everything will be fine.

But slowly their fears started coming true with Arnav's broken engagement with Lavanya and Arnav and Khushi's increasing closeness. They knew that Arnav was a good boy but his lack of belief in love and relationships worried them. They were scared about Khushi's future. So that only even after seeing their increased closeness Garima and Madhumathi ignored it and didn't encouraged it. They also ignored the hints Anjali and Nani trying to give them regarding their relationship.

But everything took a 360 degree turn when Arnav and Khushi came married on the day of Payal and Akash. All the hell broke loose. They were sad, disappointed, scared, hurt, and confused. They couldn't understand what to do. All their efforts were ruined. But more than anything they were scared for her future. They couldn't believe that she could take such a big step. So they left from there after scolding her.

But when they saw her happy with Arnav they were relieved. And the happiness increased when Arnav announced their second marriage. But once again past started haunting them. Garima's fears came true. Knowing the truth that Arnav is Arvind Mallik's son she was scared, frightened.

Her past ruining her daughters's life was the last thing that she wanted. She started hiding from Subhadra Mallik. But all her attempts failed and she had to confront her. She pleaded and begged in front of Subhadra Mallik for her Khushi's life. When Subhadra Mallik agreed she was relieved.

But once again everything ruined when on Arnav and Khushi's marriage day, Subhadra Mallik revealed the past in front of everyone and announced that the marriage won't happen. She felt guilt and self loathe. Because of her one mistake, her daughter's life was ruining. What would she answer to her sister who had send her precious daughter to her believing that she would take care of her.

But now because of her own mistakes Khushi's life was getting ruined. Due to the threat on Khushi's life they couldn't come to attend their own daughter's wedding. So they had trusted Garima with the responsibility of making their daughter's big day special. But how would she face them after all that. What would she answer them when they will ask about their daughter.

How she will tell them that because of her mistakes their daughter's life was ruined. That she couldn't protect their daughter's happiness and life because of her past mistakes. More than anybody it was Garima who was shattered that day seeing Khushi wait for Arnav sitting in front of the hawankund that day. In that few hours she had begged in front of all the gods that she knew, to show some mercy, to somehow save her daughter's life.

And just like the God's have heard her prayers, Arnav reached the mandap after sometime. There was no words in her to tell the almighty how much she was thankful for the mercy showed on her that day. She wanted to apologize to Arnav and Anjali for whatever happened in the past. But they both dismissed her saying that they didn't want to think about the past. So she also left it.

But from that day she kept a distance from the family not wanting to cause any trouble for her daughters. Sure her daughters used to come to meet her and she used to talk to them and the family members but the interactions were limited from her side. She was happy thinking that her daughters are happy in their life.

But everything came crashing down when three years back, one day Khushi and Payal came to her sister in law's house with luggage and little Arav clinging to Khushi. Knowing the hurt and pain her daughters had to endure, she was devastated. She didn't know what to do.

All her prayers went in vain. The devastated and broken look in her daughters's face was something she could never forget in her life. When Khushi suggested that they should go to Mumbai alongwith her, she didn't had the heart to refuse. She knew that her family hadn't forgiven for her past. But she had to do it. For the sake of her daughters.

So within two hours packing all the necessary and important things they left Delhi. Within hours they were in Mumbai. She was afraid of her family's reaction but nevertheless she decided to face it. She was ready to endure any pain for her daughters. Because right then they wanted it. They wanted a new atmosphere and all of their love and care after all the pain they had to endure.

But all her worries were forgotten in front of her daughters pain. The whole family stood by both the girls. When they came to know what had happened with them, everyone was enraged. They wanted to destroy the people who had ruined their daughter's life. But Khushi and Payal refused to reveal the identity of their in laws to the other family members. They also made her, Madhumathi and Shashi to never reveal the identity to her family.

Both the girls didn't wanted anybody to interfere in this matter. Whatever it was, it was their lives, they wanted to handle it themselves. They just wanted everyone's support. Reluctantly the whole family agreed to stay by them and support the girls in whatever they wanted to do.

But it was easier said than done. Everytime they saw Khushi and Payal all wanted was to go and give the worst punishment for those who had hurt them. It was a very difficult phase. Everyone was sad and angry seeing both of the girls struggling to keep up. The condition was more critical since both were pregnant.

It was after few days they reached Mumbai that the girls revealed that they were pregnant. Payal was four months along while Khushi was two months. Khushi's condition was more serious since she was having triplets. It came as a shock but everyone was happy. The only thing that kept Khushi and Payal were their kids especially Arav.

The little boy though only five had amazing understanding. He stood by his Mumma and Badimaa in all their suffering. He was like a strong pillar for them. Seeing them always thinking about their past and being sad, the family decided to indulge them in work so that they could distract themselves and not take stress thinking about everything.

It was easy for Khushi as she already had her own well established fashion house. She started working again and came to top once again. Arav was admitted in new school and with his school activities going on, Khushi was always busy with either her work or Arav.

But the problem was with Payal, she didn't knew what to do. It was then Khushi suggested her to start a catering service. But Payal was reluctant to take money from Agnihotris so Khushi gave her money and supported her. Since she had experience with the problems that arises while starting a new company, also she was well aware of the ways in the city she helped Payal.

Soon Payal picked up the business tactics and with her sheer hardwork and determination she started coming up. She achieved a very good name in the market within a short period.

Things changed, when Payal gave birth to Akira. She brought a new hope in life for not only Payal but also Khushi. Since Payal was busy in her work, most of the time it was Khushi who looked after Akira.

And soon Khushi gave birth to the triplets. With their arrival, it was a new beginning for Khushi and Payal. The kids became their central of universe. Arav, Akira and the triplets became the reason for their living. Payal was always busy with making her own carrier and making a good future for herself and Akira while Khushi used to take care of her business and manage the five kids.

It's not that Payal was distant from kids. She was also an equally important part of their lives but all the kids most importantly Akira were very close to Khushi as they would be with her most of the time.

In all that two years away. Even though the kids had brought a new life in Payal and Khushi, everyone could easily see the amount of pain they carried in their eyes. Even though there was smile on their lips, it never reached their eyes.

The pain of the past always haunted them. They lived for their kids, but they forgot to live for themselves. The pain and hurt never left them. The world moved on but they were stuck where they were. In front of everyone they behaved as if they weren't affected. But everyone could see the hidden pain inside them.

Everyone wanted to punish the people who did this to them but Khushi and Payal denied. They always said that it was their battle and they want to fight it. So they let them do it.

Garima was proud of her daughters. Even after all the pain they were still rising. They were still fighting. Not letting the pain and hurt consume them. Instead they were still standing strong and fighting this battle for themselves and their kids.

She came out of her musing feeling a hand on her shoulder. Turning sideways, she saw Shashi looking at her with worried look. She shook her head indicating no. Shashi slowly took his hand and wiped a lone tear that was at the corner of her eyes ready to roll down any moment.

Garima looked down. She didn't realize when her eyes had turned moist thinking about her past. Shashi turned around and started concentrating on the discussion going on. Garima looked down at her hands which was held tightly in Shashi's hands. She felt the warmth spreading through her.

She lifted her head and looked at the man who was sitting beside her tightly holding her hands giving his silent support. She couldn't voice out in words what she felt for him. Love, care, respect, gratitude, devotion all these words of feelings are less to describe what she felt for him.

The man who had stood by her in all the phases of life, good, bad, happiness, sorrow. The man who had accepted her whole heartedly forgiving all her mistakes, all her wrongdoings, without keeping any grudges against her. She didn't know what good she had done in her life to get him as her life partner. She could never thank her parents enough for bringing this man in her life even after all her resistance. If they hadn't done that then God only knows what she would have been doing in her life.

Now after almost three decades of togetherness, when she look back all she could see was the immerse love and care that he had showered on her. Now at this point of life, all the past, all the bad memories doesn't matter. All that matter was the support that she gets from him.

Looking ahead she saw her daughters looking at their kids with a small smile. She could understand their pain. The past doesn't leave you and it always remain in one part of your existence. Her past never left her but she learned to live with it because of the love and care showered on her by the man sitting beside her. She could cope up with it because of the second chance that life had given to her.

But her daughters, they were still deprived of that love and care. They were still unknown to the support of a partner. Only Devi Mayya knows what future held for them. But she wish whatever it is her daughters get their share of happiness in life.

So that's it for today. Well this chapter was about Garima. In the show, I always felt her character was not given enough screen space. She was one of the important character but then her part of story was always sidelined. I felt like the part of past was incomplete.

Like many questions were there.
Regarding the relations I was always confused. Was Garima Payal's real mother. If yes, then why did she had a relation with Arnav's father even after being married because it's clear that Payal was born before they had relationship. If she was not married, then why didn't she married then because she must have more than 30 years old at that time. Also if she was so young then why did she had relationship with a man double her age (who had a daughter of marriageable age - Anjali) and didn't suspect him to be married. Also why her family didn't oppose the relation. So many questions and I was confused. So in this story I am giving my version of Garima and Arnav's parents' past. Hope you like it.

I know I am terribly late in updating. I was a little busy. So a very long update. I know this chapter might be a bit boring but please bear with it. I just wanted to give a new dimension to Garima's character and her past life.

Please please please comment and encourage me.