Two days later

Akash walked inside the cruise. He was still contemplating regarding taking this trip. Actually it was not a trip. It was a party. An old friend of his from college days, was celebrating his wedding anniversary and throwing a party in the cruise. Meeting with his friend was coincidental.

He was just strolling around the mall, while his family was busy in their shopping for the wedding, when he met his old college friend, Ashish. Small talk started. And then one thing led to another, he was invited to the party and now he was here. But he was still not sure whether he should go to this party.

He wasn't much comfortable. He knew all his other friends would also be invited. And all would be here with their partners. And it always made him uncomfortable. Whenever he saw his friends and colleagues happy with their wife and family, it always left a bitter taste inside him.

The longing and yearning for Payal only increased. And her absence beside him always hurt him. He felt his heart breaking all over again and making it difficult for him to even breath. None ever understood his state and he blamed nobody but himself. It was all his fault. Only his fault. All others were only contributing factors. The mistake was his. No he committed a sin.

One. No. He committed many sins. And everything was his own faults and incapability. He was wrong from the start, a coward, a fool, a person without a voice or stand. He just went with the flow. What everyone said, he did. He never had a opinion or a stand of his own.

He was always a puppet. A puppet whose strings were in the hands of his family, better to say his mother. Always believing whatever she said, always doing whatever she wants, always following her instructions to the T. He ruined everything in his blind love and devotion to her and his sister.

There was only one person who loved him for what he is. Payal. All others only used him for their benefits. Including his mother. But Payal. She loved him. Loved him like noone else did. But he took her for granted, broke her, ruined their relationship and forced her out of his life.

All for what and whom. His mother? His sister? Well guess what. Turned out they didn't care. They didn't care what happened to him. All they wanted was their whims and fancies to be fulfilled. His mother wanted a rich, sophisticated daughter in law to show off to her kitty party friends.

And his sister... Well she is another case altogether. He doesn't want to go there.

Last three years, all he did was wallow in guilt. But he knew it wasn't enough. All he wanted was Payal to come back and give him some punishment. He is ready to take any punishment. Anything to reduce his guilt somewhat. He knew forgiveness is something he doesn't deserve. He doesn't even have the courage to ask Payal for forgiveness. That much big is his sins. All he wants is punishment.

After Payal left, he felt like a part of him was lost. He felt dead from inside. But then nobody cared. And for the first time, he realized how truly lonely he was. He knew his brother might also have felt similarly. But then his brother was always used to that loneliness. In fact he preferred that.

His brother went back to his old self and shut everyone out. He didn't talked to anyone nor shared his pain with anyone. And he, for the first time, realised how truly alone he was. Just like his brother. All that his family cared was about his sister.

They didn't cared what happened to him or his brother. His brother closed everyone out, not sharing anything with anyone. But he just couldn't do it. He tried to seek out help. And the first person to come to his mind was his mother. But then the reality slapped on his face. His mother didn't cared about what he lost.

In fact she was happy. She was celebrating. After all the Gupta sisters were out of their lives. She could finally bring her desired rich, sophisticated daughter in law. He felt disgusted. Disgusted of himself. Disgusted of his own mother.

He lost his respect for her. Moreover knowing that she deliberately did everything to separate Payal and him, only increased his hatred for her. Maybe his mother wasn't real reason. But still she did played a major part.

And all hell broke loose when she tried to get him remarried. He almost cut all his ties with her. But the difficult situation they were going through was the only thing that stopped him. He declared in no nonsense words that he would never remarry. If Payal came back ever, and will have the heart to forgive him and take him back, (not that he was expecting it as his sins were too big), then he will have a family with her. Otherwise he will remain single throughout his life. But in no circumstances another girl will ever come in his life.

Maybe that was the first time, he took a real stand. But it did paid off. His family did realise that he was not bluffing but serious about his decision. Either it is Payal for him or noone. His mother tried to persuade him to change his decision. Both Directly and indirectly. But he didn't budge.

Even his relation with her was severed to an extend that they only remained cordial to each other. He couldn't even bring himself to be the old loving and doting son. That part of him died. He stayed away from home. Working and mostly travelling. He just wanted to be away from the sham that his family had turned out.

Only after Anjali's marriage was fixed, he came back. He wanted her to be married off. Yes, it was difficult to forgive his sister. A part of him is still angry on her, maybe hate her even. He knew even his brother felt the same. But they had to get her married off.

So they decided to be that happy family once again. A facade. That was it. Everything. A facade to show that everything is fine. They were crumpled from inside. But for this marriage. Maybe to fulfill the role of a brother for last time, they decided to be the one happy family they were.

And he just wants this marriage to be over. He is tired of being this loving, dutiful, son and brother. He is tired of this pretence. Truthfully speaking, he doesn't even know why he still lived. The weight of his sins was making it difficult to even take his next breath.

He came out of his thoughts as Ashish alongwith his wife, Samira came to him. He wished the couple and gave them their gifts. After meeting some friends and chit chatting, he started roaming around in the cruise. It was a small cruise and the trip was for one day only. They were to go inside the ocean to a small island and then come back the next day. No big trip.

He came to the balcony. It was late evening. The sun was slowly going down. The sky was filled with amazing shades of blue, orange and red. He stood there watching the beautiful scene. As the sky turned darker, he turned to go inside.

But a figure standing on his peripheral view got his attention. He gulped looking at the beautiful face bathed in evening sunlight looking ahead at the ocean. Payal. Truth to be told, he didn't expect her here. It was a shock. Not even in his wildest dreams he thought to meet her here, when he decided to come for this trip.

Somewhere he was glad to see her. She is here, which means she will be in this cruise for entire one day. He can see her without fearing of her walking away. He stood there watching her for a couple of minutes. She seemed to be lost in some thought and he was at some distance so she didn't noticed him.

Admiring her for some minutes, he walked inside and went to the room allotted for him. He freshened up and changed his clothes. There was one hour left for the party to start. He sat there surfing something on his phone. The wifi speed was less, so it took sometime to download.

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

One hour later

Akash walked inside the party hall. It was full of people. The party was about to be started. Everyone has reached. Only adults were there, no kids. So the party was kind of mature type. There were drinks, various games, fun everything.

Soon Ashish and Samaira came. They talked about their love life. A projector with their photos and memories were shown. Then both cut the cake. Once that was done, the party started with full swing. There was dance, music, games, everything going on everywhere. People were meeting each other.

It was not a formal party but a fun one, so nobody was bothered about getting drunk or bothered about their maintaining their image. All were in full swing. Akash met few of his old friends. All were there with their partners.

He spend sometime with his friends gang and then when all left to enjoy with their partners, he walked around the party hall. He met few more known faces, then went to the bar counter. He ordered a glass of beer and sat on a stool looking around in the party.

He then saw Payal dancing with an unknown man in the dance floor. She was dancing with no care of the world. She was shaking her head, jumping and moving her body with the rhythm. The man was dancing in front of her. But they were not touching. There was nothing romantic in their dance.

After few minutes, Payal looked around casually and saw Akash looking at her. She looked directly in his eyes. Then turning around started dancing with the man closely. She put her hands around his neck and went close to him.

She whispered something in his ears. He laughed and started dancing with her closely. He held her by her waist and pulled her closer. Then twirled her around. Coming back, he hugged her from back and danced with her.

Akash gulped seeing that. He felt something clawing his heart. He looked away and closed his eyes. He took deep breaths and fisted his hand to reduce the pain he felt. He took huge gulps of his beer, ignoring the burning in his throat. Soon he finished his glass and ordered another.

Then back to back he finished four more glasses. He was slightly feeling tipsy. Payal stopped dancing and came to the bar counter. She ordered a glass of beer for herself and plopped down beside Akash. Akash looked at her with drowsy eyes. Soon her order came and she started drinking.

"You have changed." Akash said sadly.

Payal looked at him for a moment. Then ignoring him, she started casually looking around. Akash kept looking at her as she sipped the beer so casually. He could never imagine his old Payal even touching alcohol with her hand, forget drinking. She hated it's smell.

But this new Payal. She is drinking it without any discomfort. He gulped the uneasiness seeing the change in her. He looked at her all over. She was wearing a figure hugging short dress. She had lost so much of weight, now spotting a picture perfect hourglass figure. Her makeup was upto the mark. Her hair was thrown in loose curls.

There was no heavy jewellery. Just two diamond studs and a stylish gold plated bracelet in one hand. She was wearing a 6 inch heels. A red Louis Vuitton clutch was there in her hand to complete her look. She simply looked classy and stylish. Just like a model out of vogue's cover page. Maybe she really is. After all she is a model.

Akash kept looking at her trying to analyse every change that came over her. Not only her dressing sense changed but her behaviour also changed. He had noticed it before also, when she stayed at his house. She was no longer the innocent, shy, timid, soft spoken, socially awkward wife of his.

She has changed into shrewd, outspoken, headstrong, confident, extrovert who spoke her mind and didn't care about anyone or anything. Maybe she cared about her family. Definitely he or his family is not included in that list.

Earlier, when they were together, he hated her shy and socially awkward nature but now he missed it. Now she has turned into this unrecognisable woman that he couldn't even identify her as his wife. It felt as if they were two people. Two extremely different people.

He gulped at the thought. What has he turned her into. He knew it was because of him. But he never thought that it would be so painful to see her like this when he wishes for her to change. For her to be different. It killed him to see her so much changed. Changed? No. Destroyed actually.

He felt tears filling his eyes at the thought. He ruined this woman. This beautiful, passionate, loving, caring woman. He ruined her into becoming this.

"You hate me, right?" Akash asked sadly.

Payal looked at him furiously. Then gritted her teeth, seeing him looking at her with sad, innocent eyes. Innocent. No. He is devil incarnate. He is a monster. She gulped down the drink. Then taking a beer bottle from the bartender, walked out from the party hall.

Akash looked at her sadly. Then he also got a beer bottle from bartender and followed her. Payal walked to the deck of the cruise and sat on a lounge chair. She started watching the night sky lying on it and sipping from the beer bottle.

Few minutes later, Akash also reached there and sat down on the next lounge chair. She felt his presence but didn't looked at him. Akash also looked at the sky watching the stars.

Lounge chair

"You really hate me, no?" Akash asked again.

Payal let out a humourless chuckle. "Hate is a small word to describe what I feel for you. Even if I strangle you and kill you hundred times, then also my hate will not reduce." Payal said in pure loathe.

"Will you ever forgive me?" Akash asked even though knowing her anger.

"You want me to forgive you?" She asked in surprise. Then understanding something. "Of course you want me to forgive you. After all now I am the perfect wife and daughter in law material you and your mother wanted. So tell me Mr Akash Singh Raizada, did you like this new Payal Gupta. Is she good enough to be your wife and your mother's daughter in law?" She asked sarcastically.

"Payal... I....You..." Akash stammered feeling extremely hurt and remorseful. He couldn't say anything. He has totally ruined her. He felt ashamed to look at her.

"I know, I know. Now you want me to forgive you and get back together with you. I heard that. So whose idea is that. Yours or your gold digger mother's. Let me guess. Your mother's. Right? Of course that money minded, greedy, leech of a woman would want me back as her daughter in law now.

"After all, now I have everything that she always wanted. I am rich, I am sophisticated, I am a model, I can talk in English, I belong to her so called high class society and also I earn much more than what that woman can ever dream of. Obviously she would want me back. Also the biggest plus point, I am associated with such a rich family, that too where her beloved Anjali Bitiya is getting married to. To have an upper hand over my family, she would definitely want me back. Isn't?" Payal sneered at him.

"Payal, it's not like that. You are getting me wrong. It really doesn't matter to me whether you're rich or not. I... I really love you. However you are. I will always love you." Akash said sincerely.

"Really? You will always love me even if I am not rich or sophisticated. Is that what you're telling me? Really?" Payal asked with fake curiously.

"Trust me, Payal. I always loved you. I will always love you no matter how you are." Akash said earnestly.

"Oh please. Atleast quit your drama now. I know your reality. You don't have to pretend now. I am well aware how much you loved me and how much you love me. All your love is based on the number of notes me and my family have in our bank account and the dress that I wear, the language I speak, my figure and the way I behave.

"If I am rich and have money in my account, then your family will respect me. If I wear modern clothes, speak English, has perfect figure and act sophisticated, then I am capable of being your wife and you love me. Otherwise I am a trash, a mere unpaid servant for you and your family to fulfill their needs and warm your bed. So never ever tell me that you love me. Because you don't. You never did. All you wanted was a punching bag who would silently endure everything you and your family with throw at." Payal said angrily.

"Payal, no. That's not true." Akash said feeling helpless. He doesn't know how to make her believe on his love.

Payal scoffed at him. "Just shut up, Akash Singh Raizada. I know very well how the minds of you and your family works. Since now, Khushi and I are rich, you and your family wants us to forgive you and come back to you. But let me tell you, that's never going to happen. We will never forgive you people. I hated you people and I will always hate you people. Specially that mother and sister of yours. Those two witches ruined my life.

"One, the most greedy and money minded person I've ever me. There is no end to her greed. She will even sell you for money. And second, the most selfish, self centred manipulator. I have never hated anyone as much as I hate that woman. She simply ruined my and my sister's life for her selfishness." Payal said with hatred.

"If you hate us so much, then why did you come back, Payal. After all these years, why you came back into our lives." Akash asked his doubt.

"To see you suffering." Payal said sadistically.

"Payal??" Akash felt a sharp pain in his heart seeing her hate filled eyes.

"You always used to say right. You couldn't live without me. You love me so much. I wanted to see how much you love me. How much you're in pain without me beside you. How you're living without me. I thought you would be miserable, atleast hurt without my presence.

"But what did I see. You were living your life happily. Like nothing happened. Like nothing mattered to you. My presence or absence doesn't matter to you. You were happily making arrangements for your beloved sister's marriage. You people were happily planning for her marriage after ruining my and my sister's life for that bitch. You people didn't even cared of our absence. You all have happily moved on in your life and celebrating your sister's happiness." Payal said with anger, pain and hatred.

"No, Payal. It's not like that. We..." Akash tried to say.

But cutting him, Payal shouted. "Shut up. I don't want to hear your lies. That bitch, Anjali Jha. Arghh. I hate her. She ruined our entire life. Made my and my sister's life, a living hell. And you people are happily planning for her marriage. You know what if Samar Bhai didn't love her, I would have simply killed her.

"Whenever I see her happily living her life after ruining ours, I just want to tear her limb to limb and cut her into small pieces. She just deserve to be miserable for her entire life. She doesn't deserve any happiness. Only if Bhai loved someone else, I would have happily killed her." Payal said with so much venom.

Akash didn't say anything. Many a times, he himself felt like that. Whatever Anjali had done, she deserves no forgiveness. He also somewhere hate her and just want her out of their lives. This marriage is only for that. Also Anjali has got her set of punishments as well. Last three years hasn't been easy for her till she met Samar.

"Why are you quiet? Don't you have anything to say? Don't you want to shout at me, hurt me? After all I just said so many bad things about your sister. I called her names. Doesn't the protective brother have anything to say?" Payal asked sarcastically.

Akash looked down feeling ashamed of himself.

"What happened? Why are you so silent today? Always you used to hurt me, shout at me, gave pain to me if I say a single word about your sister. You and your mother used to make my life a living hell if even single tear drop comes out of your sister's eyes. Then why are you silent today, even after me bad mouthing your sister in front of you?" Payal mocked him.

Akash stayed silent. Payal scoffed at him. "Wait. Does this have something to do with my current status and rich background. After all now you want this perfect wife material me, right. So how can you offend me by hurting me for your sister. You can't afford to kill your golden goose right." Payal taunted.

"Payal, I already told you your background, clothes, style, mannerism, all these things doesn't matter to me. I will always love you nonetheless." Akash said helplessly.

"Really? You will love me in every situation. Will you still love me, if I said I slept with someone else." Payal asked him smirking.

"Payal??" Akash looked at her stunned and with pain.

"What happened, Akash? Remember, you used to be so frustrated that I was such a novice in matter of sexual intimacy. I didn't knew anything about intimacy and I couldn't satisfy you enough. Now I am good at it. You know I slept with so much men that I could satisfy you good enough now. I can give you ....." Before Payal could talk further, Akash closed her mouth with his hands.

"No. No. No. No. No. Stop. Stop, please. Don't say anything. Stop. Please don't say anything." Akash cried out shaking his head. Tears spilling out of his eyes. He couldn't hear that.

His breathing laboured. He cried shaking his head. No. This is not true. This can't be happening. No. He can't ruin her so much. He can't bring her to this extend. He didn't know if she said truth or not. But even hearing such a thing about her is tearing his heart apart. He can't even imagine her being with someone else. No. This can't be happening.

Payal removed his hands away from her mouth. "What happened, Akash. Didn't you wanted this. Remember, you always were so angry that I couldn't satisfy you. I mean you were happy that I was a virgin. But still you wanted me to be experienced. Even you were always a bit unsatisfied with my figure. You always said that I am fat, I need to loose weight. You wanted me to be like those models and employees of your company. Now look at me I am slim. And I am also experienced and can satisfy you. Am I good enough now to be your wife?" Payal asked smiling sarcastically.

"No. Please. Stop. Don't say that. Don't. Please." Akash cried his heart out. He couldn't take it. It's killing him.

Payal saw him crying and she felt satisfied. She wanted him to feel that. She wanted him to feel the pain, she went through. She had shed tears of blood because of him. She wanted him to feel that. If her one lie can make him feel even an ounce of the pain she went through, then she has no qualms lieing for that.

Payal looked away letting him cry. She didn't felt like consoling him. No. She had not stopped loving him. But her love for him can't surpass the pain that he caused her. The physical, mental and emotional torture inflicted on her by him and his family, will never let her forgive them or feel their pain.

They had ruined her. Completely.

Few minutes later, the sound of crying stopped. Payal turned around and saw Akash sleeping due to effect of alcohol. She shook her head and laid on the lounge chair, looking at the waves in the sea. Then she looked at the sky. It was so calm and still, in contrast to the ever moving tides.

Her life was once like the calm sky. Still, serene, with no complexity. But now her life has become like the sea. So chaotic. So many changes. Unstable. And all because of one man and his family.

She sometimes wondered what would have been her life like if she didn't married Akash and maybe married a middle class man. Her life would have been so different. She wished she had said no for that marriage. Because it has changed her.

No. Actually Ruined her. Took everything that defined her, away from her. The Payal Gupta, 3 years back and the Payal Gupta today are two entirely different persons. She doesn't know which was the better version. Or which version of herself she liked most.

Both were filled with positive and negative things. But one had heart and soul while the other was just the remains of a burned soul.

Being born in a middle class family, she always had restrictions in everything in her life. Her own mother's past had a great influence in her upbringing. She was taught to be selfless, forgiving, obedient and caring. Most importantly she was taught to dream less and adjust to circumstances.

Her mother had always made sure that she stays away from the luxury high class world. Afraid that she would get attracted to it and would do something wrong to achieve things like it happened in her life. Her mother always taught her to obey everything her husband and in laws says and wants. She was taught to never question anybody specially elders even if they are wrong.

She was taught to keep her husband happy no matter how much pain you are in. To listen your in laws, no matter how much it hurt you. To keep quiet, no matter how much wrong is happening to you. She was told that it was the right upbringing. It was the right behaviour. It was how a respectful girl behaved.

Never ever had her family allowed her to be a part of a world outside the middle class setting of their neighbourhood in Lucknow. Even a small party in a high end hotel was forbidden, afraid it would lure her to dream for bigger things. But she never bothered about that.

She was happy in her little world. Her family, her neighbourhood in Lucknow, her middle class life. She was content in the little happiness life offered her. And her dreams were also small like that. To have small house with a loving and caring husband, and two kids. A small happy family. That's all that she dreamed off.

Her life was going smooth without any complications. After completing her bachelor's degree in a small college in Lucknow, she was helping her father in their sweet shop, waiting for her parents to find the perfect groom for her.

Then one day, her little cousin sister came to stay with them suddenly. She was very happy with the prospect of having a sibling to love, pamper and have fun with. And Khushi was exactly what wanted in a sibling. She was cute, naughty, funny, easygoing and adaptable. She easily fit in their family as a missing puzzle. As her little sister, Amma and Babuji's little daughter and Buaji's titaliya and sankadevi.

But still there were traces of high class lifestyle in Khushi. Her strong, feisty and outspoken personality was unyielding. It was always there. Her strong upbringing to always fight for right and for your rights, was always there in her. She wouldn't compromise with her self respect. She wouldn't back down without a fight for something she knew is right.

She (Payal) was always afraid that people would badmouth them pointing at Khushi's upbringing. She always tried to make Khushi understand that she was wrong. But Khushi stood her ground. But her beliefs starts shaking when her family also didn't say Khushi wrong, instead supported her. She was confused between right and wrong.

Her parents never said that Khushi did wrong when she fought for things she felt right. They never said it wrong when Khushi took change of the financial matters of her father's shop and helped him in improving business while she was taught never to interfere in the financial matters of the family as it was the department of the men of the house.

Khushi never saw class, society, age, financial and economical backgrounds while making friends and contacts. She mingled with everyone and was easygoing in all situations. She would adapt to any situations as circumstances demands. And for the first time, her emotions, thoughts and upbringing were so confusing to her. Because Khushi on many levels were exact opposite of what she was taught to be, but still nobody found it wrong. And first time, she realized everything she was taught was not right.

But then those thoughts flew away after few days as Khushi got mingled in their middle class lifestyle and those thoughts slowly became irrelevant. And her life also started taking a new direction. Her marriage got fixed to Avinash and her in laws behaviour only confirmed that whatever she was taught was the reality of life.

But a small voice in some corner of her head always told that it was wrong. Maybe it was because of Khushi's constant complaints regarding Avinash and his family. For some reason, Khushi never liked Avinash and his family from the start. She always used to say that Avinash is a wrong guy and they are simply too greedy, narrow minded and pompous. Maybe because she was more acquainted with the facades of people that she could judge them so correctly.

Though she felt Khushi was right in many occasions, she still went with the proposal as she felt that her parents will always do the right thing for her. But when her marriage broke, something broke inside her. Her beliefs, emotions, feelings, everything was questioned. For the first time, she realized that world is bigger than the small little happy cocoon she lived in.

They were many more things that's important apart from being soft spoken, loving, caring and obedient. People doesn't just see your inner beauty, they want many more things. More than the taunts of the outer world, her own conflicting thoughts was what confused and hurt her. One part told her that what she was taught was right while other part told that there were flaws in her upbringing.

And to add more to the chaos of her emotions, he entered her life. Akash Singh Raizada. A man who she got attracted to at first sight itself. Something that was supposed to be entirely wrong if she was to go by her upbringing. But for once in her life, her heart was asking her to go beyond her line of restrictions. To dream for bigger things.

Maybe that was where she went wrong. She shouldn't have dreamed for bigger things than what was affordable for her and her family. A relationship with the Raizadas was something beyond her reach and she dared to dream for it. And that's where her doom started.

Seeing her sister handling and mingling with Raizadas with such ease, she felt that she could also be a part of their life. She can also become a Raizada Bahu. But she forgot the biggest truth of her life. That was Khushi and she was Payal. Khushi would adapt to any situation with ease. Even if you leave her in the middle of desert, she would still find a way to survive. And then the biggest difference between them.

Their difference in upbringing. Khushi is the daughter of a multibillionaire. She grew up in the lap of luxury and her parents had brought her up with such strong mentality, values and beliefs. How much ever she would change, her strength to fight will never waver. She would always be that strong person who will survive no matter what.

But she. She was brought up by a mother who has dedicated her entire life trying to rectify the mistakes that she did and earn forgiveness. Her mother only wanted her to never end up like her. So she taught her things to be a good person or rather not to be like her. She didn't taught her difference between right and wrong instead taught her never to do wrong. She was taught to be silent and endure, not to adapt and change. And that difference had a huge impact on her life.

Sometimes she wondered if that mishap didn't happen in her mother's life, how her life would have been. Maybe she would have also been like Khushi. Maybe then her life wouldn't have been so chaotic. But there is no meaning of those what ifs. Because the truth was she was really a stupid, naive, gullible girl who ruined her own life by choosing a wrong man for herself.

For one time in her life, she took decision for herself. Chose a life partner for herself. And it made her life upside down. The realization of love to marriage was like a fairytale. Apart from her mother in law's constant jibes regarding her background, those were the best moments of her life.

The only glitch that came in that period was when her mother in law found out about her past broken marriage. And her to be husband maintained his silence then, even after knowing everything, letting his mother insult her. It was supposed to be an eye opener for her upcoming future but she being blind in love ignored that signal. And her fake fairytale continued. Her marriage happened without much drama. But the drama started after that.

On her marriage day, her sister came married to her brother in law. It was a shocker for her. Though it resulted in a rough start for her married life, she couldn't keep grudge for long. As her sister's presence was somewhat the only soothing aspect of marriage at that time. Because as days passed, her dream world was slowly falling apart.

The man she thought to be her Prince Charming who would fulfill all her wishes and dreams, slowly started turning into a puppet whose strings were in the hands of his mother and sister. The man, Akash Singh Raizada who was supposed to be her life partner slowly changed into a shadow behind his mother.

The reality of her marriage was slowly coming in front of her. The man who promised to bring the world on her feet, didn't care how she was, let alone stand up for her. He left her to be tortured in the hands of his mother. If at all she ever tried to speak about the injustice happening to her, he would reprimand her and ask her to obey or adjust with his mother.

And his so called mother. She didn't know what wrong she did with that woman that she hated her so much. She treated her worse than garbage. Never left a single chance go to make her life a living hell. Making her work from morning to night, taunting her at every given chance, treating her like her personal slave, she never gave her a single moment of peace.

If at all, she saw her with her husband, spending even a moment, then she would give her double work. And then taunt her that she doesn't take care of her son's needs. And her so called husband was another masterpiece. When he wanted to marry her, he was perfectly OK with her background and status.

But as soon as marriage happened, he wanted her to miraculously turn her behaviour into that of a high class woman. He wanted her to wear modern clothes, speak English, be stylish, classy. He was not ready to give her time or help her to adapt. He expected her to change overnight.

Even she wanted to groom herself and make herself perfect for him and fit in the high class society of his. But with his mother breathing down on her neck, it was next to impossible. If at all she buys even a single dress for herself or apply some makeup and try to look good, then her mother in law will start her rant of her being gold digger and had married her son for money.

She was not allowed to even use the car. Learning English and other things were far off. Any money spend, the reason should be said to her mother in law. She needed help to groom herself, atleast some support. But she got none. Her mother in law would only try to put her down, taunt her, degrade her. Any initiative taken to groom herself will be demotivated. Otherside her husband was not ready to understand and support.

Moreover she found it extremely difficult to fit in. While Khushi fit in so easily, considering her actual background. It was very difficult for her. All her life, her mother kept her away from luxurious things and taught her to only dream for things which are affordable for them. And then all of a sudden, she was the daughter in law of one of the richest families of the country. It was very difficult for her to adapt to the new lifestyle.

If you will ask Khushi about all this, then her sister would say. Di, all this is nothing. Rich, poor, all this doesn't matter. What matters is how good you are from heart. That's what her sister's theory is. Even after growing up in the lap of luxury, her sister doesn't differentiate people according to the status, style and class.

She will even sit and talk with a beggar or go and be the glamorous queen of a high profile party. That's how her sister is. But Raizadas were exact opposite. Specially her mother in law and husband. They looked at class, status and style, very much. Though Akash seem to be not a person bothered about class and richness. Still he wanted his wife to be upto the standards of Raizada family.

After marriage, Akash was very particular about everything she did. He wanted her to be stylish and classy. She many times felt, it was triggered by the embarrassment he felt due to his mother's behaviour. He just wanted his wife to be prim and proper, the best in everything. On the other hand, her mother in law made it impossible for her to change and adapt to the standard of Raizada daughter in law. She just wanted her to be below her, so that she could always dominate her and make her dance to her tunes.

But the problem was both mother and son were firm on their own stand. One wanted to degrade her and throw her out. Other want her to adapt and fit in. But none of them were ready to understand and support or help her. And both of them wouldn't even hear anything against each other, making her situation more difficult. The initial five months of her marriage were a nightmare for her.

But real living hell started the day, Khushi brought back a kidnapped Arnav and both of them exposed Shyam. She supported her sister and said her side of story. She always felt guilty for hiding the truth. She felt as if she was cheating on Akash by hiding truth from him. So when she got a chance, she said truth. But it became the biggest mistake of her life.

It's said true that people prefer beautiful lies than ugly truth. Because that's exactly what Raizada family did. They preferred the beautiful lies than the ugly truth. They were not ready to accept the truth that their precious Anjali's husband, their darling Damadji was a two timing bastard. They didn't wanted to believe that their beloved son in law cheated on their Anjali. They didn't wanted to believe that Anjali's marriage was a farce all along.

Instead they preferred to believe that it was all Khushi's fault. It was Khushi who lured their innocent Damadji in her web. It was Khushi who was a gold digger and had trapped their son in law to gain money. It was Khushi who was characterless and money minded. They were not ready to accept the truth of Shyam's treachery as it would hurt their Anjali, so decided to make Khushi the culprit.

If she thought that after telling Shyam's truth, things would fall in place. Then she was rudely given a reality check. Because things only worsened. She knew that Akash would be upset with her for hiding Shyam's truth and she was ready to endure his anger and disappointment. But she never in her worst nightmare thought that Akash would blame Khushi.

She didn't had much expectations from her mother in law. It was predictable that she would blame Khushi, rather than blaming her Anjali Bitiya's husband. But Akash's stance shocked her. He blamed Khushi for his brother in law's misdeeds, without any inhibition. He indirectly called her sister, characterless, greedy and a home wrecker. And she was shocked seeing the changed attitude of Akash.

Things started turning ugly between Akash and her. Akash was angry with her. And he had shown it without any hesitation. With his mother filling his ears and instigating him, it only got worse. She tried to reach out and solve the problem. But nothing changed. In fact he only blamed Khushi more.

Things only turned more worse when she decided to make something special for her sister on Khushi's birthday. Her husband and mother in law taunted her mercilessly. Things turned ugly when Khushi noticed the differences between Akash and her and talked to Akash in an attempt to patch them up.

But that only gave her husband another opportunity to blame and hurt her. After that she asked Khushi to stay from their matters. Not because she was annoyed with her sister but she was worried for Khushi. Akash was already blaming Khushi for Shyam's betrayal. Her sister will only be hurt more if Akash blamed her directly on her face.

She was thankful to God as Akash didn't said anything to Khushi when she talked with him. But she feared that the situation won't be same if Khushi again tried to talk to Akash. If Akash blamed Khushi, then she (Khushi) won't be able to take it. Khushi really respects and sees Akash in a high position in her mind. If Akash blames her, it will hurt her immensely.

And Payal didn't wanted it. Let her sister be angry with her or feel sad because of her rude behaviour. It's OK. She doesn't have to face Akash's accusations. Her sister didn't deserve that. So she asked Khushi to keep away from Akash and her life. And she thought after that things would fall in place.

But it was only a starting. Because the Akash she saw in the following days, was a completely different person. He left no chance to blame her, Khushi and their family. Chastised her and Khushi for coming in their lives and ruining their happiness. He even said he regretted the marriage indirectly. It was the final nail in the coffin. And something broke inside her.

During those days, if at all she said and did anything for Khushi, then he and his mother wouldn't leave a chance to taunt. Then only she realized how much of a hypocrite Akash was. He always wanted her to be the perfect wife, daughter in law, sister in law, everything. He always wanted her to fulfill all the needs of him and his family and treat them as her own.

But he never showed the same courtesy towards her. He never tried to be the best husband, son in law or brother in law. He never thought of her family as him. Her parents as his, her sister as his. They were always outsiders for him. While he expects her to fulfill all her duties as his wife and Raizada daughter in law. He was not ready to fulfill any of his duties. He never even considered her a part of his life. He treated her like a burden.

Slowly she was seeing the other side of Akash Singh Raizada behind the facade of a loving, caring and considerate man. He never really cared about anybody else other than himself and his family. A family which includes his parents, grandmother and cousins, nobody else. The only motto in his life was to keep his mother and sister happy. Nobody else and nothing else mattered in front of that. Not even her.

Still she tried to hold on. Tried to keep their relation intact. Her mother's upbringing was too strong. To always hold on to relationships, no matter how much it hurts. To never give up on them. To treat your husband and in laws with love and respect, no matter what. And she held on with her dear life. But Akash remained totally frustrated with her. Always finding faults in her. Demeaning her for her upbringing, values, status and lifestyle. Scolding her for even smallest of small things.

And things went on like that for few days. Then she tried to apologise to him. He was angry initially but later relented. He forgive her. But his attitude didn't change. He was still frustrated with her.

Then Arnav's Dadi came home. And things again started becoming difficult. The woman would leave no stone unturned to make Khushi's life difficult. Though she was not as rude to her as she was with Khushi. But still she was not so happy with her either.

In Dadi's presence, things started becoming a chaos again. She would constantly pick at Khushi. If she tried to help Khushi, then her mother in law and husband would become upset. And things completely toppled when the truth of Arnav and Khushi's incomplete marriage came out.

It was like her mother in law won a jackpot. She left no opportunity to taunt her. Akash was neutral regarding that matter. Soon Arnav and Khushi's marriage got fixed and things began settling. Everyone was somewhat happy.

But then the biggest tragedy hit and everything was ruined. Anjali fell down from the stairs and lost her child. Everyone started blaming Khushi for the mishap and wanted Shyam back, even her husband. She tried to reason with him. But he wouldn't hear none of her words and just wanted his sister's happiness. Whatever maybe the cost. He didn't care.

Then Khushi brought Shyam back. She could understand Khushi's situation. But she couldn't help feel that it was the worst decision of her life. She just prayed that nothing wrong happened. But things only got worse.

On Khushi's remarriage day, the revelation of their families's intertwined past ruined everything. Even though Dadi meant to ruin Arnav and Khushi's relationship, the real damage happened to her and Akash's relationship. Khushi was Amma's sister's daughter, but she was Amma's own daughter.

The daughter of the woman who caused her husband's aunt's death. Ratna Mallik and Garima Gupta might have met only once in their life. But the real after effect of that meeting, happened in many lives. One of them was hers. Her whole upbringing was an aftermath of that meeting. But the biggest after effect was the ruining of her marriage.

The first break in her marriage happened due to the revelation of that past. A past in which she was nowhere involved. Still it impacted her life. Akash and Manorama Raizada couldn't tolerate the daughter of the murderer of their beloved Ratna Bua/Jiji as a part of their family.

The revelation brought a crack in their relationship. Though Arnav and Anjali forgave her Amma and were cordial with her. Manorama Raizada was not ready to let go of the grudge. And obviously the mother worshipper Akash Singh Raizada didn't have an opinion of his own.

His earlier frustrations regarding her shortcomings in status and class, combined with the newfound resentment for his aunt's murderer's daughter, things only became worse between them. None of her attempts to make things better were acknowledged.

And to make things worse, Shyam's truth was also revealed. All the earlier abuses, accusations and blame games restarted. She and her family were blamed mercilessly. Her parents and sister were called names.

But the real cruelty was yet to start. Anjali Singh Raizada. The glass doll of Raizada, the master emotional blackmailer and manipulator of Raizada clan was yet to start her play. After being brain washed again by her wicked husband, Anjali Singh Raizada was already to ruin her and her sister's life.

She soon started her masterplan of acting as a depression patient and then manipulating everyone to believe that she and Khushi were hurting her. With Sheetal already in the picture, things were difficult for Khushi. The impact of Anjali's drama was less compared to the problems Sheetal created in her life.

Also with Arnav already past the stage of blaming Khushi for Anjali's condition, Anjali's drama didn't impacted Khushi much. Though other family members blamed Khushi for Anjali's condition and Arnav too ignored Khushi and was engrossed in pampering Anjali, Khushi didn't paid much attention to it as she had bigger problems at that time in the name of Sheetal. Or rather Khushi didn't bothered about Anjali's drama.

But it impacted her (Payal's) life very badly. Akash and Manorama made her life a living hell coming in Anjali's drama. They blamed her, Khushi and their family for Anjali's condition. Akash had literally turned into a beast.

He abused her verbally, mentally and emotionally. Even to the extend of mocking her for her figure and her inexperience in terms of physical relationship. She was called names and mentally tortured. Body shaming was worse. She felt worthless. He made her feel like a whore.

Anjali would hurt herself and then blame her and Khushi for the mishap. Mostly Khushi escaped as she was working and already had a lot in her cup. So Anjali's main target was her, most of the time. For Manorama Raizada, it was like all her dreams were coming true. Akash was torturing her just like she wanted and even regretted the marriage.

One day, she even heard Akash agreeing to divorce her when Manorama and Anjali asked him. She was broken that day. Her hopes were diminishing. She had slowly started feeling lost. She didn't knew how to make things fine. Any expectation of the marriage ever working was reducing.

Still she tried to hold on. Maybe it was the fault of the values instilled inside her. Even after all the abuses and hurt, she still wanted to make the relationship work. She wanted to give it one more chance. And then a ray of hope came in her life. Her baby.

The news of her pregnancy brought a new hope for her. She was already three months pregnant when she found out. The day she found out about her pregnancy, was the starting of the best and worst phase of her life. That day, after knowing about her baby, she directly went to AR to share the happy news with Akash. She wanted him to know first.

And that day, for the first time, she stepped inside AR designs. Her husband's office. And she was in for a reality check. None of the employees recognized her. She was married to Akash for nearly 10 months at that time. Not even a single employee recognized her.

Some knew Akash was married but nobody was ready to believe she was his wife. After pleading with the receptionist for over two hours, she was somehow allowed to go inside. But she never reached till Akash's cabin.

Before she could enter Akash's cabin, she was stopped by a girl. She told that girl she was Akash's wife and she wished to see Akash. The girl looked at her from top to bottom. She had a mocking smile playing on her lips. But the disgust that was in her eyes made her skin crawl even today.

When she repeated that she is Akash's wife. The girl laughed at her and then looking at her eyes, without any hesitation, declared that she was Akash's girlfriend. She was stunned by the girl's declaration. She felt angry at the girl for her audacity.

She screamed at her and scolded her for calling her husband, her boyfriend. But the girl was confident and she openly humiliated her pointing at her clothes and style. She scolded her for saying Akash as her husband and said Akash is not married. And even if he is married, then a middle class down market girl like her can never be his wife. She isn't even worth of standing in front of him. The girl kept on humiliating her in front of the staff and nobody came to help her. Finally the girl called guards and threw her out. She pleaded to let her see Akash but nobody heard her pleas. After throwing her out, the girl walked away nonchalantly.

She can never forget that incident or that girl ever in her life. She had never been more humiliated than that day. And that girl. That was the Girl who became the reason of her broken marriage. Tanya Sharma. Akash Singh Raizada's secretary. His supposed Girlfriend. Tanya was everything she was not. She was modern, well educated, classy, stylish, and earned good. Everything Akash wanted her to be. But she couldn't be. The perfect wife material if you ask Manorama Raizada.

That day, for the first time she realised, what was her actual place in Akash's life. An unpaid house servant to fulfill his family's needs and to warm his bed. Outside the four walls of Shantivan she had no identity. With a few exceptions, Akash Singh Raizada was still very much a bachelor for everyone.

And Tanya was an eye opener for her. Not only regarding her place in Akash's life but what she meant for Akash as well. If a girl could so confidently claim herself to be Akash's girlfriend to her, then that girl must be having some leverage on Akash. Was she saying true? Was she really Akash's girlfriend. Did she really lost Akash? Was it already too late?

The questions ran in her mind throughout the day. She came back to Shantivan totally lost. Her whole life was falling apart. In Shantivan, Anjali and Manorama were ready with new tricks to hurt her. But nothing they did affected her then. She was totally broken. One side she got the biggest happiness of her life, and other side, she lost everything she held dear.

Her heart was bleeding. She needed answers. She waited for Akash to come back. As soon as Akash came back, he dragged her into their bedroom and then started shouting at her for showing up at his office. He called her names and accused her of trying to degrade his image. She was stunned. What did she do for him to be so angry. She couldn't understand.

She wanted to tell him about her pregnancy. But instead of that, her confused mind told him about her encounter with Tanya. He heard everything. She expected him to say something, defend himself. But he slapped her and shouted at her for disrupting his workplace and left from there.

And she felt like someone stabbed a dagger on her heart. She felt breathless. She fell down on her knees not being able to take the pain. She laid on the floor crying. She didn't know till how long she laid there. But when she came to senses, she packed her bags and left to Buaji's house after informing her sister.

She needed a break. She couldn't stay there, anymore. If she stayed for one more moment, she might loose herself. So she went away for few days to her parents. Luckily her staying at Buaji's house was already pre planned as her Buaji and Amma had to go to Lucknow for some work. And she was  supposed to go to her house to take care of her father. So nobody questioned her when she left to her maternal home. But it was difficult to act in front of her family that everything was fine. Still she needed that break. To gather herself.

For one week, she stayed there though Amma and Buaji were gone only for three days. Getting pampered by her parents and Buaji, she felt nice. Then she decided to go back. No. Not for herself. But for two important people of her life. First, her sister. If she stayed for more days, then the Raizadas will make her little sister's life, living hell. Specially for Anjali and Manorama, Khushi will become their main target. Already she had Sheetal to deal with. Alongwith that Anjali and Manorama, they will surely hurt her sister. Her sister won't be able to tackle three witches together, alone.

So she decided to go back. Also she had to think about her baby. Her baby deserves to have a father. And Akash deserves to know about the baby. She has to tell him about the baby. So she went back.

Things got worse after she went back. Anjali and Manorama were hell bent on ruining her life. Akash had become more rude and intolerable. He totally ignored her and only came to her to shout at her and take out his frustration. Meanwhile she noticed Akash getting constant calls from Tanya. She tried to ignore that and tried to make herself believe that Tanya is just a colleague.

She tried to tell Akash about the baby so many times, but he wouldn't hear anything she has to stay. He started staying away from her. Spending most of his time at office. Things were giving wrong signals to her that something was wrong. But she tried to be positive.

Then one day, she and Khushi saw Anjali and Shyam together and found out about their plan. They decided to gather proofs and then expose them in front of all. They slowly succeeded in gathering proofs. In between Khushi and she told each other about their pregnancies. Khushi was one month pregnant while she was three months along.

They were all set to expose Anjali but in between Khushi had to go to Mumbai for some work, so the plan got postponed. And the day, Khushi was supposed to return, Akash took her out for a party. She was very happy as Akash took her out after a long time. They had a good time together. She was very happy and decided to tell about the baby as soon as they reached home.

But reaching home, the scene they witnessed changed everything. Arnav was on bed with Sheetal and Sheetal was shedding her crocodile tears. And the great Anjali Singh Raizada was blaming Arnav.

She couldn't take more drama of the fake people and took Khushi away from there. After talking to Khushi, she went back to her room. She was really very angry at Arnav and Sheetal and wanted to strangle both of them. And as soon as she entered the bedroom, she saw Akash pacing here and there.

And seeing her, Akash once again started his blame game. He started saying that it was all Khushi's fault. She couldn't keep his brother happy, so Arnav went behind another woman. She had had enough. She felt disgusted by Akash. And all the pend up anger and frustration came out and she blasted on Akash.

Akash Singh Raizada really got a reality check that night.

Flashback

Payal entered the bedroom and saw Akash pacing around. As soon as he saw her, he came to her and started shouting.

"How is your sister? Is she happy, now? After ruining the happiness of this house she must be happy, right? First Di's life, now Bhai. All this is happening because of her. If she kept Bhai happy, then Bhai wouldn't have gone behind another women. But your bitch sister might not be having time after luring other men to take care of my brother. So Bhai had to do all this." Akash said angrily.

But as soon as he stopped talking he felt a stinking pain on his cheek and realised that Payal has slapped him. Meanwhile Payal felt disgusted of him. She glared at him in pure loathe.

"You disgust me, Akash Singh Raizada. Your brother has cheated on my sister by being involved with another woman. And yet you are defending him and blaming my sister. How dare you. You are such a bloody hypocrite. When your aunt committed suicide, then it was my Amma and your Uncle's fault. When Shyam cheated on your sister, then it was my Khushi's and Shyam's fault. Now when your brother cheated on my sister, you are blaming my sister. You really have some nerve to say that.

"Anyways I shouldn't be surprised. You're nothing but a puppet of your mother and sister, so it shouldn't be a shock that you will be talking their language. So who taught you all this, wait let me guess your mother, right. Of course only she can have such low thinking." Payal sneered.

"Payal, you..." Akash shouted.

"Shut up, Akash. Don't you dare speak. You have spoken enough and I have heard enough, now no more. I have realised that you are nothing but a spineless creature who doesn't have any say of his own. You're like a remote controlled toy, whose key is with your mother. And I am tired of your abuses and atrocities. I won't tolerate anymore. I am done with you." Payal said tired.

Flashback ends

After her outburst, she slept that night. Next day morning, when she got up, it was a bit late. She quickly got ready and went in search of her husband. She had to tell him about the baby as soon as possible. She can't wait. From HP she came to know that Akash had already left for office.

Honestly she didn't wanted to go to his office. But she wanted to tell him about the baby as soon as possible. They were planning to expose Anjali soon. Before that she had to tell Akash about the baby. So she decided to go to his office and tell him.

She quickly got ready and started going to AR Designs. But then she witnessed something sinister happening to her sister. And she knew that it was the end of her sister's and Arnav's relationship. At that moment, she knew that life is going to be difficult ahead for them. But before deciding anything, she needed to know Akash's stand. She wanted to know what Akash wants, who will he choose and stand with.

So after consoling her sister for few minutes, she went to AR. She wanted to stay with her sister but talking with Akash was also important. So she decided to go and soon reached AR. For her luck, she met Aman at the entrance who recognized her and led her to Akash's cabin. He guided her till door of the cabin and left. Taking a deep breath, she entered the cabin all set to tell Akash the biggest news of their lives, come what may.

But the scene she saw in front of her eyes was something she didn't even thought in her worst nightmare. Akash was standing in the middle of the cabin with Tanya and both of them were in a deep lip lock. She lost her balance due to shock and knocked a flower vase kept on the side of the door.

That broke their trance. They stopped kissing and looked at Payal stunned. Akash's eyes widened and he whispered Payal under his breath. Tanya almost started shouting. But Payal couldn't stand there anymore. She ran away from there.

She didn't know how she reached Shantivan. She felt numb from inside. All her emotions were drained off. She felt dead from inside. She felt like crying, screaming, destroying everything. But she couldn't do anything. She felt hollow from inside. Like someone has pulled her heart out and stamped on it.

Reaching Shantivan, she directly went to her sister's room and saw her sister sitting like a lifeless body. Her baby sister was breaking apart from inside like her if not more. She was numb. Dried tear marks marred her porcelain cheeks, Eyes were hollow and lifeless. Then she decided that they had enough of these Raizadas. They won't let these selfish Raizadas use them anymore and then walk over them making them feel worthless. They didn't needed these self centred, ruthless people in their lives. They were better off without them. So when her sister suggested about going away, she had no objection.

They immediately packed their and Arav's things and left. They reached Buaji's home. Seeing their parents, the dam broke. They broke down recounting their horrible experiences. It was then the complete impact of their situation hit her. Her husband cheated on her, she was pregnant and she had broken her marriage.

The realisation of her broken marriage hit her hard and she completely lost it. While crying her heart out in her mother's arms, she felt she will die in that moment. The pain of betrayal was unbearable. Her heart was totally broken into million pieces. The image of her husband in another woman's arms was killing her. She felt useless and worthless.

Khushi was in bigger pain. She was numb. Not feeling. Not responding. Arav was clinging to her waist, totally scared seeing his unresponsive mother. He hugged her tightly and cried on her chest. After all how much a little 5 year old boy can take.

Hearing Arav's cry, Khushi came to her senses. She consoled him and made him sleep on her lap. Then immediately took her phone and made some calls. After talking for few minutes, she cut the call and declared that they all are moving to Mumbai.

They were stunned seeing her. Few minutes before, she was so broken. Then she composed herself and took complete control of situation in few minutes. They knew she was breaking from inside, but at that time, they couldn't help but admire her will power. Even after being broken so much from inside, still she was so composed.

Her parents were hesitant about moving to Mumbai but Khushi convinced them. Then what, they didn't realise when they packed few necessary items and were ready. And some people send by Khushi's parents came to shift their things.

They left for airport and the people packed their things and send it to Mumbai. Few hours later, they landed in Mumbai. The whole family was there to receive them. It was an emotional reunion for her parents and grandparents. Khushi remained composed all along. Till they reached home and recounted everything, Khushi was composed.

But as soon as she finished saying everything, she broke down in heart wrenching cries. Arav was taken away by Samar Bhai to play with Riya. And Khushi cried her heart out. She was inconsolable. Her heartwrenching cries broke everyone. All of them were furious on the Raizadas and wanted to kill them. It was difficult to stop them but she and Khushi didn't wanted to do anything with the Raizadas, so they made everyone promise that they wouldn't go searching for Raizadas. It was good that they didn't know Raizada name or the identity of their husbands.

The next few days were difficult. Every moment, everything reminded them of Raizadas. She couldn't even look at the mirror without remembering Akash's hurtful words regarding her figure and his body shaming comments. Even while eating, she was reminded of how her mother in law would taunt her figure and say how she eats without doing any work.

She and Khushi were afraid to even eat with everyone without serving. They used to feel that someone would just start taunting them. Even while shopping, they gets reminded of the tag of gold digger, money minded, greedy.

She couldn't even talk with her cousin brothers and uncles freely feeling people would misunderstand their relations. Then the biggest problem were their pregnancies. Both of them started suffering from depression. And it started affecting their health badly.

For her, it was triggered by Akash's infidelity and her insecurities and inferiority complexities. She felt very low. Her self confidence was totally broken. She felt useless. And her insecurities were worse. And it slowly started affecting her health also. All started worrying.

Then they took her for counselling. It took her few months to regain her self confidence. With proper counselling, she slowly came back to normal. Maybe her hatred for Akash also played a big part. She didn't wanted to give up yet. She wanted to prove herself. Live for her child. Make a better future for her child. That gave her confidence to fight her depression. Coming out of depression was the easiest part. But life ahead was difficult.

While for her, her depression was triggered mostly by her insecurities and complexes. For Khushi, it was more because of the events that happened in her life. The physical, mental, and emotional abuses she endured. The fears instilled in her due to different hurtful experiences she had to go through.

Her depression was more like a PTSD. She was always fighting an imaginary enemy in her mind. Only that the enemy is a real person and was miles away from them. Nightmares, panic attacks, became a daily thing. Her pregnancy with triplets only worsened the situation. She was totally scared for her babies.

And the only things that kept Khushi sane were Arav and her work. Arav's love was the soothing balm for both of them. He was the anchor who was giving them strength to fight. Khushi already had a well established business empire. So it was easy for her to again start working and concentrate on other things. Her work distracted her enough to keep her from completely breaking down.

But for her (Payal), it was the major task. She had to start from scratch. She had a bachelor's degree in commerce. Other than that, she had no specialities. Yes, she cooked good. That was the only plus point in her. So when Khushi and her parents suggested her to start a hotel business, she agreed.

Her grandparents helped her by giving her mother's shares. But Khushi suggested her to keep it as security and apply for a bank loan rather than selling the property and business shares. Soon with the help of Khushi and Khushi's parents, she started the business. Her own parents also supported her and helped her maximum.

She had experience regarding the quality and quantity of food but the business aspect of things were still little foreign to her. It was then, her Chote Papa, Shlok stepped into help her. He taught her all the business tactics to run a successful business. Shlok's years of experience in various business sectors was unbeatable. He is a polished businessman, one of the top in the world. Learning under him, gave her a new outlook regarding everything.

And Khushi too helped her in adapting to the high class society. It was then she realised that she could have always seeked help from her younger sister. Though Khushi's view regarding class and status was different, she could have helped her in grooming herself. But her own insecurity regarding feeling low in front of her little sister, if she seeked her help, stopped her earlier. Maybe it was a mistake from her part.

Slowly her life was changing. She was changing. Her views and outlook towards things were changing. But her broken heart never mended. It still hurt. And the wound started eating her from inside, making her hollow. Though her professional life started reaching heights. Her emotions were dying. Her heart was dying.

Nothing and nobody could mend her broken heart. The hurt and pain started slowly turning into anger. And she started using that anger to reach new heights. That anger fuelled her need to achieve, to succeed. Her only aim was to be everything for which they have taunted and hurt her. Though by heart, she still remained that pure Payal, but for the outer world, she closed her emotions.

Her feelings were only reserved for her family specially her Babies. For others, she was the emotionless, ruthless, cold, ice queen, who would ruin you mercilessly if you dared get on her wrong side. Upto an extend, even Khushi also became like her. Her little sister stopped showing emotions. She stopped wearing her heart on her sleeves.

She stopped being selfless and started only caring about her loved ones. Her love and emotions were only reserved for their families. She only started being truly happy while being with kids. Otherwise her smile never reached her eyes.

Their pregnancies were complicated. She had high BP problem. Her depression too complicated the situation. Though she came out of depression in 3-4 months, the high BP problem remained. Due to that, she had to undergo a Caesarean section in her eighth month. Akira was one month premature but thankfully she was healthy.

Her health too improved soon. She again started working after five months. Akira was taken care by Khushi. Khushi's pregnancy was worst. Her depression totally complicated her pregnancy. On top of that triplets. It was very hard situation.

She was regularly hospitalized throughout her pregnancy period. Her depression continued till her 7th month. Nightmares, panic attacks, worsened the situation. Couple of times, she almost lost her and Babies's lives, but got saved due to luck and will power. One time, they almost lost Khushi but Arav saved his mother and siblings.

His innocent cries brought Khushi back to life. After that Khushi started fighting with her depression. Mainly for Arav and her unborns. Slowly she came out of it. Arav was her biggest support. His love, innocence, and excitement for his brothers and sisters, all helped them a lot. Khushi had an early delivery which is usually common in case of multiple pregnancy.

The doctor suggested for Caesarean section owing to Khushi's previous medical history and also Arshi and Arush were malpositioned. The triplets also born one month prior. They were slightly weak specially Arshi. They were in incubator for two weeks. It was difficult phase for all of them, seeing the Babies in incubator.

Once the doctor gave green signal to take them home, all of them were very happy. The Babies were given grand welcome just like at the time of Akira. With four little babies at home, the house was a chaos. They had a house full of people to take care of kids, still it seemed less.

Arav was really supportive. He fit in the role of big brother with ease. Ever ready to play with or take care of his little siblings. Though there was two months difference between Akira and the triplets, it was always like they were quadruples. When she started working again, all the kids would be with Khushi always. Then Akira grew attached to Khushi.

One year after Akira's birth, Khushi gave her a modelling contract. It was a sudden decision. After Akira's birth, she had taken special care to get into shape. With exercise, dieting, gym, yoga, it was a hectic journey. But she got into shape eventually. Then Khushi started using her as a model for her designs at home and for rehearsals.

To cast in one of her shows was an impulsive decision, but then it was Khushi, she is always impulsive. Her first show was a hit. She was specially appreciated. It gained her confidence. Next was a big leap. Showstopper's place. She was nervous, but with Khushi's trust on her, she did it.

After that there was no going back. She mostly worked with Khushi. But did other projects too when she got good projects. Soon it became a part of her life and she began enjoying the profession. Being a model helped her to regain her lost self confidence. She started being confident about herself. She felt liberated, carefree and strong. Ready to take anything thrown at her.

Two years passed. Everything changed. She too changed. She is not anymore that old sweet, innocent, naive Payal. She had seen world and knows about every tactics of world. She is strong enough to face anything. But there was one thing, that didn't change. The pain and hurt caused by Raizadas.

It still hurt her. The betrayal still hurt her. Their behaviour and all the pain inflicted on her still hurt her. She still hated Raizadas. She still loathed Anjali and Manorama Singh Raizada. She still hated Akash Singh Raizada but a bigger part of her still loves him and is hurting inside her. She still feel like killing and loving him at the same time. And she is still angry on him for having so much power on her. And she hated herself for ever loving that spineless two timing bastard.

Why? Why does love pain so much? She still asked herself this question daily.

She looked at her side and saw Akash sleeping soundly. She looked at the moon and closed her eyes, praying to God to give her strength to fight this pain. Soon sleep caught upto her and she dozed off.

Miles away, another woman stood by the window of her bedroom, looking at the Moon. Then her gaze went to a framed photo kept on the nearby table. She picked it up and kissed the photo. "I Love You Akash." She whispered looking at the photo.

So that's Chapter 26. The most difficult chapter I have written. It was a haywire of emotions. So I have revealed Akash and Payal's past. So how many of you expected their past to be like this.

Earlier some readers pointed out to me that it did wrong by calling Pam fat. I shouldn't be body shaming her. Why I did that, the answer comes in this chapter. Akash used to do exactly same with Payal. He used to body shame her and tell her to be classy, stylish and maintain her figure like his employees and models. So I just wanted to show the irony of the situation.

If you read Akash and Payal's interactions from start to till now after reading this chapter, it will make sense. The past is being  rebuilt in this story. I have given a glimpse of Anjali's misdeeds. There is more. I will reveal it soon.

I know I am really late in updating this story. Sorry for that. I have been trying to write this part for months. I couldn't bring the correct mindset to write this emotional chapter. Sorry for the delay.

I won't justify any character in this story. Because I believe nobody is perfect. Everyone has done their own set of rights and wrongs. But who is bigger culprit and who is more wrong is what matters.

Once again Thank you for your all your love and patience for all these month.
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