Next day morning

The morning in Shantivan was silent unusually. All were doing their work quietly. Atleast trying to do. Morning itself, Nani started her work of implementing the punishments on Anjali and Mami. Anjali got up early in the morning and started doing the household work.

When Payal came to kitchen to do work, Anjali tried to send her away. But being afraid of her mother-in-law, Payal tried to stay. Then Nani came and asked her to leave. Then Payal went to clean the Pooja room and prepare for morning arti, which Nani allowed her to do.

Noticing that Mami has not still reached kitchen to do work, Nani went to her room. Nani knocked on Mami's room door several times, before a sleepy Mami 🥱🥱 opened the door rubbing her eyes, still in her night dress. Poor soul, doesn't have habit to get up at morning and do work, no. Note the sarcasm.

Seeing her appearance, Nani glared at her angrily😡. Mami looked at her confused.

"Sasuma, you here in my roomwa. Morning morning. Bhat happened?" Mami asked frowning confused.

Unfortunately, our dear innocent Mami forgot about all that happened the previous day and forgot about the punishment given to her. Actually as Khushi predicted, she thought that the punishment is for sometime like some hours or few days. So didn't take it seriously. And thought that Nani said all that in anger. Her dear Sasuma will forget about the punishments in the morning. So she also didn't pay much attention.

Don't worry, Mamiji. What if you forgot about the punishments. Your dear mother in law is there to make you remember and teach you a lesson that you never forget about it again.😏

"What are you doing here, Manorama?" Nani asked angrily.

Mami looked at her frowning. "What question is this, Sasuma. Bhat will I do morning morning in my roomwa. I was taking my beauty sleepwa. You know Sasuma, if I don't sleepwa praperly (properly), then black black circlewa will come under my eyes." Mami said dramatically.

"Oh really, Manorama. Then come I will make you sleep." Saying that Nani dragged Mami inside her bedroom. Taking the water jug kept on the table, she poured the entire water on the bed.

Seeing that, Mami was shocked.😳 "Sasuma, what did you do. Now how bill I take my beauty sleepwa."

"You want to sleep, right. Come. I will make you sleep." Once again Nani dragged Mami and took her inside the bathroom. Making her stand below the shower, she opened the shower tap🚿, making Mami wet.

With that, all of Mami's sleep flew away. She looked at Nani scared. "Sasuma, what is all this? What are you doing?"

"What I am doing? What are you doing, Manorama? Yesterday itself, I told you that from now onwards you have to do all the household work. But without paying heed to any of my words, you're sleeping here selling horses. How dare you. The sun has been up for hours and you are still sleeping." Nani shouted at her angrily.

Mami looked at her scared 😰. "Sasuma, I... I thought you were joking." Mami said sheepishly.

Nani scowled hearing that. "Joke. You think all this is a joke. Listen Manorama, you have 15 minutes, get ready and come downstairs. Anjali is already there in the kitchen. Today, both of you will prepare breakfast. After doing pooja and having breakfast, I will assign you both rest of the work. And if you are late, then you will see the another face of mine. Now, come fast." Nani screamed and left from there.

Mami looked at her frightened out of her wits. Then, remembering Nani's warning, went to get ready. Immediately, getting ready in her saree and doing light make up, Mami came downstairs.

Reaching living room, she saw Payal cleaning Pooja room and making arrangements. And Nani helping her. Akash was reading newspaper. NK also came down getting ready. Sitting beside Akash, he started looking at something in his mobile.

Sighing, she left to kitchen as instructed by her mother in law. Inside kitchen, she saw Anjali cooking at one side and Sheetal also making something at one corner.

"Anjali Bitiya, what are you doing?" Mami asked coming inside.

Anjali frowned at her. "Mamiji, did you forget what Naniji told us yesterday. We have to cook and do all household work. I am doing that." Anjali said continuing her work.

"But why? Why are you doing all this?  Sasuma must have said it in anger. She will forget all this in sometime." Mami said nonchalantly.

"No, Mamiji. Whether Nani said it seriously or in anger. I am going to follow it. I am going to do all the household work from now on. This is my house. Even I have responsibilities towards this house and the members of this house. I have done enough damage by being lazy and lost in my grief. I am not going to repeat my mistakes. I am going to correct it. And working in your own house is not wrong. In fact it's my duty. And I am going to do that from now on. Whatever you say. I am going to do all this. Whether you want to do it or not, it's upto you. I will definitely do." Anjali said determinedly and continued her work.

Mami sighed hearing that. Then, looking around, she asked, "Where is Phatti (Seeing Anjali glaring at her). I mean Khushi Bitiya. Where is Khushi Bitiya?"

"I don't know. I think she's still in her room getting ready for office. Why? Why are you asking for her now?" Anjali asked confused.

"No. I was wondering whether she will not help us or not. Payal is already with Sasuma. If Khushi was here, she will help us, no." Mami said smiling.

Anjali glared at her. "Aren't you satisfied with all this, Mami. Yesterday, so much happened because of your this attitude. Now, again you started. Did you forget what Nani said. Khushi and Payal will not work. And that's final. Whether you want to work or not. It's your choice. I will do all work. But from now they will not work. It's final." Anjali said angrily.

"No. No. Anjali Bitiya. I didn't mean it like that. I was only saying if Khushi is here. She could tell us what's to be made. Where everything is kept in kitchen. What's there in house, what's not. That's all. I am not going to make them work." Mami said defending herself.

Anjali sighed. "This is our house and our family. We have been part of this family from start. If we don't know about the kitchen arrangements and the preferences of our family members. Then we should definitely recheck our priorities, Mamiji. If we don't know anything about our family or this house, then we should take this as an opportunity to learn that. We will manage everything on our own. OK?" Anjali said thoughtfully.

Mami sighed and nodded agreeing. Then, she started helping Anjali. "By the way, where is HP, OP and that new maid Leela?" Mami asked frowning.

Anjali chuckled remembering her Nani's ways to make them do all work alone. "Nani assigned them other work." Anjali said shrugging.

"Why? They are for helping in cooking also, no. That Leela is specially appointed for this. Then, why are they not here?" Mami asked confused.

"When Khushiji used to cook, we used to give HP and Leela other work, no. So Nani feels that even we should do all work on our own without their help. So she gave them other work." Anjali explained.

"Oh." Mami looked down disappointed.

Just then, Sheetal came to them. "Anjali Di, I have made toast for Arav. Can you please make juice for him. And can you make breakfast for me also. Actually I am getting late to get ready for office." Sheetal requested fake politely.

"But.." Mami started to deny. But Anjali stopped her holding her hand. "OK, Sheetal. You go and get ready. We will make breakfast for you and Arav also." Anjali said fake smiling.

Sheetal smiled at her and left from there. Mami frowned angrily.

"Anjali Bitiya, why did you stop me? How dare she ask us to cook for her? Who does she think she is?" Mami asked angrily.

"Mamiji, all these days, Khushiji and Payalji were cooking for her and Arav. We didn't say anything. In fact we literally forced them to cook for Sheetal and Arav. Now when we are handling the household work. It's only fair if we also cook for them and fulfill their tantrums. When we expected others to do something, then we should also be willing to do that when we are at their place." Anjali said wisely.

Mami nodded in agreement. "I can't believe I thought so wrong about that woman. All these days, seeing her behaviour I had made a very different picture of her in my mind. I thought she was from some rich family, well educated, earning well and modern. But she, she turned out to be something else." Mami said in disappointment.

"Don't take me wrong, Mamiji. But you were always a poor judge of people. In fact I also. You always judge people by their clothes and outer appearance. And I judge people by their behaviour. We never tried to understand the reality behind those modern clothes or fake behaviour. We always believed in wrong people and hurt good people. I think more than others, we should change ourselves. Our mindset and way of seeing things, then maybe we will finally learn to understand people beyond their facades." Anjali said with a forlorn look.

Sighing they continued their work.

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

In Arnav Khushi's room. Both of them got up silently and got ready. After getting ready, Khushi came downstairs followed by Arnav. She was amused by the scenario playing out in front of her. Her sister and Nani together getting things ready for morning pooja. She wondered about Anjali and Mami.

Just then, Nani came to living room and called everyone for morning arti. Then, to her surprise, she saw Anjali and Mami coming out of kitchen. By their appearance, it was clear they were working in kitchen. Seeing, Arnav and Khushi, Nani called them also for arti. Khushi silently followed them and stood behind everyone. Arnav sat in the living room reading newspaper.

Payal did morning arti and distributed Prasad to all. After that, all came out of Pooja room. Anjali and Mami went back to kitchen. Others except Khushi settled in living room doing one or other things.

Khushi then took her bag and left from there. Seeing that, Arnav also stood up to follow her. But just then, he got a call from Mr Roy. Frowning, he attended the call. Mr Roy asked him about his whereabouts. Knowing that he is still at home, Mr Roy asked him to stay at home as he is coming there to discuss something important regarding the case. Helplessly, Arnav agreed to stay at home.

After that, all had breakfast silently. Nani made Anjali and Mami serve everyone including Payal. And only allowed them to eat after everyone. After breakfast, Arnav left to his study room to do some work while waiting for Mr Roy. Nani instructed Anjali and Mami to do everyone's laundry. Payal decided to visit her Buaji as it has been long since she visited her parent's home. Her parents were away for her father's treatment. So she might not be able to meet them. But she can surely meet her aunt.

After Akash left for office, Nani instructed HP to shift Leela's things to a room inside mansion, so that Sheetal and Arav could shift to servants quarters. Hearing that, Sheetal was shocked. She thought she will get few more days before she has to shift.

Unfortunately for her, Arav was also not there to use him, as he already left for school in school bus. After they came back from the house Aman found for her, Raizadas refused to help them in anyway. They even refused to drop Arav off in car. So without any choice, she had to send him in school bus.

Since, Arav was also not there, she had nothing to make excuse. So without any choice, she has to shift to servants quarters. She even tried to convince Nani stating that she will be late for office if she start shifting her things now. But Nani didn't relent, and forced her to shift immediately. HP also helped her enthusiastically. And finally Sheetal was thrown out of the house 🏠.

HP, Leela and Nani came back after leaving Sheetal in the servants quarters. Just then, Mr Roy entered Raizada Mansion. Nani was confused seeing him. Nonetheless, greeted him pleasantly and instructed HP to call Arnav and Leela to tell Anjali and Manorama to bring snacks and tea for him.

After few minutes, Arnav came from study room followed by HP. He greeted Mr Roy and sat down beside Nani. Soon, Anjali and Manorama too joined them with refreshments.

"What happened, Mr Roy? What is it that you wanted to discuss with me urgently?" Arnav asked confused.

"ASR, yesterday I was going through the video shown in court. I noticed something in it. Both the videos of Anjali and Khushi were taken by another person. And it seemed like Khushi was not aware of the video recording. Because her behaviour was so natural in it. Trying to suppress her pain and doing everything silently. Not even trying to show her pain for once.

"She didn't even looked towards the camera for once. Even good actress also, when they were deliberately trying to do something to expose you, then their behaviour will be different. They will definitely try to show themselves sad, torchured and ever cry. But Khushi was totally rigid. As if she is not feeling anything. And that only happens in real situation.

"So I think there is someone inside this house, who took that video without Khushi's knowledge and gave it to Mrs Gayathri. Yesterday, when that video was playing, even Khushi looked confused. So I am sure, she was not aware of it. I think someone is there in this house who is helping Mrs Gayathri. A mole. And we have to find that person." Mr Roy said.

Arnav frowned hearing that. "Are you asking me to suspect and investigate my family members? If someone is helping Khushi, then what's wrong. It was not like that video was fake. Or someone fabricated it to hurt anyone. They only showed the truth." Arnav said briefly glaring at Anjali.

Mr Roy shook his head. "It's not that, ASR. Even if the video is true, it's taken in this house by a person close to you. A person inside this house, living among you all. Maybe he/she was only trying to help Khushi. But what if they were trying to hurt all of you and only used that video as a first step. What if someone is actually planning something against you.

"A person living among you all, took a video of you all, without your knowledge and showed it in a public place. This video is the only thing that you all know of, now. What if that person has more videos or pictures of you all. What if he/she is here with some ulterior motive. Whatever the reason, for security purposes, you have to find that person.

"Even if that person was only trying to help Khushi, still that person did something against you all. Don't you think you should know about that person living in your house, who ditched you?" Mr Roy asked.

Arnav thought for a minute. "Hmm. You're right. We must find that person. Whether that person is genuine or not, it's secondary. He/she did take video of something that happened inside this house, without any of our permission. We have to find that person to know his/her motive." Arnav said pensively.

"So how do we do this? Or you want to do it on your own, ASR? After all it's your house and the people here are close to you. I understand if you don't want me to get involved." Mr Roy said reasonably.

"No. It's OK. You can stay. Anyways, sooner or later, you will know that person. So it doesn't matter anyway." Arnav said shrugging.
"And there is a way to find that person. After Shyam's fiasco, I installed CCTV camera in different parts of the house except in bedrooms and private areas. Since both the videos are taken from corridors and living room. We can find that person through CCTV." Arnav said his idea.

"That's great. So can you get the footage." Mr Roy said enthusiastically.

"Yeah. The recordings are maintained by my security team. I will ask someone to get the footage of that day." Arnav said dialling his security head to bring the footage.

"Do you remember the date, the video was taken?" Mr Roy asked Anjali as apart from Khushi, only Anjali can tell when it happened.

Anjali tried to jog her mind to remember that day exactly. "I think it was on 26th of last month.... Hmm... Wait, I think it was on 30th... No... It was on 4th of this month or was it 7th. No, 9th. I..." Anjali was confused about the date.

"Exactly how many times did you shouted and ordered Khushi for making food." Mr Roy asked exasperated.

Anjali looked down ashamed.

"It was on 4th of this month." Payal, who came then to leave for her parents house, answered firmly. All looked at her confused and shocked.

"Are you sure?" Mr Roy asked suspiciously.

"Yes. Akash took me out only twice in last couple of month. One was on 30th of last month and another on 4th of this month. On 30th, we were attending a formal get together party. It was in the evening around 6pm. So we left early, even before Khushi returned from office.

"On 4th, there was some celebration at one of his friend's place. The party started around 8pm. So we left only after Khushi came. So I remember, it was on 4th. On that day, I had to get some clothes from laundry, before leaving for party. So when I came out to go to laundry room, I saw Khushi entering her room. I clearly remember that." Payal said firmly.

Arnav nodded and asked his security head to bring the footage of 4th xxx. Then, all waited for the footage discussing about the case. Anjali and Mami went back to do their work. Payal too left for her Buaji's house. Seeing all this, one person was worried. Going to a secluded place, that person called someone on phone and informed everything that was happening there.

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

After sometime

Arnav's security head came with CCTV footage. After handing it over to Arnav, he left. All the Raizadas along with Mr Roy then assembled to watch the footage. They fast forwarded the footage to point of Anjali confronting Khushi in the morning in living room.

In the footage, they saw a middle-aged woman dressed in saree, taking the video in mobile phone, hiding behind a pillar. Then again, in the evening, the same woman hid her phone in the living room.

When Anjali stood up and went to Khushi's room, the woman cleverly followed her taking the phone. Then hiding at the corner of corridor she took the video of their next conversation. Then, she came back to living room. She then once again carefully placed her phone in living room in such a place that both living room and kitchen is visible in the video. Arnav stopped the footage after that.

Arnav and Mr Roy were confused seeing the footage. They couldn't recognise the woman in the footage. But Raizada Ladies were shocked seeing the footage.

"Who is that lady in the footage? Do you guys recognise her?" Mr Roy asked confused.

"No." Arnav said. "Yes." Raizada Ladies said at the same time.

"Who is she?" Arnav asked confused.

"She is the new maid, Leela. We appointed her few days back." Mami said frowning.

"New maid. Why I never saw her before." Arnav said trying to remember her.

"She was here only. You might not have noticed her earlier. She was appointed few days back only." Nani said softly.

"Few days back? Why did you appoint her? What was the necessity? Didn't we have enough servants already?" Arnav asked frowning.

"Wo... She came here few day back asking for work. She said that she was good at cooking. Even made us some good food. That time, Khushiji was always busy in office work. Payalji was having difficulty to cook for everyone alone. So we appointed her." Anjali said softly looking down

Arnav glared at her hearing that. "If you had appointed new cook for cooking food alone. Then, why the hell were you shouting at my wife for cooking for you all. Couldn't you ask that maid to cook?" Arnav shouted angrily.

Anjali looked down in guilt and regret. Arnav scoffed at her.

"ASR, you can discuss all this later. First, we need to talk with that woman. We have to find out why she came in this house and why she took that video." Mr Roy said calmly.

Arnav took a deep breath to calm himself. "Go and call that woman." Arnav said gritting his teeth.

Mami went to call Leela. Leela came out of kitchen with Mami. She stood in front of Arnav and Mr Roy a little scared and nervous.

Leela

"Who are you?" Mr Roy asked frowning.

"Leela." She replied nervously.

"Full name." Mr Roy asked with a hard voice.

"Leela Malve." She said softly.

"Why did you come here? What's your motive?" Mr Roy asked straightaway in attempt to make her off guard and say the truth.

"Work. I came here to work." Leela said timidly.

"What work?" Mr Roy asked in high pitched tone.

"Cooking." She answered.

"Really. Then, why were you spying on everyone here. Why did you make their video. Tell me the truth. Why did you come here? What is your real motive? Who sent you? What's your plan?" Mr Roy asked shouting

"There is nothing like that. I don't have any plan." Leela answered stuttering.

"Then why did you spy on everyone and made that video?" Mr Roy asked.

"I... I..." Leela looked down scared.

"Give me your phone." Mr Roy demanded.

Leela hesitated for a minute and then gave her phone to Mr Roy. Mr Roy first opened the gallery of the phone. In it he saw the video shown in the court. Other than that, there wasn't much. Only some food recipes, diet plans, some do's and don't s for pregnant women, some pictures of Leela, and some general pictures without much meaning.

Opening the video, Mr Roy played it and shown to Leela.
"You said that you don't have any plan. Then what's this? Why did you record this video? What is your motive?" Mr Roy asked frowning.

"There is no motive, Sir. I just wanted to help Khushi Madam. So I recorded it." Leela said timidly.

"You only came to this house few days back. So are you saying that, within few days you got so attached to Mrs. Khushi that you recorded this video for her? Did she ask you to record this video?" Mr Roy asked frowning.

"No, no, sir. She didn't ask me to record anything. I felt bad seeing what's happening in this house to her. So to help her, I recorded this video." Leela said immediately panicking.

"Then, what did you do with the video? How did it reach court?" Mr Roy questioned.

"I... I gave it to Khushi Mam's lawyer." Leela answered nervously.

"How do you know Khushi's lawyer? How did you reach her?" Mr Roy asked frowning. This seems more complicated than he thought.

"I... I..." Leela downcasted her eyes and gulped feeling scared.

"Leela, you can't escape from this. So it's better you tell everything truthfully. Why did you come into this house asking for job. That too just few days before Khushi filed for divorce. And couple of days after you joined the job, you spied on the family members and made a video of a particular day and a particular scene. Then you gave it to Khushi's lawyer whose identity was unknown to even the family members. And then that video reached court and became an evidence against this house members. What's the meaning of all this? Do you think all of us to be fools that we will believe all these to be coincidence. It's crystal clear you came here with a motive. Now tell the truth, otherwise the consequences won't be pleasant." Mr Roy said in slightly threatening manner.

Leela kept looking down silently.

"Leela, it's better you confess the truth otherwise I will be forced to call the police and get you arrested. Then it will be police who will be questioning you. Trust me, they will not go so easy on you." Mr Roy said calmly.

Leela kept looking down silently.

"Hello Hai Bye Bye. Look at her, so shameless. We gave her job, food and place to stay. And she was pilatting (plotting) and planningwa (planning) against us itself. Moreover she betrayed us allying with our enemies." Mami said angrily.

"Who is enemy here, Mami? How dare you call my Khushi enemy?" Arnav blasted angrily.

"No, Arnav Bitwa. I didn't mean it like that." Mami said scared.

"Then what did you mean? I agree that she did wrong by making our video secretly. But she didn't do anything to harm anyone knowingly like you people. Whatever you people did, she only exposed that. In fact, I will only say she did right. Atleast this way, we get to see some people's real face." Arnav said throwing a disgusted glare at Anjali who looked down guilty.

"But Arnav Bitwa, she did it to help them in the divorce case. Because of this video, everything got ruinedwa (ruined)." Mami said frowning angrily at Leela.

"This time, Mrs Manorama is right, ASR. Because of this video, our case got weak. Even if we believe that she did it to help Mrs Khushi and has no other motive. Her this step surely caused a big problem to us. If something like this happen again, then we will definitely loose this case. So I will not recommend keeping her in house and taking risk again" Mr Roy said sceptically.

Arnav sighed hearing that. He felt a terrible headache coming.

"I think Mr Roy is right, Chote. Also, we really don't need her now. At that time, we kept her as we felt sorry for her seeing her situation and we felt another helping hand in cooking will make things easier. But now we don't need an extra cook. Anjali and Manorama will manage. Also Prakash brothers are there for outside work. So we don't need her now. I think we should let her go." Nani said softly.

Arnav frowned hearing that. Mr Roy nodded his head in support. If he felt amused hearing about Anjali and Mami managing cooking and household work, he didn't react.

"ASR, at this juncture, I think it's better if you don't take any risk and keep someone with you who could go against you anytime. The case is going to get serious and complicated, any mistake from either side can make drastic impact to the case. So I will suggest you to not take risk and make her leave from here." Mr Roy said seriously.

Arnav thought for a moment and nodded. "Leela, you go and pack your bags. Your service is not needed here anymore. You can take your pending salary from Nani. After that leave from here." Arnav said calmly.

"Yes, yes. Pack your bags and get out of here. Don't ever come back." Mami sneered angrily. But looking at the murderous way Arnav glared at her, she recoiled and hid behind Anjali.

Leela was shocked hearing that. She looked at Arnav to say something. But before she could open her mouth, all heard a stern voice from entrance.

"You can't throw Leela out of here." Gayathri Singh Rajput's forbidding voice boomed in Shantivan.

Seeing her, all felt a shiver run down their spines. Anjali and Mami were literally cowering. Unperturbed, Gayathri walked inside the Raizada Mansion as if she owned the place.

"What are you doing here?" Mr Roy asked frowning.

"Exactly what you're doing here. My d.. client lives here. And as long as she lives here, I can come here to meet her and talk to her." Gayathri said shrugging.

"But she is not present here at this moment." Mr Roy said slightly flustered.

"Doesn't matter. I came here for another reason." Gayathri said.

"What?" Arnav asked slightly frowning.

"To tell you all that you can't throw Leela out of this house." Gayathri said calmly.

"Why? This is our house's matter. Who are you to interfere in that? Who we hire, who we fire is none of your concern." Mami said slightly frowning.

"That's where you are wrong, Mrs Raizada." Gayathri said smirking.

All frowned hearing that.

"You see, Mrs Raizada. You didn't hire Leela. I send her here. So technically she is my employee, not yours. So you can't fire her." Gayathri said arrogantly.

"What the hell. You send her here? Why?" Arnav asked angrily.

"To take care of Khushi and keep her safe and happy. To protect her." Gayathri said compassionately.

"What do you mean by that? Why would Khushi need someone else to take care of her and protect her? Did all of us die that you send an outsider to our house for my wife's safety. We are her family damnit. Don't we know to take care of her? And why will she need protection in her own house?" Arnav asked furiously

"You will protect her? Really? Of course." Gayathri said mockingly. "I have heard stories of how wonderfully you and your family took care of her, protected her and kept her happy and safely. In fact, yesterday the whole world saw a glimpse of your wonderful ways of caring for her and ensuring her safety and happiness." Gayathri sneered at Arnav.

Arnav and entire Raizadas looked down ashamed.

"And what did you ask? Whom does she want protection from in her own house, huh? She doesn't want any protection from outsiders when she has such abusers and tormentors inside her house itself. You people are enough to hurt her and make her cry tears of blood. Why would she need some outside enemy?" Gayathri asked angrily.

Arnav looked at her shocked hearing that. Raizada Ladies were guilty and regretful.

"After knowing all that you people did to her and the way you treat her, do you think I will let her stay in this house with you all without any precautions? That's why I send Leela here to take care of her and protect her from you people. She is good at cooking, household work, Ayurvedic treatment and also knows enough martial arts and other techniques to protect someone in need." Gayathri said seriously.

"Mrs Rajput, this is wrong. You can't send some outsider to their house and spy on them. It's the breach of privacy." Mr Roy said trying to help Raizadas.

"Look Mr..." Gayathri asked trying to remember his name.

"Roy. Vineeth Roy." Mr Roy answered.

"Look, Mr Roy. I didn't send anyone to spy on them nor tried to breach their privacy. I only wanted to ensure my client's safety. And that's why I send Leela. And regarding the video, Leela used to update me about Khushi's condition and her problems. So to tell me about the problem Khushi faced, Leela recorded that video.

"It was not fabricated or anything. To give me a complete picture of what Khushi faced in this house daily, that video was taken. That's it. Nobody was spying on anyone. It was also to ensure Khushi's safety if situation went out of control. If something untoward happens to Khushi, then there should be evidence of their misdeeds, isn't it. So video was taken. And I don't regret it. It was for my client's safety." Gayathri said firmly.

Mr Roy sighed tiredly.

"And you Mrs Manorama Raizada. You might think that you hired Leela by being impressed with her praises for you. But let me tell you, you didn't hire her. I hired her. She works for me. I give her salary. So you can't fire her. She will stay here." Gayathri said sternly.

"No. We can't allow that. We don't want her here in our house."  Nani said frowning.

"Look, Mrs Raizada, I don't care what you think about all this. For me Khushi's safety is most important. I will do anything to ensure that. Honestly, I don't trust you all with her. Till she is here, I want to be sure that she is safe among you all. So Leela will stay here." Gayathri said firmly.

"But you can't send anyone like this to people's house and expect them to be OK with it. I don't think even Mrs Khushi would want this." Mr Roy said frowning.

"You don't have to worry about Khushi, Mr Roy. It's my place to convince her. That you leave to me. And regarding sending someone. If you all have so much problem with Leela, then there is an alternative for that. I can ask for police protection for Khushi till this case ends." Gayathri said smirking.

"What? Police Protection?" All said shocked.

"Yep. You see Mr Roy. From everything that has happened till now, it's not difficult to prove that Khushi is facing domestic violence in this house. In such cases, the victim can request for police protection till the end of case. For me, even that will do. All I care for is Khushi's safety, one way or another. If you all have problem with Leela, then we can arrange for two police constables to be here till this case ends for Khushi's safety. It's your choice now, either Leela or police. And I hope you guys know the consequences of involving police. Whatever. It's your choice, Mr Raizada." Gayathri said shrugging nonchalantly.

All Raizadas looked at her scared.

"No. No. No police." Mami said frightened thinking about going to jail.

"Then, you all have to let Leela stay here." Gayathri said her side of deal.

"Still, this is not possible. We can't let an outsider in our house." Nani said frowning.

"Why? Till now, you didn't had a problem with her. Then what happened all of a sudden." Gayathri asked frowning.

"That time, it was different. She was our employee. But we can't allow an employee paid by someone else to work in our house." Nani said uncomfortably.

"She will not be working for you people from now. From now onwards, she will only take care of Khushi's things. Her food, diet, health, clothes etc. She will not interfere in your matters. And if it's about her expenses and food, then I will pay you for that. I will pay you for keeping Leela and Khushi both in your house and taking care of their expenses" Gayathri said shrugging.

"What the. Who are you to pay for my wife's expenses? I am here to take care of her. We don't anything from you. (Gayathri rolled her eyes hearing that but didn't say anything) And regarding her (Leela), she can stay here. We don't have any problem." Arnav said sternly.

"But, Chote...." Nani tried to say something.

"No, Nani. Enough. If she is here to take care of Khushi, then let her do it. Already Khushi is aloof from all of us. On top of that she is having some medical issues. If she could take care of her and help to improve Khushi's health, then let her do it." Arnav said finally.

"And Mrs Rajput, you. You can't barge into our house like this anytime you want. We are not comfortable with it " Arnav said frowning.

Gayathri raised her eyebrows hearing that. "Then get used to it. As long as Khushi is here. I will come here to meet her and ensure that she's safe here." Gayathri too said sternly.

"Mrs Rajput, shall I ask you something?" Mr Roy asked politely.

"What?" Gayathri asked confused.

"Don't you think, you are taking too much interest in this case? I mean I don't think this case is so complicated for you to handle it personally. Even a junior of yours could handle it easily." Mr Roy asked curiously.

Gayathri frowned hearing that. "Now, will you teach me which case I should give priority? By the way, I can see that you have not given any priority to this case. Otherwise, you would have done a little more homework and preparation for the court case. Then maybe, instead of just saying objection for every other sentence I say in court and telling no cross for every witness, you would actually be doing something in court. I think even an amateur would prepare better than this for a case." Gayathri said mockingly.

Mr Roy flustered hearing that.

"Arnav, a little suggestion, I think you should give a second thought regarding the lawyer who is going to fight the biggest case of your life. Maybe you should hire someone more dedicated and serious. Then maybe you will actually have a chance of winning this case. You can contact me if you need any suggestions. Also I think you and your family badly needs a class on domestic violence, abuses etc. I think your this lawyer can teach you that. So that next time, when you come to court, you will understand what and all things that you did are included in crime list." Gayathri said fake sympathetically.

All the Raizadas looked down embarrassed.

Shaking her head, Gayathri turned to Leela and said, "I am leaving now. Take care of Khushi. If there is anything important, call me. Make sure Khushi eats on time and her health should be your top priority. If you need anything, call Gopi. He will get you. OK?" Gayathri said sternly.

"OK, Madam." Leela nodded her head.

Gayathri gave a menacing look to Raizadas and left from there. Raizadas sighed seeing her leaving. Leela too left from there.

"Well, that was terrifying." Mr Roy said sighing in relief.

After that Arnav and Mr Roy discussed few things.

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

Same day, evening

Khushi entered house after returning from office. She saw Arnav, Akash, NK, Nani and Payal sitting in the living room, doing their own work. Seeing Khushi, Leela came to her.

"Good evening, Madam. Do you need anything?" Leela asked politely.

Khushi looked at her confused.

"No." Khushi shook her in denial.

"Shall I bring dinner for you? Do you wish to eat anything special?" Leela asked again.

"No need. I already had dinner." Khushi said frowning.

"Oh. Do you need anything to drink. Juice, fruits or anything." Leela asked again.

"No. I don't need anything." Khushi said sternly. "Why are you asking me all this? Who are you?" Khushi asked confused out of her wits. Now what's this new drama. Why this woman is asking her all this. Is it some of Raizada's new trick to impress her. What they are trying to show her that they care for her to gain her goodwill.

"Mam, I am Leela. Gayathri Mam sent me here to take care of you." Leela said smiling.

"What??" Khushi asked shocked. Well, that was unexpected. Was Raizadas less, now her mother also started her own antics. God, where did she got stuck.

"Yes, Mam. Gayathri Mam sent me to take care of you and your needs." Leela repeated slightly flustered. She never expected such reaction from Khushi.

Khushi sulked hearing that. Then, remembering something, she asked suspiciously, "But I have seen you here before."

Leela gulped hearing that. "She has sent me here few days back. I was working here for last few days." Leela answered nervously.

"Then why didn't you tell me before that she sent you here." Khushi asked feeling something fishy.

Leela looked down silently.

Then understanding dawned on her. "Did you take that video? Did she sent you here to spy?" Khushi asked with wide eyes.

"No. No. Gayathri Mam didn't send me to spy. And y..yes, I took that video." Leela said embarrassed.

"Then why did you take that video if she didn't send you to spy?" Khushi asked scowling.

"I was asked to update her regarding your health. But you used to be always tired and weak. So I told her that. She asked me the reason. So I told her what happens here with you. Then..." Leela trailed off not knowing what to say.

"Then she asked you to take that video." Khushi deduced the unsaid words.

Leela nodded her head positively. Khushi sighed feeling irritated.

"You go, pack your bags and leave from here. I don't need a maid." Khushi said frowning.

"But Madam, I am here to take care of you." Leela said desperately.

"I don't need a servant for myself. Definitely not one to spy on everyone here." Khushi said scowling.

"No. No. Madam. I am here just to take care of you. I will not spy on anyone." Leela said trying to convince her.

"Still, I don't need a maid. I can't afford one right now. I have lot of expenses at this moment, so my budget doesn't allow me to afford a maid now. So you can leave. Also, I can take care of myself, I don't need another person for that." Khushi said firmly.

"But Madam, I am send here by Gayathri Mam." Leela said hoping it will help.

"So... What are you trying to say?" Khushi asked frowning.

"I meant, Gayathri Mam pays my salary. And she told me to stay here with you. So I can't leave." Leela said timidly

Khushi glared angrily hearing that. "I didn't ask her for a maid. If she gives you salary, then go and do her work." Khushi said annoyed.

Leela looked at her helplessly seeing her stubbornness. Then, an idea came to her mind. She took her phone and dialled Gayathri and kept it on speaker. Khushi glared at her angrily seeing her do that.

Gayathri picked the phone on second ring

Phone Conversation
Gayathri (slightly concerned tone): Yes, Leela. Tell me. What happened. Is Khushi alright? Her health is fine, right?

Leela (giving a brief glance at a scowling Khushi): Yes, Madam. She is alright. I called you for something else. Actually, when she came home today, I told her that you send me here to take care of her. She got angry on that and now asking me to leave from here. What should I do?

Gayathri (sighing): Give the phone to her. I will talk to her.

Leela: Mam, the phone is on speaker. She can hear you

Gayathri: OK. Khushi...

Khushi (uninterested tone): Say.

Gayathri: Khushi, I send Leela there to take care of you. Let her stay.

Khushi (annoyed tone): I don't want a maid. Definitely not one you send to spy on everyone here.

Gayathri: Relax. I didn't send Leela to spy.

Khushi: Then why did you make her take that video

Gayathri: You also know how important that video was for the case. Anyways, leave it. Hereafter, I won't make Leela do such things. She will only take care of you. That's all. Now let her stay there.

Khushi (stubborn tone): I don't want her. I am not a kid. I can take care of myself. I don't need someone else to take care of me.

Gayathri: Yes, you are not a kid. But your childishness and stubbornness is worse than a kid.

Khushi: You.... (Pouting childishly) Get lost. I don't want to talk to you.

Gayathri: See this is what I told you. Now stop this childish behaviour and listen to me. Your health is not good. Latha is good at traditional medicine. She will take care of you and help you to improve your health. Also she is a great cook and is good at martial arts. She can cook anything you wish to eat and protect you if needed.

Khushi: Still, I don't need her here. I can't afford her right now.

Gayathri (Shocked): What??? What nonsense is this? (Sober sound) Khushi, if you speak such nonsense again, I am going to come there right now and spank the hell out of you.

Khushi (wide eyes): You... You can't do that.

Gayathri (sassily): Try me.

Khushi (annoyed and stubborn tone): Why are you being so annoying? Why can't you accept that I don't want her and call her back?

Gayathri (irritated voice): I am being annoying? You are being childish. Listen, Leela is going to stay there and take care of you. That's final.

Khushi (miffed voice): I don't want her. I... I don't like her.

Gayathri (vexed): OK. If you have problem with Leela, then fine. Send her back. I will come and stay with you to take care of you.

Khushi (shocked): What???

Gayathri (smirking): Yes. Now you tell me a final decision. Do you want Leela to stay with you or you want me to come there?

Khushi (panicked): Leela. Leela can stay.

Gayathri (slightly disappointed): Are you sure?

Khushi (confidently): Yeah. Leela can stay. You don't have to come.

Gayathri (sighing): Fine. I am keeping the phone. If you guys need anything, call me.

Leela: OK Madam

Phone Conversation ended

Khushi sighed pouting. Leela slightly giggled seeing her childish antics.

"Why are you laughing?" Khushi asked cutely frowning.

"Nothing." Leela answered suppressing her smile.

Khushi glared at her with a cute frown.

"Mam, what will you have for breakfast, tomorrow?" Leela asked sobering up.

"Make anything you like." Khushi said impassively.

"Do you wish to eat anything special?" Leela prompted. She understood that it's difficult for Khushi to open up and express her wishes.

"What all can you make?" Khushi asked casually.

"I can make anything you want to eat. Indian, Italian, Chinese, any cuisine you like. If it's some special dish or special recipe, I can cook looking at Google or get it for you from some cooks. You tell me what you wish to eat. I will make that." Leela said enthusiastically.

"I don't know what I want to eat. Actually, I don't feel like eating anything. Make something healthy. Yeah, something sour too. I feel nauseous at morning. Or maybe spicy too. I don't know my tastes keeps changing." Khushi said annoyed at her lack of appetite and weird food cravings.

"OK. I will try to make something you will like to eat and that is healthy too." Leela said smiling.

"OK." Khushi said shrugging and left.

Raizadas who were in the living room were going through different emotions throughout the conversation. They were surprised knowing that Khushi was unaware of Gayathri sending Leela there or asking to spy on them.

They were proud seeing Khushi not allowing anyone to sabotage their privacy even if it could have helped her. They were amused seeing the way Leela handled her and Khushi's childish reaction towards her. They were shocked hearing Gayathri's suggestion to stay there to take care of Khushi. They couldn't understand why Gayathri was so concerned for Khushi. Still they didn't want Gayathri at their house. It wouldn't be less than a nightmare. Within two meetings, all of them were already scared by that woman.

And they all were happy seeing Khushi's cute childish antics. Arnav was so elated seeing his old cute, crazy wife. He was missing that innocent Khushi. Nowadays, he couldn't even see a glimpse of that cute, innocent, crazy beauty he fell in love with. And it hurt him badly. And he was relieved seeing Khushi opening up regarding her needs and wants to Leela. At least someone is able to reach upto her and make her happy for even few minutes.

Finally next chapter is done. Sorry for the delay. As I already said earlier in my message board, I had writer's block for few days and couldn't write. Finally I could write and complete the next chapter.

Regarding this chapter. It's a light chapter. After the heavy emotional drama. This chapter has some light moments. Mami and Anjali's punishment started. Sheetal was out of Raizada house. The hand behind the video is exposed. A small face off between Gayathri and Raizadas is here. Did you all like it? Then a cute nok-jokh between mother and daughter. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter.

And please continue to comment and vote. I read every comment on the last chapter. Don't be angry for not replying for everyone individually. Rest assured I read every comment and regarding doubts, you can ask me by dm. I will try to answer. And please keep up with the votes and comments. Your votes and comments encourage me. Continue to do it.