Few days later

The next court hearing date came. Khushi and Raizadas except Anjali reached court. Anjali didn't come as there was no need for her in court today. As promised, Arjun came to court with Khushi's medical records. Vikrant also wanted to come to court but Gayathri asked him not to. She said that it would be better if they give Khushi some space and not suffocate her with their over interference in her life. It will make her more uncomfortable. Reluctantly, Vikrant agreed.

All reached the court and the court proceedings started. Arjun was called to the witness box. He went to the witness box and took his oath. The judge directly asked him questions.

"Mr Chakraborthy, do you know Mrs Khushi Singh Raizada?" The judge asked the first question.

"Yes, your honour." Arjun answered politely.

"Mr Chakraborthy, is Mrs Khushi your patient?" The judge asked next.

"Yes, your honour. She was my patient." Arjun answered honestly.

"What was her problems? I mean what was her disease? What were you treating her for?" The judge asked next.

"Your honour, she was having a severe case of depression. She was mentally depressed and had suicidal thoughts." Arjun answered.

"So what's her present condition?" The judge asked.

"Your honour, when Khushi came to me, she was having severe depression and suicidal thoughts. She was very badly torchured and abused by her husband and in laws. And it affected her mentally in a severe way. She was too much depressed and had attempted suicide couple of times. That time, she was not in her right senses.

"But after proper treatment and counseling, she showed tremendous improvement. I was able to curb her suicidal thoughts and her depression also reduced. Then some major changes in her personal life two months back, changed her perceptive to life. She wanted to live and be happy. That helped in her treatment and she was cured completely.

"During my treatment, I realised that the injustice and abuses that happened to her at her in law's house were the reason for her depression. And the best way to avoid her from having depression again is by staying away from her husband and in laws. Their behaviour towards her was the major reason for her depression.

"One and half months back, when Khushi came for her final review, she told me about her plans to get a divorce. At that time, she was completely cured and at the best of her mental health. And she was fully capable of making decisions regarding her life and marriage. Only after getting a completely cured chit from me, did she applied for divorce. So your honour, I can vouch with complete conscience and sincerity that the divorce petition filed by Mrs Khushi is entirely valid and there is no place of invalidation of the case on the basis of an unsound mind.

"Your honour, I have submitted the entire details of Khushi's treatment in the court. All the details regarding the reason for her condition, how bad she was, what caused her this problem, everything that I found out about her life during the treatment, all the details are in that report. Also her medical certificate and present mental evaluation report is attached alongwith it. That's all your honour." Arjun said sincerely.

The judge nodded and wrote something in his notes. He asked for Khushi's treatment records and medical certificates submitted by Arjun. He verified the doctor's (Arjun's) report stating the mental well-being of Khushi. Then he read the summary of Arjun's treatment record. He was shocked knowing the real reason of Khushi's depression.

He read the complete treatment summary hastily. The contents of it gave an entirely new perceptive for this case. The judge noted the important points down. Then he gave Gayathri and Mr Roy the chance to cross Arjun.

Gayathri had nothing to ask Arjun as he pretty much said everything needed for this case. Also he was already giving statement in Khushi's favour. So she didn't have anything to ask him. Mr Roy also didn't question Arjun. After his last altercation with Arjun and the case filed on him by Arjun, he didn't want to make matters worse by questioning Arjun.

One thing was clear. Questioning Arjun won't do any good to their case. On the contrary, it will only make matters worse for them, then why take the risk. Arjun ultimately would support Khushi only. Questioning him would be like putting an axe on one's own feet. So Mr Roy also denied the opportunity to cross.

After that the judge gave his verdict regarding the legal validity of the case. The case was declared to be legally valid as Arnav's side failed to prove the allegation of unsoundness of mind of Khushi. There was no valid proof that Khushi is still suffering from any mental illness. On the contrary, Arjun's medical report proves that Khushi is mentally well and capable of taking decisions of her life.

Thus the court allowed the divorce case to be continued. The judge then gave the date for the next hearing to continue the trials. Gayathri thanked the court and the court was adjourned. All came out of the court calmly. There was no surprise or agitation in anybody.

All somewhat expected what happened in the case that day. Everyone was prepared for it. They knew Arjun would testify in Khushi's favour and the argument regarding the invalidity of the case will be dismissed. Arjun bid bye to Khushi and left for his hospital.

The rest reached home. It was Teej, so basically it was a holiday. The court would also be working only half day. Raizadas, Khushi alongwith Gayathri reached Shantivan. They saw Garima sitting in living room and waiting for them. Anjali was serving her some refreshments and talking to her.

Everyone was surprised to see Garima there. Payal happily went to her and hugged her. Garima too reciprocated happily. Khushi too smiled seeing Garima. But there was one person who was not happy seeing Garima. Gayathri. Gayathri didn't felt good seeing her older sister.

Garima came to Khushi and hugged her tightly. Khushi hugged her back sighing. Payal smiled at them.

"How are you?" Garima asked smiling cupping Khushi's cheeks.

"I am fine, Amma." Khushi said slightly smiling.

"Amma, when did you reach back to Delhi? How Babuji is doing? Is he well? How the treatment is going on? Is there any improvements?" Payal asked happily.

"We reached yesterday evening. Your Babuji is doing fine. The treatment is also going good. He is showing some improvements. The first course of treatment is over. Now he can talk little with difficulty. After one month, next course will start. Then they will concentrate more on the physiotherapy and walking part. The doctors in the Ayurvedic centre has assured that if we take one year treatment, then he could be able to walk and speak again." Garima said to Payal smiling.

Payal and Khushi smiled happily hearing that. They were happy and relieved to know that their father will be fine soon.

Garima turned to Khushi and asked, "Khushi, how are you doing really? Payal told me about everything that is happening here. Tell me truthfully, as you really fine?" Garima asked in concern.

Khushi tensed hearing that. "Yes, Amma. I... I am fine." Khushi said hesitantly.

"Khushi, what is all this? What are you doing? This divorce and all. What is this?" Garima asked in agitation.

Khushi's eyes went blank hearing that. Her smile vanished and she stiffened. Raizadas too grew uncomfortable hearing that. Payal looked at Khushi with worry.

"Amma, please. What are you doing? I told you everything, right? What's happening here. What these people have done. Then why are you speaking like this?" Payal asked with worry for Khushi.

"You shut up, Payal. You don't know anything." Garima admonished Payal and turned to Khushi.

"Khushi, listen to me, Beta. I know there is some problems going on between you and Arnav Bitwa. But Beta, divorce. It's a big decision. Don't do these things coming in anger. Later, you yourself will regret it. You are young now. You don't understand the seriousness of marriage, divorce everything. But after few years, you will regret doing this. So please think about this again." Garima said concerned.

"Amma, what are you saying? How can you ask her to continue this marriage after everything that happened? Didn't you hear anything that I said. This man blackmailed her to get married to him. It was a forced marriage. She is not happy in this marriage. He and his family has mentally and physically torchured her. She is suffering, Amma. She was depressed. Still, you are saying her to continue this marriage. How can you do that?" Payal asked with anger and agitation.

"Payal, you are not understanding. You both are young, so you don't know the consequences of these things. Divorce. It's a big thing. Fights, misunderstandings, problems, all these happen in every marriage. That doesn't mean that next day you go and file for divorce. Relationships doesn't work like that.

"You need to be patient. You need to adjust, compromise, forgive and forget certain things. Then only you can have a happy married life. Just because you had a fight with your husband, you don't go and take divorce. No marriage will survive like that. It needs patience to sustain." Garima said with worry for her daughters.

"Amma, you..." Payal shook her head in sadness and disappointment. She didn't expect her mother to behave like this.

"Exactly, Garima. Even I am trying to make them understand this thing from the start. Marriage is not a child's play. It needs patience, love, care, understanding, and compromise to thrive. But these children, they have made joke out of everything. They are playing with their own lives. One is playing with the other's emotions in his ego and the other is ruining the relation by dragging their fights to court.

"A small couple's fight and misunderstanding. They have blown it out of proportion and now dragging it to court. All they had to do was sit and talk calmly. They could have sorted out this problem but no. Their big egoes. They won't do that. And now they have filed for divorce and are discussing their personal matters in court. They have made their lives a laughing stock for the world to make fun of." Nani said with disappointment.

Everyone except Garima looked at Nani with disgust. They couldn't believe even after everything that happened, she could think and speak like this. Atleast in Garima's matter, they could justify that she doesn't know the exact things that happened. She didn't witness what happened. All that she knows is hearsay things.

But Nani, she saw everything with her own eyes. Saw Khushi's condition, her pain, the atrocities that happened on her. Even the same things happened to her own daughter and granddaughter. Yet she is saying all this. They all felt disgusted of her.

Garima nodded her head and said, "Yes, Khushi. Devyaniji is right. Please don't take any decision in haste. Sit and talk with Arnav Bitwa. Try to sort this problem yourself. And stop this divorce."

Khushi stood silently feeling numb hearing Garima's words. Payal was feeling angry at her mother. Raizadas were in mixed feelings. They couldn't support or defy Garima. They want this divorce to stop but Garima's words and approach seems wrong.

But one person was fuming in anger. Gayathri. She felt like tearing her sister into pieces for sprouting such nonsense at her daughter.

"Yeah right. Stop this divorce and let them abuse her day and night. Hurt her and broke her beyond limits. Isn't it?" Gayathri asked sarcastically in anger.

Garima turned hearing the voice. Her eyes widened seeing Gayathri there. She didn't notice Gayathri till then as she was standing behind the other Raizadas.

"Gayathri... You... What are you doing here?" Garima asked in shock.

"Why? Why shouldn't I come here? Is there some restriction for me to come here? And for your information. I am fighting Khushi's divorce case. I am her lawyer." Gayathri said firmly.

"What???" Garima screamed in disbelief.

Raizadas and Payal were confused seeing Garima and Gayathri's conversation. Do they know each other? But how? They were confused.

Garima looked at Khushi for answers. She knew the equation between Khushi and Gayathri. Yet, Gayathri is fighting Khushi's divorce case. How? Why? Her mind was running a mile trying to understand the reason.

While Garima was trying to decipher the reason for Gayathri being Khushi's lawyer. Gayathri was still fuming thinking about the words Garima said.

"How dare you, huh? How dare you come here and tell Khushi to make compromises? How dare you ask her to endure all these abuses and continue this marriage? How dare you ask her to stop this divorce, huh? Who the hell gave you rights to make such decisions regarding her life or ask her to do things according to you?" Gayathri shouted angrily at Garima.

Garima jerked hearing that. "Gayathri, listen. I know you have a different perceptive regarding life and relationships. You might feel my approach is wrong. But try to understand. I am thinking about Khushi's future only. Khushi is young. Her whole life is in front of her. Can you imagine how her life would be after this divorce and everything? Her whole life will be ruined. Your feminist mind would feel that divorce and living independently, everything is good.

"But just think about her future. After this divorce, life would be very difficult for her. Right now, at the heat of the moment maybe she will take divorce. But after sometime, when life and age will catch upto her, she will regret this decision. The society will always see her as a divorcee only. It will make her life difficult. So that only I am saying. If there is any chance for a reconciliation or a way for mending this relation, then they should give it a chance. Divorce is not the right approach towards every problem in a couple's life." Garima said frowning.

"To hell with the society. Are you saying that in fear of society, she should stay in a house where she is treated worse than an animal. Where people try to hurt her at every given occasion, call her names, physically abuse her and even try to kill her.

"Are you suggesting that she should stay married to a man who has left no stone unturned to physically, mentally, and emotionally abuse her, torchure her, make her life miserable. In fact, this marriage itself is a sham. What is the meaning of such a forced one sided abusive marriage. How can you even think about such a thing? Look at her. To what state these people have brought her to?

"She was depressed and tried to kill herself. What if something untoward has happened. What if her suicide attempts were successful? What if she had died? Who would have been responsible? You or them. I can understand you have other priorities. Still how can you even ask her to stay in this marriage even after knowing that it could cost her life? Don't you care for her life? Doesn't it matter to you if she kills herself or these people kill her?" Gayathri asked in anger and agitation.

"Stop it, Gayathri. You know that's not true. I care for Khushi. She is like my own daughter. I am just worried for her future." Garima admonished angrily.

"Really? You care for her and is worried for her future? Is that why you are still asking her to continue this marriage even after knowing that it could endanger her life. Really your way for showing care for her is amazing." Gayathri said sarcastically.

"Gayathri, I... Khushi loves Arnav Bitwa a lot. Her happiness lies with him. That's why I was asking her to give another chance to this marriage." Garima said desperately.

"Whether she loves him or not. That's not the question here. It's whether she wants to continue this marriage or not. Whether she is happy in this marriage or not. Whether she is safe here or not? Love isn't enough for a relation to survive. It needs more. Does their marriage has that?

"First of all, she was forced into this marriage. It never had a strong base. It was always filled with abuses and one sided benefits. A marriage like that has no meaning. It's good only if it ends. Atleast she would be safe and happy somewhere else instead of getting abused in this house daily." Gayathri said angrily.

"Gayathri, you are not understanding. She..." Garima tried to say something.

But cutting her, Gayathri continued, "Don't. Don't you dare say something. And with what rights you are asking her to continue this marriage? Actually speaking, even you are a reason for the current state of hers. You ruined her life by getting her married to this wrong person. Her first marriage was a forced one. You didn't know about it. Neither you tried to know the reason behind it. Fine.

"But second time. You had a choice. You could have decided for her. Or atleast try to know her condition. But no. You didn't do it. Instead, you got her married to the same person again for her to get more abused and torchured. If you really cared for her, then you could have atleast tried to know her condition or her opinion before blindly trying to get her married to anyone." Gayathri said angrily.

"That's not true. Khushi wasn't forced into this marriage second time. She loved Arnav Bitwa. She wanted to marry him. So we got them married. It was for her happiness with her full consent." Garima said agitated.

"Marriage due to love, is it? Even you loved Arvind Mallik. What happened? Why didn't you marry him then? You of all people should know that love isn't the only basis for a marriage. Love is a major factor. But a marriage should have more than that. People fall in love. They have the right to marry that person also.

"But as parents it was our duty to find out if the person our children chose for themselves, were the right ones for them or not. But what did you do? You did the same mistake in both your daughter's lives. They said they love these boys. You without thinking anything got them married to them.

"What was the hurry? Without properly checking them, you got them married. Now both their lives are ruined. Who is responsible for that? Atleast in Khushi's matter, you could have done something.

"You yourself had a bad experience with love, yet you let this happen. First you tried to get Khushi married to that douche bag Shyam because he proposed a marriage for her. You forced her to get engaged to him. Then without thinking anything you got Payal married to Akash just because he comes from a well off family. And finally you got Khushi married to Arnav just because they proposed a marriage.

"Khushi's first marriage time, you could have asked her for the reason or try to find it out. But you decided to pour your anger on her instead of trying to know why she did that. You always say that Khushi is your daughter. You love Khushi like your own. You know her inside out like a mother does. But one time, you had to be a mother to her and understand her, you didn't.

"And during her second marriage, you found out they didn't got married with all rituals. Knowing Khushi's character, you should have understood some foul play happened. Fine, you believed when Khushi said that she was happy. But even when you found out that Arnav was Arvind Mallik's son, still you let their marriage happen. Why? Who gave you the right to take that decision." Gayathri asked furiously.

"Gayathri, I... Khushi... She was happy with this marriage. She loves Arnav and wanted to marry him. So..." Garima said stammering.

"So you decided to get her married to him. Don't you think, you should have informed her family before you agreed for her marriage. If not anybody else, atleast you could have told her grandfather everything. You agreed for the marriage and then Khushi informed her grandfather about her marriage. Not even once, you tried to know our opinion regarding this marriage.

"You found out that he was Arvind Mallik's son. He is a Mallik. Yet, you concealed this major fact from us. You didn't felt for once that you should tell us all the facts. You yourself decided that Khushi will get married to him. Who gave you the rights to decide that?" Gayathri asked angrily.

"Gayathri, you are misunderstanding me. I did it for Khushi's happiness. She was in love with him and wanted to marry him. So I tried to conceal this fact. I didn't want the past to ruin her life and her happiness. I didn't wanted that past to come back and ruin the happiness of these children." Garima said defending herself.

"Yet, what happened? Did that stopped the so called past from coming back and ruining their happiness? Did you forget what happened on their marriage day? How Khushi was hurt and blamed for things that had nothing to do with her? Still, what did you do? Kept quiet and let her get abused. You know what you are no different from them.

"You also always used her for your benefits, but when she needs you, you were never there. You always pushed her to take the blames of things in which she has no fault at all. You very well knew that if we found out Khushi's marriage was happening with Arvind Mallik's son, then we wouldn't have allowed this marriage to happen. So you purposely hid this matter from us.

"And where did that brought everything to? What we feared, what we never wanted itself happened? Arvind Mallik's son turned out to be just like him. His bad blood finally showed it's true nature. He is just like his father. A double faced fraud, cheat, adulterer. The same like his father who never got satisfied with one woman. And he ruined Khushi's life just like his father ruined his mother's life." Gayathri spat venomously.

Arnav flinched impulsively at the words. In last few days, many times people have said that he was like his father. Even Khushi said it. But never ever had it hit him so much. It felt like whatever he do, he could never separate himself from the treacherous Mallik reality.

Raizadas also flinched hearing the resentful words of Gayathri for Mallik. It was as if she simple loathes the Malliks. The most affected was Anjali. She was sure of one thing, there was more to the story of past than what they knew. And whatever it is, it is going to break them more than what they have endured. Seems like this Mallik Shadow will never stop following them.

"Gayathri, stop it. Don't see things through your prejudiced thinking. Arnav is nothing like Arvind. Though they are father and son, Arnav and Arvind share no similarities. Arnav is a kind, loving, good hearted man. So please, don't make matters worse by judging Arnav by keeping your anger towards Mallik's in mind. Arnav and Malliks are poles different." Garima said.

Gayathri chuckled sarcastically. "Poles different. Why only you could see the difference between them? Because from where I see, I could only see a man who is just like his father. Who walks on the same treacherous road as his father. Who plays with people's lives as his father. Who ruins families as his father. Who cheats on his wife as his father. Who could never get satisfied by one woman as his father. Who gives other woman the rights of his wife and flaunts them for his benefits as his father. I don't see any difference in him." Gayathri said sarcastically.

"Gayathri, please. I know you have many reasons to hate Malliks and you have many problems with them. But please don't ruin these children's lives in your hate. Don't bring your hate in their relationship and ruin it." Garima pleaded desperately.

Gayathri scoffed at her. "Still worried for the Mallik and his children, huh?" Gayathri asked sarcastically.

"Gayathri!!!" Garima shouted in anger and disbelief. "What nonsense are you sprouting? Here I am worried about Khushi's life and you..." Garima shook her head in disappointment.

Garima turned to Khushi and said, "Khushi Beta, listen to me. I don't know why you took this decision for divorce. Or why you have made her your lawyer? But listen to me, if she is instigating you to take this divorce, then tell me. I will help you. I will support you. You don't have to do anything coming in her words. She is just a prejudiced person who has let her anger get the best of her. Don't let her hate reach to you and ruin your life. So don't listen to her words or take any decision coming in her words."

"What nonsense? What the hell are you saying? Why would I instigate her to do anything? Why would I try to ruin her life? What nonsense is this?" Gayathri asked angrily.

"We both know how much you hate Malliks. You could do anything to take revenge on them and hurt them." Garima said.

"That doesn't mean I would play with her life or ruin her life for revenge. Don't you know who she is to me? Why would I ruin her life for my hate towards some worthless creatures?" Gayathri asked angrily.

Garima went silent hearing that. She didn't had anything to counter that point. Of course, Gayathri hate Malliks. But she would never ruin Khushi's life to get revenge. After all Khushi is her own daughter. Her only daughter. Why would a mother ruin her daughter's life.

But the rest of the Raizadas were confused hearing their talks. They couldn't understand head or tail of what they were talking. And most confused person was Payal. She always felt a sense of familiarity with Gayathri. Now these talks were making her more confused.

Payal turned to Gayathri and said. "Who exactly are you? What is your relation with Khushi? Amma, how do you know Mrs Rajput? Who is she? How is she related to you or to Khushi?" Payal asked frustrated.

Khushi stiffened hearing that question. But kept quiet.

"Amma?" Payal probed Garima for answer.

"She... She is... She is my little sister. Gayathri... Gayu." Garima said softly.

Payal gasped hearing that. Arnav also looked a bit shocked. He somewhat connected the dots and understood the unsaid words. But the rest of the Raizadas were still confused.

"Amma, your little sister.... Means... She... She is Khushi's..." Payal asked in disbelief.

Garima nodded her head. "Yes. She is Khushi's mother. Her real mother. Her birth mother." She said.

Payal stood numb looking at Khushi, Garima and Gayathri in disbelief. She was gaping at the three as if a fish out of water. Arnav closed his eyes sighing as he somewhat expected that answer. The rest Raizadas were shell shocked. They couldn't understand anything.

"You... You are really her mother?" Payal asked Gayathri in shock.

"Yes." Gayathri said firmly looking at Khushi.

"But why didn't you tell me anything, Khushi?" Payal asked disappointed and feeling left out.

Khushi looked at her with a blank expression. Seeing that, Payal remembered Khushi telling her about her parents, her relationship with them and the reason why she cut ties with her mother. Payal nodded her head in understanding and kept quiet.

"Look Jiji. I don't care what you think about all these things. Whether you are worried for Khushi or not? Whether you are trying to stop this divorce with good intention or bad intention? These are all not my concern. My concern is Khushi is not happy or safe in this house, with these people specially with an abusive husband like him. And if her happiness lies in getting separated from him and getting a divorce, then I will help her to get that. No second opinion on that." Gayathri said firmly.

"Gayu, just think about it. This divorce will have so many negative impact on her life. Now you are angry and filled with hate. Just think with a calm mind, then you will understand her whole life would be ruined because of this. Please don't let this happen." Garima said worried.

"What are you suggesting? Let her stay in this abusive marriage thinking about what society would think and talk about my daughter. Sorry Jiji, like you said my perception regarding life and relationships are different. I would rather have my daughter sit at home for the rest of her life than let her be in a marriage when she is torchured and depressed.

"And why should I worry about my daughter's future. What does she lack in life. She is beautiful, kind hearted, educated, well settled, well behaved and from a good family. She could have anything and everything that she wants. And if she doesn't want to get married again or if she doesn't have a job or anyone to support her as well. Still her father has earned enough for her and her hundred generations to live comfortably. She doesn't lack anything. Then why should I let her get hurt by worrying about a so called society who only knows to find fun in others griefs but never support them. Let that so called society go to hell. For me, my daughter and her happiness is the priority.

"And this divorce will happen if she wants it. I will not let these people hurt her or do any wrong to her again. And I want this Mallik's son to stay away from her life. I don't want my daughter to end up like what his father did to his mother." Gayathri said firmly.

"Gayathri, I don't know if you are doing it consciously or unconsciously. But your hatred for Malliks is affecting your daughter's life. You are ruining her life in your anger for them. This revenge will only end up hurting Khushi." Garima said worried. Is Gayathri really instigating Khushi for this divorce due to her hatred for Malliks. Hope her doubt just remains a doubt and it is not reality.

Gayathri chuckled mockingly. "You really think I am doing all this for revenge? Don't you know who I am or what our background is? If I really wanted to take revenge on these Malliks, then these people wouldn't be still standing here, showing off their richness and luxuries. And this Devyani Raizada, she wouldn't have got the guts to say it on my daughter's face that she should compromise and endure her and her so called double faced family's torchures.

"Before she even think about asking my daughter to compromise, she and her entire family would have been in jail or begging on streets. But I am not doing anything like that. I just want my daughter to be happy and away from this sadistic family. Honestly, I don't understand why you still want our daughters to be in such household where women like this Devyani Raizada exists, who even after seeing her own daughter kill herself because of her husband's adultery, still has the audacity to ask another girl to endure her husband's duplicity and compromise. No wonder her daughter thought committing suicide is better than taking divorce or living for her children.

"With such parents who expects their daughters to endure every abuse and cheating, no daughter would want to live even if they have a reason or chance. Even after the same thing happening to her daughter and granddaughter, she still has no shame asking another girl to go through that pain silently. What sort of creature is this?" Gayathri asked looking at Devyani with disgust.

"I will only say this, Jiji. Get Payal also out of this hellhole before it's too late. The women of this house doesn't know to respect themselves, forget respecting others. They have made a circus of their own lives. And with such attitude they have taught the men of this house that whatever wrong they do, the women will endure it. No sane person can live with people having such thinking. So better get out of this as early as possible." Gayathri said looking at Raizadas with disgust.

Garima looked at Khushi with worry. "Khushi Beta, are you really sure about this decision? Listen, there is no pressure on you. You can decide whatever you want. I will support you. You don't have to think about anyone or hear anybody's words. Just think about yourself." Garima said again.

"Why are you saying the same thing again and again? What difference will it make? She already took her decision. She isn't happy in this marriage and doesn't want it. She wants to end it. So please stop speaking this thing again and again." Gayathri said frustrated.

"Gayu, you... You please stop it. Don't make things difficult for her. Let her think calmly and take decision. Don't decide for her." Garima argued.

"Jiji, you... Why are you always siding with them and trying to hurt her. Why are you still supporting them even after everything that they did. You say you are her mother. You love her like your own own. Yet, you are not understanding her pain and siding with her abusers. Can't you understand, you are indirectly hurting her by doing this. What sort of mother's love is this?" Gayathri said angrily.

"You are questioning my love for her? What about you? Haven't you hurt her? All that happened in her life started with you only. Because of your negligence only, she suffered so much in her life." Garima said angrily.

"And you took advantage of it and tried to use her for your benefits. You used her distance from me for your advantage. You always behaved like you love her and care for her. But you always only used her. She was your living ATM card otherwise she was always a burden for you. So you always tried to get rid of her by getting her married to whoever you saw. First Shyam, then Arnav. You never tried to know if they are the right person for her." Gayathri said angrily

"Gayu, I..." Garima tried to say something but she got cut in the middle.

Khushi looked at both of them fighting and shouted feeling frustrated, "OK, enough. Stop fighting amongst yourself. Stop this argument about who is a better mother amongst you both? Who loves and cares for me more? Who is good to me, who is bad to me? Who has done what for me? I don't want to hear this debate between you both.

"You both are my mothers. You both have your importance and places in my life. One is my birth mother, and other is the one who brought me up. Each of you have your own roles in my life and either of you can't replace the other. Given that, I always knew that you both have more priorities than me.

"Amma had her own family and Payal Jiji to prioritise. And Mom...Mrs Rajput has her own things to prioritise. So I always knew my limits and roles in your lives. I never expected anything from you both, so that I never had disappointments. So I don't want both of you to fight or blame each other for anything that you both did for me or didn't do for me.

"Because it's OK. I understand. You both have other priorities for you. And I can never be your first priority. I have made peace with that fact. So it doesn't hurt me if you both did anything for me or not." Khushi said with an unfocused look.

Gayathri and Garima looked at each other. They both always tried that they do everything for Khushi. Never make her feel neglected. But there is always some shortcomings in their efforts. Sometimes circumstances, sometimes their own problems make them priorities other things than her. They unknowingly hurts her. Both felt sad and guilty for making her feel like that.

Khushi looked at Garima and said, "Amma, you should know that even though she is my birth mother, she doesn't have so much levarage on my life to influence me to take the most important decision of my life. This divorce. She might be the person who I owe the most in this life, even then she can't make me give upon the most important relation of my life. My marriage. So Amma, you should understand that this divorce, it is solely my decision.

"Nobody has influenced me to take this decision. And nobody can influence me to stop this decision also. This divorce. It is solely for me. And I want it at any cost. It is a do or die thing for me. Because otherwise I don't know what would happen." Khushi said her point to Garima.

She turned to Gayathri and said, "Mom... Mrs Rajput, you should also understand that this marriage was my decision. Solely mine. There was no role of anybody else in it. I decided to marry Arnav and now also it is my decision to divorce him. So whatever is the consequences of this marriage or this divorce, the only person responsible for it, is me. Neither Amma nor anybody else. But me. So you don't have to blame anyone else for what went wrong in my life. It was my mistakes and my fault." Khushi said tiredly.

Saying that, she once again turned to Garima. "Amma, I know you are skeptical regarding this divorce. You are worried about how this will affect Payal Jiji's life and your relationship with Raizadas. Also you are worried about how to face society. But rest assured Amma, I have tried and will try my best not to involve Payal Jiji in this case as much as possible. I will try that it doesn't affect her life.

"But Amma, that's the only thing I could do for you. I am sorry, I can't do anything more than that. This time I won't compromise or change my decision for anything or anybody. I want this divorce. And it's a decision that was taken by me for myself. Nothing and nobody has influenced this decision of mine.

"I took this decision for myself. For once in life, I just want to be selfish and think about only myself. I just want to survive, to live. And for that this divorce is necessary. Amma, I have said it so many times in the past few days to everyone. I can't go on with this marriage. I will cease to exist like this. And this divorce is my only way to get out of this pain, this hurt that is clawing me and making me difficult to even breath.

"Amma, this decision of mine. It is not a child's play or a decision taken on a whim. I didn't take this decision just because of a silly couple's fight. I know, my heart knows that I have given my everything for this marriage. I have tried my best to let it survive. Made compromises, endured things beyond my limits.

"But now I can't. Only when I reached my ultimate limit, did I took this decision. From here on, there is no moving forward in this marriage. I have taken this decision when I knew that I can't go on with it anymore. Because if I try, I know I would cease to exist.

"So Amma, sorry if you feel that I am being selfish. But I won't change my decision of divorce. I know it will be difficult for you. It will affect your lives as well specially Payal Jiji's. But sorry Amma, this time. This one time, I just want to think about myself. Trust me, I would not come seeking for your help or cause problems for you people. I will keep my distance from you. But this time, I will not obey you and stop this divorce." Khushi said exhausted and drained.

"Khushi, I... I am not worried about Payal. I am worried about you. Your life..." Garima tried to say.

"Amma, I will only have a life if I am alive. And this divorce is for my survival only. Amma, I have never blamed you for anything that went wrong in my life. I know sometimes you have been partial to me but then I can understand your situation. It's OK.

"I don't know why you choose Shyam for me or why you still decided to get me married to Arnav despite your past. Hell, I don't even know what happened in all your past for you all to hate each other. I don't remember what happened during my childhood between you and Malliks. The only thing that I know is the tidbits that Dadi said during our marriage.

"I know that was her version of story. It is not the entire truth. There is more to it. I don't remember much but I know the past was not as simple as Dadi portrayed. But I don't want to indulge into that. Honestly speaking, I am tired. I don't have the strength to know the truth of that past or to endure the consequences of it. Simply I don't want to be a part of anybody's revenge games for that past.

"Till now, this divorce was not a part of it and it will not be. So I want all of you also to leave that past where it is. In the past. Don't bring it up to the present. If you all want to show anger, hatred or revenge, then take it out on each other directly. Don't use this case as a medium for it." Khushi said softly with a tired look.

All silently heard her words. Nobody has anything to say. She was right. It's better to leave the past in the past itself. Bringing it up will only hurt everyone. And whatever that messed up past is, it has already caused enough damage that it can cause. Bringing it up again will only lead to new problems.

Akash frowned hearing that. He had many questions that he wanted to ask Khushi. But he refrained himself as he wasn't sure how all would take it. But today he really wanted to ask that question, specially in front of Garima. "Khushiji, we will respect your wish. We will not bring up the past. But you can't always blame everything on us. You can't deny the fact, you have hid many things from us and that had led to many problems in all our lives. You even hid that your parents were alive. You portrayed yourself as an orphan in front of us. Fine, let's leave that matter. Maybe you felt that it doesn't concern us.

"But you hid matters of our lives also from us. When you found out about Shyam's truth, you could have told us. If you couldn't say it to Di, then you could have said it to Bhai, Dadi, Papa, Maa. If not anyone, you could have told me, or NK. But you didn't. Even Payalji hid this matter from me after promising to not hide anything. How do you both justify this?"

Khushi exhaled and looked at Akash calmly. "I have nothing to justify this. I agree that I am not a saint. I have made mistakes. I have done many wrong things. I have hid things. I won't justify myself. I was wrong.

"Yes, you are right. I hid Shyam's matter from you all. It was wrong of me. But then circumstances at that time forced me for that. To be honest, I did it for my family. When I first found out about Shyam's truth, I was shocked and scared. I confronted Shyam and he accepted his crimes. His madness at that time. It still sends shivers down my spine. Also I was worried if anyone would believe me.

"Then my family came to know about his truth. They threw him out of the house. After that we were worried about Anjali and wanted to tell her the truth. I came here to tell the truth also. But that day, her nupital chain broke and she went hysterical.

"Seeing her like that, I was afraid. I felt that if I tell her the truth, then she won't be able to take it. God forbid, if she took any wrong decision, it will be devastating for everyone. I thought Shyam's affection for me was just an infactuation. Seeing Anjali's true love and devotion for him, he will change. I didn't want to be the reason of their marriage breaking. So I decided to give him another chance.

"It was wrong of me. I didn't had the right to make decision for her. But I was worried for Anjali. I was scared if she knew the truth, maybe she would end up like her mother. I know I should have told the truth to someone else. But honestly I was too shocked and cornered by the situation that I didn't know what to do.

"One side, Anjali's blind love for her husband, other side my own sister's future. Already once, Payal Jiji's marriage broke because of me. I didn't want to be the cause of her marriage breaking again. Yes, I became selfish for my sister's happiness. I wanted to protect my sister's happiness.

"Another reason was I didn't know who to tell this matter. Who would believe me if I told this matter. I couldn't tell Anjali or Mami. You all know the reason why. Regarding Mamaji, I never had much contact with him and I honestly didn't know how he would react if I told him. The ones left were Akashji, Arnavji and Naniji.

"I was scared to tell Akashji. Because I knew this could shatter him and if he failed to handle this matter carefully, my sister's life would be ruined. The only people whom I could tell and who could have done something was Naniji and Arnavji. Then the truth was, I didn't had any good opinion about Naniji and I didn't think she would have taken any right decision in this matter." Khushi said her point of view.

All looked at her shocked hearing that. Nani herself was surprised hearing Khushi had such impression regarding her.

"Let's face the facts. Nani is a strong person. She is the head of the family. Everyone obeys her and she almost controls everyone and everything in this house. But she always had a prejudiced thinking. She had made a notion in her mind regarding how a person should be, how they should live life, how they should maintain relationship, what is right, what is wrong. She was never ready to compromise with that.

"She always wanted people to change according to her outlook. She was never ready to change her thinking. Maybe the only exception was in Sheetal's case. Rest, always she expected people to live life as she seems right. Even in Anjali's matter, she has raised Anjali to live life as she deems fit.

"She tried to change Arnavji and Lavanyaji but never tried to understand their point of view. She accepted me and Jiji only because we fit the concept of her ideal daughter in law. Otherwise she never compromised. If there was even a slight difference in us, from what she thinks to be the ideal lifestyle, then she couldn't tolerate that.

"Isn't it why she couldn't forgive me when we had a runaway marriage as I defied from her theory of a ideal girl. Honestly I don't think such a person would have done anything if she found out her granddaughter's marriage was a sham all along. On the contrary, she would have only tried to conceal the fact and try to keep the facade going.

"Maybe she would have made our lives a hell to never let the truth come out. At the end, my family would only have suffered due to this. My sister's future had been at stake." Khushi said honestly.

"Khushiji, that is only your thinking. There is no guarantee that Dadi would have done as such. Her own daughter was a victim of infidelity. Why would she let her granddaughter go through the same fate." Akash asked frowning.

Khushi scoffed and chuckled. "After everything that happened till now. In fact, even after seeing her behaviour today, you are still asking me this question? Tell me this, what did your Dadi have done if I told her the truth? She would have confronted Shyam, he would have lied something like he did to Arnav and Nani would have believed him.

"Let's say she didn't believe him. Then also, do you really think your grandmother is a person who would let her granddaughter's marriage break just like that. She would have tried to save that marriage at any cost. She would have clearly tried to keep the truth away from Anjali.

"We all saw what she did, when the truth came out. She cocooned her granddaughter and treated me like a culprit. She banished me from coming in front of Anjali rather than trying to make granddaughter see the reality or help her to overcome that bad phase.

"Even after Arnav and me telling her the entire truth of Shyam, she still wanted to bring Shyam back for her granddaughter's happiness and to keep up her facade of a marriage. She wouldn't have let their marriage break at all. Doesn't her approach towards our divorce case, prove that she would have adviced Anjali to compromise and live the facade of a happy married life. What was the use of telling such a person about Shyam's truth.

"I could have told Arnav. But his mood swings honestly scared me. One side, I was worried for him thinking how he would react to this matter, otherside I was afraid of his anger. Honestly, I doubted he would believe me or not. I was confused about whom to tell. I asked my family for opinion. Initially all were in the opinion that I should tell the truth.

"Then Payal Jiji's marriage was on cards. So I decided to let the matter go for the time being and give a chance to Shyam. Even Amma took promise from us that we won't tell the truth to anyone. She was worried for Jiji's future. So I decided to give Shyam a second chance. I wanted to see if there was any chance for Shyam to change and him to realise Anjali's worth. But that didn't happen. He started being more shameless and confident. He started cornering me. I was enduring it and decided to wait till Jiji's marriage to finish to tell everyone.

"But things didn't go as planned. Anjali became pregnant and my marriage happened with Arnav. I was disowned by everyone. I was fighting my own problems that I didn't even get a chance to tell Shyam's truth. Then what happened you all know." Khushi finished.

"The truth is Khushi wanted to tell the truth to you all. After seeing Anjali's condition, Khushi became doubtful and came home. After knowing about that, I was worried. I started feeling like history is repeating. I started seeing Anjali in Ratna's place and I feared that Anjali would take some wrong decision like Ratna did. So I took promise from the both girls that they won't tell this truth to anyone.

"I didn't wanted what happened in Ratna and my case to happen in Anjali and Khushi's case. Though, it was Arvind's fault, I impulsively confronted him and exposed his truth. It led to Ratna's death. And I could never forgive myself for it. There was never a day when I didn't felt guilty for exposing the truth like that in front of Ratna.

"Though it was not my fault but sometimes the weight of such things haunts you for the rest of our lives. I never recovered from it. So I never wanted my daughters to go through that. Specially my Khushi. Already she had endured so much pain in her life.

"And if something had happened to Anjali due to her exposing the truth, then my Khushi would have been shattered. The burden of that guilt that you indirectly caused someone's death, it would have ruined her. I never wanted my baby to go through that. That's why, even after knowing that it is wrong to hide Shyam's truth, I stopped Khushi from exposing Shyam." Garima said her point of view.

Akash stood silent hearing that. He knew they were right in their place and circumstances. Maybe he would have done the same thing if he was in their place. People are selfish for their families and loved ones. Also when you have a similar bad experience in the past, you tend to be over cautious. Isn't that what Arnav also did. He also feared the same thing and took rash decision to avoid it, bringing all of their lives to this point. Akash nodded his head in understanding and looked away.

Gayathri looked at Garima and said, "Jiji, even though I understand your fears and circumstances, in this one matter I feel that you were wrong. You did it to save Payal's marriage. But you didn't see the other side of this situation. You were only worried about Payal's marriage stopping for a second time. You didn't think about the consequences of this decision having on all three of their lives.

"Anjali was living with a cruel cheat. Do you realise how dangerous that was. He could have done anything to her. And Khushi. That man was lusting on her. Yet, you let her be in the vicinity of such a man and gave him opportunity to take advantage of her. You were putting both Anjali and Khushi's lives and dignity at stake to get Payal married.

"And you didn't thought about Payal also. You blindly fixed her marriage in a house where people neither respected her nor supported her. If you were so afraid that they would break her marriage if the truth came out. Then why were you hell bent on getting her married in such a family.

"If before marriage itself, they couldn't understand or support her despite being innocent, then what was the guarantee that they would stand by her after marriage. One day, when this truth will come out, wouldn't her life be ruined then. In fact, the devastation would have been worse like it happened now. What about it?

"The truth is you put all three, Khushi, Anjali and Payal's life at stake in your fear for society. You were worried how society would react if Payal didn't get married or her marriage got stopped. But you didn't think how these three girls life would be ruined due to that one wrong decision of yours.

"Actually I am disappointed with Khushi also in this matter. I thought she knew better than supporting the wrong coming in social and family pressure. I can understand you were worried for Anjali. But putting all three of yours life at stake for getting Payal married, wasn't the right decision.

"And where did that brought you three to. Trust me, Khushi. In this matter, you are the only one to blame. You had so many ways to handle this matter in a better way. But you didn't do anything and blindly thought to forgive Shyam and give him a chance." Gayathri said firmly feeling disappointed with her daughter.

Khushi looked down guilty. "I know I was wrong. And I will regret it for the rest of my life. I really wish I could turn back time and rectify that mistake of mine. My reluctance to give upon relationships and break relationships, led to all this. And I will always regret it." Khushi said with shame.

Her childhood traumas made her reluctant to make relationships and break relationships. She always compared all the relationships with her parents. Her parents separation, separated her from her father. So she was always sceptical about separation and divorce.

She felt like it ruined families. She believed in love and marriage. She grew up with the concept that true love and marriage is the key to happiness. So when it comes to breaking marriage, she felt like someone's happiness is snatched. She always disliked it. She believed in second chances and giving your hundred percent to your relationship.

The only relationship that she wanted to mend yet couldn't, was her relationship with her mother. The reason was her father. She unconsciously blamed her mother for separating her from her loving father, so she was reluctant to connect with her, as she felt she was giving upon her father by being close to her mother.

In childhood, she kept her distance from her mother as her mother didn't had time for her and she felt her mother loved her career more. After growing up, specially in the last few months after her marriage, she realised her fault but the years of bitterness was not easy to overcome. She was hesitant to approach her mother as she felt awkward to do it.

In Anjali and Shyam's matter too, her mind worked in the same way like in all other relationships. She compared their relationship with her parents. So she felt that if she told the truth, then they will be separated like her parents. Then everyone will suffer. The families will be broken. All will be sad and devastated. She started imagining her broken family in them. And it made her dubious about revealing the truth of Shyam.

She didn't want to break the family and ruin everybody's happiness. And thus she decided to stand by her ideology of second chances and giving 100 percent. She decided to give Shyam a second chance and let him see Anjali's love and sincerity for him. She thought in this way, there is a chance of their relationship to flourish and both the families to be happy.

But it was a wrong decision and it took her sometime to realise that. And by the time she realised it, things had already gone out of her control. The rest was history. All their lives went through a rollercoaster after that. Finally bringing them all to this point. With three broken marriages and a completely ruined family. The thing that she feared most and strived hard to avoid. But alas, it didn't happen.

Gayathri looked at Khushi and said, "Khushi, I know you are scarred by what happened in our lives. So most of the times your feelings, emotions and actions are revolved around things relating to that. You connect things with it and does things to avoid it.

"And that's the major reason of avoiding confrontations and your reluctance to address certain things. Also I understand your stand regarding the past. You don't want to bring up what happened in Jiji and Mallik's lives. You are trying to avoid a confrontation. But I am sorry, Khushi. That's not going to happen." Gayathri said apologetically.

She is feeling bad for making her daughter face things that she wants to avoid. Specially this past has nothing to do with her. Yet, it is interfering in her life again and again and causing problems. But some things are unavoidable. And this is also an unavoidable thing.

This past will keep cropping up till Arnav and Khushi are married because there are certain people who doesn't want to make peace with this past and are trying to use it to ruin their lives.

Hearing Gayathri's words, all frowned.

"Gayu, why are you doing this? Why are you bringing up age old matters and creating problems in these children's lives? Why can't you make peace with it? Why can't you let this matter go?" Garima asked in agitation.

"Jiji, it is not me who is trying to bring up these old matters and creating problems in their lives. It is someone else. And I am sorry we can't avoid a confrontation with that person." Gayathri said firmly.

"What do you mean? Who is trying to create problems in their lives using this past?" Garima asked confused.

"The same person who tried to do it earlier and almost succeeded. But the last moment failure didn't sit well with her and is still making her moves behind the curtains and creating problems." Gayathri said angrily.

"Whom are you talking about? Is it..?" Garima asked in shock.

"Yes, your guess is correct. Subhadra Mallik. She isn't yet done with her revenge games and still doing her dirty acts behind the curtains." Gayathri said with disdain.

"What??? Subhadra Mallik? What is she doing? And how could she be doing something here?" Garima asked in shock.

"She has an accomplice here, who is doing every work according to her instructions. Till now that person was successful in hiding his/her real truth and motives. But soon everything will be out in the open. I have made Subhadra Mallik come here.

"Soon every dirty plans of hers and her accomplice's will be out in the open. And Khushi, I know you want to avoid discussing the past. But at this point, that is not possible. Subhadra Mallik is coming and along with her, she is bringing the baggage of the past with her hatred embedded in it. So you all better prepare yourself to face her." Gayathri gave a warning to everyone.

Everyone except one person sighed hearing that. That person was in tension and started fidgeting unconsciously. Unknown to that person, Gayathri was observing that person keenly. Just wait for sometime, I will expose you and Subhadra Mallik in front of whole world.

"Why are you making Dadi come here? She will only make matters worse." Khushi asked Gayathri feeling frustrated.

"I know. I tried to avoid it but Subhadra Mallik is not ready to back down. So without any choice, I had to make her come to end it for once and for all. The problems caused by this so called past has been stretched for long. Now it is time to end it. Otherwise that woman will continue to create problems using her own half baked version of past." Gayathri said her stance.

Everyone sighed hearing that. Was problems less in their lives, that Gayathri has summoned the talking walking problem maker for them to deal with.

"I have some work to attend to. So I will be leaving now." Gayathri said and then turned to Khushi. "You take care of yourself. If there is any problem, call me. And don't worry about Subhadra Mallik. She is a harmless narcissist upfront. Someone who can only talk but not exactly do anything. And If by chance she tries to cross her limits, then I will make sure she regrets even taking birth in this world.

"And don't worry, she can't do anything. Because this time, she will be facing me and Subhadra Mallik doesn't have so much strength to deal with the Rajputs. We, Rajputs are way out of her league. She can only play games by hiding. She has no strength to fight head on. So this time, Subhadra Mallik is really going to regret every wrongdoings of her and her so called Mallik clan." Gayathri reassured softly.

Khushi nodded her head. Gayathri then turned to Payal and said.

"Payal, you don't hear your mother's stupid words. She still lives in the era of primitive men. Her body lives in 21st century but her mind is lost in some ancient times. So don't listen to her mindless advices. She might preach you about making compromises, treating your husband as God. Trust me, these are all bullshit. Don't fall for such stupidities.

"I know we are not close like this sister and mother of yours. But if you need any help, you can come to me. I will always help you. We may not be blood related but you are my neice. I have always considered you like that only. And please keep some distance from your mother's outdated thinking." Gayathri said playfully.

Garima's mouth dropped open in shock hearing Gayathri calling her outdated and primitive. Payal chuckled and nodded her head. Khushi shook her head at her mother's antics.

Here, she planned a rollercoaster ride for them by bringing Subhadra Mallik and there, she is having fun. God save them from the upcoming disaster. Gayathri bid her goodbyes and left. Khushi and Garima sighed. Raizadas were in mixed emotions. All were lost thinking about different things.

Nani was thinking about Khushi's words and opinion regarding her. Mami was thinking about the irony of the situation. They, specially she, always humiliated Khushi for being middle class. But turns out she was the middle class one all along while Khushi seems to be from a rich family.

Mama was thinking about the past and Khushi's connection with Rajputs. He didn't know how much his family know about Rajputs. But he was sure of one thing. If his family ever made an enemy out of Rajputs, then it is for their destruction. But more than the Rajputs, he was worried about the unknown past. This matter seems to be complicated.

Anjali was thinking about a lot of things. Her mind was in chaos. She was worried about past one side. Other side, Her Dadi is coming. She was sure destruction is on the way. And it is going to ruin them forever.

Akash was worried seeing Payal's rapport with Gayathri. Now a days, Payal alone is dangerous. But if she got together with Gayathri, then that means everything is over for them.

Arnav was still lost in Gayathri's words regarding him and his father. Is he really like his father. And what past was Gayathri talking about. Is there more that they don't know.

NK was also lost in his thoughts. He felt like things are messing up and he is confused about what to do and whom to support.

Arnav turned to Garima and called her, "Garima Aunty."

"Yes, Arnav Bitwa." Garima turned to him.

"Can you tell us something?" Arnav asked hesitantly.

"What is it, Arnav Bitwa? What do you want to know?" Garima asked in confusion.

"Aunty, what exactly happened in past? What happened between you and Arvind Mallik? Why Gayathri Aunty hates him and Malliks so much? What is that past that is haunting our lives and our happiness? What is the reason for this hatred and revenge between you people? What really happened?

"We already heard Dadi's version. We know it is not the entire truth. Gayathri Aunty too said some bits. But we all didn't understand anything. So please tell us what happened in your past. How our families are related or why there is so much hatred between you all?" Arnav asked seriously.

Arnav turned to Khushi and said, "Khushi, I know you don't want to bring up the past. You want to keep it in the past itself. But I am sorry. I really want to know the truth. I really want to know what exactly happened. Dadi is coming. I am sure she will again bring up this so called past. It will create more problems. Instead of that, it's better if we know what exactly happened and make peace with it before she comes." Arnav said pleadingly to Khushi.

"No. It's OK. Even I want to know what exactly happened. Already so much has happened in the name of this past. And it's high time, we actually know about it and confront it once and for all. There is no point in fighting among ourselves hearing half cooked versions." Khushi said strongly.

Garima saw Arnav, Khushi, and Anjali looking at her expectantly. She sighed seeing that. These three children has no connection or fault in this so called past. Yet they are suffering due to this. Maybe it is time, they really know what happened.

"OK, Arnav Bitwa. If you really want to know, then I will tell you all what happened. But know this, it is my version. There may be things that I don't know. I don't want to judge anyone by this." Garima said neutrally.

That's all for chapter 27. I know. I know all of you are really disappointed with me for going AWOL. But I really got caught in some personal problems. So I couldn't update. Sorry. Sorry. A big sorry for that.

Now back to the story. I am back with the most awaited chapter of this story. Finally Khushi's real identity is out. And Guptas have shown up. A small face off between both mothers of Khushi also happened. What do you think about that.

I know a long chapter. Too much happened all of a sudden. Now the story is going to take a new turn. One by one all the mysteries are going to get solved. So buckle up guys, the ride ahead is a big roller coaster. I will try to add some filler chapters to not make it too dramatic. But still the story is going to take lots of twists and turns. Hope you all enjoy it.

Once again I want to thank all my loyal readers for keeping up with me and waiting patiently for me. I know many messaged me for updates. Trust me I read each and every one of your messages and comments. I didn't reply because I myself didn't know when I could update. Really sorry for that.

Finally please please vote and comment for this chapter. I will try to update the next chapter soon.