He stood in front of her. Her brother, Karthik Goenka. No. He wasn't supposed to be here. She never wanted to him to know the truth. That's why she chose to come when he was not home. Even when she threatened Janaki Goenka, with the audio clip, Ragini never indented to involve Karthik into this mess.

"Naira, take Kairav inside" Karthik demanded. Naira left the space with Kairav, occasionally looking back at Karthik.

Karthik was looking pale. Ragini wished that he didn't hear any of the drama happened. She just prayed that He just arrived now.

Karthik walked inside the mansion. As he reached Ragini, He halted and looked into her eyes.

"Bhai, I.." Ragini stumbled with words. Karthik avoided her and walked towards Mauli. He held her shoulders .

" Bua," Karthik's voice cracked. "Is this all true??". Mauli looked into his eyes.

Jananki,DD and Ashok shook their heads, pleading to Mauli.

"Is this why you called me back immediately" Karthik questioned

" Bua!!" Ragini gasped. Laksh, Sanskar and Swara had similar responses.

"Ha.." Mauli admitted. Karthik closed his eyes in pain. Naira rushed down after engaging Kairav and stood near Karthik

"At first I thought, you should be kept away from the truth, but then I felt that you should know everything" Mauli sighed.

" Bua..." Ragini walked towards Mauli. "You promised me to keep him away from this" Ragini complained with tears.

"Why Ragini Maheshwari??" Karthik snapped

Ragini was shocked with his behaviour. Laksh rushed to her

"If you keep me away from this truth, then how were you going to threaten them??" Karthik asked pointing his parents and grandparents.

Ragini stood with her legs tight unable the decipher Karthik.

" Karthik, Yaar please, Ragini was not.." Laksh words were interrupted by Karthik

" You were using me as a bait to protect your Laksh, Right??" Karthik accused

" Bhai..." Ragini's voice cracked, " No.."

"Until when Ragini??" Karthik held her by shoulders. Laksh and Naira tried to separate them.

" Until when are you going to protect me Ragini??" Karthik laid his head on Ragini's shoulder and sobbed.

The hall went silent except for Karthik's sobs. Ragini was feeling miserable for putting her brother through this. They both didn't deserve this from life.

Karthik raised his head and cupped Ragini's face.

"Ragini, Why are protecting Me??" Karthik squeaked. " I am the one who destroyed your life. Its because of me , you had to lead a dreadful life."

" No Bhai..." Ragini denied. "It was never because of you. We both know that." Ragini wiped Karthik's tears.

"Don't blame yourself for the bad deeds of others." Ragini consoled Karthik.

Karthik swiftly turned to his parents

"I can't still believe that you people were so pagan that you allowed my sister to live like an orphan...." Kathik's voice broke. "That too for your utter superstitious beliefs."

" Karthik, Beta listen.." Janaki walked to Karthik

" Don't even try " Karthik warned Janaki. Janaki retrieved her steps.

" Maa, you know what" Karthik stared at Janaki. "Naira is Pregnant"

" What ??" Janaki, DD and Ashok Goenka beamed in happiness.

" Naira.." Mauli Bua hugged Naira

" Badhai ho, Bhabhi" Ragini hugged Naira

" Why are you all happy??" Karthik chuckled. "What if our baby is a girl?" He shot the question at his parents and Dadu.

" ohh, New shield for your Heir..." Karthik twirled and clapped his hands. His eyes welled up

" Karthik " DD pulled him and caught his shoulders

" Calm down Karthik" DD Goenka pleaded

" How Dad?" Karthik asked. "Just tell me how??" Karthik screamed.

" Karthik Beta.. We were just trying to protect you" Ashoka Goenka tried to reason

" Really Dadaji??" Karthik looked at him with disgust. "And who was protecting me?? Ragini??? My little sister??"

"Dad, Maa...what were you thinking??" Karthik screamed. "I always knew that Dadaji and Dadi maa were superstitious, But what went wrong with you people?" Karthik questioned his parents.

"As Parents, you both were supposed to protect us." Karthik stated. "As an elder brother, I was supposed to protect my sister; Instead you made her protect me?? Were you people, sane?? What if my new baby is a girl ??? Will you do the same with her??"

"Bhai... Please calm down" Ragini tried to pacify Karthik.

" No Ragini, Not anymore." Karthik held Ragini's hand. " You have been protecting me from my birth, Na. Now its my turn to protect you". Karthik kept his hand on Ragini's face.

"NO ONE, I repeat, NO ONE will meet or do anything to endanger Ragini or anyone related to her. If anything of sort is done to trample her peac , Mark my words, You will lose me and Kairav forever." Karthik warned.

Ragini could hear the gasps of Goenkas, while her tear stricken face was glued on her brother.

"AM I CLEAR??" Karthik roared, slightly turning his head to his family

" Ha Ha.." Ashok Goenka stumbled. The fear of losing his heirs made him shudder.

" Ragini.." Karthik's and Ragini's eyes were dropping tears. "My baby sister, We never got to be together, I really wanted to keep this relation forever But, I can't do it anymore, because this dangling string of blood just gave you pain and I don't want to see you cry anymore." Karthik sighed

" This chapter is over Ragini. There is no more Goenkas, in your life." Karthik asserted

" Bhai, I don't want lose you and Bua." Ragini took his hands and kissed his knuckles.

" We will surely meet" Karthik hugged her. " But after a while." Ragini sobbed on his chest.

"In a way, it was good that you were kept away from this house."Karthik said.

Ragini unhugged and looked at him confused.

" I am not belittling your sufferings, dear," Karthik immediately took her wrist and extended his hand to Laksh. "If you have been here, you would have lived a farce like me. See, you have good people like Laksh, Sanskar, Swara and your siblings because you were not in this house. You got better parents like AP Aunty and Laksh' parents."

Karthik took Laksh's hand and kept Ragini's hand in his. "I know that there is no need of me telling you this. Still.....Keep my sister happy Laksh, I know that no one in this world can love her like you and I am Happy that you are there for her."

Laksh kept his hand on Karthik's and assured him.

" Sanskar.." Karthik called. " You , Gauthaam and Kunal always filled my place in her life, Please see to it that she doesn't miss me."

Sanskar gave out a sullen smile.

" Ragini, " Karthik turned to Ragini. " I will send your things via servants, Now Go. Doesn't stay here anymore....and never look back" Karthik hugged her for a one last time. Ragini hesitantly released herself from him. She walked to Naira.

" Bye Bhabhi" Ragini hugged Naira " Congrats bhabhi,and I am sorry for eclipsing your newhappiness" Naira shook her head in denial. " Take care Bhabhi."

Karthik couldn't take anymore. He climbed up the stairs in a hurry. Ragini gestured Naira to follow him. Naira nodded and left behind Karthik.

Ragini finally hugged Mauli with tears in both of their eyes

"Don't worry about me" Mauli assured "Karthik Hain na

"Take Care Bua, Keep in Touch "Laksh spoke for Ragini as she was struggling to bid farewell to Mauli.

"take Care of her, Laksh" Mauli requested

Laksh nodded and proceeded to leave Ragini and SwaSan.

"Bauji was Right" Janaki growled "You are a Bad Omen, Ragini "

Mrs. Janaki Goenka was not backing off easily. Ragini saw Laksh balling up his fist.

"I am a Bad Omen," Ragini admitted. "After all, I am YOUR daughter"

Ragini pulled Laksh and finally walked out of the House with Swasan..

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They were seated in the main hall of Gadodia mansion, representing the bride. Sujatha and her husband came in formally, as a moral support to her sister Annapurna. Sharmishta and Shekhar wanted to make Aayush and Rucha official. So elders decided to sit together and put out a date for engagement.

" AnnapurnaJi, Maa's panditji has calculated an auspicious date for engagement which comes after a week. To be exact, it's on 25th, What's your opinion.?".Shekhar Gadodia kept the proposal.

" We are happy with any date you fix" Annapurna was elated. "Just need to inform Rucha to keep her schedule free."

" Even Sanskar, He is the brother in law of the groom." Sharmishta suggested.

" Don't worry about that , I will manage it " RP assured

" Suji, " Sharmishta called. " Is Ragini alright?, Shona told me everything about Janaki and Goenkas."

"She is coping up. Keeping up the spirit. She is acting as if she has forgotten all of those, but we do know her better." Sujatha sighed

"My poor girl always wanted a happy family. Her own parents and siblings, who loved her unconditionally,. They just shattered her." AP's eyes brimmed

" Didi, ..." Sharmishta held her hand. "We are there for her na... She will be fine"

" Suji, believe me, Janaki was never like this." Sharmishta turned to Sujatha. " I don't know what has gotten into her. She was a very sorted person, who never was into superstations." Sharmistha explained.

"And,. Even before marrying, she educated herself about being a good mother. And she always used to talk about having a baby girl, raising her in a good way.... I just can't believe that a person with conviction like Janaki is behaving like this."

"Same is the case with DD" Annapurna added. "My husband used to describe him as a rational man with no greed. And I am sure that if his character was otherwise, the DP would never maintain friendship with him."

"What must have gone wrong then??" Shekhar asked.

"Don't know." Sharmishta sipped her tea. "I din't see Janaki after her marriage. It was several years later, when I was due with Swarna, I saw her. That time we were in Delhi. It was a coincidence that she was also due with Ragini. We briefly met at the reception and then in the labour room. After that she left. I did enquire about her to the staff. They said that she got discharged. And after that, no contact. Then me and Shekhar shifted back to Kolkata, Then after a while London, and While we were preparing the guest list of Shona's reception, one of Shekhar's partner told us that Goenka's were in Town for a tender purpose. So we pitched in a invitation. Little did we know that that would lead to a mess in Ragini's life" Sharmishta sighed.

". As you all know we were partners in a few projects, when my dad was alive, DD was close to me then. " Shekhar gave his inputs. "But it was later during Swarna's birth I came to know that it was Sharmishta's friend who married DD."

"anyway , It all over now," Sujatha sighed. "Karthik promised Ragini that He would keep Goenkas from Ragini. That's all for now. And Shekhar Ji " Sujatha turned to Shekhar. " We have arranged a Havan for Ragini and Swara's welfare. After all what happened..." Sujatha trailed off

" I heard about that Viren wala incident Sujathaji" Shekhar's words were sharp.

" Shekhar..., You don't need to worry about Swara..," RP assured him

" I am not worried about her, while you all and Sanskar is round her." Shekhar's expressions loosened up. "You guys will not let something like this happen willingly. I know that you people will be careful about her. I am just pissed about those guys."

"Shekhar Ji, We will take care of them" Sujatha assured.

" I can guarantee myself on that Sujathaji.." Shekhar said ." Now Let's finish off our tea and talk about the engagement"

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Laksh's mother was the best mother in law in the world. She was concerned about her daughters in law and arranged special havan for their welfare and peace .What about him and Sanskar. He just encountered a bad phase in life, goons almost hit him down, Sanskar conditioned to face harsh situations in the hospital daily, why is she not concerned about their peace

"Partial" Laksh mumbled as her was arranging flowers for the happen

"Did you say something??" Sanskar asked, who was also helping him in the arrangement

" No, nothing" Laksh mumbled.

Sujatha Maa descended down with her bahus, who were looking quiet breathtaking.

Swara's parents and Annapurna Badi maa were also present for the Havan . Their extended family decided to give the havan a miss except for Dadaji and DadiMa.

" Panditji, Let's begin" Sujatha prompted

Sujatha gestured Sanskar and Swara to sit in th Havan as they are the elder couple. After they completed the rituals, Ragini and Laksh sat for the Havan.

Laksh conveyed his gratitude to God for settling things right for them. He was contended that the truth is out and people who were to be kept aside are cornered now. The only sad part of the outcome was that Karthik had to suffer. But somewhere Laksh felt that it's best that he knew the truth rather than to be kept in dark.

During the havan , he stole glances of his wife, who happened to be engrossed in the rituals. He closed his eyes and prayed to God to bestow his blessings on her and to keep her and their baby safe. Three more months, their baby will be their hands.

After the completion of rituals his mother distributed 'laddos' as Prasad. Laksh and Sanskar saved some laddos for themselves. Sujatha Maa was complaining about them to Daduaji as she was saving up some for her favourites Kunal and Rucha.

" Excuse Me Ragini Maam," Birju Bhaiyya, their helper called out , "There is a parcel for you from Goenka House"

The name ' Goenka House' took away the smile from Ragini's face.

"I will see to it" Laksh ran too see the parcel.

After handling the contents he came back to Ragini, who has visibly uncomfortable.

"Karthik send your belongings" He held her hand to pacify her, which was reciprocated by a insincere smile from Ragini.

Laksh, Sanskar and RP sequestered to the study with Dadaji, after the Havan to brief him about what happened with the Goenkas , in the past few days. Ragini left to their room as soon as they were done with the Lunch.

Dadaji was furious after being informed about the misdeeds by Goenkas, especially the one plan targeting Laksh. His words mirrored his anger and was ready with the revenge plans on Goenkas. Laksh and Sanskar had a hard time convincing him to peace and sanity.

Their talks were interrupted by the noise of the fire alarm .

"Laksh, Is that from your room" Sanskar pulled up his phone to locate the location of alarm. As a security measure the phones of Maheshwaris were connected to basic fire alarms in the house.

" Ragini..." Laksh whispered and sprinted to his room.

He reached his room in no time and saw Ragini, who was standing in front of the a pile of assorted things, set on fire.

"RAGINI...!!!" Laksh screamed and pulled her aside into a hug. Sanskar reached the room with an fire extinguisher and was surprised to see that it was not an accidental fire. Sanskar was followed by other members of the family. Badi Maa rushed to Ragini. Ragini was losing her feet. She knelt down, in Laksh's arms and wailed.

Sanskar extinguished the fire and asked the servants to open up all the windows and doors to allow air in. Swara directed the other servants to clean up the room

" Laksh, Howw..." How?? How could they..... They do this to me, ?" Ragini mumbled in between her sobs. Her gaze were fixed on the bunch of thing she had piled up to burn, presumably, the things gifted by parents, from her Maayka.

" Badi Maa...." Ragini sobbed.. " I am Sorry... Sorry that they killed your Husband because of me"

" Ragini..." Badi Maa caressed her head " No My dear, You are not at fault for his death. He loved you so much. You were daughter to him... It was his choice to save you from them....and look at you; You are my brave girl, who will make him proud. See ... He will be bragging about you to his Heaven mates " Badi maa chuckled.

Laksh was feeling miserable, seeing his wife in pain , But he was also relived that it's all over and She is also confronting it , She is crying. She is demanding support, instead of bottling the pain inside her. He will be with her in this and everything she is going to face in life.

Laksh saw a small pile of frames, gifts boxes, random stuff and dolls, which were kept aside. He assumed them to gifts given to Ragini by Karthik, Bua, Naira and Kairav, which Ragini had kept for herself.

"Even in all these pain, you have gained some of your people who love you unconditionally" Laksh thought to himself.

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"What did you think you were doing??? Fire circus??" Sanskar yelled.

Ragini was slightly grounded, for her reckless fire trick. She cuddled herself more into Laksh's arms who was half lying with her, resting his backon their bed's head board.

"Sanskar Bas Karo.." Swara was irritated.. "Let her take rest" Swara dragged a grumbling Sanskar out of their room. Ragini sighed in relief. Laksh chuckled at her reaction

"You have something to say like your brother " Ragini looked at him with a pout

"No" Laksh whispered and kissed her forehead. Ragini smiled brightly.

" Jaan..." Laksh started to say something but Ragini interrupted

"Laksh, I am fine... Really fine..." Ragini assured.

Yes, she was feeling better. He could sense that, Ragini was alright.

Laksh cupped her face and peck on her lips.

"Let's forget everyone and talk about us" Ragini smiled

" Ok" Laksh gave in.. Rested his head on hers, with her arm wound through his.

"Laksh... Tell me about your anxiety issues" Ragini insisted

That was not the best topic Laksh wanted to come in between them in that moment. He looked at her pleadingly, in hope to change the subject. But Ragini was adamant

Laksh let out a sigh. "I medically got my condition diagnosed after Uttara's death." Laksh laid back his head, to bring back his memories.

"It was a tough time for us. Maa and Papa were drowned in sorrow. Sanskar stopped his practice as he felt he was incapable of being a doctor as he couldn't save Uttara. I had put up a brave face in front of everyone , so that my family wouldn't break apart. On top of that I was struggling with addressing the fact that Bua and Dadaji were responsible for Uttara's boyfriend backing out. Somewhere I felt that I was losing it and I needed help." Laksh shut his eyes letting tears that blocked his vision flow out. Ragini held him tighter

" I couldn't get help from Maheshwari Hospital, as Sanskar would be alerted. So I started my sessions with a friend of my friend, under a fake surname. Later I got busted and came to know that Dr. Reyansh Khurana,my doc, was Sanskar's friend. He was not ready to hide my condition from Sanskar; I had to plead to him to help me. He gave in recluantly."Laksh sighed

"Dr. Khurana found out that my issue started during my teens, balancing between my motherly feelings towards and Bua Maa and maa. I willingly was biased to Bua maa, thinking that Maa had Sanskar and Uttara. But slowly, I was feeling insecure, seeing Maa's sadness, when I am around. I always felt that she earned for me, but ignored it in front of Bua Maa's love. I truly did have a good bond with Bua Maa, I loved her more, But my mind used to be tricky and anxious maintain peace between them."

Laksh was feeling light weighted with each word he spoke to Ragini about him.

"Khurana said that my character was kind of self hurting , that I would always want to keep my loved ones away from pain, even if I am hurt. " Laksh looked at Ragini. Ragini nodded slowly, reminiscing what happened in the case of Goenkas

"He advised me to tone down that feeling. " Laksh said

" Which never happened" Ragini blurted.

" Yup, " Laksh sighed. " My anxiety grew up with me and after Uttara's death It bulged out into a concern trying to balance my family. With Khurana's treatment, I was all fine, But the thing relapsed when my marriage with Kavya broke"

" After that incident things got worse, especially with Sanskar refusing to get married because of me. I actually married you because of Maa and Sanskar." Laksh admitted

" I know that.." Ragini clicked her tongue.

"But I am very happy that I married you..." Laksh pulled her tighter to him

"Phir..." Ragini prompted

" Phir..., after marriage , my anxiety related to Sanskar and Maa faded , But new one popped in ... 'YOU'"

Ragini raised her eyebrows.

" I had no clue how to handle you" Laksh chuckled, Ragini hit him on his shoulder for teasing her.

" Ouch" Laksh winced . " But it all faded away when I fell in love with you and when we started to live for each other. Until..............."

" Until They came" Ragini completed it for him. Laksh nodded.

"I am sorry Laksh" Ragini's eyes welled up.

" No Bacha... Don't cry..." He cupped her face. "It was my mistake that I hid this from you...Not only my issue, but also your birth truth. Pata hai, Khurana warned me that He would approach Sanskar as my case got worse. But I was adamant, I even said that I would sue him" Laksh chuckled

" But he was right" Laksh admitted. "My character of hiding truth to protect eventually hurt you..."

"It Okay Laksh.... Its Human" Ragini stroked his arm. " Even I was about to hide the truth from Karthik... But now I feel better that he knows everything... Let's not repeat this.." Ragini said

Laksh nodded

"When are you planning to tell Sanskar about this disorder??

"I am not sure Raghu, whether I should tell him" Laksh stumbled

"You should Laksh....." Ragini was stern. "Sanskar always blamed himself for not being able to save Uttara, and if he comes to know this from someone else, he would really feel the same again.."

Laksh nodded.. " I need a little time Ragini..."

" I will help you," Ragini assured him. " Lets figure this out together... hain na Tutu" Ragini patted her belly.

" See..... Tutu responded" Ragini pulled Laksh's hand on to her belly..

" By baby kicked!!" Laksh shouted in excitement after feeling his baby

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She tracked down her miserable life, which was serene once. Janaki Goenka's life was all beautiful and set until she was pregnant for the second time. She did have her share of pull downs after marriage, but she could adjust with them as long as she was with her DD. While her second pregnancy and the joy of having a girl baby filled up her life, Destiny played a wicked game. As soon as her father in law found the gender of the baby, He was happy for bad reasons.

It was then she and her husband found out about the nasty customs of the house. How their girl baby was to be abandoned supposedly to protect their son. It was then they came to know that DD's sister, Mauli was also a victim of this custom.

Janaki and DD immediately rubbished them and moved out of Goenka House, only to be confronted by the threatening warnings from her father in law to kill off her family; her mother, he father and her sister.DD was also warned with his sister's life. Janaki and DD's fear of losing their people pulled them to the world of Ashok Goenka's evils.

Janaki and DD promised to send their daughter to the widows after her birth. They played along with her father in law, they behaved as if they were convinced by his beliefs, Janaki's heart burned thinking about the colourless future of their daughter. Initially, she planned to announce that her baby was stillborn and sent her to her parents. But she eventually understood that Ashok Goenka will trace her plan. She was in hell, until she saw her old friend Sharmishta at the same hospital for delivery on the same date....

" Jan..." DD was panicking... "Everything has gone wrong, Karthik is not talking to us.... and he wants us all to move back to Delhi Asap... What are we to do???

Janaki exactly knew what was in DD's mind

" We will meet Her DD" Janaki concluded. " We kept ourselves unknown to her.... We will meet her, once"

"You sure??" DD was not convinced..

"We will... tomorrow first thing in the morning.... Like her parents' friends." Janaki said

" Is she here?? In Kolkata??" DD was curious

"Yes.." Janaki affirmed. " Madhurima confirmed.."

" Ok... I will prepare... we will have to go unnoticed." DD said and left

"I am a Bad Omen," " After all, I am YOUR daughter"

Ragini's words buzzed inside Janaki's head.. Her eyes redden in anger. She grabbed a flower vase and threw it on the ground

" Ragini....... You are not my Daughter..."

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Author's note

So..... Sukorian has got us new Cover......

Hows it People.... I am in Love with it.....

Thank You dear...................

Guys, Hows the chapter??

And why is the votes going down??? Feeling sad. :(

I think all of you are aware of our new FF Yeh Dil Kya Kare.....Do give it a read...