The drive back home was silent. No one dared speak a word, the tension in the air noticeable. He knew it had something to do with his mother. After all, he had seen his father around the corner before they had left. Why he looked more angry rather than upset, had confused him.

His sherni had fallen sound asleep, head laying against his shoulder, a calm smile stretched on her perfect lips. He wished she'd smile often. It suited her.

Kirti and Naksh hadn't said anything, only asking if she was okay or not. He knew they were angry, judging by Kirti's trembling hands on the driving wheel, trying to control her anger. It was her habit. He'd know his sister.

They reached back home. Home sweet home. Oh how relieved they would be to know that the interrogation was basically pointless and stressed Naira to no end. Well, they'd be relieved at the first part but the second might earn some angry shouting at the police.

He stepped out and glanced at her sherni inside. Should he... no. let her rest, he'll carry her inside. He didn't want to disturb her angelic form. She earned it for being so strong. For ALWAYS being so strong, for being his Naira, for standing up for her right and proving love always won. She deserved every bit of love he had to offer, while he deserved none she had to offer.

Walking to the other side, he opened the door and gently cradled her in his arms, picking her up just as carefully. The little movements woke her from her slumber, and her eyes fluttered open to meet his. Another tired smile appeared on her face, before her eyes fluttered close.

She was still tired. He should get her inside, it wasn't right for her to tire herself out without a reason-

"Kartik. We're not having a racing competition." He heard Ashi say snickering, instantly snapping him out of his protective trance. He was already inside just having reached the stairs, and Naksh with Kirti walked in afterwards.

"Hai rabba, Naira ko kya hua?!" He heard his dadi ask.

"Wo, she's just tired. Was feeling dizzy when returning, so we left for the hospital. The doctor said it was just stress and she needs rest."

"Haan haan tum jao we'll take care here!" Rajshri told him looking worried and he nodded, walking up the stairs and to her room. He didn't hear anything the rest were talking about when he entered her- sorry, THEIR room, and didn't really care that much.

He gently laid her back on the bed and pulled the blankets just above her waist. He smiled at her calm yet tired smile that she hadn't wavered even one bit. He gently kissed her forehead and sat beside her. He'll wait.

... he'll wait IF the shouting outside would stop. Frowning, he got up and walked outside, down the stairs where the ever-so-calm Naitik was fuming with anger. Why was he-

"HADD HOTI HAI YEH TO! HADD HOTI HAI!" it was nothing surprising when Devyaani yelled that furiously.

"Socha bhi nahi tha that gigi will reach THIS level!" Surekha frowned clearly upset by something. What was she upset over-

"... that's it. Either she learns, or either I hand her to the police!" Naitik burst out surprising them all. He was a calm and gentle man, for him to get THIS angry... something must have happened. And it was related to his Naira, and his mother.

"Will someone tell me what happened?!" He at last got their attention and they went quiet. Naksh stepped up frowning at him. What he said next, made him freeze.

"Suvarna never got in an accident. She pretended to do so and pretended to fall in a coma so Naira would get arrested, interrogated and THROWN in JAIL! She did ALL THAT DRAMA, just to get Naira. IN. JAIL."

... no... she wouldn't- she wouldn't do such a thing. She wouldn't stoop THAT low, she wouldn't try to separate them by force, she wouldn't try to hurt the one he lived for, the one he loved to no end and would give his life for if anything happened to her.

She wouldn't... would she?

His wide eyes met Naksh's upset ones and he gulped lowly.

"... papa is returning with her soon-"

"No." He stammered out, stopping Kirti from continuing. "No. I don't..." His hands clenched into fists, having processed every word he was told. "... I don't want to see her. I don't WISH to see her FACE even." He hissed that last part.

No one said a word.

"... tell-" He ran a hand through his hair looked frustrated. "-tell papa to keep her away as long as possible. Tell him to keep her away from Naira, to not let her even NEAR her. She's... she-she's not ready to bear this yet."

Kirti nodded silently, understanding everything he was trying to do. He was trying to keep Naira safe from this shock, from her learning what Suvarna had done just to get rid of her. No... he wouldn't tell her. No one would. He didn't want to upset her and hurt her even more.

His movements jittery and panicked, he ran back up the stairs to her room, sighing in relief once seeing her form on the bed.

Why was he panicked. Why was he like this, why did he think she would get hurt? Suvarna wasn't here right now, why did he... never mind. All that mattered is he'll keep her safe.

Safe from his now dangerous mother.

..... DUN DUN DUUUUUUUN! I'm back! Sorry I wasn't able to upload on time, had a horrible headache the evening so wrote it all at night😅😅. Anyways, everyone learns Suvarna's act and are beyond furious, and Kartik wants to keep his sherni safe from his mother who he now considers a threat. The original show, Kartik's confession brought me near tears! So sad and heartbreaking!😢😢😭❤

Anyways, hope you liked this chapter! Sorry for any mistakes, comment below how it was and if I should continued! Love you all!😘😘❤❤