Khushi's POV

The moment I stepped into the mansion, my two little ones rushed toward me, their faces lighting up with joy.

Aru/Vivu - Mummy/Masi we missed you!

Me (smiling) - I missed you too my babies!

I showered them with affectionate kisses before turning to find my brother, who was engaged in an intense phone call, his voice tinged with frustration.

As always, the moment the call ends, Bhai flings his phone away in frustration, and it shatters into countless fragments.

Bhai (screaming) - Khanna!!

Khanna (hurrying in) - Yes sir!

Bhai (fuming) - get me a new phone

Once Khanna departs, I can't help but reflect on how much Bhai and Arnav have in common.

Bhai (noticing my distraction) - Khushi! Where are you lost in thought?

Me (forcing a smile) - Nowhere, Bhai!

Bhai (frustrated) - Since when did you start lying to your brother? Please, just tell me.

Not wanting to aggravate his mood any further, I reluctantly share everything that happened at the office, including the moment Arnav held me and the accidental kiss that followed.

I was prepared for my brother's anger, but what I encountered exceeded my expectations.

Me (anxiously): "Bhai! Please, just calm down... I'm okay."

Bhai (furiously): "How can you say that, Khushi? He has accused you repeatedly, and you're still willing to forgive him! He's hurt you – how can you possibly love him? You deserve someone like... Sam, who can truly make you happy. You need to move on, Khushi. Try to let go of him for your sake, if not for Arushi's sake.

Me (frustrated): "Bhai, do you think I don't realise that? I'm trying to move on, but it's not exactly easy. Sam is just a friend, however, Arnav is my ex-husband! No matter how hard I try, I can't stop loving him, nor can Jiji. So please stop pushing us to move on when we just can't!"

As I turned to leave, he gently grabbed my arm.

Bhai (upset): "Khushi... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you like that. Please forgive me." He pleaded earnestly.

Me (smiling) - How can I be upset with you?

Bhai (apologetic): I genuinely feel sorry, Khushi. Just think about Sam—he's a decent guy. But I won't push you. He grinned, trying to ease the tension. Anyway, I have some exciting news: we're heading to Delhi... not tomorrow, but the day after!

Me (hesitant): Bhai... how can I? I mean, Delhi...

Bhai (sensing my anxiety): Don't worry... I'll be right there with you. You'll be safe.

Me (hugging him): I know, Bhai.

Bhai (seriously): There's something I need to share... and before you get upset, just hear me out. He took a deep breath. Payal has been under a lot of stress, and I think it would be best for her to take a break. This trip will just be for us youngsters—Mum and Dad can look after the kids. Trust me, Khushi, it'll do us all good.

Me (worried): Bhai... we can't be away from the kids for too long. They'll miss us, and honestly, we can't live without them.

Bhai (gently): I know, but please understand. You and Payal are overwhelmed, and we all need this escape. Mum and Dad are eager to help out, too.

Me (worried) - I don't mind for Aru but I have a little wish that needs to be fulfilled and I need the whole family here including Jiji.

Bhai (smiling) - Ok

Bhai asks everyone to come out and just in time jiji also comes in. I could see that Jiji was in some sort of trauma and wasn't actually as happy as she was making herself look. I mentally make a note to talk to her.

Jiji (fake smiling) - Hi Khushi!!

Me (smiling) - Hi Jiji!!

Aru/Vivu (running up to me) - Hi Mumma/Masi

Me (hugging them) - Hello babies... how are you? How was your second day at school?

Vivu (smiling) - Masi school was fine but Aru was...

Aru (interrupting him) - Mum, the school was fine... I am going to play... let's go Vivu

Aru drags Vivu towards their room. Jiji and I knew exactly that something was wrong.

Bhai (smiling): "Now that everyone's here, I want to make an announcement! The youngsters are planning a trip to Delhi! That means the kids, Mum, and Dad will stay here initially. But don't worry, the kids will join us in a week."

Jiji (concerned, shaking her head): "No! I can't go without Vivu."

Bhai (gently): "Payal, please try to understand. This is your chance to take a break—you need this. Mum and Dad will be here to look after Vivu. Just think about it..."

Jiji (resolute): If I'm going, I have one condition that must be met.

Bhai (encouraging): Alright! Khushi has a wish too. Let's hear yours first, then she can go.

Jiji (taking a deep breath): I want both Vivu and Aru to have security guards with them. I want Mum and Dad to pick them up each day, so they're never alone.

Her voice carries the weight of her worries, and I can see the fear in her eyes. I realise that what I'm about to ask for might just ease her mind and bring some peace.

Bhai (concerned): "Of course, we can do that. But... you seem really worried, Payal. Is everything alright?"

Jiji (forcing a smile): Yes... everything's fine.

Bhai (reassured): Okay, then. Khushi, what's your wish?

Me (hesitant): I... I'd like Amma, Bauji, and Buaji to join Mum and Dad here at the mansion while we're away. And... Mum and Dad should apologise to them.

Bhai (shocked): What? Why should Mum and Dad apologise to your Amma and Bauji? And why do they need to stay here?

I glance toward Mum, who is standing at the corner, visibly shaken. I can tell this truth has been buried too long. What she did can't be ignored anymore.

Me (looking at Mum): Are you going to tell them, or should I?

Mum (upset, stepping forward): I... I will.

With a trembling voice, Mum explains to Bhai how Amma and Bauji adopted me and Jiji, and how she and Dad pressured them through blackmail. Hearing it again, the weight of her actions brings tears to my eyes—and Jiji's.

Bhai (hurt): I misjudged them... I'm sorry. Mum, Dad, what you did was wrong. I may have my own walls with my sisters, thinking my presence somehow divided our family. But I'd never, ever intentionally hurt them.

Bhai's voice cracks and I see the guilt and sorrow in his eyes. Without thinking, I rush forward and hug him tightly, and Jiji joins us, wrapping her arms around us both.

Jiji (tearfully): Bhai... don't blame yourself. It's not your fault... please, don't.

Precap - Payal and Khushi talk about the encounter they had with Akash and Arnav