Payal's POV

Finally, I understand why Bhai has been so distant—it was guilt. He must have carried so much regret that he chose to keep his distance from us, yet I had jumped to conclusions too quickly.

Me (crying): "Bhai... this isn't your fault. Please don't blame yourself."

Bhai looks at me with tearful eyes before pulling me into a tight hug, and I return it, my heart aching for all the time we lost.

Bhai (choked up): "I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry."

Khushi (teary-eyed, smiling gently): "Are you really going to leave me out of this?"

Bhai and I open our arms for her, and she joins us, wrapping herself into the hug. It feels like a small but significant healing moment, until...

Aru and Vivu (shouting, worried): "Why are you crying, Mum? Masi?"

The kids run over, their little faces full of concern. Without a second thought, they jump into our hug, bringing warmth and lightness into the room.

Aru (earnestly): "Mum always says that if someone's sad, a hug makes them feel better."

Vivu (nodding): "Yeah! Hugs make you feel loved and wanted!"

Me (smiling through my tears): "Oh, my little ones... you're so smart."

Khushi (smiling and wiping her tears): "Of course, with a cool mum and masi like us, right kids?"

Aru (hugging me tightly): "No, Mum... Masi's the cool one!"

Vivu (hugging Khushi): "Masi's right. She's the best!"

Watching their sweet little disagreement, I can't help but feel a mix of pride and awe. I glance at Khushi and notice a faint sadness in her eyes, despite her smile. I realise then that she needs someone to lean on, a moment for just the two of us—sisters together.

Bhai (playfully): "Hey, what about me? Am I not the best?" He pretends to be upset, turning his face away dramatically.

Vivu and Aru (giggling and running to him): "No, Mama! You're the best! We love you!"

Bhai (smiling): "Alright then, let's go find Lavanya Chachi and Anika Mami!"

He gives me a knowing look, giving me and Khushi the space he knows we need. As soon as he and the kids leave, I gently pull Khushi into a nearby room. I guide her to sit down, holding her by the shoulders, but she immediately stands, restless.

Khushi (sad, restless): "Jiji! I don't want to sit down. I'll tell you everything... just promise me you won't freak out or get angry."

Me (glaring, concerned): "What did you do?"

Khushi begins to explain everything that happened today at the office, including the accidental kiss with Arnav. My anger simmers as she speaks, but when she says she felt guilty about the kiss, it boils over. Guilty? Seriously? I slapped Akash today and didn't feel even a twinge of guilt—he deserved it for his lack of trust. I glance at Khushi; she looks emotionally drained, expecting me to yell, but that's not what she needs.

Me (worried): "Khushi, why didn't you tell me all of this earlier? Why didn't you say you met him before?"

Khushi (sad smile): "Jiji, I meant to, but with all the chaos in the house, it slipped my mind. I'm sorry. But, Jiji... I've made a decision. I need your advice."

Me (worried): "What decision?"

Khushi (painful smile): "I've decided to marry Sam. No one's forcing me; it's my choice. Sam is perfect for me and Aru... he treats her like his own daughter and fulfills her wishes like a true father. I know I'll never love anyone but Arnav, but I'm doing this for Aru's happiness. I got a call from her school yesterday, saying she and Vivu were getting into fights with kids who teased them for not having a dad. They need a father. I may not be able to love Sam fully, but I'll be a good wife, mother, and daughter-in-law. Please, Jiji... try to understand."

Her words hang in the air, and I reach out, pulling her into a silent hug that lingers as I absorb everything she's shared.

Me (sad, soft): "I don't think that's a good idea... You should talk to Sam first. Be honest about everything. He deserves to know the truth, Khushi. If he agrees, then make your decision. Don't break his heart."

Khushi just stares at me and then nods.

Khushi nods slowly, a mixture of relief and sadness in her eyes.

We quickly wipe our tears and put on smiles, welcoming the kids inside. They look worn out, and a glance at my phone shows it's already 9:30 p.m. I lead Vivu to the room next door so he can get some rest, while Khushi stays with Aru.

Next Day at 12:00 pm

I'm at work in the restaurant when I get a message from Khushi, asking me to bring the whole family home for a discussion. Immediately, I think it must be about her marriage decision, so I rally everyone, and by 1:00 p.m., we all arrive at the house.

Mum (worried): "What's going on? Why did you call us all here? Lavanya and Anika stayed back to look after your dad. Is everything alright?"

Before I can answer, Bhai steps in.

Bhai (worried): "What's happening? Khushi didn't even come to the office today... where is she?"

My heart skips a beat. This morning, Khushi said she had an early meeting at work.

Me (worried): "Wait! Khushi said she had a meeting today..."

Bhai (even more concerned): "No, actually, I just had a meeting with Sam before I got your call, and there was nothing else scheduled."

A chill runs down my spine as I dial her number, but it's unreachable.

Twenty Minutes Later

After trying to reach Khushi for what feels like an eternity, I finally decide to call the police. Just as I'm about to dial, the front door opens, and in walks Khushi... wearing bridal clothes.

Wait. Did she... did she get married?

I rush toward her, questions tumbling through my mind, but the sight of the man standing beside her in wedding attire leaves me speechless.

Why do you guys think that Khushi got married to ASR?

Is the marriage real?

Did ASR find out about Aru?

Precap - Nk's love story