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A quiet rooftop restaurant, lit with warm fairy lights and lanterns. The Delhi skyline glitters beyond, and soft instrumental music plays in the background. A table for two sits near the edge, with roses arranged in the center. Khushi, in a simple red anarkali, arrives to find Arnav already waiting, dressed in a charcoal grey shirt and black trousers. Arnav stood smiling as she approaches.

He had asked her on a date and after a lot of thinking, Khushi agreed.

"You look beautiful."

Khushi with a soft smile responded blushing.

"You remembered I like rooftops."

"I remember everything about you." Arnav replied sincerely.

They sit and the waiter pours them wine, and then quietly leaves. For a moment, silence lingers between them, thick with unspoken words.

"Khushi... I’ve hurt you more times than I can count......... I’ve said things I didn’t mean.........I made you cry.........I... I pushed you away when all you did was to exist." Khushi’s eyes shimmer, but she doesn’t interrupt. "When my mother, when she died, I built walls around me........ I thought if I stayed cold, untouched, I’d never feel that pain again........But with you... you made me feel........You brought chaos and warmth and sweetness like jalebis and all good into my life." He reaches across the table and gently takes her hand. "I’m sorry, Khushi........For everything........I don’t want to run anymore. I just want you."

Khushi swallows hard. Her voice trembles slightly.

"I forgive you, Arnavji. I do......... But only if you promise me something."

Arnav nodded immediately and replied.

"Anything."

"You have to see someone......... A therapist..........You’ve carried this pain alone for too long. You need help letting it go."

Arnav sighed quietly as he knew she was right and she wasn't the only one who had suggested it. Manohar,Akash and Aman has always encouraged him to do it.

"Okay. I’ll do it.......... Not for you but for myself, I’ll do it......... I want a healthy relationship with you and the people I love........i want to love freely again without restriction."

She squeezes his hand, but then adds with a playful sniffle.

"And you’ll have to make me jalebis every time I cry because of you ."

Arnav chuckles, a deep, warm laugh that softens his usually tense features.

"Deal.........But don’t blame me if I eat half of them first." Arnav responded playfully.

Khushi laughs through her tears, and they sit together, fingers entwined, hearts beginning to heal.

Later that night, Arnav opens the car door for Khushi. They drive through the quiet streets of Delhi, the night breeze ruffling her dupatta through the half-open window. No words are needed just the comfort of silence, of being together, finally on the same path.

He pulls up outside the Gupta mansion, steps out, and walks her to the gate.

"Goodnight, Khushi." He whispered softly.

"Goodnight, Arnavji and thank you for showing up tonight not just physically, but here..." She touches his chest lightly. "Where it matters."

He leans in and presses a gentle kiss to her forehead, a silent promise. She smiles, then walks inside, her heart lighter than it’s been in a long time.

Late Morning the next day, the air was thick with tension as Anjali stepped into the Gupta mansion, flanked by Mami and Nani. Shyam, seated upright on the couch, immediately tensed. His eyes flickered briefly to baby Asha, then back to Anjali, jaw tight with caution.

Payal stood by the window, arms folded, her face unreadable until her eyes fell on Mami and Nani. A scowl crossed her features, sharp and unrelenting. The older women visibly flinched. Nani tried to muster a polite smile, but it faltered when her eyes landed on little Asha.

The five-month-old sat contently in Khushi’s lap, happily nibbling on a soft giraffe toy. Khushi’s arms wrapped securely around the baby, her soft humming nearly drowning the heavy silence in the room. Mami took a hesitant step forward.

“Hamari gudiya,” she cooed, arms outstretched.

Asha blinked up at her, then swiftly turned and buried her face in Khushi’s chest rejecting her.

Anjali’s face flickered with forced patience and she stepped forward next, voice trembling with practiced warmth.

“Asha… baby, it's Mummy.”

The same result come as Asha nestled deeper into Khushi’s embrace, a soft whimper escaping her lips.

Nani, determined, made her attempt, only to be met with an identical retreat.

All three women took a step back, disappointment evident on their faces. Anjali, while calm on the surface, clenched her fists at her sides. Her heart thundered with rage. They've poisoned her against me, she thought. My own child prefers them.

Shashi, ever the calming presence, broke the silence.

“You’re here to bond with Asha......It will take time.......Let her come to you.”

The trio nodded, chastened and subdued as Khushi handed Asha to Shyam who immediately giggled and babbled seeing her father.

Before the air could grow any heavier, the front door clicked open.

“Preeto!” Khushi gasped, rising instantly. Payal mirrored her sister's excitement, both women rushing toward the door.

A tall, confident young woman stepped inside, grinning from ear to ear.

“Surprise!”

“What are you doing here?” Payal asked breathlessly as the three shared a tight, joyful hug as Preeto laughed.

“I got permission from my parents.......Shashi uncle gave me the address....... I thought it was time for a visit!”

The girls turned to Shashi, surprised. He simply smiled and nodded.

“You’ve made our day!” Khushi said, tugging Preeto toward the lounge.

As Preeto was introduced to the family, her eyes met Shyam’s. He stood, polite and courteous.

“Nice to meet you, Preeto.”

Something in his gaze lingered too long making Anjali stiffened.

Shyam’s expression was composed, but the interest in his eyes was unmistakable and everyone noticed. Mami looked between the two, surprised while Anjali burned with jealousy.

"They’ve done this on purpose." Anjali seethed. "They want to replace me....... Set him up with her......They’ll pay for this."

The Guptas, however, had fully turned their attention to Preeto, asking about her life in Lucknow.

“I just graduated and got a job,” she announced proudly. “At Malhotra Law Firm. I start next week!”

There was a beat of silence then astonishment followed at Preeto looked on confused.

“You’re joining Malhotra’s?” Payal blinked surprised and Preeto nodded “That’s where Shyam bhai works.”

Preeto looked startled and let out an.

“Oh?”

Shyam smiled modestly at her.

“I’m a partner there.”

Khushi turned to him with a sudden gleam in her eyes.

“Then you’ll make sure Preeto is well settled, right? Like a good brother?”

Shyam nodded, smiling softly.

“Of course. I’ll take care of her.”

Buaji, watching everything with shrewd eyes, noticed Shyam’s lingering gaze and a plan began forming.

“Preeto dear,” She said sweetly, “Why stay in a hostel? Stay here with us........ We have space, and these troublesome girls missed you terribly!”

Khushi and Payal immediately chimed in,

“Yes! Please do!”

Preeto hesitated for a moment, overwhelmed by their warmth and missing Payal and Khushi badly.

“Okay… I’d love that.”

Buaji gave a sly smile, satisfied.

“Payaliya, Titaliya, take Preeto to guest room on the left wing.......We’ll take care of our guests.”

As the three girls enthusiastically disappeared up the stairs, the atmosphere shifted.

Nani and Mami stared after them, stunned as that room was opposite Shyam's room. Their eyes slowly turned to Anjali, whose expression had slipped.

She looked hurt genuinely but beneath the pain brewed something darker.

Buaji caught her expression and smirked as Anjali's jaw clenched with her fingers tightened around her dupatta as she knew what Buaji was doing.

" If they think they can replace me so easily… they’re wrong. I will stay here. And I’ll make sure I’m not forgotten." Anjali thought.

Evening approached as the sun had dipped lower, casting a warm amber glow into the living room. The laughter from upstairs echoed faintly. Khushi and Preeto were reminiscing over old times, while Payal chimed in now and then as she made designs for her boss. The sound was a grating melody to Anjali’s ears as she sat stiffly on the edge of the sofa, her hands folded tightly in her lap.

Mami and Nani made small talk with Shashi and Garima, trying their best to maintain cordiality, but every so often, their eyes darted to Anjali, whose silence had grown heavier by the minute.

Shyam had gone out briefly to take a work call, leaving baby Asha back in Khushi’s room. Anjali took that as a sign, an opportunity and she stood abruptly.

“I’d like to go see Asha,” she said, her tone polite but clipped.

Garima hesitated but responded.

“Of course, bitiya......... She is in Khushi's room on the right wing. ”

“I know,” Anjali said evenly, already moving toward the stairs.Mami made a move to follow, but Anjali turned. “Let me go alone.”

She ascended slowly, rehearsing the soft words she’d need to say if Khushi or Payal resisted her presence. But when she reached the door to Khushi’s room, she found it slightly ajar.

Inside, Preeto and Khushi sat side by side on the bed, cooing at Asha, who lay on her back in the middle of the mattress, giggling at the jingling anklet Preeto dangled above her.

Anjali's eyes darkened at the scene.

"That should be me. "  She thought. "Not some outsider."

She knocked once and stepped inside and Khushi glanced up, startled but not hostile.

“Anjali? You want to see Asha?”

Anjali nodded.

“Yes,if she’s not sleeping.”

“She just woke up from her nap. You can try holding her,” Khushi offered cautiously.

Preeto gave Anjali a warm smile and gently lifted Asha, offering her forward.

The baby looked at Anjali and whimpered, squirming in Preeto’s arms.

“I’ll hold her,” Khushi said quickly, taking Asha back before she could cry. Asha relaxed instantly against her shoulder and this made Anjali’s chest tightened.

“She’ll need time,” Khushi said softly, trying to keep the peace.

But Anjali didn’t respond. She just stood there, eyes burning, hands clenched at her sides.

“I’m her mother,” she said suddenly, her voice trembling.

“We know that, Anjali,” Payal had entered behind her quietly. “But you never came by all these months when bhai sent you an invite to see her....... You can’t expect her to understand overnight...... She is still a baby you know.”

Anjali turned toward Payal, venom flashing in her eyes.

“And you two took my place without hesitation........You think I don’t see what this is? Bringing in Preeto, throwing her at Shyam? ”

Khushi and Preeto both looked shocked.

“What?” Khushi stepped forward, still cradling Asha. “What are you saying?”

“You’ve been plotting to replace me. You took my daughter, and now you want to take my husband too—”

“Ex-husband,” Payal cut in sharply. “He chose to leave........We’re just trying to protect Asha from being hurt.”

The room was silent for a moment and then Anjali let out a cold, bitter laugh.

“Fine, If I can’t be welcome here as Asha’s mother, then I’ll come as your guest.........Your helpless guest. Let’s see how long your hospitality lasts.”

And with that, she turned and stormed out of the room, descending the stairs with fire in her steps.

Downstairs, Buaji was sipping tea, still conversing with Mami and Nani, when she saw Anjali approaching.

“I’ve decided.” Anjali announced, loud enough for all to hear. “I’m staying here.......Asha needs her mother.”

The room froze and Shashi stood.

“Anjali, this was meant to be a supervised visit—”

“I’ll stay as a guest,” Anjali interjected sweetly. “Not as a mother.......Not yet...... That will come with time.”

Nani frowned.

“But Anjali…”

Buaji smiled, sipping her tea.

“Of course, bitiya.......Our doors are open.”

Shyam, just walking back in through the main entrance, paused at the sight of everyone frozen in place.

He looked at Anjali, then at the others.

“What’s going on?”

Anjali turned to him, smiling sweetly.

“I’m moving in....... I hope you don’t mind.”

Shyam's expression darkened but he said nothing.

In the shadows, Buaji leaned back with a victorious glint in her eyes.

Let the games begin.

Five days later, the next morning, the house buzzed with a gentle rhythm. Morning light filtered in through the curtains, the scent of ginger chai wafted from the kitchen, and the peaceful murmur of a new day settled in. Preeto, dressed in a soft peach salwar kameez, stepped out of the guest room, her smile warm but eyes wary.

She had always admired the Guptas’ closeness, but now, as a temporary resident, she found herself navigating the silent undercurrents of tension that had not existed during her earlier visit.

In the living room, Buaji fussed over breakfast.

“Come, Preeto bitiya!........You’ll have to eat now before those two girls pull you into some madness.” Preeto laughed

“Yes, Buaji.” She took a seat, soon joined by Khushi and Payal, who recounted stories from college and teased her about her new job.

But every so often, Preeto’s eyes drifted to Anjali, who sat silently across the room, eyes cold and calculating, watching her every move.

Later that day, Preeto had tried to keep a low profile, helping Garima with chores, playing with Asha when Khushi let her, and giving Shyam his space.

But she couldn’t ignore the way Anjali kept showing up in the kitchen, in the hallway, in the lounge each time she happened to speak to Shyam.

That evening, Preeto was helping Payal set the table when Anjali appeared, holding a tray of fruits.

“Let me help,” Anjali offered with a serene smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

Payal gave her a flat look.

“We’ve managed just fine all these months.”

Anjali didn’t respond. She placed the tray down and lingered near Shyam, who had just walked in with Asha in his arms. She reached for her daughter again.

“Can I…?”

Asha turned away again, arms stretching out to Khushi instead.

Anjali’s smile flickered but before the moment could drag out the door click.

The front gate opened, followed by a sharp thud of footsteps on the marble floor. All eyes turned toward the entrance.

There stood Arnav Singh Raizada, suitcase in hand, eyes locked on his sister and the room went still as Anjali’s eyes widened.

“Chhote…?”

Arnav’s jaw was tight, but his expression was unreadable.

“I missed Asha,” he said simply, stepping inside. “So, I’m staying here for a while.”

Preeto’s mouth fell open in surprise seeing him wink at Khushi. Khushi stood frozen, stunned. Shyam looked caught off guard. And Buaji, Buaji sipped her chai with a triumphant smile playing on her lips.

Payal exchanged a look with her aunt and then smirked.

“Welcome back, Arnavji.” Payal said and Arnav smiled at her.

Khushi finally found her voice.

“You’re really staying?”

Arnav nodded, his eyes briefly softening as they met hers.

“Yes. It’s time I got to know my niece better.”

As if on cue, Asha squealed and flailed her arms.

“Arnav mama!” Khushi said, taking Asha from Shyam and walking over.

Asha reached for him eagerly, giggling as soon as he lifted her up and began bouncing her lightly.

Everyone watched in amazement as she laughed, tugging at Arnav’s collar.

Anjali’s throat tightened, she forced a smile, but her insides churned.

"Not him, anyone but him.....He sees through me...... He’ll ruin everything." She thought

She looked toward Buaji who was beside her, suddenly suspicious. The old woman gave her a slow, knowing look.

“You didn’t think we’d let you stay here unsupervised, did you?” Buaji said sweetly, voice laced with mockery and Anjali gritted her teeth realising she was behind it.

Khushi, meanwhile, still recovering from the shock, allowed herself a tiny smile.

Seeing Arnav with Asha, it filled something in her heart she didn’t realize was missing.Payal leaned in to whisper to her,

“He’s going to keep Anjali in check.”

Khushi nodded, hope flickering behind her eyes.

Anjali knew this was war now. She had come to the Guptas thinking she could reclaim her place, her daughter, and maybe even Shyam. But now with Arnav here, her every move would be watched, questioned, challenged but she wasn’t giving up.

If they thought she would back down, they were mistaken.

She would win back her husband. She would win back her daughter.

And this time, no one, not Khushi, not Preeto, not even Arnav would stop her.

The day had passed with uneasy politeness. The Guptas busied themselves with dinner preparations, but the tension was unmistakable, an electric current humming under every interaction.

Later that evening, Arnav found Anjali in the guest room, staring out the window, arms folded. She didn’t look back when he entered.

“You came to ruin everything, didn’t you?” she said quietly.

Arnav closed the door behind him, his voice calm but firm.

“No. I came to stop you from ruining everything.”

She finally turned, eyes flashing.

“They’ve turned my daughter against me.......You saw it........Even Shyam—”

“Don’t,” he snapped, taking a step closer. “Don’t talk about Shyam like he’s yours to win back....... He made his choices........And you made yours too, when you refused to see Asha under supervision for weeks now...... You thought you were punishing Shyam but it was yourself.”

Anjali’s voice wavered.

“I was broken......I wasn’t ready.”

“I understand that,” Arnav said, more softly this time. “But showing up now, acting like the victim, manipulating everyone? That’s not right and I won't allow you disrupt their lives again.”

Anjali clenched her fists.

“So you’re siding with Khushi and the Guptas?”

“I’m siding with Asha,” he said evenly. “And I’ll stay as long as I have to, to protect her from your drama.”

Anjali turned her back to him, fighting tears, but they were no longer tears of pain, they were tears of fury.

“You’re choosing her,” she spat.

“I’m choosing what’s right,” Arnav said, and walked out without waiting for her response.

Later that night, Preeto sat at the far end of the living room, laptop open, reviewing a legal brief. Shyam entered, paused seeing her there, then walked over, sipping his tea.

“Burning the midnight oil already?” he asked lightly.Preeto looked up with a small smile.

“Just brushing up. I don’t want to look like a clueless rookie on my first day.” Preeto responded as Shyam chuckled.

“It's good you are doing that, you’re working at Malhotra’s and you won’t survive if you aren’t sharp.”

“I heard you’re one of the firm’s toughest partners,” she said, studying him. Shyam raised a brow.

“Am I now?.....What else did you hear?”

“That you’re brilliant, demanding and have a habit of intimidating juniors.”

He laughed as he took a seat beside Preeto.

“That’s not entirely untrue.” Shyam responded and Preeto closed her laptop.

“Then I’ll just have to prove I’m not easy to intimidate.”

Their eyes met, something unspoken passed between them. Not romance. Not yet. But a shared respect, a subtle challenge.

“You’ll do fine,” he said, then paused. “And thank you for being so kind to Asha.”

Preeto’s expression softened.

“She’s easy to love.”

Later, under a velvet sky, Khushi stood by the edge of the rooftop, arms wrapped around herself as she looked at the stars. The soft sound of footsteps made her turn.

Arnav joined her, holding out a shawl silently and she smiled gently.

“Still carrying shawls, Mr. Raizada?”

He smirked faintly as ot has been a habit the first time he stayed with them.

“Some habits die hard.”

They stood in silence, side by side, eyes to the stars. For a moment, time slowed only the breeze, and the distant rustling of trees accompanied them.

“I missed this,” Khushi admitted. “The peace......The quiet.”

Arnav glanced at her, eyes softer than she remembered.

“I missed you.”

Her breath caught. She looked at him, and he held her gaze, the wall around him lowered just enough for her to see the man she was beginning to love so fiercely.

She didn’t speak. She didn’t need to.

Downstairs, a curtain shifted, Anjali stood by her window, watching the rooftop.

Her heart twisted  not with sadness, but with searing jealousy.

He never looked at me that way. Never softened. Never stayed when I was breaking.

But for Khushi, her enemy ,he was shielding armor.

Her rage built, silent and burning.

"They think they’ve won....... But this is far from over."

To be continued.

Precap: Anjali's schemes begins.

Next Update will be tomorrow.

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