The next day, Nani sat in the living room of the mansion staring at the stairs.

She was exhausted by life and had aged so much which she knew was a sign that she was about to leave this world soon and her biggest wish was for the family to unite but remembering how it all ended for good made her realize she will not have that wish fulfilled.

Flashback.

It's been a week since Khushi went missing and the family found out the real truth about Arshi's marriage.

It all happened three days prior when the Guptas were invited to the mansion to help the police find Khushi and Mami who couldn't keep her mouth shut blurted out that it was good Khushi was missing and will leave their lives for good.

Everyone was stunned and that was when Arnav blew up on her revealing the truth about his marriage and all the hurt he put Khushi through.

This revelation sent the final crack into their already fractured bonds as a family and Arnav received a loud slap from Payal and blew up on the family revealing all the pain and humiliation her family went through since Arnav released the video to the media.

Nani was shocked by the extent of how deeply her family had caused irreparable damage to the Guptas.

That day, Payal not only left with her family but Akash also cut ties with her mother and the whole family.

A day after Pay all left,the sound of HP's slippers on the floor aletted Nani who was sipping tea and stroking Laxmi in the lounge.

"Naniji....... The police are here. " HP exclaimed nervously while fidgeting with the napkin he was holding.

"Hello hi bye bye...... What is the police doing here? " Mami asked as she walked down with Anjali who looked pale but equally confused.

Nani rolled her eyes at both of them and called out to HP's brothers to call the family down and asked HP to let the police in.

"How may I help you? " Arnav coarsed voice asked the police.

"Sorry to bother you Mr Raizada, but we have an arrest warrant for your brother in law Mr Shyam Manohar Jha. "

This shocked the women but the men that is Akash, Nk, Arnav and Manohar who had just returned a few ago hours ago and was briefed of all that had happened were not surprised.

Nk took the arrest warrant and started reading it and Shyam was wanted for fraud, forgery, extortion, blackmail and tempering with court cases and evidences.

Anjali stumbled backwards in denial at the accusation and she made it known but one glare the police commander shut her up.

"With all due respect Ma'am..... Do you think we will mess with the Raizada family based on false allegations?...... Your husband is a criminal and we are here to arrest him because all the evidences against him has been proven to be true. "

"Am sorry but unfortunately that bastard is not here...... I kicked him out over three weeks ago and he is also being investigated by the Noida police for my kidnapping and attempted murder of my wife. " Arnav revealed shocking all.

The women were stunned especially seeing the men nonchalant response, they immediately realised they all knew about this.

"We didn't know that but don't worry Mr Raizada, we will add that to his sheet and help the Noida police department with the investigation but please if anyone of you knows his location and is hiding it from us, we won't hesitate to file a case against you. "

The men turned to Anjali who looked away and they shook their head disappointed.

The police took their leave and same went for the men but not before warning the women especially Anjali about the consequences if she knew where Shyam was and hiding his whereabouts.

With enough threat and pressure, Nani forced Anjali to reveal Shyam's whereabouts but she denied knowing and even called his number which was switched off but she saw the nervousness in Anjali and Mami's eyes and knew they were hiding something but let it go as she was done with them and will make sure they face the consequences for their actions when the time comes.

And three days later, they did, Nani was awoken by screaming and yelling.

She immediately exited her room to the lounge to find the police restraining Shyam and Anjali crying as Mami held her and the men staring at Shyam with a deadly stares.

"Mrs Jha, thanks for tipping us off and helping us apprehend him. "

Shyam stopped resisting and stared at Anjali in shock as she shook her head in denial.

"You witch..,..... How dare you betray me but what do I expect from the woman who back stabbed her own brother and conspired to ruin his marriage. "

Everyone looked stunned hearing this and turned to Anjali who shook her head in denial.

"Shut up. " Anjali yelled at Shyam and turned to the family shaking her head vigorously. "He is lying..... I didn't backstab chote. "

Shyam let out a sarcastic laugh and glared at Anjali and Mami which made gulp as they knew their secret was about to be revealed especially seeing him turn to Arnav.

"Arnav did you know your sister has been meeting me behind your s and the family's back with the help of Mami...... Did you also know she sold her jewelry and gave the money to me because she knew you were tracking her cards and accounts...... Finally did you also know her suicide attempt was fake and she and Mami plotted all of it to make you leave Khushi and she succeeded because she enthusiastically told me all about how Khushi had disappeared and she was happy about it as you will finally only prioritize her and our child. "

Arnav stumbled backwards in shock but Nk caught him on time but what Shyam revealed next shocked Anjali and the women to their core.

"She didn't even care about the trauma you carried for seeing your selfish and self-centered mother kill herself in front of you and instead of being a good sister,she exploited it all for herself and me who did everything I was accused of. " Anjali stared at Shyam stunned and Shyam looked like a maniac as he began to confess. "Yes I kidnapped your chote but Khushi saved him...... It was I who was after Khushi and guess what..... I am responsible for Shashi's condition. " The women gasped in shock while the men looked numb as Shyam continued laughing. "Yes I am responsible for his condition...... He found out about me and I had to shut him up...... Twice I tried to kill him but that bastard was always saved on time." Shyam groaned annoyed as the others felt dizzy by his deceitful actions. "If am going down, all of you are going down with me. " Shyam then turned to Arnav who had tears streaming down his cheeks uncontrollably. "You sacrificed your life for a woman who didn't care about you....... Anjali is the only thing that matters in this family and your grandmother and aunt had made sure if she is not happy, then everyone will not be happy...... You are pathetic for sacrificing your lives for this self-centered bitch......... And you Mr Manohar Singh Raizada,I have never seen a more pathetic rich man like you before.......How can you love sure an illiterate and snake like Mami and your son had taken after you and silently watched his wife getting abused on a daily basis by this cheap gold digging maid....... You all except for Nk the only sane person in this family are pathetic....... Am happy Khushi is gone away from you and I know she will never forgive you and that gives me peace knowing if I can't have her, then you never will. "

The next moment, Arnav was being dragged of Shyam who now bruised with blood oozing from his nose and mouth but he was still laughing until his expression turned grim and he snatched a gun from the police and took Anjali into his custody forcing everyone down as he walked up the stairs with Anjali,

"I hate you bitch..... And I will be damned if you ever carry my child. "

Shyam pushed Anjali down the stairs and run away as the police followed him but unfortunately for them, he escaped.

Anjali who began bleeding profusely was rushed to the hospital and she survived but same couldn't be said for her child.

During her stay at the hospital only Nani and Mami visited her and when she arrived home, everyone including Nani with the exception of Mami avoided them like a plague.

Arnav had financially cut off the three women and they were now living on the fixed and tight income from Manohar who had washed his hands off them and was filing for divorce from Mami but Nani managed to persuade him not to.

Four months later, the atmosphere in the house was still tense even though Akash was now speaking to Arnav.

Anjali seeing how their allowance couldn't sustain them cleaned her certificate and had gotten a job as an assistant to the new Delhi Police commander which surprised everyone.

One day, Akash arrived in RM with Payal who looked visibly pregnant which shocked the women and more painful was when Akash declared he didn't want anyone near Payal or their child.

A few days after Payal's baby shower, Anjali announced to the family that she was a month and half pregnant which shocked the whole family as they didn't know she was dating anyone but only Mami and Nani cared enough to ask and through that, it was discovered Anjali had rekindled her romance with the new police chief who happens to be Anjali's ex who left her at Sheesh Mahal after the scandal of her mother's suicide.

Nani liked Siddharth Kapoor as the night of Sheesh Mahal's incident, he still wanted to marry Anjali but his mother threatened to kill herself if he goes through with it and he had to reluctantly leave Anjali behind.

This scared Nani and Mami and they made it known to Siddharth who assured them he really loves Anjali and will protect her against his mother which he did through out the years.

Their wedding was a small intimate wedding with only family and friends but everyone could feel the tension between the family at the wedding as the men including a heavily pregnant Payal looked like they didn't want to be there.

Over the months to come, the birth of Khushi Singh Raizada eased the tension in the family as the men especially Arnav doted on her and Khushi being the adorable and goofy baby made sure to bring a little form of happiness to the family even though the tensions still existed, it was to a minimal.

Anjali also gave birth to her daughter Naina a few months later but she didn't receive the same attention as Payal and Khushi did which caused discord between the family and Shruti Kapoor voiced her opinion about it but the men didn't care which she blamed all on Anjali as it was at the same time the Kapoors really found out what happened in the family.

It nearly cost Anjali her marriage but Nani was there to fix it.

Money and career wise, the three families were thriving but it couldn't bring the one person they all longed for.

Flashback ends.

"Maa? "

Nani jerked out of her reverie to find Mami staring at her with concern and she sighed.

"Hello hi bye bye..... Where are you lost?....... It's time for breakfast."

Nani ignored her and stood up walking to the dinning room to find the Kapoors already seated together with Payash and Manohar.

"Where is Chote? " Nani asked staring at Akash.

"I don't know and besides he is a grown man. " Akash replied dismissively making Nani sigh as Mami glared at her son.

"And Kiki. " Nani asked making Akash roll his eyes as he dug into his breakfast.

"Mohan is dropping her at Laxmi Nagar. " Payal replied.

"Excuse me, you let a driver take your small child to see your family alone..... Don't you know that there is a rise of men preying on little children......How irresponsible. "

"Watch your mouth Sheetal. " Manohar uttered in a calm yet deadly tone making Sheetal flinch. "Mohan is more trustworthy than half of the people sitting at the table....... Mrs Shruti Kapoor, teach your daughter when to keep her opinions to herself."

The finality in Manohar's voice was cue for everyone to shut up.

Shruti glared at Sheetal who looked away but knew her mother will give her an earful soon.

"I apologize on her behalf...... But can I speak to Akash in private after the meal? "

"Whatever it is, you can say it in front of the family Mrs Kapoor. " Akash responded but still eating and not giving a second glance to Shruti who even though was pissed composed herself as she wanted her plans to succeed which means she had to swallow her pride.

"Please can you find a spot for Sheetal at ARD, she had just graduated from uni and all the jobs she had found were not up to par. " Shruti requested shocking Anjali as she didn't know Sheetal was looking for a job.

"Sheetal drop your CV at the reception...... There is an opening for junior assistants to the senior designers..... It she qualifies, she will get in and if she doesn't then there is nothing I can do. "

Sheetal was shocked as she didn't expect to go through an interview because of her relationship with the family and she was about to retort but one galre from Shruti shut her up.

"Of course she will..... Thank you Akash. "

Akash nodded and continued to eat his food as the others joined.

Back at Arnav's apartment, Khushi stood in shook staring at the father and daughter duo who had flour and bits of fruits all over themselves and the kitchen.

The kitchen looked a mess as of there was a food fight and the father daughter duo knew Khushi hated food to be waste or messy surroundings.

"Khushi I can explain. "

One glare from Khushi shut Arnav up immediately making Lulu snicker.

She walked into the kitchen and Lulu hid behind Arnav seeing her angry expression.

"You two are hopeless..... She is a kid but you Mr Raizada, you are supposed to know better." Khushi scolded as both looked guilty. "Go and clean up immediately. " Khushi yelled pointing to the exit.

"Yes ma'am. " Arnav and Lulu exclaimed in unison with a salute.

"What the? " Khushi exclaimed taken aback as the father and daughter duo stared at each other surprised but it didn't last long as both burst out laughing.

Khushi stared at him mesmerized by his laugh.

It been so long seeing him laugh at smile and she missed seeing him this

His laughs and smiles always made him ten times more handsome than he was but she immediately snapped out of it and glared when Arnav turned to look at her.

He scooped Lulu up and sped out of the kitchen as if he was on fire.

Immediately he was out of sight, Khushi placed one hand on her chest and the other held the island to support her as her mind and heart went to war with each other.

"Stop being weak by his antics........ He hasn't changed....... He is still the same selfish bastard from the past. " Khushi's mind uttered.

"Really, then why is he not pushing for forgiveness....... He has given you space without you asking....... He signed the papers trusting you....... The private detective told you he no longer has a relationship with Anjali...... He is good with Lulu...... What more evidence do you need. " Khushi's heart echoed.

"His past actions proves he is never a man who keeps his promises...... Khushi you better listen to me...... Don't trust Arnav especially now that Lulu is involved........ Don't let you guard down and remember you always used your heart in the past and where did that get you...... Once bitten twice shy. " Khushi's mind retorted and that's how it won against her heart.

Arnav and Lulu got down to find Khushi already with prepared breakfast on the dinning table.

Last night they had slept over after Preeto delivered some clothes and essentials for both even though Arnav wanted to buy them some but Khushi vehemently refused.

Arnav prepared his spare room for both of them but in the middle of the night Lulu woke up and rushed to his room to sleep with him and of course he asked khushi's permission for that and she agreed.

"Wow mama...... It taste so good. " Lulu exclaimed and stuffed her mouth with more pancakes as Arnav nodded in agreement and complimented Khushi but she glared at him in response which made Arnav smile this pissing Khushi off.

"Lulu hurry up....... You have football practice today. " Khushi reminded and Lulu nodded and was about to eat her pancakes when she stopped and turned Arnav.

"Papa..... Will you come with us. " Lulu beamed expectantly and Arnav saw Khushi taken back expression and not wanting to overstep more than he has, he replied.

"Sorry baby I can't make it today. " the smile on Lulu's lips fell replaced by a sad expression which broke their heart but he knew he had to do this as he knew Khushi felt cornered by Lulu's demands and she was uncomfortable around him. "But we can make arrangements for a father daughter private training session at my farm house. "

"Yay...... I love that. " Lulu beamed and run off and hugged Arnav who reciprocated.

"Now let hurry up and go show those kids you are the best. "

Lulu nodded and pulled her plate to Arnav who immediately knew she wanted to be fed by him and he did it wholeheartedly.

An hour later, Arnav, Khushi and Lulu exited the penthouse with Lulu taking the lead.

"How did you do it? "

"What?" Arnav asked confused until he realised what she was talking." Oh yes....... I learned from a parenthood articles and books my therapist provided for me. " Khushi was stunned hearing this.

"You're seeing a therapist? " Khushi asked stunned and Arnav nodded with a tight lipped smile.

"I have been for the past two and half years...... To tell you the truth, I wish I had done that years ago then maybe I wouldn't have been so easily manipulated and lost you and quality time with Lulu. " Arnav confessed and Khushi felt stuck not knowing how to feel about his confession. "Anyways, it doesn't matter now..... I may have failed as a lover but I promise I will be the best father to Lulu...... I know you won't be here in India for long so I hope we will find a solution to co parent civilly and cordially....... I was thinking maybe I fly to Italy once in a while to spend time with her until you are comfortable with her staying with me in India and don't worry,my family won't came closer to her even if you decide otherwise. "

Khushi nodded and walked ahead leaving Arnav behind as her heart and mind started warring again at Arnav's words.

Khushi and Lulu entered the car Preeto has sent for them.

Arnav kissed Lulu making her giggle because of the sensation his beard had on her soft chubby.

"Bye Papa. "

"Bye baby..... See you soon. " Arnav yelled put as the car drove off.

"Very soon I will prove to you I have changed Khushi....... I love you and our baby. " Arnav thought as he stared at their SUV disappear out of the entrance.

In all of this, Arnav didn't realize a familiar person behind him staring in shock.

"Arnav? " the person exclaimed making Arnav frown.

"What are you doing here? " Arnav asked angrily.

To be continued.

The schedule for this story has been posted on my profile.

Don't forget to hit that ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ button comment and follow for more.

٩(ര̀ᴗര́)ᵇʸᵉ.

Xoxo xoxo.