Parth entered his room, expecting an eerie silence, but instead, he found Krishnaa lying lazily on the couch, engrossed in a book. Her eyes scanned the pages, oblivious to her surroundings, as if the words on the page were the only thing that mattered. The soft glow of the table lamp beside her cast a warm ambiance, making the scene look almost serene.

He cleared his throat, gaining her attention. Krishnaa looked up, her gaze locking onto his, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Hey," Parth said, his voice breaking the silence.

"What's up?" Krishnaa asked, her voice laced with a mix of disinterest and politeness. She marked the page with a bookmark and set the book aside, giving Parth her full attention.

Parth took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead. "I was thinking," he began, his words measured. Krishnaa's expression remained neutral, but her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"About us," Krishnaa finished, her voice barely above a whisper. Parth nodded, his heart racing with anticipation.

"The contract," he said, the word hanging in the air like a challenge. Krishnaa's expression turned serious, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"We're getting divorced in seven months," Parth continued, his words flowing like a river. "Why not live like friends till then? Won't that be more peaceful for both of us?"

Krishnaa chuckled, the sound unexpected, yet welcoming. "You want to be friends?" she asked, her tone laced with amusement.

Parth nodded, his determination evident. "Why not?" Krishnaa shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips.

"I suppose it's better than this awkwardness," Krishnaa admitted, her voice tinged with resignation.

"Friends it is, then," Krishnaa agreed, her smile widening.

Parth smiled, relief washing over him. "Friends," he repeated, the word echoing through the room.

The tension dissipated, replaced by an uneasy sense of calm. For the first time in months, they shared a genuine smile, a smile that hinted at a newfound understanding.

Their agreement marked the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter of friendship. A chapter of closure. As they settled into their newfound understanding, Parth realized that sometimes, the most beautiful relationships blossom from the ashes of what could have been.

In that moment, Parth knew that their friendship would be a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there's always a way forward. And as they embarked on this new journey, side by side, Parth couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them.

Krishnaa smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye, as she gazed at Parth. "Since we're friends now, Mr. Goenka," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, each word laced with a hint of playful mockery. The smirk lingered on her lips, a subtle curve that betrayed her amusement.

"Lemme give you some advice as a friend," Krishnaa continued, her tone shifting from playful to serious. Her eyes locked onto Parth's, their intensity piercing. "Never trust someone too blindly," she cautioned. "You'll end up regretting it in the future." The words hung in the air, heavy with weight.

Krishnaa closed her eyes, lying back on the couch, her expression transforming into one of serenity. The soft glow of the table lamp beside her cast a warm ambiance, making the scene look almost peaceful. Yet, Parth's mind was far from calm.

He stood there, frozen, as the silence between them grew thicker, like a fog that refused to lift. His thoughts swirled, a maelstrom of questions and doubts. What did she mean? Was it a warning or a reflection of her own experiences? Parth's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Krishnaa's tranquil form.

Finally, Parth broke the silence, his voice soft, almost hesitant. "Krishnaa?" he said, using her given name, seeking clarity.

"Yes?" Krishnaa replied, her eyes still closed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What did you mean?" Parth asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. He needed to understand the underlying message.

Krishnaa smile was enigmatic, a subtle curve of her lips. "You'll figure it out," she whispered, her words laced with mystery.

And with that, she drifted off to sleep, leaving Parth lost in thought. Her words echoed in his mind like a warning bell, resonating deep within him.

Was he blind to something? Was someone deceiving him? Parth's thoughts swirled, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew one thing - he had to be more cautious. Krishnaa's words had stirred something within him.

A desire to uncover the truth. To see beyond the facade. And to never trust blindly again. Parth's resolve hardened, his determination fueled by Krishnaa's cryptic warning. Little did he know that this was just the beginning of a journey that would change everything.

Ayesha's eyes blazed with anger as she confronted Daksh, her emotions simmering like a pot about to boil over. "You're using me," she spat, her voice venomous, each word laced with accusation. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as she took a step closer to him.

Daksh's expression remained calm, a mask of serenity, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of guilt. For a fleeting moment, Ayesha saw a glimmer of remorse, a hint that he understood the gravity of his actions. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"Ayesha, I—" Daksh began, his voice soft, placating, but she cut him off.

"Don't lie to me," Ayesha interrupted, her tone scathing, her words razor-sharp. "I know exactly what you're doing. You're manipulating me, using my feelings for your own gain." Her voice cracked with emotion.

Daksh's gaze dropped, his shoulders sagging slightly, as if the weight of his conscience was crushing him. For an instant, Ayesha thought she saw genuine regret.

But then, his father's words echoed in his mind: "Destroy the Goenkas, no matter the cost." The old wounds resurfaced, and the fire of revenge reignited, burning brighter with every passing moment.

"Ayesha, I'm sorry if you feel that way," Daksh said, his voice cold, calculated, devoid of empathy. "But my priority is bringing down the Goenkas. They destroyed my family; now it's my turn." His words hung in the air like a challenge.

Ayesha's eyes widened in horror as she grasped the depth of Daksh's obsession. "You're consumed by hate," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Daksh's smile was ruthless, a chilling reminder of his resolve. "Hate is what drives me," he admitted. "Hate is what will destroy the Goenkas." His eyes gleamed with determination.

Ayesha felt a chill run down her spine as she realized she was trapped in a web of deceit, caught between her feelings for Parth and Daksh's vendetta. She knew she had to escape.

"I won't be a part of this," Ayesha declared, her voice firm, resolute.

Daksh's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "You're already a part of it, Ayesha," he warned. "Whether you like it or not." The undertone of menace sent shivers down her spine.

Ayesha knew she had to break free before it was too late. But Daksh's grip was tight, and escaping would require cunning and strength she wasn't sure she possessed.