Soon, both of us regain our composure, and he takes hold of my hand, beginning to explain.

Arnav - You know the story between Maya and me, right?

I nod, encouraging him to continue.

Arnav - We were deeply in love, planning a future together. After college, I decided to propose to her. I was nervous, but I knew she was the one. On the day she was supposed to meet me, she mentioned getting a call from you to meet up first and then see me. I agreed as the place you were meeting her wasn't far. I waited for an hour, but she never showed up and didn't answer any calls. Naturally, I got worried and rushed to the place where she was meant to meet you. There, I saw blood on her, a knife wound in her stomach... I rushed to her... (teary-eyed) and she was barely hanging on. I called an ambulance, cradling her in my arms. I was about to perform CPR when she whispered your name, then pointed at her phone... and then her eyes closed... for the last time.

He hands me the phone, and I stare at it in horror. It displays a video that fills me with dread. In the video

In Video

A crying Maya looks at Khushi, blood dribbling from her mouth, while Khushi forcefully pulls her hair toward herself.

Khushi - So, you think it's alright to ignore my warnings? Well, let me make this clear – you have no idea what I'm capable of... Miss Maya, just remember who my father is. He's Shashi Gupta, the top businessman in the market right now, and the best part is, I'm his only child. Do you even understand what that means? It means I can get whatever I want with his help, even if it means taking Arnav away from you. So, break up with Arnav within a week, or not only will I steal him from you, but I'll obliterate your life. I'll ensure that he looks at you with the same loathing I feel right now, with the disgust I experience when I talk to you. Take this as my final warning."

Khushi then lets go of a weeping Maya's hair and leaves the area.

Video Ends

I watch the video in shock, my mind racing to comprehend the nightmarish scenario. The voice, and the clothes, they're undoubtedly mine, but the cruel actions in the video are anything but me. I would never harm anyone. Before I can even attempt to explain, Arnav starts speaking again.

Arnav - I couldn't believe it was you either. I've known you for so long, and the person in the video didn't match the Khushi I know. So, I immediately called your number to confirm if you had met up with Maya that day. But there was no response from your phone. I called Shashi uncle, who picked up and confirmed not only that you met up with Maya but also revealed that you had secretly liked me. I was stunned by this revelation. Anger started boiling inside me. I watched Maya's lifeless body being taken away, and it felt like all our shared dreams and plans had crumbled to dust. I locked myself in my room for days, drowning in guilt for not getting to the location sooner. If only I had arrived faster, this tragedy might have been averted. If only I had seen your true nature, I could have saved her. If only I had asked her out earlier... I regretted it all, and at one point, I even wanted to end my own life.

He continued, But then I heard that your dad came to ask my dad for my hand in marriage to you. I immediately considered refusing, knowing you as a murderer and killer. However, when I found out that the police didn't properly investigate Maya's murder due to your father's influence, I decided to marry you. Not only to teach you the true meaning of hatred and disgust but also to make your father understand that he's no longer the number one businessman.... That he can't get what he wants now. Before I married you, I made a promise to myself that I would never physically hurt you, even in my anger, because I didn't want to become like that person in the video. I also promised Maya that I would never touch another woman besides her.

I stared at him in shock...I knew that he witnessed Maya's death but going through all this wouldn't be easy... I know I am not at fault for this but if I saw Arnie's video of killing my loved ones and then his dad indirectly confessing that he did then I would be just as mad... how I wish he had asked me the question himself... instead of my dad... I would have told him the truth... soon tears start coming in my eyes and he immediately hugs me.

Arnav - Just today, after a year, I realised who killed Maya. It wasn't you; it was Shashi Gupta. I was telling Aman today how I should have felt guilty being so close to someone connected to Maya's death, how I should have kept my distance. I should also feel guilty for betraying Maya, but strangely, I felt none of that. Instead, I feel a sense of happiness whenever I am with you. You are my best friend and now my wife. It's both a pleasure and a source of joy knowing you. In the year and four months we've spent together, the only regret I have is hurting you, but aside from that, I've become accustomed to you. Seeing you at the end of a busy day makes all the work I do worthwhile. You mean that much to me. I'm not sure if I love you, but I do know that I can't go back to how I used to live if you're not part of my life.

Shashi Gupta... I haven't seen him since I cut ties with him...

Flashback - No one's POV

A furious Khushi storms into the Gupta mansion, gripping Arnav's hand tightly. Shashi Gupta and Garima Gupta gaze at her in astonishment as she hurls papers at Shashi's face. Without picking up the papers, Shashi glares at Khushi.

Shashi (angry) - What is this behaviour, Khushi? Is this how you behave with elders? Today is Diwali; shouldn't you seek blessings?" (He looks apologetically at Arnav) I'm sorry, Arnav. Khushi isn't normally like this. I have no clue what happened.

Shashi is about to approach Khushi, his hands poised to strike when an enraged Arnav steps between them.

Arnav (angry) - Don't you dare...

Witnessing Arnav's furious eyes, Shashi immediately retreats, and Khushi looks at her parents, tears streaming down her face.

Khushi's POV

No, Khushi, if you're weak now, you'll be weak forever. Arnav is here, your real parents and Arnav's parents are here. Before, you had no one's support, now you have the support of an entire family. You've got this.

Khushi's POV ends

Wiping away her tears, Khushi guides Arnav to the side and confronts her father with the same intense gaze Arnav had used, sending shivers down Shashi's spine.

Khushi - Did I ask to be born? Did I beg you to bring me into this world?

Khushi stares at her parents, her voice icy cold. Garima starts crying, and Shashi clenches his fists.

Khushi - Did I ever disobey you? Did I ever do something I shouldn't have? Did I ever bring shame to this family? No! In fact, I did everything you asked me to do. I even let you turn my marriage into a business deal. I let you control me like a puppet without saying no. I even broke up with the guy I loved to be with a guy I never thought would be my life partner. But enough is enough.

Papa, all I wanted was a bit of love and respect, but you couldn't even give me that. Mummy, I wanted to proudly tell my friends that my mother is the best with all these talents, but I couldn't because I never understood you. Up until now, I never knew the real you. Heck, I don't even know your favourite dish. They say a daughter's best friend is her mother, and her first love is her father, but I couldn't even say that.

Why do you think just because I am a girl, I can't run a business? Why do you think just because I am a girl, I can't carry on our bloodline? I am just as good with business as you, Papa. In fact, I can guarantee that if you had given me a chance, I would have brought profit to our business. If you had said, 'Khushi, our business is at a loss, do you want to help?' I would have happily done that. I didn't need to be married, and you didn't need Arnav's support to bring this business up in the market. I promise you, even now, without Arnav's help, I can bring twice the profit you can.

And about carrying on the bloodline, let me tell you, my name is Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, not Khushi Raizada. Do you know what that means? I haven't changed my identity; I've kept it and added Arnav's last name. My kids could do the same. I can do everything a son could have done, but you had no faith in me. It's not entirely your fault because despite dealing with this abuse, I never spoke up. I never voiced my beliefs, never tried to stand up to you. Instead, I wanted to end my life, but not anymore. I have people who want me to live, and who care about me, which is why I am saying this to you right now.

I want to thank you for getting me married to such a great guy. He may not be perfect, but he is by my side, and that's what matters. I am cutting all my ties with you both because enough is enough. I have found my real parents, and from now on, they are the only people I will be referring to as my parents. Let's never meet up again. Also, don't worry I won't let the media know about our fallout.

Khushi locks eyes with her parents one last time before turning to leave the mansion. As she's about to exit, she walks over to Garima, extending her hand.

Khushi - Even though I hate you for what you've done to me, I won't let you live with such a monster. The choice is yours now. Do you want to continue living in this hell, or are you willing to take a leap of faith and start your journey anew?

Although hesitant at first, Garima holds Khushi's hands and throws her mangalsutra at Shashi before leaving.

End of Flashback