In a dramatic turn of events, slow claps resonate throughout the home, and a visibly angry and distraught Khushi strides into the hall. She's tightly holding onto Arnav's hand, who stands beside her with a determined expression. Behind them, a group of police officers smirks, each holding a pair of handcuffs, ready to enforce the law.

Fueled by rage, Shashi attempts to lash out at Garima, but Arnav, acting swiftly, steps in between them, forcefully pushing Shashi back. The confrontation escalates as Shashi, determined to have the last word, tries to speak up, but Arnav with anger speaks up

Arnav - That's enough. Not another word from you.

Shashi, realizing the gravity of the situation, follows the gaze, his plans unravelling before him. His face contorted with a mix of rage and disbelief as the officers approached, poised to restrain him with handcuffs. The atmosphere crackles with tension as justice begins to unfold.

The officers sternly declare, "You are under arrest for the murder of Maya. Anything you say will be used against you in court."

Shashi, displaying a twisted smirk, retorts, "Oh, I will get out fine from this hell. Watch me be released from prison within 24 hours." His gaze then shifts to Garima, and he adds, "After that, I will deal with you and this witch," staring menacingly at Khushi. "It's due to you that my life is like this. I wish I never had a child. Even if you were adopted, you should have thanked me for such a great lifestyle, but here you are. Not even thankful, ready to go against me for your so-called husband, who legit had no trust in you, was ready to make your life hell."

Khushi, fueled by anger, responds defiantly, "Why should I thank you? What have you done for me besides adopting me? I was never fed properly, never loved, nor respected. So tell me, what should I thank you for? Despite being so 'rich,' I was poor. I never got what I actually wanted. Money isn't everything, and I have said this to you before. As for my husband, if it weren't for your help, then we wouldn't even have any misunderstandings. You are the cause of my misfortune. I hope you rot in hell. Don't worry though, I will take over your business and show you what I am capable of. I will also make sure you won't leave prison because all this conversation, even your confession, has been live to the public and on the news channel. Not a single person will set you free now."

The room echoes with the weight of her determination as the truth unfolds before them.

Shashi futilely struggles to break free from the tight grip of the police officers as they drag him towards the exit. His last defiant words echo through the hall, "I will come back."

As Shashi is ushered away, Khushi, overwhelmed by the weight of the moment, rushes to embrace Arnav. They share a silent understanding, knowing that no words can ease the pain each of them carries. While Khushi mourns the loss of her best friend, Arnav grapples with the realisation that he has lost his first love.

In the aftermath, Garima quietly exits the scene, with Harish and Kirti following her, leaving behind a sombre atmosphere laden with the echoes of a broken past and the anticipation of a challenging future.

Next Day

Khushi's POV

Arnav has been unusually quiet since the revelation. I assume he's still trying to process everything. Although I want to show understanding of the situation, I can't help but wonder: Was he serious about the confession? Does he genuinely have feelings for me, or is Maya still the prevailing presence in his heart? Am I just a rebound in his life? The weight of these questions hangs in the air, but in the current heavy atmosphere, I hesitate to ask him directly.

Arnav (shaking me) - Khushi!

I stare at him with utmost confusion, then stare at the water dropping from the jug to the floor. Oh no!

Me (worried) - I will clean it up...

Arnav - I will clean it, you sit down. Why have you been so quiet? Is everything alright?

Me - Well, I was thinking of asking you how you are. Now that you found out about...

Arnav - I'm grateful for the resolution, Khushi...

His voice tinged with a mixture of relief and regret.

Arnav - Understanding the truth behind Maya's actions has been, a difficult journey but it's allowed me to find some semblance of peace. I owe you an apology, too. I realise now that I underestimated the depth of Maya's manipulation and, in doing so, I failed to trust our friendship. Marrying you, Khushi has been the greatest blessing of my life.

As Arnav's heartfelt words reached me, I felt, a surge of mixed emotions coursing through me. His apology was unexpected yet deeply appreciated, and, it stirred, something within me.

Me (firm but soft voice) - Arnav... thank you for your honesty and, your apology. I understand how difficult it must have been for you to, come to terms with everything. And please know that I never doubted our friendship, even amid uncertainty.

I paused, gathering my thoughts before continuing.

Me - Our journey together has been filled with ups and downs, but it's those moments of vulnerability and growth that have brought us closer. I'm grateful for your presence in my life, Arnav, and I believe that together, we can overcome any challenge.

Arnav listened to my words intently, his expression softening with each passing moment.

Arnav ( voice filled with sincerity) - Khushi..., thank you for your understanding and forgiveness. Your support means everything to me, and I promise to make things right.

With a gentle smile, he continued, "But for now, let's focus on the present. I have a huge meeting today, and I want you by my side. Be ready by 5 pm, and we'll celebrate our victories together. Dinner outside sounds perfect, don't you think?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me at his words. "Absolutely," I replied, feeling a renewed sense of excitement for the evening ahead. "I'll be ready. Thank you, Arnav."

Soon Arnav leaves and in queue, I get a call from none other than Payal.

On Call

Payal - Khushi!! I just saw the news. Are you okay? I didn't know your father was such a disgusting man... I am sorry you had to deal with him. How come you never shared?

Before I could answer any of her questions, the phone was taken from Payal, and a sweet voice started worrying for me.

Buaji - Arey titaliya, what is this I am hearing? I have gone on the pilgrimage for 1 month, and all this is happening. Are you okay?

Me - I am fine, buaji. Could you please put the phone on speaker so I can share with you what exactly happened...

Buaji puts the phone on speaker, and I finally open up to both of them not just about Shashi Gupta and how he tortured me but also about how I am adopted and who my parents are. I decided to keep my marriage with Arnav a secret as some things are meant not to be said.

Payal (annoyed) - Khushi, this much happened and you are only sharing now. Didn't we promise each other we weren't going to keep any secrets?

Buaji (worried) - Titaliya, how are your real parents? Are they good? If they aren't, our home is always open for you. You know that Gudiya and you are the same as me. Just like how she is my niece, I think of you the same.

Me (emotional) - I am sorry, Payal. Sorry, buaji. I shouldn't have kept this a secret. I am absolutely fine now; my parents are the best. They are always looking out for me and treasure me a lot. I promise you both that if any other trouble comes again, and if I ever think I am alone again, I will always call you both or rush to you. I used to feel I had nobody with me, but in my sad and dark moments, I forgot to think about all these people I could share my sadness with and those people who would be by my side. I was wrong to think I was alone; how can I forget my sister from another mother who stood by me all my life, despite not knowing my pain and knowing that I don't share it, she stood by me and made me smile even when I didn't want to. How can I forget the buaji, who gave me a home and a family when I needed it the most? You both were an escape from reality.

Payal (emotional) - Arey pagli, you made us both emotional. I am glad you are doing better now, and as you said, don't forget us. We will always be here with open arms. How about you stay over at Buaji's home? Akash has dropped me off, and he will pick me up tomorrow, so we can live like before and have masti, making jalebi.

Me - Done. I will double-check if Arnav has made plans for us, and if not, I will definitely stay over.

The call, which was meant to last 5 minutes, lasted over 2 hours, and only when I got a text from Arnav reminding me of the conference did I end the call.