Chapter 5

Chapter 4:  

Armaan was sobbing uncontrollably. Abhira's mind was racing with thoughts. The last time she left Udaipur, Armaan was getting married to Ruhi. She knew about their relationship and didn't want to interfere. But now, where was Ruhi? Why was Armaan here?Armaan would never cheat in any relationship, but he did deceive her by hiding the truth about his past with Ruhi. This betrayal shattered Abhira. Was everything alright with the Poddars, especially Maa or Dadaisa, whom Armaan revered?Amid these swirling questions, Abhira grew concerned about Armaan's condition. It had been 45 minutes since his sobbing had stopped, yet he clung to her, unable to let go.She gently called his name and slowly sat down, cupping his face in her hands and wiping the tears from his eyes. 

Their eyes met, communicating what words could not, and Armaan felt a semblance of calm."Armaan, kya hua? You’re scaring me now," she said softly.The first word he uttered was "Dadisa." He explained, his voice trembling, that Dadisa had taken his mother away. Abhira looked at him, puzzled. Armaan then revealed that he had discovered how Dadisa not only killed his real mother but also concealed the truth. Despite her flaws, he had always cherished her love for the family. He had overlooked her bad qualities, focusing only on the good. He was grateful for the family's acceptance, but now he knew that the woman he worshipped was responsible for making him an orphan.After hearing everything, Abhira sympathized with him and gently said, "Armaan, everyone must be worried about you. Ruhi must be worried too."Armaan responded with a single, haunting sentence, "Abhira, mei is duniya mei do logo ka gunehgar hu, apni janam dene wali maa aur tumhara."

Armaan folded his hands and apologized to Abhira countless times for the disrespect his family had shown her, the rude comments, and for throwing her out of the house overnight. He apologized for not standing by her and for failing to speak up against Dadisa's wrongdoings.Armaan confessed to Abhira how everything he felt at the Poddar mansion was false, how much he hated himself, and how he questioned his own existence. He explained that he married Ruhi out of guilt for ruining her life again, influenced by his family, and that Rohit was asked to give their marriage another chance due to family pressure, especially from Vidya and Dadisa.For the past three years, Armaan dedicated his life to fulfilling his duties and helping his younger brother Rohit build his career. He was devastated when he learned the truth about Dadisa. He loved her so much that he couldn't go against her, but the injustice his mother suffered and the murder went against his principles.

Armaan decided to leave everything behind and came to Abhira, admitting he had nowhere else to go and no clear thoughts, except the voice in his heart calling out to her. He realized he shouldn't have come but didn't know what he was thinking, and then started cursing himself.Abhira stopped him, saying, "Bas karo, Armaan. Chup hojao. You are the best son. Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. Always remember, you are like your father—strong and principled, but with a big heart like Vidya Maa. You and she are the foundation of the Poddar house. Your eyes, they reveal everything, just like your real mom's."Armaan was shocked. How did she know about his real mom? He had never seen her or dared to ask, feeling it would be disloyal to Vidya.

 Abhira explained, "Papa once told me that your eyes are just like your real mom's."Armaan was taken aback by the close bond between his father and Abhira. He knew Madhav considered her a daughter, but this was deeper. Armaan took Abhira's hand and apologized again for not standing against Dadisa and for his wrongdoings. He said he should have been stronger and not gone so far.

Abhira knew he was sincere. She made him drink water, brought him food, and insisted he eat, despite his reluctance. "Armaan, I know you haven't eaten," she said firmly. He protested, but she put food in his mouth."Armaan, who is the most beautiful girl in this world?" she asked. With a mouthful of food, he mumbled, "Abhira." She gave him another bite."Be nice GUY, Armaan. Chew your food," she reminded him, bringing back memories of their time in Mussoorie. He chewed his food, knowing how stubborn Abhira could be.Abhira then made Armaan rest. Though he couldn't sleep, she took him to the guest room and somehow got him to sleep. She saw 40+ missed calls on both their phones.

She called Manisha Chachi and informed her that Armaan was with her, requesting that only Madhav and Krish be told. She also called Rohit, acknowledging the strong bond between the brothers, and asked him not to tell anyone to avoid further conflicts.

The night was quiet as she watched Armaan sleep peacefully after the storm.