Chapter 9

A Mother's Return

The next morning...

Ruhaan, Mishty, Pari, Arnav, Kunal, and Mouli left for the free medical camp organized by Ruhaan's foundation.

Hundreds of villagers had gathered for treatment.

Kunal proudly looked at his daughters.

Kunal: "Today, both of you will lead this camp. Remember, every patient should leave with hope."

Mishty: "Don't worry, Dad."

Pari: "We'll make you proud."

Kunal smiled proudly.

The camp began.

Mishty attended the pediatric ward.

Pari looked after the women and elderly patients.

Ruhaan couldn't take his eyes off Mishty.

Arnav, on the other hand, silently admired Pari's dedication.

One older woman blessed Pari.

Woman: "May you always remain happy, beta."

Pari smiled.

"Your blessings are enough for me."

Arnav looked at her lovingly.

"She's beautiful because of her heart."

Meanwhile...

A little boy suddenly collapsed.

Everyone panicked.

Mishty immediately checked his pulse.

Mishty: "Blood pressure is dropping."

Kunal rushed there.

Kunal: "Prepare the emergency kit."

Ruhaan helped Kunal without wasting a second.

Pari brought the medicines.

Together...

Kunal, Mishty and Pari managed to save the little boy's life.

The villagers applauded all of them.

Ruhaan looked at Mishty proudly.

Ruhaan: "You're exactly like your parents."

Mishty smiled.

"I learned humanity from them."

In the evening...

The village organized a cultural program to thank the doctors.

The village head requested,

"Doctor sahib... your daughters should also participate."

Everyone insisted.

Mishty and Pari finally agreed.

Ruhaan partnered with Mishty.

Arnav danced with Pari.

They performed gracefully to "Dil Laga Liya Maine".

Their chemistry left everyone mesmerized.

When the song ended...

The audience applauded loudly.

Kunal looked at Mouli.

Kunal: "Looks like our daughters have grown up."

Mouli smiled knowingly.

After the program...

Ruhaan and Mishty walked near the riverside.

A cool breeze was blowing.

Ruhaan broke the silence.

Ruhaan: "Mishty..."

She looked at him.

Ruhaan: "I've met many successful people in life... but no one with a heart like yours."

Mishty smiled softly.

"You're praising me too much."

Ruhaan shook his head.

"No... I'm only speaking the truth."

He slowly held her hand.

"I love you, Mishty. It's not now. It's not today. But it's from childhood. I had made up my mind to marry someone; it's only you. Else, I will never marry."

Mishty's heart skipped a beat.

She looked into his eyes.

"I... love you too, Ruhaan. I had the same feelings for you since my childhood. I was confiding in you that my dad was giving more attention to Pari and his mom than my mom and me. You were the one who used to comfort me."

Ruhaan: Yes, I remember all our meetings, and I want our meetings to continue for life.

Both smiled happily.

In another corner...

Arnav and Pari were sitting beneath a tree.

Arnav looked at Pari.

"Can I ask you something?"

Pari: "Yes."

Arnav: "Why do you always hide your pain behind a smile?"

Pari became emotional.

"Because I don't want anyone to feel guilty because of me."

Arnav gently held her hand.

"You don't have to fight every battle alone anymore."

Pari looked into his eyes.

For the first time...

She felt someone truly understood her.

A few days later...

Back at the Sheik house...

Ruhaan came home with his parents to formally ask for Mishty's hand in marriage.

Radhika happily welcomed them.

Kunal and Mouli were delighted.

Ruhaan's mother smiled.

"We've come to ask for your daughter's hand."

Kunal looked at Mishty.

"Beta... what do you say?"

Mishty blushed.

She silently nodded.

Everyone smiled happily.

At that very moment...

The doorbell rang.

Pari opened the door.

She was stunned.

Standing outside...

With tears in her eyes...

Was Nandini.

Beside her stood Maan.

Pari couldn't recognize her.

She politely asked,

"Yes... whom do you want to meet?"

Nandini's eyes filled with tears.

She whispered,

"I'm here to meet... my daughter."

Pari looked confused.

Just then...

Kunal, Mouli, and Radhika came outside.

Everyone froze.

Radhika softly said,

"Nandini..."

Mouli looked at Kunal.

Kunal quietly nodded.

He knew...

The day he had feared for years...

Had finally arrived.

Pari looked at everyone in confusion.

Pari: "Dad... who is she?"

Silence filled the house.

Nandini folded her hands.

Tears rolled down her cheeks.

Nandini: "Pari..."

"...I am your mother."

Pari stood motionless.

The world around her seemed to stop.