From what we hear, chaos currently rules the Kkusum sets, with most of the cast and crew clueless about where the story is headed. The buzz is that if not Ayesha, it will be another prominent film actress, as that will help the show to counter Vinta Nanda's Miilee on Star Plus. The decision on who's to be the new Kkusum will be taken only after Ekta Kapoor returns from Malaysia with the Kasautii... team.
That's crucial, because it is the new Kkusum who will go to Malaysia with Abhay, Taashu and a few lead characters in April!