Arhi FF: Destiny Games T6 (Chapter 23.2 Updated 3rd Mar 2025) - Page 31

Originally posted by: aarushh

Thanks a lot for the update...lovely update..with a lot of things happening in this update can't wait to read more...

Thank you for loving this story! I didn't want to keep you waiting long 😛

Originally posted by: muskaansobti

Min blowing update I don’t want nk to be adopted. I want to see more of Arshi too with Arnav’s siblings

Thank you! Arshi with Arnav's siblings may come soon! awww... NK is so loved...

Originally posted by: Mvasud3

Brilliant update. The parallel between Dhruv and NK’s finding of the truth is so interesting, both trying to find out the truth and the support system they have. Tara did keep her promise and it’s overwhelming to read her testimony. Waiting to read how Shyam’s world will be unraveled from a phone recording on a Nokia phone

oh wow, thanks for pointing out the parallel between Dhruv and NK. Tara's evidence is the first defintive step towards Shyam's downfall... Shyam's story is not even revealed yet though 😊

Originally posted by: swtsam

I was just clearing my bookmarks and stumbled upon this was curious to see if you are updating… and what a wonderful surprise i got…

I dont know how to express this…but sooo soo happy to see you back.. really like aaaah..

Thank you so much for not leaving us and this story in the middle..

Coming to the updates wonderful as always…

Loving that arshi are officially dating.. can wait to read more..❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Wow, it must be telepathic connection that you have with this story! thank you! I am sorry I couldnt come back and update earlier, but I am so grateful that you are all still around to give me and my story so much love!

Originally posted by: pup03

Tara did a superb job of leaving an evidence behind.. let's see if Abhi is able to get himself cleared.. also it's gonna be tough as involvement of policemen in it.. but not to worry atleast some things can be done.. Felt good to see Nani back.. loved the convo between nani, Arnav & anjali.. Dhruv, NK seems to be in same boat.. hope they both get a closure to their reality.. Awesome chapter.. loved it so much.. Thank you 💖

Yeah, nani is back and given how things are moving towards, she is a blessing in Arnav's life!

Originally posted by: srilathas

So happy to see DESTINY GAMES being continued ...

So happy to see my good old friends still supporting me, thank you!

Why Sheetals chapter is not closed yet !!! Any suspense yet to be revealed ??

Always happy to see all siblings banter in the update

OMG so many things happen in one chapter yaar...nk result Sheetal breakup,Anjali Suraj.. arnav going to talk with family...well written yaar...pls update soon yaar...can't wait to read next update...come back soon...

From the author's desk: The term frost can denote anger and ice cold is often used as an analogy for hatred. Hence this chapter is titled thus.

Here is the next update for you! Thanks for your comments and likes, more notes at the end of the update

Happy reading!

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Chapter 23: Wheels of change

Part 2: Frosty chills

NK and La rushed into the room, a sense of urgency driving their steps. NK quickly opened the PDF report that had been sent to him, his hands slightly trembling with anticipation. La leaned over his shoulder, her curiosity piqued as she attempted to read the results alongside him.

As they poured over the pages, their confusion deepened. The data seemed contradictory, filled with anomalies that defied easy explanation. NK and La exchanged bewildered glances, each trying to grasp the growing complexity of the situation. The more they read it, the more they became puzzled.

By the time they reached the end of the document, La's puzzlement was evident. She turned to NK, her eyes searching his for answers.

"What does this mean? I can't make sense of these results. How can you be related to some and not related to others?"

NK sat in silence for a moment, his mind racing to piece together the implications of the findings. Finally, he spoke, his voice tinged with disbelief. "The report says I am related to Dadi and my siblings, but not to Nani and Mama."

“Oh my God!” La's eyes widened in shock as the gravity of the revelation sank in. "Does this mean... Are you thinking what I am thinking?"

NK's mind raced as he tried to comprehend the implications.

"I'm still related to Dadi and my siblings" NK told La, with a hint of uncertainty in his voice."I can only mean that maybe I share the same father with them, but not the same mother."

"Does this mean your father cheated on his wife? Were you born to a different mother?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

NK's thoughts swirled with confusion, the foundations of his family history shaken to the core. He knew that confronting these questions would lead to more upheaval, but he also understood that seeking the truth was imperative.

NK then pondered, "Why would someone go to such lengths to approach me back in Australia and prompt me to dig into my roots? Ben, the one who gave me these documents, clearly mentioned that my father was waiting for me."

La looked at him thoughtfully. "But the DNA results show that you must be related to your father. Or perhaps your mother is still somewhere out there, and this person knows something more."

NK nodded slowly, the mystery deepening in his mind. "Maybe, but it remains very mysterious," he admitted.

La added, "At least the DNA results show that you were perhaps not adopted."

NK sighed, feeling overwhelmed by the tangled web of his family history. He knew that uncovering the truth would be a difficult journey, but it was one he had to undertake.

NK took a deep breath. "I don't know, La. My father was deeply in love with my mother. We've been told that he became a shell of what he was after losing her when Anjali was born."

La frowned, perplexed. "Then how is it that you share DNA with your father but not your mother?"

NK hesitated, the puzzle pieces whirling in his mind. "Either that, or maybe..." He paused, an epiphany dawning on him, yet tinged with uncertainty. "Or there's another possibility," he said, his voice trailing off.

La leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

NK shook his head, a determined look in his eyes. "I need to get more evidence before I can confirm anything. This is too early to jump to conclusions."

Suddenly, NK jumped up, an urgency propelling him forward. "I have to check something," he announced, determination sharpening his features.

La quickly followed, her footsteps matching his pace. "Where are you going now?" she asked, her voice tinged with both curiosity and concern.

"I need to find those old family photos," NK replied, a hint of revelation in his tone. "There might be something in them that we've missed."

"Nandy, wait for me…"

***

Arnav looked around the room, his gaze settling on each elder present. "I need to talk to all of you," he announced, his voice carrying a weight that silenced the murmurs. The elders exchanged wary glances, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern.

"Dadi," Arnav continued, turning to face her directly, "I have asked you multiple times not to interfere in my personal life. Yet, you went ahead and invited Sheetal home again, trying to push us into something we're not ready for."

Dadi's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Arnav, I was not wrong to want my grandson married and settled with a suitable girl," she proclaimed, her eyes narrowing at Arnav. "I only have your best interests at heart, Arnav. I want to see you happy and secure, and I believe Sheetal is the right choice."

He took another deep breath, preparing himself to address the deeply rooted beliefs that his Dadi held regarding what was best for him.

"Dadi, I know you want the best for me but you must also understand that I don’t feel that way towards Sheetal."

Dadi's expression softened slightly, though her resolve remained firm. "Arnav, every arranged marriage feels uncertain in the beginning, but feelings develop over time. Sheetal has been a good friend to you, and you've known her for a while now. I don’t even know if we can consider this an arranged marriage"

Arnav knew his grandmother's words came from a place of tradition and experience, but he also knew his own heart.

"Dadi, but my feelings for Sheetal are not what you think they are."

Mami, who had been silently observing the exchange, finally spoke up, her eyes wide with shock. "Arnav bitwa, you brought Sheetal home yourself! You've been seeing her for quite some time now. How can you say that your feelings aren't what we think they are?"

Arnav sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Mami, I have brought many more girl friends before I brought her. We were fooling around for some time… companionship! It was never meant to imply anything more."

Dadi's voice rose an octave, her frustration evident.

“Whatever you name it, its time you own it up and get committed, Arnav”

Arnav's frustration began to mount, his patience waning in the face of relentless disapproval. He clenched his fists, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation. "Dadi, this isn't about tradition or obligation. It's about my happiness, my choices! Why can't you see that?"

Dadi's eyes widened, taken aback by his outburst. "Arnav, you are letting your emotions cloud your judgement. This is not how we make decisions in this family."

His frustration boiled over. "And maybe that's the problem, Dadi! We've always done things a certain way, but that doesn't mean it's the right way for me."

He took a deep breath, his voice softening but still firm. "I need you to trust me, to believe that I know what is best for my own life. Please, Dadi, try to understand."

Arnav stood firm, his resolve unwavering before he broke the news he knew would send ripples through the room.

"I broke up with Sheetal.”

“What?” Mami was the first to ask

“It was a mutual decision, and it happened quite some time ago. We are not together anymore. There will be no marriage between us. So don’t invite her anymore in the pretext of talking about a wedding that will never happen."

The room fell silent, save for the sound of Dadi's escalating breaths. Her face turned crimson with rage as she slammed her walking stick on the floor.

"Dadi's eyes glared with suspicion, her voice dripping with venom. "Is this because of Khushi?" she demanded, her question slicing through the tension in the room.

Arnav's shoulders tensed, but he stood his ground. "How does this relate to Khushi?" he replied, his tone measured yet resolute. "We are talking about me and Sheetal here and you bring Khushi in for something unrelated?"

"I knew it. This is Khushi's doing! That woman is poisoning your mind, Arnav! I can see it clearly. She’s the reason for all this confusion!” she exclaimed, her voice shaking with anger.

Arnav's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched as he struggled to keep his composure.

"Dadi, please understand. This decision was mine alone, and Sheetal and I ended things amicably. Khushi has nothing to do with this."

But Dadi was not convinced.

"You are so blind, Arnav!" Dadi's voice crackled with contempt. "Don't you see? Khushi is nothing but a gold digger. She has manipulated you, twisted your mind, and turned you against Sheetal, who is a good and respectable girl. Khushi's only aim is to ensnare you, to make you leave Sheetal for her own benefit."

Arnav's eyes flashed with anger, but he remained composed. "Dadi, that’s enough. Khushi is not a gold digger. She has never asked for anything from me except for respect and understanding. My decision to end things with Sheetal was based on our mutual agreement and had nothing to do with Khushi."

Dadi's eyes narrowed further, her voice cutting through the silence. "So, if Khushi has nothing to do with this, Arnav, are you saying you have nothing to do with Khushi? Can I take it that you have no feelings toward her?"

Arnav was taken aback. He had suspected when Dadi had suddenly invited Sheetal home, that she might have been aware of his feelings for Khushi. He had meticulously planned to tell the family about Khushi another day, when they were all in a better mood. But now that Dadi was confronting him with such accusations, he had no other choice but to reveal the truth. He took a deep breath, knowing that he had to remain calm and composed in the face of Dadi's fury.

Arnav exhaled slowly, his gaze steady and unwavering. "Dadi, Khushi has everything to do with me, but she has nothing to do with my decision regarding Sheetal. My feelings for Khushi are genuine. I like her and I care for her deeply and it is because of these feelings that I am standing here, defending her against these baseless accusations."

Dadi's face turned crimson with rage, her hands trembling as she struggled to contain her fury. "How dare you, Arnav? How dare you defy me like this?" Her voice was a mixture of hurt and wrath, echoing through the room with an intensity that made everyone present flinch.

Arnav took a deep breath, his resolve unshaken. "Dadi, I'm not defying you. I'm standing up for what's right. Khushi did nothing that you are accusing her of and she deserves to be treated with respect."

Dadi's eyes blazed with anger, her voice rising to a shrill cry. "Respect? You talk about respect while you disrespect your own blood? Your own family?" She took a step forward, her walking stick tapping sharply against the floor. "I will not tolerate this insolence, Arnav. I will not let Khushi ruin this family."

"Dadi, do you even know Khushi before you blame her for doing something that she can never do?”

Dadi's lips quivered, her eyes filled with an unyielding disdain. "I refuse to accept Khushi, I will never accept her as the bahu of this house, I will not let her step into this house."

Arnav took a resolute step forward, his eyes blazing with determination. "If Khushi is not accepted in this house, then I will leave with her. I will not stay in a place where the woman I love is disrespected and blamed unjustly." His declaration hung in the air, an ultimatum that shook the very foundations of the family.

Dadi's eyes widened in shock and disbelief, her grip tightening on her walking stick. "You would abandon your family for her?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

"Khushi is my family too, Dadi and I will protect her at all costs. I will not stand anyone defaming and disrespecting her like this"

Dadi was fuming with anger at this response from Arnav

Nani and Mama, who had been silently observing the heated exchange, finally decided to intervene.

Nani stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. "Subadra" she began, her voice gentle yet authoritative, “Please calm down, you are reacting to this emotionally. Arnav has made a choice, and it's driven by love and respect. We need to honor that”

“What are you saying Devyani, look at how much she has wrapped him on her little finger” Dadi said her face red with fury. "You are choosing that girl over your own blood! You are betraying us, Arnav!" she accused, her voice reaching a fever pitch.

Arnav's voice was unwavering as he responded to Dadi's accusation. "No, Dadi, the real betrayal would be if I didn't stand up for Khushi. Betraying my own principles and values would be the true betrayal. Khushi has brought nothing but love into my life, and I will not let anyone, not even my own family, take that away from me."

By this time the ruckus had attracted attention from Akaash came running down from his room as well as Payal and Anjali from the pool side. Akaash exchanged a worried glance with Payal and Anjali as they stood watching the heated words exchanged between Dadi and Arnav.

Akaash, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward hesitantly but Payal held him.

Payal squeezed Akaash's hand reassuringly. "Akaash, it's commendable what Arnav is doing. Someone has to stand up to Dadi and make her see the truth. Khushi deserves to be defended, and Arnav should be allowed to say what needs to be said."

Akaash nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I know, Payal. But I worry about the repercussions. This could tear the family apart. Arnav is talking about leaving the family home"

Akaash took a deep breath and walked over to stand beside Arnav, offering his silent support.

Nani gently touched Arnav's arm, her eyes filled with empathy. "Arnav, calm down. We need to handle this with a clear mind. Raising our voices won't solve anything."

Arnav took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Sorry Nani, I won't stand by and watch Khushi being disrespected."

“See how blinded he is right now” Dadi was still adamant. “Choosing an outsider over your own family, someone with no standing, no place in our world. How can you justify this?"

Arnav clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he struggled to keep his composure. "Dadi, this is not about choosing sides. This is about doing what is right. Khushi has done nothing wrong, Why would you punish and blame her when all that she went through was because of us? She deserves to be treated with respect."

“Subadra, If Khushi is an outsider, so is Sheetal… Why, wasn’t my daughter an outsider too before she married Ajay and stepped into this house as your Bahu?”

Dadi’s face turned a shade darker with anger.

“Are you now comparing that good for nothing girl with your own daughter Devyani? How could you?”

"Enough Dadi” His voice thundered through the room, causing everyone to turn towards him, wide-eyed. "Khushi has shown more strength and integrity than most people I know. She has dealt with more than you can imagine and still stands tall. She is not to be insulted or disrespected."

Nani moved closer to Arnav, trying to calm the escalating tension. "Arnav, please, let's not let this spiral out of control," she said softly, her hand resting gently on his shoulder.

But Arnav's anger was not so easily quelled. "No, Nani, this needs to be said. Khushi is part of my life now, and I will not allow anyone to demean her, especially not in our own home." He glared at Dadi, his eyes burning with a mix of hurt and determination. "You may not see her worth now, but she has brought immense value to my life, and I will defend her with everything I have."

Mama tried to pacify a fuming Arnav. "Arnav, please, we all need to calm down and discuss this rationally. Dadi can't see things your way right now. But she will understand, give her some time"

But Arnav was too angry to be soothed. "No, Mama," he snapped, his voice laced with frustration. “If Khushi is blamed unfairly for something she never had a role to play, I don’t think she will ever be truly accepted or respected or loved in this house”

With a final, resolute look at his family, Arnav turned and walked towards the stairs, his steps echoing through the silent house. The tension in the air was palpable, each family member lost in their own thoughts.

Mamaji called out as Arnav strode towards the stairs, "Arnav, where are you going?"

"I am out of here, Dadi will never understand. She is too set in her ways to see past her own prejudices." Without another word, he turned on his heel and left the room, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

Dadi's face was a mask of stubbornness. "You will regret this, Arnav. Mark my words."

As Arnav stormed up the stairs, Akaash, Payal, and Anjali exchanged worried glances and quickly followed him. Akaash reached out to Mama, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Mama, don't worry, we'll talk to Arnav. He just needs some time to cool off," Akaash said firmly.

Mama sighed as Akaash hurried after Payal and Anjali up the stairs after Arnav. "Ok. Please, pacify him."

***

"Arnav, wait!" Akaash called out, his voice tinged with urgency.

“I won’t stay here anymore,” Arnav declared, his steps never faltering.

Akaash quickened his pace, reaching out to grasp Arnav's arm gently. "Arnav, please," he implored, "I understand your anger, but we must handle this with patience. Dadi may be stubborn, but you know how to handle her, she will come around and getting out of this house is not going to help solve this”

Arnav paused, his eyes still blazing. "What do you want me to do, Akaash? She refuses to see reason."

Akaash sighed, his expression one of compassion. "We need to calm down and try to convince Dadi. We still have time to turn her around. She loves this family deeply, and with patience and understanding, she might come to see Khushi's worth as you do."

“I don’t think she will ever change” Arnav's jaw tightened

Akaash's words seemed to hang in the air as Payal and Anjali reached the top of the stairs. They saw Arnav's door slightly ajar, the sounds of hurried movements filtering through. As they approached, NK and La emerged from a nearby room, their faces a picture of bewilderment.

"What's going on?" La asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"Why didn't you hear anything?" Anjali replied, her tone a mix of urgency and exasperation. "Arnav's had a huge fight with Dadi, and now he's talking about leaving the house!"

NK’s expression turned serious. "What?"

"Dadi called Khushi so many disrespectful and demeaning words and said she will never accept her" Anjali summarized, her voice laden with disappointment. "Arnav couldn't bear to hear those words against Khushi and told Dadi he would not stay in a place where Khushi is not respected."

Without another word, NK strode towards Arnav's room, pushing the door open. Inside, he found Arnav hastily packing his things, Akaash and Payal standing by, trying to reason with him.

"Arnav, please," Payal pleaded, "leaving like this will only make things worse. We can find a way to make Dadi understand. She just needs time."

Arnav barely glanced up, his movements brisk and determined. "I've made up my mind, Payal. I can't stay here and watch her disrespect Khushi like this," he said, his voice a mix of anger and hurt.

NK stepped forward, placing a calming hand on Arnav's shoulder.

"Arnav, how do you think this will make Khushi feel?" NK asked, his voice steady but filled with concern.

Arnav paused, his hands freezing mid-motion. "She will understand," he replied, though his voice lacked conviction.

NK shook his head, stepping closer. "She will also feel sad and guilty for taking you away from your family, for no fault of hers. Do you want to make her feel that way?"

Arnav's eyes flashed with frustration. "Don't you dare guilt trip me, NK," he snapped.

NK remained calm, but his voice grew firmer. "You're leaving us no choice, Arnav. Do you think running away is the solution?"

Akaash, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. "If you were in my place, would you let me leave like this?" he asked, his tone earnest and pleading.

Arnav's expression softened slightly, but he remained resolute. "It's different, Akaash."

"No, it's not," Akaash countered. "See, Anjali is crying, Arnav. Do you really want to make her cry?"

At the mention of Anjali, Arnav took a deep breath. She was just recovering from a life-threatening accident. For a moment, Arnav's resolve seemed to waver as he looked around at the concerned faces of his family. The weight of their words began to settle in, and he slowed his packing.

Payal nudged Anjali gently. "Wail more, Anjali," she instructed in a whisper.

Anjali let out a loud sob, dramatically dabbing her eyes. "Bhai, please don't leave. We need you here," she cried, her voice exaggeratedly pitiful.

Arnav shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Anjali, I know you are not really crying," he said, looking at his sister who dropped her act.

“If you leave, I will really cry”

"Arnav, you know how Dadi is," NK said softly. "It shouldn’t really matter what she thinks of Khushi. When have we ever given a dime to what she thinks? Her beliefs are so old school”

“You weren’t there, but Dadi was really harsh on Khushi” Anjali told NK

"Arnav, it was commendable how you stood up to defend Khushi. If she had been here witnessing it, she would have been floored." Payal teased him with a playful grin, "I didn't think you had such a romantic side."

Arnav shook his head

"Don’t Romanticize this, this was hardly romantic" he replied, trying to downplay his actions.

“Are you kidding?” La countered with enthusiasm, "Maybe he is right… this was way more than romantic! Every girl would want her man to defend her like that."

Payal nodded in agreement. "She's right, Arnav. What you did was really special. I had goosebumps when you put Dadi in her place. Khushi is really lucky to have you!"

"I'll defend you too like that if dadi or anyone called you names!” Akaash told Payal

NK looked at Akaash with mock disbelief. "Akaash, are you feeling jealous now?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

"No, no, I was just quoting!" Akaash protested hurriedly, his face flushing.

His siblings were having none of it. "Sure, Akaash," Anjali teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "We totally believe you."

NK grinned broadly. "Bro got threatened" he said, nudging Akaash playfully.

Payal laughed hugging Akaash “I know Akaash will defend me, he even climbed down the wall to marry me"

Akaash shook his head, trying to defend himself, but the teasing continued, filling the room with laughter and lightening the mood considerably.

In the midst of the friendly banter, Anjali walked over to Arnav and gently took the suitcase from his hands. "Stop packing, Arnav," she said softly, looking into his eyes with concern. "You don't have to leave. You know we all root for you and Khushi."

Arnav sighed, finally lowering his suitcase onto the bed. His gaze softened, the fire in his eyes dimming.

"Alright," he muttered reluctantly, "I’m not going anywhere”

“Yay!” Anjali cheered as she quickly hooked an arm around NK and then crashed into Arnav’s side, hugging Arnav and suddenly everyone was moving, Payal splaying her arms around Akaash’s and Arnav’s back and NK pulling La along as he leaned towards them in a big hug. Arnav felt Akaash’s hand on his hair as he ruffled it affectionately and completed the group hug. The group moved together as one bundle until they all toppled over Arnav’s bed

“What the! your love is crushing me literally”. Arnav groaned from somewhere under them

“Brat!” Payal called Arnav affectionately!

"That felt good," NK said with a big smile as he untangled himself from the others. "We will fight back staying right here at the base!"

Anjali turned to NK with a playful glint in her eyes. "But NK, keep your voice down," she quipped, "or you might break Dadi's heart, She lubs you so much!”

"You know since Dadi always had a soft corner for NK, I imagined she might've reacted similarly when NK brought you home, but luckily, she accepted you without much fuss." Payal told La

“No worries, I wouldn’t have understood even if she said something” La told her.

"She only has problem with Khushi for no reason and it's tearing me apart," Arnav said as he sat up from his bed, his voice heavy with emotion.

"It's going to be alright, Arnav," Akaash said, his hand on his shoulder.

NK nodded in agreement, his usual jovial demeanor replaced with earnestness. "Just take it one step at a time."

***

Mami, who had been in stunned silence until now, suddenly found her voice. "So, it is Khushi? Arnav bitwa is in love with Khushi?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Dadi's expression hardened her stance. "Love? You call this love? This is nothing but a distraction, a diversion from his responsibilities. That woman has manipulated him! Arnav's behavior has changed completely since she came into his life," Dadi declared, her voice rising with each word. "She’s a cunning woman who knows how to twist things to her advantage."

Nani turned to face Dadi, her expression one of compassionate resolve. "Subadra, I understand your protective instincts for this family," she began, her tone steady and calming. "But we must also understand that times have changed., just as we have honored the traditions and values of this family all these years."

Dadi's eyes flashed with anger, but Nani pressed on. "You are unfairly getting angry with Khushi for no fault of hers. Is it wrong to fall in love? Whether you want it or not, she is a part of Arnav's life now, a significant part. Rejecting her means rejecting Arnav's happiness. Do you really want to see him leave this house, break away from the family he cherishes, just because we cannot accept his love?"

"I cannot accept her, Devyani. I see her as a threat to everything we stand for. Did you forget what accepting low classes like her did to my family? Do you not know in the name of love this family had to go through so much distress? Did you forget what I had to lose, I cannot do the same mistake for my grandson. I will not allow it…"

Nani shook her head, trying to defuse the situation. "Subadra, you're letting your emotions cloud your judgment. Khushi is not what you think of. She is kind and sweet girl. She has only ever cared for Arnav's well-being. Also, what happened years back is so different from what this…"

Dadi’s eyes flashed with indignation.

"You all may be blinded by her charm, but I can see through her." she declared vehemently.

With that, she turned and walked briskly to her room, her sari rustling with each determined step. Nani, Mama, and Mami exchanged glances, the weight of the moment settling heavily upon them.

Nani sighed deeply, turning to her son and daughter in law.

"Please, go to your room and rest," she urged gently. "Subadra is upset now, but she will come around. We must give her some time and space to process everything. Arnav's happiness is important to all of us, and in the end, she will see that too."

Mama and Mami nodded, their expressions a mix of concern and relief. They slowly made their way to their room, leaving Nani alone in the dimly lit hallway, her thoughts filled with hope and quiet determination.

***

The group spent the evening in the garden adjoining Arnav’s room, the one they called Mumma’s garden, all of them stretched across the couch and the beanbags they managed to drag into the space, the open courtyard was cosy with the evening summer breeze as they sat chatting around.

Dinner forgotten, Anjali and Payal were opening their 3rd chips packet. Nobody wanted to go down for a meal.

Something cold landed squarely right onto Arnav’s lap making him yelp. His hands scrambled to reach for it to find NK making his way around, dumping ice cream bars in everyone’s lap.

“No time is a wrong time for ice cream bars” he declared flopping down in the bean bag where La sat in.

“You are the best Nk bhai” Anjali said as she teared open her bar with her teeth

“So, what happened down there? How did it all start?” NK asked, pulling his legs up to his chest as he unwrapped his own ice cream, as if he felt the need to be fully tucked away on the bean bag

Payal, sitting in the other bean bag next to him, side-eyed him sternly. “Do we really want to talk about this again?” she added pointedly.

"Dadi talked her shit," Anjali told him, ignoring Payal's warning.

“That’s usual, So you told them you like Khushi?” NK prompted Arnav.

"Yeah, something like that” Arnav said biting into his bar.

“Man! don’t downplay it…” Payal told Arnav and turned to NK “He literally roared, he told your preposterous aristocratic blue-blooded Dadi that he likes Khushi and wouldn’t stand anyone talking shit about her and if she is not accepted in this family, they can very well say good-bye to him too”

“Wow! Dammit!” NK said, impressed at his brother “I missed it!”

“What were you both doing that you couldn’t hear all that noise?” Anjali asked NK wiggling her eyebrows at NK and La

“Nothing in particular” NK said eyeing at La.

Payal chuckled and looked at Anjali. "Anji, Don’t ask things you don't want to know" she said jokingly, raising an eyebrow.

As the evening progressed, the earlier tension had eased considerably. A little later, when they got up to disperse to their own room, Anjali held Arnav’s hand

"Bhai, you won’t leave in the middle of the night, will you?" Anjali asked her brother

Arnav shook his head “No”

“Promise?”

"I'm not leaving, Anjali. Not tonight, not ever. I promise."

Payal smiled encouragingly. "Sleep on this Arnav, things will get better."

Arnav took a deep breath, the support of his siblings fortifying his resolve. "Thank you" he whispered, feeling the weight on his shoulders lessen ever so slightly.

“Anytime bro, what is family for!”

“Do you want to go out on a drive or hangout?” Akaash asked Arnav

“now?”

“yeah”

“I think I will go to the gym for some time” Arnav told Akaash

“Ok I will come with you unless you want to be alone for some time”

“No, I would love company” Arnav assured him

“You want to join us NK?” Akaash asked his other brother

“No, I am hitting the bed, feeling tired”, NK told his brother who gave him a reassuring pat on the back before all of them left Arnav’s room.

“Ok, sleep tight”

***

At first NK thought it might be overwhelming, having others around when he felt his most vulnerable. But he soon found out he craved as much support as he could possibly get.

Only halfway through the evening, and he was already exhausted when he stepped out of his room earlier in the evening, wanting to search for more answers. His brain was running a mile a minute, his thoughts making his stomach churn as it dawned on him again and again about the facts in the report.

But now, as he walked towards his room, his mind felt lighter.

La's eyes kept darting towards NK, searching for something in his expression.

"Why are you looking at me like this?" NK finally asked, sensing her attention on him.

“You are smiling!”

“Am I?”

“Obviously, you are so loved Nandy! They make you so happy, you belong here” La hesitated for a moment before speaking further. "When I looked at the way you ran to support your brother, it struck me how much you love this family as much as they love you. What you're currently doing... it doesn’t mean anything."

NK stopped and turned to face her, his gaze steady and reassuring. "I do love my family," he said softly, "but I also need to know the truth. Whatever I find out, it won't change how I feel about them."

La nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of trust and anxiety. "I know. I just... I hope everything turns out well."

He placed a gentle hand on her arm, offering a comforting smile. "So do I, La. So do I."

***

To be continued.

__________________________

So done for today! Dadi is so rooted in her old beliefs that she refuses to see any sense, but there is also something that happened in her past that also influences her beliefs. Arnav and NK are going through different turmoils and both have thankfully got warm and loving support!

Meet you all soon with another update, cheers,

Vi

Excellent update ... another suspense regrading NKs connection with Dadi and not with Nani...

Happy to see frequent updates from.u dear 😘