The Dr Kaira Chapter. - Page 4

Originally posted by: A_Star39

i have surrounded the storyline around gen 4 so I can model the story well.

Plus Im using creative freedom to give armaan the much needed pitai he deserves.

I’m only interested in non existent characters

Originally posted by: KyaBakwaashi

I’m only interested in non existent characters

Originally posted by: A_Star39

okay lol

JK.. write as you wish

Yea i am enjoying the fun

I hope aryan and tani become friends and he does support her when ab spews venom like today

Aryan's welcome at the airport 🤣

You are a really good writer, loving this story ❤️

Originally posted by: A_Star39

Part 4: Kachori,PC aur Tshirt

The Goenka Villa was a symphony of soft hues and polished surfaces in the early morning. Sunlight, filtered through sheer importedc urtains, cast long, tranquil gold streaks across the Italian marble floor. The air was a delicate mix of three distinct scents: the rich, earthy aroma of traditional spices, the faint, lingering note of Muskan’s expensive overnight serum, and the pure, fragrant smoke of burning incense from the temple.

The palatial family mandir, a vision of intricately carved marble and gleaming brass, stood as the spiritual centerpiece. Dr. Kaira Goenka stood before it, performing the morning aarti with practiced grace. She was dressed in an aesthetic, soft blue kurti set of fine cotton, the flames of the lamp illuminating her focused face as she sang:

Kaira (singing softly): "O Kanha, ab toh murli ki madhur suna do Kanha..."

In the state-of-the-art kitchen a sleek expanse of steel and black granite Muskan and Kairav were preparing breakfast. Muskan, elegant in a chic silk kurta and tailored trousers held a spatula with professional precision.

Muskan (to Kairav, whispering softly): "Kairav, dekh rahe ho? That is our daughter. US-educated, dermatologist, but she never forgets the cultural value. I wonder how will dinner go. Waise maine PC ko boldia hai toh make a good menu for them. I wonder if they will be able to digest international cusine”

Kairav, equally well-dressed and focused on his task of frying kachoris, smiled, the sound of the bhajan soothing the tension he felt.

Kairav: “ PC? Kaun PC, yaar? Are you talking about Priyanka Chopra? Did you hire her for the catering?"

Muskan gave him a look of absolute, high-society disdain.

Muskan: "Kairav! Don't be such a small-town boy! I mean our Personal Chef, Akshay. He only uses organic, sustainably sourced ingredients.I told him specifically no exotic spices, because, you know, the Poddars... they have that desi palate, no? I just don't want anyone getting digestive issues tomorrow and ruining the reputation of our new kitchen."

Kairav (flipping a kachori with unnecessary force):"Muski, they are not fragile birds. They eat food, just like us. And Armaan is a lawyer from Udaipur; I'm pretty sure he's encountered a Caesar salad before. Just focus on the kachoris, please. Hamari reputation abhi ispe depend kar rahi hai ."

Muskan (with a scoff, lowering the flame and her voice):"Caesar salad encounter? Arre please, Kairav. Armaan Poddar ka relationship with class is like his relationship with responsibility,temporary and conveniently forgotten.Don’t you remember he ran away with maira for 7 years.I heard uska apni landlord ki poti ke saath kuch chakkar tha.Koi small town mein RJ ki naukari kar raha tha while raising maira! Agar woh Caesa rsalad ke saamne bhi aa gaya hoga na, toh shayad mic pakad ke announce kar raha hoga
‘Coming up next — Top 10 heartbreak songs for single fathers who have no plan and no paisa!’"

Kairav froze, staring at the sputtering oil, finally having reached the end of his patience with her continuous analysis of Armaan's life failures.

Kairav (Shooing her away with his spatula, his voicerising): "Muski, bas karo! Go, go, go! Go fix your hair or your aura, but leave Armaan’s past alone,we will have to face him today and Iam hoping I don’t end up beating him with my golf clubs”

Muskan threw her head back, letting out a single, sharp,delighted laugh the sound of pure, unadulterated agreement.

Muskan (Eyes glinting, a satisfied smirk spreading across her face): "Finally, Kai! A plan! Fine. I will go check my outfit. Just please don't dent the clubs."

She haughtily turned to adjust the angle of her chic trouser leg, accepting the temporary ceasefire, now happier that Kairav shared her aggression.

Having finished her morning aarti, Kaira felt a surge of energy not just from the calm ritual, but from the excitement of Aaryan's imminent return. She knew her mother expected her to spend the day resting and preparing for the evening’s social performance, but Kaira was done waiting.

She grabbed her phone and made a quick call to her driver,her voice decisive.

Kaira (firmly): "Hello, Mahesh? Yes, I know the plan was 4 PM. But I need you to bring the car around now. Airport. We are surprising Aaryan. No, don't tell anyone.

She changed out of her kurti set and into a stylish,comfortable ivory jumpsuit.

Kaira left the villa, ready to claim her reunion.

Across town, at the majestic, slightly over-decorated Poddar House, a different kind of chaotic planning was underway. In the dimly lit living room, Abhira, Armaan (gingerly flexing his ankle), Manisha, Manoj, and Vidya were huddled, debating the perfect surprise for Aaryan's arrival. The goal, clearly dictated by Abhira, was maximum emotional impact and melodrama.

Manisha (fanning herself): "I think a simple aart iplate and a sweet message is enough, no? He will be tired."

Vidya (shaking her head): "Na, na, na! He is coming after so long! We need fanfare! Maybe a small band, like for awedding?"

Abhira (Clapping her hands together, radiating maniac energy): "Oh my god, Maaa, you are genius! But a band is so basic!This is Aaryan, hamara future star lawyer! We need something maha legendary! Something that screams: 'You are finally home, and we are the perfect family you missed! Hum log bua sa ko bhi bula lete hai.”

Vidya’s eyes widen and Manisha gets uncomfortable.

Abhira: “Uh,Armaan chalo utho”

Armaan groaned softly, testing his ankle.

Armaan: "Ooooh, silly girl. My ankle is hurting,Abhira. Please make it quick. And no more than five people in the airport lobby. I have a revenge target to worry about, and I needmobility!"

Abhira (ignoring Armaan's pain completely): "Revenge can wait, Silly Boy! Family bonding is always priority #1! Listen to my masterplan! We will all wear matching T-shirts with aaryans face! And when Aaryan comes out, we will all freeze like a wax museum exhibit! And then, Manisha Chachi, you will start dramatically crying and run at him in slow motion! That will be the ultimate, emotional, super- surprise!"

Manoj: “Aree waah Abhira Kya Idea hai!”

Abhira: Armaan, you will hold Maira up high, like Simba in the movie, and I will be filming everything! It will be a global sensation! Ohmy god yeh toh maha breaking news hai!"

Armaan (massaging his ankle, defeated): "Fine, fine.Just promise me the airport staff won't call security. And please, sillygirl, no dramatic running. My ankle can't handle the collateral damage."

Abhira: "Done! Let's go! Hurry, hurry! We must get there before the flight lands!"

Abhira grabbed the keys and began forcefully pulling the Poddar party all five of them, including the groaning Armaan toward the front door. The scene was a collision of loud enthusiasm, physical pain, and utter lack of subtlety, all heading directly toward Kaira's quiet, feisty surprise.

Kaveri: “Chalo Aaryan aaraha hai”

The Airbus rattled slightly, breaking the final traces of Aaryan's chaotic Poddar nightmare. He sat up in his Premium Economy seat,recognizing the sounds of the Mumbai-to-Udaipur connecting flight beginning its final approach. He had given up on sleep hours ago, instead choosing a bland documentary over the high-definition telecast of his subconscious family circus.

A voice crackled over the intercom: "We have begun our final descent into Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur. Please fasten your seatbelts..."

Aaryan checked his phone till on airplane mode and ran over his plan one last time. This return wasn't just a holiday; it was a strategy.

Aaryan (Internal Monologue): Okay. Step one: Land,survive the family reunion. Step two: Secure the job at the Poddar Law Firm. He needed that position, not just for the legal experience, but for thel everage. He couldn't let his father, Manoj, continue to drift, or his mother,Manisha, constantly worry about the firm's stability under Armaan.

Armaan. The name brought a familiar knot of tension. Aaryan respected his brother's intelligence but despised his dramatic, irresponsible past. And Abhira his sweet, over enthusiastic sister-in-law was a whirlwind of misplaced emotion and over-the-top family goals.

Aaryan leaned back, closing his eyes briefly, making a firm internal commitment.

Aaryan (Internal Monologue): No more. I am not a character in their personal drama anymore. I am a fully qualified lawyer now. I cannot let Armaan Bhai and Abhira Bhabhi influence my career decisions, or worse, my parents' financial future. They are staying in their lane. I am hereto bring stability, not participate in another "maha breaking news" event. This time, I am controlling the narrative.Kiara di ke saare karnaame mera lookout nahi hai!

He straightened his collar, determined. He felt the plane touch down with a smooth bump. He was ready to face the Poddars calm, composed,and in charge.

Aaryan was the first passenger off the ramp. He walked into the arrivals hall, his composure immediately challenged by the sheer volume and colour assaulting his senses.

The arrivals area was suddenly dominated by a group of five people wearing matching, slightly garish T-shirts emblazoned with his own face(a blurry photo, clearly from a decade ago).

In the center was Abhira, waving her phone like a lunatic while shouting AARYAN AARYAN. Beside her, Armaan, looking utterly defeated, was awkwardly trying to lift a seven-year-old girl, Maira, onto his aching shoulders. Manisha was already dissolving into theatrical tears, clutching a large, glittery aarti plate for her son.Manoj was waving his hands like a maniac and Vidya was busy giving her emotional expression

The moment Aaryan walked through the gate, the entire group froze in a ridiculous tableau the "wax museum exhibit" Abhira had planned.

Abhira (shouting at the top of her lungs): "Aaryan! Oh my god, Maha Breaking News! Welcome home, my cutie!"

Aaryan stopped dead, his lawyerly composure crumbling in milliseconds. T-shirts? A camera crew? A slow-motion run? He was instantly reminded that he had absolutely zero control over the Poddar circus.

Maira shouts: “Oh my god mere aaryan chachu aagaye!”

Aaryan was immediately swallowed by the tide of his tshirt-clad family. Manisha grabbed his arm, weeping louder, while Abhira thrust the camera into his face for a close-up of his shocked expression.

Meanwhile, across the chaotic arrivals hall, Kaira had spotted the unfolding spectacle. Having pulled up in her stylish ivory jumpsuit, she had initially hidden discreetly behind a large marble pillar near the car park entrance, hoping to wait out the initial rush and surprise Aaryan later.

She recognized the blur of familiar faces instantly: Mano jUncle, Manisha Aunty, Vidya Aunty, and the overwhelming source of the chaos Abhira.Kaira put a hand over her mouth, muffling a shocked gasp that was half amusement, half sheer horror. This was the family she was marrying into?

Then her eyes landed on the man awkwardly struggling under the weight of the moment and wearing a tight T-shirt: Armaan Poddar.

Kaira’s blood ran cold.

She didn't need a formal introduction. She instantly recognized the man she had publicly chastised as an eve-teaser in the marketplace the man who was now clutching his ankle, wearing a ridiculously small T-shirt, and being shouted at by his wife.

Kaira (Internal Monologue, voice cold with horror): Oh.My. God. That is the one. The eve-teaser. The absolute lack of class. Andhe is the moron who abandoned his wife and ran away with an infant? The one Mumma said was a failure? This is not just bad manners; this man is an abuser! Heis the source of all the family's trouble, standing right there, wearing aT-shirt with Aaryan's face on it! Hey Bhagwan yeh kiske pyaar mein pad ga imein.Oh god isko aaj dinner mein jhelna padega.What a classless family is this.Mumma will murder me.

Kaira silently pulled back from the pillar, turned on her heel, and retreated out of the arrivals hall, unnoticed by Aaryan and the hyperactive Poddars. Her surprise mission had failed, but her intelligence gathering had succeeded: she knew exactly who her dangerous enemy was and why the battle for Aaryan's future had to be won.

Aaryan finally escaped the suffocating T-shirts and the chaotic car ride, stepping into the grand, imposing hall of the Poddar House.The entire family was waiting, lined up to offer a more formal welcome after the airport spectacle.

Aaryan, now wearing a crisp, simple shirt, shed his internal stress and activated his "Composed Poddar Lawyer" mode. He moved through the greeting line, offering respect and affection.

Aaryan (Warmly): "Dadisa! I missed you!"

Kaveri (Matriarch,voice strong): "Aaryan. Khush raho. Finally, you’ve returned."

He embraced his father, Manoj, and his mother, Manisha,whose eyes were still damp. He respectfully greeted his uncle and aunt, Madhav and Vidya. He gave a genuine, high-spirited hug to his sister, Kiara.

When he reached Armaan and Abhira, Aaryan’s demeanor shifted almost imperceptibly. He greeted his brother with a quick, polite nod and a brief hand on the shoulder.

Aaryan (Formal): "Bhai. Good to be back."

Armaan (Smiling genuinely, despite his aching ankle): "Welcome home, Aaryan. The firm needs you."

He turned to Abhira, offering a fleeting, polite smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Aaryan: "Abhira Bhabhi. That was quite the welcome.Hope your spectacle goes viral."

Abhira missed the dry sarcasm, "Maha breaking news,Aaryan! It will!"

Aaryan swiftly moved past them to the small, seven-year-old center piece of the chaos.

Aaryan (Kneeling down, his expression softening):"Maira, my Mairu! Did you miss your Chachu?"

Maira giggled, instantly hugging his neck. Aaryan picked herup, settling her comfortably on his hip, the love for his niece completelygenuine and warm.

Kaveri Dadisa watched this exchange the combination of Aaryan’s composure, his ambition, and his undeniable connection to the family's youngest member with immense pride. She reached into a small, intricately carved silver box she always kept near her. It contained the toffees she reserved only for family members who brought true success and honor.

She walked up to Aaryan and gently placed a shining, wrapped toffee in his hand.

Kaveri (Her voice filled with satisfaction): "This is for your return, beta. And for the stability you bring. Aaryan, you are our future."

Aaryan accepted the toffee, the gesture feeling more significant than any bonus or degree. He was officially anointed.

He moved towards the Bansals: Sanjay Phupha ji, Kajal Bua, his cousin, Krish, and his new wife, Tanya. Aaryan grabbed a sleek,expensive-looking gift bag that his driver had discreetly left near the entrance.

Aaryan (Handing the bag to Tanya): "Tanya Bhabhi, a small welcome gift from Paris. A pretty Lady Dior bag . Krish Bhai told me you're starting your own ventures, and every successful woman needs a bag that means business."

Tanya, elegant and composed, gasped slightly at the sight of the Lady Dior. "Aaryan! Thank you so much! It's beautiful!"

The gesture instantly tightened the atmosphere. Vidya, who was already involved in a bitter chattis ka aakda with Kajal, felt thesting of Aaryan's expensive endorsement.

Vidya (Muttering, loud enough to be heard, adjusting her own bangles): "Oh ho, a designer bag? Such extravagance for a bahu so new. Hope it gets used for something more than just selfies."

Then, Kajal Bua stepped forward, her face tight with wounded pride. The family knew the resentment was boiling, especially since the recent incident where Vidya had slapped Kajal.

Kajal (Her voice brittle, addressing Kaveri): "Maaji,this is all wonderful. Aaryan brings stability and designer bags for the new bahus."She paused, letting her eyes rake over Vidya. "But even expensive gifts won't cover up the ugliness in this house. A slap, Maaji! Vidya Bhabhi raised her hand on me!"

The air thickened, everyone holding their breath.

Abhira (Her voice ringing with wounded idealism): "Kajal Bua! Please, bas! How can you even talk about batwara? You are talking about dividing walls, dividing money, but you are forgetting to divide the love! Rishte are not property papers that you can just tear in half!Do you think Papa, Chachu (, and Dadisa spent their entire lives building this maha beautiful ghar just so we could break it over one galati ? A slap happens! Fights happen! But family means we forget the slap and remember the hug! Love is the only kanoon that should apply here! Pyaar sabka Bhagwaan hai This house is held together by rishton ki dor, not by your demands, Bua!"

Abhira finished, her chest heaving. Vidya looked slightly mollified by the defense, but Kajal glared back, utterly unimpressed by the young lawyer's histrionics.

Kajal (Scornfully): "Oh, dekho. Jiska pati baccha lekar bhag gaya and broke rishte for seven years is now giving us alecture on rishton ki dor? Your legal opinion is not needed, Abhira.Maybe talk to your husband about his mount abu adventure before you talk to me about love."

Armaan perks up: “Maira bacchi hai,please uspe bura asar padega”

Tanya rolls her eyes and starts scrolling on her phone

Aaryan watched the entire exchange, the sudden transition from tears to property demands to high-minded philosophy leaving him emotionally exhausted. He watched the tension between the family members, the legal mind instantly assessing the core value of their relationship. He shifted Maira on his hip, the weight of the moment demanding a final, internal verdict.

Aaryan (Internal Monologue, sharp and absolute): "Pyaar sabka Bhagwan hai? Rishton ki dor?... GHANTA!"

WOW...... Aryan is seriously grown-up, i wish Manisha, Manoj, Kiara too growup like him..... He is too funny 🤣

Kairav-muskaan moments being chaotic husband -wife like kaira(parents) is so awesome 👍 👍....

Kaira is literally looking like a Boss lady😎.. she will definitely straightup this chor-lusty couple...

The story is so good 😊 😊, literally enjoying it like anything, waiting for upcoming parts...

Padharo padharo mare FF thread mein

Welcome to my FF thread

Part 5: Jija Saali ki nok jhok

The Goenka Villa, though always perfect, was currently charged with a palpable, negative energy. The atmosphere was one of high-society obligation the preparation for a dinner meant not to enjoy, but to endure.

It was in this climate that Dr. Kaira Goenka quietly slipped back into the hall, her stylish ivory jumpsuit feeling like a crumpled reminded of the morning’s failure. She had seen the raw, embarrassing chaos of the Poddars at the airport, and the trauma still clung to her.

She watched the frantic, silent movement: the butler setting out exactly three guest place settings at the vast table, the meticulousprecision over the few necessary arrangements.

Kaira (Internal Monologue, utterly drained): I am marrying into the T-shirt brigade. I have to face the man who is the physical embodiment of everything Mumma hates about them. And she doesn't even know he's going to be my brother-in-law.Kya mein sahi kar rahi hu? I think I should talk to Mom and Dad about Aaryan.We will be getting married.But first I will fix that Armaan Poddar today

She ascended the stairs, resolving to find the perfect shield for the evening.

In the master suite, Muskan sat before her vanity,completing her makeup. She looked flawlessly elegant in a muted, designer Manish Malhotra silk kurta set paired with heirloom gold—tasteful, expensive,and reserved for a private setting. Kairav leaned against the doorway, holding a glass of water, looking stressed.

Kairav: "Muski, the table is set for five. The paneer is organic. We've done our due diligence. Can we just get this over with quickly? I don't think I can tolerate more than ninety minutes of Armaan's attempts at sophistication."

Muskan finally looked up from her compact, her deep, cold resentment boiling just beneath her perfect makeup.

Muskan: "We will endure every minute, Kairav. Not forthem, but for us. And because I need you to remember what that man that abuser,that baccha chor did to Abhira."

She placed her compact down, her hand shaking slightly asshe thought of the past.

Muskan: "He ran away with infant Maira seven years ago,leaving Abhira depressed, alone, and poor. She was humiliated when Krish and Sanjay kicked them out. She lived in poverty with Kaveri and Vidya, mourning a child he had hidden! And yet, after all that suffering, she chose to keep him.She chose his irresponsibility over her own sanity, over a stable future.I wonder yeh sach mein Bhaiji ki beti hai. Akshara Bhabhi ne armaan mein kya dekha.Only if she ever contacted us "

Her voice hardened with finality.

Muskan: "Tonight is a social obligation, nothing more.We will be polite to Abhira for old times' sake , be warm to maira.Aakhir mein hamari grand niece hai woh,hamari gudiya and we will simply tolerate Armaan. That is the entire strategy."

Kairav (Sighing, defeated): "Tolerate. Fine. I'll gomake sure the butler doesn't accidentally serve the most expensive wine toarmaan."

Kaira, meanwhile, was in her room, preparing her mental andphysical armor. She needed to look poised, untouchable, and utterly serious.She chose her powerful, emerald green silk dress simple, perfectly tailored,and conveying professional success.

As she slipped the dress on, Kaira’s mind was fixated on thetruth she learned at the airport.

Kaira (Internal Monologue, eyes sharp): Mujhe Poddars ko handle karna padega.I have a plus point that Aaryan is not much attached with his family.Mom will not tolerate a Poddar except if Aaryan decides to live separately with me.Hamari shaadi ke baad waise bhi Aaryan will convince Manoj uncle to get his share.If Aaryan starts handling the Mumbai Branch then us and his parents will move to Mumbai.If Abhira tries to ruin my plan by her stupid family obsession then mein uski band baja dungi.Lets see aakhir who hai kaisi.Ruhi Di is very neutral about Abhira tho she is very annoyed with armaan.Waise bhi Bade Dadu,Dadi and ruhi and dakshu maharaj will be landing in Udaipur for the cultural centre opening.Ruhi Di already knows and she told me that she will support me.

With swift, expert precision, she applied a light, flawlessbase and added a sharp, minimalist stroke of eyeliner.

Kaira was ready for the dinner

Across town, at the Poddar House, the atmosphere was less about controlled elegance and more about unbridled, nervous enthusiasm. Abhira was running a solo campaign to ensure her husband and daughter made the perfect impression on her beloved Mama and Mami.

In the living room, Armaan sat stiffly on the edge of the sofa, looking deeply uncomfortable in a brand-new, unstarched linen kurta that Abhira had insisted upon. He was still aching from his ankle and dreading the forced civility. Maira, dressed in a bright pink princess frock (also chosen by Abhira), sat patiently beside him, swinging her legs.

Armaan (Groaning softly, massaging his ankle): "Sillygirl, can we please just skip the Goenkas? It's just dinner. Chalo na thoda time spend karte hai"

Abhira (Ignoring his complaint, circling him with a lint roller as if he were a piece of furniture): "Because, Silly Boy, this is not just dinner! This is my Mama and Mami! They are from the US! They have maha big standards! We must show them we are sophisticated, but also emotional! You need to look serious, but kind. Like a successful lawyer!"

She stepped back, assessing him critically.

Abhira: "The kurta is good, but your face... your face looks like you just lost a case! Smile! And stop rubbing your ankle! Kairav Mama will think you have a maha weird habit!"

Abhira beamed, feeling she had perfected the balance between high emotion and Poddar tradition. She grabbed Armaan's hand and Maira's,practically pulling them toward the car, bursting with anticipation for the night ahead.

The melodic chime of the doorbell rang through the Goenka Villa, announcing the arrival of the guests. Muskan and Kairav stood in the grand entrance hall, perfectly positioned to receive the trio. Muskan was avision of cool elegance in her designer silk, her expression carefully neutral—prepared for a painful but necessary social ritual.

The door was opened by the butler, and Armaan, Abhira, and Maira stepped inside.

Abhira was beaming, her enthusiasm instantly filling the formal space. Armaan, looking stiff in his linen kurta, tried to project an air of professional competence, while Maira clutched her father’s hand, wide-eyed at the villa’s grandeur.

Kairav stepped forward first, offering a curt, polite greeting.

Kairav (Voice cool, offering only a brief handshake to Armaan): "Welcome, Mr. Poddar. Thank you for making the time. We trust the drive was pleasant?"

Armaan (Smiling tightly): "Perfectly smooth, Mr.Goenka. The villa is magnificent."

Muskan bypassed Armaan entirely, her gaze sweeping over himwith a chilling, high-society disdain a silent, sharp dismissal. She offeredhim only a slight inclination of her head, the unspoken message clear: You aretolerated baggage.

Muskan’s steely composure, however, shattered the moment her eyes locked onto Abhira. Abhira, her niece, the nishaani (symbol) of her late brother, Abhinav. The history, the blood ties, and the deep, old love instantly overwhelmed the social armor.

Muskan let out a sharp, choked gasp—a sound of raw,uncontrolled pain—and rushed forward.

Muskan (Voice thick with sudden, wild emotion, pulling Abhira into a tight embrace): "Abhira! My beta! Mere bhaiji ki beti!"

The tears started fast, streaming down Muskan’s meticulously made-up face, ruining the expensive base. She held Abhira fiercely, crying with an intense, almost "crazy" grief that was shocking in its display of vulnerability.

Muskan (Sobbing): "It has been too long! I can't... Ican't believe you're here. You look just like him... my Bhaiji..."

Abhira, surprised by the intensity of her Mami’s breakdown,instantly returned the embrace, her own eyes tearing up at the sight of her Mama and Mami's genuine affection.

Kairav, looking embarrassed but moved, quickly pulled Muskan back, handing her a handkerchief.

Kairav (Clearing his throat, trying to regain control):"Muski, bas karo (that's enough). The guests are here."

Dotting Over Maira

Kairav quickly pivoted, his attention immediately softening as he spotted Maira. He knelt down, his expression transforming into theindulgent, goofy 'nanu' face that hadn't been seen all evening.

Kairav (Warmly, holding Maira's hands): "And who is this, our beautiful gudiya? Hello, Maira beta. Welcome to your nana Mama's house! We have been waiting for you!"

Muskan, drying her tears but still emotionally raw, quickly joined him, the sapphires on her earlobes trembling slightly.

Muskan (Voice still a little shaky but warm): "You are so big, my grand-niece! You must tell me everything! Did you enjoy the longdrive? We have kept your favorite ice cream ready, just for you."

Armaan stood by, utterly ignored by both hosts except forthe brief, contemptuous glance Muskan shot his way as she turned back to Maira.He was clearly just the chauffer, the father, the man they had no choice but tolet stand in their hall.

As Muskan began to compose herself, dabbing at her eyes,Abhira finally lifted her gaze from her Mami’s face to take in her surroundings. The sheer scale and modernization of the hall—Muskan’s two-week overhaul of Italian marble, silk panels, and imported fixtures—hit her like aphysical wave.

Abhira’s tears dried instantly, replaced by a look of sheer,wide-eyed astonishment.

Abhira (Whispering, shell-shocked): "Oh my god, Mami...Mama! Is this—is this the same house? It looks like a museum! Maha breaking news! I didn't recognize anything!"

Armaan, who had been trying to regain his professional footing, was equally dumbstruck. He looked around slowly, the subtle lighting and minimalist luxury contrasting brutally with the familiar, slightly cluttered warmth of the Poddar House.

Armaan (Internal Monologue, swallowing hard): This isn't just money. This is status defined by absence—no clutter, no noise. The cost of this silence is terrifying.

He tried to smooth the creases out of his new linen kurtaagain, feeling suddenly underdressed and out of place.

Muskan, having caught Abhira's shell-shocked whisper and seeing Armaan’s discomfort, stepped forward, her voice regaining its steel and tinged with undeniable haughtiness.

Muskan (Adjusting her gold jewelry, her voice smooth and elevated): "It is, beta. The old aesthetics simply didn't work for thecurrent climate. Everything needed to reflect true international stature."She paused, letting her eyes sweep over the imported silk panels with proprietary pride. "We've only been back two weeks, and we changed everything. Only the mandir and Akshara's room, of course, remain exactly asthey were."

She offered a slight, knowing smile that was half-condescension, half triumph.

Muskan: "The goal, Abhira, was effortless global elegance. We flew in specialists from New York and Milan for the lighting andmarble. Everything here is now custom-made, zero clutter, zero excess. It’s thekind of silence that demands respect, not attention. I'm glad you noticed thedifference. It shows how much we’ve evolved”

Abhira:”Wow mami you have maha classy taste”

Muskan (Internal Monologue, frowning slightly): 'Maha Classytaste?' Does she speak in news headlines now? That terrible loud, small-townand weird language... even the villa's air conditioning couldn't filter thatout. I hope she is teaching mairu language well.I should gift maira some Englishlanguage books instead of the gold bracelet I am thinking.”

Just as the awkward tension settled, a sound from thestaircase caught their attention.

A rhythmic, deliberate footstep announced her entrance. Kairapaused at the top of the marble landing, cool and collected in her elegantemerald green dress, her makeup perfectly applied—the perfect predator arrivingto survey the scene.

Her eyes, cold and assessing, swept over the trio below,settling on the man who had ruined her morning and who stood to ruin her life: Armaan Poddar.

For a crucial, suspended moment, the only sound in the vast,silent hall was the subtle hum of the imported air conditioning.

Then, Armaan’s composure snapped. He had seen themarketplace aggressor, the girl he vowed vengeance upon.

Armaan (A sharp, horrified gasp, the linen kurta suddenlyfeeling like a straitjacket): "TUM!"

Kaira’s carefully constructed composure crumbled just asswiftly. The sheer disgust of seeing the "eve-teaser" standing in herpristine home overcame her strategy.

Kaira (A high, choked cry of pure, unadulterated revulsion):"TUM! How dare you enter my house!Saale haramkhor"

The screams echoed off the Italian marble. Kairav and Muskanfroze, their expressions melting from haughty acceptance into absolute,panicked confusion.

Muskan (Hissing at Kairav, frantic): "What happened?Kaira! Who is he talking about and WHAT is this language?"

Abhira (Spinning around, utterly confused): "Silly Boy?Kaira? What is this and Kaira how dare you call my silly boy Haramkhor"

Kaira didn't wait for answers. Her doctor’s mind, fueled bythe morning's trauma and the evening's judgment, switched to pure adrenaline.She reached down without breaking eye contact, slipped off one expensiveemerald silk heel, and wielded it like a gun. She tossed the other shoecarelessly onto the marble floor.

In one fluid, enraged motion, Kaira hiked up the skirt ofher elegant dress and launched herself down the staircase, screaming a wordlesssound of fury.

Kaira (Shouting, raising the heel): "Get out!"

Armaan, recognizing the look of pure murderous intent fromthe marketplace, and instantly remembering his aching ankle, reacted with pure,panicked instinct.

Armaan (Yelping): "Maira! Run!"

He shoved Maira toward Abhira and stumbled backward towardthe nearest pillar, attempting to evade Kaira, who was now chasing himbarefoot, a $800 high heel held high like a shiny, lethal weapon, across themillion-rupee marble floor.

The two families one poised, one melodramatic were united ina tableau of utter, chaotic social disaster: Kaira chasing Armaan, Muskanclutching her husband in horror, and Abhira staring in confusion, holding aterrified Maira.

The elegant hall, now a racetrack for chaos, was silenced bya sudden, commanding roar.

Kairav, whose nervous energy had reached its breaking point,suddenly found his voice. It wasn't the voice of the goofy, stressed husband,but the loud, undeniable voice of the Goenka patriarch who had run international businesses.

Kairav (His voice thunderous, echoing off the marble walls):"STOP! RIGHT NOW!"

The sound was so unexpected and so absolute that everyonefroze instantly.

Kaira skidded to a halt mid-stride, her emerald dress flaredout, her chest heaving, the expensive silk heel held suspended in the airinches from Armaan’s face.

Armaan was plastered against a decorative marble pillar, hi eyes wide with fear, barely inches away from the striking heel.

Muskan released a small, ragged whimper, her hands still clutching her cheeks in shock. Abhira stood near the entrance, holding Maira protectively, her expression a mix of shock and total confusion over the maha-chaos.

The hall held the frozen tableau: the perfect,custom-renovated silence, shattered by the reality of the two warring individuals, caught mid-attack. The only movement was the soft, rhythmic swing of the heel in Kaira's hand.

Kairav (His voice now dropping, sharp and terrifyingly calm): "Kaira. Put. The. Shoe. Down."

The room was waiting. The dinner had now become an interrogation. Kaira’s adrenaline crashed into her father’s command. She took a deep, ragged breath,her grip loosening. With a defiant glare at Armaan, she lowered her arm and let the expensive heel drop with a soft thud onto the marble, the sound strangelyl oud in the silence.

Kairav (Stepping forward, his eyes burning into Armaan):"Now, will someone explain what absolute circus you have brought into my house, Armaan? And you, Kaira. Why are you attacking our guest?"

Kaira didn't wait. Her voice, though shaky, was ringing with cold certainty.

Kaira: "He is not a guest, Papa. He is the reason I had to call the police this morning. He is the eve-teaser from the market whom Igot beaten by the crowd!"

The revelation detonated in the elegant hall.

Muskan let out a high-pitched, scandalized shriek—a sound of high-society horror that cracked the air.

Muskan (Gasping, clutching her throat): "Oh my god! An eve-teaser! In my villa! I told you, Kairav! I told you the sheer classlessness of this man!"

Kairav didn't speak. The shock turned his calm rage into something raw and physical. His face contorted, all the accumulated hatred for Armaan's past failures and this latest humiliation boiling over.

Kairav (Roaring, spinning on his heel): "That's IT! Iknew I shouldn't have put them away! Muski! I am going to finish this once andfor all!"

He sprinted toward the corner of the room where hisrecreational equipment was stored.

Kairav (Shouting as he disappeared around the corner):"My golf clubs! I'm going to beat the soul out of him!"

Muskan, tears forgotten, immediately went into extreme panicmode. If Kairav was going for the golf clubs, she needed a heavier deterrent.

Muskan (Scandalised and frantic, running toward the storage wing in her flowing silk): "Kairav! Wait! Golf clubs are too messy! You'llruin the Italian rug! I'll get Bade Papa's ancient gun! It’s in the safe! It’sheavy! It will look more dignified!"

Armaan, seeing the father of his future sister-in-law runfor a weapon and the mother run for an heirloom firearm, lost all color.

Armaan (Shrieking, utterly terrified, clinging to thepillar): "Abhira! Help! They are trying to murder me!"

Abhira, utterly dumbfounded by the sight of her Mami andMama who were supposed to be the epitome of US sophistication running off toretrieve implements of bodily harm, could only stare at her husband.

Abhira (Muttering, holding Maira tight): "Golf clubs?Ancient gun? Please mama mami mera armaanbekasur hai”

Kairav and Muskan and come together wielding their weapons andstop to give her a side eye and say in unison:“ABHIRA SHUT UP”.

The sheer absurdity and danger of the situation momentarilygalvanized Armaan. As Kairav's footsteps thundered toward the golf clubs andMuskan's elegant silk fluttered toward the gun safe, Armaan lunged forward,abandoning the safety of the pillar.

Armaan (Shouting desperately, his voice cracking): "Please!Wait! Mr. Goenka! Mrs. Goenka! Stop! I beg you! You have to listen to my side! Itis not what it looks like! I can explain the market incident! I am not aneve-teaser!Mujhe apni baat bolne ki bheek dedijiye"

The desperate plea, raw and unpolished, managed to halt theretreating figures. Kairav paused at the corner, his hand already reaching forthe golf bag. Muskan skidded to a stop near the entrance to the wing, her facea mask of furious indignation.

It was Kaira, still breathing heavily from the chase, whofinally intervened, her tone shifting instantly from attacker to clinician—firmand focused.

Kaira (Voice authoritative, stepping between her parents andArmaan): "Papa! Mamma! STOP!"

She looked directly at Kairav, her arms outstretched,blocking his path.

Kaira: "We need to handle this with reason, notweapons. He is in our house. Even if he is guilty, we have to follow dueprocess." She shot Armaan a look of pure contempt. "And, honestly, Iwant to hear his pathetic excuse first. If we beat him now, we'll never get thefull story of his depravity."

Kairav gave a curt wave, and Armaan, still shaking, guidedby a frantic Abhira, stumbled to the nearest silk sofa. Muskan stood rigidly,arms crossed, while Kairav paced. Maira, silent and wide-eyed, was quicklyhustled off by a butler to the kitchen for juice.

Kairav (His voice a low, dangerous rumble): "Start,Armaan. And don't waste my time. Explain how you, a lawyer, ended up gettingthrashed in a public place by a mob summoned by my daughter."

Armaan took a deep breath, trying to regain his professionalcomposure, but the memory of the golf clubs and the ancient gun was too fresh.

Armaan: "Mr. Goenka, Mrs. Goenka, I swear, this was a misunderstanding of epic, catastrophic proportions. It happened exactly a weekago. I was returning from a particularly tough court hearing—I was still in my lawyer's jacket, I assure you—walking through a very crowded part of the oldcity bazaar. I was exhausted."

He looked directly at Kaira, who was watching him with cold,clinical scrutiny.

Armaan: "Dr. Goenka was there, clearly new to the rushof the Udaipur markets. She was walking close to the edge of the stalls, and Isaw a cyclist weaving through the crowd behind her, dangerously close to herscarf."

Armaan wrung his hands, the memory clearly painful.

Armaan: "I reacted instinctively! I saw the scarf aboutto get pulled into the wheel. I reached out, quickly, to yank her forward, outof the cyclist's path—to prevent an injury, sir! But in the chaos, the movementwas too fast, and too intrusive."

He lowered his head in utter defeat.

Armaan: "Instead of seeing a rescue, she felt a suddentug from a stranger. Before I could explain, before I could even complete anapology, she looked at me a disheveled man in a crowded alley, reaching out—and she screamed."

He looked up at Kaira, his face pleading.

Armaan: "She pointed at me, right in the middle of the crowd, and shouted at the top of her lungs, 'Stop this Mawali! This eve-teaser!How dare you touch me!'"

Abhira gasped, clutching her hands to her mouth.

Muskan (Eyes narrowed in disgusted triumph): "An eve-teaser! A Mawali! It's exactly as Kaira suspected! That is the company Abhira keeps!"

Armaan (Desperate): "But it wasn't true! It was an attempted rescue, which looked like an assault! The crowd, sir, they heard the words 'eve-teaser' and they didn't wait. They beat the heck out of me! They tore my clothes! They stripped me of dignity! I was humiliated, bleeding, and aching for days!"

He gestured weakly toward his ankle.

Armaan: "I wasn't teasing anyone! I was just clumsy in trying to help, and she blew it into a public spectacle!"

Silence descended again, heavy with the weight of Armaan's dramatic defense and the ridiculous mental image of the lawyer being pummeled for attempted heroism.

Kairav (To Kaira, voice tight): "Kaira. Is this... is this true? Did he reach for your scarf to... help?"

Kaira paused. She looked at Armaan—at the frantic sincerityin his eyes, at the way he was still subconsciously protecting his ankle—andthe doctor in her recognized the plausible panic. Her disdain for the man wasabsolute, but her commitment to fairness was, surprisingly, stronger.

Kaira (After a beat, looking away): "I... I guess. I mean, he reached for me very aggressively, Papa. But I suppose, in the rush, hemight have been trying to stop a larger accident. I thought he was a Mawālí.But I guess he was just a... clumsy annoyance."

Instead of the contrite apology Armaan was desperately awaiting, Kairav burst out laughing—a loud, booming sound that completely overwhelmed the room's tense atmosphere.

Kairav (Roaring with laughter, slapping his thigh): "Hahaha!Oh my God! An attempted rescue turned into a mob beating! Kaira, you are absolutely incredible!"

He strode over to Armaan, who was bracing himself for areprimand. Instead, Kairav delivered a massive, booming back slap that nearlyknocked the wind out of the already aching lawyer.

Kairav (Grinning, totally ignoring Armaan’s wince):"Welcome to the family, Armaan! That's what we call Jija-Saali nok-jhok!You two are starting early! A bit violent for a first meeting, buttraditional!"

Armaan, who had prepared for an apology and instead receiveda physical assault disguised as a family welcome, stared blankly at Kairav,dumbstruck for the second time that evening.

Abhira’s confusion instantly curdled into indignation.

Abhira (Irate, standing up): "Jija-Saali nok-jhok?Mama! Mami! He was beaten! His clothes were torn! That is not nok-jhok, that is maha injustice,Kaira say sorry!"

Muskan glided swiftly to Abhira's side, placing a soothing hand on her shoulder, successfully stifling her niece's loud outburst.

Muskan (Smoothly, but firmly): "It's okay, beta. Kairavis just trying to diffuse the situation. Let's just... call it amisunderstanding."

Muskan smiled reassuringly at Abhira, but as her eyes met Kairav's over Abhira's head, the shared look was one of silent, smug satisfaction. He got beaten, their eyes communicated. And it was Kaira who didit. Muskan and Kairav, the champions of high-society poise, were secretly glowing with pride over their daughter's successful, albeit chaotic, assault on the despised Armaan Poddar.

Muskan, having quickly resumed her role as the consummate hostess, smoothed down her silk kurta, casting a look that dared anyone to mention golf clubs or ancient guns again.

Muskan (Sweetly, guiding everyone toward the dining room):"Well! Now that the initial introductions are... complete, let's proceed to dinner. Kairav, ensure we keep the conversation away from the criminal justice system, please. Abhira, Armaan, please."

The Goenkas’ lavish dining room was a terrifying landscape of polished mahogany and Baccarat crystal. The table was set for five,showcasing Chef Akshay's minimalist Marwari fusion cuisine. The tension was so thick it seemed to interfere with the chandelier's light.

The seating was strategically awkward: Kairav at the head,Muskan opposite him. Kaira sat next to her father, and Armaan was placed next to his wife, Abhira—safely away from Kaira, though Armaan kept checking his proximity to her expensive elbow.

The conversation started stiffly with Kairav forcing polite questions about the Poddar Law Firm.

The Nickname Scandal

The atmosphere was briefly broken when Abhira, attempting to get Maira to finish her deconstructed churma sphere, reached out with affectionate exasperation.

Abhira (In her typical, enthusiastic voice): "Maira, my Bandar! Look, eat this, beta. You're running around like a monkey al lday; you need the energy!"

The word "Bandar" echoed loudly in the pristine,silent room.

Muskan instantly dropped her expensive silver spoon onto herplate with a sharp clink. The sound resonated like a gunshot. He perfectly composed face froze in a look of ultimate, hilarious scandal.

Muskan (Voice sharp, hushed, and dripping with high-societyjudgment): "Abhira! What did you just call the child?"

Abhira blinked, confused by the extreme reaction to herusual nickname.

Abhira: "Mami? Bandar? It’s just... she’s always jumping."

Muskan leaned forward, her eyes wide with performative horror, delivering a cutting rebuke that was both genuine and utterly absurd.

Muskan (Hissing in a theatrical whisper): "Abhira, sheis the Ghar ki Lakshmi! She is our grand-niece! She is the child who sits atthe Goenka table! You cannot call Ghar ki Lakshmi a Bandar! That is terrible energy! It is uncouth! It's low-class! You will find her a new nickname immediately. Something soft. Something aspirational!"

Kairav, who was struggling not to laugh at Muskan's dramaticdefense of the "Ghar ki Lakshmi" title, quickly wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin.

Kairav (Steeling his face, nodding sternly): "Muskan isright, Abhira. 'Bandar' is not suitable for a sophisticated Gudiya. Find a newone."

Abhira sank back into her chair, utterly irked andembarrassed by the public schooling over something so innocuous.

It was exactly at this moment, the peak of Abhira's humiliation, that Kaira let out a small, sharp burst of laughter. It wa shalf-amusement at her parents' synchronized absurdity, and half-disdain for the target of their criticism.

The sound a quick, elegant heh drew everyone's eyes.Abhira turned a heated glare onto Kaira.

Abhira (Sensing Kaira's judgment): "What's so funny,Kaira?"

Kaira quickly masked her expression, picking up her fork.

Kaira (Smoothly, but her eyes glinting): "Nothing,Abhira . I just found Mamma's defense of changing the nickname... maha impressive.I think you should not use Chatgpt for finding maira nicknames"

The dinner was continuing, but the subtle hostility between the two women had just been publicly acknowledged.

Muskan focused her gaze on Abhira, her tone deceptivelysoft, weaving her memory of the Raizadas into a sharp-edged social critique.

Muskan (With an elegant sigh, leaning back slightly):"You know, Abhira, seeing you here brings back such lovely memories ofwhen we were all so closely connected. I remember meeting Tanya in the States,poorgirl lost her only brother.I hope you are treating Tanya well"

She paused, letting the implication of professionalchoices hang in the air, then delivered the subtle blow with absoluteprecision.

Muskan: "It just makes me think of Anshuman. Such a kind heart, Abhira, and so stable. Do you remember how he invested in Kesari Vastra? Truly a man who understood the importance of backing a good venture. It's always so comforting to look back and remember those strong,reliable alliances from our past, isn't it? A true friendship, built on such solid ground.The way he literally organised a wide scale DNA operation to find Mairu."

The reference was unmistakable. Muskan wasn't just praising Anshuman; she was subtly highlighting the stability, financial backing, andsocial respectability Abhira had thrown away when she chose the "abuser" Armaan instead.

Abhira flinched, the casual cruelty of the taunt hitting hersquarely. She knew exactly what her Mami was implying: You chose the chaos,not the foundation.

Abhira (Her voice tight, forcing a smile): "Yes, Mami.Anshuman was... very reliable." She shot a quick, defensive look a tArmaan, whose jaw had clenched. "But my choices were about my life, Mami,not just business alliances."

Muskan merely offered a sympathetic, patronizing tilt of he rhead the perfect, silent response that conveyed: And look where your "life choices" landed you.

Kairav, seeing the subtle but painful effect Muskan's taunt had on Abhira, decided to steer the aggression toward a safer, more professional target: Armaan's career choices. He saw independent practice as flimsy compared to the established power of the Poddar Law Firm.

Kairav (Setting down his napkin with deliberate formality,shifting his focus to Armaan): "Solid ground ki baat karein toh, Armaan.Main sirf family ki legacy ke future ke liye pooch raha hoon. Jab aapne PoddarLaw Firm ko Sanjay aur Krish se wapas secure kiya—ek bohot hi zabardas tkaam tha—tab aapne wahan re-establish hone ka choose kyun nahi kiya?"

Kairav leaned forward slightly, his eyes conveying a subtlebut crushing judgment.

Kairav: "Poddar Law Firm ka ek prestige hai. Ek foundational rutba hai. Magar, aapne independent practice chuni, jahan tak mujhe yaad hai, Abhira ke saath local cases par focus karte hue. Jo structure aur reputation aapko family name de rahi thi, woh kyun chhod di? Surely,lambi sthirta aur growth ke liye, firm ke naam ko leverage karna zyada sensible legal decision hota, nahi?"

Muskan watched Armaan intently, her silent judgment amplifying Kairav’s words. Her look clearly stated: You choose small-timeover legacy, just like your wife chose chaos over Anshuman.

Armaan stiffened. This was the professional low blow he haddreaded. He defended his choice, his lawyer’s instinct for argument surfacingthrough the anxiety.

Armaan (Defensively): "Mr. Goenka, firm toh tainted ho chuki thi takeover ke baad. Image rebuild karne mein saalon lag jaate. Mera choice ek strategic tha. Abhira ke saath independently start karne se hamein complete autonomy mili, aur hum human-centric cases par jaldi focus kar paaye, firm ke purane clientbase ke constraints se free ho kar."

Abhira (Jumping in loyally): "Yes! Aur Armaan mahaamazing work kar rahe hain! Hum apne clients ko choose kartehain, woh humein nahi!"

Kairav merely raised an eyebrow, a gesture that conveyedabsolute skepticism.

Kairav: "Autonomy toh admirable hai,Armaan. But law mein, stability aur influence prestigepar banti hai, sirf speed par nahi. Main sincerely hope kartahoon ki yeh maha amazing independent practice, woh foundation depayegi jiski Goenka girl ko aadat hai."

The final, loaded statement hung in the air, shifting the judgment from Armaan's career to Abhira's comfort and the Goenka's standards.The dinner was now a full-scale legal and social interrogation.

The final, loaded statement hung in the air: The Goenkas were judging not just Armaan's career, but the entire financial standing of the Poddars

The dinner had finally wound down. The deconstructed paneerwas mostly untouched, and the atmosphere was thick with unspoken insults andsuppressed rage. Muskan, however, was determined to end the evening on a noteof undeniable Goenka supremacy.

She signaled a butler, who swiftly brought forward threevelvet boxes and a large, ornate silver platter holding a single, heavyenvelope.

Muskan (Her voice returning to its most saccharine, hostesstone): "Now, we can't let our guests leave without a proper shagun.It's a small tradition in our family for the first meeting. Kairav, helpme."

Kairav, pleased that the ordeal was ending without actualbloodshed, played along dutifully.

The Gifts for the Ladies

Muskan first approached Maira, who had returned from thekitchen and stood silently beside Abhira.

Muskan (Gently clasping a small, velvet box onto Maira'swrist): "Maira, beta. You are our sweetest little grand-niece. Thisis for our little Gudiya. Something simple."

The box opened to reveal a delicate, custom-made goldbracelet. Maira's eyes widened in delight.

Next, Muskan turned to Abhira, her expression softening marginally, a final tribute to her late brother.

Muskan: "And for you, Abhira. My Bhaiji's daughter.This is just a small blessing from us."

She presented the second, larger velvet box. Inside lay a shimmering diamond necklace and earring set. It was an undeniably lavish gift—an extravagant marker of the love and status she held for Abhira, separate from her choice of husband.

Abhira gasped, genuinely overwhelmed by the expense, and hugged her Mami tightly.

Abhira: "Mami, this is too much! Thank you!"

The Damaad Ka Lifafa

Finally, Muskan turned to Armaan, who had been standing awkwardly. She picked up the ornate silver platter, which held only the large,thick envelope—a lifafa designed to look incredibly important.

Muskan presented the platter to Armaan with a deep, almostcomical level of ceremony.

Muskan (Her eyes sparkling with hidden malice): "Andfor the damaad (son-in-law) of the house. We have a very special, verytraditional Goenka shagun for the man of the hour."

Armaan, expecting another expensive item or perhaps a giftvoucher, reached for the heavy envelope with forced politeness.

Armaan: "Mrs. Goenka, this isn't necessary, but thank you—"

Muskan (Cutting him off with haughty finality): "It absolutely is, Armaan. You see, the Goenka tradition is very specific. We believe in blessing the damaad with humility on the first meeting. It's to remind them that the true wealth lies with the daughters."

Armaan opened the envelope and stiffened. Inside, wrapped ina thick, decorative sheet, was a crisp, official-looking sum of ₹2100.

Muskan (Delivering the final, devastating taunt with a sweetsmile): "₹2100. That is the precise, ceremonial amount for the first shagun to the son-in-law. It's a matter of tradition, Armaan. We hope you appreciatethe sentimental value."

Armaan felt his face burn. After the gold and the diamonds,the paltry, ceremonial sum was the ultimate insult, loudly broadcast under the guise of "tradition." He was being relegated to the status of a tolerated relative, given pocket change for his trouble.

Abhira’s joy instantly evaporated, her mouth dropping open in shock and fury as she realized the calculated cruelty.

Kairav hid a small, satisfied smirk behind a hand pretending to adjust his collar.

Kaira, watching from the side, finally allowed herself a small, cold smile. Her parents might use golf clubs and ancient guns, but she understood this was the more lethal weapon: humiliation achieved through the sophisticated deployment of money and manners.

The Goenkas had successfully ended the dinner, ensuring Armaan Poddar knew exactly where he stood.

Hours later, the Goenka Villa had settled back into its pristine, intimidating silence. The remnants of the disastrous dinner had been swiftly cleared, but the memory of the chaos—the heel, the golf club threats,the ridiculous ₹2100 lifafa—still lingered.

In the master suite, Muskan was already ensconced in bed,applying an expensive night cream, while Kairav was pacing, still trying to decompress from the chaotic evening.

Kairav (Rubbing his temples): "Muskan, we need to focus on Kaira's future. She's smart and independent, but we need to ensure she has a partner who matches her global stature. Armaan Poddar is a constant reminder ofthe chaos she must avoid."

Muskan (Calmly): "Exactly. I'm proud she's choosing herown path, Kairav, but we need to vet the man's family thoroughly. She deserveselegance, not melodrama."

Just then, the door creaked open. Kaira stood framed in thedoorway, dressed in sleek, elegant Victoria’s Secret PJs.

Her expression was serious, wiping away the cold amusement she'd shown earlier.

Kairav (Stopping his pacing, with a modern, relaxed tone):"Kaira? Everything alright, beta? We’re exhausted. If you have news about someone, just tell us! You know we're cool with whoever makes you happy."

Kaira (Her voice low and decisive, walking fully into the room): "Mumma. Papa. I need to talk to you. About my marriage."

Kairav smiled, assuming she was finally sharing a plan.Muskan looked up expectantly.

Muskan: "Oh, good! Come, sit. We're happy you're moving forward. Which one of your US colleagues is he? Just give us the name and his LinkedIn profile—we'll handle the rest."

Kaira closed the door behind her, locking the secret in theroom. She looked directly at them, delivering the first shock.

Kaira: "I've already decided. The man I’m going tomarry... we are getting married very soon."

Kairav froze mid-step, his progressive façade cracking atthe secrecy, not the choice.

Kairav (Voice sharp with surprise): "Married? Soon?Kaira, we trust you, but why the absolute secrecy? Who is this man? Tell us hisname!"

Kaira took a deep breath, the name hanging heavy on her tongue. It was the moment of absolute, total exposure.

Kaira: "His name is—"

Part 5 is here!

I apologise for some spacing mistakes in the FF.I have corrected them to some extent but couldnt cover a lot.Sorry

No no no this chapter is just too good 😂😂😂🤣 . I was literally laughing to my heart content .

You gave Armaan and his silly girl the best reality check ever . Abhira really chose destruction instead of a good man 😭😭😭 but I am happy you wrote about it