The Dr Kaira Chapter. - Page 5

Thank you for the tag ❤️

The update was too good. I love how you write their interactions. Poor Kaira, she is going to have a tough time getting the two families to sit together without everything falling apart.

2100 rs is too much for Arman..he needed 2 paisa old Indian style

The muskan I knew badtameez kai kai chillane wali i can't imagine that face with this elegance neither can I imagine that gunda as kairav. I will imagine some other actors for this lol

Kaira lol her heels se marna wala part was hillarious. Arman getting scared and telling all the saga lol, jija saali nok jhok,🤣🤣🤣

Liked muskan swiftly telling bageera not to call.maida as bandar and that maha maha thing eas so irritating. Next time when she calls Arman khadoosman I hope they all laugh on her face. Muskan should tell her she's not kid. She's grown ass mother of a kid act like it

Chaos hoga next epi mein kaira and Aryan lol

Nostalgia coz she is nav kid is ok ..but how is she so cool with ak who did jumping japang back to manyu after nav died

So ru did not meet anyone in japan 😭

Waiting to see how she deals with other namunas aka the ab ar bhakts in the Poddar fam

Originally posted by: AnjuRish

Nostalgia coz she is nav kid is ok ..but how is she so cool with ak who did jumping japang back to manyu after nav died

So ru did not meet anyone in japan 😭

Waiting to see how she deals with other namunas aka the ab ar bhakts in the Poddar fam

Ruhi knows about aaryan and I wrote na ruhi will come to udaipur

Her hate for ak will be opening up in different shades

You liked armaan kutai and bezati na?

Originally posted by: A_Star39

she did meet ruhi

Ruhi knows about aaryan and I wrote na ruhi will come to udaipur

Her hate for ak will be opening up in different shades

You liked armaan kutai and bezati na?

I though loved 😍 Armoron's kuttai & beizzati too much... Thoda Gabheera ki bhi karlete to maza aata.... IG Ruhi too gives some piece of mind to this Kappal in a classy way she is would be so wonderful 😊 😊

Please keep them away from Dakshu

Originally posted by: A_Star39

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—"

Goenka trio hitted bullseye.....successfully humiliated armoron