The Dr Kaira Chapter. - Page 13

Part 15 is out!

Hell no kaira run

Kairavs taunt about bacha chori and ruhi adding ghee to fire 🙏🙏 I wish ruhi had more lines

Kaira is seeing the ambition was also taking her status and mix it with bakwas poddars. Run girl run

Originally posted by: A_Star39

Part 15:Baat Pakki?

A few minutes have passed since the discussion about handling the Goenkas. Kaveri sits in her chair, reviewing a list of instructions. Vidya, Manisha, Sanjay, Kajal, and Manoj are gathered, awaiting the Goenkas' arrival for the planned negotiation.

Kaveri’s personal landline—a heavy, old-fashionedinstrument—rings shrilly. Kaveri, expecting the Goenkas' confirmation call,picks it up with a sharp, impatient "Hello."

Kaveri (Sharp and ready for battle): "Haan? KaveriPoddar bol rahi hoon. Kairav Goenka bol rahe hain?"

A smooth, cool voice—unmistakably Muskan Goenka's—answersfrom the other end.

Muskan (Voice perfectly composed, no warmth, butprofessional politeness): "Namaste, Kaveri ji. Muskan Goenka bol rahihoon."

Kaveri (Frowning, annoyed Kairav didn't call): "Muskanji. Good. We are waiting. I trust you are on your way? We prefer suchdiscussions happen in our house."

A chilling, short pause follows.

Muskan (Her voice dropping slightly, laced with authority):"That is precisely why I called, Kaveri ji. We had an internal familydiscussion after your invitation. And we realized there has been a slightmisunderstanding regarding protocol."

The entire room goes silent. Vidya leans forward, her eyeswide.

Kaveri (Voice tightening): "Misunderstanding? Whatmisunderstanding? The decision was made."

Muskan: "The decision on the alliance, yes. But not theritual of the rishta (relationship). Kaveri ji, there is a very old andrespected tradition in our family, upheld since my husband Kairav'sgreat-grandmother."

Muskan speaks in perfectly weighted, slow Hindi, givingevery word the weight of law.

Muskan: "Goenka ghar ki ladkiyon ka rishta, hameshaladke walon dwara laaye jaata hai. Our girls do not go to the boy's house to beinspected. It is a matter of parampara (tradition) and the dignity of theGoenka name."

Kaveri's face is a mask of furious disbelief. The Goenkasare demanding the Poddars come to them, flipping the hierarchy completely.

Kaveri (Voice trembling with rage): "Muskan Goenka! Yehkya badtameezi hai? You think we are some small family who will come running toyour door? We are the Poddar Law Firm!"

Muskan (Remaining utterly unruffled): "We respect yourposition, Kaveri ji. But a tradition is a tradition. To maintain the prestigerequired for Kaira's hand, all of the Poddar elders—Madhav ji, Vidya ji, Manojji, Manisha ji, and the Bansals—must come to the Goenka Villa."

Vidya gasps audibly. Manisha claps her hand over her mouth.

Sanjay (Whispering to Manoj): "They want the fulldelegation! This is a power move, not tradition!"

Kaveri (Gritting her teeth): "And if we refuse this...this humiliation?"

Muskan (The final blow, delivered with smooth regret):"Then the alliance does not happen, Kaveri ji. We cannot compromise ourfamily's sanskars (values) for convenience. We have arranged for tea andsnacks. Please arrive at the Goenka Villa by 4 PM sharp. Kairav ji is alreadywaiting."

Muskan hangs up without another word, leaving a dead silencein the Poddar living room.

Kaveri slowly lowers the receiver, her hand shaking. Hercold fury is immense—they were prepared for a fight, but the Goenkas hadn'teven shown up; they had simply issued an order.

Vidya (Exploding): "Did you hear that, Maasa?! They aretreating us like the smaller party! Like we are supplicants! Kairav Goenka iswaiting? Who does he think he is?!"

Kaveri (Voice dangerously quiet, staring into the middledistance): "He thinks he is a Goenka, Vidya. And he just reminded us allthat the law books we write are not as powerful as the brand equity they havebuilt."

Manoj (Nervously): "Maa Sa, what do we do? Do wego?"

Kaveri stands up, her posture rigid with defeated pride. Sheremembers Aaryan's threat and the knife. They have no choice.

Kaveri (Her voice filled with venomous resignation): "Wewill go. We will go and sit in their golden cage, and we will tolerate theirtea and their superior smiles. But they will remember that they may have wonthe battle of protocol, but they have not won the war for Kaira."

Abhira watched Armaan fussing over his tie, her expression amix of annoyance and self-pity. The entire scenario—the forced visit, thechange of venue, the sheer audacity of the Goenkas—felt like a personal affrontto her highly refined sense of moral righteousness.

Abhira (Sighing dramatically): "Armaan, are you quitefinished admiring your reflection? We are late for the Supreme Court of Statusand Sanskaars."

Armaan (Adjusting his cufflink nervously): "Abhira,please. Don't start. It's just a meeting. We need to be respectful; Dadi Sa isalready furious."

Abhira (Haughtily): "Respectful? To whom, Armaan? To Kairav Mama, who treats family traditions like a corporate merger? To Muskan Mami, whothinks prestige is the only legal tender? They pulled this cheap stunt because their 'Goenka Brand Equity' is more important than basic human decency."

She turned away, disgusted by their calculated power move.

Abhira (Internal Monologue): "The irony isoverwhelming. They preach 'legacy' but erase the 'Sharma' name, and then theyhide behind 'tradition' to humiliate Dadi Sa and pull us onto their turf. Theyare nothing but status-obsessed hypocrites."

Abhira smoothed the fabric of her suit, feeling a profoundsense of moral superiority over both families.

Abhira: "It's the constant pursuit of the 'High-StatusTag,' Armaan. Dadi Sa tries to maintain her honor through rigid rules, and theGoenkas destroy all honor through their golden arrogance. They think forcing usto come to their villa proves their superiority. It just proves they areintellectually shallow and ethically bankrupt."

She gestured dismissively toward the door.

Abhira: "I am the only one maintaining a pure standardin this entire khandaan drama. I didn't wear my heavy jewelry or my designersaree. I refuse to play their 'commodity comparison' game, unlike your Mom. We go as Abhira Sharma, the ethical lawyer, and Armaan Poddar, the green flag husband—not as mere consumers of the Goenka status."

Armaan (Frustrated by her lecture): "Abhira, you are still clinging to that 'Sharma' name in every legal battle! And you are calling them hypocrites? Just get in the car."

Abhira (Lifting her chin, unaffected): "I maintain'Sharma' as a symbol of my earned merit, Armaan, not my inherited privilege.That is an ethical choice you and your family wouldn't understand. Now, let'sgo. We must tolerate their golden tyranny so your cousin can marry the statussymbol he desperately needs."

She strode toward the door, carrying the heavy burden of herown holier-than-thou principles into the heart of the Goenka empire.

The Poddar family assembles by the large main door, theirmood a mix of hurried fury and defeated dread.

Kaveri (Dadi Sa) descends the grand staircase, her posturestiff and unyielding, wearing her plain, powerful white saree.

Vidya and Madhav follow, Vidya fussing with her pallu. Manishaand Manoj trail them, Manisha teary and nervous, Manoj looking ill. Sanjay andKajal stand near the pillar.

Krish and Tanya are already there. Tanya is practicallyvibrating with excitement.

Tanya (Squealing to Krish): "OMG, this is so muchbetter! The Goenka Villa is amazing for Instagram stories! And Kaira! My bestieis becoming my bhabhi! We can share everything! I need to do a reel on 'Headingto the In-Laws’ Palace!'"

Krish (Muttering, terrified): "Tanya, this isn't apalace; it's a courtroom. We're the accused."

Aaryan strides down the stairs next, dressed impeccably, histriumph radiating off him.

Aaryan (Voice smooth, full of false sympathy): "Why soglum, everyone? We should be celebrating! Dadi Sa, Taiji, look at the brightside: at least we get to see the Goenka Villa's new marble flooring."

Vidya (Snapping at him): "Oh, you are enjoying this,aren't you? Your perfect future is costing us our respect!"

Just then, Kiara Poddar (Aaryan's elder sister) walks in.She doesn't look celebratory; she looks disgusted, fixing a cold stare on heryounger brother.

Kiara (Sharply, addressing Aaryan): "The marbleflooring is irrelevant, Aaryan. What matters is the low ethical floor youdragged this family down to. Threatening suicide with a sabzi-cutting knifejust to force Dadi Sa's hand—that wasn't love; that was cheapmanipulation."

Aaryan (Dismissive): "Stay out of it, Kiara. Youwouldn't understand status and business alliances."

Kiara (Scoffing): "I understand genuine legal talentand integrity, which is why I prefer Armaan Bhai's method of working. I don'tneed theatrics to prove my worth."

Armaan and Abhira arrive from the corridor. Armaan is tense,but Abhira looks annoyed and serenely superior.

Kiara (Immediately softening, going to Armaan and Abhira):"Armaan Bhai, Bhabhi. I'm sorry you were dragged into this nonsense, andAbhira Bhabhi, I hope your leg is okay after that mass trampling."

Abhira (Limping slightly, appreciating the validation):" Thank you for noticing my suffering."

Abhira is closely followed by Maira Poddar, their 7-year-olddaughter.

Kaveri (Sharp command): "Maira, stay with the servant.This is a family meeting, not a picnic!"

Abhira (Stepping forward, putting Maira protectively behindher): "No, Dadi Sa. Maira is coming with us. She is a part of this family,and she needs to witness how high-profile families conduct themselves—whetherwith grace or with arrogance. It is part of her education."

Armaan (Whispering to Abhira): "Abhira, what are youdoing? She'll ask questions!"

Abhira (Meeting his eye, her tone holier-than-thou):"Then we will give her honest answers, Armaan. Unlike some people, I don'tbelieve in hiding the truth behind a convenient lie."

Kaveri (Loudly, her voice grating with finality):"Enough! Silence! We are going. We will maintain our dignity. We walk intogether, we sit together, and we speak only when asked. We are a rock. Madhav,get the cars ready!"

The humiliated delegation—led by Kaveri's cold fury,punctuated by Aaryan's smirk, Kiara's disapproval, and Tanya's giddyexcitement—shuffles out to the cars, heading into the heart of the Goenkadomain.

In her opulent, minimalist bedroom, Kaira Goenka issurrounded by a chaotic explosion of fabrics. Expensive sarees, heavy lehengas,and chic kurta sets are draped over every available surface. She pacesfrantically, holding a shimmering gold saree to her chest.

Kaira (To herself, stressed): "A saree? Tootraditional, they’ll think I’m already subservient. A lehenga? Too festive,they’ll think I’m too frivolous. A kurta set? Too casual, they’ll think I don'trespect the 'Law Firm' status. Oh, god! What do I wear to meet the family I'm supposedlygoing to save?"

Kaira throws the gold saree onto the bed. Her fiancé, Aaryan,may have used theatrics, but Kaira knows her meeting with the Poddar Matriarchis a serious appraisal.

Kaira (Pacing): "It has to be perfect. Something thatscreams 'I am Dr. Kaira Goenka, financially independent, professionallyaccomplished, and completely above your petty rules,' but still respects thefact that they own the oxygen supply in Udaipur."

She finally settles on a rich, emerald green anarkaliset—elegant, powerful, and undeniably Goenka.

Downstairs, in the library, Kairav and Muskan are finalizingthe arrangements. They are calm on the surface, but their eyes betray deepconcern. They don't mention the 'External Force' (Ved), keeping that planlocked down. Their focus is solely on Kaira's immediate safety and thesuccessful execution of the rishta meeting.

Kairav (Checking his watch): "The Poddars will be hereprecisely at 4 PM, humiliated and angry. Kaveri will try to dismantle Kaira'sconfidence first."

Muskan (Nodding, her voice low): "I know. We have toshield her. She sees this as her biggest challenge—proving her worth to afamily that thinks she's just a status tag. She can't see the controlling manAaryan truly is."

Kairav: "We must remain united and absolutely cold. Wecannot show any crack in our armor, or Kaveri will exploit it. Today, we arenot her parents; we are the Corporate Guardrails."

Muskan sighs, the weight of their strategic parenting heavyon her.

Muskan: "I just wish she wasn't so blinded by Aaryan'sperformative devotion. He uses her ambition like a weapon."

Kairav (Firmly): "We secured the meeting. That's thefirst win. Now, let's ensure Kaira doesn't give Kaveri aunty any reason to calloff the alliance on moral grounds. She has to be flawless."

Muskan heads upstairs to check on Kaira. She finds Kairastruggling with the crisp, structured green anarkali, which now looks slightlytoo casual for the impending confrontation.

Kaira (Frustrated): "Maa, this feels wrong! Maybe asaree is better. Traditional, yet powerful. But I can't drape this silvertissue saree alone, and if it's imperfect, Kaveri Dadi Sa will count it as aflaw in my sanskaars."

Muskan (Going to her daughter, softening slightly): "Asaree it is, then. But Kaira, remember this: they are coming to us. Theirdiscomfort is our leverage. Wear the saree, but let your eyes speak volumesabout your uncompromising worth."

Muskan smoothly takes the silver tissue saree and begins thearduous task of draping it perfectly. The silk is difficult, and Muskanstruggles, her hands—used to managing companies and spreadsheets—fumblingslightly with the precise pleats.

Muskan (A small, anxious gasp as a pleat slips): "Holdstill, Kaira. This saree is as stubborn as the Poddars themselves."

Kaira (Smiling weakly): "It's okay, Maa. At leastyou're here. I'm just… nervous. This feels like the biggest exam of mylife."

Muskan finally secures the final pleat at Kaira’s waist, herexpression momentarily losing its corporate chill, replaced by raw maternalanxiety.

Muskan: "You will pass, my girl. Just remember, KairaGoenka does not need a permission slip from anyone to exist. Now, let's go facethe music."

Kaira, transformed and shielded by the perfectly drapedsilver armor, walks with her mother toward the grand living room, ready to meether future in-laws.

The Poddar motorcade—a line of black, expensive SUVs—pullsup to the pristine entrance. The entire Poddar/Bansal delegation, led by Kaveri,steps out, blinking in the glare of the Goenka architecture.

Waiting on the steps are the three Goenka hosts: Kairav,impeccably dressed and radiating controlled power; Muskan, elegant in a crispsaree, her posture conveying superiority; and Abhir (Ruhi, Abhira, and Kaira'sbrother), handsome, slightly aloof, and dressed in sharp casual wear.

The sight of the villa—which looks less like a home and morelike a corporate art installation—leaves the Poddars momentarily dumbfounded.

Vidya (Whispering to Manisha, eyes wide): "Look at thefloor, Manisha! I think it's Italian marble, not Indian! They must haveimported the mitti (soil) too!"

Sanjay (Muttering, doing mental calculations): "Theproperty tax alone must be higher than Manoj's annual income."

The Poddars approach the steps, Kaveri leading the chargelike a queen marching to the guillotine.

The Ice-Cold Greetings

The formal exchange begins. Kairav and Muskan greet theguests with an air of professional courtesy that is colder than a winter draft.

Kairav (Smoothly): "Kaveri ji. Welcome to our home.Thank you for respecting our family tradition." (The subtle dig at herforced compliance is not lost on Kaveri).

Kaveri (Voice strained): "Kairav ji. Majboori(Compulsion) has a tradition of its own."

Muskan moves down the line, maintaining perfect composureuntil she reaches Kiara (Aaryan's sister, and Abhir's ex-wife).

Kiara (Offering a polite, if nervous, Namaste):"Namaste, Muskan Mami."

Muskan (Her professional smile vanishes; her eyes narrowmomentarily): "Kiara. What a surprise. You are part of the delegation?Well, welcome to the Goenka Villa."

Muskan rolls her eyes subtly, but decisively, just beforeturning away. The contempt in that single gesture is palpable, and Abhir shiftsuncomfortably, noticing the exchange.

Muskan's composure returns as she reaches Abhira. She andKairav immediately switch their demeanor to one of exaggerated warmth.

Muskan (Hugging Abhira tightly, a false warmth):"Abhira! My little lawyer! How are you, dear? You look so well, even afterall the papad-belna (struggle) in that house! We are so happy you could joinus."

Kairav (Wrapping Abhira in a supportive embrace): "Yes,my little fighter. You are looking tired, though. You should take better careof yourself. Don't worry, your Mama is here now. We will ensure everything runssmoothly for you."

Abhira, still in her holier-than-thou mode, finds theiraffection gratingly patronizing.

Abhira (Stiffly, pulling away): "Thank you, Mama, Mami.I am perfectly fine. I merely believe in prioritizing ethical standards overpersonal comfort. I am quite used to working with families who prioritize statusover truth."

Kairav and Muskan simply exchange a knowing, overly sweetsmile, fully aware Abhira is trying to maintain her moral high ground.

The Fiancé and the Fan Club

Aaryan steps forward, puffing out his chest, ready to baskin the Goenka glory.

Aaryan (Beaming): "Namaste, Kairav Uncle, MuskanAuntie! We are so honored! This is truly majestic!"

Tanya (Pushing past Krish, squealing): "Uncle! Auntie!Where is Kaira?! I'm her bestie, Tanya! Is she ready? I'm so excited!"

Kairav maintains his professional distance, while Muskangives Tanya a brief, confused nod.

Armaan, meanwhile, is observing the whole scene with dread,especially the awkwardness with Kiara and the subtle, sharp hostility betweenthe elders. He keeps a firm grip on Maira's hand, who is staring wide-eyed atthe marble floor.

Maira (Whispering to Armaan): "Papa, is this housereal? Does Cinderella live here?"

The Poddars are ushered into the reception hall, theirinitial fury replaced by a crushing sense of being overwhelmed by the Goenkas'sheer, effortless affluence. They are officially in the golden cage.

The Poddars and Bansals settled onto the minimalist,high-end sofas, their discomfort evident in their stiff postures. Kaveri (DadiSa) sat rigid, her gaze fixed on the pristine marble floor, refusing toacknowledge the superior wealth around her. Vidya nervously adjusted her saree,while Sanjay subtly took notes on the room's architecture as a distraction. Armaankept Maira close, while Abhira, in her simple silk suit, projected a cold,annoyed air of moral superiority.

The silence stretched, thick with unspoken hostility. Kairavdecided to strike, bypassing all pleasantries. His eyes were fixed on Abhira.

Kairav (A smooth, casual tone, but his voice carries arazor's edge): "So, the whole family is here, Kaveri ji. It’s lovely tosee Maira, Armaan's and Abhira's daughter. A precious addition to theproceedings."

The Poddars shifted nervously, anticipating the attack.

Kairav (Turning his full attention to Abhira, smilingthinly): "Tell me, Abhira. I was just reading an old Case Study on Parental Kidnapping. It's a very intense legal section, hai na? It makes you wonder howa brilliant lawyer like you handles such emotionally charged cases...especially when the case involves a father running away with an infant andhiding her from the mother for seven years."

The reference was unmistakable, cutting through the silencelike glass. The entire Poddar family froze.

Abhira (Voice trembling, trying to sound professional):"Mama, I don't know what files you are reading. And that is an irrelevantpersonal history in a formal alliance meeting."

Kairav: "Irrelevant? Aisa kaise, beta (How can that be,dear)? Hiding your own daughter from you—that's a highly relevant precedent ofcommitment for your pati (husband), Armaan. It speaks volumes about his...shall we say, authoritarian style of partnership."

Armaan snapped, his face flushing crimson.

Armaan (Leaping halfway out of his seat, his voice chokedwith anger): "Kairav Uncle! That was my mistake! A personal, emotionalmistake! Don't you dare bring that up here to—"

Muskan (Cutting Armaan off, her tone sharp anddisciplinary): "Armaan! Baitho (Sit down)! You are a lawyer, not a childthrowing a tantrum. Your Mama (Kairav) is merely pointing out that trust is thefoundation of any family, and frankly, your history with Abhira, which includesabducting your own child, raises serious questions about the Poddar definitionof trust."

The immediate, uncomfortable reaction of everyone presentwas palpable: Kaveri paled further, her eyes darting between Kairav and theinnocent Maira, worried about the legal exposure; Vidya flinched, terrifiedthat the family's carefully buried secrets were now publicly exposed; Armaan'sexplosive reaction revealed the deep shame he still carried; Abhira, despiteher sharp retort, felt a cold wave of public mortification, her holier-than-thoustance cracking under the harsh reality of her own marriage's messy history; Kiarashot a look of intense, pained sympathy toward Abhira; Manoj and Manishaexchanged looks of wide-eyed panic, completely out of their depth; while Sanjaymentally calculated the defamation risk, and Tanya was momentarily speechless,realizing this was bigger drama than any reel she could film.

Abhira (To Kairav, finding her voice, but laced withdefensive indignation): "Mama, my relationship with Armaan is built on forgivenessand ethical clarity. You, on the other hand, are using an old emotional woundto assert your status superiority. That is cheap, Mama. Even for the Goenkabrand."

Kairav (Smiling faintly, having achieved his goal):"Perhaps. But as a lawyer, Abhira, you should know: past conduct is alwaysadmissible evidence. We simply needed to establish the baseline of trust beforediscussing Kaira and Aaryan's future."

Ruhi Birla, standing near a large glass window, a silentspectator to the proceedings, lets out a small, sharp, almost superior chuckle.It's a sound of cynical amusement—the sound of someone who knows the family'sdirtiest secrets and is enjoying the public airing.

The chuckle is low, yet loud enough to draw the attention ofVidya and Abhir.

Vidya (Turning sharply, mortified): "Ruhi! What is sofunny? Is this how you treat your own in-laws and your own cousin-sister? Areyou enjoying our insult?"

Ruhi (Without turning, her gaze fixed on the perfectlymanicured garden): "Enjoying? No, Maa. I’m just observing the Poddarhypocrisy cycle at its peak. For years, you all preached about maryada(boundaries) and sanskars (values) in that cold, dark house. You made everyonefeel like a criminal if they blinked wrong."

She finally turns, her eyes landing briefly on Abhira, whois struggling to regain her composure.

Ruhi (Her voice cold and precise, cutting through thedrama): "And now, Kairav Mama just used the actual, messy truth—the 'Armaanran away with the infant' part—to show that your 'honor' is just a big, fat lieyou tell your clients. He didn't just taunt Abhira; he just tore the Poddar's moral banner right down the middle. That's not insulting, Maa; that’s just fair."

Abhir, standing beside Kairav, watches Ruhi with a familiarmix of annoyance and mild admiration.

Abhir (Muttering to Kairav): "Ruhi is seriously going to give Vidya aunty a heart attack one day”

Kairav (Unconcerned, maintaining his chilling smile):"She understands that in this family, the most hurtful weapon isn't aknife, it's the truth delivered strategically."

Abhira, overhearing Ruhi's comment, feels a fresh wave ofbetrayal. She had expected Ruhi, the victim of the Poddars' rigidity, tosympathize, not celebrate the attack.

Abhira (Whispering under her breath to Armaan): "See,Armaan? This is the Goenka curse. They don't just win; they relish thedestruction of your reputation. Even Ruhi is applauding my humiliation. Thishouse is pure poison."

The moment is quickly overshadowed as Kaira steps forward,drawing all eyes to the center of the room. The true purpose of the meeting hasarrived.

Kaira walks in, a vision of composure and professionalelegance in her shimmering silver tissue saree. She is the opposite of thePoddar's traditional ideal, yet undeniably commanding.

Aaryan snaps out of his post-taunt shame. He stands up,absolutely spellbound, momentarily forgetting the chaos around him. He sees notjust a beautiful woman, but the ultimate status upgrade walking toward him.

Aaryan (Whispering in awe to his mother, Manisha):"Maa, look at her. She is perfect. She is everything that houseneeds."

Kaira offers a serene, confident Namaste to the Poddarelders.

The Poddar Interrogation

Kaveri (Dadi Sa) wastes no time, launching the first attackveiled as a question of propriety.

Kaveri (Eyes narrowing, examining Kaira's saree): "Dr.Kaira Goenka. It's a heavy responsibility to manage a Law Firm family. We haveheard you prioritize your dance profession over everything. Will you continuewith public performances after marriage? Humare ghar ki bahuyein don't chasespotlights."

Kaira (Meeting her gaze calmly, her voice clear andmeasured): "Dadi sa, I am a doctor and an artist. Both professions requirecommitment. I believe that excellence in one field reflects excellence inanother. I do not 'chase spotlights'; I earn recognition. And rest assured, myprofessional commitments will never compromise the integrity of the Poddarname—they will only enhance its visibility."

Vidya jumps in, trying to belittle Kaira's domestic skills.

Vidya (With a condescending smile): "Very well said, Beta.But visibility won't feed Aaryan. Do you even know how to make proper Marwarifood? Our traditions are very demanding. Humare ghar mein bahu ko rasoi aanichahiye."

Kaira (Without missing a beat): "Taiji, I run a globalNGO and a clinic. My schedule often requires efficiency. However, I have afantastic staff who manage my kitchen at the villa now, and I fully intend tohire the best possible staff to manage the Poddar kitchen as well. My expertiseis in healing and strategy, not domestic servitude."

Manisha tries a more sentimental, but equally judgmental,angle.

Manisha (Sighing dramatically): "But Beta, Aaryan is asensitive boy! He needs love and constant attention. Do you think your busy, high-profileschedule will leave any time for mamta (motherly love) and patni dharma (wifelyduty)?"

Kaira (A sharp, intelligent glint in her eyes):"Manisha Aunty, I run a foundation for underprivileged children. Iunderstand love and duty better than most. The measure of a good wife is her contributionand support, not her availability. I intend to be Aaryan’s equal partner andasset, not his full-time caretaker."

As the Poddar ladies try to recover from Kaira's flawlessdefense, Kairav and Muskan launch their reciprocal attack on Aaryan.

Kairav (Turning to Aaryan, his tone suddenly chillinglyprofessional): "Aaryan. Since Kaira has committed to enhancing the PoddarLaw Firm's brand, we need to discuss your professional trajectory. We know youare very ambitious, but your current portfolio is... limited."

Muskan (Leaning forward, directly interrogating Aaryan):"Limited is polite, Kairav ji. Aaryan, your personal investment portfolioshows signs of impulsive trading and reckless ambition. Furthermore, yourrecent performance review indicates you've been relying heavily on your familyfirm established clientele. You threatened suicide yesterday for love—but wasit not also about the status Kaira brings to your flagging career?"

Aaryan pales, the tables completely turned. He had preparedfor a grilling from Kaveri, not an audit from the Goenkas.

Aaryan (Stuttering, trying to regain his 'alpha' composure):"Muskan Aunty! That is highly unfair! I am fully committed to my career!My future is tied to the firm's growth—"

Kairav (Cutting him off with a dismissive wave):"Commitment is not enough, Aaryan. Performance is key. To ensure Kaira'sfuture is secure, we need a legally binding commitment on the distribution ofyour firm's profits for a joint trust. We want to see the numbers. If you valueKaira's status, you must prove you can sustain it. Can you provide the firm'saudited balance sheets from the last three years immediately?"

Aaryan looks utterly panicked. He knows his numbers are weakand exposing them to Kairav Goenka is signing his own professional deathwarrant.

The entire Poddar side—including Kaveri—looks stunned. Theycame to inspect Kaira's character; the Goenkas performed a surgical dissectionof Aaryan's financial competence. The true war had begun.

Aaryan sweats under the pressure of Kairav’s demand forbalance sheets. He realizes the Goenkas are demanding more than his presence;they want his financial transparency. He tries to deflect by pulling Kairacloser to him, wrapping his arm possessively around her waist—an act hebelieves projects confidence and ownership.

Aaryan (Forcing a charming, yet strained, laugh):"Kairav Uncle, Muskan Auntie, please! Financial matters are tedious! Let’sfocus on the love! Kaira knows I will give her everything. She is the queen ofmy life, and she deserves a king's treatment! We are a power couple, hai na,Kaira?"

He squeezes her waist tightly, smiling intensely down ather.

Kaira stiffens under his grip. She hates the term"power couple" when it comes from Aaryan, because for him, it justmeans her power added to his image. She subtly tries to pull away from hisgrip, but he holds firm.

Kaira (Trying to sound light): "Aaryan, dheere . We areprofessionals; we can handle both love and balance sheets. My worth isn't justa status symbol for you."

Aaryan (Ignoring her discomfort, speaking over her):"Of course, you are! You are my trophy, my ultimate acquisition! The Dr.Kaira Goenka tag attached to my name is exactly what elevates the Poddar name!Without you, Uncle, I'm just another junior partner. But with Kaira, I aminvincible! Our status, our brand—it’s unparalleled!"

He continues, his voice escalating, completely immersed inthe worship of his own projected image through Kaira.

Aaryan: "This alliance isn't just a marriage, Dadi Sa.It’s a merger of legacies! It cements our position as the future of Udaipur!Kaira and I will redefine the elite status of this city!"

Kaira’s smile vanishes. She finally yanks herself free fromhis grasp, stepping slightly away from him. The discomfort is evident on herface. She looks less like a triumphant fiancée and more like a necessary prop.

Muskan and Kairav exchange a grim, alarmed look. This is thetoxic possessiveness and status-worship they feared, and it is unravelingpublicly and subtly.

Muskan (Coldly): "Aaryan, Kaira is a person, not ashare certificate to be acquired. Please modulate your language."

Kairav (Stepping in): "Yes, Aaryan. We need to seeKaira respected for her work, not just her surname. Your insistence on her statusis... unsettling. We will wait for the balance sheets."

Kaveri, however, sees only the successful outcome. She seesAaryan’s fierce ambition—misguided and theatrical as it is—as a means to securethe Goenka wealth and status. She is willing to overlook his toxic traits andKaira's discomfort for the sake of the shagun.

Kaveri (Intervening, projecting finality): "Bas! Enoughdiscussion. The alliance is agreed upon. Aaryan's ambition is high, but hislove is also clear. Kairav , Muskan, we accept your conditions. The balancesheets will be sent by tomorrow."

She gives a sharp nod to Madhav.

Kaveri: "Let the shagun be exchanged. We are wastingtime on emotions and balance sheets."

The Goenkas, having achieved their goal of formalizing thealliance (and gathering leverage via the balance sheet demand), concede thefloor. Muskan, her face pale with worry for Kaira, retrieves a silver tray.

Muskan places the ornate tray, laden with gifts, sweets, andthe shagun money, onto the table. Kaveri performs the reciprocal ritual,placing the Poddar family's traditional shagun gifts and gold on the tray.

The two families stand rigidly as the trays are exchanged. Aaryanbeams, having won the status game. Kaira looks detached and thoughtful, herhand unconsciously rubbing the spot where Aaryan's possessive grip had been.

The alliance is sealed, but Kairav and Muskan know they havejust handed their daughter over to a man who views her as his most valuable,and soon-to-be controlled, possession.

Kairav (To Muskan, low voice, as the families exchangeformalities): "The shagun is done. Now, we proceed with the unmasking. Theengagement must be perfect, but the marriage must never happen."

The tension of the negotiation has dispersed, replaced bystrained formalities. The Poddar delegation, subdued yet triumphant, is makingits exit.

Aaryan holds center stage, making a grand show of biddingfarewell to his fiancée. He takes Kaira’s hands, holding them tightly, his eyesshining with a mixture of genuine affection and pure, satisfied ownership.

Aaryan (His voice low and husky, dripping with possessivesweetness): "My Jaan. My beautiful, brilliant Dr. Kaira Goenka. Youhandled them like a true queen. We are invincible, my love. Absolutelyinvincible."

Kaira (Giving a small, formal smile): "Thank you,Aaryan. I just answered their questions honestly."

Aaryan (Ignoring her nuance, leaning in closer): "Yourbrilliance is mine now. Every achievement, every degree—it all adds to ourstatus. I’ll call you the moment I’m home. I miss you already, Jaan. Wait forme."

He presses a lingering kiss to the back of her hands, makingsure the entire Poddar family—especially the watchful Kaveri and the resentful Armaan—witnesseshis devotion. Muskan watches the interaction with a worried, cold gaze, while Kairavnods curtly.

As Aaryan is pulled away by Manoj and the Poddar group, heturns back one last time, blowing Kaira a dramatic kiss. Kaira offers agenuine, bright smile in return. Despite the anxiety he causes, he is herchosen path, and the formalization of the engagement brings a certain joy.

The Reminiscence

Later, Kaira retreats to her silent, opulent bedroom. Thesilver tissue saree feels heavy now. She walks over to her dressing table,sighing as she begins to remove the expensive jewelry. She unclasps the diamondnecklace and pulls off the large stud earrings, letting them fall onto thevelvet tray with a quiet clink.

She catches her reflection—a successful, beautiful woman onthe verge of the biggest merger of her life.

A small smile touches her lips, recalling the early days oftheir relationship in the USA, far removed from the cold marble and status warsof Udaipur.

(Flashback: Kaira and Aaryan, two years ago, in a trendyBoston cafe.)

Aaryan (Leaning across the table, his ambition a bright,exciting spark): "Kaira, you and I—we are going to be a force. Not just acouple. Think about it: the Poddar Law Firm and Dr Kaira’s Skin and hair Centre.We'll be unstoppable. I’ll make sure you get the biggest, most influentialplatform for your work."

Kaira (Beaming, flattered by his relentless confidence): "Youalways see the biggest picture, Aaryan. No one believes in my ambition like youdo."

He had made her feel seen, powerful, and utterly validated.He was the one who encouraged her to dream bigger, to demand the higheststatus. That memory makes her chest warm.

(End Flashback)

She touches the small, elegant gold locket he gave herduring their courtship. She was happy. He was committed. He did fight hisentire family for her.

The Creeping Doubt

But the warm feeling quickly chills as she recalls theevents of the day:

1. Aaryan's theatrical, aggressive need to proclaim her as his "trophy" and "acquisition" to the elders.
2. The way he squeezed her waist, ignoring her clear discomfort while ranting about their "status, status, status."

She sits back in her chair, the jewelry abandoned on thetable. Her brow furrows slightly.

Kaira (Whispering to herself):"Usne mere liye fight tohkiya... but did he fight for me, ya Goenka tag ke liye jo main carry kartihoon? He loves my ambition, but does he love me, ya woh status?"

The smile is gone, replaced by a subtle, unsettling frown.She stares at the silver saree, her beautiful armor, and a cold, heavy questionsettles in her heart:

Is she doing the right thing?

Very unusual Aaryan..... Kaira should rethink of wedding.....

Waiting for the childhood friend 😉 to arrive....

Muskaan's displeasure to Kiara is too OTT.... R u planning to make Abhiara here too🤔

Originally posted by: sammmmmyyyyyy

Very unusual Aaryan..... Kaira should rethink of wedding.....

Waiting for the childhood friend 😉 to arrive....

Muskaan's displeasure to Kiara is too OTT.... R u planning to make Abhiara here too🤔

That is very usual of poddars

I cannot spill stories rn but I have a lot in mind

I really don't think Kaira should go on with Aryan he keeps talking about only status like he doesn't really even love her .

Please if you can bring another guy 🙏💯 these poddars can stay away from Kaira she is too good for their madness

Originally posted by: A_Star39

Part 13:The Pink Suit's Price

Aaryan Poddar arrived at the Goenka Mansion, expecting congratulations and final wedding details. Instead, he found Kairav and Muskan seated opposite him at a massive, polished mahogany table, their expressions calm but intense.

Kairav (Cutting straight to the point, leaving no room for small talk): "Aaryan, we are accelerating the timeline. Kaira is a business powerhouse; she does not do drawn-out engagements. We want the wedding within the month. No delays."

Aaryan was momentarily taken aback by the speed, but quicklyadjusted, pleased by their sudden enthusiasm.

Aaryan: "That's wonderful, Kairav uncle. I entirelyagree. The sooner Kaira is part of the family, the better."

Muskan (Her voice dangerously smooth, leaning forward):"Exactly. 'Part of the family' is the key phrase. Now, Aaryan, we need todiscuss something essential before we take this forward."

She let the silence stretch, forcing Aaryan to wait for thedemand.

Muskan: "We are Goenkas. When Kaira marries, the worldknows it. But more importantly, her husband’s family must be equally dedicatedto her status. We saw the chaos at your event the other night—the disrespect,the loud outbursts from your Taiji and Dadi. It showed a lack of control,Aaryan."

Kairav (Slamming his hand lightly on the table, ratchetingup the pressure): "Badi baat bol rahe hain humWe are giving you thegreatest asset of the Goenka family—Dr. Kaira Goenka. Before we publiclyannounce this accelerated timeline, we need absolute assurance."

He fixed Aaryan with a stare that brooked no resistance.

Kairav: "We need you to go to your family—your Dadi Sa,your Taiji, your father—and make a clear, forceful, public declaration. Tellthem that Kaira is your life, that she is their future, and that if anyonedisrespects her or her family again, there will be serious, immediateconsequences. You need to declare your love and your dominance over the Poddarchaos. Right now. Today."

Aaryan flushed, recognizing the direct challenge to hisauthority, but also sensing the opportunity to prove his worth to the powerfulGoenkas.

Aaryan (Rising quickly, his tone decisive): "Considerit done. They will know Kaira is my priority. My family will understand thatthis alliance cannot be questioned. I will go to Poddar Mansion right now andspeak to them."

Kairav and Muskan watched him leave, exchanging a cold,knowing look. The first layer of pressure was successfully applied.

Ruhi, looking impeccable in a crisp business suit, kneltbeside Daksh, who was clutching his favorite dinosaur action figure in theplush, overly sterile reception area of Birla HospitalShe was surrounded by asmall mountain of supplies: a bright blue backpack, a cooler bag for snacks, awater bottle, and a clearly labeled emergency contact card. Harshvardhan’simposing figure loomed nearby, reviewing a financial report on a transparenttablet.

Ruhi (To Daksh, voice firm but gentle): "Daksh,remember what we discussed. Dadaji is showing you all the amazing parts of thehospital. Be a very good boy. No running near the operating theaters,okay?"

Daksh (Eyes wide with excitement): "Okay, Mumma! I'mgoing to find all the bad germs like Bade nanu said! And maybe see a realbrain!"

Harshvardhan lowered his tablet, a look of profound, almostsurgical, pride on his face.

Harshvardhan: "Precisely! He understands the mission.This boy will be absorbing pure, unadulterated medical excellence today!"He gestured dismissively at the pile of supplies. "Aur yeh saara samaankisliye? We have a cafeteria with nutritional supplements! This is a hospital,Ruhi, not a picnic!"

Ruhi ignored him, placing the blue backpack firmly in hishands.

Ruhi (A quick, detailed instruction): "Dadu, this hashis allergen-free snacks, his reading book, and his emergency contact card. Thered pouch contains antiseptic wipes—please use them. And the cooler bag hasjuice, not coffee, Dadu!"

Harshvardhan held the backpack as if it were contaminatedmedical waste.

Harshvardhan (Sniffing with disdain): "Fine. I willtolerate the sugar contamination for the sake of science. Today, I willpersonally ensure this boy learns the fundamental difference between a useless tuntuna)and a life-saving injection! “

Ruhi swallowed hard, knowing the lecture was inevitable. Shequickly hugged Daksh, then backed away towards the exit. Just before steppingout, she stopped, bowed her head, and pressed her hands together, whisperingfuriously toward the ceiling.

Ruhi (Her desperate prayer, rapid-fire): "Matashree,Poppy, Dad! Please! I know Dadaji loves me and Daksh, but you know how dramatiche is. Poppy, please use your Chief Surgeon influence from heaven! Matashree,please give me your inner strength! And Dad, please, for the love of God, don'tlet him traumatize my son! No accidental scalpels, no lectures on the sevenstages of medical failure, and please, keep the words 'Akshu' and 'panauti'far, far away from my genius boy! Just bring him back psychologically intact!Amen!"

She then squared her shoulders, forced a business-likecomposure back onto her face, and vanished through the automatic doors, leavingher sanity, and her son, in the highly dramatic, but surprisingly capable,hands of Harshvardhan Birla.

Kaira stood before a full-length mirror, making the finaladjustments to her outfit. She was wearing a perfectly tailored pale pinktrouser suit—a modern choice that blended feminine authority with corporatesharpness. The fabric was crisp, the lines severe, a deliberate rejection ofthe flowy ethnic wear favored by her older relatives. She wore minimal jewelry:a simple platinum necklace and her diamond stud earrings, nothing that woulddistract from her expertise.

Kaira (Examining her reflection, a slight, determinedsmile): "The Birla Hospital. The gold standard. This is not just aboutmoney; this is about unassailable medical prestige."

She picked up a small, sleek black leather file containingthe analyzed proposal from Harshvardhan. Her mind was already runningprojections: the patient referrals, the access to international research, thesheer power of adding the Birla affiliation to her own formidable reputation.

She considered the pink suit. It wasn’t the aggressive redor corporate navy that Muskan preferred; it was a calibrated choice. It said: Iam successful, I am feminine, and I am entirely in control of this negotiation.

Kaira (Internal Monologue): " Harshvardhan Birla justoffered me the keys to his kingdom because of my skill. This partnership willsolidify my position as an institution, completely independent of the thePoddar family’s messy drama."

She applied a final touch of matte lipstick—a shade thatmatched the subtle hue of her suit—and checked her phone. No urgentnotifications. The Centre was running like a well-oiled machine in her absence.

She took a deep breath, the subtle scent of her expensiveperfume filling the air. She wasn't nervous; she was primed. This was her war,and her weapon was professional excellence.

She grabbed her designer handbag, which contained nothingbut her keys, her proposal notes, and her clinic’s latest financial statement(just in case she needed a reminder of her existing power).

With a final, confident nod to her reflection, Dr. KairaGoenka turned and walked out, ready to conquer the most prestigious medicalempire in the city. The Birla Hospital appointment was her real engagement—toher career.

Harshvardhan walked with a strut that commanded absoluterespect from the staff, holding Daksh’s tiny hand. Instead of the snacks Ruhipacked, Harshvardhan had produced a foil-wrapped, dense "Neuro-PrecisionEnergy Bar"—a dark, gritty, industrial-looking square.

Harshvardhan (Beaming): "Eat this, my boy! Throw awaythat silly granola bar your mother packed. This is a Surgeon's Focus Bar! Itcontains omega-3s, cognitive enhancers, and enough protein for a seven-hourcranial surgery! You need your brain to be electric today!"

Daksh took a tiny, hesitant bite and made a face.

Daksh: "It tastes like dirt and vitamins, Dadu."

Harshvardhan: "It tastes like superior cognitivefunction, Daksh! It tastes like a perfect IQ score! Now, come."

He stopped a terrifyingly busy Chief Nurse in the hallway.

Harshvardhan (Barking): "Nurse! Fetch a pediatric labcoat! Size Extra-Small! And a real stethoscope! None of those plastic toys. Mygreat-grandson needs to hear the Lubb-Dub of excellence, not some squeakynonsense!"

Minutes later, Daksh was drowning in a white coat thatdragged on the floor, a Littmann stethoscope hanging around his neck like aheavy gold chain. Harshvardhan looked at him with tears of pride in his eyes.

Harshvardhan: "Haaye! Look at you. You look morecompetent than half my interns. Come, let me show you the RealDisneyland."

He marched Daksh past the colourful Pediatric Ward without asecond glance.

Harshvardhan: "Ignore the cartoons, Daksh. Cartoons arefor the weak. We are going to the Main OT (Operation Theatre) Gallery! The VIPbox!"

They took the private elevator up. Harshvardhan swiped hiscard, and the glass doors slid open to reveal the Observation Deck looking downinto an active operating theatre.

Harshvardhan (Whispering dramatically): "Behold, Daksh!The symphony of the scalpel! Dr. Mehta is performing a bypass. Look at theprecision! Look at the incision!"

Down below, the surgeons were fully engaged. There wasblood. There were retractors holding a chest cavity open. And then, the surgeonpicked up a bone saw.

WHIRRRRRRR.

The sound of the saw cutting through the sternum echoedthrough the speakers.

Daksh froze. His eyes went wide. His bottom lip began totremble. The sight of the blood and the sound of the saw was not"cool" to a five-year-old; it was the stuff of nightmares.

Daksh (Voice wobbling): "Bade nanu... he is... he iscutting him..."

Harshvardhan (Oblivious, tapping the glass excitedly):"Yes! It’s the Sternotomy! The gateway to the heart! Look at the bloodflow, Daksh! It’s magnificent! It’s—"

WAAAAAAHHHHHH!

Daksh erupted into a loud, terrified wail, burying his facein the oversized lab coat.

Daksh (Crying): "Momm bacchao,mummaaa!!"

Harshvardhan froze, panicked. He looked around the emptyobservation deck as if searching for a mute button on the child.

Harshvardhan: "No, no! Daksh! Stop! Why are yourlacrimal glands overacting? This is science! It’s not scary; it’sbillable!"

He knelt down, trying to console the boy, but his version ofcomfort was... unique.

Harshvardhan (Patting Daksh’s head awkwardly): "Daksh,beta, listen to me. Don't cry. Crying dehydrates you. Think of the logic! Thatman is sleeping! He feels nothing! It’s just... mechanics! Like fixing a car,but wetter!"

Daksh cried harder.

Daksh: "I want to go"

Harshvardhan sighed deeply, looking visibly disappointed,and muttered to himself.

Harshvardhan: "Oh God. It’s the genes. The tuntunagenes have activated. This is Akshara's emotional DNA interfering with my Birlaresilience! He’s having a sentimental reaction to a standard incision!"

He grabbed Daksh by the shoulders, looking him dead in theeye.

Harshvardhan: "Daksh! Look at me! You are a Birla! Wedo not fear blood; we analyze it! We charge for it! Stop crying, or yourelectrolytes will drop!"

Daksh sniffled, looking at his grandfather's panicked face.

Harshvardhan (Softening, realizing he needed a distraction):"Okay, okay. Fine. The surgery is 'scary.' Fine. I accept yourunscientific assessment."

He dug into his pocket and pulled out his phone, scrollingfrantically.

Harshvardhan: "Chup ho jaao (Quiet down). I know whatwill cheer you up. Forget the heart surgery. Come with Dadu to the AnatomyMuseum in the basement."

He wiped Daksh’s tears with the sleeve of his expensivesuit.

Harshvardhan (Whispering conspiratorially): "I have areal human skeleton named Mr. Bones down there. And... (he paused for effect)... a jar with a brain inside it. It floats! Much better than this bloody mess,na?"

Daksh sniffled, intrigued. "A floating brain?"

Harshvardhan (Standing up, relieved): "Yes! A floatingbrain! Very peaceful. No noise. Very clean. Come, let’s go see the dead peopleparts. They are much friendlier."

He quickly ushered Daksh away from the window, muttering,"Next time, we start with Dermatology. Less blood, more creams. Step bystep, Harshvardhan. Step by step."

The black Goenka Mercedes didn't just pull up to the curb;it docked like a sleek ocean liner against a concrete pier.

Inside, Kaira checked her reflection in the rearview mirrorone last time. Not for vanity, but for armor plating. The pale pink trousersuit was impeccable—not a crease, not a stray thread. It was tailored within aninch of its life, sharp enough to cut glass. Her hair was a disciplined, glossyhelmet of perfection.

She took a breath, inhaling the filtered AC air of the car,preparing for the scent of antiseptic and judgment.

Kaira (Internal Monologue): "Okay. Game face. You arenot Kaira the niece, or Kaira the fiancée. You are Dr. Goenka, the aestheticrevenue stream they are desperate to acquire. Walk like you own the building,even if you're just visiting."

She didn't wait for the driver. She pushed the heavy dooropen.

First contact: The point of a nude, patent leather JimmyChoo stiletto hit the pavement.

Clack.

She stepped out, rising to her full height, snapping heroversized designer sunglasses onto her face despite being indoors. She grabbedher structured Hermès bag—containing the proposal that was worth millions—likeit was a nuclear football.

She walked toward the massive glass sliding doors.

Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack.

The rhythm was precise, militaristic, and impossibly fastfor heels that high. It was the sound of an approaching deadline.

The automatic doors hissed open, and the hospital noise—theintercom pages, the shuffling feet, the low murmur of worried relatives—seemedto hiccup.

Kaira entered the lobby. The air temperature dropped tendegrees.

It wasn't just her beauty; it was the sheer, aggressivepolish of her presence in a place usually defined by scrubs and exhaustion. Shecut through the sterile environment like a scalpel through gauze.

A cluster of medical interns near the reception desk stoppedtalking mid-sentence, their eyes widening as this vision in weaponized pastelstrode past. A junior resident carrying a stack of files actually stumbled,papers fluttering to the floor.

Kaira didn't break stride. She didn't even turn her head.She just kept moving toward the elevators, her gaze fixed on a point somewherebeyond the mortal realm of the ground floor.

Kaira (Internal Monologue): "Eyes up. Chin parallel tothe floor. Don't look at the chaos; you are above the chaos. You are the curefor the chaos."

A flustered young administrator with a clipboard, clearlysent by Harshvardhan's office to intercept her, practically jogged to catch up.

Administrator (Breathless, slightly terrified): "Dr.Goenka! Dr. Kaira! Welcome! We weren't expecting you for another four minutes.Dr. Harshvardhan is just finishing a—"

Kaira stopped abruptly near the VIP elevators. The suddensilence of her heels was more intimidating than the sound. She slowly removedher sunglasses, fixing the young man with a cool, clinical assessment that madehim wither.

Kaira (Voice calm, low, and terrifyingly smooth): "Iknow where his office is. Top floor. Cardiology wing adjacent. And I'm notearly. I'm precisely on time for efficiency."

She pressed the elevator call button with a perfectlymanicured finger.

Kaira: "You can tell him I'm ascending now. And do findsomeone to pick up those files that resident dropped. It looks messy."

The elevator doors slid open. Kaira stepped inside themirrored box, turning to face the lobby as the doors began to close. For asplit second, she caught her reflection in the closing steel doors—perfect pinkagainst the cold grey of the hospital.

The doors shut, sealing her in. The ascent to the Birlathrone room began.

The VIP elevator doors slid open with a near-silent whoosh.Kaira stepped out, ready to dominate, her pink power suit a beacon of calmauthority in the sterile hallway.

She took exactly three confident clicks down the marblecorridor before she nearly tripped over something small and white huddled neara potted plant.

It was a child. Drowning in an oversized lab coat, staringblankly at a plastic femur bone.

Kaira (Stopping abruptly, a flicker of genuine confusionbreaking her mask): "Excuse me? Are we allowing unsupervised minors in theexecutive wing now?"

The child looked up. It was Daksh.

Daksh (Blinking innocently): "Hello, Kaira Maasi. I’mstudying. Dadu showed me a man getting his chest cut open with a saw, and thenwe saw a brain in a jar. It was very...educational."

Kaira felt a genuine shiver run down her spine that hadnothing to do with the hospital air conditioning.

Kaira (Horrified whisper): "A saw? And a... brain in ajar? Daksh, what kind of—"

Before she could process the trauma being inflicted on hernephew, a booming, highly dramatic voice echoed down the hall.

Harshvardhan: "Daksh! There you are, my littleNeuro-operative! Did you locate the Patella yet?"

Harshvardhan Birla strode into view. He was older now, hishair silver, but his energy was still that of a highly caffeinated, perpetuallydissatisfied CEO. He stopped short when he saw the vision in pink standing overhis great-grandson.

He squinted at her, his expression shifting from manicgrandfather to dismissive patriarch.

Harshvardhan: "Ah. You arrived. Dr. Kaira Goenka."

He said "Goenka" the way one might say"fungal infection."

Kaira (Recovering her poise instantly): "Dr. Birla. Apleasure. Though I admit, finding my young nephew traumatized by surgicalequipment in the hallway wasn't on my agenda."

Harshvardhan (Waving his hand dismissively):"Traumatized? Nonsense. He’s being inoculated against weakness! Unlikesome branches of this family tree, we Birlas prefer fortitude."

He looked her up and down, unimpressed by the aestheticperfection.

Harshvardhan: "Well. You look... expensive. Typical.You are Kairav's daughter, yes?Tuntunewale ki bhatiji. I suppose you’re here totalk about 'feelings' and 'inner beauty' in my hospital?"

Kaira fought the urge to roll her eyes so hard they’d getstuck. This man was cartoonishly abrasive. He was currently absentmindedlyclicking a bone-saw shaped pen. It was deeply weird.

Kaira (Internal Monologue): "Okay, he’s eccentricbordering on unhinged. Ruhi di wasn'tkidding. Focus on the goal. Ignore the creepy pen."

Kaira (Aloud, her voice cool and razor-sharp): "Dr.Birla, let's be clear. I don't deal in 'feelings.' I deal in epidermis,collagen, and the desperate desire of the wealthy to defy gravity. My clinicisn't a hobby; it's a high-margin aesthetic empire. I’m here because you wantthat revenue stream attached to your name."

Harshvardhan stopped clicking his pen. He blinked. Thereference to "high-margin revenue" acted like a smelling salt.

Harshvardhan (His posture straightening, intrigue replacingdisdain): "High-margin, you say? Hmm. You speak less like a Goenka andmore like a... well, a sensible person. Come with me."

He grabbed Daksh’s hand and practically marched Kaira downthe hall towards a set of large double doors at the very end of the wing.

Harshvardhan: "You want to see where your empire willsit? Behold."

He threw the doors open with theatrical flair.

It was a massive, dusty, disused wing of the hospital.Sunlight streamed in through dirty windows, illuminating scattered chairs andold acoustic foam panels peeling off the walls. In the corner, a dusty, brokenguitar lay propped against a wall.

Harshvardhan pointed at the guitar with undisguised glee.

Harshvardhan: "Do you know what this was, Dr. Kaira?This was the 'Music Therapy Wing.' My son, Abhimanyu, built this mandir to do pooja paath of that tuntunewali bua of yours. For years, this prime real estate was wasted on... strumming and humming."

He turned to Kaira, his eyes shining with vindictive triumph.

Harshvardhan: "I am gutting it. Every last acoustic tile goes in the trash. No more tuntuna. We are replacing sentimental noise with hard, cold, injectable science. Your science. We will turn this emotional wasteland into the 'Birla Centre for Aesthetic Excellence'."

Kaira looked around the dusty room. It was creepy how muchjoy he took in erasing the past, but professionally? It was a blank canvas. Avery large, very expensive blank canvas.

Kaira (Walking into the room, her heels clicking on thedusty floor): "The square footage is adequate. I'll need northern lightexposure for the consultation rooms, marble flooring, not this vinyl, and aprivate elevator access for my high-profile clientele. They don't like walkingthrough general admissions."

Harshvardhan (Grinning, actually impressed by her demands):"Done. We understand the needs of the elite. Now, the proposal I sent you.The standard consultant fee split is 60/40 in the hospital's favor, given weare providing the infrastructure and the brand name."

Kaira stopped walking. She turned slowly to face him,removing her sunglasses to level a direct, unblinking stare at the seniorBirla.

Kaira (Her voice drop-dead serious): "Dr. Birla, youaren't just buying my skill. You are buying my entire existing client list—thetop 1% of Udaipur who currently wouldn't step foot in a general hospital.You're buying instant profitability in a sector you currently have zeropresence in."

She paused, letting the silence stretch. Harshvardhan lookedat her, fascinated by this creature who looked like a delicate flower butnegotiated like a shark.

Kaira: "I'm not a junior consultant. I'm a partner. Iwant an 70/30 split on all non-surgical procedures performed in this wing, inmy favor. And 10% equity in the wing's branding rights."

Harshvardhan’s jaw actually dropped. He nearly droppedDaksh’s hand. A Goenka... asking for 70%? And equity?

For a moment, Kaira thought he might yell. He looked like hewas malfunctioning.

Then, slowly, a massive, genuine grin spread acrossHarshvardhan’s face. He looked at her not as Akshara’s niece, but as a kindred,money-hungry spirit.

Harshvardhan (Whispering in awe): "Haaye. Seventypercent?Kitnilaalchi ho tum. It’s predatory. It’s absolutely unethical commercialism."

He slapped his hand on a dusty table, kicking up a cloud ofdirt.

Harshvardhan (Roaring with laughter): "I LOVE IT! Youare no tuntunewali! You are a shark in a pink suit! Agreed! Draw up the papers.Welcome to Birla Hospital, Dr. Kaira. We are going to make a killingtogether!"

Kaira allowed herself a small, satisfied smirk. She had justsecured the deal of a lifetime, impressed the craziest man in Udaipur, andsecured her independence, all without a single mention of Aaryan Poddar.

Now, she just needed to get out of there before he showedher the brain in the jar.

Kaira was back in her office at the Centre, the BirlaHospital proposal spread out on her desk. She was still riding the high of hernegotiation, her mind already buzzing with design ideas for the new Dermatologywing. The 80/20 split was a massive coup, proof of her undeniable professionalvalue.

She picked up her phone to call Aaryan, a rare impulse. Shegenuinely wanted to share this triumphant news.

Kaira (On the phone, her voice bright with suppressedexcitement): "Aaryan, I have incredible news! My meeting with HarshvardhanBirla... it went better than I could have imagined. I've signed on as the Headof the new Birla Centre for Aesthetic Excellence!"

She paused, expecting his effusive congratulations, perhapsa proud, "My brilliant fiancée!"

Instead, there was a beat of silence on the other end,followed by a light, brittle laugh. It wasn't a joyful sound.

Aaryan (His tone subtly shifting, a practiced ease maskingan underlying discomfort): "The Birla Hospital? Kaira, that's...interesting. Lekin ab uski kya zaroorat thi? Your clinic is doing so well onits own. Why complicate things?"

Kaira felt a prick of irritation. Complicate things?

Kaira: "Complicate? Aaryan, this isn't complication,this is professional elevation! It's prestige, cutting-edge research, andunmatched growth! My Centre will be integrated as a top-tier consultantdivision under the most respected medical brand in the city. It'sphenomenal!"

Aaryan (His voice smooth, almost condescending, as ifexplaining something simple to a child): "Exactly, corporate.Jaan, we arePoddars. We own the corporate world; we don't clock in for it. Once we aremarried, Kaira, your name will already carry the weight of my family's legacy. "

He continued, his words framed as gentle advice, butcarrying the subtle, insistent weight of an instruction.

Aaryan: "This Birla job... it sounds like a lot ofextra effort and late nights. And the Birlas, you know, they're so dramatic.Hamari family mein itna sab nahin chaltaWe need you focused on our new home,our family life, and maintaining your beauty standards. Why use up energyfighting over hospital politics when you can peacefully manage your own clinicas you are? I prefer my wife to be a CEO of her own home and......... her own clinic"

The words hung in the air: not a competing consultant...extra effort... CEO of her own home. Kaira felt a sickening chill. He hadn'tcelebrated her success; he had subtly, expertly, and immediately diminished it.He was already trying to confine her, to shrink her ambitions into a"Poddar bahu" mold.

The hunch was planted. He wasn't rejecting the Birla offerfor her sake, or for status reasons; he was rejecting it because he preferred awife who was slightly less powerful, slightly more compliant, and entirelyfocused on his domestic sphere.

Kaira (Her voice flat, carefully neutral): "I see.Well, the papers are signed, Aaryan. It's a done deal. I'm the Head ofDermatology at Birla Hospital."

She ended the call before he could respond, her triumphturning sour. The pink power suit suddenly felt like a target.

Abhir's small, modern music studio in a quieter part ofUdaipur. The space is filled with the warm glow of monitor screens and thecomplex wiring of his soundboards.

Ruhi sat quietly on a stool beside a massive synthesizer,waiting for Abhir to finish adjusting a track. He looked relaxed, completely inhis element—a world away from the starched collars and strict schedules of the Birla Hospital.

Ruhi (Smiling softly as the track fades): "It's beautiful, Abhir. Very different from the Piya Tose melodrama Dada keeps complaining about."

Abhir (Smiling warmly at his sister): "Ruhi! Whatbrings the corporate lawyer to the noisy pit? Did Dada finally send you toconfiscate my instruments?"

Ruhi: "No. I came because of him... because ofDocman." She looked at the small, slightly dusty photograph of AbhimanyuBirla Abhir kept discreetly tucked behind a speaker. "And also because of Matashree, and Papa."

Abhir (Sighing, touching the picture): "I know, RU. Butthat life... the Birlas... it’s too much pain, too much drama. I love Dada andDida, but I can't be part of the medical chaos. I chose the simple, peaceful life that Abhinav Papa gave us. This is clean; it's just sound."

Ruhi: "But your connection to Docman isn't chaos; it’slegacy. It's not about becoming a doctor, it's about acknowledging where yourstrength comes from. Docman saved lives, and he had a fire in him, Billa Boy.You have that fire. Don't let your mom’s shadow completely erase Docman’sreality. They miss you."

Abhir: "I miss them too, Ru. But what would I even do there? I’m a musician, not a surgeon. I have no place at the hospital."

Ruhi slid off the stool and moved to stand directly in frontof him, her voice firm with love and clear-eyed logic.

Ruhi: "You have a place because you are his son. And weneed you. We need you to anchor to us, Abhir. You've spent too long isolatingyourself, pushing away everything good and stable."

She paused, taking a deep breath, knowing this next partwould hurt, but was necessary.

Ruhi: "You need to look ahead. You know this month...it's been a year since Charu..."

Abhir's face immediately tightened, his usual easy-goingexpression dissolving into a familiar, deep grief. He looked away, focusing intensely on the flashing lights of his mixing board.

Abhir (Voice tight): "Ru, please. Don't."

Ruhi (Gently, but persistent): "I have to, Abhir. Iloved Charu. We all did. She was beautiful, and she brought you so much joyafter all the darkness. She was the one who tied you to the Poddar family,however complicated that relationship was. She was Krish, Armaan, and Aaryan'ssister. Her death was tragic, and the grief is still heavy—especially foryou."

She placed a comforting hand on his arm.

Ruhi: "But it has been a year, Abhir. One whole year.You honored her memory by stepping away and healing, but you cannot let griefdefine your future. You need to open your heart again, Billa Boy. Not just tous, but to life. Docman wouldn't want you stuck here, and neither would Charu.Move on. Reconnect. It's time."

Abhir stared at the picture of Abhimanyu, then back at hissister. The weight of his adopted father's love, his birth father's legacy, andhis late wife's memory settled heavily around him. Ruhi hadn't given him aneasy answer, but she had given him permission to choose life.

Abhir (After a long moment, nodding slowly): "I hear you, Ru. Bas kuch waqt de do. (Just give me some time.)"

Ruhi smiled, a small victory won. She knew that time, for a Birla, meant action.

U mean 70 30 split na

I kinda like harshu ..I am kinda practical like him ..i respect art though

I like how ru is pushing abir away from the dull behaviour and lack of ambition..manyu was full of fire

Aryan looks like is like his elder bro ar ..appears a feminist only if his ego is pandered to

Originally posted by: AnjuRish

U mean 70 30 split na

I kinda like harshu ..I am kinda practical like him ..i respect art though

I like how ru is pushing abir away from the dull behaviour and lack of ambition..manyu was full of fire

Aryan looks like is like his elder bro ar ..appears a feminist only if his ego is pandered to

Didn't mean to demean music but since harsh is like that way I had to use tuntuna

Glad you liked the writing

You can give your ideas or suggestions in Kaira chapter discussions thread

Originally posted by: A_Star39

Part 14:External Force

The atmosphere is already thick with the lingering tension of the Ghoomar incident. Kaveri (Dadi Sa) sits on her throne-like chair,looking like a queen whose subjects have disappointed her. Vidya, Manisha, Manoj,Madhav, Sanjay, and Kajal are scattered around, nursing tea and grudges.

Aaryan strode into the center of the room. He adjusted his cufflinks, took a deep breath, and prepared to deliver the performance Kairav and Muskan had demanded.

Aaryan (Voice booming, hands raised): "Stop everything! Dadi Sa, Papa, everyone. I have an announcement. A decision that will changethe fate of this family."

The room went silent. Even Sanjay Bansal stopped checkinghis phone.

Aaryan: "I have found my life partner. The woman wh owill bring stability, status, and honor to this house."

Manisha clasped her hands, eyes shining.

Manisha: "Oh, my son! Who is she? Is she a nice, simplegirl?"

Aaryan: "She is Dr. Kaira... Goenka."

There was a micro-second of silence. A pin drop could havesounded like a bomb.

Kaveri (Clutching her chest, eyes rolling toward theceiling): "Hey Bhagwan! Goenka? Again?! Are we cursed? Is there a magneticfield in this house that attracts that family's drama?!"

Abhira, standing near the pillar with a tray of waterglasses, turned pale white. The sheer trauma of the name "Goenka"combined with the visual of Kaira entering this madhouse was too much for hersystem.

Abhira (Weakly): "Kaira ... yahan... oh god..."

THUD.

Abhira fainted cold, the tray clattering loudly to thefloor.

Armaan (Screaming like he’s in a war zone): "Abhira!Aaryan, look what you did! You put her in shock! Paani lao! Koi toh paani lao!

But no one moved for water, because Vidya had sprinted tothe kitchen and returned... armed.

She held a large silver pooja thali in one hand and aheavy serving spoon in the other.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

Vidya started banging the spoon against the metal plate witha rhythmic, manic ferocity, marching straight toward Manisha.

Vidya (Singing loudly and off-key, banging the thali to thebeat): "🎶 Waah Devrani Ji Waah! 🎶Bajaao Taali! No, Bajaao THALILook at your Laadla! He brought the Goenka ki maharani herself! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! Congratulations on your destruction,Manisha! Swagat nahi karogi apni 'High-Class' Bahu ka?"

Manisha looked ready to cry, covering her ears against themetallic assault.

Manisha: "Bhabhi, stop it! My Aaryan has chosen... ohgod, Manoj, do something! Yeh toh Goenka hai! They act like they own the oxygenin Udaipur!"

Manoj (Holding his head): "I need a Disprin. No, makeit two. Aaryan, are you insane?"

Amidst the screaming, the fainting, and the thali-banging, TanyaBansal jumped off the sofa, vibrating with excitement.

Tanya (Squealing): "OMG! Kaira?! My Bestie is becomingmy Bhabhi?! This is iconic! We can share wardrobes! I have to text her!"

She turned to Krish, who was sitting with his mouth wideopen, looking completely dumbfounded.

Tanya: "Krish! Did you hear? Kaira! It’s a vibe!"

Krish (Staring into space, traumatized): "A vibe?Tanya, Kaira Goenka is going to eat us alive."

Sanjay Bansal scoffed, shaking his head at Kajal.

Sanjay: "Great. First the Sharma girl, now the Goenkaprincess. This family is legally doomed. We need to check our liabilityinsurance."

Kajal: " Manoj, handle your son! Vidya Bhabhi is goingto dent that silver thali!"

CLANG! CLANG!

Vidya (Shouting over the noise): "Karma, Manisha! It’sKarma! Now you deal with the Goenka attitude! I will buy popcorn!"

Armaan was furiously fanning Abhira with a cushion. Madhavwas staring at the ceiling, looking like he wished he had stayed at the policestation.

Aaryan stood in the middle of the circus, realizing he hadto regain control to execute his plan. He stepped forward, his face serious,ignoring his aunt using kitchenware as a weapon of mass destruction.

Aaryan (Shouting over Vidya’s drumming): "ENOUGH! Stopthe drama! Put the spoon down, Taiji!"

He grabbed the thali from Vidya’s hand, the metal ringinginto silence.

Aaryan (Breathing hard, looking at everyone): "Yes,it’s a Goenka. Yes, it’s Kaira. And yes, I love her."

The word "love" fell on the shocked silence likeanother metallic CLANG. Kaveri (Dadi Sa) rose slowly from her chair, her backstraight, her expression a mask of cold, ancient fury.

Kaveri (Her voice low, yet carrying the weight of command):"Bas, Aaryan. This drama will not happen in my house. Yeh tumhari koicollege ki zidd nahi hai. Yeh do khandaanon ki dushmani hai!”

She pointed a trembling, authoritative finger at theunconscious Abhira, who was just starting to stir on the floor, fanned by Armaan.

Kaveri: "Dekho! Dekho apni Bhabhi ka haal! Just themention of that name is giving trauma to our daughter-in-law! And you think Iwill let you bring that manhoosiyat back into my bloodline?"

Kaveri fixed Aaryan with a stare that held zero love, onlypower and condemnation.

Kaveri (In fierce, heavy Hindi): "Sunn lo, AaryanPoddar! Mera faisla sunn lo! Jab takmain zinda hoon, is ghar ki dehleez par koi Goenka kadam nahi rakhega! Yehshaadi nahi hogi! Har qeemat par, main yeh rishta tod doongi!

She turned to face the main door, her silhouette imposingagainst the light.

Kaveri: "Goenkas aur Birlas, unka natak, unka status...humein nahi chahiye! Goenka ki bahu, main toh sapne mein bhi nahi dekh sakti! Ifyou try to bring that girl here, remember this—you will choose between her andyour Dadi Sa!"

Armaan, kneeling frantically beside Abhira, who issemi-conscious on the marble floor.

Armaan (Patting Abhira's cheek, near tears): "Abhira!Abhira, meri silly girl! Wake up! Look at me! It’s me, Armaan! I swear I won’tlet anyone hurt you! Please open your eyes!"

Abhira groaned, her eyelids fluttering open. She looked upat Armaan, her eyes glazed and unfocused.

Abhira (Mumbling weakly, mixing up words): "Goenka...Goenka-Poddar alliance... it's giving me... giving me, Armaan... high-bloodpressure ki jalebi."

Armaan (Confused): "Jalebi? Silly girl, what are youtalking about? You need water, not sweets! You're rambling!"

Kaveri's threat—you will choose between her and your Dadi Sa!—was meant to crush him, but for Aaryan, it was the final trigger.

Aaryan (His voice low at first, a dangerous rumble): "Choose? Aapko lagta hai main koi chota baccha hoon jo choose karega, Dadi Sa?"

Kaveri, halfway out the main door, paused.

Aaryan (Turning, his voice escalating to a deafening roar): Woh meri hai, aur uska status mera hai, aur yeh alliance mera hai! Aapko lagta hai ki main koi purani, sentimental dushmani ko apne perfect future ko barbaad karne doonga? Kabhi Nahi!

He took three aggressive steps forward, his eyes burning with a shocking, unhinged intensity.

Aaryan (His voice venomous, directed at his grandmother's retreating back): "Main Kaira Goenka se shaadi karoonga, har haal mein! Chahe is poore ghar ki raakh par chalna pade! Chahe mujhe... mujhe aapki chita jalani pade! Mujhe challenge mat kijiye, Dadi Sa! Don't you dare!"

The entire family gasped. Even Manoj and Manisha recoiled, horrified by the blasphemous threat against the Matriarch.

Armaan, who had just managed to sit Abhira up against the sofa, had reached his breaking point. He forgot his wife, forgot the chaos, and exploded with pure, protective rage.

Armaan (Leaping to his feet, veins bulging): "Aaryan! Bas! Teri himmat kaise hui Dadi Sa se aise baat karne ki?! Aaj tumne saari haddein paar kar di!

Armaan swung his arm back and launched himself toward Aaryan, aiming a furious, open-palmed slap across his brother's face.

WHACK!

Aaryan caught Armaan's wrist mid-swing with a lightning-fast grip. His eyes were cold slits of pure contempt.

Aaryan (A dangerous, low hiss): "Mujhe haath mat lagana, Armaan bhai! Aap apni biwi ko dekhna chahiye tha, mere future mein dakhal nahi dena chahiye tha!"

With a savage, effortless jerk, Aaryan twisted Armaan's captured wrist and shoved him violently away. Armaan, unbalanced, crashed into Krish, who was still crouched by the corner of the sofa.

BHOOM!

Armaan landed heavily, the wind knocked out of him, while Krish yelped in pain as they crumpled into a heap of limbs and silk kurta.

Krish (From the pile): "Bhaiyya! Yeh kya kiya?! Mera ghutna!"

Aaryan stood over the fallen heap of his brothers. His chest heaved.

The Poddar living room is already a disaster zone. Armaan isgroaning on the floor, tangled with Krish. Abhira is sitting dazed nearby,rubbing her head. The silver thali lies abandoned.

Kaveri (Dadi Sa), who had paused at the doorway afterAaryan's blasphemous "pyre" comment, turned slowly. Her face wasn'tjust angry; it was terrifyingly calm, the calm before a nuclear winter.

Kaveri (Her voice a low, barking command): "Bohot bolliya tumne, Aaryan! You threaten to burn this house? To burn me? Tohsuno! As long as I breathe, that Goenka girl will never be a Poddar bahu!Never! Yeh mera aakhri faisla hai! "

The ultimatum hung in the air like a guillotine.

Aaryan stared at her, his chest heaving. The sheer force ofher refusal cracked something inside him. His desperate need for Kaira'sstatus, combined with his melodramatic Poddar DNA, triggered a nuclearreaction.

Aaryan (His eyes wide and unhinged): "Aakhri faisla? You think you can stop me? Agar Kaira merinahi ho sakti, toh main kisi ka nahi hoonga! "

With a sudden, wild scream, Aaryan sprinted towards the openkitchen.

Aaryan (Shouting as he ran): "Main abhi khatam kartahoon yeh sab!"

The family froze for a split second, processing theescalation.

Manisha (Screaming): "Aaryan! Nahi!"

Aaryan burst back into the living room seconds later. In hishand, he held a large, shiny kitchen knife—specifically, the one usuallyreserved for cutting huge watermelons. He pressed the flat of the bladedramatically against his own wrist (careful not to actually cut, but lookingterrifying).

Aaryan (Sobbing loudly, knife trembling): "I love herto my heart, Dadi Sa! My heart beats only for Kaira! Without her status... Imean, without her love... my life is zero! Main mar jaaunga! "

Chaos unleashed.

Manoj (Running forward): "Aaryan! Beta, chhod do! Don'tbe foolish!"

Madhav: "Knife neeche rakho! "

The women—Vidya, Kajal, Manisha, and Tanya—all screamed inunison, a harmony of high-pitched panic. They launched themselves forward in adesperate stampede to save the golden boy.

The Problem: Between the women and Aaryan lay Abhira, stillsitting on the floor, just starting to recover from her faint.

Abhira (Blinking groggily): "Huh? Knife? Why is therea—"

STAMPEDE!

Vidya, fueled by maternal panic, didn't even look down. Herheavy, expensive sandal landed squarely on Abhira’s thigh.

Abhira: "Ouch! MAA! That's my leg!"

Kajal, rushing right behind her, tripped over Vidya’s sareeand planted her foot directly onto Abhira’s other shin to steady herself.

Abhira: "Arre Bua! Watch the road!"

Manisha, weeping blindly, simply ran over Abhira, herknee knocking Abhira back onto the floor.

Abhira: "Chachi! I am a person, not a speedbreaker!"

Finally, Tanya, in her excitement to save the "lovestory," leaped over Krish and landed—hard—with one heel digginginto the hem of Abhira’s saree, pinning her down while simultaneously steppingon her hand.

Abhira (Screaming from the floor, buried under silk andfeet): "AHHH.Bacchao,silly boy bacchao!"

But no one heard her. They were too busy wrestling thewatermelon knife from Aaryan, who was now weeping into Manisha's shoulder whilekeeping one eye on Kaveri to make sure his performance was registering.

The Poddar living room was now a masterpiece of disaster:Aaryan theatrically suicidal, Armaan and Krish groaning in a pile, and poorAbhira flattened on the floor, covered in footprints, the literal doormat ofthe family drama.

Aaryan is surrounded by the women, holding the watermelonknife against his wrist like a dramatic Shakespearean actor. Abhira isflattened on the floor, looking like a cartoon character that just got run overby a steamroller.

Vidya (Weeping, hands folded): "Aaryan! Knife neecherakh de! Don't do this! Think about yourTaiji! Think about the kheer I made for you!"

Kajal (Crying): "Aaryan, please! We will accept her! Wewill accept the Goenka girl!"

Aaryan (Looking at the ceiling, voice trembling):"No... if Dadi Sa doesn't want my happiness, then I don't want this life! Goodbye,Udaipur! Goodbye, High-Status Clientele!"

While the family focused on the suicide drama, Abhira letout a long, high-pitched howl of misery from the floor.

Abhira: "Awooooooo! Haaaaayeeee! Meri kamar! Merikidney! Sab toot gaya!"

Armaan, finally recovering from being shoved, crawled overto her on his knees, looking panic-stricken.

Armaan (Hovering over her, checking her limbs frantically):"Abhira! Silly girl! Speak to me! Are you conscious? "

Abhira (Crying comically, pointing at her saree):"Report?! Armaan, look at me! I have become a human papad! First Maa ranover me like a Shatabdi Express, then Chachi used me as a doormat! Mera haathdekho! Tanya stood on it with her pencilheels! I think she punctured my thumb!"

Armaan (Blowing gently on her hand, looking deadly serious):"Oh god. This is assault. Don'tworry, Abhira, I will apply ice! I will apply turmeric! Do you want me to suemy own family for stampede negligence?"

Abhira (Sniffling): "Sue baad mein karna, pehle mujhefloor se uthao"

Back in the center of the room, Manoj grabbed Kaveri'sshoulders, shaking her slightly. Kaveri stood frozen, staring at the knife inAaryan's hand, her face pale.

Manoj (Desperate): "Maa Sa! Please! Look at him! He isyour blood! Kya aapki nafrat Aaryan ki jaan se badi hai? If he does something to himself, this housewill be destroyed forever!"

Sanjay Bansal (Stepping in, pragmatic as ever): "Maasa,listen to Manoj. If Aaryan commits suicide over a failed alliance, the scandalwill destroy the Poddar Law Firm! Client bhaag jayenge! Imagine the headlines: 'Poddar Heir Dies forLove.' It’s bad for business! Just say yes!"

Kaveri (Voice trembling, eyes fixed on the knife):"Lekin... Goenka..."

Manoj (Shouting): "To hell with Goenka! Save my son! Haanbol dijiye, Maa! "

Vidya (Turning to Kaveri, screaming): "Maa Sa! Please!Before he cuts a vein! Haan bolo!"

Kaveri looked at Aaryan, who pressed the dull edge of theknife a little harder into his skin, squeezing out a fresh tear. The pressurewas too much. The matriarch crumbled.

Kaveri (Closing her eyes, defeated): "RUK JAAO! "

The room went deadly silent. Even Abhira stopped howling.

Kaveri (Opening her eyes, voice hollow): "Put the knifedown, Aaryan. Shaadi hogi. I give my permission."

Aaryan’s weeping stopped instantly. A flicker of triumphcrossed his face before he buried it back in his hands to hide his smirk.

Aaryan (Voice breaking, still acting): "Sachi, Dadi Sa?You... you accept Kaira?"

Kaveri (Turning away, unable to look at him): "Yes.Bring the Goenka girl. Just put that knife back in the kitchen."

Aaryan: "Thank you, Dadi Sa! You saved my life!"

He dropped the knife (which clattered loudly) and hugged arelieved Manisha.

On the floor, Abhira looked up at Armaan.

Abhira: "Armaan... did Dadi Sa just agree? Or did theheavy foot of Chachi cause me brain damage?"

Armaan (Sighing, helping her sit up): "She agreed,Abhira. The stampede worked. We are getting Kaira."

Abhira (Rubbing her flattened shin): "Great. Now cansomeone call a doctor? Not Kaira, a bone doctor. I think I have a Chachi sa kechappal ka tattoo on my arm."

The Poddar Living Room, seconds after Aaryan's theatrical'suicide-by-knife' threat has forced Kaveri to agree to the wedding. The familyis still reeling: Aaryan is basking in his "triumph" with a weeping Manisha,Armaan is struggling to help Abhira off the floor, and the watermelon knifelies glinting by the abandoned thali.

Suddenly, a calm, clear voice breaks through the franticatmosphere.

Ruhi: "Oh. Looks like we walked into a live theatreperformance."

Standing silently by the front door are Ruhi Birla (Vidya'swidowed daughter-in-law) and Daksh (her son, Rohit’s child). Daksh is clutchinga small, official-looking Birla Hospital clipboard from his trip withHarshvardhan, looking utterly bewildered.

The Poddars—minus Aaryan, who is still wrapped in hismother's arms—turn and freeze, horrified. They had been so consumed by theirown internal chaos, they hadn't heard anyone enter.

Vidya (Seeing Ruhi and Daksh): "Haay Ram! Ruhi! Daksh!Tum log kab aaye?"

Krish (Whispering to Tanya): "They saw the whole thing.The suicide, the thali, the trampling..."

Tanya (Whispering back): "Daksh has a Birla clipboard.He's going to file a complaint."

Abhira, seeing her nephew and recovering from her physicaltrauma, suddenly decides to be cheerful, attempting to stand up but immediatelylisting sideways due to the combined impact of the ladies' sandals.

Abhira (Limping dramatically, one hand holding her lowerback): "Dakshu! Abhira Maasi se milo! Maasi thodi si out-of-syllabus hogayi hai, but I'm fine! Just a little human-papad experience!"

She takes a hopping step toward them, but Ruhi raises ahand, stopping her gently but firmly.

Ruhi (Her eyes scanning the room, landing briefly on theknife and the thali): "No, thank you, Abhira We are good from here."

Daksh (In a small, matter-of-fact voice, looking at theknife): "Mummy, Bade Nanu told me the Birla Hospital has a strict'No-Weapons' policy. This house is violating the Code of Conduct."

Ruhi sighed, pulling Daksh closer. Her face was calm, buther words were sharp and precise.

Ruhi: "See, everyone? This is exactly why I didn't wantto land in the Poddar House. I told Harshvardhan Dadu that this atmosphere is high-decibeland zero-sanity. One minute, you are talking about status; the next, someone isthreatening self-harm with kitchen cutlery."

She shook her head, directing her statement to a mortified Vidya.

Ruhi: "Maa, aap keh rahi thi na ki main Daksh ko yahanshift kar doon? "

Vidya (Tears welling up, seeing her son's widow slip away):"Ruhi, please! Mera beta Don't go! Please, Daksh ka ghar hai yeh! Please, forgive Aaryan, he was justemotional!"

Ruhi: "Emotional, Taiji? He was performing a high-riskstunt. Daksh just spent the whole day learning about patient care and safety atBirla Hospital. I cannot traumatize him by making him live in a house where hisuncle uses a knife to settle property disputes—I mean, love disputes."

She glanced pointedly at Aaryan, who finally removed hisface from Manisha’s shoulder and tried to look commanding.

Aaryan (Adjusting his cufflink, weakly): "Ruhi Bhabhi,that was a family moment, you wouldn't understand. It was necessary."

Ruhi (Giving him a look of icy judgment): "Necessary?No, Aaryan. It was just Poddar kalesh (Poddar drama). Come on, Daksh."

Ruhi gently steered Daksh away from the doorway.

Daksh (Looking back at the family, clutching his clipboard):"Bye, everyone! I hope your internal audit results are better nexttime!"

Before any Poddar could stop them, Ruhi and Daksh were gone,leaving the family humiliated and exposed, realizing that their drama had justbeen judged by their own family

Kairav and Muskan are sitting together, having a quiet cupof tea after receiving confirmation of Aaryan's aggressive declaration of love.

Muskan sighs, setting down her cup.

Muskan: "Kairav ji, Aaryan ne toh wahi kiya jo humchahte the. He declared his love and forced his family's hand. But watching howeasily he turned that ultimatum into a massive kalesh..."

Kairav (Shaking his head gravely): "Muskan, that boy ispoison. He didn't declare love; he declared ownership. He didn't secure themarriage; he secured a target. Kaira is so driven by proving her worth, she isblind to his possessiveness. She sees his actions as commitment, not control."

Muskan: "Exactly. And Kaveri Badi Maa's fury will onlymake Kaira dig in deeper. She will see this as Aaryan fighting the world forher. We can't tell Kaira the truth about Aaryan directly, or she will rebel andmarry him out of spite."

Kairav leans forward, his expression hard and strategic.

Kairav: "We need Kaira to see the reality herself. Andfor that, we need an external force."

Muskan instantly understood.

Muskan: "You mean... that childhood friend? The one whoalways understood her ambitions better than anyone?"

Kairav: "Yes. The one who saw her before the titles andthe degrees. Aaryan uses Kaira's confidence as his own status symbol. Kairaneeds someone who sees her soul, not her success. Someone who will unmaskAaryan for the hollow man he is, not by fighting him, but by simplyexisting."

Muskan: "The one who will remind her what real, healthyadmiration looks like. He needs to enter her life, not as a rival, but as amirror reflecting Aaryan's toxicity."

Kairav: "Aaryan's self-obsession is his biggestweakness. A genuinely good man who admires Kaira without needing to possess herwill make Aaryan's flaws surface instantly. That is the only way Kaira willwillingly break this engagement. We need to reach out to him."

Kairav reached for his phone, a resolute look on his face,about to dial a number.

Just as Kairav picked up his phone, the landline rang—aharsh, immediate sound. Both Kairav and Muskan exchanged a look of surprise.The Poddars rarely called the main line directly.

Kairav picked it up.

Kairav: "Hello?"

A strong, brittle voice came through the receiver.

Kaveri (Voice tight with suppressed fury): "KairavGoenka. Yeh main Kaveri Poddar bol rahi hoon. Tumhari beti aur mere pote kishaadi ki baat karne ke liye. "

Kairav sat up straighter, masking his shock. Kaveri's suddencapitulation, even under duress, was a massive victory.

Kairav (Smoothly): "Ah, Kaveri Ji. We were justdiscussing the same. When and where would you like to meet?"

Kaveri: "Jaldi se jaldi. Kal subah. Poddar Mansionaaiye. Humein Goenkas se apne ghar mein milna pasand hai."

Kairav (A slight smile of amusement): "Done, Kaveri Ji.Subah milte hain."

Kairav hung up the phone and looked at Muskan, his strategicdecision momentarily delayed.

Kairav: "That was fast. Kaveri Aunty has agreed. Shewants us at the Poddar Mansion tomorrow morning. It seems Aaryan's theatricsworked faster than expected."

Muskan (Nodding): "The wedding is set. Now the stage isready for the real drama. While they plan the ceremony, we plan therescue."

Kairav still held his phone, the plan to call the childhoodfriend simmering in the background.

Kairav: "Pehle shaadi ki taiyyari. Phir breakup kitaiyyari”

Hope kaira sees the red flags ...so aryan wants her for her status and her money..what she can bring him

I hope ru also warns her and kaira does listen to her

Waiting for the mystery hero

Originally posted by: A_Star39

Part 15:Baat Pakki?

A few minutes have passed since the discussion about handling the Goenkas. Kaveri sits in her chair, reviewing a list of instructions. Vidya, Manisha, Sanjay, Kajal, and Manoj are gathered, awaiting the Goenkas' arrival for the planned negotiation.

Kaveri’s personal landline—a heavy, old-fashionedinstrument—rings shrilly. Kaveri, expecting the Goenkas' confirmation call,picks it up with a sharp, impatient "Hello."

Kaveri (Sharp and ready for battle): "Haan? KaveriPoddar bol rahi hoon. Kairav Goenka bol rahe hain?"

A smooth, cool voice—unmistakably Muskan Goenka's—answersfrom the other end.

Muskan (Voice perfectly composed, no warmth, butprofessional politeness): "Namaste, Kaveri ji. Muskan Goenka bol rahihoon."

Kaveri (Frowning, annoyed Kairav didn't call): "Muskanji. Good. We are waiting. I trust you are on your way? We prefer suchdiscussions happen in our house."

A chilling, short pause follows.

Muskan (Her voice dropping slightly, laced with authority):"That is precisely why I called, Kaveri ji. We had an internal familydiscussion after your invitation. And we realized there has been a slightmisunderstanding regarding protocol."

The entire room goes silent. Vidya leans forward, her eyeswide.

Kaveri (Voice tightening): "Misunderstanding? Whatmisunderstanding? The decision was made."

Muskan: "The decision on the alliance, yes. But not theritual of the rishta (relationship). Kaveri ji, there is a very old andrespected tradition in our family, upheld since my husband Kairav'sgreat-grandmother."

Muskan speaks in perfectly weighted, slow Hindi, givingevery word the weight of law.

Muskan: "Goenka ghar ki ladkiyon ka rishta, hameshaladke walon dwara laaye jaata hai. Our girls do not go to the boy's house to beinspected. It is a matter of parampara (tradition) and the dignity of theGoenka name."

Kaveri's face is a mask of furious disbelief. The Goenkasare demanding the Poddars come to them, flipping the hierarchy completely.

Kaveri (Voice trembling with rage): "Muskan Goenka! Yehkya badtameezi hai? You think we are some small family who will come running toyour door? We are the Poddar Law Firm!"

Muskan (Remaining utterly unruffled): "We respect yourposition, Kaveri ji. But a tradition is a tradition. To maintain the prestigerequired for Kaira's hand, all of the Poddar elders—Madhav ji, Vidya ji, Manojji, Manisha ji, and the Bansals—must come to the Goenka Villa."

Vidya gasps audibly. Manisha claps her hand over her mouth.

Sanjay (Whispering to Manoj): "They want the fulldelegation! This is a power move, not tradition!"

Kaveri (Gritting her teeth): "And if we refuse this...this humiliation?"

Muskan (The final blow, delivered with smooth regret):"Then the alliance does not happen, Kaveri ji. We cannot compromise ourfamily's sanskars (values) for convenience. We have arranged for tea andsnacks. Please arrive at the Goenka Villa by 4 PM sharp. Kairav ji is alreadywaiting."

Muskan hangs up without another word, leaving a dead silencein the Poddar living room.

Kaveri slowly lowers the receiver, her hand shaking. Hercold fury is immense—they were prepared for a fight, but the Goenkas hadn'teven shown up; they had simply issued an order.

Vidya (Exploding): "Did you hear that, Maasa?! They aretreating us like the smaller party! Like we are supplicants! Kairav Goenka iswaiting? Who does he think he is?!"

Kaveri (Voice dangerously quiet, staring into the middledistance): "He thinks he is a Goenka, Vidya. And he just reminded us allthat the law books we write are not as powerful as the brand equity they havebuilt."

Manoj (Nervously): "Maa Sa, what do we do? Do wego?"

Kaveri stands up, her posture rigid with defeated pride. Sheremembers Aaryan's threat and the knife. They have no choice.

Kaveri (Her voice filled with venomous resignation): "Wewill go. We will go and sit in their golden cage, and we will tolerate theirtea and their superior smiles. But they will remember that they may have wonthe battle of protocol, but they have not won the war for Kaira."

Abhira watched Armaan fussing over his tie, her expression amix of annoyance and self-pity. The entire scenario—the forced visit, thechange of venue, the sheer audacity of the Goenkas—felt like a personal affrontto her highly refined sense of moral righteousness.

Abhira (Sighing dramatically): "Armaan, are you quitefinished admiring your reflection? We are late for the Supreme Court of Statusand Sanskaars."

Armaan (Adjusting his cufflink nervously): "Abhira,please. Don't start. It's just a meeting. We need to be respectful; Dadi Sa isalready furious."

Abhira (Haughtily): "Respectful? To whom, Armaan? To Kairav Mama, who treats family traditions like a corporate merger? To Muskan Mami, whothinks prestige is the only legal tender? They pulled this cheap stunt because their 'Goenka Brand Equity' is more important than basic human decency."

She turned away, disgusted by their calculated power move.

Abhira (Internal Monologue): "The irony isoverwhelming. They preach 'legacy' but erase the 'Sharma' name, and then theyhide behind 'tradition' to humiliate Dadi Sa and pull us onto their turf. Theyare nothing but status-obsessed hypocrites."

Abhira smoothed the fabric of her suit, feeling a profoundsense of moral superiority over both families.

Abhira: "It's the constant pursuit of the 'High-StatusTag,' Armaan. Dadi Sa tries to maintain her honor through rigid rules, and theGoenkas destroy all honor through their golden arrogance. They think forcing usto come to their villa proves their superiority. It just proves they areintellectually shallow and ethically bankrupt."

She gestured dismissively toward the door.

Abhira: "I am the only one maintaining a pure standardin this entire khandaan drama. I didn't wear my heavy jewelry or my designersaree. I refuse to play their 'commodity comparison' game, unlike your Mom. We go as Abhira Sharma, the ethical lawyer, and Armaan Poddar, the green flag husband—not as mere consumers of the Goenka status."

Armaan (Frustrated by her lecture): "Abhira, you are still clinging to that 'Sharma' name in every legal battle! And you are calling them hypocrites? Just get in the car."

Abhira (Lifting her chin, unaffected): "I maintain'Sharma' as a symbol of my earned merit, Armaan, not my inherited privilege.That is an ethical choice you and your family wouldn't understand. Now, let'sgo. We must tolerate their golden tyranny so your cousin can marry the statussymbol he desperately needs."

She strode toward the door, carrying the heavy burden of herown holier-than-thou principles into the heart of the Goenka empire.

The Poddar family assembles by the large main door, theirmood a mix of hurried fury and defeated dread.

Kaveri (Dadi Sa) descends the grand staircase, her posturestiff and unyielding, wearing her plain, powerful white saree.

Vidya and Madhav follow, Vidya fussing with her pallu. Manishaand Manoj trail them, Manisha teary and nervous, Manoj looking ill. Sanjay andKajal stand near the pillar.

Krish and Tanya are already there. Tanya is practicallyvibrating with excitement.

Tanya (Squealing to Krish): "OMG, this is so muchbetter! The Goenka Villa is amazing for Instagram stories! And Kaira! My bestieis becoming my bhabhi! We can share everything! I need to do a reel on 'Headingto the In-Laws’ Palace!'"

Krish (Muttering, terrified): "Tanya, this isn't apalace; it's a courtroom. We're the accused."

Aaryan strides down the stairs next, dressed impeccably, histriumph radiating off him.

Aaryan (Voice smooth, full of false sympathy): "Why soglum, everyone? We should be celebrating! Dadi Sa, Taiji, look at the brightside: at least we get to see the Goenka Villa's new marble flooring."

Vidya (Snapping at him): "Oh, you are enjoying this,aren't you? Your perfect future is costing us our respect!"

Just then, Kiara Poddar (Aaryan's elder sister) walks in.She doesn't look celebratory; she looks disgusted, fixing a cold stare on heryounger brother.

Kiara (Sharply, addressing Aaryan): "The marbleflooring is irrelevant, Aaryan. What matters is the low ethical floor youdragged this family down to. Threatening suicide with a sabzi-cutting knifejust to force Dadi Sa's hand—that wasn't love; that was cheapmanipulation."

Aaryan (Dismissive): "Stay out of it, Kiara. Youwouldn't understand status and business alliances."

Kiara (Scoffing): "I understand genuine legal talentand integrity, which is why I prefer Armaan Bhai's method of working. I don'tneed theatrics to prove my worth."

Armaan and Abhira arrive from the corridor. Armaan is tense,but Abhira looks annoyed and serenely superior.

Kiara (Immediately softening, going to Armaan and Abhira):"Armaan Bhai, Bhabhi. I'm sorry you were dragged into this nonsense, andAbhira Bhabhi, I hope your leg is okay after that mass trampling."

Abhira (Limping slightly, appreciating the validation):" Thank you for noticing my suffering."

Abhira is closely followed by Maira Poddar, their 7-year-olddaughter.

Kaveri (Sharp command): "Maira, stay with the servant.This is a family meeting, not a picnic!"

Abhira (Stepping forward, putting Maira protectively behindher): "No, Dadi Sa. Maira is coming with us. She is a part of this family,and she needs to witness how high-profile families conduct themselves—whetherwith grace or with arrogance. It is part of her education."

Armaan (Whispering to Abhira): "Abhira, what are youdoing? She'll ask questions!"

Abhira (Meeting his eye, her tone holier-than-thou):"Then we will give her honest answers, Armaan. Unlike some people, I don'tbelieve in hiding the truth behind a convenient lie."

Kaveri (Loudly, her voice grating with finality):"Enough! Silence! We are going. We will maintain our dignity. We walk intogether, we sit together, and we speak only when asked. We are a rock. Madhav,get the cars ready!"

The humiliated delegation—led by Kaveri's cold fury,punctuated by Aaryan's smirk, Kiara's disapproval, and Tanya's giddyexcitement—shuffles out to the cars, heading into the heart of the Goenkadomain.

In her opulent, minimalist bedroom, Kaira Goenka issurrounded by a chaotic explosion of fabrics. Expensive sarees, heavy lehengas,and chic kurta sets are draped over every available surface. She pacesfrantically, holding a shimmering gold saree to her chest.

Kaira (To herself, stressed): "A saree? Tootraditional, they’ll think I’m already subservient. A lehenga? Too festive,they’ll think I’m too frivolous. A kurta set? Too casual, they’ll think I don'trespect the 'Law Firm' status. Oh, god! What do I wear to meet the family I'm supposedlygoing to save?"

Kaira throws the gold saree onto the bed. Her fiancé, Aaryan,may have used theatrics, but Kaira knows her meeting with the Poddar Matriarchis a serious appraisal.

Kaira (Pacing): "It has to be perfect. Something thatscreams 'I am Dr. Kaira Goenka, financially independent, professionallyaccomplished, and completely above your petty rules,' but still respects thefact that they own the oxygen supply in Udaipur."

She finally settles on a rich, emerald green anarkaliset—elegant, powerful, and undeniably Goenka.

Downstairs, in the library, Kairav and Muskan are finalizingthe arrangements. They are calm on the surface, but their eyes betray deepconcern. They don't mention the 'External Force' (Ved), keeping that planlocked down. Their focus is solely on Kaira's immediate safety and thesuccessful execution of the rishta meeting.

Kairav (Checking his watch): "The Poddars will be hereprecisely at 4 PM, humiliated and angry. Kaveri will try to dismantle Kaira'sconfidence first."

Muskan (Nodding, her voice low): "I know. We have toshield her. She sees this as her biggest challenge—proving her worth to afamily that thinks she's just a status tag. She can't see the controlling manAaryan truly is."

Kairav: "We must remain united and absolutely cold. Wecannot show any crack in our armor, or Kaveri will exploit it. Today, we arenot her parents; we are the Corporate Guardrails."

Muskan sighs, the weight of their strategic parenting heavyon her.

Muskan: "I just wish she wasn't so blinded by Aaryan'sperformative devotion. He uses her ambition like a weapon."

Kairav (Firmly): "We secured the meeting. That's thefirst win. Now, let's ensure Kaira doesn't give Kaveri aunty any reason to calloff the alliance on moral grounds. She has to be flawless."

Muskan heads upstairs to check on Kaira. She finds Kairastruggling with the crisp, structured green anarkali, which now looks slightlytoo casual for the impending confrontation.

Kaira (Frustrated): "Maa, this feels wrong! Maybe asaree is better. Traditional, yet powerful. But I can't drape this silvertissue saree alone, and if it's imperfect, Kaveri Dadi Sa will count it as aflaw in my sanskaars."

Muskan (Going to her daughter, softening slightly): "Asaree it is, then. But Kaira, remember this: they are coming to us. Theirdiscomfort is our leverage. Wear the saree, but let your eyes speak volumesabout your uncompromising worth."

Muskan smoothly takes the silver tissue saree and begins thearduous task of draping it perfectly. The silk is difficult, and Muskanstruggles, her hands—used to managing companies and spreadsheets—fumblingslightly with the precise pleats.

Muskan (A small, anxious gasp as a pleat slips): "Holdstill, Kaira. This saree is as stubborn as the Poddars themselves."

Kaira (Smiling weakly): "It's okay, Maa. At leastyou're here. I'm just… nervous. This feels like the biggest exam of mylife."

Muskan finally secures the final pleat at Kaira’s waist, herexpression momentarily losing its corporate chill, replaced by raw maternalanxiety.

Muskan: "You will pass, my girl. Just remember, KairaGoenka does not need a permission slip from anyone to exist. Now, let's go facethe music."

Kaira, transformed and shielded by the perfectly drapedsilver armor, walks with her mother toward the grand living room, ready to meether future in-laws.

The Poddar motorcade—a line of black, expensive SUVs—pullsup to the pristine entrance. The entire Poddar/Bansal delegation, led by Kaveri,steps out, blinking in the glare of the Goenka architecture.

Waiting on the steps are the three Goenka hosts: Kairav,impeccably dressed and radiating controlled power; Muskan, elegant in a crispsaree, her posture conveying superiority; and Abhir (Ruhi, Abhira, and Kaira'sbrother), handsome, slightly aloof, and dressed in sharp casual wear.

The sight of the villa—which looks less like a home and morelike a corporate art installation—leaves the Poddars momentarily dumbfounded.

Vidya (Whispering to Manisha, eyes wide): "Look at thefloor, Manisha! I think it's Italian marble, not Indian! They must haveimported the mitti (soil) too!"

Sanjay (Muttering, doing mental calculations): "Theproperty tax alone must be higher than Manoj's annual income."

The Poddars approach the steps, Kaveri leading the chargelike a queen marching to the guillotine.

The Ice-Cold Greetings

The formal exchange begins. Kairav and Muskan greet theguests with an air of professional courtesy that is colder than a winter draft.

Kairav (Smoothly): "Kaveri ji. Welcome to our home.Thank you for respecting our family tradition." (The subtle dig at herforced compliance is not lost on Kaveri).

Kaveri (Voice strained): "Kairav ji. Majboori(Compulsion) has a tradition of its own."

Muskan moves down the line, maintaining perfect composureuntil she reaches Kiara (Aaryan's sister, and Abhir's ex-wife).

Kiara (Offering a polite, if nervous, Namaste):"Namaste, Muskan Mami."

Muskan (Her professional smile vanishes; her eyes narrowmomentarily): "Kiara. What a surprise. You are part of the delegation?Well, welcome to the Goenka Villa."

Muskan rolls her eyes subtly, but decisively, just beforeturning away. The contempt in that single gesture is palpable, and Abhir shiftsuncomfortably, noticing the exchange.

Muskan's composure returns as she reaches Abhira. She andKairav immediately switch their demeanor to one of exaggerated warmth.

Muskan (Hugging Abhira tightly, a false warmth):"Abhira! My little lawyer! How are you, dear? You look so well, even afterall the papad-belna (struggle) in that house! We are so happy you could joinus."

Kairav (Wrapping Abhira in a supportive embrace): "Yes,my little fighter. You are looking tired, though. You should take better careof yourself. Don't worry, your Mama is here now. We will ensure everything runssmoothly for you."

Abhira, still in her holier-than-thou mode, finds theiraffection gratingly patronizing.

Abhira (Stiffly, pulling away): "Thank you, Mama, Mami.I am perfectly fine. I merely believe in prioritizing ethical standards overpersonal comfort. I am quite used to working with families who prioritize statusover truth."

Kairav and Muskan simply exchange a knowing, overly sweetsmile, fully aware Abhira is trying to maintain her moral high ground.

The Fiancé and the Fan Club

Aaryan steps forward, puffing out his chest, ready to baskin the Goenka glory.

Aaryan (Beaming): "Namaste, Kairav Uncle, MuskanAuntie! We are so honored! This is truly majestic!"

Tanya (Pushing past Krish, squealing): "Uncle! Auntie!Where is Kaira?! I'm her bestie, Tanya! Is she ready? I'm so excited!"

Kairav maintains his professional distance, while Muskangives Tanya a brief, confused nod.

Armaan, meanwhile, is observing the whole scene with dread,especially the awkwardness with Kiara and the subtle, sharp hostility betweenthe elders. He keeps a firm grip on Maira's hand, who is staring wide-eyed atthe marble floor.

Maira (Whispering to Armaan): "Papa, is this housereal? Does Cinderella live here?"

The Poddars are ushered into the reception hall, theirinitial fury replaced by a crushing sense of being overwhelmed by the Goenkas'sheer, effortless affluence. They are officially in the golden cage.

The Poddars and Bansals settled onto the minimalist,high-end sofas, their discomfort evident in their stiff postures. Kaveri (DadiSa) sat rigid, her gaze fixed on the pristine marble floor, refusing toacknowledge the superior wealth around her. Vidya nervously adjusted her saree,while Sanjay subtly took notes on the room's architecture as a distraction. Armaankept Maira close, while Abhira, in her simple silk suit, projected a cold,annoyed air of moral superiority.

The silence stretched, thick with unspoken hostility. Kairavdecided to strike, bypassing all pleasantries. His eyes were fixed on Abhira.

Kairav (A smooth, casual tone, but his voice carries arazor's edge): "So, the whole family is here, Kaveri ji. It’s lovely tosee Maira, Armaan's and Abhira's daughter. A precious addition to theproceedings."

The Poddars shifted nervously, anticipating the attack.

Kairav (Turning his full attention to Abhira, smilingthinly): "Tell me, Abhira. I was just reading an old Case Study on Parental Kidnapping. It's a very intense legal section, hai na? It makes you wonder howa brilliant lawyer like you handles such emotionally charged cases...especially when the case involves a father running away with an infant andhiding her from the mother for seven years."

The reference was unmistakable, cutting through the silencelike glass. The entire Poddar family froze.

Abhira (Voice trembling, trying to sound professional):"Mama, I don't know what files you are reading. And that is an irrelevantpersonal history in a formal alliance meeting."

Kairav: "Irrelevant? Aisa kaise, beta (How can that be,dear)? Hiding your own daughter from you—that's a highly relevant precedent ofcommitment for your pati (husband), Armaan. It speaks volumes about his...shall we say, authoritarian style of partnership."

Armaan snapped, his face flushing crimson.

Armaan (Leaping halfway out of his seat, his voice chokedwith anger): "Kairav Uncle! That was my mistake! A personal, emotionalmistake! Don't you dare bring that up here to—"

Muskan (Cutting Armaan off, her tone sharp anddisciplinary): "Armaan! Baitho (Sit down)! You are a lawyer, not a childthrowing a tantrum. Your Mama (Kairav) is merely pointing out that trust is thefoundation of any family, and frankly, your history with Abhira, which includesabducting your own child, raises serious questions about the Poddar definitionof trust."

The immediate, uncomfortable reaction of everyone presentwas palpable: Kaveri paled further, her eyes darting between Kairav and theinnocent Maira, worried about the legal exposure; Vidya flinched, terrifiedthat the family's carefully buried secrets were now publicly exposed; Armaan'sexplosive reaction revealed the deep shame he still carried; Abhira, despiteher sharp retort, felt a cold wave of public mortification, her holier-than-thoustance cracking under the harsh reality of her own marriage's messy history; Kiarashot a look of intense, pained sympathy toward Abhira; Manoj and Manishaexchanged looks of wide-eyed panic, completely out of their depth; while Sanjaymentally calculated the defamation risk, and Tanya was momentarily speechless,realizing this was bigger drama than any reel she could film.

Abhira (To Kairav, finding her voice, but laced withdefensive indignation): "Mama, my relationship with Armaan is built on forgivenessand ethical clarity. You, on the other hand, are using an old emotional woundto assert your status superiority. That is cheap, Mama. Even for the Goenkabrand."

Kairav (Smiling faintly, having achieved his goal):"Perhaps. But as a lawyer, Abhira, you should know: past conduct is alwaysadmissible evidence. We simply needed to establish the baseline of trust beforediscussing Kaira and Aaryan's future."

Ruhi Birla, standing near a large glass window, a silentspectator to the proceedings, lets out a small, sharp, almost superior chuckle.It's a sound of cynical amusement—the sound of someone who knows the family'sdirtiest secrets and is enjoying the public airing.

The chuckle is low, yet loud enough to draw the attention ofVidya and Abhir.

Vidya (Turning sharply, mortified): "Ruhi! What is sofunny? Is this how you treat your own in-laws and your own cousin-sister? Areyou enjoying our insult?"

Ruhi (Without turning, her gaze fixed on the perfectlymanicured garden): "Enjoying? No, Maa. I’m just observing the Poddarhypocrisy cycle at its peak. For years, you all preached about maryada(boundaries) and sanskars (values) in that cold, dark house. You made everyonefeel like a criminal if they blinked wrong."

She finally turns, her eyes landing briefly on Abhira, whois struggling to regain her composure.

Ruhi (Her voice cold and precise, cutting through thedrama): "And now, Kairav Mama just used the actual, messy truth—the 'Armaanran away with the infant' part—to show that your 'honor' is just a big, fat lieyou tell your clients. He didn't just taunt Abhira; he just tore the Poddar's moral banner right down the middle. That's not insulting, Maa; that’s just fair."

Abhir, standing beside Kairav, watches Ruhi with a familiarmix of annoyance and mild admiration.

Abhir (Muttering to Kairav): "Ruhi is seriously going to give Vidya aunty a heart attack one day”

Kairav (Unconcerned, maintaining his chilling smile):"She understands that in this family, the most hurtful weapon isn't aknife, it's the truth delivered strategically."

Abhira, overhearing Ruhi's comment, feels a fresh wave ofbetrayal. She had expected Ruhi, the victim of the Poddars' rigidity, tosympathize, not celebrate the attack.

Abhira (Whispering under her breath to Armaan): "See,Armaan? This is the Goenka curse. They don't just win; they relish thedestruction of your reputation. Even Ruhi is applauding my humiliation. Thishouse is pure poison."

The moment is quickly overshadowed as Kaira steps forward,drawing all eyes to the center of the room. The true purpose of the meeting hasarrived.

Kaira walks in, a vision of composure and professionalelegance in her shimmering silver tissue saree. She is the opposite of thePoddar's traditional ideal, yet undeniably commanding.

Aaryan snaps out of his post-taunt shame. He stands up,absolutely spellbound, momentarily forgetting the chaos around him. He sees notjust a beautiful woman, but the ultimate status upgrade walking toward him.

Aaryan (Whispering in awe to his mother, Manisha):"Maa, look at her. She is perfect. She is everything that houseneeds."

Kaira offers a serene, confident Namaste to the Poddarelders.

The Poddar Interrogation

Kaveri (Dadi Sa) wastes no time, launching the first attackveiled as a question of propriety.

Kaveri (Eyes narrowing, examining Kaira's saree): "Dr.Kaira Goenka. It's a heavy responsibility to manage a Law Firm family. We haveheard you prioritize your dance profession over everything. Will you continuewith public performances after marriage? Humare ghar ki bahuyein don't chasespotlights."

Kaira (Meeting her gaze calmly, her voice clear andmeasured): "Dadi sa, I am a doctor and an artist. Both professions requirecommitment. I believe that excellence in one field reflects excellence inanother. I do not 'chase spotlights'; I earn recognition. And rest assured, myprofessional commitments will never compromise the integrity of the Poddarname—they will only enhance its visibility."

Vidya jumps in, trying to belittle Kaira's domestic skills.

Vidya (With a condescending smile): "Very well said, Beta.But visibility won't feed Aaryan. Do you even know how to make proper Marwarifood? Our traditions are very demanding. Humare ghar mein bahu ko rasoi aanichahiye."

Kaira (Without missing a beat): "Taiji, I run a globalNGO and a clinic. My schedule often requires efficiency. However, I have afantastic staff who manage my kitchen at the villa now, and I fully intend tohire the best possible staff to manage the Poddar kitchen as well. My expertiseis in healing and strategy, not domestic servitude."

Manisha tries a more sentimental, but equally judgmental,angle.

Manisha (Sighing dramatically): "But Beta, Aaryan is asensitive boy! He needs love and constant attention. Do you think your busy, high-profileschedule will leave any time for mamta (motherly love) and patni dharma (wifelyduty)?"

Kaira (A sharp, intelligent glint in her eyes):"Manisha Aunty, I run a foundation for underprivileged children. Iunderstand love and duty better than most. The measure of a good wife is her contributionand support, not her availability. I intend to be Aaryan’s equal partner andasset, not his full-time caretaker."

As the Poddar ladies try to recover from Kaira's flawlessdefense, Kairav and Muskan launch their reciprocal attack on Aaryan.

Kairav (Turning to Aaryan, his tone suddenly chillinglyprofessional): "Aaryan. Since Kaira has committed to enhancing the PoddarLaw Firm's brand, we need to discuss your professional trajectory. We know youare very ambitious, but your current portfolio is... limited."

Muskan (Leaning forward, directly interrogating Aaryan):"Limited is polite, Kairav ji. Aaryan, your personal investment portfolioshows signs of impulsive trading and reckless ambition. Furthermore, yourrecent performance review indicates you've been relying heavily on your familyfirm established clientele. You threatened suicide yesterday for love—but wasit not also about the status Kaira brings to your flagging career?"

Aaryan pales, the tables completely turned. He had preparedfor a grilling from Kaveri, not an audit from the Goenkas.

Aaryan (Stuttering, trying to regain his 'alpha' composure):"Muskan Aunty! That is highly unfair! I am fully committed to my career!My future is tied to the firm's growth—"

Kairav (Cutting him off with a dismissive wave):"Commitment is not enough, Aaryan. Performance is key. To ensure Kaira'sfuture is secure, we need a legally binding commitment on the distribution ofyour firm's profits for a joint trust. We want to see the numbers. If you valueKaira's status, you must prove you can sustain it. Can you provide the firm'saudited balance sheets from the last three years immediately?"

Aaryan looks utterly panicked. He knows his numbers are weakand exposing them to Kairav Goenka is signing his own professional deathwarrant.

The entire Poddar side—including Kaveri—looks stunned. Theycame to inspect Kaira's character; the Goenkas performed a surgical dissectionof Aaryan's financial competence. The true war had begun.

Aaryan sweats under the pressure of Kairav’s demand forbalance sheets. He realizes the Goenkas are demanding more than his presence;they want his financial transparency. He tries to deflect by pulling Kairacloser to him, wrapping his arm possessively around her waist—an act hebelieves projects confidence and ownership.

Aaryan (Forcing a charming, yet strained, laugh):"Kairav Uncle, Muskan Auntie, please! Financial matters are tedious! Let’sfocus on the love! Kaira knows I will give her everything. She is the queen ofmy life, and she deserves a king's treatment! We are a power couple, hai na,Kaira?"

He squeezes her waist tightly, smiling intensely down ather.

Kaira stiffens under his grip. She hates the term"power couple" when it comes from Aaryan, because for him, it justmeans her power added to his image. She subtly tries to pull away from hisgrip, but he holds firm.

Kaira (Trying to sound light): "Aaryan, dheere . We areprofessionals; we can handle both love and balance sheets. My worth isn't justa status symbol for you."

Aaryan (Ignoring her discomfort, speaking over her):"Of course, you are! You are my trophy, my ultimate acquisition! The Dr.Kaira Goenka tag attached to my name is exactly what elevates the Poddar name!Without you, Uncle, I'm just another junior partner. But with Kaira, I aminvincible! Our status, our brand—it’s unparalleled!"

He continues, his voice escalating, completely immersed inthe worship of his own projected image through Kaira.

Aaryan: "This alliance isn't just a marriage, Dadi Sa.It’s a merger of legacies! It cements our position as the future of Udaipur!Kaira and I will redefine the elite status of this city!"

Kaira’s smile vanishes. She finally yanks herself free fromhis grasp, stepping slightly away from him. The discomfort is evident on herface. She looks less like a triumphant fiancée and more like a necessary prop.

Muskan and Kairav exchange a grim, alarmed look. This is thetoxic possessiveness and status-worship they feared, and it is unravelingpublicly and subtly.

Muskan (Coldly): "Aaryan, Kaira is a person, not ashare certificate to be acquired. Please modulate your language."

Kairav (Stepping in): "Yes, Aaryan. We need to seeKaira respected for her work, not just her surname. Your insistence on her statusis... unsettling. We will wait for the balance sheets."

Kaveri, however, sees only the successful outcome. She seesAaryan’s fierce ambition—misguided and theatrical as it is—as a means to securethe Goenka wealth and status. She is willing to overlook his toxic traits andKaira's discomfort for the sake of the shagun.

Kaveri (Intervening, projecting finality): "Bas! Enoughdiscussion. The alliance is agreed upon. Aaryan's ambition is high, but hislove is also clear. Kairav , Muskan, we accept your conditions. The balancesheets will be sent by tomorrow."

She gives a sharp nod to Madhav.

Kaveri: "Let the shagun be exchanged. We are wastingtime on emotions and balance sheets."

The Goenkas, having achieved their goal of formalizing thealliance (and gathering leverage via the balance sheet demand), concede thefloor. Muskan, her face pale with worry for Kaira, retrieves a silver tray.

Muskan places the ornate tray, laden with gifts, sweets, andthe shagun money, onto the table. Kaveri performs the reciprocal ritual,placing the Poddar family's traditional shagun gifts and gold on the tray.

The two families stand rigidly as the trays are exchanged. Aaryanbeams, having won the status game. Kaira looks detached and thoughtful, herhand unconsciously rubbing the spot where Aaryan's possessive grip had been.

The alliance is sealed, but Kairav and Muskan know they havejust handed their daughter over to a man who views her as his most valuable,and soon-to-be controlled, possession.

Kairav (To Muskan, low voice, as the families exchangeformalities): "The shagun is done. Now, we proceed with the unmasking. Theengagement must be perfect, but the marriage must never happen."

The tension of the negotiation has dispersed, replaced bystrained formalities. The Poddar delegation, subdued yet triumphant, is makingits exit.

Aaryan holds center stage, making a grand show of biddingfarewell to his fiancée. He takes Kaira’s hands, holding them tightly, his eyesshining with a mixture of genuine affection and pure, satisfied ownership.

Aaryan (His voice low and husky, dripping with possessivesweetness): "My Jaan. My beautiful, brilliant Dr. Kaira Goenka. Youhandled them like a true queen. We are invincible, my love. Absolutelyinvincible."

Kaira (Giving a small, formal smile): "Thank you,Aaryan. I just answered their questions honestly."

Aaryan (Ignoring her nuance, leaning in closer): "Yourbrilliance is mine now. Every achievement, every degree—it all adds to ourstatus. I’ll call you the moment I’m home. I miss you already, Jaan. Wait forme."

He presses a lingering kiss to the back of her hands, makingsure the entire Poddar family—especially the watchful Kaveri and the resentful Armaan—witnesseshis devotion. Muskan watches the interaction with a worried, cold gaze, while Kairavnods curtly.

As Aaryan is pulled away by Manoj and the Poddar group, heturns back one last time, blowing Kaira a dramatic kiss. Kaira offers agenuine, bright smile in return. Despite the anxiety he causes, he is herchosen path, and the formalization of the engagement brings a certain joy.

The Reminiscence

Later, Kaira retreats to her silent, opulent bedroom. Thesilver tissue saree feels heavy now. She walks over to her dressing table,sighing as she begins to remove the expensive jewelry. She unclasps the diamondnecklace and pulls off the large stud earrings, letting them fall onto thevelvet tray with a quiet clink.

She catches her reflection—a successful, beautiful woman onthe verge of the biggest merger of her life.

A small smile touches her lips, recalling the early days oftheir relationship in the USA, far removed from the cold marble and status warsof Udaipur.

(Flashback: Kaira and Aaryan, two years ago, in a trendyBoston cafe.)

Aaryan (Leaning across the table, his ambition a bright,exciting spark): "Kaira, you and I—we are going to be a force. Not just acouple. Think about it: the Poddar Law Firm and Dr Kaira’s Skin and hair Centre.We'll be unstoppable. I’ll make sure you get the biggest, most influentialplatform for your work."

Kaira (Beaming, flattered by his relentless confidence): "Youalways see the biggest picture, Aaryan. No one believes in my ambition like youdo."

He had made her feel seen, powerful, and utterly validated.He was the one who encouraged her to dream bigger, to demand the higheststatus. That memory makes her chest warm.

(End Flashback)

She touches the small, elegant gold locket he gave herduring their courtship. She was happy. He was committed. He did fight hisentire family for her.

The Creeping Doubt

But the warm feeling quickly chills as she recalls theevents of the day:

1. Aaryan's theatrical, aggressive need to proclaim her as his "trophy" and "acquisition" to the elders.
2. The way he squeezed her waist, ignoring her clear discomfort while ranting about their "status, status, status."

She sits back in her chair, the jewelry abandoned on thetable. Her brow furrows slightly.

Kaira (Whispering to herself):"Usne mere liye fight tohkiya... but did he fight for me, ya Goenka tag ke liye jo main carry kartihoon? He loves my ambition, but does he love me, ya woh status?"

The smile is gone, replaced by a subtle, unsettling frown.She stares at the silver saree, her beautiful armor, and a cold, heavy questionsettles in her heart:

Is she doing the right thing?

Finally some brains , pls have some brains of og akshara or arohi ..not lame like u r bua ak

I hope kaira seems all the red flags..not seeing her discomfort is the worst

Originally posted by: A_Star39

yup. part 14 and 15 is out too

Didn't mean to demean music but since harsh is like that way I had to use tuntuna

Glad you liked the writing

You can give your ideas or suggestions in Kaira chapter discussions thread

Ak was ott and calling her that seems ok

She never seemed serious about her career ever

She just seemed to want to trouble arohi and taunt her for being ambitious

I don't know why they portray that having ambition is bad