Chapter 3: The Consequences of Truth
Months passed.
Life at Angad's house continued peacefully.
Saloni managed her teaching job and household responsibilities despite her growing disappointment with Dev's lack of ambition.
Dev had improved slightly, but he still avoided taking real responsibility for his future.
One day, Saloni's father invited everyone to a grand family function.
Father: All of you must come. It will make me very happy.
Vrinda smiled.
Vrinda: Of course. We wouldn't miss it.
The entire family attended.
The hall was filled with relatives, business associates, and friends.
Among them was Tejas, who continued living comfortably as a ghar jamaai.
As usual, Tejas received special attention from everyone.
Dev watched silently.
The old jealousy resurfaced.
During dinner, Tejas approached Dev.
Tejas: So, Dev, how's life?
Dev forced a smile.
Dev: Fine.
Tejas smirked.
Tejas: Still searching for the perfect job?
Several guests laughed.
Dev's face darkened.
Tejas continued.
Tejas: Actually, forget jobs. You seem to have mastered the art of living on other people's earnings.
The surrounding guests exchanged awkward looks.
Dev clenched his fists.
Tejas wasn't finished.
Tejas: At least I contribute to the family business. What exactly do you contribute?
The laughter became louder.
Humiliated and furious, Dev walked away.
Unable to control his anger, he began drinking.
One glass became two.
Two became four.
Soon he was heavily intoxicated.
Later, while everyone gathered on the stage for photographs, Dev stumbled forward.
Angad immediately noticed.
Angad: Dev, stop.
Dev ignored him.
Tejas smirked.
Tejas: Looks like someone can't handle a joke.
Dev pointed at him.
Dev: Joke?
The hall fell silent.
Dev laughed bitterly.
Dev: You think you're special because you live in your father-in-law's house?
Tejas frowned.
Dev continued loudly.
Dev: At least you're honest about it.

Everyone stared.
Dev's voice grew louder.
Dev: I married Saloni for the same reason!
The room froze.
Saloni's face turned pale.
Father looked shocked.
Dev continued speaking recklessly.
Dev: I thought I'd become a rich son-in-law and enjoy life without working.
The silence was deafening.
Saloni felt tears fill her eyes.
Father sat down heavily.
The truth had finally come out.
Back at Angad's house, nobody spoke during the journey.
The atmosphere was unbearable.
As soon as they entered, Saloni packed a small bag.
Dev sobered up immediately.
Dev: Saloni... listen—
Saloni turned toward him.
Her eyes were full of pain.
Saloni: Everything was a lie.
Dev lowered his head.
Saloni: I loved you.
Dev had no answer.

Saloni placed a hand on her stomach.
Saloni: And now I'm carrying your child.
The family was shocked.
Vrinda covered her mouth.
Angad looked devastated.
Saloni wiped her tears.
Saloni: I don't want my child growing up around lies and irresponsibility.
She picked up her bag.
Dev stepped forward.
Dev: Please don't go.
Saloni shook her head.
Saloni: When you learn the value of responsibility, maybe then we'll talk.
She walked away.
The house erupted.
Angad was furious.
Angad: Are you happy now?
Dev remained silent.
Angad: We trusted you.
Vrinda's eyes were filled with disappointment.
Vrinda: Saloni stood by you when nobody else would.
Madhvi and Akshay looked frightened.
For the first time, Dev felt completely ashamed.
Not because others were angry.
But because he had destroyed the trust of the person who loved him most.
The following months were difficult.
Very difficult.
No one gave him special treatment anymore.
He attended interview after interview.
Many rejected him.
Some mocked his lack of experience.
Others refused to hire him.
Still, he continued trying.
For the first time in his life, he refused to quit.
Finally, after months of struggle, he secured a job as a clerk in a manufacturing company.
The salary was modest.
The work was exhausting.
But Dev accepted it proudly.
Four months later.
Dev had changed considerably.
He worked sincerely and had earned the respect of his colleagues.
One morning, excitement spread throughout the office.
Employee: The new management representative is arriving today.
Dev continued working.
A luxury car stopped outside.
The office doors opened.
Dev looked up.
His expression changed.
Tejas entered confidently.
Employee: Sir, this is Mr. Tejas Deshmukh.
Dev froze.
The factory belonged to Saloni's father's business group.
Tejas had been sent to oversee operations.
Tejas smiled coldly.
Tejas: Well, well.
Dev stared at him.
Tejas: Life has interesting ways of bringing people together.
Their relationship quickly became hostile.
One day, after a disagreement regarding office work, a heated argument broke out.
Tejas: No matter how hard you work, you'll always remain a clerk.
Dev lost his temper.
Dev: At least I earn my salary honestly.
The argument escalated until both had to be separated.
Consumed by anger and resentment, Dev made a terrible decision.
He went to meet Saloni.
Months had passed since they last spoke.
Saloni was visibly pregnant.
She looked healthier emotionally but was startled to see him.
Dev spoke harshly.
Dev: I want my share.
Saloni frowned.
Saloni: What share?
Dev: Your father's property.
Saloni looked stunned.
Dev: I'm your husband. I have rights.
Saloni couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Dev continued.
Dev: If necessary, I'll take this matter to court.
Saloni stared at him in disbelief.
The man standing before her seemed completely different from the one who had promised to change.
Heartbroken, she met her father.
Father listened quietly.
Saloni finally said:
Saloni: Give him the share.
Father looked shocked.
Father: What?
Saloni: End this matter before it becomes uglier.
Father reluctantly agreed.
Though hurt, he wanted peace.
The family gathered to discuss the transfer.
Just then, Tejas arrived.
When he learned what was happening, he became furious.
Tejas: This is ridiculous.
He turned toward Saloni.
Tejas: After everything he has done, you're still supporting him?
Saloni remained silent.
Tejas continued harshly.
Tejas: You've ruined your own life because of him.
Saloni finally snapped.
Saloni: Enough.
Tejas: No. Someone needs to tell the truth.
Saloni: This is between my husband and me.
Tejas: Then your husband should stop behaving like a greedy opportunist.
The argument grew louder.
Father tried to intervene.
Neither listened.
The emotional strain became too much.
Saloni suddenly held her head.
Her vision blurred.
Father noticed immediately.
Father: Saloni!
Before anyone could react, she collapsed.
The room erupted into panic.
Tejas froze.
Father rushed forward.
Dev stood motionless in horror.
As doctors were called and family members gathered around the unconscious Saloni, a terrifying realization struck him.
His selfishness had once again hurt the person he claimed to love.
And this time, the consequences might be far greater than he had ever imagined.

