Kumkum Bhagya: Rishton Ki Ankahi Kahani - Chapter 122 updt on pg 34- Page 34

Kiara is still remembered by her family. They just don't know how close she is.

I am surprised that aliya agreed to Aryan's demand easily.but sad that sunil refused to go.without knowing that sunil is sunny purab telling him that he misses his eldest son and doesn't know where he is was emotional. Glad that disha convinced sunny to go there.but disha becoming alone is also sad.

Prachi saying that arhana's return is not bring out the wounds again but about the baby was nice.glad that mishti told ranbir not to be angry with aryan anymore as she had started moving on.glad that because of that vikram pallavi are also fine with arhana's return.pragya and gang coming for diwali would be a lovely family reunion.

Abhigya nok jhok was funny.abhi telling pragya to wear the red saree which will make him forget everything else in the room was romantic.abhigya remembering kiara was emotional. Aliya's attitude towards pragya hasn't changed at all.i liked saritha supporting pragya.excellent dialogue. Though disha prays for rakhi,disha telling her that she hasn't accepted rakhi yet was sad.

Chapter 121 (The Threshold of New Beginnings)

The Mehra Mansion had transformed into a palace of celebration.

Rows of glowing diyas lined the grand entrance, marigold garlands hung from every arch, and the sweet fragrance of incense mingled with the aroma of freshly prepared festive delicacies.

The atmosphere was no longer just that of Diwali.

Today, the mansion was preparing to welcome its new Lakshmi.

Shahana.

And perhaps unknowingly—

another daughter too.

The Queen of Preparations

If anyone had entered the mansion at that moment, they would have mistaken Aliyah for royalty overseeing her kingdom.

Dressed in an elegant silk saree and adorned with heavy jewellery, she stood at the centre of the hall, directing servants and family members alike with complete authority.

"No, no! The flowers should be fresh! Who arranged these diyas so carelessly?"

She turned towards another servant.

"And don't put the sweets there! Guests will arrive any moment!"

Nearby, Dida exchanged an amused glance with Mishti.

"Some things never change," Dida whispered.

Mishti giggled.

"Booji is conducting this like she's organizing a state banquet."

Purab's Kingdom of Flavours

Meanwhile, Purab had practically taken charge of the kitchen.

His sleeves were rolled up as he carefully checked trays of kaju katli, laddoos and dry fruits.

"Too much sugar in these rasmalais," he declared seriously.

One of the chefs looked horrified.

"Sir?"

Purab nodded solemnly.

"Less sugar. And don't forget Aryan loves malpua. Shahana likes kheer. Make both."

Nearby, Sarita Behen chuckled.

"Arrey Purab beta, you're behaving like a bride's grandmother."

Purab smiled sheepishly.

"After waiting so long to see Aryan happy, I want everything perfect."

The “Maamu” Who Couldn't Sit Still

Elsewhere, Abhi was running from one side of the mansion to the other.

"Vikram, did the fireworks arrangements come?"

"They came."

"Pallavi, where are the silver lamps?"

"In the puja room."

"And where are the flower baskets?"

"Abhi, relax!" Pallavi laughed.

But Abhi was unstoppable.

"My nephew is bringing his wife home! How can I relax?"

Vikram smirked.

"You are behaving like Aryan himself is getting married today."

Abhi grinned.

"He is. Again."

Everyone laughed.

The Final Preparations

Aliyah surveyed the entrance proudly.

Then suddenly her eyes narrowed.

"Mitali bhabhi!"

Mitali nearly jumped.

"Y-yes?"

"Where is the kalash for the grihapravesh?"

Mitali immediately pointed towards the main entrance.

"It's already there, Aliyah. I placed it myself."

Aliyah inspected it carefully and nodded.

"Good."

Then another thought struck her.

"And where is the aalta ka thaal?"

Mitali's face fell.

"Oh!"

Aliyah's eyes widened.

"Don't tell me you forgot!"

"N-no… I mean… I'll bring it right away."

Before Aliyah could say anything further, Mitali hurried towards the kitchen.

Dida sighed.

"Poor thing."

Pallavi smiled sympathetically.

"Aliyah's inspections are scarier than final exams."

When Fate Painted the Doorstep

Moments later, Mitali returned, carefully carrying the silver thaal filled with bright red aalta.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

But fate had other plans.

Her saree pallu got caught under her foot.

"Arrey!"

Before anyone could react—

Thud!

The silver plate slipped from her hands.

The entire aalta spilled across the entrance.

Bright crimson liquid spread over the marble floor and around the doorstep.

Silence.

Absolute silence.

Mitali froze in horror.

"Hey Bhagwan…"

Aliyah's eyes widened.

"What have you done?"

Mitali's face turned pale.

"I-I didn't mean to—"

"You didn't mean to?" Aliyah exploded.

"This is the grihapravesh of my son and daughter-in-law! And you ruined the entire entrance!"

"Aliyah, I—"

"Can't you do one simple thing properly?"

Mitali's eyes filled with tears.

"I'm sorry…"

Just then—

Panditji's voice echoed from inside.

"Everyone please assemble!"

The entire hall turned towards the temple area.

Panditji smiled.

"The auspicious time has begun. Please call all family members for the Lakshmi puja."

Abhi immediately clapped his hands.

"Come, everyone! The muhurat has started!"

Purab nodded.

"Dida, Sarita Behen, please come."

Pallavi gently held Mitali's trembling hand.

"Leave it for now, bhabhi. We'll clean it later."

But Aliyah was still staring at the spilled aalta spread around the doorway.

Something about it made her uneasy.

Almost as if fate itself had marked the threshold before the bride could.

Nearby, Mishti noticed the worried look on her aunt's face.

"Booji, Panditji is calling everyone," she said softly. "Come na."

Pallavi smiled warmly.

"Aliyah, leave it for now. The muhurat won't wait."

Aliyah reluctantly nodded, though her eyes lingered on the crimson stain one last time.

Unaware that destiny itself had painted the entrance—

the family assembled before the beautifully decorated temple.

The sound of mantras soon filled the mansion.

And somewhere on the road—

one car was steadily making its way toward the Mehra Mansion.

Inside sat four people.

Aryan and Shahana.

Sunny and Rakhi.

Two couples.

Two unborn children.

One family slowly moving toward another.

None of them knew that beyond those illuminated doors—

love, blessings, and long-buried truths were waiting beneath the Diwali lights.

And neither did the family inside realize that the spilled aalta around the entrance had unknowingly created footprints before the daughters-in-law had even arrived—

as though destiny itself had stepped into the Mehra Mansion before its children.

The Lamps Await Their Children

Outside, the night sky shimmered with fireworks as one car slowly made its way towards the brightly illuminated Mehra Mansion.

Inside sat Aryan and Shahana.

Beside them sat Sunny and Rakhi.

None of the four spoke much.

Shahana rested her head lightly against Aryan's shoulder.

Rakhi sat quietly, occasionally glancing at the lights outside, while Sunny drove with calm concentration.

And as the majestic gates of Mehra Mansion slowly came into view—

"Jai Ram… Raja Ram… Jai Jai Ram…" echoed softly in the background.

The bhajan seemed to blend with the glow of countless diyas.

Almost as though Ayodhya itself had descended upon the house.

Inside the mansion, Panditji sat before the beautifully decorated idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha.

The sacred fire danced softly.

Everyone assembled around him.

"Please fold your hands," Panditji announced.

Soon the entire family joined in.

Abhi and Pragya sat opposite each other.

Purab and Aliyah sat beside them.

Vikram and Pallavi sat nearby.

Dida, Sarita Behen, Mitali and the others completed the gathering.

After the mantras ended, Panditji smiled.

The Couples Before the Divine

"Now, as per tradition, the married couples of the family should perform the aarti together."

Everyone nodded happily.

Panditji looked towards Vikram and Pallavi.

"Please begin."

The couple smiled and performed the aarti together.

Then Panditji turned to Purab and Aliyah.

Aliyah immediately straightened her saree and smiled proudly.

Purab chuckled softly.

Together they offered the aarti.

But when Panditji's eyes moved toward Abhi and Pragya—

an almost imperceptible silence descended.

Abhi instinctively looked at Pragya.

Pragya too lifted her eyes toward him.

Their eyes met.

The years.

The separation.

The love.

Everything was there in that one glance.

And then—

Aliyah's expression hardened.

Her cold gaze shifted between them.

Though she said nothing, the message was obvious.

Not here.

Not now.

Pragya immediately lowered her eyes.

Abhi's smile faded slightly.

He looked away.

Panditji noticed their hesitation but remained silent.

Prachi frowned.

Ranbir noticed it too.

Purab sighed inwardly.

Even Dida's face became thoughtful.

But no one spoke.

No one—

except Rhea.

Rhea had been quietly watching everything.

And for some reason, something twisted painfully inside her.

Since learning the truth, every moment between Abhi and Pragya affected her differently.

She remembered her own words.

"I hate my mother."

And now, watching them hesitate to even stand together—

she felt guilty.

Very guilty.

Her eyes shifted to Aliyah.

Then back to Abhi.

And finally to Pragya.

No.

Not today.

Not on Diwali.

Not when Ram and Sita themselves had returned home.

Before anyone could react, Panditji smiled warmly.

"Since the elders seem hesitant, let the younger couples perform the aarti first. Lakshmi and Narayan reside equally in every generation."

Everyone nodded.

The First Blessing of the New Generation

Panditji looked towards Ranbir and Prachi.

"You two come first."

Prachi looked at Ranbir.

Ranbir smiled softly and held the aarti thaal.

Together, the two stood before the idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha.

The golden light of the diyas danced across their faces as they performed the aarti with devotion.

Purab smiled proudly.

Dida's eyes shone with happiness.

Even Pragya's face softened at the sight.

Meanwhile, sitting beside Sanju, Rhea had been thinking rapidly.

No.

She wasn't going to let another Diwali pass with her parents separated.

Her eyes suddenly brightened.

She nudged Sanju.

"Listen carefully."

Sanju blinked.

"What?"

Rhea lowered her voice conspiratorially.

"We are next."

Sanju nodded.

"Yes, so?"

"Before we perform the aarti, you are going to remove the fuse."

Sanju almost jumped.

"What?!"

He stared at her as if she'd lost her mind.

"Have you gone mad? I'll get into trouble!"

Rhea rolled her eyes.

"Arrey, buddhu! Nobody will die. It will only be for a few seconds."

Sanju looked horrified.

"And why should I do that?"

Rhea pinched his arm hard.

"Ouch!"

She glared at him.

"Because if you don't, I will kill you."

Sanju gasped dramatically.

"Rhea! You're threatening your own husband on Diwali!"

"Yes."

"With murder?"

"Yes."

"In front of Lakshmi Maa?"

"Sanju!"

"Fine! Fine! Stop pinching me!"

Rhea nodded triumphantly.

"Good. Once the lights go off, leave everything to me."

Sanju swallowed nervously.

"Bhagwan, save me from this woman."

Nearby, Sarita Behen looked suspiciously at them.

"What are you two whispering about?"

Rhea immediately smiled innocently.

"Nothing, Sarita Nani."

Sanju forced a smile that looked more like a cry for help.

Meanwhile, completely unaware of the conspiracy being planned by his daughter, Abhi sat quietly.

His eyes occasionally drifted towards Pragya.

And every time they met her eyes, they quickly looked away.

Neither realizing—

that their daughter had decided tonight was not only Diwali.

Tonight was also the homecoming of Ram and Sita.

And she intended to make sure Ayodhya welcomed both of them together.

Prachi and Ranbir completed the aarti together.

As the two of them bowed before Lakshmi and Ganesha, everyone smiled with satisfaction.

Panditji blessed them warmly.

"May your bond always remain blessed."

Just then—

Click!

The entire mansion plunged into darkness.

Gasps erupted around the room.

"What happened?"

"The lights!"

"Arrey!"

Mitali clutched Dida's hand.

Pallavi looked around in confusion.

Even Aliyah frowned.

"The generator should have started by now!"

Before anyone could panic, Rhea quickly stood up.

"Relax, everyone!" she said reassuringly. "It must be a temporary power cut."

Abhi frowned.

"But—"

Rhea smiled.

"Dad, Lakshmi Maa doesn't need electricity to bless us. Diyas are enough."

Panditji nodded approvingly.

"She is right. In olden times, families performed Lakshmi puja only with the light of diyas."

Rhea looked at Sanju.

"And since we're next, we'll manage."

Sanju smiled weakly.

"Y-yes. We'll manage."

Everyone reluctantly agreed.

Darkness Lit by Diyas

Soon, under the soft glow of the diyas and the sacred fire, Rhea and Sanju stepped forward.

The flickering flames cast gentle shadows across their faces as they performed the aarti together.

Meanwhile, Rhea bent slightly towards Sanju and whispered,

"Now listen carefully."

Sanju nearly dropped the thaal.

"W-what now?"

"After we finish, I will slyly pass the aarti to Ma."

Sanju blinked.

"And?"

"You have to make Dad catch it."

Sanju's eyes nearly popped out.

"What?!"

Rhea glared at him.

"Shh!"

He whispered in horror,

"What kind of planning and plotting is all this?"

His eyes darted nervously towards Abhi.

"If Sasurji comes to know about this, he'll cut me into pieces!"

Rhea pinched him hard.

"Ouch!"

"Do it," she whispered threateningly.

"Or?"

Sanju gulped.

He had seen enough of his wife's moods to know that unfinished "or" statements were far more dangerous than complete ones.

"Alright! Alright!" he whispered desperately.

"Bhagwan, save me."

Rhea smiled victoriously and continued rotating the aarti thaal as though nothing had happened.

Nearby, Sarita Behen narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"These two are definitely plotting something."

Purab chuckled softly.

"They are husband and wife. Plotting comes free with marriage."

Even in the dim light, Abhi's eyes occasionally drifted towards Pragya.

And Pragya, too, found herself stealing glances at him.

Neither of them knew—

that their mischievous daughter and terrified son-in-law were conspiring under Lakshmi Maa's blessings.

And somewhere outside, one car had just entered the gates of the Mehra Mansion.

The sound of "Jai Ram… Raja Ram…" continued softly in the distance.

As though Ayodhya itself had arrived—

and Ram and Sita were about to be brought together by their own daughter.

Rhea and Sanju continued performing the aarti under the soft glow of the diyas.

Sanju, though outwardly calm, was sweating profusely.

"Bhagwan," he prayed silently, "save your devotee today."

The Car Arrives at Ayodhya

Meanwhile, outside the Mehra Mansion, one car finally came to a halt.

Aryan stepped out first and carefully helped Shahana.

Sunny came around to Rakhi's side and offered his hand instinctively.

The four of them stood before the illuminated mansion.

But something felt strange.

"Why is everything dark?" Shahana wondered.

"And why are there no lights?" Rakhi asked softly.

Sunny frowned.

"Looks like a power cut."

Just then, Aryan looked towards the house and frowned.

"And what is all this water near the entrance?"

None of them realized it wasn't water.

It was the spilled aalta that had spread around the doorstep.

Aryan shook his head.

"I'll check the fuse."

And immediately went towards the side entrance.

Meanwhile, Sunny's eyes moved towards the hall.

Through the darkness, he could see the faint glow of diyas.

And then—

The circling of an aarti.

He smiled softly.

"The puja is going on."

He turned towards the two women.

"You both come slowly. I'll go inform everyone."

Shahana nodded.

But Rakhi smiled.

"I'll come with you."

Sunny smiled.

"As you wish."

Inside the temple room, Rhea and Sanju had almost completed their aarti.

Rhea whispered,

"Now."

Her fingers slyly extended the aarti thaal towards Pragya.

At the same moment, Sanju, whose heartbeat had nearly stopped from fear, nervously pushed the thaal towards Abhi.

Abhi blinked.

Pragya looked up in surprise.

Before either could react—

their hands met.

Together.

Holding the same aarti.

Their fingers brushing against each other after so long.

Both froze.

Outside—

Rakhi hurried behind Sunny.

But suddenly—

Clang!

Her foot struck the kalash placed near the entrance.

The pot rolled.

Rice scattered everywhere.

"Oh!"

Rakhi lost her balance.

"Rakhi!"

Sunny immediately caught her.

One arm around her waist.

Their bodies swayed.

But before either could recover—

their feet stepped forward instinctively.

The Return of Ram and Sita

One footprint each.

Onto the floor of the Mehra Mansion.

Into the spilled aalta.

Neither noticed.

Neither realized.

The red liquid clung to their feet.

And in the next second—

Their first footprints entered the mansion.

Inside—

Abhi and Pragya stood together.

The aarti in their joined hands.

Four eyes meeting.

Years of separation.

Years of longing.

Years of unfinished love.

And outside—

Unknown to everyone—

their lost daughter had stepped into her father's house.

For the first time.

Not as Kiara.

Not as Rakhi.

Not as a stranger.

But as Lakshmi herself.

And then—

As though heaven itself had been waiting for this moment—

The lights came back.

Instantly.

The entire Mehra Mansion burst into golden brilliance.

Fairy lights illuminated every balcony.

Hundreds of diyas shimmered.

The sacred fire glowed brighter.

And in the background—

"Ram Ram Jai Raja Ram...
Ram Ram Jai Sita Ram..."

echoed softly.

Everyone looked up in surprise.

Aliyah froze.

Purab stood speechless.

Dida's eyes widened.

Sarita Behen folded her hands instinctively.

Panditji himself rose to his feet in astonishment.

And before them stood—

Abhi and Pragya.

Together.

Holding the aarti.

Bathed in golden light.

Behind them—

Red footprints had appeared on the marble floor.

Beginning from the doorway.

Stretching inward.

Like the arrival of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita themselves.

And in those very footprints stood—

Sunny, still holding Rakhi protectively in his arms.

Neither of them aware—

That destiny had just completed a homecoming twenty-five years in the making.

And somewhere beyond human understanding—

Perhaps Lord Ram and Goddess Sita had smiled.

Because on the night of Diwali—

The Ram and Sita of Mehra Mansion had returned home.

And Ayodhya had lit itself.

------

To be continued.

Rhea will finally get a moment for her parents. She will have them do the aarti.

It was part destiny, part planning. But it did end up becoming a homecoming.

Nice to see everyone making arrangements to welcome arhana.dida saying that purab is like the bride's grandmother was funny.though aliyah scolding mitali was bad I liked her showing interest in welcoming her son and bahu.sunny catching rakhi when she slipped..their grahpravesh..really lovely.sanju rhea's conversation was funny.nice to see rhea plotting to bring her parents together.abhigya doing aarti together was lovely.

Chapter 122 (The Blessing That Continued)

For one long moment—

The entire Mehra Mansion stood frozen.

No one spoke.

No one moved.

Every pair of eyes remained fixed on the temple.

On Abhi...

And Pragya.

Standing together.

Holding the same silver aarti thaal.

Bathed in the golden glow of countless diyas.

The sacred flames danced gently before Lakshmi and Ganesha.

Behind them—

"Ram Ram Jai Raja Ram...
Ram Ram Jai Sita Ram..."

echoed softly through the mansion.

Abhi looked at Pragya.

Pragya looked back at him.

Neither had realized...

Their hands still held the same aarti.

Around them...

Shock had settled over every face.

Dida's eyes glistened.

Sarita Behen instinctively folded her hands.

Pallavi smiled through moist eyes.

Vikram quietly watched the couple before the idols.

Mishti looked from Abhi to Pragya in amazement.

Nearby...

Rhea slowly turned towards Sanju.

A mischievous smile spread across her face.

Without saying a word...

She gave him a playful wink.

Sanju blinked.

Then slowly—

A relieved grin appeared on his face.

He discreetly lifted his thumb.

Mission accomplished.

Rhea bit back a laugh.

It worked.

Finally...

My Ram and Sita are together.

But not everyone shared her happiness.

Aliyah's face hardened.

"What is this...?"

she muttered under her breath.

Before anyone noticed, she took a step forward.

"This shouldn't—"

She was about to walk towards Abhi and Pragya.

Suddenly—

A gentle hand stopped her.

Purab.

Aliyah turned sharply.

"Purab, leave my hand."

Purab looked at her calmly.

His voice was soft...

Yet firm.

"No."

Aliyah frowned.

"The muhurat—"

Purab interrupted quietly.

"Exactly."

At that very moment—

Panditji smiled peacefully.

His voice echoed across the temple hall.

"Mr. Mehra... Mrs. Mehra..."

Abhi and Pragya slowly turned towards him.

Panditji folded his hands.

"The auspicious muhurat is passing."

He smiled warmly.

"Please continue the aarti."

Silence lingered for another heartbeat.

Then...

Abhi looked at Pragya.

Pragya gave the faintest nod.

Together...

Without another word...

They gently lifted the aarti once more.

The silver flames circled before Lakshmi and Ganesha.

One rhythm.

One prayer.

One devotion.

As though twenty-five years of separation had quietly dissolved before the Divine.

Behind them...

Rhea's eyes shimmered.

A satisfied smile curved across her lips.

Thank you, Lakshmi Maa...

My plan worked.

Meanwhile...

Completely unaware of the emotions unfolding before the temple—

Sunny looked towards Rakhi.

She still seemed slightly shaken after stumbling near the entrance.

He lowered his voice.

"Are you alright?"

Rakhi blinked.

Then smiled softly.

"Yes."

"I'm fine."

Sunny nodded reassuringly.

"Good."

He glanced towards the temple.

"They're all busy with the aarti."

"We should inform them that Aryan and Shahana have arrived."

Rakhi smiled.

"Yes."

"Let's go."

Neither of them looked down.

Neither noticed...

The crimson aalta still clung to their feet.

Together...

They slowly walked towards the gathering.

Step after step...

Across the spotless white marble floor.

Behind them—

Two delicate trails of red footprints quietly appeared.

One beside the other.

Like silent blessings.

Like destiny writing a story no human hand could have planned.

Inside the temple...

"Ram Ram Jai Raja Ram...
Ram Ram Jai Sita Ram..."

continued to fill the air.

No one yet realized...

That while everyone's eyes remained fixed upon one Ram and Sita before the altar—

Another Ram and Sita...

Were silently walking home.

The sacred chant continued to echo through the temple hall.

“Ram Ram Jai Raja Ram…
Ram Ram Jai Sita Ram…”

Abhi and Pragya stood before the idols, their hands still holding the same silver aarti thaal.

The sight was enough to make Dida’s eyes fill with tears.

But Aliyah—

Aliyah was furious.

Her eyes remained fixed on Abhi and Pragya.

She could barely contain herself anymore.

The moment the aarti was completed, she stepped forward.

“Wow!”

Her sharp voice immediately broke the peaceful atmosphere.

Everyone turned.

Aliyah folded her arms across her chest and looked directly at Pragya.

“So this is what we are doing now?”

Pragya looked at her in confusion.

“Aliyah—”

“No!”

Aliyah's eyes remained fixed on Pragya.

Her anger had not diminished.

If anything, it had only grown.

“So this is what you wanted, Pragya?” she demanded. “To stand beside my brother during the Lakshmi Puja as though nothing happened? To slyly take your place beside him?”

Pragya's eyes lowered.

Before she could answer, Dida stepped forward.

“Aliyah, why are you calling it sly?”

Aliyah turned sharply.

“Because it was!”

Dida shook her head.

“Why would Pragya need to do anything slyly when Abhi is her husband?”

The words silenced the room.

Aliyah's face hardened.

“Dida—”

“No, Aliyah.”

Dida looked towards Abhi and Pragya.

“She is his wife. Whatever happened between them, whatever misunderstandings kept them apart, that does not change the truth.”

Aliyah clenched her fists.

“I don't accept this!”

She took a step towards Pragya.

“You cannot simply come back and—”

But before she could say anything more—

Her eyes suddenly fell towards the entrance.

She froze.

Something red was spread across the pristine white marble.

Footprints.

Two sets of crimson footprints.

Leading from the entrance…

Straight into the mansion.

Aliyah's expression changed instantly.

“What is that?”

Everyone turned.

Sunny and Rakhi stood near the entrance.

Neither had noticed the marks behind them.

Rakhi looked down.

Her eyes widened.

“Oh…”

Sunny looked at his own feet.

The red alta still clung to them.

Aliyah's face turned crimson.

“You!”

Her voice echoed through the hall.

Sunny looked up.

“Aliyah Aunty—”

“What have you done?”

Rakhi immediately looked frightened.

“We didn't do it intentionally.”

“Intentionally?”

Aliyah stormed towards them.

“You have walked into this house leaving red footprints all over the floor!”

Sunny stepped slightly in front of Rakhi.

“The kalash fell. The alta was spilled. She slipped into it. It was an accident.”

“I don't care whether it was an accident!”

Aliyah pointed furiously at the floor.

“This is an apshagun!”

Rakhi's face fell.

She looked down at the footprints.

“I am sorry…”

Aliyah's anger only intensified.

“Sorry?”

She laughed bitterly.

“Do you even understand what tonight means?”

Sunny's expression hardened.

“We didn't mean any disrespect.”

“Disrespect?”

Aliyah pointed towards the footprints.

“You have walked into this house at the exact moment when my family is performing Lakshmi Puja!”

She looked towards Sunny.

“Disha's son…”

Then towards Rakhi.

“And his wife…”

Her voice became increasingly bitter.

“You think you can simply enter this house and take the place that belongs to Aryan and Shahana?”

That was when a voice came from behind her.

“Who said they're taking our place?”

Aliyah stopped.

Everyone turned.

Aryan stood a few steps away.

Beside him was Shahana.

Both had heard everything.

Aliyah stared at her son.

“Aryan…”

Aryan walked towards them.

His eyes moved from Aliyah…

to Sunny…

then to Rakhi…

and finally to the crimson footprints.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

“Mom, look at the footprints properly.”

Aliyah frowned.

“What?”

Aryan pointed towards the red trail.

“These aren't apshagun.”

Aliyah stared at him.

“Then what are they?”

Shahana stepped forward.

Her expression was surprisingly serene.

“They're shagun.”

Aliyah looked at her daughter-in-law as though she had lost her mind.

“Shahana!”

Shahana didn't back down.

“Think about it, Mom.”

She pointed towards Rakhi's feet.

“She's wearing the alta because it was spilled and waiting for her.”

Then she looked at Sunny.

“And they're entering the house together.”

Aryan smiled.

“Just like a newly married couple entering their home.”

Aliyah's eyes widened.

“No.”

Aryan continued.

“You said they're taking our place.”

He looked at Shahana.

“And honestly…”

Shahana completed his thought.

“They aren't.”

Aryan nodded.

“Because we're already here.”

He looked towards Sunny and Rakhi.

“And they're not trying to replace us.”

Shahana smiled softly.

“They're simply entering their own destiny.”

Aliyah shook her head.

“Stop this nonsense!”

Aryan's smile faded slightly.

“Mom, you called these footprints an apshagun.”

He stepped closer to her.

“But don't you remember what these footprints traditionally mean?”

Aliyah remained silent.

“Lakshmi entering the house.”

Shahana looked at Rakhi.

“And look at them.”

She smiled.

“Ram and Sita.”

Sunny blinked.

“Shahana…”

But Shahana shook her head.

“No, Sunny. That's exactly what they look like.”

Aryan laughed softly.

“Actually, she's right.”

He looked at Sunny.

“You've been standing beside her throughout the entire evening.”

Then he looked at Rakhi.

“And she hasn't left your side either.”

Shahana smiled.

“That's why these footprints aren't an apshagun.”

Aryan's voice became warm.

“They're the footprints of the rightful Ram and Sita entering their home.”

The entire hall went silent.

Aliyah stared at him.

“Rightful?”

Aryan nodded.

“Yes, Maa.”

He looked towards the red footprints.

“Rightful.”

Shahana gently took Rakhi's hand.

“Let them enter.”

Rakhi looked at her with surprise.

Shahana smiled reassuringly.

“You don't have to be afraid.”

Sunny looked at Aryan.

Aryan gave him a nod.

“Come.”

Sunny hesitated.

Then he gently held Rakhi's hand.

Together, they took another step.

A fresh crimson footprint appeared on the marble.

Then another.

And another.

Aliyah watched in disbelief.

Her eyes moved from Sunny and Rakhi…

to Aryan and Shahana…

and finally to Abhi and Pragya.

Two couples.

Two sets of footsteps.

Two stories unfolding beneath the same roof.

Yet Aliyah couldn't accept it.

“They are not Ram and Sita,” she whispered.

Dida heard her.

She smiled faintly.

“Perhaps you should not decide who is Ram and who is Sita, Aliyah.”

Aliyah looked at her.

Dida's eyes moved towards Sunny and Rakhi.

“Sometimes destiny decides that for us.”

Abhi had remained silent throughout.

But now his eyes were fixed on Rakhi.

Something about those words—

something about those footprints—

something about the girl standing before him—

was stirring something deep inside him.

Pragya noticed.

“Abhi?”

He didn't respond.

Rakhi suddenly looked towards him.

Their eyes met.

For a moment, the entire room seemed to disappear.

Neither understood why the moment felt so strangely familiar.

Neither knew why their hearts seemed to recognize something their minds could not.

And neither knew—

that the girl standing before him…

was the daughter he had spent years believing he had lost forever.

Kiara.

His Kiara.

And tonight—

without knowing it—

she had finally walked into her father's house.

Dida looked at Aliyah for a long moment.

The anger in Aliyah's eyes had not completely disappeared.

But neither had the love she carried for her family.

Dida gently walked towards her.

“Aliyah…”

Aliyah didn't respond.

Dida placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Enough now.”

Aliyah finally looked at her.

Dida's voice was soft.

“Look around you.”

Aliyah's eyes moved across the hall.

Abhi and Pragya were standing together.

Purab stood beside Sunny.

Rakhi remained close to Sunny, still overwhelmed by everything that had happened.

Aryan and Shahana stood together.

And around them—

the entire family had gathered.

Dida smiled.

“Everyone has accepted Pragya.”

Aliyah's expression tightened slightly.

Dida continued.

“And everyone is accepting Sunny and Rakhi too.”

Aliyah glanced towards the young couple.

Dida gently squeezed her shoulder.

“You don't have to forget everything that happened tonight.”

Aliyah looked at her.

“You can still have your reservations.”

Then Dida's eyes moved towards Aryan and Shahana.

“But don't allow all of that to take away this moment.”

Aliyah followed her gaze.

Aryan was looking at her.

Shahana stood beside him, one hand instinctively resting over her stomach.

The sight softened something inside Aliyah.

Dida noticed.

“Your son has brought his wife home.”

She smiled.

“And your daughter-in-law is carrying your grandchild.”

Aliyah's eyes immediately moved to Shahana's hand.

Her expression softened further.

“My grandchild…”

Dida nodded.

“Yes.”

A long silence followed.

Aliyah looked at Aryan.

Then at Shahana.

Finally, she sighed.

“You're right.”

Aryan's face brightened.

“Mom…”

Aliyah raised her hand.

“Don't say anything.”

Her voice trembled slightly.

“I may not be ready to accept everything.”

Dida nodded.

“And that is all right.”

“But…”

Aliyah looked towards the entrance.

A small smile appeared on her face.

“My son, my pregnant daughter-in-law and my grandchild deserve a proper welcome.”

Shahana's eyes immediately filled with tears.

“Mom…”

Aliyah looked at her.

“Come here.”

Shahana stepped closer.

Aliyah gently touched her cheek.

“You've given me another reason to celebrate tonight.”

Shahana smiled through her tears.

Aliyah then looked at Aryan.

“And you…”

Aryan smiled.

“Yes, Mom?”

“Take care of my grandchild.”

Aryan immediately nodded.

“I always will.”

Aliyah smiled.

“I know.”

Then she looked towards the entrance.

“Everyone…”

She took a breath.

“Let's do this properly.”

Within minutes, the entire Mehra and Kohli family gathered near the entrance of the Mehra Mansion.

The atmosphere had completely changed.

The earlier tension had given way to excitement.

Dida stood beside the kalash.

Sarita Behen smiled warmly.

Pallavi and Vikram stood together.

Purab watched proudly.

Abhi stood beside Pragya.

Rhea stood next to Sanju, unable to hide her happiness.

Even Aliyah—

although the bitterness had not completely disappeared—

was now standing proudly at the entrance.

Her son was coming home.

Her pregnant daughter-in-law was coming home.

And her grandchild was coming home with them.

Aliyah held the aarti thaal.

For a moment, she simply looked at Aryan and Shahana.

Then she began the aarti.

The flame circled before them.

Everyone smiled.

Aliyah applied a small tilak to Aryan's forehead.

Then she turned towards Shahana.

Her expression softened.

She gently applied the tilak to Shahana's forehead.

“Welcome home.”

Shahana's eyes filled with tears.

“Thank you, Mom.”

Aliyah smiled.

Then she looked down towards Shahana's stomach.

“And welcome home to my little grandchild too.”

Shahana instinctively placed her hand over her stomach.

Aryan's expression became emotional.

“Mom…”

Aliyah looked at him.

“What?”

Aryan smiled.

“Thank you.”

Aliyah shook her head.

“Don't thank me.”

She smiled.

“Just take care of my grandchild.”

Aryan immediately looked towards Shahana.

“I will.”

Shahana smiled at him.

Aliyah then pointed towards the kalash.

“Now, Shahana.”

Shahana nodded.

“Gently hit the kalash with your right foot.”

Shahana stepped forward.

Aryan stayed beside her.

The entire family watched.

Shahana carefully touched the kalash with her right foot.

The rice spilled across the threshold.

The kalash rolled gently across the marble.

Everyone smiled.

Shahana then stepped forward.

Her foot entered the bowl of red alta.

She looked down.

A faint smile appeared on her face.

She slowly placed her foot onto the white marble.

A crimson footprint appeared.

Then another.

She took another step.

But suddenly—

the edge of her saree caught beneath her foot.

Shahana stumbled.

“Aryan!”

Before she could lose her balance—

Aryan immediately caught her hand.

“Shahana!”

He held her firmly.

“Careful!”

Shahana looked at him and laughed softly.

“I’m fine.”

Aryan didn't let go.

“You're pregnant. Don't scare me like that.”

Shahana smiled.

“You're becoming overprotective.”

“I've always been overprotective.”

He looked towards her stomach.

“Now I have two people to protect.”

Shahana's expression melted.

She squeezed his hand.

“I'm lucky.”

Aryan smiled.

“No.”

He gently helped her steady herself.

“I'm the lucky one.”

Aliyah watched them with tears in her eyes.

Her son was holding his pregnant wife protectively.

And the next generation of the Mehra family was already on its way.

Aliyah smiled.

“Come, Shahana.”

Shahana looked at her.

Aliyah extended her hand.

“Enter your home.”

Shahana took it.

Then Aryan immediately took Shahana's other hand.

“I'm coming with you.”

Shahana laughed.

“I know.”

Together—

hand in hand—

they crossed the threshold.

Shahana's crimson footprints continued across the white marble.

One after another.

A trail of red marking her entrance into the Mehra Mansion.

Aryan never released her hand.

Every few steps, his eyes instinctively moved towards her, making sure she was comfortable.

Everyone watched them affectionately.

Dida smiled.

“Look at them.”

Rhea whispered,

“They're adorable.”

Sanju smiled.

“They really are.”

Aliyah stood at the doorway, watching.

For the first time that evening—

her smile was completely genuine.

“My children are home.”

Aryan turned around.

“Mom?”

Aliyah opened her arms.

“Welcome home, Aryan.”

Aryan walked towards her and hugged her tightly.

Aliyah then opened her arms towards Shahana.

Shahana stepped into the embrace.

Aliyah held her carefully.

“Welcome home, dear.”

Shahana whispered,

“Thank you, Mom.”

Aliyah kissed her forehead.

“And take care of my grandchild.”

Shahana smiled.

“I will.”

Aryan stood beside them, smiling.

The entire family looked on.

And beneath their feet—

the crimson footprints remained.

Not an apshagun.

Not a replacement.

Not a sign of loss.

But a sign of new beginnings.

A pregnant daughter-in-law entering her new home.

A son returning to his family.

And a new generation quietly beginning its journey into the Mehra family.

------

To be continued.