Arnav - Khushi, this is the very place we first met and this is the first place I found my gem. I never thought that the little girl with pigtails, always crying for Jalebi would one day be my wife. Although, a little late I owe you a lot you are the reason for my happiness. Since the day I met you, you have made me smile and laugh countless times, although I couldn't do the same. I didn't believe in love after Maya, but as they say, time is the best healer. Spending countless hours with you, joking with you and learning from you, I realised that the true love I wanted and sought was right in front of me. The girl who I thought was just a friend, was more than that. I started waiting desperately for you when you left and I know it may seem hard to believe, but I missed you a lot yesterday. Our marriage had some vows that I was meant to fulfil but in my anger and selfishness, I forgot about them which is why I want to renew them. I planned to do them right now, at this very place, but I want you to go through every marriage ritual, with its meaning with me by your side. So not only will this strengthen our relationship, but also bring more and more blessings. Although hesitant at first, I will now officially say to you, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada that I love you dammit. I can't promise that if you accept this proposal I will make sure we live happily because that's not possible but I can promise that I will try and make sure I try and bring joy to your life. I will try my best to support your decisions, I will listen to you. I will try to control my anger and I will prioritise you over Aman. Will you again make me the happiest man on earth and marry me?

I stare at him with tears in my eyes, and without thinking I run towards him.

Me (crying) - Arnav Singh Raizada, I too love you damn it and if you start spending more time with Aman, I will not talk to you for 24 hours. (he laughs) You know Arnie, I never thought that the person who made me smile since I was a child and the person who hurt me, will one day be the guy I fall for. I won't deny that I was hurt by you, but as you said time heals wounds and although this wound isn't fully healed, I don't mind taking a leap of faith and giving you a second chance.. Giving us a second chance.

Both of us emotionally hug and Arnav leans towards me, and we share a kiss.

AFTER 3 YEARS

No One's POV

A man is sulking in a dark room, staring at a piece of paper, with shock. He then eventually, in his anger, crumbles the paper and is about to throw it when a bulky and tall man stops him. The man opens up the paper and immediately slaps the second guy.

Man (angry) - It has been 3 years Shashi, 3... your daughter's sorry adoptive daughter has not just made your business profitable but also made it international. Something you couldn't do. I never get why you hated her... if I had such a young and successful daughter like yours, I would be outside celebrating her success, boasting about her... But look at me. I am stuck in this cell due to my son. I slapped him, for drunk driving and nearly killing someone, and in revenge, he caged me here and made me a murderer when I haven't even done anything. You know what my daughter is doing right now, she is trying every way to free me. She is still 18 but she is very smart. She is trying so hard to make sure I come out.

Shashi (angry and blood oozing) - Shut up, every day it's the same story... Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada achieved this, achieved that. Payal Sharma achieved this and achieved that. I never hear anything else. I doubt that you aren't a murderer... your son would never do anything like that. I hope your daughter never gets you out and this way you will know...

As if on queue, a guard comes in with a young girl who has papers in her hand and a smile.

Daughter (smiling) - Papa, I found proof and I also got you bail.

Soon the daughter starts waving her paper, at the father who has tears in his eyes.

Daughter - Papa, we shouldn't cry on this joyous occasion. Do you know who helped me? Payal didi....

The daughter touches her father's feet and then starts sharing her story with him, while Shashi stares at the disappearing figure with envy and hatred. One part of him felt guilty for his thinking and his actions but the ego inside him refused to make him accept it and he showed that by his anger.

The audience erupted into cheers and applause as the announcer revealed the tie for Businesswomen of the Year. With a sparkling award by her side, the announcer built anticipation.

Announcer - Today, I am going to announce the businesswoman of the year. We have a tie. Any guesses on who?

The crowd eagerly shouted out names, their excitement filling the air. The announcer smiled, enjoying the energy of the moment.

Announcer - KHUSHI KUMARI GUPTA SINGH RAIZADA AND PAYAL SHARMA. Both bought the Gupta business to a 120 per cent profit, which we all knew looked impossible but both of them made it possible.

The audience erupted into loud applause, their cheers echoing through the room along with whistles of appreciation. A stunning girl adorned in a black gown walked hand in hand with another in a radiant red gown, tears of joy glistening in their eyes. The girl in red gestured for her companion to step forward first, offering a supportive smile as she approached the microphone, her trophy clutched tightly.

Payal - For those who don't know me, my name is Payal Sharma. I never imagined I would stand on this stage before so many people, but today that day has arrived. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my number one supporter, my husband Akash. Without his unwavering encouragement, along with Khushi's, I wouldn't have made it this far. And to my beautiful children, Aryan and Pari, for their unwavering support. Lastly, my in-laws and my buaji, I love you all dearly. To everyone, I want to say, this is proof that even those born into poverty can achieve great success through hard work. Thank you.

As Payal concluded her speech, she smiled through her tears, passing the microphone to Khushi, her fellow honoree.

Khushi - Hello everyone, my name is Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. Yes, I know, it's a mouthful. The crowd chuckled. Reaching this position wasn't easy, but the dedication and support of my loved ones made it possible. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my parents and my husband's parents. They never treated me as a daughter-in-law, but always as their own, offering unwavering support and encouragement. And to my husband, ASR, despite his busy schedule, he never stopped worrying about our business, standing by my side every step of the way. I love you, Arnav. I love you, mom and dad.

Khushi beamed as she descended from the stage, sending flying kisses to the cheering crowd before making her way backstage. There, both were enveloped in warm hugs from by thier husbands, their pride evident in their eyes.

Arnav/Akash: You did it! Congratulations

Their words of congratulations filled her heart with joy as she glanced over to see two small figures darting towards them.

Aryan and Pari, their faces glowing with excitement, rushed to embrace their mother.

Aryan/Pari: Good job, mummy and masi!

Khushi's heart swelled with love and pride at their sweet words. Beside her, Arnav stood with a tender smile, his hand resting on her shoulder as they watched the heartwarming scene unfold.

Allowing Payal to enjoy her family moment, Khushi looked on with excitement as her own family gathered around, tears of happiness shining in their eyes. Together, they shared a moment of pure joy and celebration, united in their love and support for one another.

Khushi's POV

As I basked in the warmth of my family's love, tears of gratitude welled up in my eyes. I felt incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by so many people who cherished and supported me.

Arnav - It's been a long night. I am sure both the wonderful ladies must be tired, so let's celebrate this tomorrow. Both Akash and I have planned a surprise... (Pari and Aryan fake cough) with the help of the munchkins.

His words filled me with anticipation for what tomorrow would bring. As the day came to a close, I retreated to my diary, eager to capture the whirlwind of emotions and events that had unfolded.

Reflecting on the past three years, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Despite the challenges, both Payal and I have achieved something incredible by being recognised as businesswomen of the year. This new life I'm living is filled with so much joy and happiness, and though there's a part of me that fears it might not last, my dear family always reminds me that I'm never alone. Arnie and I have grown so much closer during this time. We're not just lovers; we're best friends who share everything with each other. Our occasional fights and bickering only serve to strengthen our love, and somehow, they've become our love language. Garima Mumma's business may have faced some setbacks, but Payal and I decided to bring her into our business, and she's been doing an exceptional job managing it. I recently learned that she's dating someone, which fills me with happiness. As for my parents, they've been my pillars of support, always guiding me and helping me build my confidence. And Arnav's parents... well, they adore me. The love and pampering I receive from them is doubled compared to what I get from my own parents. If someone had told me five years ago that I would be married to my childhood friend, running my own business, and surrounded by so much love and support, I would have laughed. But here I am now, living a life that exceeds all my dreams and expectations. My name has finally found its meaning, and I couldn't be happier with my life.

My diary entry is suddenly interrupted by a back hug. I close my diary and turn around to Arnav with a smile.

Arnav - I am so proud of you Khush...You have done an exceptional job.

I melted into his arms, feeling grateful for his unwavering support.

Me - Wouldn't have been possible without you and our entire family.

Arnav gently lifted me and placed me on the bed, his expression turning serious yet playful.

Arnav - Khushi, as I look at everything you've achieved, I'm filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration. Your dedication, and your resilience, have brought us to this moment, and I couldn't be more grateful for everything you've done. You've truly made our family complete, but there's something more I want to share with you, something that's been on my mind...

As his smile fades into a mischievous grin, Arnav shares his heartfelt desire.

Arnav - I was watching Pari and Aryan today, and the way they both complete Payal and Akash... I want mini versions of us as well,

His eyes shone with affection.

Arnav - I want a little Khushi running to me, with a jalebi in her hand and a notebook in her other hand with a mischievous smile.

Amidst our laughter, I playfully add, "Or imagine a mini Arnav running with a jalebi wearing a suit and asking for his mummy..."

We shared a moment of laughter, filled with the joy of envisioning our future together. This life may not have been what I had dreamed of, but it was more than I could have ever wished for. With a heart full of gratitude, I whispered a silent thank you to Devi Maiyaa for blessing me with such abundance and love.

As I stand at the start of this new chapter, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the journey that has brought me here. It has been a tumultuous path, filled with unexpected twists and turns, yet each challenge has shaped me into the person I am today. With Arnav's unwavering love and support, and the guidance of my nurturing family, I have discovered strength and resilience within myself that I never knew existed.

This life may not have unfolded according to the dreams I once held, but in its unpredictability, I have found a richness and depth that far surpasses anything I could have imagined. As I look ahead to the future, brimming with endless possibilities, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a soul overflowing with love.

And so, with a smile upon my lips and a lightness in my spirit, I bid farewell to this chapter of my life, knowing that within the embrace of love, anything is possible. As I step forward into the unknown, I carry with me the lessons learned, the memories cherished, and the unwavering belief that the best is yet to come.

Author's Note

To all the wonderful readers, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for taking the time to read my story and for sharing your thoughts, comments, and votes.

Your support and encouragement mean the world to me, and I am truly humbled by the response my story has received.

Writing is a passion of mine, and knowing that my words have resonated with you brings me immense joy. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, for your kind words, and constructive criticism, and for simply being here. Your presence and participation make all the difference, and I am deeply grateful for your support.