Khushi's POV

As soon as Karan sees Rahul's girlfriend's photo, he gets shocked..

Karan's face turns pale the moment he sees the photo of Rahul's girlfriend. Without a word, he slumps onto the couch, his fingers trembling as he passes the phone to Sam.

Sam (whispering, stunned): "B-Bhabhi..."

My brows furrow. Bhabhi? Whose bhabhi?

Me (shocked): "What?! Bhabhi? Who are you talking about?"

Sam blinks rapidly as if snapping out of a trance.

Sam (quickly composing himself): "Umm... Khushi, we have to go tomorrow to pick up Aru and Vivu... so... bye!"

Before I can protest, Sam practically drags Karan out of the room.

What was that?

Something is definitely going on. But instead of chasing after them, I sigh, deciding to give them space. If it's important, they'll tell me eventually.

Just then, I hear a soft, groggy voice behind me.

Jiji (weakly waking up): "K...Khushi..."

I immediately rush to her side and hug her tightly.

Me (angry but worried): "Jiji! Just because you're older than me doesn't mean you should stress yourself so much! I'm here for you."

Jiji (cupping my face): "Khushi! I'm sorry... I won't take too much tension anymore. Now tell me, what happened with our plan for Sheetal? And what about our kids?"

I glare at her playfully.

Me (sternly): "You just said you won't take tension! As for our kids, Karan and Sam will get them tomorrow. And as for Sheetal..."

Flashback – 30 minutes ago

I had been pacing the room, thinking of ways to take Sheetal down, when my phone rang from an unknown number. Normally, I wouldn't pick up, but something told me this was important.

Me (worried): "Hello?"

Caller: "Is this Ms. Oberoi?"

Me (cautious): "Yes... Who is this?"

Caller: "Ma'am, we are from XYZ Agency. We trace people and gather information. Our boss instructed us to share some information with you. Are you Ms. Khushi Singh Oberoi?"

My stomach churns.

Me (shocked): "Yes... but who is your boss? And what information are you talking about?"

Caller: "We cannot disclose our boss's identity, but this is about Sheetal Jha. We've uncovered evidence that she murdered her own brother, Mr. Shyam Jha, six years ago. Witnesses saw him begging her to let him return to his wife and newborn daughter... but she stabbed him brutally instead."

I freeze.

Me (stammering): "W-What? That's impossible! Anjali had a miscarriage... How did she have another child? Where is her daughter now?"

Caller: "We don't have those details yet, ma'am. However, we can gather information on Ms. Anjali Raizada and her daughter if you'd like."

My brain is already racing with possibilities.

Me (determined): "Yes. And I need proof. Do you have anything besides witness accounts?"

Caller: "We have recorded witness testimonies, but they wish to remain anonymous. You are welcome to visit our office to verify the recordings. We also have another shocking piece of information..."

Me (nervous): "What is it?"

Caller: "There's a man in Delhi named Rahul... who looks exactly like Mr. Shyam Jha. But it is confirmed that Shyam Jha was found dead by the police six years ago. Rahul, however, is alive... and has a girlfriend. If you want proof, we can send you photos."

I clutch my phone tightly.

Me: "Send them to me. Also, which police station has Shyam Jha's records?"

Caller: "XYZ Police Station, ask for Constable Rohit. I'll also send you Rahul's address."

Flashback Ends

I let out a deep breath.

Me: "The caller hung up after that, Jiji. Then, they sent me these photos..."

I hand her my phone. Her reaction is just like mine—pure shock.

Jiji (tired, rubbing her forehead): "We'll discuss this tomorrow, Khushi. You should get some rest."

I nod and give her a quick hug before stepping out of the room. But as I do, I find Akash standing there with a smile that instantly annoys me.

Me (narrowing my eyes, threatening): "If you give Jiji any more stress, I swear I'll give you a real punishment. And that's a promise from Ms. Khushi Singh Oberoi!"

Ignoring his stunned expression, I march off to Jiji's room, only to freeze at what I see.

Lying comfortably on the bed, as if he owns the place... is none other than Arnav Singh Raizada.

Oh. Hell. No.

I storm toward him and yank the blanket off his body.

Me (furious): "GET UP!"

Arnav (groggy, mumbling): "No. If you have a problem, you can sleep outside... or..." (smirks slightly) "you can sleep next to me."

My jaw drops.

Me (outraged): "I will never sleep beside you! NOW GET UP!"

Instead of obeying, the shameless man starts snoring!

Oh, that's it. You asked for this, Mr. Raizada.

I jump onto the bed and shove him off with all my strength—and he crashes to the floor with a loud THUD!

Victory!

...Or not.

Because instead of yelling at me, Arnav simply stays there, eyes closed, still snoring!

Me (shouting): "GET UP, YOU LAZY LION!"

No response.

I glare down at him, but as I do, something softens in me. He looks... peaceful. As if all the arrogance and mischief melt away when he's asleep.

Ugh, why am I feeling sorry for him?

Sighing, I grab a blanket and gently drape it over him.

There. Now I can finally—

Before I can turn, a strong grip yanks me back.

I gasp, looking down to see Arnav's hand clutching the hem of my dress!

Me (panicking): "H-Hey! Let go!"

I kneel beside him and try prying his fingers off, but nothing works. It's like his grip tightens on purpose!

Me (grumbling): "I swear, if you're awake and pretending, I will—"

But Arnav doesn't let go. Instead, he shifts slightly, pulling me even closer... his warm breath fanning against my skin.

My cheeks heat up.

Me (flustered, mumbling): "Fine... I'll sleep here."

And with that, I give in.

Lying beside him, my heart beats strangely as I listen to his steady breathing.

What are you doing to me, Arnav Singh Raizada?

Who was the person that told the caller to give the information to Khushi?

Is Karan going to be ok?

Precap - Meeting Rahul