Payal's POV continues

With a smile, I rush downstairs, eager to start the day. But my excitement is short-lived when I spot Khushi near the entrance, her face clouded with worry. Before I can approach her, the sound of hurried footsteps fills the room.

Aru and Vivu come running down the stairs, their voices loud and demanding.
Aru & Vivu (shouting) – Mum/Masi... is it true? The uncle who saved our lives... he's our dad?!
Khushi stiffens, her face draining of color.
Khushi (shocked) – What?! Who told you that?!

The kids turn in unison, their small fingers pointing at Anjali.
Aru & Vivu – She did! My heart drops. Anjali.

I don't wait for Khushi's reaction—I already know she'll handle Aru. Instead, fury propels me toward Anjali. I find her standing alone, her head lowered, an expression of guilt painted across her face. But I've seen this act before. I won't fall for it.
I march straight up to her, my blood boiling.

Me (furious) – Why did you tell the kids about Arnav and Akash?

Anjali flinches, her fingers twisting together in her lap.

Anjali (softly, looking down) – I... I didn't know they didn't know. I thought... I'm sorry.

Me (snapping, voice sharp as a blade) – Sorry? Can you, for once, mind your own damn business?! I told everyone to stay away from my kids! Why didn't you listen?!

She stays silent, her guilt-ridden face infuriating me even more.

Me (coldly, voice laced with venom): Let me tell you something, Anjali. You tried to kill my sister's child, and now, you suddenly want to get close to yours? You know what they say about karma, don't you? It's a b***.*

I take a step closer, my voice dropping to a deadly whisper.

Me (mocking) – You trusted Shyam with your whole heart, but what did he do? He betrayed you. He destroyed you. And your daughter? She doesn't even know you exist. Meanwhile, you tried to murder Khushi's child, and yet here you are, acting like you deserve to be near ours?

Tears stream down Anjali's face, but I don't care. I won't care. Without another word, I turn on my heel and head back downstairs, my heart still pounding in rage. But my fury is quickly replaced by worry when I see Vivaan sitting on the couch, his small fists clenched in anger.

Taking a deep breath, I plastered on a smile and knelt in front of him.

Me (softly, trying to mask my worry) – What's wrong, my prince?

He looks up at me, his face scrunched in anger, his little eyes blazing with fury.

Vivaan (angry, voice trembling) – Mum... I don't like that uncle. I don't want him as my dad. My heart clenches painfully.

Me (gently) – Vivu... don't say that about him. He's your dad.

Vivaan shakes his head violently, his small body trembling with emotion.

Vivaan (angry) – No, Mum! He isn't my dad! I don't want a dad who accused you of being bad! I'd rather have Karan Uncle as my dad!

I suck in a sharp breath.

Me (trying to calm him down) – Vivaan... sweetheart, he already apologized to me. He—

Vivaan (cutting me off, furious) – No, Mum! I don't care! I don't want him!

Before I can stop him, he jumps off the couch and storms up the stairs, slamming his bedroom door shut. I close my eyes, swallowing back the frustration rising in my chest. Damn it, Anjali.

A familiar voice calls my name, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I turn to see Khushi standing near the entrance, her face still twisted with worry.

Me (forcing a smile, walking up to her) – Khushi!

She doesn't say anything.

Instead, she throws her arms around me, clinging to me tightly.

Khushi (whispering, voice shaking) – Jiji... Aru... I told her about Arnav being her dad... and she... she ran to see him... I pull back, cupping her face gently.

Me (softly, reassuring her) – It's okay. Arnav has changed, and I promise—he won't take Aru away from you.

She nods, but I can still see the storm raging behind her eyes.

Me (gently, but firm) – But that's not the only reason you're upset, is it? Tell me the truth. Before she can answer, the sound of luggage wheels scraping against the floor makes us both turn.

Karan and Krystal.

Karan immediately drops his bags and rushes to Krystal, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

My stomach twists in confusion.

Why? And then, I hear a loud gasp.

I whip my head around to see Vivaan standing at the top of the stairs, his face twisted in betrayal, his little fists clenching at his sides.

His voice echoes through the silent room, sharp and broken.

Vivaan (angry, voice trembling with pain) – Karan Uncle... loves Krystal Aunty?

I barely have a second to react before he turns and runs off again, his sobs echoing down the hallway.

I feel my nails dig into my palms as my gaze shifts back to Karan and Krystal. This just got a lot more complicated.

Karan (teary-eyed): Krys... you finally came... I've missed you so much... It's been so many years... I missed you, my jaan...

Krystal (hugging him): I missed you too, my jaan... I love you too... I'm sorry I left you... but my dad—he kidnapped me, tried to keep me away from you...Rahul and I, we've been living together after we lost contact... he's been a great friend to me... You know, my dad tried to force me and Rahul to get married, but I convinced him... I made him let us live together... I've been pretending to be in a relationship with him for weeks just to convince my dad... but... I love you, Karan. Only you.

Karan pulls her close and kisses her passionately, completely lost in the moment. I can't help but watch, and my gaze shifts to Rahul, whose expression falters. He looks hurt, though he tries to mask it, and I feel a pang of sympathy for him.

Khushi (mock cough, teasing): Some people really need to get a room.

The tension in the air thickens as Karan and Krystal quickly pull away from each other, their cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Me (worried): Rahul, let me introduce you to the rest of the family.

I led him through the room, introducing him to everyone. The family members look at him with a mix of shock and surprise, their smiles strained as they try to mask their discomfort. Rahul (pointing at Anjali): Who is she?

Me (clenching my jaw, angry): She's Anjali... your brother's wife.

Rahul's eyes flicker over to Anjali, confusion and curiosity in his gaze.

Rahul: Why does she look so gloomy? What happened?

I shoot him a sharp, warning look, my patience wearing thin.

Me (angry): Rahul, you're only pretending to be Shyam, so don't even think about trying to follow in his footsteps. Mind your own business, and let's stick to the plan. Got it?

As Rahul nods, I leave Khushi to show them around and move to Vivaan.

I sit outside Vivaan's room, my heart heavy as I listen to the muffled sound of his sobs.

Every sniffle, every shaky breath pierces through me like a dagger.

My son—my little prince—is hurting, and I hate that I can't shield him from it.

Taking a deep breath, I knock softly before pushing the door open. He's curled up on his bed, hugging his favorite stuffed lion.

His little face is buried in the pillow, his body trembling with emotions too big for him to handle.

Me (softly, sitting beside him) – Vivu... sweetheart, talk to me.

He doesn't move.

Me (gently stroking his back) – I know you're upset. But running away won't fix anything, my love.

Vivaan suddenly sits up, his eyes red and filled with hurt.

Vivaan (angry, voice trembling) – Why does he have to be my dad?!

I sigh, gathering my thoughts.

Me (calmly) – Because he is, sweetheart. Just like I am your mom. That's something no one can change.

Vivaan (shaking his head) – But I don't want him! I want Karan Uncle! He's been with us forever! That other uncle... he wasn't there!

His small fists clench as fresh tears spill down his cheeks.

Vivaan (furious, voice breaking) – He called you bad! He made you cry, Mum! Why should I like someone who hurt you?!

I pull him into my lap, holding him close as he sobs into my chest.

Me (softly, kissing his head) – I know, baby. I know Akash hurt me. But people change, Vivu. Akash regrets what he did, and he's trying to make up for it.

Vivaan shakes his head violently.

Vivaan (stubbornly) – No! He's just pretending! What if he hurts you again?! I don't trust him, Mum!

His words shatter me. How do I make him understand? He's just a child, yet he's already carrying so much pain, so much anger.

Me (gently lifting his chin) – I won't lie to you, Vivu. Akash made mistakes—big mistakes. But he's your dad, and he's trying to be better. You don't have to love him right away, but at least... give him a chance?

Vivaan pouts, his little face stubborn.

Vivaan (grumbling) – What if I don't want to?

I sighed, brushing his hair back.

Me (smiling softly) – Then you don't have to. I won't force you. But I do want you to be fair, my love. Just like how you gave new friends at school a chance, can you give your dad one? Just one?

Vivaan hesitates, his lips pressing into a thin line.

Vivaan (grumbling) – ... Maybe.

I chuckle, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Me (teasing) – Maybe? That doesn't sound very convincing, my prince.

He sighs dramatically, his small arms wrapping around my waist.

Vivaan (whispering) – I'll try... but only because you said so, Mum.

I smile, hugging him tight.

Me (whispering back) – That's all I ask, my love.

I hold him for a little while longer, rocking him gently until his breath evens out. For now, this battle is over. But deep down, I know it's only just begun

Do you guys think Akash should be forgiven?

What's Payal and Khushi's plan?