Khushi's POV

An idea suddenly strikes me, and a mischievous smile spreads across my face.

Me (grinning) - Why don't we get you guys married?

Everyone (in shock) - What?

Me (smiling brightly) - Why not? It'll be fun, and honestly, it's the perfect way to bring some light into all this.

Jiji (looking down, sad) - We can't... Vivu and I are going back to Mumbai...

Mami (shocked) - Payal bitiya? What? You're our daughter-in-law...

Jiji (frustrated) - No! I'm not anyone's daughter-in-law. I came here to expose Sheetal and to be with nani because of her health. I've stayed long enough... I need to go.

Mami (hurt) - Please stay... Why are you leaving?

Jiji (sad, but firm) - A relationship needs trust, something that's been lacking here (she looks pointedly at Akash).

Akash (approaching Jiji, holding her hand gently) - Please, Payal... give me a chance. I will prove to you that I trust you. I beg you...

Jiji (soft, but resolute) - Fine. I'm willing to give you a chance, but from now on, we're strangers. If you can win my heart, and Vivu's, then we'll be yours. But if you fail... you will never show your face to us again. You have... what? Pick a number, Vivu.

Vivu (hesitant, nervous) - 5.

Jiji (determined) - You have five weeks to win us over. Deal?

Akash (nervous but determined) - Deal.

I can feel the tension lift just slightly, knowing that Akash has finally recognized his mistakes, and Jiji, despite everything, is willing to give him a chance. I'm certain that in these five weeks, he will prove himself.

Me (growling, protective) - But if you hurt my Jiji again... I will not spare you.

Akash (visibly scared) - I promise, I won't hurt Payal again...

Just then, Arnav steps toward me, and his gaze meets mine, pulling me away from the tension in the room.

Arnav (softly, but with authority) - Khushi, what's your decision? All eyes turn to me, waiting for my answer. The weight of their gazes presses on me, but Jiji steps forward, offering me her unwavering support.

Jiji (gently, encouragingly) - Khushi, I want you to not be afraid... Tell the truth. I'll support whatever decision you make.

I take a deep breath, feeling the calm assurance in her words. The truth, my truth, needs to be spoken. And I need to stand firm, no matter the consequences.

Note - this story has two endings

Arshi Scene

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions as I face the man who once broke me—who once shattered my trust beyond repair. The years have passed, but the scars of the past remain, sometimes fresh, sometimes faded, but never completely gone.

Me (nervous, but resolute) - I truly love Arnav... and I can't move on (Sam leaves the room upset while Karan follows him)... but I'm not ready to move on with him... I'm sorry, but you've hurt me to the point where I'm regretting ever loving you. You abused me physically and mentally. You showed a complete lack of trust in me, and now, you want me to just accept you back because you've "changed"? I'm sorry, but it isn't that easy for me to move on... If you could hurt me, then what about our daughter?

(Arnav opens his mouth to speak, but I hold up a hand, stopping him.)

Me (firm, angry) - Let me speak. I know you'll say that you'll never hurt Aru, but who knows what destiny holds? I was taken for granted in this house once, with my Jiji. I don't want that to happen again. I need time. I need you to prove to me that you're worth my love. If you can do that, then maybe I'll accept you.

(Arnav's head hangs in shame, his guilt palpable.)

Arnav (softly) - Khushi... I...

Me (cutting him off, with intensity) - I don't care about your sorries... They're not going to fix anything. you need to prove yourself. Prove it.

Five years Later

I'm sitting in the living room, sipping on some tea, when a scream breaks my concentration. Aru (screaming with excitement) - Papa! Mum!

I immediately jump to my feet, my heart racing, and Arnav and I rush toward Aru. She's standing with a boy who I've never seen before. My protective instincts immediately kick in, and I can't help but feel a pang of worry.

Arnav (cupping Aru's face, eyes wide in shock) - Princess, are you okay?

Aru (grinning ear to ear) - Papa! Meet my boyfriend... Ansh!

Arnav (shocked, almost flabbergasted) - Aru... you're only 12!! You shouldn't have a boyfriend at this age...

Aru (laughing, not taking him seriously) - Papa! He's my best friend! People call him my boyfriend, so I just called him that too.

I can't help but laugh at Arnav's wide-eyed, shocked face. He looks like he's about to pass out from the shock.

Me (teasing) - Don't say 'boyfriend' again, Aru, or your dad might get a heart attack. Now go, your little brother is calling you in your room... You should go check on him.

With that, Aru runs off to see her little brother, Aryan, who's already making a racket in his room. Aryan is the star of the family—a bundle of energy at only three years old. He's everyone's favorite, always charming the adults with his playful antics. Aru, being the perfect older sister, always doted on him. It's been a long road, but Arnav and I finally found our way back to each other after everything we've been through. He spent an entire year proving himself to me and Aru—he worked hard to show me that he wasn't the same man he used to be. And after all that, we're here, stronger than ever, with our beautiful kids.

I can't help but feel a surge of affection for Arnav. He may have made terrible mistakes in the past, but he's made up for them tenfold in these last few years.

I glance over at Arnav, who's now walking toward me with a grin on his face—a mischievous grin that reminds me of the old him, the playful, mischievous man who always knew how to make me laugh.

Arnav (grinning, with that mischievous glint in his eyes) - So, Khushi, I've been thinking... Aryan is getting older now.. Should we have another child...

Me (smiling) - Oh really? You think, 3 children aren't enough. After all this time, you still can't resist being mischievous, huh?

Arnav (leaning in, teasing) - Who says I've changed completely? You know you love it.

I laugh, shaking my head at him. Over the years, Arnav has changed—not just in the way he treats me but in how he embraces life. He's no longer just the intense, brooding man I once knew. He's become someone who knows how to laugh, tease, and enjoy every moment. He's now this mischievous, playful man who loves to get under my skin... and as much as I'd like to pretend otherwise, I do love it.

Our journey hasn't been easy. But it's ours, and we've made it through. And now, as we look toward the future, I know we won't be separating again. No more misunderstandings. No more distance. We're in this together, for good.

As I hear Aryan calling out from upstairs, I smile, knowing that we're finally where we belong. And the future? It's bright and full of love, laughter, and maybe just a little bit of mischief.

Over the past five years, our family has gone through a lot of growth and healing. Anjali has been tirelessly trying to mend her broken relationship with her brothers, who are still deeply hurt by her past actions. Despite their attempts to push her away, she hasn't given up, continuously chasing after them in hopes of earning their forgiveness. While her brothers remain guarded, Anjali's determination to heal their relationship is unwavering. Alongside her efforts to rebuild bridges with her family, Anjali is also in a relationship with Rahul. They're taking things slow, allowing time for trust to grow as they navigate their connection. It's a delicate balance, but Anjali remains hopeful that with time, she can regain her brothers' trust and build a future with Rahul. Jiji and Akash are thriving, with Akash winning Jiji's heart in the five weeks he was given and the couple now having a beautiful 4-year-old daughter, Sapna. Vivu has accepted his father, and although Aru can be a bit jealous of her younger siblings, she loves them dearly. Pari now lives with Anjali, after learning the truth about her biological mother, while Aarav has become a part of our family, and the kids treat him like their real brother. Karan and Krystal have a 3-year-old daughter, Jhanvi, and their family is growing stronger. Shivay Bhai and Anika Bhabhi are expecting their second child, and Lavanya and Nanheji have adorable twin sons, Arjun and Barun. My parents are doing well, with Dad cancer-free, and Mum and Dad are working on mending their relationship with Amma and Bauji, who have also healed from their trauma. Through it all, we've come together as a family, embracing second chances and finding healing, forgiveness, and love along the way.

******

(Khushi and Sam ending)

Jiji (helping me gain courage) - Khushi! I want you to not be afraid... and tell the truth... I will support your decision.

Me (nervous) - I'm sorry, Arnav, but I can never forgive you. I've decided to move on with my life... and I want to move on with Sam. He has been there for me through thick and thin, always encouraging me to chase my dreams. He's not Aru's real father, but the love he showed her... the fatherly love he gave her... it was everything. He's supported me in ways I can't even begin to explain.

Sam (smiling) - Khushi!! I love you!

Me (smiling) - I don't know my feelings yet, Sam, but who knows? Maybe later... I'll fall for you. Sam (grinning) - I promise, Khushi. I'll make you fall in love with me.

After 5 years

Aru (screaming) - Dad! Mum!

Sam and I immediately rush over to Aru, who is standing near a guy.

Sam (smiling) - What happened to my cutie pie?

Aru (grinning) - Papa! Meet my boyfriend... Ansh.

Me (shocked) - Aru... boyfriend?!

Suddenly, I felt like I might faint, but Sam was there to catch me, grinning mischievously. Sam (laughing) - Stop being so dramatic, Khushi. By boyfriend, she means a boy who's just her friend.

Me (still shocked) - No one told me this! Aru, go check on your little brother, Sahil...

Aru laughs and runs up to see her little brother, Sahil.

Sahil is three years old and is everyone's favorite little troublemaker. He loves attention and would do anything to get his older sister's attention. I can't believe how fast he's grown. Sam was right—after our marriage, I fell in love with him in just six months. He turned out to be the perfect husband and father.

But the Raizadas... they felt guilty for everything and eventually apologized to me and Jiji. We decided to forgive them, but I promised myself that never again would I set foot in that house. That's when things started to change. Shortly after my marriage with Sam, we learned that Anjali, Rahul, Arnav, Pari, and Aarav had disappeared from the Raizada mansion. No one has heard from them since. I couldn't help but wonder what happened. Nani passed away a few weeks after Sahil's birth. She never got to meet Sahil because she never came to see me after I married Sam. I never saw her on her deathbed, and that still haunts me. I feel guilty every time I think about it.

Akash Jiju won Jiji's heart within the 5 weeks he had, and now they have a cute 4-year-old daughter, Sapna. Vivu has accepted his father and loves his adorable little sister, though poor Aru gets jealous sometimes. Whenever all of us want to meet up, we meet at our house or at a café. Karan and Krystal are doing well, too, and they have a 3-year-old daughter, Jhanvi. Shivay Bhai and Anika Bhabhi are expecting their second child, while Anika Bhabhi already has a 4-year-old daughter, Shivika. Lavanya and Nanheji have twin sons, Arjun and Mohit. As for my parents, Dad is officially cancer-free now, and Mum and Dad are mending their relationship with Amma and Bauji. Thankfully, Amma and Bauji have both healed from their trauma and are doing great. And as for me? I've gotten a bit more mischievous over the years. Whether it's teasing Sam, playing pranks on Aru, or pulling off surprise get-togethers with the family, I've learned to embrace life's little moments. I've grown stronger, and I'm ready for whatever comes next.

Which ending do you prefer?

The Redemption and Forgiveness Ending: In this version, Arnav earns Khushi's forgiveness over time. It's about trust being rebuilt, emotional growth, and a deeper understanding of their relationship. The playful, mischievous side of Arnav shows his evolution, and there's a sense of closure with Khushi's acceptance of him once more. This ending is uplifting, showing how love can evolve and overcome past mistakes. It brings hope that relationships can heal, even after significant damage.

The Healing and Moving On Ending: This ending emphasises Khushi's strength and her ability to move on and find peace in her life, even without Arnav. She's able to build a life with someone who supports her, and this showcases a journey of self-healing. It's a more independent, empowering ending, where Khushi's happiness is no longer dependent on Arnav's redemption, but on her own choices.

Do let me know your views.