The car pulls up outside a charming two-story house with a well-maintained garden, blooming with vibrant marigolds and roses. There's a swing on the porch, adding a cozy, homely feel.

Kartik and Ranbir exchange glances, Ranbir adjusting his jacket nervously, while Kairav peers out of the car window excitedly.

Kairav (excitedly): "Mumma! Yeh hai unka ghar? Kitna sundar hai (Mumma! Is this their house? How beautiful!)" 

Naira (smiling): "Haan, beta. Bas ab tameez se milna, okay(Yes, beta. Just meet politely, okay?)" 

Kairav: "Mujhe pata hai! Mujhe gifts dene hain na(I know! I have to give gifts,right!)" 

They step out of the car. Naitik gazes at the house with a thoughtful look as if something feels familiar. Kartik rings the bell. After a moment, the door opens to reveal Rajeshwaran (Raj) and Babita, both dressed neatly in traditional attire. Raj's face lights up upon seeing the visitors.

Rajeshwaran (smiling warmly): "Aaiye, aaiye! Swagat hai aap sabka(Come, come! Welcome everyone!)" 

Ranbir (bowing slightly): "Namaste, Uncle(Hello, uncle.)"

Kartik and Naira (together, touching his feet): "Namaste, Chachaji(Hello, uncle.)

They hand over neatly wrapped gifts—boxes of sweets and a potted orchid plant for the garden. Raj blesses them both with a smile. Babita, however, stands a step behind, her expression reserved.

Babita (politely, but coolly): "Andar chaliye. Baahar khade mat rahiye(Let's go inside. Don't stand out.)" 

Kairav (cheerfully, holding a small gift bag): "Dadi, yeh aapke liye hai(Grandma, this is for you.)"

Her expression softens as she looks at the child, but she quickly regains her composure and gestures them inside. The group steps into a modest yet elegant living room with earthy tones and a collection of family photos on the wall.

As everyone settles in, Naitik stops abruptly in the doorway, his eyes fixed on Raj. There's a moment of silence before he speaks, his voice filled with astonishment.

Naitik (shocked): "Rajeshwaran? Tu yahan(Rajeshwaran? You here?)"

Raj (equally surprised): "Naitik! Yeh kya...tu (Naitik, what is this...you?)" 

They both step closer, disbelief giving way to joy. Rajeshwaran places a hand on Naitik's shoulder, shaking his head in amazement.

Raj: "Maine socha tha ki tujhe dobara kabhi dekh nahi paunga. Itne saal ho gaye, dost(I thought I would never see you again. It's been so many years, friend!)" 

Naitik (smiling warmly): "Haan, Raj! Aur yeh? Tumhara ghar? Main toh bas yeh jaane aaya tha ki Prachi se milne kaise log milenge, aur yahan...(Yes, Raj! And this? Your house? I had just come to know what kind of people would we see when meet Prachi, and here...)"

The two laugh, sharing a heartfelt hug, but Naitik's face turns solemn as he glances at a photo on the wall of Akshara,Naitik Raj, and Babita together during their college days.

Naitik (softly): "Tumhare aur Akshara ke beech kitni acchi dosti thi(What a good friendship there was between you and Akshara.)" 

[For a moment, Raj doesn't realize, but when he looks up at Naitik, his smile fades. He notices the sadness in Naitik's eyes.]

Raj: "Akshara kahan hai, Naitik? Woh kaisi hai(Where is Akshara, Naitik? How is she?)"

Naitik looks away, his hands trembling slightly. Kartik steps forward, placing a reassuring hand on his father's shoulder.

Naitik (voice breaking): "Akshara... woh ab is duniya mein nahi hai, Raj(Akshara...she is no more in this world, Raj.)"

[The room falls silent. Raj is stunned, his eyes filling with tears.]

Raj (whispering): "Kya(What?)"

Babita (sighing): "Mujhe pehle se lag raha tha ki kuch aisa hi hoga... Akshara bahut alag thi(I was already feeling that something similar would happen... Akshara was very different.)" 

Naira, sensing the heavy mood, steps forward.

Naira (softly): "Chachaji, woh hamesha aap dono ki dosti ke baare mein baatein karti thi. Aapka yeh ghar dekh kar lagta hai, woh yahaan hoti toh kitni khush hoti(Uncle, she always talked about the friendship between you two. Looking at this house of yours, I can feel how happy she would have been if she was here.)" 

From the stairs, Namrata, Prachi's 17-year-old cousin, comes running down, wearing a bright yellow kurti and churidar. She spots the guests and grins excitedly.

Namrata (jumping): "Ranbir Kohli?! Arre yeh toh sach mein Ranbir Kohli hai (Ranbir Kohli?! Hey this is really Ranbir Kohli!)" 

Kartik chuckles, while Ranbir nods politely, his nervousness peeking through.

Namrata: "Jiju! Main aapko TV par dekhti hoon har roz! Aap toh itne cool ho(Brother-in-law! I watch you on TV every day! You are so cool!)" 

Kairav (nudging her): "Namrata Didi, kya aapko pata hai ki main bhi bahut cool hoon? Main apne school mein top karta hoon(Namrata Didi, do you know that I am also very cool? I top my school)"

Namrata (laughing): "Haan haan, tum toh sabse zyada cool ho(Yes yes, you are the coolest!)" 

Kairav grins mischievously and runs to Naira.

Kairav (whispering): "Mumma, meri Chachi kahan hai(Mumma, where is my aunty?)" 

Naira (gently scolding): "Kairav, abhi tameez se raho. Sab milenge(Kairav, be polite now. Everyone will meet.)" 

Kairav (pouting): "Par main toh excited hoon! Mujhe meri hone wali Chachi se milna hai(But I am so excited! I want to meet my future aunty!)" 

Naira shakes her head, smiling, as Raj gestures everyone to sit.

As everyone settles down, Babita sits on the far corner of the sofa, observing quietly. Her disapproval isn't overt, but her silence is palpable. Naira notices and walks up to her with a box of sweets.

Naira (softly): "Chachiji, yeh aapke liye. Mujhe pata hai ki hum naye hain aapke ghar mein, par hum Prachi ko apni family ka hissa banana chahte hain (Aunty, this is for you. I know we are new to your house, but we want Prachi to be a part of our family.)" 

Babita takes the box reluctantly, offering a faint smile.

Babita: "Dekhte hain, Naira. Aap log kaafi bade log hain. Prachi ki simplicity kahin chhup na jaye iss rishte mein(Let's see, Naira. You guys are very big people. Prachi's simplicity should not be hidden anywhere in this relationship.)" 

Naira nods, her smile unwavering, determined to win Babita's heart.

Meanwhile, Ranbir fiddles with a small packet of dry fruits he brought, looking at Kartik nervously.

Ranbir (whispering): "Bhai, mujhe lagta hai main pehle hi galat impression de raha hoon (Brother, I think I'm already giving a wrong impression.)" 

Kartik (teasing): "Tension mat le, Ranbir. Prachi tujhe dekh kar khud hi samajh jaayegi ki tu is duniya ka sabse best choice hai(Don't take tension, Ranbir. Prachi will see you and she herself understand that you are the best choice in this world.)" 

Ranbir: "Haan, par woh meri nervousness ka kya karegi(Yes, but what will she do with my nervousness?)"

Kartik and Naitik laugh, and Raj gestures to Ranbir to relax.

Raj: "Ranbir beta, yeh ghar tumhara hi hai. Prachi yahan nahi hai abhi, par jab milegi toh mujhe poora vishwas hai ki tum dono ek dusre ko zaroor pasand karoge(Ranbir son, this house is yours only. Prachi is not here right now, but when you meet her, I am sure that both of you will definitely like each other.)" 

The living room buzzes with soft conversations. Babita sits stiffly, her hands clutching the wooden box containing the ancestral bangles. The air is thick with tradition, tension, and the weight of expectations. Naira, seated beside Babita, leans in gently, her tone warm but firm.

Naira: "Chachiji, mujhe pata hai ki Prachi ko iss nayi journey ke liye kitni himmat chahiye hogi. Par agar aap usse apne pyaar aur aashirwad ke saath yeh khandani kangan denge, toh woh apne aap ko aur bhi zyada samajhne lagegi (Aunty, I have learned how much courage Prachi must have needed for this journey. But if you give her this royal bracelet with your love and blessings, then she will start understanding herself even more.)" 

[Babita looks down at the box, conflicted. After a pause, she sighs and hands the box to Naira.]

Babita: "Yeh kangan maine apni shaadi ke waqt pehne the. Mujhe yaad hai, jab meri maa ne yeh mujhe diye the tab usne kaha tha ki 'Iss ghar ki bahu ke liye yeh kangan humesha ek zimmedari ka pratik rahenge.' Prachi ke liye yeh dena asaan nahi hai, par agar tum keh rahi ho, toh theek hai (I wore this bracelet during my wedding. I remember, when my mother gave this to me, she said, 'This bracelet will always be a symbol of responsibility for the bride of this house.' It is not easy for me to give this to Prachi, but if you are saying so, then it is okay.)" 

Naira smiles and takes Babita's hand in hers, a small gesture of gratitude.

Naira: "Aap dekhna, Chachiji. Prachi in kangano ki ahmiyat ko zarur samjhegi. Bas uska vishwas banaye rakhiye(You see, aunty. Prachi will definitely understand the importance of these bracelets. Just keep her faith)" 

Babita nods reluctantly, turning to Namrata (Choti), who's standing nearby with her ever-curious eyes darting between the conversation and the stairs.

Babita: "Choti, zara upar ja kar dekh ki Prachi ready hui ya nahi. Use neeche le kar aa(Choti, go up and see if Prachi is ready or not. Bring her down)" 

Namrata nods excitedly and dashes upstairs, her vibrant churidar rustling with every step.

In her small but charming room adorned with soft pastels, Prachi lies curled up on her bed. Her delicate pink churidar, though beautiful, looks crumpled from her sitting for so long. Her face is pale, her eyes red from silent tears. She grips the edge of her dupatta tightly, as if trying to steady herself.

Namrata bursts into the room, her smile fading instantly when she sees Prachi's state.

Namrata (concerned): "Jiji, kya hua? Tum... tum ro kyun rahi ho(Sister, what happened? You... why are you crying?)"

Prachi quickly wipes her face, trying to appear composed, but her voice trembles when she speaks.

Prachi: "Kuch nahi, Choti. Bas... bas thoda ghabrahat ho rahi hai(Nothing, little one. I'm just... just a little nervous.)"

Namrata (sitting beside her): "Mujhse jhooth mat bolo, Jiji. Tumhe kya lagta hai main nahi samajhti? Tumhare aasoon sab bata dete hain(Don't lie to me, sister. What do you think I don't understand? Your tears tell everything.)" 

Prachi lowers her gaze, her fingers fumbling with her dupatta. After a pause, she finally speaks, her voice barely above a whisper.

Prachi: "Choti, mujhe darr lagta hai... agar yeh ameer log mujh par ilzaam laga dein? Agar kuch galat ho gaya toh? Main kya karungi (Little sister, I'm scared... what if these rich people blame me? What if something goes wrong? What will I do?)" "

Namrata frowns, confused.

Namrata: "Ilzaam? Galat? Jiji, tum kya keh rahi ho? Ranbir Jiju toh itne ache lagte hain. Unhone toh sabko impress kar diya neeche(Accusation? Wrong? Sister, what are you saying? Ranbir brother-in-law looks so good. He impressed everyone downstairs!)"

Prachi (shaking her head): "Ranbir ki baat nahi hai, Choti. Par mujhe yeh rich log... yeh duniya... inse darr lagta hai(It's not about Ranbir, little sister . But I am afraid of these rich people... this world....them.)" 

Namrata (softly): "Par kyun, Jiji? Tum aise kyun soch rahi ho(But why, sister? Why are you thinking like this?)" 

Prachi hesitates, her hands trembling as she clutches her dupatta tighter. Tears begin to well up again.

Prachi: "Kyunki... kyunki woh waapas aa sakta hai(Because... because he can come back.)" 

Namrata (confused): "Kaun waapas aa sakta hai? Jiji, please mujhe batao (Who can come back? Sister, please tell me.)" 

Prachi takes a shaky breath, her voice breaking as she finally speaks the name that haunts her.

Prachi: "Kunal Agnihotri. Woh mujhe kabhi chodhega nahi, Choti(Kunal Agnihotri. He will never leave me, little one.)"

Namrata's eyes widen in shock and anger as she remembers the man who nearly destroyed her sister.

Namrata: "Woh... woh aadmi? Par Jiji, woh toh...(He...that guy? But sister, he...)" 

Prachi (interrupting): "Main uss raat ko kabhi nahi bhool sakti, Choti. Woh mujhe zabardasti le ja raha tha. Agar tum uss waqt nahi aati... toh shayad aaj main yahan nahi hoti(I'll never forget that night, little one. He was taking me forcibly. If you had not come at that time... then perhaps I would not have been here today.)" 

Flashback: The Fateful Night

The scene opens to a lively wedding function. Strings of fairy lights illuminate the backyard of Rajeshwaran's house. Laughter, music, and the aroma of festive food fill the air. The sound of traditional dhol beats resonates as guests mingle, dance, and celebrate. Prachi, dressed in a light pink and gold lehenga, is serving drinks to some elderly women near the dining area. Her face glows with a shy smile as she nods politely to their blessings.

Elderly Lady 1: "Beta, tum toh ekdum rajkumari lag rahi ho. Tumhara dulha kitna naseebwala hoga(Daughter, you look like a princess. How lucky will your groom be?)" 

Prachi smiles demurely, lowering her gaze.

Prachi: "Aapki duayein hain, aunty ji (I have your blessings, Aunty.)"

As she walks back towards the kitchen area to help Namrata with more snacks, her dupatta keeps slipping off her shoulder. She adjusts it, slightly annoyed.

Namrata (teasing): "Jiji, tumhare dupatte ko kya hua? Kya aaj aapaka hero yahan hai(Sister, what happened to your scarf? Is your hero here today?)" 

Prachi (blushing): "Chup kar, Choti! Main bas yeh kaam khatam kar ke rest karne wali thi(Shut up, little one! I was just going to finish this work and rest.)"

Both sisters giggle, but just then, Prachi hears someone call her name. She turns to see Kunal Agnihotri, an acquaintance from another family known to Rajeshwaran. He's impeccably dressed in a black sherwani, but his eyes carry a calculating glint that makes Prachi slightly uncomfortable.

Kunal: "Prachi ji, ek minute. Mujhe aapse kuch zaruri baat karni thi(Prachi, one minute. I wanted to talk to you about something important.)" 

Prachi hesitates, her instincts warning her, but the social etiquette of the gathering forces her to respond politely.

Prachi: "Ji, kahiye(Yes, say.)" 

Kunal glances around, noticing the crowd.

Kunal: "Yeh jagah thodi noisy hai. Kya aap andar chaliye? Sirf do minute lagenge(This place is a bit noisy. Do you want to come in? It will only take two minutes.)" 

Prachi hesitates again, looking towards Namrata, but Kunal's insistence grows.

Kunal (smiling): "Don't worry, bas ek chhoti si baat hai. Jaldi aa jaunga, promise(Don't worry, it's just a small thing. We'll come soon, promise.)"

Against her better judgment, Prachi nods reluctantly and follows him towards a quieter corner near the staircase leading to the first floor.

As they step into the shadowy corner, Kunal's demeanor changes. His smile disappears, replaced by a predatory look. Prachi immediately senses the shift and steps back instinctively.

Prachi: "Kunal ji, aap kya baat karna chahte the(Kunal, what did you want to talk about?)"

Kunal steps closer, invading her space. She grips her dupatta tightly, her heart pounding.

Kunal: "Prachi ji, aapko pata hai, jab se maine aapko dekha hai, main bas ek hi cheez sochta hoon(Prachi, you know, ever since I saw you, I only think of one thing.)"

Prachi's discomfort deepens as she tries to step back further, but the wall stops her. Her voice is firm but nervous.

Prachi: "Mujhe aise baatein pasand nahi hain. Main chali jaati hoon(I don't like such things. I am leaving.)"

She turns to leave, but Kunal grabs her wrist roughly, spinning her back towards him. Her eyes widen in fear.

Kunal (darkly): "Kya hua? Itni jaldi kya hai? Main toh bas tumse apne dil ki baat keh raha hoon (What happened? What's the hurry? I'm just telling you what's in my heart.)"

Prachi (terrified): "Chodiye mujhe! Yeh kya badtameezi hai(Leave me! What kind of rudeness is this?!)" 

Kunal pushes her against the wall, pinning her wrists. His tone turns menacing.

Kunal: "Tum samajhti kya ho apne aap ko? Mujhse door jaane ki himmat kaise hui tumhari? Main tumhe tab se chah raha hoon, aur tum mujhe ignore kar rahi ho(Who do you think you are? How dare you go away from me? How long have I been wanting you, and you're ignoring me?!)" 

Prachi (struggling): "Koi hai! Bachao!(Someone there! Help!)"

Kunal covers her mouth with his hand, silencing her screams. Tears stream down her face as she struggles against his grip. He leans closer, whispering cruelly.

Kunal: "Yeh shor machaane ka natak band karo. Tumhara yeh izzatdaar banne ka drama yahan nahi chalega. Aaj main jo chahta hoon, woh hoke rahega(Stop this noise making drama. Your drama of becoming respectable will not work here. What I want today will happen.)"

Prachi's muffled cries grow louder, her struggle more desperate. Just as Kunal begins to overpower her, Namrata's voice rings out from the staircase.

Namrata (shouting): "Jiji! Tum kahan ho(Sister! Where are you?!)" 

Kunal freezes for a moment, giving Prachi the chance to knee him hard in the stomach. He stumbles back, cursing under his breath. Namrata comes running, her eyes widening in horror as she sees Prachi trembling and cornered.

Namrata (furious): "Kunal! Tum yahan kya kar rahe ho(Kunal! What are you doing here?!)"

Kunal straightens up, trying to regain his composure, but Namrata grabs a nearby vase and hurls it at him. He ducks just in time, but the noise attracts the attention of other guests.

Kunal: "Main... main toh bas(I... I was just...

Before he can finish, Namrata grabs Prachi's hand and drags her away, shielding her from the onlookers. Kunal slips away in the chaos, disappearing into the night.

Later that night, Namrata sits beside Prachi in her room. Prachi is curled up on the bed, clutching her dupatta tightly, her eyes swollen from crying. Namrata strokes her hair gently, her own eyes filled with anger and sadness.

Namrata: "Jiji, tumne mujhe pehle kyun nahi bataya ki woh tumhe tang kar raha tha? Main uss Kunal ko chodungi nahi(Sister, why didn't you tell me earlier that he was harassing you? I will not leave that Kunal.)" 

(Imagine it is Prachi in the back)

Prachi (sobbing): "Kya fayda, Choti? Agar yeh baat chacha ji tak gayi, toh woh kya sochenge? Woh mujhe hi doshi maanenge. Aur agar Kunal waapas aaya toh(What's the use, little one? If this matter reaches uncle, what will he think? He will blame me only. And if Kunal comes back then...)" 

Namrata shakes her head fiercely, gripping Prachi's hands.

Namrata: "Jiji, kuch bhi ho, main tumhare saath hoon. Tumhe uss Kunal se darne ki zarurat nahi hai. Main usse kabhi tumhare paas nahi aane dungi(Sister, whatever happens, I am with you. You don't need to be afraid of that Kunal. I will never let him come near you.)"

Prachi nods weakly but doesn't look convinced. The fear and trauma remain etched on her face. From that day on, the incident became a secret only Namrata knew, a shadow that loomed over Prachi's life.

Namrata (fiercely): "Jiji, woh yahan nahi aa sakta. Aur agar woh aaye, toh main usse chodungi nahi! Tum kyun itna darr rahi ho? Yeh tumhara ghar hai, tumhare apne hain (Sister, he can't come here. And if he comes, I will not leave him! Why are you so afraid? This is your home, yours.)" 

Prachi shakes her head, her voice filled with despair.

Prachi: "Tum samajhti ho, Choti? Agar yeh sab log bhi mujhe galat samajhne lage toh? Woh sab ameer log... unka tarika alag hota hai. Woh bas ek chhoti si galti pakad ke usse humare khilaaf use karte hain(Have you understood, sister? What if all these people also consider me wrong? All those rich people... their way is different. They just find one small mistake and use it against us.)" 

[Namrata places a hand on Prachi's shoulder, trying to reassure her.]

Namrata: "Par Ranbir Jiju toh aise nahi lagte, Jiji. Woh toh tumhare liye sab kuch karne ko tayar lagte hain(But Ranbir brother-in-law doesn't look like that, sister. He seems ready to do everything for you.)" 

Prachi (bitterly): "Main kaise yakin karun? Mujhe lagta hai jaise main phir se kisi ke jaal mein phas jaungi(How can I believe? I feel like I'm going to fall into someone's trap again)" 

Namrata sighs, looking at her sister with both pity and determination.

Namrata: "Jiji, tumhe khud par aur hum sab par vishwas rakhna hoga. Tum aise raho toh neeche kaise jaogi? Chalo, bas ek baar neeche aa jao. Chachiji ne tumhare liye kangan nikal ke rakhe hain(Sister, you have to have faith in yourself and in all of us. You are like this, then how will you go down? Come on, just come downstairs one time. Aunty has kept the bracelet for you.)" 

Prachi looks up, surprised.

Prachi: "Kangan? Mere liye(Bracelet? For me?)" 

Namrata (smiling): "Haan, aur woh tumhe dena chahti hain. Bas ek baar neeche aa jao. Main hoon na tumhare saath. Aur waise bhi, mujhe tumhare bina neeche maza nahi aayega (Yes, and she wants to give it to you. Just come down at once. I am with you. And anyway, I won't have any fun down there without you!)" 

Prachi hesitates but eventually nods, wiping her tears and trying to compose herself. She doesn't yet change into the saree but agrees to come down, clutching Choti's hand tightly.