Dadi was in tears seeing his attitude as if he had lost the faith in his family. Nani pressed her shoulders and Dadi turned to her. Others too were shocked at the turn of events and Sheetal ran to her room crying. She can't take anymore today seeing she was building a baseless dream these many days. All looked at her with pity.

Nani: Please calm down Devayani ... I will explain everything ... please calm down

Dadi: How can I? Suddenly I got to know that my grandson married a girl and my son too didn't bother to inform me. How can I calm down knowing all these? And tell me one thing Suhasini ... how much time it is ... that they are married?

Nani: (Sighed knowing the impact of the words she is going to say) three years

And as expected everyone was shocked to the core

Dadi: What ... three years? Suhasini ... at least you could have told us ... and Manav

Nani: I know what we have done weren't right but it wasn't my part to tell you that. Both Arnav and Manav were against us or Lavi disclosing this to anyone. Manav said he doesn't want a repeat telecast of what happened years before and I couldn't argue more ... I mean it is his family and if that is what he wanted what can I say?

Dadi: Suhasini ... I know I had done wrong then but ... I am his mother, right? How could he say like this ... that it is waste of time to speak to me? He thinks I didn't understand him being his mother ... but don't you know in our time if my husband and MIL wanted that then I wasn't allowed to go against them? And about my affection towards Anju ... it was due to her that I could see my son again ... it was after years a girl child was born here and we pampered her to our heart's content ... I know ... but I never knew I had hurt Arnav or Manav with that. And now he hates me so much that he didn't find it important that I should be present for his son's marriage or ... at least know about it?

Nani: Devayani ... I can guess what you might be feeling now but please understand his situation too. It is the years of pent-up frustration ... not his hate. You know his relation with Kabir and Gayu ... you know his soft corner for Arnie. Don't we all know how much he was depressed about Arnie's detachment from everyone after Arpi? Arnie had actually made a wall around him then ... not ready to open up his pain to his Dad or brothers. He was even afraid to utter 'Mom' then and along with him Manav too became a stone. And it was only after Kiya's entry in their life things started to change. Arnie started to open up to her that too after years of silence. It was Kiya who brought back the old Arnie at least to his friends and family when he was ASR to the world. It was Kiya who had taught Manav that he can be again happy in life. She was their constant support when everybody was busy pampering Anjali. So how do you expect him to be calm after hearing that about his daughter? I know he should have informed you all ... at least after the marriage but the situation was not this that time and hadn't you seen what her condition is? And you guys started blaming him even before hearing his part

Nani sighed and others were ashamed of their own words.

Chachu: What happened then that the marriage happened hastily?

Dadi: And what about Kabir and Gayathri?

Nani sighed and decided to explain to them as they only know the partial truth

Nani: Gayu was on the bed after Kiddu and died ten years ago. From the time Gayu was in bed Kabir too started to get aloof from everything, he shifted his base city and all the old connections were lost. But after her death, his health started to deteriorate and he was living just for his princesses. But it was a large blow to him when he got to know his brother had cheated him for his property and that lead to a heart attack. We all were there for the cremation. Then his brother I mean Nikhil's father snatched all their properties and Nikhil too left his parents. For Nikhil ... it wasn't difficult as he was a man but for two young girls ... and that too in such an emotional state it was terrible. Manav wasn't ready to leave his daughters to live on their own and brought them home. Everything was fine until Kunal get to know that there was still a huge bank balance left for them and in his greediness send some goons to kidnap her. And that was something horrible than a nightmare on which Kunal is still repenting because he just wanted to blackmail her to sign the papers but didn't expect the goons to try to misbehave with her. And even though Arnie rescued her in the nick of time you know about media and people

Chachu: Which means he married her to save her dignity?

Nani: No ... I mean the marriage was bound to happen but it was just early. They were in love from their college days and had started their relationship. He even proposed to her and they were engaged. Manav wanted to tell you all about this but I guess that's when Anjali proposed his marriage with her SIL so he decided to wait for some time. When I asked he told me he was afraid that you all will not go against Anjali's wish and in Anjali's stubbornness and ego he can't hurt Arnie. And after the kidnapping, Kiya's condition got worse so Manav immediately decided to get them married

Akash: What had happened to Khushi Ji actually?

Nani: That is altogether a different matter ... she has monophobia ... that is the fear of being alone and it was diagnosed only after Kabir's death and got worsened after the kidnapping fiasco. Nightmares and Panic attacks were continuously haunting her and she used to freak out even if it was just to wake up in an empty room

Dadi: OMG ... she is too young. Is she like this from then? Can't it be cured?

Nani: It is easy to cure body easily but that can't be said in the case of mind. Yeah ... it can be reduced with time and that is what the doctor too suggested ... to give her a feeling that she is not alone ... to make her feel homely. Arnie was with her every time and I guess he hadn't even visited India during that time. But from the time she got to know you all are planning his marriage now the fear started to resurface. She is afraid that she will lose him too and again she will be alone like that terrible evening. She can't be blamed too ... as she was very precious to him he too didn't leave her alone for a day even ... he will take her to wherever he goes for business even if she has classes ... or cancels it. His constant attention was the thing that cured her then ... but now it became the reason for its reentry too. (Looking at everyone) so if possible don't hurt her more even if you can't accept her by trying to separate them

Seeing everyone she was sure of one thing they not only heard but also understood whatever she told.

Dadi: (Sighing) anyway, we can't change what happened and I know somewhere we were at fault too

Nani smiled at her understandingly and gestured Rudy to bring something and he instantly brought that for her. She asked Akash and Payal to come. They both looked at Dadi and she nodded at them. They both bend down and took her blessings and Nani gave them the gift.

Akash: What was the need of this Nani?

Nani: I wasn't present for your marriage and it is not 'need' Akash ... it is Shagun. And by the way, it is for Payal not for you

Payal thanked her wholeheartedly and Akash smiled at the ever super cool Nani. Nani gestured Rudy to follow the same, but he couldn't get it.

Rudy: What Dadi?

Nani twisted his ear.

Nani: Idiot, How many times I have to tell you ... take her blessings

Smiling sheepishly Rudy followed what said and Dadi too blessed him with a smile.

Dadi: This is Rudesh right? I mean I haven't seen any of them for years

Rudy: Dadi ... please don't call me with that name. (Sighing) I don't know how Mom-Dad could name me like this. I think they don't know that I will be a rock star when growing up that's why. You all please call me Rudy because it is super cool, right?

Dadi and others nodded their head at his crazy antics.

Dadi: I think now you all should rest. HP you show the room to Rudy. And you come with me Suhasini ... I will show yours

Arshi's room

Arnav placed Khushi on the bed and Kiran and Lavanya helped her to sit down properly. After that, before anybody can say anything, both Kiran and Lavanya left the couple for themselves.

Arnav closed the door after them and turned to see Khushi in tears. He came running towards her and she pulled him in a bear hug.

Khushi: I am sorry Arnav ... because of me all that happened downstairs. I shouldn't have ...

Arnav broke the hug and placed a finger n her lips silencing her.

Arnav: Baby ... please stop crying and don't say sorry. It wasn't your fault at all

Khushi: But Arnav ... it had to be done by family members only and they didn't know I am your wife ... so obviously

Arnav: Whatever it was they shouldn't have hurt you like that. And know one thing Khush ... whatever you did was right because otherwise, Dad would not have supported you. So please stop thinking it is because what you did

Khushi: But that didn't hurt me Arnav. I was sad but whatever Anjali said

Khushi bit her lips for her foolishness and Arnav asked in a low but deadly voice

Arnav: What did Anjali say other than that?

Khushi: (Avoiding his eyes) it is nothing Arnav

Arnav: Really? Then why aren't you looking at me? look at me ... and tell me the truth Kiya

Khushi sighed and explained everything to him. Her every word hurt him more than it hurt her downstairs and after she finished he was fuming like hell.

Arnav: How dare she? ... you rest ... I will come now

Saying this he was about to get up but she pulled him back and hugged him tightly.

Khushi: Please Arnav ... promise me you will not do anything now. Dad had already said more than necessary ... so now you don't start again

Arnav: But ...

Khushi: She said all those without knowing the truth and worried about you ... she is your sister Arnav and now she won't repeat it as she understood the reason for our closeness. So please don't start a new fight

Arnav sighed and hugged her tightly as he knows her innocent heart is still in the hope that Anjali will change someday even though he knows it is impossible.

Anjali's room

Anjali was crying lying on the bed and Chachi was consoling her. Shyam was on the couch looking at them but he had a long look as he was lost in his thoughts. He came after Anjali but he was actually not here now. His mind went back to what happened before years.

Chachi: Stop crying Anju

Anjali: How can I Chachi ... didn't you hear what Papa said? He didn't care for my wish and Arnav? He got married ... MARRIED without even informing me. And that too with that girl? And Papa too supported them? No ... I can't accept it

Chachi: But we can't change the fact now Anju ... that girl Khushi is Arnav's wife now

Anjali: No ... I will not accept this marriage ... nobody will not. I want to see what he will do then

Chachi: But Anju ... Devar Ji already consider as his Bahu

Anjali: I don't care ... Arnav will marry Sheetal only and for that ... if I have to separate Khushi Ji from him I will do that. Yes .... this is going to happen ... and ... I will tell Sheetal about this. She will be happy

That broke Shyam's thoughts

Shyam: NO Anjali ... you won't ... and yeah don't hurt her more by giving false hopes

Anjali: False hopes? No Shyam Ji ... this is what going to happen. I will talk to Dadi and Papa. Don't worry ... it is just that Papa is angry ... but he will agree to it ... once he is calm

Shyam: And Arnav?

Anjali: What about him? He will divorce Khushi Ji and marry her ... that's it

Shyam: STOP IT ... I said stop it. Come out of your dream world Anjali ... he is a happily married man now who loves his wife more than anything. I can understand that much from his behavior and you think he will divorce her? And also you will not speak to anybody about anything which will break anybody's marriage. It will break two hearts Anjali and I will not allow you again to do that

Saying this he stormed from his room to Sheetal's room. He knows he was acting like a coward by running away from his responsibilities as a brother these many days. But what can he do he can't see his sister in pain but now that is what exactly happened and now he surely understood the foolishness he had done on Anjali's word, by giving false hope for his sister. His little sister will be hurt and he has to calm down her.

At Sheetal's room

Like he thought Sheetal was sitting in the bed with her knees clutched to the chest and was crying uncontrollably. Even though whatever happened downstairs hurt her somewhere she had a gut feeling something along this line will happen one day. But actually going through that was painful and her dam broke. Shyam came and sat beside her and seeing her Bhaiyya she hugged started to cry hugging him.

Shyam: Sheetal ... stop crying, dear. Just think it wasn't meant to be

Sheetal: How can I Bhaiyya? I love Arnav Ji and seeing him married to another woman is not easy for me. I want him Bhaiyya I had so many dreams about a life with him

Shyam: No Sheetal ... you don't love Sale sahib

Sheetal: What are you saying Bhaiyya ... obviously, I love him. You all agreed to me to get me married to him

Shyam: That is the problem Sheetal. For years you are hearing this that Arnav will marry you one day and you thought he will be your prince charming. It is just an infatuation, through the constant pestering of the family. And moreover, if you have ever loved Arnav you wouldn't be saying this ... that you want him. Because you know something ... Arnav is a happily married man and loves his wife too much

Sheetal: What are you saying Bhaiyya? Are you here to tell me their love story?

Shyam: You didn't have my point Sheetal if you had ever loved him his happiness will be your first priority and his happiness is in Khushi. It was our problem Sheetal that we thought he will agree for this, I think he made it clear before but (Sighing) on Anjali's words

Sheetal: You are saying that I should move on?

Shyam just nodded his head and caressed her hairs and she was in thoughts of what he had said.

Shyam: Will you do something if I ask?

Sheetal: Yes Bhaiyya ... anything for you

Shyam: Sheetal ... I know it is not easy ... but please forget Arnav ... he isn't meant for you

Sheetal: I will try Bhaiyya ... but how can I see him with another person every day?

Shyam: I know Sheetal ... it will be difficult first ... but with time everything will get better

Sheetal just nodded her head agreeing with her Bhaiyya.

Shyam: One more thing ... please don't dream of the things which your Bhaiyya can't fulfill. I can't see you hurt like this. And Sheetal ... remember one thing always ... Arnav is Khushi Ji's husband. Are you getting what I am saying?

Sheetal: I think what you said is right. And now thinking of all this I had a feeling that this is what going to happen from the time Khushi Ji came. And Arnav Ji too never showed any affection towards me and he was constantly saying me to move on but the fool I am thought it is due to shyness. (Sighing) anyway ... I will try to forget everything Bhaiyya and ... I want to start a new life

Shyam: Whatever you are thinking I will be with you ... but remember we are middle-class people and like I said earlier don't dream for something which your Bhaiyya can't fulfill

Sheetal just nodded her head.

Shyam: Now come on get up and let us have a tea ... today Bhaiyya will make it for you

Sheetal: No Bhaiyya I will make ... you please go and be with Bhabhi ... she too will be hurt

Shyam smiled faintly and Sheetal after washing her face went downstairs.

Nani who came to talk to Sheetal heard their conversation and hid seeing her going down with a small smile. After she had gone Nani entered the room and Shyam looked up hearing the voice

Manav's room

Manav was out from a cold shower but his anger hadn't reduced. He was staring at an old album which contains Gayathri-Kabir and Manav-Arpita's photo with moist eyes.

Manav: I am sorry guys ... I am sorry. I had promised to take care of her as my own daughter but she had to hear all these nonsense ... please, guys ... please forgive me

Saying this he hugged the photo.

Kiran's room

Rudy entered the guest room just to see Kiran sitting on the sofa with moist eyes. She was staring at the picture of her, Arnav and Khushi ... took on her birthday in which both were kissing her cheeks from either side and she was smiling happily. She caressed the photo smiling sadly with tears rolling down her cheeks. Rudy came and sat beside her and wiped her tears

Rudy: (Teasingly) OMG the great K3 is crying? This is news

Kiran: (Instantly wiping her tears) who told you that I am crying? I am not crying ... (Faking a smile) see

Rudy: Yeah right ... then why you were staring at it? Oh ... I got it ... you are afraid right? Now that I am here these two will love me more than you

Kiran: Excuse me!

Instantly it was another K-R fight and Rudy was even though became her punch bag was happy that she was back to the fighting mode.

Guys, I don't know if the update was up to your expectations. Anyway, tell me your views.