At Rahul's home, New Delhi, India

After breakfast, Rahul called Kiran on her phone and asked her to come over as he was feeling lonely. But she is not ASR's Sali just like that, to believe the rubbish Rahul told. But then Rahul told her he couldn't spend much time with all of them as he was very busy in his cases these days and as he is on leave today he will be able to use up some time with all of them. He then went ahead saying Naina's parents are coming and he wants her help in arranging a welcome party for them as she will have some spectacular ideas. And can K3 back off when someone praising her, this nicely? So she literally dragged Arnav and the Oberoi trio with her who was interested in workout suddenly. She has an idea that it might be their plan to cheer her up and was expecting something there.

But on reaching here she was confused seeing Ravi and Rudy running to the gym, making her jaw drop. Yes ... it's right that she told them they can do it here but ... okay, she can understand Rudy ... he always does crazy things ... but Ravi? Sighing she turned to Rahul as she came over to help him after all, but again was amused as he said he has something very urgent to discuss with Arnav and pulled him to the study. And that left her and Rishi.

Kiran: Aren't you too going somewhere?

Rishi: Huh!

Kiran: Oh come on Bro ... do you think I am that dumb that I can't understand, that you all are doing this deliberately ... no ... it is K3 after all ...

Rishi: Hmm yeah ... how could I forget that?

Kiran: So what is it for? ... to cheer me up? But then why did everybody left?

Rishi: Cheer up? ... hmm ... sort of ...

Kiran: So why are you here then?

Rishi: Means? ... don't you like my company?

Kiran: When did I say that? Yeah, it is right that I don't get the meaning of your poems ... but you know I enjoy them as well as your company a lot ...

Rishi: Really?

Kiran: Of course! ... any doubt?

Rishi: Okay then, come with me

Kiran: Where to?

Rishi: Arrey ... won't you come with me even if I don't tell you the destination?

Kiran shook her head positively.

Rishi: Then what are you waiting for? ... come ...

Saying it he pulled her hand and Kiran was sure that anytime now they all will jump in front of her saying 'surprise'. She was looking back, again and again, to catch them red-handed but even when they reached terrace nothing of that sort happened. She frowned getting really confused and stopped in her tracks. Seeing her not moving and looking at the terrace door Rishi called out.

Rishi: Kiddu ... here ... hey ... who are you searching for?

Kiran: (Shaking her head) ... searching? ... no one ... I was just. Anyway, leave it ... and tell me why we are here ...

Rishi: Come here Kiddu ... I thought I will show you the actual Delhi, which you can't see around RM

Kiran: Actual Delhi?

Rishi: See it yourself ...

Being inquisitive she too joined him on the balcony and yes she understood what he meant. RM was situated in a lonely area where only such mansions existed but here she can see the different type of people ... from rich to poor, from lazy to busy, silent to noisy, etc. After all, Rahul's apartment was situated in one of the busy parts of Delhi. Suddenly Rishi called her and she came out from her thinking zone

Rishi: Kiddu ... look down there ... what you can see there?

Kiran: What is this Bro, now don't tease me like Rudy ... I know they are vagrant ladies ...

Rishi: (Completely ignoring her first line) ... yes, you are right ... they beg for their livelihood. But have you ever thought what might be their mental condition when they will have to beg in front of someone?

Kiran: Hmm ... anybody in that situation will be dishonored as most of the people look at them with only disgust. So it might be a great hamper on their self-respect I think ...

Rishi smiled at the understanding the young girl posses and said with a nod.

Rishi: Yes ... you are right ... in fact, they might be feeling humiliated. But still, they are doing it, why?

Kiran: What type of question is this bro? Of course, they need the money and as you can see them, they are extremely weak to do any work ...

Rishi: Money? ... why do they need money?

Kiran: Of course they need food, dress, accessories, etc.

Rishi: But still can you see them having any of that appropriately? I mean many times I have even see them taking the food to home rather than eating it even if they are hell hungry. So why they are facing all this disgrace if they can't even have proper food?

Kiran: Taking food to home? Maybe to give their children and yeah the money too for them only. And for your next question you yourself said they will be hell humiliated so maybe to save their children from facing that. Yeah, that might be the reason ... yes, they are using the money for their children. Hey now, why are you smiling?

Rishi: (Shaking his head) ... no ... I got what I wanted. Okay now another question, do you know John Adler?

Kiran: Of course who don't know him ... he is one of the richest people in the world (Entirely my imagination) ...

Rishi: Yes, you are right. You know I have heard a story about him, I think it was when his daughter was around two-three years. Just like most of the kids chocolate cake was baby Adler's favorite, so Mrs. Adler or the Nanny used to make it for her. But one day Mrs. Adler was out of town for a conference and top to it the Nanny too was on leave. Mr. Adler had another deal but he canceled it as he was adamant that he won't leave his daughter with the maids. The baby, as usual, demanded the cake and as she couldn't spot her Mommy or Nanny she asked her father to make it for her. And you know the most astonishing fact ... he made it for her, even when he preferred hungriness rather than self-cooking. You know I still don't understand why he had to do that? I mean he is filthy rich ... just a phone call then food will be there from the best restaurant or even better world's best cook will come for him

Kiran: Arrey how can he do that? His daughter wanted the cake made by him

Rishi: Oh come on Kiddu ... she was just a toddler ... she wouldn't even know who had made it ...

Kiran: Yes Bro you are right ... she was just a toddler. But why he did that ... it might be because of two reasons one, waiting for someone else will waste more time and second he would have thought that can't he even do that for her? And what if she got to know it later? ... when she grows up ... eventually, it will hurt his daughter only, right?

Rishi: (smilingly) ... yep, again the correct answer. Now can you tell me why did I tell you these two stories?

Kiran: Hmm ... (Thinking deeply for some time) maybe you were trying to show me that parents, in spite of their financial status, can't see their children hurt. And that they will face anything, literally anything if it is for their children

Rishi: (Smiling broadly) absolutely ... so now my next question is ...

Kiran: Why have you turned into a questionnaire suddenly and how much more will you ask?

Rishi: Just two more ... so my next question is Kiddu ... have you ever ... and I mean it ever felt that your life would have been better if your parents were here. I mean just imagine Gayu aunty wasn't bedridden at all and was here with you then you would have been got a better childhood right? I mean she will do all the little-little things for you hmm ... like cooking your favorite food, bathing you, teaching you, playing with you, etc. Similarly, just imagine Kabir uncle was here then you would have got the best teenage days because he will teach you to ride a bike, he will take you to the sports club, will help you if you are stuck somewhere in studies and ...

Kiran: STOP IT ... just stop it, Bro. I don't know what has gotten into you. Yes, I would have been the happiest child if both my parents were alive today ... but not because of what you had said. If they were alive today I would have just got my full family with me and that's it. Other than that whatever you had told ... you and me... we both know it is utter nonsense. Kiya and Arnie ... both of them were always there for me whenever I needed my parents. And ... and Bro why are you talking like this suddenly?

Rishi: So you are telling me that you consider Arnie and Kiya equal to your parents?

Kiran: No Bro ... no ... I don't consider them equal to my parents ...

Rishi looked at her shocked as he wasn't expecting that.

Kiran: You heard it right Bro ... I don't consider them equal to my parents ... because for me they two comes before anything or anybody ... even before my parents. And you know why? The things you told me earlier that Mamma-Papa will do for me if they were alive ... yes, they would have done all that. Every parent does, but you out of all people very well know I wasn't deprived of any of those things. You know Kiya was just eleven years old when I was born. But she ... she ... I don't know even Mamma would have looked after me like she did. Yes, Papa was the elder one, but he ... he was shattered with the situations that he couldn't handle the office, me and Mamma single-handedly. But my sister ... she took my responsibility on herself. So that Papa can concentrate on office and Mamma. And the things she had done for me ... you know me and Arnie calls her sleepy head ... but that sleepyhead was the one who used to stay awake whole night for her baby sister. You know for her, her board exams were nothing before my bedtime stories ... me eating food was more important even if she had to go to school on an empty stomach and no ... the list will never end ... and Arnie ... what can I say about him? Kiya was at least my blood sister but him? He was always at my side ... sometimes even going against my own sister ... who does that? You know for him my basketball training was more significant than his visit to India ... my parent's meeting was more important than his international conferences. (Sighing) ... they two have always kept me above anything else that sometimes I doubt even my parents wouldn't have done all these and ... and you are asking me ... do I consider them equal to my parents? I don't know what had gotten into you suddenly that you are speaking like this ... but yeah hear it for once and all ... (In a low but dangerous voice and pointing her forefinger at him) ... 'for me, Arnie and Kiya matter the most, even more than my parents', understand?

Rishi who was initially shocked relaxed later on and then was rejoiced to hear her explanation and told in a calm voice.

Rishi: Yes ... understood. So now my last question then why are you behaving like this?

Kiran who was high on emotion and breathing hard couldn't understand what he was talking about, and looked at him with a questioning face as if asking 'behaving like what?'

Rishi: Why are you behaving like you don't remember what had happened some days back? You are the one who told me that Arnie and Kiya treat you like their daughter. And it was again you who told me that parents can never stand their children getting hurt. So are you trying to tell me that seeing you shutting off yourself and hurting yourself by that like this wouldn't hurt them? (Seeing her looking at him shocked) ... why are you shocked? Tell me what the hell was you trying to prove by this behavior of yours? That we all will believe that you don't remember that incident when you are terribly affected by it at night. (Seeing her not speaking) ... And now, why are you silent? ... speak up damn it ...

Kiran: B ... Bro I ... I ...

Rishi: What I ... I? Wait ... let me show you something ... look at there ...

She looked at the entrance of the terrace and was shocked to see Rahul, Ravi, and Rudy holding Arnav in a death grip so that he wouldn't move. All their eyes were wet of course. But Arnav was looking at her with so much vulnerability which she has never seen in eyes before. She gulped seeing it and was about to go to them but stopped hearing Rishi speaking again.

Rishi: Just look at his condition ... do you know why they have held him like that? Because if they even lose an inch he will punch me ... square on the face for making you cry. He will forget that it was Kiya who wanted you to open up rather than bottling up everything inside. He will even forget the fact that I am his brother and I am doing this for your good only. (Seeing her looking at him) ... and Kiddu you were right he had again fought against Kiya realizing that it would hurt you even if it is for once. But seeing what your indifference is doing to him Kiya contacted us saying to do something immediately. You don't know what I and Big B had to say to him to let me speak to you so that you, he and everyone else will be relieved. But again he amazed me ... do you know what he told me? ... that he was ready to bear all the pain if that is at the cost of your happiness ...

A sob escaped her realizing how much her one simple act had affected them. And that's it, Arnav Singh Raizada had freed himself and was beside them in seconds, and as expected he marched towards Rishi punched him right in his jaw and then held his collar.

Arnav: Stop it ... just stop it dammit ... can't you see she is crying? (Shaking him) ... you ... you had promised me that you won't hurt her and this ... is this how your 'just speak' is? What is your problem Mr. Rishabh Singh Oberoi? It's ok if she doesn't want to tell anything ... but don't you dare to hurt her anymore ... what do you think of yourself that ...

But he stopped dead in his tracks as a soft body hugged him from the back and he could feel his shirt getting wet.

Kiran: Ar ... Arnie ...

He instantly turned around and hugged her tight to himself.

Arnav: Shh ... shh ... it is okay ... stop crying ... I am here, okay? Don't cry bacha ... you don't have to tell anything to anybody and don't worry nobody will question you any more. Shh ... please stop crying, Kiddu ... you know I can't stand your tears ...

Kiran: Arn ... Arnie ... I ... I just ... I never intended to cause you any pain ... I just ...

Arnav: No princess ... it will hurt me more if you are crying because of me. So you don't have to tell anything if that is hurting you this much. In fact, forget all this and come with me ...

Saying this he turned around and started to walk but looked back feeling a tug on his hand and was confused to see a new resolve on her face.

Kiran: What if I am saying that I want to let it all out ... I ... I am tired, Arnie. I ... I can't act anymore ... I can't put this act of indifference anymore ...

Arnav: Bacha? ... you ... you sure?

In reply, she just nodded her head and Arnav saw the little innocent face he had met at the park all those years ago and he just pulled her into his arms. And that's it ... the dam broke loose and she started to cry uncontrollably reciting that nightmare. She told him everything ... the fear, the anxiety, the helplessness she felt then, wrenching the heart of the five men, present there.

They all were in tears when she was finished, and it is true that if the person responsible for all this was here they would have fought with each other to kill him. All the time Arnav was patting her slowly in a comforting way and after sometime felt her calming down and he called slowly

Arnav: Kiddu ...

Kiran: Hmm ...

Arnav: Bacha ... will you tell me one thing? Why ... I mean why you had to act that you don't remember anything? I mean you could have told me all this before, then why?

Kiran: I ... I wanted to be your strength ... not weakness

Arnav: What the ... where did that even come from?

Kiran: Th ... that day I was going to the living room when I heard someone talk ... from that, that room. I never meant to eavesdrop, but hearing my name I stopped there. I couldn't understand their whole talk but I could tacit that it was due to them that Kiya fell. And then they ... they were saying that they chose the wrong person to hurt because it was me who can make you more worried and that it was me not Kiya who was your weakness. I ... I never wanted to be your weakness Arnie ... in fact, I wanted to be your strength ... so I thought I will act more strongly and ... (Again a sob escaped her)

Arnav: Hey ... hey ... now don't start again and listen to me ... yes, it is right I get worried about you very easily ... even more than Kiya because ... she ... she had seen the actual world and its bitterness. But you ... you, my little kid, haven't. So it makes me more worked up if it is about you. But that doesn't make you my weakness, okay? No ... you never are my weakness, in fact ... you are my pride ... did you hear that my PRIDE. So don't you ever ... ever think it is the other way okay? And yeah I promise you ... (With gritted teeth) ... I will hunt down the persons responsible for all this and will punish them ... punish them so much that they will beg for death. But yeah you don't have to think about all these you ... you just stay happy ... rest all will be taken care of ... okay?

Kiran just nodded agreeing with him.

Arnav: Okay now leave this face and give me that beautiful smile ...

And she did, she smiled her thousand-watt smile with that twinkle in her eyes which was missing all these days and unknowingly it lit up a smile on the every other face present there. Arnav couldn't help but kiss her forehead and whisper 'I love you' and he got the reply instantly 'me too Arnie ... I love you ... 'even before she could take a breath she was lifted up in the air who shouted 'we too love you a lot Kiddu'. She couldn't help the happy squeal left her and Arnav smiled contently after days.

Finally, they put her down and Kiran immediately turned to Rishi and kissed him exactly where Arnav had punched.

Kiran: I am sorry Bro ... but I think that will heal it ...

That caught Arnav's attention and he too came beside them and said looking awkwardly at Rishi.

Arnav: Rishi I ... I ...

Rishi: Oh come on Arnie ... now, are you going to apologize to me? You and I both know what made you do it ... so no need for this guilt, okay? In fact, if you want I can give it back to you ...

Saying this Rishi winked at him and smilingly they both shared a brotherly hug making Kiran smile at them and that's when she heard.

Rahul: But you know Kiddu you have to give the credit to me ... arrey ... you came here because of me only ...

Ravi: Excuse me! ... the biggest credit goes to me because the plan was mine ...

Rudy: But you know what Big B? It was me, who told Kiya to call you guys ... so the whole credit goes to? (Pointing himself) ... yes ... yes to me only (Turning to Kiran) ... and its okay Keer no need for any 'thank you' ...

Kiran: Who was going to thank you anyway?

Rudy: You ... you can't do that to me ...

Kiran: Excuse me!

Rudy: No ... you are not excused ...

Here they go again.

Rahul: Guys ... guys don't start now ... and Kiddu ... now come on. (Seeing her quizzical look) arrey ... did you forget the purpose I called you here?

Kiran: Oh yeah come ... I have some wonderful ideas ...

And then they all got busy planning for the party and at evening Arnav started to the hospital to pick up Khushi and Lavanya so that they can go directly to Rahul's home for the sleepover they had planned. Rahul had already texted Aman to come with Sruthy and Nikhil.

At hospital

Arnav got Lavanya's text that she will come on her own as she had some work and pick up Khushi only. So he walked towards Khushi's cabin acknowledging the people he knows as he got to know that she is there from the reception.

At Khushi's cabin

As soon as Khushi walked in Akash and Payal looked at her with hurtful eyes. She was tensed thinking whether they got to know about Anjali, so words came out from her mouth immediately.

Khushi: You guys here? ... what happened? ... did anybody ...

She was cut off by Akash and she was least expecting what she heard next.

Akash: (Angry and emotional voice) ... how can you do this to us, Khushi Ji? ... and top of it acting as if you don't know anything ...

Khushi was really confused as she couldn't understand what he was referring to ... so she looked at Payal. But she too looked at her with reproachful eyes.

Payal: Yes Khushi Ji ... how could you do this to us? You yourself are a woman ... then how could you do this to me ...

Khushi: Look Akash ... Payal ... I really don't know what you are referring to. But I can say one thing that I hadn't done anything for which you have to behave like this with me ...

Akash: Cut the crap, Khushi Ji ... no need for this façade anymore ... we got to know your true colors. And I have to say Maa and Anju were right about you. But I can't still digest that a woman can stoop this low ...

Payal: Yes Khushi Ji I have never expected this from you. I know initially I acted rude towards you but then you yourself cleared everything ... or that is what I thought. But this ... (In a choking voice) ... I can't believe you still have this much animosity towards us ...

Khushi: (In a shocked voice) Payal? ... what are you saying? ... what animosity? I always wanted the best for you guys ...

Akash: Yeah right ... that's why you have a problem with us being parents ...

Khushi: Akash! ... what the hell are you saying? ... what problem I will have if you guys become parents ...

Payal: That is what we too want to know ... what enmity you have towards us?

Khushi: Enmity? ... you guys have clearly misunderstood me ... I will never wish something like this for somebody ... definitely not for Arnav's brother

Akash: Is it? So can you please explain to me why Dr. Khan was assuring Lavanya that she had stopped giving the medicines to Payal Ji on your word? The medicines which she prescribed so that chances for Payalji getting conceived will increase

Khushi gasped in shock hearing the accusation but she can empathize their situation. So she thought she will clear the air but Akash cut her off.

Akash: No ... no need to make any story ... we had heard it with our own ears. (Sighing) But what I can't still believe is Lavanya ... my own sister helped you in this

Payal: Why did you do this Khushi Ji? ... why you wanted us to be childless?

Akash: Was it for money? ... if that is the case you should have told me. I would have given my whole wealth if we can become parents ...

Tears instantly filled Khushi's eyes, hearing them. She couldn't believe that they thought she will do something like this for money.

Akash: (Seeing her tears) ... why are you crying now? Oh ... I see ... now you are feeling guilty and that's why the tears, right? I wish I could put you behind bars for playing such a nasty game ... but I know I can't do that. Because even if you forget relations you are my younger brother's wife and I don't want to spoil the family image for a greedy woman like you. And also Chachu has a high place in his heart for you and I just don't want to hurt him by saying all this

Khushi: Akash ... you are saying that I ... I had done all this?

Akash: Yes ... sab tumhari galti hain ... it's all your mistake. And you know what ... I pity Arnav that he had fallen for a girl like yo ...

Arnav: AND THAT'S ENOUGH AKASH ...

All looked at the door to see the fire-breathing ASR who was red in anger.

Khushi looked at him startled as she knows what will come next and it will only destroy the situation more. So she instantly ran towards him and held his shoulders to calm him down. But even when she was in front of him he was looking ahead of her ... no, in fact, staring straight at Akash. She forcefully turned his face towards her and whispered.

Khushi: Arnav ... please don't shout ... we can speak calmly too, right?

Arnav: (Coming out of her hold and shouted) ... calmly? ... you ... you are asking me to be calm. Kis mitti se bani hui ho tum? (From what you are made of?) ... they were calling you a gold digger and you are asking me to calm down? Oh yeah ... what else can be expected from saints like you? I told you ... I told you, again and again, right? ... that let them be on their own ... that we don't have to interfere in others life ...

Khushi: Others life? Arnav ... how many times I have told you that they are not others. How much ever you deny Akash is your brother and how much spoilt your relation with him be his kid will be your niece or nephew. And what do you mean by this 'not interfere'? So what should have I done? Should I have just sat down and watched the injustice happening (Pointing at Payash) to them?

Akash: Oh please you two ... now stop this drama. And Arnav I can't believe this ... you too knew everything but still you ...

Arnav wasn't surprised hearing him but Khushi couldn't help but gasp.

Arnav: (To Khushi) see ... this was the people you were trying to protect ... you wanted to bring justice. Even before hearing the whole thing he decided ... he decided that I would do that to him. Let me tell you one thing Khush ... these people na ... they will never understand you or me ... nor they will understand our true intentions. For them Arnav is always wrong ... so stop being altruistic. (Turning to Akash) ... and you ... what did you tell? This was all her mistake, right? Yes ... it was her mistake to get tensed hearing the name of the medicine rather than shrugging it off ... it was her mistake that she got confirmed it with Lavanya that they are the medicines which can cause not only abortion but can cause permanent aridity ... it was her mistake that she took the pain to get me to agree to help you guys ... and again it was her mistake that she fell off the stairs and hurt herself when the people who are responsible for all this got the vibe that we are trying to hunt them ...

Akash and Payal were stunned into silence hearing them and only could stare in shock at both of them hearing all these. They were ashamed of themselves to even look into their eyes and wanted to ask for forgiveness more than anything. In fact, Akash even opened his mouth but Arnav stopped him with his hand.

Arnav: No ... please ... I got it and yeah I am agreeing with you on this for the first time that I am wrong. No, in fact, I was a fool to go behind all these. And now thinking about it ... digging out the truth from the doctor ... ensuring her family's security ... investigating under Rahul's private agency so that nobody would get a vibe of it ... and not stepping back from it even after my wife got hurt (Shaking his head) ... and what did I get? (Pointing at them)... this? Then I am fed up of trying guys ... trying to prove that even if you don't care about me I consider all of you as my family ... that if somebody is trying to hurt you ... they are trying to hurt my people. But no ... you won't understand ... so I have nothing more to say to you. Yes, I will do what I can for saving this hospital's name ... but other than that don't expect anything from me.

Khushi: Arnav but ...

Arnav: You are still thinking about them? No, please stop this Khush ... even if you don't mind I can't stand my wife getting humiliated anymore for no fault of hers. And no ... we are not going to have any discussion on this anymore ... you got me?

Khushi knew how much hurt he was and that he was actually reminding all this to his noble heart, which will again act in reflex whenever they are in danger, rather than her. So she just nodded her head and he pulled her with him and left the place, not even giving Akash or Payal a chance to apologize. Soon Akash and Payal too came out of the cabin ashamed of themselves, only to come face to face with a tear strained and disappointed Lavanya.