After the Jagrata fiasco at the Verma's, things certainly changed between Khushali and Sidharth, but obviously more for Khushali.
Over the last two weeks, she was just too happy and cheerful that Sidharth felt it was all surreal. Whenever he was with her, she would just talk to him chirpily and never even once talked about anything that would upset her. She talked to him about stuff which she never talked about earlier, like her favourite novels and writers or her childhood adventures. She even openly talked to him about her not holding herself responsible for Sagar's fate now, which actually made her feel even better.

From that day, when she returned from Verma's house, she had decided to stop living in her past and move on completely in her life. Though she knew it was a little hard for her, since every now and then, something or the other reminded her of Sagar and her time with him. But that didn't affect her decision. She was somewhere sure that Sidharth too wanted her to accept him and move ahead in their relationship but was just being considerate for her. And she was grateful for that, 'cause unlike before, she wanted to take her time and move slowly in her this relationship!

She wanted to enjoy her time with Sidharth and give herself enough time to accept him fully. And plus this time would also help her understand her own feelings and Sidharth's as well. But in a nutshell she was happy with herself for finally understanding that whatever happened in her past, wasn't her fault. Rather it was no one's fault, because whatever happened was supposed to happen and no one could've changed it.

On the other hand, her changed behaviour and her growing closeness with him, made Sidharth very happy, though he knew once 'He' came back, all hells would break loose. But why not till then enjoy his darling wifey's company! For Sidharth, it was a pleasant change in his life to see his wifey finally being closer to him, not like a friend but as a wife, though not exactly in that sense but he could make out that she now had full faith in him and their relationship.

Since he was not keeping well, he took a two days off on Khushali's insistence while Arhaan and Jay assured him that they'll handle everything before 'He' comes. Sidharth wasn't much worried for his work as his brother had taken things in his hands but it was the other, non work related things which made him anxious. Although he took off, but his mind frequently wandered around the planning and all. 'He' would be in India soon and Sidharth didn't want to mess anything up.

But he enjoyed the two days at home. The time that he spent with Khushali was amazing and something he always craved for since the time he realized he's in love with her. She was unusually happy and a lot more comfortable with him. She tried to spend more time with him and unlike earlier, was more eager to know about him. Earlier though they were close friends, but Khushali never asked Sidharth anything really personal, nor did Sidharth ever told her. Maybe she wasn't sure of herself or him, but she realized that for completely accepting each other, they now needed to come clean of their respective past, which neither of them enclosed before.

The two days off of Sidharth was at last getting over. They both didn't know how these two days went by but they had fun together. Khushali had took off from her college as well and spent that time with Sidharth. They watched movies together, talked about their favourite books and authors and took Amaira out together in the park, where everyone mistook then as Amaira's parents, though it became a good topic of jokes and teasing for their family.

It was around 10 at night, and Sidharth was standing in his balcony. The weather was a little chilly and Sidharth was enjoying it. Standing there, his mind started replaying all the events of these days that he had spent with Khushali.

He smiled remembering how Khushali had nearly threatened him to take off as his headache was at its peak and she really wanted him to take rest. She didn't even let him attend Jay's call and rather received herself and requested Jay to not disturb him for next two days as he was officially on holiday. She even managed to convince Aditya to handle his work, which his brother agreed happily as he too was insisting Sidharth to take leave since he had a lot of work load on him. And if this was all not enough, she even took away his laptop from him, though he managed to convince her to let him atleast keep his phone.

It was so unlike the Khushali he had married, she was like the old Khushali, the one he became friends with during his brother's wedding. And he was glad that he was able to fulfill his promise of bringing the old Khushali back. He was almost there. His plan was finally working. He had won Khushali's trust and faith and it was easier for him to go ahead with his plan.

But only one thing was left, and that was how to enclose the truth to her. He knew the truth would shatter her, and he didn't want that to happen. He didn't want to lose her after just winning her trust and affection. The two days with her, had made him forget about the mess which he was in for so long and would soon be dragging Khushali in it too.

He didn't wish to drag Khushali into this but he had no choice. If she weren't such an important link for this case, he would've never even involved her into this. But unknowingly, she haf already become a part of this. He just hoped, when he enclose the truth to her, she would understand the situation and would not hold him responsible for whatever happened. Although he knew all the alibis and proofs would be against hum and she'll surely won't trust him but he hoped maybe, just maybe she would.

In midst of all, suddenly he was reminded of Mia and his lies about his past relationship. Sidharth knew it would be really difficult for Khushali to put her faith in him again after becoming aware of all the things he had hidden from her for so long. He had told her uncountable lies that his crimes were severely unforgivable. But what other choice he had? If he hadn't lied, his plan could not have moved ahead. And if he had told her the truth, she could've been in grave danger. And not just her, his family too wasn't aware of anything. As for Khushali's family, her father knew some details because for marrying her, Sidharth had to give a valid reason, acceptable for her Khushali's father.

While standing there, he recalled the day, when he went to meet Gaurav, before his parents asked for Khushali's hand in marriage officially to him......

It was around 1 pm and Sidharth was waiting patiently in a cafe near Gaurav's office. He had called Gaurav up and requested him to meet him once. Gaurav surprised at his sudden request, asked him to come over to his house but Sidharth refused that and insisted on meeting somewhere else as he wanted to talk about something very confidential. Gaurav getting the seriousness in his voice, agreed and asked him to come to a cafe near his office. Sidharth had requested Gaurav to keep this meeting as a secret, and Gaurav agreed for it as well.

Sidharth looked at his watch to check the time and realised that it was fifteen minutes passed one. He sighed and sat patiently, knowing well how busy Gaurav's schedule was. He picked his phone up and started going through his emails. After a few minutes, he heard Gaurav's voice and looked up to see him standing in front of him with a warm smile.

"Did I made you wait for long? Very sorry son, I was caught up in a meeting and then you know how intrusive Meher is. Anyway how are you doing?" asked Gaurav.

Sidharth got up from his chair, and bent to touch Gaurav's feet, to take his blessings. Gaurav blessed him and patted his shoulder. Sidharth then replied, "I'm fine uncle. And it's okay, I know work can be hectic and Meher Bhabhi is very strict about her work. Why don't we sit and talk over a coffee?"

"Yeah sure Sidharth. I believe whatever you want to talk about is quite crucial. So you can start with it now," said Gaurav.

Sidharth took a deep breath and spoke with sincerity, "It indeed is crucial. But before I begin, I want you to promise me something."

Gaurav caught the same seriousness in his voice again and replied, "Sure, what do you want me to promise Sidharth?"

"Whatever I'm going to tell you uncle, you won't share this with anyone, not even aunty or your daughters! It's not safe for them to know any of this until the right time," said Sidharth.

"Hmm... If that's what you want, then okay. But can you please get to the point instead of beating around the bush? You know well I don't like talking about stuff so casually when it concerns my daughters or my family. So please get to the point," said Gaurav.

Sidharth took a deep breath and said, "Yes so it's something related to Khushali. It's......."

Sidharth narrated everything to Gaurav that he was suppose to know. Sidharth though altered a few details out of it because Gaurav wasn't supposed to be made aware of them. For whatever he was upto, Gaurav needed to know things because then only Sidharth could do away with whatever he intended to.

Gaurav heard him out patiently. Trying to grasp whatever Sidharth was telling him. He had no idea how haywire things were becoming. And on the top of that, the connection it had with Khushali was worrisome. Once Sidharth finished narrating everything, Gaurav looked at him and said agitatedly, "If whatever you're saying Sidharth is true, then according to that my Khushali's life is in danger. What should I do now to keep her safe? You know well what all have happened in her life and as if it wasn't enough, now this mess."

"I know uncle, it's troubling you a lot but I have a solution for this. I mean by that we can keep Khushali safe," unsurely said Sidharth.

Gaurav fumbled and asked in tensed voice, "What solution Sidharth?"

"The only solution that I see is," Sidharth paused for a few seconds and then continued, "Make her marry me."

"What? Are you out of your mind? Make my daughter marry you, knowing well that you're the one who's going to use her as a bait. Aren't you the one who has dragged my innocent daughter into all this?" grumbled Gaurav.

Sidharth looked around, as some of the people were looking in their direction as Gaurav's voice was a little too loud.

He looked at Gaurav and said calmly, "I know uncle, no father would let his daughter marry a man who's risking her life for something even more risky. But we have no other choice. For Khushali's safe keeping, I need to be around her. I guess the proofs I have shown you, are enough for you to understand how endangered Khushali is. And if I don't marry her, someone else would and I bet you won't to trust someone with her so easily. I promise uncle I would keep her safe. Trust me please! She's a friend of mine, and I would never risk her life, though I'm doing that now. But I promise she'd be out of it soon, very soon. Please consider this. Please!"

Gaurav thought for some minutes and then spoke in a soft voice, "I know Sidharth you're a nice guy and all. But I never expected you to be involved in this messy stuff. Yet I believe you, maybe because of your sincerity. I need some time to think about this and talk to Muskaan. I know she'll agree but Khushali, I'll try to talk to her too but I would appreciate if you could make her agree for this marriage. You know well whatever happened with Sagar, she has become quite silent, as if she has lost her zest for life."

"Don't worry uncle, I'll talk to Khushali about this. But before that let Muskaan aunty and Meher Bhabhi know about my marriage proposal but please don't reveal anything else. I'll ask my parents to come over your house to talk about my marriage. I assure you uncle, I'll keep Khushali safe, even if it means putting everything at stake," Sidharth said determinedly.

"I trust you Sidharth! It's ironical that you're the same man who's involving her into this and yet you're the same guy who's trying to save her. I really hope it all turns out fine!" said Gaurav.

"Yes I hope that too!" replied Sidharth. After this he and Gaurav both left the cafe for their respective offices. Sidharth knew Gaurav needed time to let the truth sink in and talk about it with his family. He really wanted to marry Khushali because he knew it was the only way he could repent his mistakes in a way and keep her safe!

"Sidharth? Sidharth where are you lost?" asked a worried Khushali. After talking with Meher for some time, she filled the jug with water and left for her room. She entered her room, and saw Sidharth leaning against the railings in the balcony. She kept the jug on the side table and went to stand beside him. She looked up at him, found him lost. She called out his name but he didn't respond. She at last shook him, bringing him out of his thoughts.

"Huh! Huh? Nothing Khushali, when did you came here?" asked Sidharth, startled at seeing Khushali there.
Khushali smiled lightly at him and replied, "Just a while back, when you were lost somewhere. Is it about work?"

Sidharth looked at her. Not wanting to get carried away with his feelings and tell her the truth, he thought of something else. He smiled an evil smile at her and in a swift moment, pinned her to the wall. He still smiling, said playfully, "No, I was thinking about my beautiful wifey. You know the weather is so good, perfect for romancing my darling wifey!"

In these last two weeks, since Sidharth realised Khushali's growing affection for him, he had started playfully teasing her, sometimes by pulling her towards himself or embracing her in his arms, taking her by surprise. Though Khushali was a little uncomfortable with that earlier but now was fine with him. And he was happy for it as Khushali had began to accept his touch and love!

Khushali, who was smiling till Sidharth pinned her, looked at him shocked. She looked at him with astonishing eyes. Though she had come to accept him but this sudden and close proximity with him, shocked her. She tried to wriggle out from his strong hold but was unsuccessful as Sidharth was holding her securely.

At last she gave up and said sweetly, "Sidharth let me go! Please! Pretty please!" She then gazed at him with her cutest smile, knowing well it would melt Sidharth and she could use it as an escape.

Sidharth, forgetting his troubles, smiled brightly seeing his sweet wifey looking at him with her infectious smile. He leaned in towards her and whispered softly, "Really I should let you go? Hmm... let me think... What will I get if I let you go?"

Khushali giggled a little and said, "Umm.. you will get, a, a....."

"A shopping trip with me Chachu!" exclaimed Amaira proudly.

"What?" shrieked Sidharth, completely taken aback with Amaira's answer. Recovering from the shock, he looked back where he was pinning Khushali and saw she ducked him out already. She was now standing near Amaira, laughing happily. Seeing his wife and niece laugh, he joined them too and laughed till it pained their stomach.

Once they all were done laughing, all three of them settled on the bed and Sidharth asked Amaira, "When did my angel started liking shopping? I'm sure it's Kavya's effect on her. You know Khushali, by the time Kavya was 13, she had drove me and Bhai insane with her weekly shopping trips. And my dad never said a word to her over her extravagant shopping adventures. That was really a horrible phase. And I'm glad that now Arhaan has replaced us. Poor boy, he has my heartfelt condolence!"

Khushali chuckled and slapped Sidharth's arm lightly. She then said in a happy voice, "Actually, tomorrow I have an off because of some renovation work at college. So I was thinking to spend it with Di. I talked with Meher Di about it but she has work tomorrow. Some important clients are coming over to her office tomorrow. So she can't hang out with me. But Amaira is free. So I was thinking why don't we go for shopping with her. It'll be fun, right Amaira?"

"Yess Massi! I haven't went for shopping since two months. I need new clothes but mom's not listening to me," said Amaira in a complaining tone.

"Mom's not listening to you because you already have many clothes which you haven't even worn once!" exclaimed Meher. She was looking for Amaira when she heard her voice coming Sidharth and Khushali's bedroom.

Sidharth saw his Bhabhi standing near the door and said, "Arre Bhabhi why are you standing there? Come inside na. Waise Bhabhi, I must say Kavya is making Amaira into a junior version of herself. Keep her away from Kavya or else she'll drove us nuts again!"

Meher chuckled and said, "Shut up Sid. If Kavya gets to know this na, then you're dead!"

"Yeah I know. Anyway coming back to Amaira's shopping trip, very sorry princess but I have some important work tomorrow. I would've taken off for one more day but it's really crucial and since I haven't went to office for two days in a row, it can't be delayed now," muttered Sidharth. He then looked at Amaira who had a sad expression on her face.

He looked at Khushali, who blinked her eyes in assurance and said, "So what if Sidharth couldn't come with us. I'll take my Ammu for shopping. Okay Ammu?"

Amaira looked up at her Massi with a vibrant smile and said gleefully, "Yess yess! That will do Massi!"

"But what's the need for it Khushali? She already have many clothes with their price tag on. You both are just spoiling. First Aditya didn't listen to me, and now you both. Anyway I know there's no way you would listen to me but make sure don't get her more than five dresses. If more than that, then no shopping trip for next three months!" Meher said. She then glanced at her daughter and sister, who both nodded their heads.

She smiled at them and said, "Acha c'mon Amaira, let your Massi and Chachu sleep. And you too need to sleep on time. You're becoming so much like...."

"Like you Di!" teased Khushali. She stuck out her tongue at her elder sister, who rolled her eyes at her. Sidharth laughed at his wife's antics, as she and Amaira got up from the bed and marched to Amaira's room.

As they left, Meher came to sit beside Sidharth and said, "Thank you Sid!"

Confused, he stared at his sister-in-law and asked, "For what Bhabhi?"

"For giving me my little sister back. You know since last some days, she's behaving just like my old Khushali. My Khushali used to go around teasing me, poking fun at me, making me laugh and most of all enjoying herself and being happy. But after what happened to Sagar, she became quiet and lifeless. She used to keep upto herself. But whatever happened at Verma's have changed Khushali and I'm happy about it." Meher whispered the last part as tears came into her eyes.

Seeing his Bhabhi so emotional, Sidharth kneeled down in front of her and softly spoke holding her hand, "Bhabhi you don't have to thank me. I'm just a source God used to help her. Whatever happened with her, maybe was supposed to happen so that she could lead a happy life after that. The incident at Verma's, opened her eyes and made her realise that she was never responsible for Sagar's death. I think it's not just me, but it's all of us who helped her understand that. Before our marriage everyone just blamed her for Sagar's tragic death but after our marriage, when she came into our family, all of us have appreciated her and encouraged her to come out of her dreadful past and made her know that she was never responsible for anything that happened in the past. And maybe that's why she now wants to let go of everything that hurts her. I'm very glad for that!"

Meher stared at him with teary eyes and mumbled, "Me and my Khushali are very lucky Sidharth that we got Aditya and you as our husband. Our parents must've done some really good deeds that's why they got such nice sons. You love her so much Sidharth. I know what you must be thinking, how I got to know that? Well my dear brother, everyone knows how you feel for her. It's visible in your eyes. And I know Khushali too feels the same for you. I so wish you both soon confess your love to each other."

It wasn't just Sidharth, who noticed Khushali, infact the entire Mehra family had observed the changes in her. They all were quite happy with the improvement and hoped things be well between these two. The experienced eyes of Sidharth's parents had already realized that Sidharth harboured feelings for Khushali.

And they had shared this with Aditya and Meher, who as well had noticed that. They all hoped that Khushali too fall for him, so that finally both of them could lead a happy life together. In last some days, the changes in Khushali's behaviour were like confirmation of their wish. Meher had thought to talk to him but couldn't find right opportunity. But at last she finally found the correct opportunity to talk about this with Sidharth.

Sidharth's eyes bulged out as he heard what Meher said. Khushali. In. Love. With. Him! Now this was extremely astonishing for Sidharth. He looked at Meher with surprised written all over his face. Meher laughed seeing his expressions. He composed himself, chiding himself for behaving like a kid though anyone in his place would've have behaved like that. He calmed himself and then said, "Okay I accept I love her but she feels the same way for me? Seriously Bhabhi? I mean I know she's comfortable with me and all but, in love with me? That's shocking!"

Meher smiled at him and said calmly, "Well I'm her sister and I know things she doesn't tell anyone. Did you never noticed her smile these days whenever you're around? C'mon haan Sid, your brother was quicker than you at picking hints. Of course she's in love with you, though not as much as you love her but still. And I know like you, she too haven't realised it yet. But she'll soon. Like she did last time when she fell for Sagar."

As soon as she said Sagar's name, Meher bit her tongue, knowing well she sort of ruined Sidharth's happy moment. But to her amusement, Sidharth didn't mind it at all as he was just trying to let it in that Khushali had started having feelings for him. She smiled and stroked his hairs.

She got up from the bed and said softly, "Take care of her, Sid. I know in some time you both will be doing fine with each other. Don't wait for long to confess your feelings because it's not good to delay such things. And I hope that happens soon 'cause I do want to cradle my nieces and nephews in my arms now!"

Sidharth blushed furiously as he heard what Meher said. He shyly wished her good night and sat on his bed, replaying what Meher told him a while back. If she was really saying the truth, the he's the happiest man in this whole wide world! And with Meher's wish, he blushed even more. He hadn't told Khushali, but somewhere he had started seeing his future with her. Everything in his life was just becoming perfect, too good to be true!

After a while, Khushali came back into her room and saw Sidharth lying on his side of bed. She closed the door and turned off the lights. She went to her side of bed and lied down. She looked at Sidharth, who was smiling like an idiot looking at her. She giggled and pulled his cheeks.

Sidharth smiled at her and said childishly, "I'm very happy Khushali!"

"Acha! But why? I'm sure you didn't win any lottery or something," replied Khushali teasingly.

"Hehe no! But I'm happy. Acha now sleep. I have a meeting tomorrow and you have to go for shopping. Arre haan, I'll leave my card for you. Take it with you when you'll go for shopping. And unlike last time, do use it. You know I do feel like a bachelor because normally married men cry over their wife's shopping expenditure. I'd be glad to cry like that," said Sidharth while turning towards Khushali, who was giggling again.

She managed to stop giggling and said, "Acha okay, I'll use your card for my shopping. But haan I won't make you cry so much, infact I wouldn't like to see you cry because you look handsome with your charming smile. Chalo good night and sweet dreams."

She lied back on her side and kept her phone on the side table. She looked back at Sidharth, who was looking at her. She gave him a questioning look, asking why he's looking at her. But for her answer, Sidharth took her completely by surprise.

As Khushali complimented him, Sidharth couldn't control his happiness. It was just so good and perfect. As he saw Khushali giving him a questioning look, he got up and hovered over her. Khushali was surprised but so was he. Without thinking he leaned closer to her face and kissed her forehead. He moved her ears and whispered slowly, "Thank you for the compliment wifey. You too look great with your beautiful smile. Good night!"

He lied back and winked at Khushali. She blushed and closed her eyes. Soon both of them drifted into a peaceful sleep, absolutely unaware of the storm which was soon going to hit them!

The next morning, Sidharth left for his office at 10. Khushali had breakfast with Amaira and went to Amaira's room to get her ready after Meher gave them few (or many) advises for their shopping trip. Khushali quickly pick out a dress for Amaira and helped her change. She then made her hairs. After that she went into her room to get ready. While she was picking out her clothes, her phone buzzed. Keeping her clothes aside, she picked her phone up to attend the call. It was Mayera's call and Khushali received it quickly.

"Hey Khushali!" Mayera chirped from the other side of the phone.

"Hey Mayera! How are you?" said Khushali with equal enthusiasm.

"I was thinking, today we both are free, so why don't we go for shopping, it will be so much fun. You can even ask Raima to accompany us. What say?" asked Mayera smilingly.

Khushali smiled and said, "Well that's an amazing idea. Infact I was taking my niece out for shopping today, so why don't you join us? But Raima won't be able to join us as she had flew to Mumbai for a relatives' wedding."

"Okay great! I'll meet you and your niece at the mall. Which mall are you both going?" asked Mayera.

"We'll be going to Select City Walk. I'll reach there by 12 and will meet you in the coffee shop there," said Khushali.

"Okay done! See you there! Bye!" Saying that Mayera ended the call.

Khushali then went to change her dress and got ready. She picked her handbag and saw Sidharth's cards lying on the table. She smiled and picked it up remembering what Sidharth had told her last night. She then went downstairs and told Amaira about Mayera joining them. She informed her mother-in-law before leaving and left with Amaira in her car.

As she had told Mayera, she reached the shopping mall by 12 and saw Mayera sitting in the cafe. As soon as she saw Khushali, she stood up and walked up to Khushali. Dressed in loose black shirt and blue denim jeans, with hairs tied up, Mayera looked charming. While Khushali chose to wear a simple sea green pullover tee with faded blue jeans and flats. Both of them greeted each other and Khushali introduced Mayera to her niece. Amaira and Mayera instantly hit it off with each other.

They then started off with their shopping. They first went to the kid's section to shop for Amaira. Amaira was all excited to shop without her mommy as Meher like any other mother, would've restricted her a lot. In one hour her shopping was over, and she ended up buying 8 dresses for herself, though Meher had told her not more than 5. But Khushali assured her that she would handle Meher, which made Amaira relaxed.

After completing Amaira's shopping, the trio went into ladies section to shop. While Mayera quickly selected out outfits for office and some casuals for her outings, it took Khushali long to select dresses for herself. Firstly because she never shopped without her elder sister or Raima and secondly because Amaira and Mayera kept rejecting the dresses she picked because they thought they were too old looking for her. Though they both were right. After some fussing, she managed to select a few dresses, tees and a couple of jeans for herself. And being Saree fetish, she even bought a saree for herself, her mother-in-law, mother and Meher.

Both Mayera and Khushali then paid out their bills. Khushali paid half the bill with Sidharth's card and half with her own as she didn't want to spend so much of Sidharth's hard earned money on her shopping, although Sidharth wouldn't have minded it if she had paid the entire bill by his card.

They collected their shopping bags and were leaving, when something caught Khushali's attention. She told Mayera and Amaira to go to the restaurant while she'd join them in sometime. Mayera agreed and left for the restaurant with Amaira.

After few minutes, Khushali joined them and they ordered their lunch and cold drinks. While having their food, Mayera said happily, "This, by far is my best shopping trip! I had so much fun with you both, especially Amaira. We should plan such trips occasionally."

Khushali nodded and said, "Yes it was amazing. We should definitely plan these occasional shopping trips. And you better stay in touch with me Mayera after this literature festival gets over next month."

Mayera grinned at her and said, "Sure darlin' I will. Next time we'll make Raima join us too. Once she comes back, I'm gonna give her a hard time bragging about our shopping trip."

Khushali sipped her cold drink and chortled, "Yes it'll be fun. I'm sure she must be sulking at her relatives' wedding. She's definitely not a relative friendly person. But then no one is!"

Mayera and she laughed and continued with their lunch. After lunch, they took Amaira to the gaming zone where she played a few games, while Mayera and Khushali talked with each other.

It was around 5 in evening, when they decided to go home. Khushali kept her and Amaira's shopping bags in the backseat of the car and went to bid bye to Mayera. "It was a great day with you Mayera. Me and Amaira enjoyed a lot. Thank you so much for going us!"

Mayera smiled and said politely, "Well don't thank me. Infact it was a great pleasure for me to join you both. You should go home now. Amaira must be tired. Bye Amaira, see you soon!"

Amaira smiled at Mayera and replied, "Bye Mayera Massi! See you soon!" She kissed Mayera's cheeks, which made Mayera giggle and she reciprocated her gesture by dropping a kiss on Amaira's forehead.

Khushali and Amaira then got in their car, while Mayera settled in her car. Khushali started the engine and both of them waved bye to Mayera, who smilingly waved back. While they were leaving, Mayera looked at them with sadness in her eyes because she knew soon she'll be ruining it all. But she didn't have any other choice.

Looking in Khushali's direction, she sighed. She didn't want to hurt Khushali ever. Khushali's a very nice person with a clean heart. But she have no choice apart from hurting Khushali. When it comes to family, no one is afraid to commit a crime. She. just hoped Khushali will forgive her for whatever she's going to do with her and Mr. Sidharth Mehra!

Mayera's expression hardened at the thought of Sidharth and she really wished Khushali hadn't married that man, and wasn't connected to him but alas she was. It was Sidharth, Mayera had problem with, not Khushali but now Khushali will be paying be for his sins! And she couldn't do anything about it! Anything!

She wiped her tears and drove herself to her home. She had come to care for Khushali, and maybe this was why, before committing her crime, she was guilty. But like she thought, she had no choice then to ruin Khushali's happy life!

Khushali and Amaira reached home soon. Both of them were very tired with their outing. Yet it was awesome and both of them had a lot of fun. Both were welcomed by Aarti, who was sipping her tea with Meher. Khushali went towards them, and gave them the sarees she had bought for them. They both gladly accepted her gift. After some time she retired to her room.

It was around 8, when Sidharth came back, exhausted from his work. Khushali brought coffee for him and sat beside. He saw her and asked, "So how was your shopping trip?"

"It was awesome. Me and Amaira enjoyed a lot. You know my friend, that event manager Mayera, I told you about, she also joined us and it was so much fun. I shopped a lot today, and haan with your card", said Khushali happily. She went on to narrate her trip to him, completely oblivious to Sidharth's turmoil as he tried to reason with himself that this Mayera wasn't the same Mayera he was trying to keep her away from. After all Mia's real name was Mayera, and he just called her Mia out of love. He keenly listened to Khushali and was sure that this Mayera was different and he was just over thinking.

After having coffee, Khushali got up from bed, and picked out a small paper bag from her handbag. She same and sat beside Sidharth again and said, "This is for you Sidharth."

She handed him a paperbag. Sidharth surprised, took it from her and said, "What's the need for this?"

"I wanted to give you something, so bought it for you. Now open it and tell me whether you like it or not!", said Khushali.

Sidharth mumbled okay, and unwrapped his gift. It was an elegant pair of cufflinks. Since he normally wore formals, cufflinks were his favourites and he had many of them collected from different parts of the world. He looked at Khushali and said, "Thank you so much Khushali. It's beautiful. Really appreciate your gift."

Khushali smiled and muttered, "You're welcome Sidharth but you forgot, no thank you to me. By the way I'm glad you liked it."

While leaving the shop, she saw the pair of cufflinks in the display of a shop and went to buy it for him, knowing well how much he loved it.

She went downstairs after that to help Meher for dinner. Sidharth freshened up and sat on the couch. He grabbed his phone and quickly made a call to Jay and said as Jay picked the call, "He's coming tomorrow evening. Pick him up with Arhaan and take him to where we have made arrangements for him. No mistake okay? Explain everything to him that I have told you both today. And tell him, I'll come to meet him day after tomorrow. Is that clear?"

Jay replied immediately, "Yes it is. Don't worry Sidharth it'll be all fine. I'll make sure personally that everything's goes well and no one comes to know about him coming to India."

Sidharth mumbled okay and ended the call. He closed his eyes and sighed. It was going to be tougher now since 'He' would be in India soon. And this meant, telling Khushali the truth. He still needed to decide how will he tell it all to Khushali, but anyway he had to tell her the truth. He just hoped, she'd understand him and his situation as he wasn't doing this for himself but for someone else!

In media section: Mayera and Khushali! ;)