"Khushali, please save me! Please save me! I don't want to die now. Please save me," said Sagar, in a very terror filled voice.

"What? But, Sagar, where are you?" said Khushali, worried.

"I don't know. It's just a dark room and I can't make out anything," replied Sagar with the same tone as earlier.

"Please try to focus and see if you could make out anything. Please, Sagar," said Khushali, trying her best to not break down.

"No, Khushali, I can't ... NO!" screamed Sagar.

"SAGAR?!" shouted Khushali. And then it all fell silent.

Slowly Khushali opened her eyes and found herself in her bedroom in Mehra mansion. And the realisation dawned on her that what she saw some seconds before, was nothing but a nightmare. The same nightmare that she experienced some nights before and after Sagar's death. And what was common between all the three times was that, neither she could understand it that time nor she could do it now, as it made no sense at all to her.

Throwing the comforter off, Khushali sat up on the bed. The room was already lighted with natural light of the Sun and she knew it was past her usual waking up time. Comparatively, the other side of the bed seemed colder and lighter as she kept her hand on the bed and immediately her turned to the side of bed Sidharth always slept on. As per her guess, it was empty and Khushali wondered where did he go so early, though it was just half past 8 in morning.

The first thought that came into her mind was that maybe he went over to Mayera's place, but then it seemed unreasonable as Sidharth had left for his work as early as 7 in morning many times. Not really in mood to let her mind imagine nonsensical things, she got up from the bed and went to the bathroom to freshen up.

Few minutes later, she came out of the washroom and instantly a smile found its way to her lips as she saw her husband waiting for her with a tray laden with coffee mugs and chocolates. With the smile on her face intact, and a little guilt for unintentionally thinking her husband for leaving to meet Mayera, she strode toward the bed.

"Good morning, wifey," wished Sidharth, passing Khushali a coffee mug as she settled down.

"Good morning, hubby," wished back Khushali, settling on the bed beside him.

"So, how was your sleep last night? Mine was good though after three nights I finally slept beside my wifey. It was peaceful and calming," said Sidharth, sipping his coffee.

"It was nice, relaxing since I was quite tired after the party," said Khushali, "I loved the party and the surprise a lot!" She pecked Sidharth's cheek.

Her unexpected peck on his cheek, made Sidharth smile gleefully and he said, "Well, I think I should plan more surprises like this to get more surprise kisses from you or maybe something more." He winked at the end of his sentence.

"Acha?" said Khushali, flirting, "Then you should plan bigger surprises to get more than just a peck."

"Ohho, wifey, flirting with your hubby early morning, good progression I must say. I think you should have frequent stays at her parents' home if you'll become more flirtatious after every visit," said Sidharth, leaning toward her.

Khushali saw him leaning in and playfully pushed him back, making him lie back on the bed. A giggle escaped through Khushali's lips, but soon horror took over as Sidharth pulled her toward himself and she landed on his chest. The terror evident on her face, she stared at him, easily guessing from the mischievous look in his eyes that Sidharth wasn't intending to kiss her, rather he was going to repeat his prank on her that he had played on their wedding night.

His cool breath touched her face, making her shiver lightly and she tried to get up. But Sidharth wasn't letting her and pulled her toward himself. Slowly he moved his face toward hers, closing the distance between them, making Khushali tightly closing her eyes as she waited for Sidharth to howlingly laugh. Just as only an inch of gap was left between them, letting go of her waist, Sidharth cupped her face and leaned in toward her ears. But before he could go ahead with his prank, an innocent voice's shrill caught them both off guard.

"Hawww!! Chachu, what are you doing??" asked Amaira, covering her eyes with hands quite tightly.

Horrified, Sidharth instantly let go of Khushali's face and set up straight on the bed. Khushali took this as an opportunity to escape from Sidharth's awful prank. Kneeling beside Amaira, Khushali innocently said, "Haan, Sidharth, what were doing? Even I want to know."

"I wanted question you about the same thing," added suspiciously Amaira, looking at Khushali.

"Haan, haan, wifey, answer that now," said Sidharth slyly, recovering from the shock.

Khushali's cheeks flushed as both Amaira and Sidharth gazed at her, making her get up from the floor and fumbling with her hand, she tried to speak up. But just as she was about to speak, an anxious Aditya rushed into their room, instantly attracting the attention of Sidharth and Khushali, both of whom felt a fear engulf their hearts.

"Bhai, what happened? Why are you looking so worried?" asked Sidharth, anxiety mingled with curiousity getting the best of him. Khushali stayed quiet, not actually wanting to bombard Aditya with too many questions at once.

"Sidharth, wo, er... Khushali, Meher just received a call from Maa," said Aditya vaguely. The use of the word 'Maa' made Khushali and Sidharth promptly realise that he was talking about Khushali's mother Muskan as both Sidharth and Aditya called her 'Maa' while for their own mother 'Mom' was reserved.

"So, what did she say? She and Papa are fine na? Speak up, Bhai," urged Sidharth, taking a glance at Khushali, who seemed shaken with only the shaky mention of her mother.

"Actually, no, they aren't fine," said Aditya shortly, taking a deep breath, "Today morning, around 3, there's been a burglary at their house and Papa's sustained some injuries and fractured his leg while he was trying to catch the burglars. How they got in the house or what they were trying to steal, it's not clear, atleast Maa didn't tell us on the call."

"What!" exclaimed Sidharth, quite loudly, "But why didn't they call us right away then? We could've helped them out at night only."

"I agree with you and Meher did tell that too Maa, but she said she and Papa didn't want to worry us all and weren't in state to inform us," said Aditya, still sort of worried, "Anyway, listen, me and Meher are leaving for Kapoor residence in some time, if you both want then join us, okay?"

"Yeah, we will, Amaira's tagging along as well?" asked Sidharth, knowing well Khushali wasn't in state to speak anything.

"I don't know," said Aditya, turning to his daughter, he added, "You want to join us or would stay here with Dadi-Dadu?"

"I'll come with you all," said Amaira, slightly scared.

"Hey, angel, you don't have to be scared, okay? Everything's fine. Your granddad is a fighter, he's cool now," said Sidharth, understanding the fear in Amaira's voice.

"Yes, I agree with him, Amaira," said Aditya approaching his daughter. He then added, "Why don't you go and get ready? Your mom's getting ready as well."

Amaira nodded and left the room, completely forgetful of the playful moment some seconds back. Aditya too went away from there, as going by Khushali's colourless face, he knew it was best to let Sidharth take care of her and help her recover from this.

Once Aditya left, Sidharth turned to face Khushali, who was completely numb by the news. Just yesterday she had returned from her parents' house and everything was fine, but how could a burglary take place in just some hours, after her departure, she couldn't comprehend. But what troubled her more was that why were all the awful things happening altogether at once with her? The heartwrenching truth of Sagar's death, Sidharth's involvement in it, his alleged infidelity, the rumoured enmity between Sagar and Sidharth, Mayera's story, and now this!

It just seemed to her that her Ganeshji was in mood to test her, to see how long she could survive without breaking down. And she knew, somewhere she was reaching her saturation point, she was soon approaching the point where she no longer would be able to handle anything and would break down into pieces, just like the time she had broken after Sagar's death or maybe it would be worse this time with too much at stake.

Feeling like someone just knocked the air out of her, she slumped on the bed. In midst of all the chaotic incidences playing in loop in her head, a small concerned voice was torturing her. The tiny voice from somewhere inside her brain told her, Maybe it's all a delusion, just as absurd as the so-called notion of 'Happily-Ever-After'. Maybe you're being delusional, imagining and believing things that aren't there, manifestly false.

But another voice defended her sanity by saying, No, it's not delusion, nor you're delusional or lunatic. Not all these things can happen at once. You're fine, it's just the situation which isn't fine. It's just testing time, and you need to stay strong and brace yourself for the coming torments.

And she did, as the latter voice told her. Getting a grip over herself, she got up from the bed. But immediately she felt Sidharth engulf her in a hug, so warming and soothing that she felt a strange sense of tranquility, something she'd been craving to feel. Yet the same tiny part again intervened, It's a delusion, there's no calmness, no tranquility in your life. It's a lie, your life's a farce which sadly no one seems to be enjoying, atleast what I believe.

But Khushali didn't let it take away her calmness and bore her head in the crook of Sidharth's neck. Sidharth tightened the grip on her waist, showing his support to her. After observing the play of mingled emotions like anger, angst, pain, miserability, vulnerability, disbelief, perplexity and confusion, Sidharth knew what Khushali was going through.

Some minutes passed and they untangled from each other. Khushali went to take bath, after which Sidharth took bath and once they both were ready, they went downstairs for breakfast. Meher and Aditya were already there, along with Amaira and Sidharth's parents, both of whom seemed worried as they learned from Aditya about the morning incident at Kapoor's, assumed Khushali and Sidharth.

The breakfast went in silence, not even anyone ate much with Khushali and Meher's anxiety crossing all the limits. So quickly finishing their breakfast, the two couples left for Kapoor resident. Meher and Khushali, both dressed in simple pair of denim jeans, with Khushali wearing a maroon sweater over her black tee and Meher dressed in a simple kurta and cardigan, took the backseat with Amaira sitting between them. Sidharth took the driver's seat while Aditya settled on the passenger seat. They both knew, neither of the two women was in state to drive or think anything straight.

The drive from Mehra mansion to Kapoor residence took some forty minutes, thanks to the traffic jam and crowded roads, much to the chagrin of both the Mrs. Mehras. As soon as Sidharth pulled the car toward the Kapoor residence, both Khushali and Meher rushed inside, not waiting for their respective husbands.

Quickly, they walked over to their parents' room as informed by the domestic help. With worry and fear taking the best of them, both of them walked inside the room and found their father fast asleep on the bed with a cast on his left leg, bandage covering his forehead and hands, and some bruises here and there.

This made both the women overwhelmed with emotions, and they slowly walked toward their father and settled on either sides of him. Quiet, they just kept looking at their father, relief filling up their hearts to see their father fine, just covered in bandages and cast.

Muskan, who was in the bathroom, came out and saw her daughters sitting beside her husband. Walking upto them, she kept her hand on Meher's shoulder. Meher instantly looked up and gripped her mother's hand tightly.

"What happened last night, Maa? You said Papa sustained few wounds and minor fracture, but that's manifestly not true," said Meher, her displeasure at her mother's lie obvious from her tone.

Khushali, who hadn't noticed Muskan till then, looked up at her sister and mother and added, "Yes, Maa, why didn't you call us right away when the burglars came? And why did you wait till morning to inform us?"

Muskan sighed on hearing her daughters' questions. She knew she had to answer them but the place wasn't right as Gaurav needed rest. Taking a deep breath, she responded to them by saying, "I know you both want answers to your questions, but I think we shouldn't be talking here because Gaurav needs to rest and the sound of our voices might wake up him."

Both the daughters exchanged a look of agreement and followed their mother out of the room to the living area where Sidharth and Aditya had just entered, with Amaira holding Aditya's hand.

Muskan passed her sons-in-law a small smile which they returned back with warm smiles. They all settled on the sofas. Sidharth sat beside Khushali and intertwined his hand with her, still trying to calm her as he knew she was trying her best to handle her inner turmoil which if not handled well would lead to her breakdown and he didn't want that, atleast now.

The domestic helps served them teas, though all of them were more interested in knowing about the incident firsthand. Aditya, who was sitting beside his mother-in-law on the three seater sofa, quietly said, "Maa, now please tell us, what happened yesterday?"

"Yes, Maa, please share it with us because then only we can take some action and file for a FIR as well," added Sidharth.

"Okay," sighingly said Muskan, "Yesterday after me and Gaurav returned back home, everything was fine. We reached home around half past 11, and retired to our room at 12. Around 3 at night, I woke up because of Gaurav coughing badly. I gave him water and went to get the cough syrup from the cabinet in the study room which is beside Khushali's room. When I was going back to my room, I saw some light coming out of Khushali's room and some hushed voices. So I went and informed Gaurav and our helper, Madhav. Madhav and Gaurav went to check in Khushali's room, along with the two security guards."

"Then? What happened after that, Maa?" asked Khushali, vaguely impatient. Meher kept silent.

"They went to Khushali's room, there were indeed burglars with torches and they might've entered from the windows because the security guards didn't see anyone entering from the main entrance," said Muskan, "Anyway, so when Gaurav and others went inside, they found two burglars with faces covered with mask. What Madhav told us, they were apparently searching for something in Khushali's cupboard, jewels and money I guess. Since the sound of the door opening had alerted the burglars, they took out their guns and told Gaurav that they didn't want to kill anyone and just want to Gaurav to let them go and to tell our security guards to drop the guns. But our security guards didn't let the guns down and moved toward the burglars but they dodged them and ran out. Gaurav went after them alongwith Madhav and even caught one of the taller burglar but the other burglar hit him on his back and as they were near the staircase, Gaurav rolled down the stairs. I ran toward him, while our security guards and Madhav ran after the burglars by the burglars escaped in their car. But as they escaped from the main entrance, the car they hopped in, its car number is recorded in the CCTV camera."

"Maa, all this happened and you didn't even call us up? The burglars were armed, Papa fell from the staircase, all this happened, and still you didn't inform us till 9 in morning, why Maa?" asked Meher, dismayed.

Muskan sighed again, she was already tired with the early morning ordeal and the guilt she was feeling for worrying up her daughters, was troublesome. Still she had to answer their questions which was necessary. Fidgeting with her fingers, she continued in a fatigued voice, "I know I should've informed you kids right away but I just didn't know what to do. Gaurav was injured and it was more important to rush him to hospital, so I took him to the hospital. Luckily our family doctor, Dr. Nitin was there and that saved all the formalities and our time since I had forgotten Gaurav's medical history file home. Dr. Nitin know well about Gaurav's diabetes and hypertension history, so his treatment started immediately and around 8 in morning he was discharged and I brought him home. When I reached home with Gaurav, Jay and his subordinates were waiting for us. Apparently the police station where Gaurav's manager filed a FIR, Jay was present there and he said since he knew us, he personally came to visit us and decided to take care of this matter. I gave him all the details and also the CCTV footage. The rest he said will be taken care of.

"It was around 9 when I was finally free and that was when I had the mind to call you kids up and inform about this mishap. I just didn't know what else to do, so I completely forgot to inform you all." Muskan finished speaking, wiping the lone tear off her cheek.

Aditya gave her a side hug and Muskan heaved a breath of relief and Sidharth calmly said, "It's okay, Maa, don't feel guilty for anything. Anyone in your place would've done that. So please relax." He paused and then added, "And as far as Jay handling this case, he'll do it perfectly. He's a very competent cop."

"Yes, I'm fine and I trust your friend Jay, Sidharth," said Muskan wearily.

"I'm so glad everything is fine and Papa didn't get any major injuries apart from the facture. I'm very grateful for this," said Meher thankfully.

"I agree with you, Di. And, Maa, go and take rest, we'll handle everything else," added Khushali, slightly calmer than before.

"Arre nahi, nahi (Oh no, no), I'm fine and how can I be tired and worried when my kids are here? I'm absolutely fine," said Muskan, her exhaustion manifest in her tone, though she was trying to cover that up fruitlessly.

Sidharth smiled a little and getting up from his place beside Khushali, went and kneeled infront of Muskan. In a soft tone, he said, "C'mon na, Maa, we aren't some energy drinks that you're all energetic now by just having us around. Go and take rest. Baki hum baad me maze karenge (Rest we'll have fun later), you know what I mean." He playful winked at her.

Muskan slapped his shoulder lightly and laughed, slightly uplifting the spirits of others, who smiled as the environment was quite dull before this. A contented smile came on Khushali's lips after seeing this scene between her mother and husband and wondered if anyone who didn't know about the relation that her mother and husband share, would think of them as mother-in-law and son-in-law or as mother and son.

She continued to admire her husband who was cracking up his joke to her mother and only came out of this trance like state when Sidharth and Amaira, who had been quiet all along, got in an argument, attracting everyone's attention to themselves.

"Waise, Maa, I keep telling Khushali that I'm your favourite but she doesn't believe me," said Sidharth, his quirky tone like usual, "She's jealous, you see."

"No, Chachu, you are wrong," said Amaira, indignantly, "You're not my Nani's favourite, I am her favourite, haina, Nani?"

Muskan smiled and making Amaira sit on her lap, said, "Of course, Angel, you're my favourite, but so is your Chachu."

"No, that's not fair, Nani, either your favourite is me or Chachu, not both of us," said Amaira, arms folded and cheeks puffed.

Khushali, Meher and Aditya smiled seeing this and Sidharth grimaced at the new competition from his dear niece and pulling her cheeks, sighingly said, "Fine, I give up! You're Maa's favourite, happy?"

"Very!" exclaimed Amaira.

"Okay, Ammu, now let Nani go and rest," said Meher, getting from the sofa, "I'll turn on the TV for you and play some animated shows."

Amaira nodded and went along with her. Muskan left for her room too, after a little more persuasion from Sidharth and Aditya. After she left, Aditya left to meet Gaurav's managers and get the information of the filed police report. Only Sidharth and Khushali were left in the room. Sidharth glanced at Khushali and found her deep in thoughts, somewhat getting hunch of a thing he believed was true as well as hoped was untrue at the same time. Maybe because if it was true, he knew Khushali might be lying to him and everyone else, which not only would push others in more trouble, but her as well.

He went and sat beside her again, but she didn't notice his presence around herself, still in her thoughts. Much for Sidharth's disappointment, Khushali was thinking about something which no one knew a thing about, something which wasn't hers to share. It belonged to someone else, whom she didn't know.

Knowing well she won't come out of her thoughts anytime soon, Sidharth tapped her shoulder lightly and softly said, "Don't worry, wifey, everything's fine. Don't exhaust yourself with over thinking."

His voice immediately broke the chain of Khushali's thoughts and she looked at him with pursed lips, holding back something she really wanted to share with him. But something was stopping her and she knew it wasn't right to share it with him, until and unless she herself won't find the missing link of the mystery she knew she still had to solve.

"You don't have to worry about me, Sidharth, I'm used to it now. Since last one week, my life has made me go through some really crazy phases that I'm all comfortable with these turbulent situations," said Khushali bluntly.

This muted Sidharth for a few seconds who knew well what Khushali really meant to say and he was all to blame for her state. Though Khushali had said to have complete trust in him, he knew there was a gap between them, a friction in their relationship which if not removed soon, would ruin their marriage severely. But it wasn't the easiest thing to do, not that he wanted to do it now.

"I understand," said Sidharth quietly, "And I'm sorry fo...." He stopped in mid sentence as his cell phone buzzed to life. Fishing it out of his jacket pocket, he tapped the screen to check the caller. A few ceases came on his forehead seeing the name of the caller, Mia.

Not wanting Khushali to see the caller, he thought of ending the call as this situation wasn't right for attending Mayera's call. But unfortunately, Khushali had seen the name on the caller and nonchalantly said, "You should attend the call, maybe it's some emergency. Otherwise Mayera wouldn't have called you now." She stood up and added, "After all, she's my friend and friends don't think bad for their friends."

But this didn't make any sense to Sidharth, not getting a word what Khushali had said. Vanquishly, he attended the call and cautiously said, "What happened, why are you calling me now?"

But he couldn't hear Mayera's voice from the other side, there was apparently someone else speaking and the call wasn't made to talk rather to make him listen to something which made Sidharth regret what he had done. So many lives were at stake and his stupidity had put one more innocent soul in danger.

But he knew he just couldn't stay idle, he had to do something to take care of the mess he had created. Cutting the call, he went upto Khushali and informed her about his departure, to which she gave a normal bye, repeating the same world as his. "Don't worry, everything's fine."

Sidharth took his car and left for Mayera's home, all the way hoping that it didn't turn even messier or else he'd need to come up with some other alternative idea, which seemed impossible to him with the current scenario of problems.

His temper rose up as the traffic jams were just prolonging his ride, much to his distress. Somehow the roads cleared up and he reached his destination. Parking his car, he rushed to the elevator and pressed the button for Mayera's floor. But seemingly even the elevator was in mood for testing his patience. After what seemed endless, Sidharth reached Mayera's apartment and impatiently rang the doorbell.

It took Mayera a couple minutes to answer the door, raising Sidharth's fears. With a tear stricken red face and swollen bloodshot eyes, Mayera opened the door, the grave fear for something horrible, evident in her eyes.

Sidharth felt his anger rising again and without wasting a minute, he engulfed Mayera in protective hug. While wrapping his arms around her, Sidharth accidently touched a fresh wound on Mayera's forearm, which made Mayera wince in pain and warm tears cascaded down her cheeks.

They stood like that for few seconds and then broke apart. Mayera walked inside, a sigh escaped her lips with her fears dissolved in it. Sidharth followed her suit and tried his best to act normal, though he knew his insides were falling apart and he really want to let his miserability out. But only if he could!

Once inside her apartment, they went in stood in the middle of the living room. With her back to her bedroom door, Mayera stared at Sidharth, looking pale and desolate. From the corner of her eyes without moving her head, she signalled Sidharth to follow her gaze to the right of hers, where there was a spare room.

Sidharth followed her gaze and saw the person who's voice he had heard on the call, hiding behind the door, but the reflection on the mirror opposite to that room showed it all. With every attempt to not react furiously and beat the intruder to pulp, Sidharth fisted his hands to get a grip on his anger. He knew one wrong move and everything will be over.

"What happened, baby? Why did you call me here so urgently? And why were you crying?" asked Sidharth, trying his best to sound normal, though it was fruitless as his voice was shaky with infuriation.

"I'm scared, Sidharth. What if Khushali stops you from meeting me or ask you to abandon me? What will I do then? And what about my brother? How are we going to save him? You know how we still don't have the only proof which will set all of us free, especially Rehaan," cried Mayera, dejection obvious in her words.

"Hey, hey, look at me," said Sidharth, putting his index finger under Mayera's chin, "No matter what happens, I won't abandon you, even if that mean leaving Khushali. You matter more to me. And as for the proof, once I get it, I won't need Khushali anymore, not that she's for any good to me even now. But still I have to keep her near me, or else she can turn out be very disastrous to our plan. And I don't want anymore errors now."

"I trust you, Sidharth. But I don't know about Khushali. She was fine with me yesterday, totally unaffected. I think she's doubting our plan, what do you think?" quizzed Mayera, her voice shaky and lumpy.

"Khushali's dumb, she thinks she understand things but the truth is she's absolutely oblivious to everything. Nor does she know anything about the package. I was a fool to think she could've something so precious with herself. My marriage with her was really a stupid and wasteful move, I wasted my time on this stupid woman who didn't even know that Sagar was murdered, let alone the real reason for his killing," said Sidharth, his back to Mayera now. Something broke inside him when he badmouthed Khushali, though he knew she would never get to know this.

Mayera who's back was still to the door, wiped the tears, feeling the same dejection as Sidharth and knowing well neither of them could show their pain right now. Wrapping her arms around him from behind, Mayera rested her head on his shoulder and cryingly said, "I wish we could go back to being normal, not like this when we can't even openly proclaim our love for each other. Our lives were so much better before Khushali or her deceased fiancé were a part of it. Now all's there in our lives is nothing but pain and separation, and I'm sick of it now. I like Khushali as a friend, but she's calling something that's mine her own and I can't bear it for long."

"You don't have to bear it for long, just some more days and I'll be free from everything, no longer I would've to care about anything or anyone. I'll be free from all the charges against me, rest I don't care," said Sidharth bluntly, keeping his hands over Mayera's.

"What?" asked Mayera bewilderedly, withdrawing her arms from Sidharth's chest.

"I mean, we all will be free from the troubles, your brother as well," said Sidharth and under his breath added, "Only if I'll let that happen."

"Yeah, we'll be free from all the pain and problems and will be finally free to tell the world about us," said Mayera dreamily.

"Of course, there'll be nothing we'd be bounded to after this ordeal is over," said Sidharth, deceit coating his words.

"I already feel happy with just a thought of our future," said Mayera gleefully, hugging Sidharth again.

Sidharth wrapped his arms around her and then said, "I think I should go now. See you later, Mia."

"Yeah sure, Siddy," said Mayera, stepping back.

"Take care and don't cry anymore. I love you," said Sidharth, pecking her forehead.

"Sure and I love you too," replied Mayera.

Giving a nod, Sidharth walked out of the apartment and got in the elevator. As soon as he left, the intruder came out of his hiding and said threateningly, "I hope this drama was for real, or else you know well what the consequences will be."

Nodding, Mayera moved aside and allowed the man to move out of the flat. Once the man walked out of her home, Mayera tightly shut the door close and slumped down on the floor crying bitterly. Pretty much like Khushali, Mayera too was reaching her saturation point, but she didn't want to break down now when everything she loved was at stake.

Meanwhile, in Kapoor mansion, after Sidharth left, Khushali busied herself in talking to Meher and Raima, who arrived after Sidharth went over to Mayera's home, having gotten to know about Gaurav's condition from Jay. Gaurav woke up after some minutes and they talked to him after which he took his meds.

All the three women kept talking while Muskan was taking rest and Gaurav was back to sleep due to the effect of the medicines. While talking, Raima suddenly posed a question to Khushali which hadn't occurred to Meher yet though Khushali had thought about it and the motive behind the burglary.

"Khushali, did you check your room for confirming that nothing has been stolen?" asked Raima, looking at Khushali. Meher turned to look at Khushali as well.

Having already guessed everything, though not accurate, Khushali felt slightly uneasy to answer but still had to respond anyway. "No, not yet. I didn't feel like going in my room and then was busy with talking to Di and Maa," said Khushali rather meekly.

"Oh no problem, baby, we can do that now. C'mon let's go to your room," said Meher, getting up from the couch.

With pursed lips, Khushali got up, wanting to speak something in denial but kept quiet anyway. Raima having guessed her reluctance, gave her a supporting look, conveying that it was better to check it all out instead of pondering over her doubt.

Silently, Khushali headed to her room. Everything was still the same way it was last night as the cops had come to investigate here and according to Khushali's mother, there wasn't anything missing either in the room or her closet.

Walking inside, Khushali looked around while Meher and Raima stood quietly behind her. All the things seemed normal, but she kind of knew her room wasn't the target, rather it was her closet which might've been the real target for the robbery.

She strode toward her closet and opened it slowly. Much like her guess, her clothes were ruffled as if moved for searching for something. The drawers had a broken lock, which Khushali presumed was for looking inside it. Immediately, her attention went to the top rack, where her something precious of hers used to rest before she took it with herself to her new home.

There wasn't anything on the top rack. Having found nothing missing like her mother and cops, Khushali closed her closet and informed her sister and Raima the same. Both of them nodded and left the room. Khushali too followed their suit but just as she was walking out of the room, her eyes fell on a small red coloured gem lying near the door, which she had seen somewhere before but couldn't remember where.

She was sure she had seen a ring with similar looking gems, so she picked up the tiny gem. Walking back to the living area, she very carefully placed the gem in her handbag.

Some time later, Khushali and Meher's parents-in-law, Aarti and Shravan dropped by with their daughter Kavya. Muskan had freshened up by then and came down to greet Aarti and Shravan. They all sat down and started talking. Muskan filled them up about the incident and then they went to meet Gaurav who was awake now.

While Khushali was preparing tea for others, her phone buzzed. She picked it and saw that it was Arhaan's call. Wondering why was he calling her now, she attended the call.
"Hello, Arhaan," said Khushali.

"Hi, Bhabhi," said Arhaan, impatience and hurry obvious in his tone.

"Why are you sounding so hurried, Arhaan? All fine na?" asked Khushali concernedly.

"Yes, everything's fine but can you come over to my spare apartment? Bring along Kavya and Raima with you, it'll help," said Arhaan.

"What?" said Khushali, "I'm not getting anything."

"Just please come over, Bhabhi, Kavya knows the address of my apartment," said Arhaan, ending the call.

Khushali felt weird with this sudden request from Arhaan but decided to do what he told her. She informed Kavya and Raima about it and they agreeingly went along with her. But just as she was leaving, unexpectedly Vivan again came over to visit her home after getting to know about Gaurav's accident.

"How are uncle now? Heard about the burglary some time back so came to check here," said Vivan calmly.

"He's fine now, but yet again I'm not interested in talking to you," said Khushali surly, standing on the porch of her house.

"That's good that your father is fine now," said Vivan, "but I wonder why you're always in hurry whenever I come to meet you? You're still angry with me?"

"Maybe because you always come at the wrong time and yes, I'm angry with you," responded Khushali curtly.

"Oh my, I didn't know that," said Vivan drily.

"Cool, now you know," said Khushali in a sarcastic tone, then walking toward her car in which Kavya and Raima were already seated, added, "Next time, message me up before you drop by to meet me or else you'll always be left disappointed." With this she hopped in her car and drove away to Arhaan's flat.

They reached their destination after an half hour ride. It was residential township with 5-6 multistorey buildings. After Khushali parked the car, they headed inside the building and took the elevator to 10th floor on which Arhaan's flat was.

The elevator door opened and they walked out of it. With Kavya leading them, they headed to the last flat on the 10th floor. On reaching the last door, Kavya rang the doorbell.

Expecting Arhaan to answer the door, Khushali waited for the door to be answered. But she was left confounded when Rehaan opened the door, the other too were unaffected as if they were expecting it. Rehaan's face wasn't very merry, it was slightly indifferent.

"Get in, guys," said Rehaan, much unlike his usual tranquil tone.

They headed inside and Khushali was surprised for the second time when she found Jay and Sidharth sitting in the living area along with Arhaan. As Sidharth saw her enter the living room, he stood up and walked upto Khushali and took her in a warm hug.

"All fine with Mia?" asked Khushali in a bashful tone.

"Yes," said Sidharth in the same bashful tone. Apparently after he left Mayera's home, he was called up by Arhaan and he came over here.

"Great," said Khushali and untangled herself from him.

"Yes," replied Sidharth. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Rehaan scowling at him, which Khushali noticed as well and wondered whether they had gotten in a quarrel some minutes back.

"Settle down, guys, before we start to explain the reason for this little meeting," said Arhaan in a tensed voice.

The girls nodded and settled on the sofas and Arhaan too took his seat beside Kavya. He coughed to get others attention and then looking at Khushali, said, "I guess, Bhabhi, apart from you, everyone else here know what's going on, am I right?"

"Maybe, since I don't know what the heck you guys know that I'm being kept in dark about," said Khushali, glancing at Sidharth who seemed least interested in this conversation.

"Well, I can only say that you're right then," said Rehaan, his tone vaguely soft.

"That's great," said Khushali sassily.

"Well let's not beat around the bush and get directly to the point," said Rehaan, "I don't know what Vivan and my sister Mayera had filled you up with, but I just wanted to clear it that Sidharth has no hand in whatever thing he's been accused of by Mayera and Vivan. I don't know what's wrong with my sister, but the information that she has is not exactly relevant nor is Vivan's doubts which is only because of his blind hatred for Sidharth."

"I agree with him, Sidharth has no hand in Sagar's murder nor did he have done anything wrong or criminal, so please don't doubt him," said Arhaan pleadingly.

"Calm down, guys, and listen, I hadn't actually believed what I was showed and narrated by Mayera and Vivan. But I trust Sidharth, and I also don't think ill about Mayera or Vivan," said Khushali meekly, uncomfortable with all the eyes on her. "But I don't understand one thing."

"Well that's good that you trust Sidharth, but what are you unable to understand?" quizzed Rehaan confusedly.

"Yes, Bhabhi, what you're puzzled about?" asked Arhaan.

"You said, everyone else here apart from me, know whatever thing is going on, right?" said Khushali, her agitation dripping in her words.

Rehaan and Arhaan nodded their heads, while Sidharth and Jay exchanged a look and shrugged their shoulders as if they had expected this. Kavya and Raima were silent spectators.

Khushali continued, "And you all don't want me doubt Sidharth and don't believe the allegations that are being put against him. But why the hell am I being kept in dark? Why aren't you all telling me what's the truth? Why no one is telling me what happened to Sagar, whether he was murdered or died in a mishap? Why are you keeping this as a secret? Please answer this, it's eating me up inside." By now, her face was red with anger that had been building up inside her for quite long.

Her question left everyone astonished and dumbfounded. They, of course, knew that she was needed to be answered but whether she'd be able to digest the truth or not was the main concern. Though both Jay and Sidharth knew that this wasn't the right time, but inwardly they both wanted Khushali to know the truth now, how and by whom, they didn't care.

The other four people exchanged looks of guilt and hesitation and finally Rehaan spoke up, his voice firm, "I think you're right, Khushali, and it's high time you should be told the truth."

Khushali looked at him and nodded after which Rehaan added, "And I'm going to do this now, whether someone likes it or not." At the end of his sentence, he shot Sidharth a glare.

A strange feeling flowed through Khushali as she stared at Rehaan without batting her eyes! She'd finally know the truth, finally she'd be able to solve the mystery behind Sagar's death and Sidharth's strange behaviour! She couldn't be more glad than she was now.

But while she was looking at Rehaan, Sidharth glanced at Jay whom shook his head, giving him assurance that it'll be fine. Sidharth then passed Arhaan a look to which Arhaan blinked his eyes, which calmed Sidharth. Khushali didn't notice this at all, nor did she know whether she'd be introduced to the real truth or just another fragment of deceit and lies!

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Teaser
Chapter 22 - The Truth: Take 2

"I don't know, Khushali, what happened to me that night, but all I remember is I was at a hotel with my friends and then the next moment I was in the car that had collided with Sagar's car," said Rehaan without meeting Khushali's eyes.

"But there must be some clue, right? The proofs that Vivan and Mayera showed me, were all connecting the dots," said Khushali confusedly.

"So you're saying that it's us who had killed Sagar?" questioned Arhaan slightly angrily.

"No, that's not what I mean," said Khushali meekly.

"Enough you all!" exclaimed Sidharth and everyone became quiet. He had enough of this!

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