Warning: Mentions of sexual harassment and sleeping pills in this chapter. Please read at your own risk!!

"Papa, Mummy ne kal raat se kuch nahin kaiya hai. Lagta hai bohot parishani hai. (Father-in-law, mother-in-law hasn't eaten since last night. It looks like she's stressed.)" Sadhana said as she placed a tray of food on the dining table.

The family were having a nice breakfast together. Everyone was sat on the dining table, but Priya and Mamta were not.

"Kya? What would she be stressed about?" Vivek, Prem and Sameer asked.

"That's strange because she's always here first making breakfast." Sangeeta said feeding her daughter, Radhika, and her two nephews Raju and Bablu.

Bhagwanti smirked to herself, knowing that Mamta was stressed about Prem and Priya's relationship.

"Aisa karo, beta. Take her breakfast upstairs. I'll speak to her." Ram said, taking off his glasses.

Sadhana nodded and carried the tray carefully upstairs. There was silence on the dining table, until Bhagwanti's mobile phone rang.

Everyone looked at her as she raised an eyebrow in confusion as to why her phone was ringing. She got her phone and received the call,

"Hello?"

"Hello, am I speaking to Miss Bhagwanti Singh?" The voice on the phone said.

"Yes. May I ask who is calling?" She asked.

"This is DS Arohi Khan speaking from the Mumbai Police Station. I need you to come down to the station to give your statement regarding sexual harassment of Miss Priya Malini." DS Arohi Khan said.

"Right now?" Bhagwanti said nervously. She tensed when she heard what DS Arohi Khan said.

"Yes please." DS Arohi Khan said.

"Acha." Bhagwanti said.

"Thank you." DS Arohi Khan said and the call ended.

"Kya hua, Mami ji? You seem a bit tensed and scared?" Anjali asking, raising an eyebrow. She knew what made Bhagwanti tense. They all knew who it was, except Pritam and Sunita.

"Kuch nahin. I'm going." Bhagwanti said loudly. Everyone else rolled their eyes.

"Thank the Lord." Sunita muttered, making Pritam snicker.

"Hope you get run down to your death bed." Rohan muttered, which the others sniggered at.

"What's so funny?" Bhagwanti said.

"Kuch nahin. They were just wishing you a good day." Pritam said. Bhagwanti flashed a fake smile and left the dining hall. They heard the front door shut, meaning she had already left.

"Talk about ruining my mornings." Rohan said. Everyone laughed.

"She never closes her fat trap, does she?" Anand said.

"Prem beta, how did Priya sleep last night?" Sunita asked Prem with a smile.

Prem remembered how Priya was last night. Priya struggled sleeping last night. She whined in devastation because of more nightmares and tossed and turned whilst wrapped in Prem's arms. He obviously did not know about sleeping pills that Priya took.

"Prem beta." Pritam said louder to grab his attention. Prem broke off from his trance.

"Oh, um. She struggled to sleep last night. She had more nightmares. Preeti and I comforted her, but still." Prem said.

"When will this all end? She's suffered enough." Preeti said.

"We will find a solution for all this. Don't worry. We're in this together." Vivek said with a smile. The others nodded in agreement and continued chatting whilst eating.

Meanwhile, Priya woke up and was already dressed for the day. She wore a plain white salwar kameez dress that reached her knees. The white dupatta was draped on her neck. She was wearing all the jewellery Prem gave her. She did her simple make up look. Her beautiful brown hair was straightened and let out.

Currently, Priya was looking at the mirror, whilst putting on some white crystal earrings. She wasn't feeling well at all. There was a burning and tingling feeling of pain in her hands and legs. She was feeling extremely dizzy and had a painful headache. She had a stomach ache. She was unable to keep balance, nearly tumbling over and falling because her body was shaking and she felt drowsy.

She knew it was the pills. She took two last night and couldn't sleep because that's when the dizziness and headache started. The shaking, burning of the hands and legs and inability to balance started this morning as soon as she woke up because she took two more sleeping pills.

You need to continue taking the sleeping pills in order to kill yourself because you're a burden and scar to the beautiful earth - her daunting conscience told her.

Priya was finished getting ready and looked at her reflection. She didn't even know how she managed to get ready while feeling terrible and sick. Her gorgeous green eyes were watery and red. She knew she didn't get enough sleep.

She slowly walked to the door, knowing she was late for breakfast. But she was unable to keep balance because she was extremely dizzy and sick and couldn't stand. Her mind just reeled over everything she heard last night from Bhagwanti and Mamta and she didn't know what to do.

She slowly and drowsily walked to the door and opened it. She walked out while clutching her painful stomach. She wanted to cry at how sick she felt, because she figured that she deserved these side effects because this would allow her to kill herself and prevent anymore disasters that has happened in her relationship with Prem and the family.

You deserve all this pain because of what you have done to this family - her mind told her.

"Are, Priya beta! You're up." The familiar and friendly voice of Ram said. Priya looked up at Prem's father and smiled weakly,

"Good morning, uncle." She greeted, going down to touch his feet for blessing. But she struggled to keep her balance because of her dizziness and shaking. Ram caught her and said,

"Stay happy, beta. Go down to the dining hall. Everyone is there." Ram told her, caressing her cheek.

"Jee." Priya said weakly, clutching more onto her stomach.

"Priya, are you okay? You don't look good." Ram said.

"I'm okay, uncle. I just didn't sleep properly last night." Priya said. She didn't dare to mention the sleeping pills.

"Oh beta. If you do feel terrible, do tell us. We'll take care of you." Ram said.

"Jee. I'll go downstairs now." Priya replied. Ram nodded and let Priya go.

Priya was unable to walk. The pain and dizziness getting worse. Ram saw her, but didn't know whether to ask her. He knew she was extremely vulnerable.

Priya held onto the banister of the stairs as she struggled to keep her balance. Her body was shaking and very weak. She was feeling dizzy and drowsy. She took slow steps down the stairs.

Priya got downstairs and slowly, whilst struggling and shaking, walked to the dining hall. The pain was getting worse and she heard the happy voices of the others.

Once she walked in, everyone looked at her and smiled.

"Good morning, Priya beta." Sunita and Pritam greeted their youngest daughter.

"Good morning, Maa, Papa." She weakly said, clutching her stomach and sitting on the chair near Prem and Preeti.

She looked at Prem and Preeti, who gave her soft smiles, which she returned weakly. Prem leaned over closely to plant a soft and loving kiss on her cheek.

"Priya, are you okay? You don't look too good." Anwar and Vivek said. Everyone else agreed. Prem looked extremely worried. He saw how Priya was feeling dizzy and drowsy. She was shaking and clutching her stomach.

"I-I just didn't get enough sleep last night. That's all." Priya said weakly, putting a hand on her pounding head. Although it was clear with her slightly red and watery eyes that she didn't get enough sleep, her shaking and struggling to keep balance raised more suspicion.

"It looks like more than not getting enough sleep." Amar pointed out.

"You struggled to walk and keep your balance. It has to be more." Rahul and Sameer said.

"Or are you sick?" Neha and Preeti gasped. Preeti placed a hand on Priya's shaking body and Neha came to them to kneel down in front of Priya. She held Priya's hands, which she was oblivious to the fact that they were tingling. But she felt the warm temperature.

"Wait. What?" Sangeeta, Simran and Anjali gasped.

Prem's heart started beating. He placed a hand on Priya's back and asked softly,

"Princess, please tell us. Are you sick?"

"Priya beta?" Sunita and Pritam said, standing near them. Pritam kneeled down near Prem's chair.

"No. I'm not sick. I just-" Priya started, but instantly covered her mouth when she felt herself gag. Her eyes widened when she felt the vomit trying to come out. She gagged against her mouth.

Preeti immediately grabbed a bowl from the table and placed it in front of Priya. Priya instantly threw up and emptied her stomach.

It was horrible when she was emptying her stomach. She wretched as more puke left her mouth. Her stomach was twisting and turning painfully. Her body was shaking, the burning sensation in her hands and legs was getting worse and she was feeling more dizzy. The smell of her puke ran through her nostrils and she shivered in disgust.

Prem got off his chair and kneeled down near Priya's chair to rub her back to help her. Priya took a deep breath and continued to throw up last night's dinner and her nerves.

Everyone encouraged her to take her time,

"It's okay, Priya. Take your time." Preeti and Sunita said.

"Don't worry, Shona." Prem said.

Priya took a deep breath once she felt no more puke coming out. She looked up at them.

"All done?" Sunita and Preeti asked softly. Priya nodded with her bottom lip trembling and tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

"I'll take the bowl, Preeti." Chameli said kindly. Preeti smiled and gave her the bowl with Priya's vomit in. Chameli took it to the kitchen to clean up.

"You okay?" Prem asked her softly with a smile. He saw Priya was shaking and she looked really ill. She nodded and reached for his hand to hold. Prem smiled and entwined their fingers together. He pressed a soft kiss on it. He felt the warm temperature of her hand against his hand and lips and instantly grew even more worried.

You're such an unnecessary burden to them. You're making them worried, but really you're not worth it - her mind told her.

"Water, please." Priya asked weakly. Her mouth was dry, which was the side effect of the sleeping pill.

Neha poured a glass of cold water and Priya tried taking it, but due to how she was shaking, Prem instantly took the glass from her and put it near her lips to drink. He held the glass for her as she slowly drank.

Once she was done, Prem put the glass on the table. He smiled at her. But Priya was feeling worse. Preeti placed the back of her hand on Priya's forehead and instantly gasped,

"Priya, you're burning up, baby sister!" Priya's eyes widened and Sunita said,

"Why is my daughter suddenly sick?"

"Not sure. Priya, didn't you say you threw up yesterday afternoon?" Prem asked.

"Wait. You threw up yesterday?" Everyone else said, surprised.

"Um yeah. But that was nothing." Priya mumbled.

Prem shook his head and lifted Priya up slowly to sit on her chair and place her on his lap. Her small body instantly snuggled against his warm body. Her head was tucked under his neck and her back was pressed against his warm chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist. He felt her body shaking a lot.

"Priya, it's not nothing. You feeling sick yesterday afternoon and today morning is worrying." Prem said and kissed her temple.

Neha put a thermometer in Priya's mouth to check her temperature. Prem ran his fingers through her beautiful brown hair.

After a few minutes, Neha took the thermometer out and she and Preeti saw the temperature.

"Priya, you've got a fever of 40°." Neha said.

"Oh no. That's terrible. Priya, you are sick." Pritam said. Priya could feel herself grow dizzy, her eyes watering and her bottom lip trembling.

You're sick. This is one way closer to your death. Something that must happen to save this family from all the disasters you've brought - her mind said.

Priya whimpered at the physical and emotional pain she felt and turned to bury her face in Prem's neck. She started crying against him and he wrapped his arms around her. Her arms close to her chest. He felt her hot tears wet his neck.

"Hey Princess. It's okay. It's probably nothing. You'll get better." Prem whispered to her and kissed the side of her head.

"I don't feel good." She whimpered.

"She needs to catch up on sleep. I think that is what is making her sick." Vivek said.

"I agree. It's bed rest for you, baby sister." Preeti said caressing her back. Priya pulled away from Prem's neck. She wiped her tears away and said,

"You all don't have to worry about me. I'll be fine. I don't want to trouble or burden you."

"Don't say that. We're here to help you. You're not a burden and you're not troubling us." Prem said, cupping her beautiful face and wiping her tears with his thumbs.

He knew Rita's words were still playing in her mind and Prem and the others were going to help to get rid of it as much as possible.

You are a burden, so just continue eating the sleeping pills - her mind told her.

"He's right. We're going to be here to look after you. So don't push us away thinking you're giving us a hard time because you're not doing anything wrong." Anwar said.

"See. We have your back, baby. Don't worry." Sunita told her youngest daughter, smiling. Priya smiled, feeling awful. Prem leaned down to  kiss her warm and burning forehead and placed her head against his chest to hug her. She immediately melted in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her body was shaking in his embrace and Prem wondered what it was that was causing all this. He hugged Priya tighter, unaware of the sleeping pills.

Preeti motioned for Prem to bring her to the livingroom. Prem lifted Priya up in his arms from his lap in bridal style. She snuggled in his arms and chest, but still feeling awfully sick. They went to the livingroom.

Meanwhile, Ram had to figure out why his wife, Mamta wasn't eating and what she was stressing about. He opened the gold doors and entered their big room.

"Mamta?" He called and saw her standing and staring outside near the balcony.

"Kya hua Mamta?" He asked, walking up to his wife. She turned to look at him and he saw the stress on her face. "Why do you look so stressed?" He asked.

"I feel like this family is facing alot of tension and disaster lately and I'm not liking it at all." Mamta said.

"But we are all in this together. That's what a strong family like ours does. We have eachother's back and support to fight what comes." Ram said.

"But it's one disaster after another. Although the children have eachother's back, there is only one person who is bringing the tension to this family." Mamta said turning around.

"And who is that?" Ram asked, confused and surprised by what Mamta was saying.

"Priya." Mamta said. It was clear Bhagwanti's words from last night manipulated her, but she was worried that Prem and Priya's relationship was bringing trouble to the family.

"What are you saying, Mamta? Are you blaming Priya for everything that has happened to herself?" Ram accused.

He was shocked at how Mamta could even think that. Everyone knew Prem was Mamta's favourite son, so how was she blaming her favourite son's love of his life for everything?

"I'm blaming her for bringing so much tension to the family. Our family did not face trouble before she and Prem fell in love. Since they've been together, the family has faced too much." Mamta said.

"It wasn't Priya that brought the troubles and tension to the family. It was Rita that brought the trouble because she wants to separate Prem and Priya because she's in love with Prem." Ram argued.

"But Priya should have stopped it then, rather than letting it happen. Look what she's done to our family. It's not only her that's suffering, everyone else too." Mamta said in a distressed tone.

"Are you even listening to yourself, Mamta? What would happen if Prem found out what you're saying? He'll be angry at you." Ram said.

"Despite everything that beautiful couple have gone and are going through, Prem and Priya are still strongly in love with each other. Prem has her back and Prem loves that girl so much. She makes him happy the same way he makes her happy." Ram said.

Ram loved Priya because she kept his son happy. Priya was a kind girl and a strong individual. She was going through so much pain, but she is a strong person because she was still with Prem.

"But, their relationship is toxic. Yes they might make eachother happy, but their relationship is too harmful for the family. It also concerns Prem's safety and wellbeing. I don't think he should be in a relationship with a girl who is facing so much trouble. I want him to be happy." Mamta said.

"But he's happy with Priya." Ram said.

"I'm sure he is. But I know he is stressed with this relationship. I don't think he should risk his mental health and himself in any more danger by being with Priya." Mamta said.

"What are you saying? That they should separate?" Ram asked, angrily.

"Haan. It's for the best. It's for his own good. This is what I think should happen and this is what I want for the happiness and wellbeing of my son." Mamta said.

"Well, you know what Mamta? What you want is wrong! Absolutely wrong!" Ram spat and walked away from Mamta.

Just when he got to the door, he saw Sadhana stand there, with a tray of food for Mamta. She had heard everything that was being said and indeed she was angry because it was about her younger sister and boyfriend.

Ram looked at her. Sadhana had a straight and blank face. He placed a hand on her head in kindness and reassurance before leaving.

Sadhana went in and placed the tray of food for Mamta on the table in front of her mother-in-law. She set it up and said kindly,

"Mummy, khana. (Mother-in-law, food)."

"I'm not hungry. Go away." Mamta said before leaving the room in distress.

Sadhana was surprised at her mother-in-law, knowing she was stressed about something. Sadhana was angry at Mamta because she blamed Priya for everything she was going through. She was angry at Mamta because she wanted Prem and Priya separated thinking it will benefit Prem and the family.

Sadhana decided to inform her husband about it and see what Vivek's opinion was.

Ram and Sadhana came downstairs and saw everyone gathered near Priya.

"Kya hua? What's going on?" Ram asked.

"Priya's feeling sick. She threw up a few minutes ago, Papa." Vivek said. Priya was snuggled up against Prem. She was feeling dizzy and even worse.

Preeti and Neha were near Priya, nursing and comforting her.

"I saw her upstairs before and she didn't look too well." Ram said. "Priya, you're a strong girl and we know you'll battle through this sudden sickness." He told her.

Although whatever Mamta said shocked him, Ram wasn't going to stop supporting and loving Priya. He knew she was a strong girl and she was going to pull through it.

Priya smiled at him. It was nice knowing that not everyone was against her.

"Ram Kishen ji, did you find out about what was stressing Mamta out?" Sunita asked, caressing Priya's hand.

Ram didn't want to tell Priya's mother that Mamta blamed Priya for everything she was going through and wanted Prem and Priya to separate. He didn't want to add fuel to the fire.

"No. She didn't really tell me." Ram said.

"What's going on here? Priya, are you okay, baby sister?" Sadhana came to the livingroom and asked.

"She's feeling sick, bhabi." Prem said stroking Priya's hair. Priya's eyes were closed as she tried falling asleep. Suddenly, she started stirring and whining in devastation.

"P-Please don't h-hurt me." She whined in devastation. Everyone's eyes widened when they realised Priya was having a nightmare and panic attack. Her breathing was becoming uneven.

"Uh oh." Preeti said. Sadhana, Preeti, Neha, Prem and Sunita gathered around Priya to comfort her.

"Priya, it's okay. We're here." Prem said softly. Priya's body was shaking and she whined in devastation,

"M-make it s-stop. P-Please don't h-hurt me."

"Priya, no one will hurt you, baby. You're safe with us." Sunita said.

"D-Don't touch me. G-Get your hands off me." She whined in devastation.

"Sssshh, it's okay." Sadhana, Preeti and Neha comforted her. Priya's slowly opened her eyes and looked up at all of them.

"Hey Princess." Prem said. Priya sat up and asked weakly,

"What happened to me?"

"You had a nightmare and panic attack." Neha said.

"Sorry." Priya said in a small voice. She had an unusual dream, a side effect of the sleeping pills.

"Don't apologise. We're going to help you through this." Preeti and Sadhana said.

"Exactly. You have no control over this and we will be by your side." Sunita told her youngest daughter and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

Priya nodded, but then the voice in her head spoke up again.

You're being such a burden to then. Just kill yourself with the sleeping pills

Priya snuggled against Prem and he wrapped his arms around her. He placed a soothing kiss on her head.

"You'll be okay, sweetheart. You need rest." Prem whispered.

"Can I go to the room and rest, please? I feel more comfortable there." Priya mumbled against his chest. Prem kissed her head again and whispered,

"Of course. Anything to make my Princess comfortable."

"You're the best, Prince." Priya whispered.

"Priya wants to rest in her room. I think that's a better idea where she can relax with the air conditioner on." Prem said.

"Good idea." Rahul and Amar said.

Prem carried Priya up in bridal style and motioned for Preeti and Neha to follow him. They went upstairs to the three sisters' room.

Prem placed Priya on her bed and stroked her cheek.

"Rest and get the princess sleep you didn't get last night, okay?" Prem told her kindly, looking at her in utter fondness and adoration. Priya nodded and smiled when Prem smiled softly at her. He leaned down to place a long and loving kiss on her warm forehead.

"There's a jug of cold water with a glass and a bin for you to throw up in. But try not to stress about anything so you don't fall sick or anything. Okay, baby sister?" Preeti said softly, holding her hand. Priya nodded,

"Thank you." Preeti pressed a soft kiss on her hand.

"Anything to keep my baby sister safe." She said. She stood up and turned the air conditioner on.

Prem leaned down to kiss her rosy cheek softly.

"I love you so much." He whispered as he leaned his forehead and nose against her's.

"I love you more." She responded, caressing his cheek. Prem placed his hand on her hand and captured her lips in a soft kiss, which Priya returned. Their lips moved in sync for a few seconds until Preeti chuckled,

"Come on, love birds. Priya needs to catch up on sleep." The love birds pulled away and Prem smiled.

He got up and left the room with Preeti, shutting the door behind them. There was pindrop silence in the bedroom, except the sound of birds singing outside.

Priya was deep in thought, whilst her stomach and head was in pain. Suddenly, her mind started giving her more evil thoughts,

Look how much you're depending on the others to deal with your problems. It's not fair on them. You should just continue eating the sleeping pills to kill yourself because you're creating more disasters.

Priya whimpered as she thought about it. She didn't see the point in anything if everything was her fault. It was her fault someone was trying to sabotage her relationship with Prem and how the family was going through so much.

Struggling to keep her balance, Priya sat up on the bed and reached over to get the sleeping pill packet from the drawer. Her hands were burning and tingling. She was getting more and more dizzy.

She got the sleeping pill packet out and shakily poured a glass of cold water. She got two sleeping pills with shaking hands and put it in her mouth before swallowing it down with water.

She felt terrible and even worse. Her stomach was twisting and turning painfully. Her headache was getting worse. In total, she had six pills in less than 24 hours.

Priya put a hand on her forehead as the dizziness got worse. She felt tears roll down her cheeks at the pain she was feeling.

Her phone suddenly pinged, which annoyed her more. Who could be texting her now when she's ill?

She shakily grabbed her phone and pressed the button with her thumb to see. Under the lockscreen of a selfie of her and Prem (Priya smiling and Prem kissing her cheek with his arms wrapped around her), she saw that she received a message from Vicky, who she was least expecting, and Vishal.

Vishal: Hey Priya. Are you okay after yesterday?

(+91) 7986 342 170: I'm at the police station. I just gave my statement to the police about what I did.

Priya decided to answer Vishal first because it would make her mood better.

Vishal: Hey Priya. Are you okay after yesterday?

Priya: Hey Vishal. Yeah I'm okay. I told the police about it.

Vishal: You did the right thing. I gave my statement just now. I saw that bastard, Vicky.

Vishal: He came to give his statement but they're holding him in for longer.

Priya: Good. I hope they throw him in the prison cell where he belongs.

Vishal: Definitely. The two drunk men have been arrested and are now serving their time in prison.

Priya: What!? Really? That's great news! Oh my God, I am so happy.

Priya's heart was beating fast and a smile made its way on her face, knowing the two drunk men were arrested.  At least some good things were taking place. Although it wasn't the big things, it would take time.

Vishal: That is great news. Bhagwanti is being interviewed too.

Vishal: DS Arohi Khan reckons Vicky and Bhagwanti both know something about the assault on Rita and who the imposter is.

Priya: I bet they do. They're both trying to separate Prem and I.

Priya: Mami Ji tried convincing Prem's mother to separate me and Prem because apparently our relationship is toxic and I'm bringing too much tension to the family. I think she agrees with Mami Ji because she was silent.

Vishal: We all know that none of what you're going through is your fault. They can't even say you could have stopped it from the beginning because you didn't know what was happening. Plus, Prem is by your side along with me and everyone else. We're going to save you from all this torture. And your's and Prem's relationship is not toxic, it's beautiful and special.

Vishal: But Priya, you need to, at some point, tell Prem that you are Vicky's first love. He needs to know. You can't keep things apart from each other.

Vishal was right. She needed to tell Prem about being Vicky's first love. But she wasn't ready. She was still overwhelmed by it and Vicky harassed her yesterday about it.

Keeping secrets from Prem means you don't deserve him. You need to do something about it if you really love him - her daunting conscience told her.

Priya: I'm not ready to tell him yet. Vicky kept harassing me about it yesterday.

Priya: He was being so stubborn and still kept saying 'I love you Priya and I can give you more than Prem in a relationship'.

Priya: I told him he's a complete asshole because I love Prem the most and he loves me, no matter what.

Vishal: You're right. Make sure to tell Prem all this.

Priya: I will hopefully. I'm just feeling horribly sick. I threw up yesterday afternoon and today morning. I'm feeling dizzy and have the worst stomach ache and headache.

Vishal: It's probably just the stress and nerves. Don't worry about anything.

Vishal: I have to go now. DS Arohi Khan is asking for me. Take care, Priya.

Priya: You too Vishal.

Vishal went offline and Priya went to her chat with Vicky to give him a piece of her mind.

(+91) 7986 342 170: I'm at the police station. I just gave my statement to the police about what I did.

Priya: That's the best thing you've done for me. You deserve to be behind bars because you're a complete beast.

(+91) 7986 342 170: You don't mean that, do you?

Priya: I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I don't care about you.

(+91) 7986 342 170: But I care and love you, Priya.

Priya: No one has the right to care and love me the way Prem does. Prem can only love me. I'm the love of his life and I love him. Get that through your head.

Priya: I hope you get arrested. Try explaining why you sexually harassed me.

(+91) 7986 342 170: I will go to prison for you because I love you.

Priya was growing angry and she felt more pain. Why wouldn't Vicky understand that her and Prem love eachother? Priya didn't know what to do. How was she going to tell Prem about this? She feared if he would get angry.

Priya exited the chat, but bothered to deal with Vicky. She placed her phone on the bedside table and laid down on the bed. She felt tears trickling down her cheeks. She decided to cry herself to sleep because crying let her hurt and fear out.

Meanwhile, Sadhana and Vivek were in their room. Vivek and Sadhana looked distressed. Sadhana told what she heard Mamta said about Priya and Prem and how they should be separated.

"I can't believe Maa would think that. She knows Prem loves Priya so much. Despite everything happening, the both are deeply and strongly in love with each other." Vivek said.

"That's what I was thinking. But I don't think it's a matter of Rita trying to sabotage their relationship that she's stressing about." Sadhana said, walking up to her husband.

"Then what is it?" Vivek asked.

"She's blaming Priya for the trouble that has happened to the family ever since she entered Prem Baiya's life. She said that it's not only Priya affected and suffering, it's the family and Prem Baiya. She thinks it's for the best that Prem Baiya and Priya won't be together." Sadhana explained to her husband.

"I'll explain to her that this is wrong. A mother should not think like that of her son's happiness. I'll speak to her." Vivek said. Sadhana snaked her arms under her husband's armpits and hugged him from behind.

Vivek smiled and placed his hands on his wife's hands. She rested her head on his back.

"We'll ask Priya about it first. She will probably know something about it and we need to know how she feels." Sadhana said softly.

"Of course. Then I'll speak to Maa. I don't know if we should tell Prem yet." Vivek said.

"Let's wait and take this step by step. He's focusing on Priya and the sexual harassment case." Sadhana said, before pressing a soft kiss on Vivek's shoulder.

"You're right. Till then, don't stress too much. It's not good for you and the baby." Vivek said.

"Of course. We can't stress him out." Sadhana said. They both smiled at each other.

Four hours later (3:00pm)

Priya woke up feeling sick and she threw up again. Preeti and Neha came and cleaned her up.

They left after a minutes, they gave her liquid medicine and cold compress to stop the fever. They changed the bin bag.

Currently Priya was alone in the room. She was feeling worse. She just took two more sleeping pills, now at a total of 8.

Now you should be closer to your death bed soon - her mind told her.

There was a knock on the door, making Priya look up. She quickly put the sleeping pills back in the draw and shut it before responding,

"Come in." The door opened and revealed Vivek and Sadhana. They smiled and came in, shutting the door.

"Jiji? Jeeja ji?" Priya asked.

"Hey Priya. How are you feeling?" Vivek asked as he and Sadhana sat on Priya's bed.

"I threw up just a few minutes ago and my headache hasn't gone." Priya said.

"Oh no. Did you eat something?" Sadhana asked.

"No. I'm not hungry anyway. I'd just throw it up anyway." Priya said. She knew it was the sleeping pills that was making everything worse, but she didn't want to tell them.

"Priya, we want to talk to you about something." Vivek said kindly, the comfort in his voice.

Priya grew nervous. She felt her heart beat and and she asked,

"Kya hua?" Sadhana wrapped her arms around her and said,

"This morning I heard Mummy and Papa talking about your relationship with Prem. Mummy was saying that she thinks your relationship with Prem Baiya is toxic because you've brought tension to the family. She thinks you and Prem Baiya should separate."

Priya whimpered and bit her bottom lip to prevent a sob leaving her mouth. Vivek held her hand and Priya said,

"Mami Ji told Aunty last night that I have brought tension and problems in the family. She said that I'm affecting Prem's safety. She reckons Prem and I should not be together because our relationship is toxic."

"Your relationship with Prem is not toxic. We all know this. Papa knows this, Sadhana and I know this. Everyone knows this. You make Prem so happy and he makes you happy. We won't let you both separate. You and Prem mean so much to eachother. If you both separated, that would cause tension to the family. You and Prem are the power couple of this family." Vivek explained.

Priya looked up at him and asked,

"Sach?"

"He's right. Separating Prem and you would break this family apart because you both were the couple that lifted this family up with love even more than it has." Sadhana said.

Sadhana was right because Prem was the last son to fall in love. By finding Priya and falling in love with her, the couple made the family complete with love.

"Mami Ji doesn't seem to think that. Now she's convinced Aunty." Priya said, resting her head on Sadhana's shoulder.

"I'll speak to Maa about everything. Just know that we don't agree what Mami Ji told Maa and what Maa told Papa. We're going to help you through this." Vivek said.

"Thank you so much. It means so much I have you on my side." Priya said, smiling.

"Always going to be here." Vivek and Sadhana said smiling.

The door of the room opened and Prem and the others walked in.

Sadhana, Vivek and Priya looked to see them.

Prem came and grabbed his phone and wallet and put it in his light blue jeans pocket. He looked like he was rushing to go somewhere.

"Ready, Prem?" Amar asked. Amar and Rahul looked like they were going to go somewhere with Prem.

"Where are you going, jaan?" Priya asked in a soft and sweet voice.

Prem looked at her and smiled fondly before pressing his lips on her rosy cheek and smooching it.

"I'm going to be back, Shona. I got a call from DS Arohi Khan saying I need to go to the police station to discuss something to do with Rita's assault and your sexual harassment case." Prem said, looking at her softly.

"About the sexual harassment case, the two drunk men are arrested. They're behind bars now!" Priya said happily.

Everyone else looked at her, surprised

"What?" Sadhana, Preeti, Neha, Anjali, Sangeeta, Simran and Chameli gasped.

"No way?" Vivek, Sameer, Amar, Rahul, Rohan, Anand, Anwar and Lalloo gasped.

Prem sat on the bed near Priya and looked at her with astonishment,

"Princess, that's great news!" Priya immediately fell against his body, forgetting about her side effects of the sleeping pills, and hugged him.

Prem wrapped his arms around her and Priya snuggled in his warm chest. Her head underneath his neck. The lovers embraced eachother's comfort and warmth, happy for the fact that the two drunk men were arrested.

Priya and Prem could feel tears of happiness fall from their eyes. Prem was happy because what the two drunk men did to his Priya was cruel and they deserved to get punished. Priya was happy because it was easing some pain away.

"I'm so happy, sanam." Prem cried in happiness while kissing her hair. His tear falling slowly on her hair.

"Me too, handsome." She cried out of happiness, her tears printing on his purple jumper.

"We're all happy. Those idiots got what they deserve." Sameer said. Everyone else laughed in agreement. They started talking to eachother among themselves, giving Prem and Priya a moment to themselves.

Prem and Priya pulled away from each other, still in eachother's arms. Prem moved Priya's hair away from her beautiful face and pressed his lips on her soft lips to softly kiss her. Priya responded to the kiss by cupping his handsome face. Their lips moved in sync for a few seconds, until they pulled away.

They looked into eachother's eyes and Priya leaned up to plant a soft chaste kiss on her boyfriend's lips and forehead. Prem leaned his forehead against Priya's and whispered,

"I love you."

"I love you too. I couldn't have done it without you." Priya whispered. Prem entwined both hands together with Priya's.

"This was all you, Rajkumari. You went out there and told the police what happened. I didn't do much. I'm proud of you for doing it. It wasn't easy, but you did it. This is courage and we'll battle through every obstacle that comes to us." Prem whispered.

"You're right. We're in this together." Priya said.

"Prem, we can't keep DS Arohi Khan waiting." Rahul said kindly, interrupting the love birds' moment. Prem and Priya pulled away. Anjali playfully smacked Rahul,

"Ow!" Rahul said. "What was that for?" He said.

"Why are you interrupting them? Let the two have a moment to themselves." Anjali fussed as a joke.

"It seems like Rahul Baiya is more excited to go the police station." Simran said.

"Well yeah. We can't keep the beautiful DS Arohi Khan waiting." Amar said. Everyone gasped.

Neha and the others gasped as a joke when Amar called DS Arohi Khan beautiful when he loves Neha.

"Amar, did you just call DS Arohi Khan beautiful when you love Neha?" Anwar teased.

"That's not good." Rohan teased. Amar rolled his eyes and cried when Amar gently smacked him,

"Naughty boy!" She playfully scolded. But Amar looked at Neha, until the two started giggling.

"Prem we have to go." Amar said.

"I'm going now, Princess. I'll be back. You rest up." Prem said to Priya. He softly pecked her lips and said, "Love you loads."

"Love you more." Priya replied and softly pecked his lips again. Prem stood up and left the room with Amar and Rahul.

"Take care when you go there." Vivek and Anwar said.

"Will do. Take care of my Priya while I'm gone." Prem said.

"No we won't, Prem Baiya." Simran said sarcastically, making everyone laugh and Prem roll his eyes playfully.

The others stayed with Priya, while Prem, Amar and Rahul went to the police station.

Prem hoped he would get something good in the police station. But little did he know, that he was in for a shocking surprise.

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A/N

Hey everyone! I hope you're doing well! ❤

Here's another chapter for you. It looks a bit boring, but the next chapter will be better and the upcoming ones! I hope you still enjoyed it though! Votes and comments are always appreciated! ❤

I just thought of adding Mamta and Ram in this chapter because the parents are going to start making more appearances, hopefully! ❤

I also gave an exclusive scene of Vivek and Sadhana! They will start appearing more hopefully! ❤

Just wanted to take a moment to mention that I'm proud of -TiaRoshan for starting her sequel to her book, You Are Mine. It's called Meant To Be! Please support it! I can't wait for it! ❤❤

Just going to tag some amazing people who support this story:

-TiaRoshan
bunnythapar
-Dreamfantasyy

Sending love and well wishes,

Rima (Saalrishma_Pyar) ❤