"If you want to stay with Shivani, you'll have to give up your home, your name, the Poddar surname, your position at Poddar Firm, and everything you've acquired with Poddar's money," Kaveri declared. Her voice was cold and resolute, as if she was issuing Armaan a final ultimatum. Her eyes bore into his, as if waiting for his reaction, her gaze unwavering and unyielding.

The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the people around them. Armaan's eyes locked onto Kaveri's, a mixture of shock, anger, and hurt flashing across his face. He seemed to be searching for any sign of weakness or hesitation in Kaveri's expression, but there was none. She stood tall, her shoulders squared, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination.

"It's not just about the material things, Armaan," Kaveri continued, her voice dripping with venom. "It's about the family's reputation, our legacy. You'll be giving all of that up, too. You'll be nothing but a footnote in the Poddar family history." Her words were designed to cut deep, to make Armaan realize the true extent of what he would be giving up.

"Manzoor hai, mujhe Mrs. Poddar," he said without a second thought, his voice firm and resolute. Kaveri's eyes widened in shock, a pang shooting through her heart as she realized that Armaan had addressed her as "Mrs. Poddar" instead of "Dadisa". It was a small change, but it spoke volumes about the shift in their relationship. For the first time, Armaan had not addressed her with the affectionate term that had been a hallmark of their bond for so long.

He systematically removed every symbol of the Poddar family's influence from his person, stripping away the trappings of wealth and privilege that had defined him for so long. He handed over the credit cards, their sleek black surfaces gleaming in the light, the expensive watch that had adorned his wrist, its delicate mechanisms ticking away with precision.

He emptied his wallet, pulling out the wads of cash that had been his constant companion, the soft rustle of the notes a reminder of the financial security he had always taken for granted. But before handing over the wallet, he paused, his fingers hesitating over the worn leather surface. He carefully removed a small photo from the wallet, a tender smile spreading across his face as he gazed at the image of Abhira.

For a moment, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate, replaced by a sense of melancholy and longing. Armaan's eyes lingered on the photo, his heart heavy with the knowledge that he was leaving behind the only life he had ever known.

 Then, with a quiet resolve, he tucked the photo into his pocket, the wallet now empty of everything except memories. With a quiet gesture, he handed the wallet over, severing the last tangible link to his past. 

When he thought he had given away everything that belonged to the Poddars, Kaveri sprang her hand out, her voice sharp as a razor. "Your engagement ring, we paid for it," she said, her eyes glinting with a cold light.

Armaan hesitated, his hand instinctively flying to the ring that still adorned his finger. He looked at Kaveri, his eyes locking onto hers, before shifting to Abhira. His gaze softened as he remembered the way Abhira had smiled when she had slid this very ring onto his finger. The memory was etched in his mind like a warm ember, a reminder of the love and happiness they had shared.

For a moment, Armaan forgot about the tension in the room, forgot about Kaveri's demands and the weight of the Poddar family's expectations. All he could think about was Abhira, and the way she had looked at him with such love and adoration. His heart swelled with emotion, and he felt a surge of protectiveness towards her.

Slowly, Armaan's gaze returned to Kaveri, his eyes hardening into a determined glint. He knew what he had to do. With a quiet resolve, he slid the ring off his finger, the metal feeling cold and alien in his hand. But as he looked at Kaveri, he knew that he was giving up more than just a ring - he was giving up a part of himself.

Abhira's eyes locked onto Kaveri's, a fierce determination burning within them. She stood tall, her shoulders squared, as she slid off the ring that matched Armaan's. The diamond sparkled in the light, a symbol of their love and commitment to each other.

Without a word, Abhira walked over to Kaveri, the ring held out in her palm. She dropped it into Kaveri's hand, the sound of the metal hitting her skin like a challenge. Abhira's eyes never left Kaveri's face, her gaze burning with a fierce intensity.

"I don't need a ring to prove my love for Armaan," Abhira said, her voice steady and strong. "And I certainly don't need the Poddar family's approval to be with him." Her words were a declaration of independence, a statement of her own strength and conviction.

"Your threats may intimidate your grandson, Armaan, but Shivani Maa's son is not afraid of you," Armaan declared, his voice firm and resolute. He walked over to Shivani and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close in a warm, protective gesture. 

"Keep your wealth, your family, and your status, Mrs. Kaveri Poddar," Armaan continued, his eyes blazing with defiance. "I don't need any of it. What I have is all that matters to me - my mother, my wife, and the love we share. That's all the wealth I need."

The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the people around them. Kaveri's face turned red with rage, her eyes flashing with anger and humiliation. But Armaan stood tall, his arm still wrapped around Shivani, his eyes shining with a sense of freedom and liberation.

"Abhira, mere yaha se aage ka safar bohot mushkil hoga, kya tum mera saath..." Armaan's voice trailed off, his eyes searching Abhira's face for reassurance.Before he could complete his words, Abhira's hand shot out, her fingers intertwining with his in a firm grip. "Jaha Armaan, waha Armaan ki Abhira," she said, her voice steady and resolute. 

"𝐓𝐮𝐣𝐡 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠, 𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐢 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚," Abhira continued, her eyes shining with a deep love and commitment. "Wherever you go, I'll be with you. 𝐌𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮, Khadoosmaan."

He looked down at Abhira, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions - love, gratitude, and regret. He thought about how she had stood by him through every up and down, every triumph and every failure. She had loved him unconditionally, accepting him for who he was, without trying to change him.

But as he gazed into her eyes, he was also reminded of the pain he had caused her. He thought about the way he had treated her when he was under the influence of his stepmother, Vidya Poddar. He remembered the harsh words he had spoken, the way he had ignored her feelings, and the pain he had inflicted upon her.

A wave of remorse washed over him, and he felt a deep sense of regret for the way he had behaved. He realized that he had taken Abhira for granted, assuming that she would always be there for him, no matter how he treated her. But as he looked at her now, he saw the strength and resilience in her eyes, and he knew that he had been given a second chance to make things right.

As if Abhira knew exactly what was going on in his mind, she nodded softly, as if to say "no more regrets, no more looking back". And then, in a gentle gesture that spoke volumes about her love and forgiveness, she leaned forward and kissed the back of his hand.

The touch of her lips on his skin sent shivers down his spine, and Armaan felt a lump form in his throat. He looked at Abhira, his eyes searching hers, and saw the deep love and acceptance shining back at him.

"Chale?" Armaan asked, his eyes locked onto Abhira's, awaiting her response. She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips, but then asked him to wait for a moment. 

Abhira walked towards Ruhi, her sister, who had been crying throughout the dramatic scene that had just unfolded. Ruhi's tears were a testament to the emotional turmoil that had gripped them all, and Abhira's heart went out to her sister. 

"Ruhi, bass ek baar Daksh ko dekh loon mein?" Abhira asked, her voice soft and gentle, as she tried to reassure her sister. Ruhi, still tearful, nodded without hesitation, understanding the significance of the moment

. "Mein abhi lekar aati hoon usse," Ruhi said, before walking towards her room. She scooped up Daksh in her arms and walked back towards Abhira, a sense of resolve etched on her face. 

"Daksh ko apni maa se aur uski maa ko apne Daksh se milne ke liye kisi ki permission ki zarurat nahi hai," Ruhi said, her voice firm and resolute, as she handed the toddler over to Abhira. Her words were a declaration of independence, a statement that Abhira and Daksh were free to forge their own path, without the need for anyone's approval.

 Abhira's face lit up with a warm smile as she took Daksh in her arms, holding him close to her heart. She looked at Armaan, and he could see the joy and love shining in her eyes, a sense of completeness that came from being reunited with her son.

"Haan Abhira, janam maine diya hai Daksh ko, lekin uski maa sahi mayne mein tum ho," Ruhi said, her voice filled with conviction and emotion. "Log kehte hai Massi maa jesi hoti hai, and you proved it Abhira," she continued, her eyes shining with tears as she gazed at Abhira with deep affection and gratitude.

Ruhi's words were a heartfelt acknowledgment of the special bond that Abhira shared with Daksh, a bond that transcended biology and spoke to the depths of her love and devotion. By acknowledging Abhira as Daksh's true mother, Ruhi was not only validating their relationship but also recognizing the sacrifices and efforts Abhira had made to care for and nurture Daksh.

"Abhira.." Ruhi whispered, her voice barely audible as she wrapped her arms around Abhira in a tight hug. Tears streamed down her face as she held Abhira close, regret and remorse washing over her for all the mistakes she had made, for all the harsh words she had once spoken to Abhira.

As they hugged, Ruhi felt a weight lift off her shoulders, as if she was finally freeing herself from the burden of her past mistakes. She held Abhira tightly, seeking forgiveness and understanding, and Abhira, sensing Ruhi's emotions, hugged her back just as tightly, offering her love, acceptance, and forgiveness.

In that moment, the two sisters found closure and healing, their bond strengthened by their shared tears and regrets. As they stood there, holding each other, they both knew that their relationship had been forever changed, and that they would emerge from this moment stronger and more loving towards each other.

Abhira's lips gently brushed against Daksh's soft cheeks, her eyes shining with love and adoration as she showered him with tender kisses. She inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet scent of her little one, and felt her heart swell with joy and gratitude.

As she pulled back, Abhira's gaze met Ruhi's, and she smiled softly before gently handing Daksh back to his mother. Ruhi's eyes welled up with tears as she took Daksh in her arms, holding him close as she looked at Abhira with a deep sense of appreciation and love.

Abhira walked towards Armaan and Shivani, a mix of tears and smiles on her face. She grasped Armaan's hand again, nodding in affirmation, as if to say "I'm ready, let's do this". The trio began walking towards the main gate, a sense of determination and resolve in their steps.

Just as they were about to exit, Rohit's voice echoed through the hallway, filled with desperation and longing. "Ruk jaiyaa naa bhaiya!" he begged, his eyes pleading with Armaan to stop, to reconsider, to not leave him and the family behind. The sound of Rohit's voice was like a punch to the gut, making Armaan's heart ache with sadness and guilt.

"Armaan, disagreements happen in every family, beta," Manisha said, her voice trembling with emotion as she tried to stop her nephew from leaving. She had always loved Armaan like her own child, and the thought of him walking out of their lives was unbearable.

But Armaan's response was laced with bitterness and hurt. "A family doesn't betray, deceive, and humiliate its own, Chachisaa," he said, his words cutting deep into Manisha's heart. Armaan's eyes flashed with anger and pain as he spoke, his voice echoing with the weight of his experiences. He had been betrayed, deceived, and humiliated by his own family, and the wounds still lingered, raw and unhealed. 

"And this house was never really mine, chachisaa," Armaan said, his voice heavy with emotion, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings with a mix of sadness and detachment. "I was just a guest, a temporary presence in this family, and a guest always has to leave someday."

 His words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the truth he had finally accepted - that he had never truly belonged in this house, with this family.

Armaan bent down, his eyes filled with gratitude and respect, as he took the blessings of Manisha. Among all the people who had claimed to be his family, Manisha was the one who had truly shown him love and acceptance. 

 "Chachisaa, ashirvaad dijiye ki aapka beta apni har mushkil ka saamna kar paaye," Armaan said, his voice filled with emotion, as he sought Manisha's blessings.

 He asked her to bless him with the strength to face all the challenges that lay ahead, a testament to the faith he had in her love and wisdom. Manisha's eyes welled up with tears as she placed her hands on Armaan's head, her blessings and love pouring out of her like a balm to his weary soul.

He started walking again, but then suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Ek min," he said, his voice firm. He bent down to remove his shoes, his movements deliberate and symbolic. "Yeh bhi Poddars ke paiso se aaye hai," 

he said, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger and defiance as he looked at the shoes in his hand. The words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the fact that everything he had, even the shoes on his feet, had been tainted by the Poddars' wealth and influence.

He placed the shoes on the side, a small but significant gesture of detachment, and then turned to stare at the people he had once considered his family. His eyes swept across their faces, taking in the mix of shock, sadness, and guilt that was etched on their features. 

For a moment, he just stood there, frozen in time, as if committing their faces to memory one last time. And then, with a quiet sense of resolve, he turned and walked away, leaving behind the only family he had ever known, forever.

.................

As they settled into the cozy cafe, Shivani's eyes lit up with warmth as she gazed at Armaan. "Aaru khaale mere bacche!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with affection, as she forwarded a morsel of food to him. The tender gesture was a testament to the deep bond she shared with Armaan, and the love she had for him.

As Shivani's hands touched his, Armaan felt a lump form in his throat, and to his surprise, tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. It was a moment he hadn't experienced in a long, long time - his mother feeding him, caring for him, loving him unconditionally.

 The gesture transported him back to a time when life was simpler, when his biggest worry was what game to play next, not the weight of the world.' 

As he looked up at Shivani, Armaan felt a deep sense of vulnerability wash over him. For a moment, the grown-up Armaan, with all his defenses and walls, melted away, and he was once again a little boy, dependent on his mother's love and care. The feeling was both exhilarating and terrifying, like a dam had burst open, releasing a flood of emotions he had long suppressed.

As Armaan gazed at Shivani, his mind began to wander to a life that could have been. He wondered what his life would have been like if he hadn't been lied to about his mother's death. A pang of sadness and regret washed over him as he thought about all the years he had spent believing his mother was dead.

He imagined a life where he had grown up with Shivani by his side, where she had been there to guide him, to support him, to love him unconditionally. He pictured a childhood filled with laughter, warmth, and happiness, with Shivani's presence making every day brighter.

Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as he thought about all the milestones, all the memories, that could have been made with his mother. He wondered what it would have been like to have her there for his birthdays, his graduations, his first heartbreaks. The thought of it all was almost too much to bear, and Armaan felt a deep sense of loss and longing.

As Shivani gently coaxed him to take another bite, Armaan felt a sense of peace wash over him. It was as if the simple act of his mother feeding him had transported him to a place of serenity and calm. 

The world outside, with all its troubles and heartaches, seemed to fade away, and all that was left was the warmth and love of this moment.

As he chewed and swallowed, Armaan felt his heart, which had been heavy with pain and regret, slowly begin to lighten. The tears that had pricked at the corners of his eyes began to dry, and a small, tentative smile began to form on his lips. 

Shivani, sensing the shift in her son's emotions, smiled back at him, her eyes shining with love and happiness. In this moment, everything felt right with the world, and Armaan knew that he was exactly where he was meant to be.

As Armaan sat with Shivani, feeling her love and care as she fed him, he couldn't help but think of his stepmother, Vidya. She had never shown him such tenderness, never fed him with such love. In fact, she had often made him feel like an outsider, a burden. 

 Armaan realized that he had never felt the depth of emotion he was feeling now. This sense of being loved, of being cherished, was entirely new to him. It was as if his heart was awakening to a feeling it had never known before, and it was both exhilarating and overwhelming.

As he looked at Shivani, Armaan felt a deep sense of gratitude and love. He knew that he had been given a rare gift, a chance to experience the love of a mother, and he was determined to cherish it.

.........

As the bill arrived, Armaan's expression changed from one of contentment to concern. He patted his pockets, feeling a sense of panic rising up inside him. He had no cash on him, and he knew that he couldn't afford to pay the bill. 

Just as Armaan was starting to feel like he was in a tight spot, Abhira sprang into action. She quickly pulled out her phone and opened a payment app. With a few swift taps on the screen, she made the payment online.

Armaan's eyes widened in relief as Abhira smiled and handed the phone to the waiter. "Done!" she said, with a confident smile. The waiter nodded and took the phone to verify the payment, before handing it back to Abhira with a smile.

Abhira playfully grinned at Armaan and said, "When Abhira is here, then why to fear? Khadusmaan?" The nickname "Khadusmaan" rolled off her tongue, teasing Armaan in a lighthearted way. 

............

As they stepped out of the cafe, Armaan's mind began to wander to the uncertain future ahead. A new tension crept into his heart, one that had been lingering in the shadows, waiting to pounce. Where would they go? How would he provide for his mother and wife? The weight of responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders, making his chest feel tight.

He thought about his job, or rather, his lack of one. He had left his old life behind, and with it, his means of supporting himself and his loved ones. A sense of anxiety began to build up inside him, as he wondered how he would put food on the table, how he would give his mother and wife the life they deserved.

As if sensing his worries, Abhira reached out and gently rubbed Armaan's shoulder, her eyes sparkling with reassurance.

Abhira's gentle touch on his shoulder and her reassuring words were like a balm to Armaan's frazzled nerves. He looked at her, and their eyes met, sparking a deep connection. Abhira's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled, and her voice was like music to his ears.

"Maine kaha naa Armaan, agar mein tumhare saath hun, toh tumhe kisi bhi cheez ki tension lene ki zarurat nhi hai," she said, her words dripping with conviction. Armaan felt a weight lift off his shoulders as he absorbed her words. He knew that Abhira was right; with her by his side, he could face anything. Her presence was a reminder that he was not alone, and that together, they could overcome any obstacle.

As Shivani and Armaan stood before the humble abode, their eyes scanned the exterior, taking in the worn, faded walls and the rusty gate that creaked in the gentle breeze. The house was far from luxurious, its simplicity and age evident in every weathered brick and peeling paint flake.

 Yet, despite its rough exterior, the house seemed to exude a warm, welcoming aura, like a gentle hug from a loving grandmother. Shivani and Armaan exchanged a curious glance, their faces reflecting a mix of surprise and wonder.

 Whose house was this? And why had Abhira brought them here? Abhira, sensing their questions, simply smiled, her eyes sparkling with a knowing glint, as if she held a precious secret that she was eager to share.

Abhira's face lit up with a bright, radiant smile as she swept her arm across the front of the house, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Welcome to 'The Kaira Home'," she announced, her voice filled with warmth and pride, as if she were unveiling a treasured secret.

 The words hung in the air, suspended in a moment of anticipation, as Shivani and Armaan exchanged a curious glance, their faces reflecting a mix of surprise and wonder.