Truth is like fire-it burns, it purifies, but it also destroys. And Arnav Singh Raizada was ready to let it all burn... for justice.

-×-

Shantivan - Arnav's Room

Khushi paced back and forth, wringing her hands. Arnav stood by the poolside, arms crossed, staring at the water.

Khushi (hesitant):

"Arnav ji... kya aap sach mein sab kuch bata denge Di ko?"

(Arnav ji... are you really going to tell everything to Di?)

He didn't look at her.

Arnav (firmly):

"Waqt aa gaya hai, Khushi. Ab aur jhooth nahi."

(The time has come, Khushi. No more lies.)

Khushi (softly):

"Par unka dil toot jaayega..."

(But her heart will break...)

He turned to her then, his voice quieter.

Arnav:

"Uska bharosa already toot chuka hai, Khushi. Sirf usse pata nahi."

(Her trust is already broken, Khushi. She just doesn't know it yet.)

Khushi walked to him, placing a hand on his arm.

Khushi:

"Hum sach ke saath hain... par agar us sach se kisi ka jeevan bikhar jaaye toh?"

(We stand with the truth... but what if that truth shatters someone's life?)

He met her eyes-haunted but resolute.

Arnav:

"Di ek sapne mein jee rahi hai. Aur main nahi chahta ke uska bacha bhi jhooth ke saaye mein bade ho."

(Di is living in a dream. And I don't want her child to grow up in the shadow of lies.)

-×-

Anjali's Room - That Evening

Anjali was setting baby clothes in a drawer when Arnav knocked and walked in.

Anjali (smiling):

"Chhote! Dekho... maine chhoti si jhaali wali topi li hai... kitni pyari hai na?"

(Chhote! Look... I bought this tiny netted cap... isn't it adorable?)

Arnav forced a smile.

Anjali:

"Kya hua? Tum kuch pareshaan lag rahe ho."

(What's wrong? You look worried.)

He sat beside her, taking her hand.

Arnav (softly):

"Di... tum mujhse sab kuch baant-ti ho na?"

(Di... you share everything with me, right?)

Anjali:

"Haan. Tum mere sabse bade sahare ho."

(Yes. You're my biggest support.)

Arnav (painfully):

"Main bhi tumse kuch baat karna chahta hoon. Jo tumhare liye jaan-na zaroori hai."

(I want to tell you something... something important for you to know.)

Before he could continue, Khushi entered-eyes wide with panic.

Khushi (urgently):

"Arnav ji... please ek minute."

(Arnav ji... please, one minute.)

She looked at Anjali with a weak smile.

Khushi:

"Di, aapka favourite halwa banaya hai. Main neeche le aati hoon."

(Di, I made your favorite halwa. I'll bring it up.)

Then she turned to Arnav, her eyes pleading. He followed her outside.

-×-

Corridor Outside Anjali's Room

Khushi (whispering):

"Arnav ji, aaj mat. Di bahut khush thi. Aapne dekha na unki aankhon mein chamak?"

(Not today, Arnav ji. Di was so happy. You saw the sparkle in her eyes, right?)

Arnav ran a hand through his hair, conflicted.

Khushi (gently):

"Ek din aur ruk jaaiye. Kal unka godh bharai hai. Let her have that one day of peace."

(Just wait one more day. Tomorrow is her baby shower. Let her enjoy it in peace.)

He looked away, jaw clenched.

Arnav:

"Ek din aur. Bas ek din, Khushi."

(One more day. Just one, Khushi.)

-×-

Elsewhere - That Night - Shyam's Hideout

Shyam lit a cigarette, grinning to himself.

Shyam (to himself):

"Raizada sochta hai ke woh chaal chalayega. Lekin asli game toh maine set kiya hai."

(Raizada thinks he's making a move. But I've already set the real game.)

He flipped open his laptop and played a new video file.

It was CCTV footage-from the terrace.

Him. Khushi. The conversation twisted by careful editing.

Shyam:

"Ab toh bas ek push chahiye... aur Khushi ka bharosa bhi khatam."

(Now I just need one push... and Khushi's trust will be gone too.)

He smirked.

-×-

To be continued...

Next up: Chapter 12: Godh Bharai: Saath Ya Saazish?

By

Muskan Tarway

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