Love, when tested by fire, either turns to ash—or gold. As Arnav and Khushi prepare to come clean, Shyam makes his first deadly move…

-×-

Shantivan – Morning – Living Room

Sunlight filtered through the curtains as the family gathered for tea. Anjali was arranging flowers near the temple when Shyam stepped in, his face calm—but his eyes dangerous.

Anjali (smiling):

“Raat bhar kitabein padh rahe the kya, Shyamji? Aankhein laal lag rahi hain.”

Shyam (falsely smiling):

“Kuch raatein zindagi badal deti hain, Rani Sahiba.”

Khushi entered from the kitchen, pausing as her eyes met Shyam’s. The change in his gaze sent a shiver down her spine.

-×-

Later – Corridor

As Khushi walked toward Arnav’s room with a breakfast tray, Shyam suddenly appeared beside her.

Shyam (low, mocking):

“Woh raat yaad hai Khushiji? Jab aap mere paas aa rahi thi—aur maine aapka haath thaama tha?”

Khushi clenched the tray tightly.

Khushi (firmly):

“Woh raat bhi yaad hai jab aapne jhooth bol bolke meri zindagi barbaad karne ki koshish ki thi. Par ab nahi.”

Shyam (leaning closer, whispering):

“Par mujhe ab bhi sab kuch yaad hai… aur mere paas saboot bhi.”

He slipped a small envelope into her tray.

Shyam:

“Khol lena. Tab samajh jaogi ki tumhara Arnavji bhi tumhe bacha nahi paayega.”

Khushi walked away, her hands trembling.

-×-

Inside Arnav’s Room

She burst in, shutting the door behind her.

Arnav (alarmed):

“Khushi? Kya hua?”

She held out the envelope with trembling fingers. Arnav opened it—inside were the poolside photos. Him. Her. In each other's arms.

Khushi (softly):

“Woh keh raha tha… woh sabko dikha dega. Sab kuch bigaad dega.”

Arnav stared at the photos, jaw clenched.

Arnav:

“Shyam ki aukaat hi kya hai jo yeh khel khelta phire. Ab waqt aa gaya hai. I’ll end this.”

Khushi:

“Par Anjaliji… woh toot jaayengi.”

Arnav (steely):

“Woh kab tak jhooth mein jeeyengi, Khushi? I’ll make sure she learns the truth—with me by her side.”

-×-

Meanwhile – Shyam’s Secret Meeting

Shyam met a sleazy tabloid journalist in a café near Connaught Place.

Shyam (sliding over a file):

“Yeh photos hain ek media tycoon ke ghar ki. Raizada khandaan. Chhaap do headline—‘Bhabhi aur Devar ka raaz.’”

Journalist:

“Maal to damdaar hai… par paisa?”

Shyam (grinning):

“Naam aur badnaami, dono ka silsila abhi shuru hua hai.”

-×-

Shantivan – Poolside – That Night

Arnav stood near the water, his phone in hand. He had made the call. A lawyer would come tomorrow. He would start divorce proceedings between Anjali and Shyam.

Khushi walked in quietly.

Khushi:

“Aap sure ho? Ek baar bata chalega… toh Anjaliji—”

Arnav (turning to her):

“I’m sure. Tumhare liye. Apne liye. Aur sabse zyada, Anjali ke liye. Usse jhooth ke saath jeene nahi doonga.”

She hugged him tightly, tears falling silently.

-×-

Elsewhere – A Darkroom

Shyam looked at a giant print of the photos pinned to the wall.

Shyam (to himself):

“Jab yeh poori duniya dekhegi… tab Arnav Singh Raizada ki izzat mitti mein mil jaayegi. Aur Khushiji—voh meri ban jaayengi. Chahe jaisi bhi…”

-×-

To be continued…

Next Up: Chapter 24 – Revelations and Ruin

By

Muskan Tarway

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