Gupta HouseholdA week after her accident, Khushi left the hospital, though doctors insisted on regular check-ups. Her face glowed with the joy of going home, her heart light despite the lingering pain.
All the way, she peppered her babuji with questions about Garima, Sheetal, and Madhu, her voice bubbling with excitement. She even cheered at Sheetal's modeling success, unaware of the venom it stirred in her sister's heart. When they reached the house, Khushi's eagerness to see everyone dimmed-only Madhu awaited her.
Madhu's eyes welled up at the sight of Khushi. She pulled her into a fierce embrace, tears spilling freely. Khushi hugged her just as tightly, clinging to the only motherly warmth she'd ever known. Madhu loved her more than anyone, even her own niece, and Khushi felt it in every heartbeat. To ease Madhu's worry, she cracked jokes, her laughter a fragile shield against the ache in her chest. "I'm fine, Buaji, promise!" she teased, coaxing a shaky smile from her.
But Shashi and Madhu noticed Khushi's eyes darting, searching for Garima and Sheetal. When she found no trace of them, her smile faltered, hurt flickering across her face. She'd expected their absence, yet the sting cut deep. Shashi's jaw tightened, and Madhu's heart burned with anger. How could those women be so heartless? Hating Khushi was one thing, but skipping her homecoming? It was repulsive. If only they knew how much crueler Garima and Sheetal could be, blinded by their loathing.
Seeing Khushi's distress, Shashi urged her to rest. "Bitiya, go lie down," he said softly, his voice heavy with guilt. From the kitchen, Garima watched the scene with cold eyes. Sheetal, seething in her bedroom, gritted her teeth at Shashi and Madhu's love for "that orphan."
Her thoughts dripped venom: "Mamma and I did everything to erase her, but look at her luck! Back like a bad penny, stealing our peace."
A sharp doorbell snapped Sheetal from her rage. Garima emerged from the kitchen, heading to answer it. Shashi and Madhu followed, puzzled. "Haye re Nand Kishore!" Madhu called. "Garima, who's at the door? Why're you standing there like a statue?"Garima, stunned, ushered the visitors inside without a word. Shashi's eyes widened. "Sir, madam! You here? At my home? Is everything alright?" he stammered, facing Aditya and Ratna Raizada.
Ratna smiled warmly. "Yes, Mr. Gupta, all's well. We came unannounced to discuss something important with your family. Hope we haven't disturbed you." Shashi's unease grew. The Raizadas, in his modest home? "No disturbance, but... what's this about?" he asked, voice tight.
