Chapter 45: The Final Justice

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The Mehra family arrived at the police station with a sense of urgency, driven by Aradhya's anguished cries

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The Mehra family arrived at the police station with a sense of urgency, driven by Aradhya's anguished cries. As Aradhya dashed inside, her desperation palpable, Karthik and the others followed closely behind, bracing themselves for what they might find.

Inside the station, Aradhya's scream pierced the air, drawing Karthik like a magnet. Without hesitation, he rushed to her side, enveloping her in a tight embrace, his heart heavy with the burden of delivering distressing news.

"Karthik, what's happened to my Kriti? Who could do such a thing?" Aradhya's voice cracked with emotion as tears streamed down her cheeks. Karthik remained silent for a moment, grappling with the weight of his sister's suffering.

"Aradhya, she's... she's in a terrible state," Karthik finally managed, his voice filled with sorrow. Raj and Sakshi shared a look of concern, their hearts breaking for Kritika.

"Let me see her, Karthik. Please, tell them to open the cell," Aradhya pleaded, her desperation driving her forward. Karthik exchanged a meaningful glance with Ajay, silently urging him to grant Aradhya's request.

As the cell door swung open, Aradhya wasted no time in rushing to Kritika's side, her heart aching at the sight of her sister's bruised and battered form. Tenderly, she lifted Kritika's trembling hands, her touch a comforting presence amidst the chaos.

"Kriti, oh my dear sister, who could have done this to you?" Aradhya's voice trembled with emotion as tears welled in her eyes. Kritika, drained of energy and spirit, could only meet her sister's gaze with a haunted expression.

Meanwhile, Sakshi's heart shattered as she took in the extent of Kritika's injuries. With a steely resolve, she turned away, determined to take action.

"Karthik, go and fetch some food. We can't allow her to suffer like this," Sakshi instructed firmly, her maternal instincts kicking into overdrive. Karthik nodded, grateful for something tangible to focus on amidst the turmoil.

Returning with food in hand, Karthik watched as Sakshi tenderly fed Kritika, her gestures infused with love and compassion. However, their moment of solace was interrupted by Ajay's impatient presence, his irritation evident as he voiced his objections.

"This is a police station, not a hotel. You can't coddle an accused like this," Ajay admonished, his tone grating on Raj and Karthik's nerves.

"Officer, tread carefully. Any further disrespect towards my daughter and you'll find yourself answering to me," Raj warned, his voice laced with authority. Ajay, cowed by Raj's unwavering resolve, retreated with a begrudging acknowledgment of defeat.

With Kritika finally settled into a restless sleep, Aradhya cradled her sister's head in her lap, her heart heavy with worry and determination.

"Karthik, we must uncover the truth, no matter the cost," Aradhya declared, her gaze steely with resolve.

"I agree, Aradhya. Kritika deserves justice, and I'll stop at nothing to ensure she gets it," Karthik vowed, his determination matching his sister's.

The morning of Mithali and Aditya's engagement ceremony was filled with anticipation at the Singhania mansion. Aditya, though outwardly composed, battled with memories of his past, particularly his engagement to Kritika.

"Stop thinking about her, Aditya. She's the past, and you're moving forward now," Aditya muttered to himself, attempting to shake off the lingering thoughts. His resolve wavered as Abhimanyu entered the room, reminding him of the impending ceremony.

"Aditya, everyone's waiting for you downstairs," Abhimanyu informed him, prompting Aditya to follow him to the main hall.

Upon reaching the gathering, Aditya stood by Mithali's side, exchanging smiles as they prepared for the ceremony. Swetha's voice cut through the air, signaling the start of the proceedings, and Ahana, with a smile, presented the rings for the engagement.

As Mithali slid the ring onto Aditya's finger, the room erupted into applause, a joyous celebration of the couple's union. However, amidst the cheer, Priya remained somber, silently hoping for a turn of events.

Suddenly, the festive atmosphere was shattered by a loud commotion as Karthik stormed into the mansion, dragging an unknown man alongside Raj. The man's body hit the floor with a thud, groaning in pain, drawing Aditya's intense glare.

"What the hell did you do to him?" Aditya demanded, striding toward Karthik with furrowed brows.

"We thought we'd add a special touch to your engagement, Aditya. How's that for a surprise?" Karthik retorted, his tone laced with mockery.

"Why did you hit him?" Aditya pressed, his voice growing harsher. Ignoring Aditya's question, Karthik turned his attention to the man he'd brought with him.

"He lied to us, causing my sister to end up in jail," Karthik explained, delivering a sharp slap to the man's face.

"What lie?" Aditya inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Answer him, or you'll regret it," Karthik warned the man, his voice dripping with menace.

"I-I'll tell you. The video, it's edited. It's not real," the man confessed, sending a chill down Aditya's spine.

"You must be joking," Aditya stammered, his nerves betraying him.

"No joke, Mr. Singhania," Karthik declared, retrieving a laptop and playing the video for all to see.

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