HIS FATHER'S MANAGER'S DAUGHTER

The Arrival

Nishu's cab pulled up to the house where she grew up, her heart heavy with the weight of the circumstances. She stepped out, hoping to find her mother, Pooja, there, but was met with silence. The house felt empty, and after a few minutes of looking around, it became clear—Pooja wasn't home. Frustrated, Nishu let out a breath, knowing where her mother might be. She hailed a taxi and told the driver, "Take me to Mannat."

As the taxi neared Mannat, Nishu was struck by the chaos surrounding it. Crowds of media stood outside, cameras flashing relentlessly, reporters yelling questions into the air. It was as if the world had descended on this one place. With great difficulty, she made her way through the mob, fighting off curious glances and questions about her presence. But she had no time to answer them. She was here for one reason—to be there for her family.

After what felt like an eternity, Nishu finally stepped inside Mannat. The atmosphere inside was heavy with tension. Her heart ached as she spotted her mother, Pooja, sitting on a couch in the corner of the room, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Without a second thought, Nishu rushed to her mother's side. Pooja looked up, tears brimming in her eyes, and the moment they made eye contact, she broke down.

"Maa..." Nishu whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. She embraced her mother tightly, holding her as if that would somehow ease the pain they were all feeling. They stood like that for a few moments, both taking comfort in the unspoken bond they shared.

After pulling away from the hug, Nishu's gaze shifted and she saw Gauri Khan standing nearby. Her heart sank further seeing Gauri's distressed face, a woman who had always seemed so strong and composed, now looking fragile and worn out by the storm that had engulfed her family. Nishu walked over and, without saying a word, hugged her.

Gauri hugged her back tightly, as if needing the warmth of a friend in that moment. "How are you, Nishu?" Gauri asked softly, her voice trembling with exhaustion.

"I'm fine, Auntie," Nishu replied gently, trying to hold back her emotions. "But how are you? And Aryan...how's the case going?"

Gauri's eyes darkened with worry as she shook her head slightly. "It's hard, Nishu. The media, the lawyers, the accusations... It's unbearable. And Aryan... he's... he's devastated. Shahrukh has been with the lawyers day and night, trying to find a way to bring him home."

Hearing Gauri's words made Nishu's chest tighten. She had never seen Gauri like this before—vulnerable and lost. It tore her apart inside. "Auntie, I'm so sorry to see you like this. But don't lose hope. We'll figure this out. Aryan will come home soon," Nishu assured her, though even she could feel the uncertainty in her voice.

Gauri managed a weak smile, her gratitude evident. "Thank you, Nishu. It means so much that you're here."

But Nishu wasn't done. She had to do more. "Where's Shahrukh Uncle?" she asked, her determination building. "I need to speak with him about Aryan's case."

"He's at the Red Chillies office," Gauri answered. "He's there with the lawyers, working on the case."

Without wasting another moment, Nishu knew what she had to do next. She was going to see SRK, join the fight, and do whatever it took to get Aryan out of this mess. 

Nandini stood outside the office, facing a tall iron gate, as the guards blocked her way. "I'm here to see Mr. Khan," she said firmly, but the guards only shook their heads.

"Sorry, ma'am. No one is allowed inside without prior appointment," one of the guards said, glancing over her like she was just another outsider.

Nandini's  frustration was bubbling up, but she kept her composure. She wasn't someone who was used to being turned away, especially not when she was here to help. Just as she was about to argue further, one of Shahrukh's personal bodyguards approached from the side, recognizing her immediately.