Accepting Reality ✔️

Part 27 - Full Disclosure

The Guptas returned to Buaji's Delhi house with Shashi, Payal and her mother, Garima. The atmosphere in their home was tense, filled with a mix of frustration and jealousy. Buaji, ever the schemer, was determined to use this opportunity. She gathered Garima, Payal, in the kitchen. As they prepared tea and snacks, Buaji's eyes sparkled with a cunning idea.

Buaji: "You know, Garima, I noticed something interesting today. I saw Akash Raizada and Payal interacting at the party. He was looking at Payal with admiration. There was something in his eyes. I think they two would make a wonderful couple."

Payal, who was busy stirring a pot, looked up in shock.

Payal: "What are you talking about, Buaji? I can't—"

Garima, excited by the prospect, cut her off.

Garima: "Payal, this is a golden opportunity! Just think about it, being a Raizada bahu! Look at Khushi, if that orphan could manage it, why can't you? You need to take this chance."

Buaji: "Yes, Payal, you shouldn't miss out on this. It's not every day you get a chance to be part of such a prestigious family."

Garima: "And if you manage to catch Akash's interest, just think of how your life could change. You'll be respected and have a secure future for Disha."

Payal: "But I have Disha. I don't want to impose on Akash or his family. I am divorced and he is single, just because he spoke to me nicely, we can't do this. I've been through so much already."

Buaji: "Oh, come on, Payal! You can't let a little thing like your past hold you back. Look at how Khushi managed to secure her place. If she could do it, so can you. Don't let your father bear your burden any longer."

Garima: "Till when will you continue to depend on your father, Payal? You need to make an effort. Akash is a wealthy man. Think about the future. Trap him like Khushi trapped Arnav. Use your charm. You know how ill your father has been and we've had to beg in front of that orphan!"

Payal: "I never wanted this. I don't want to use anyone for my benefit. I just want a stable life for myself and Disha."

Buaji: "Listen, Payal, it's not about using anyone. It's about making a strategic move for a better future. Sometimes you have to take risks to change your life. If you don't try, you'll always be stuck in the same situation."

The pressure from her mother and Buaji, combined with their encouraging words, began to weigh heavily on Payal. She glanced at her daughter, who was playing in the corner, and then back at the expectant faces around her. Payal, feeling a mix of resignation and determination, finally spoke. "Alright, I'll think about it." Buaji and Garima beamed, satisfied with Payal's reluctant agreement thinking they will convince her further. But they were successful in planting a seed in Payal's head of Akash's likeness towards her.

A week later, Arnav Singh Raizada found himself in an unexpected and difficult situation, sitting in a small, gloomy room at the Delhi police station. He had been there for more than 24 long hours, waiting for his bail to come through. Every minute felt like it dragged on forever. He was mostly worried about what would happen to ARD's shares if news of his arrest got out. So far, the police had kept things quiet, and no one outside the station knew off what had happened. The charges against him were shocking and completely false. Someone from the Singhania group of industries, had accused him of running a human trafficking ring with his multiple NGOs and molesting young girls. The police had taken the accusations seriously and arrested him at his home, treating him like a suspect. Khushi was in Mumbai with his family, visiting one of his grandmother's old friends, and she had no idea what was going on in Delhi. But when she got a call from Arnav, his voice shaky and broken, she rushed back to Delhi without a second thought, her heart was filled with worry and anger.