𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓼

Ch. 41 ⭐

Author's note:  Ready for new twists and turns?? Yes? Then, let's go for it!

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Two years later.

The past two years had brought countless changes to the Shikhawat family. At times, it felt as if time moved painfully slowly, each day stretching on endlessly. Yet, on other days, it seemed to rush forward, leaving them scrambling to keep up with life's transformations.

After Rajveer's death, Manik and Nandini had gotten married. They didn't want to wait long, for two reasons: one, they were determined not to lose each other and wanted to cherish their bond while they could, and two, the family needed a steady presence—young blood who could be there for them in Rajveer's absence.

However, their journey wasn't without obstacles. Nayonika, Manik's mother, seized the opportunity to create trouble, believing the couple was now vulnerable without Rajveer's protective shadow. But unexpectedly, Manik's father returned and took a stand by his son and Nandini. With his blessing, the young couple exchanged vows, and Manik moved into the Shikhawat household permanently.

Shortly after, Mr. Malhotra divorced Nayonika, effectively cutting ties. He even removed her from the college board, ensuring she could no longer wield power over them. Then, as quickly as he had returned, he left the country again, leaving behind a legacy of support that strengthened Manik's resolve.

A year after Rajveer's passing, Payel and Dhruv married as well. Dhruv, deeply committed to his goals, was working hard to establish a strong base in India. Meanwhile, Payel had completed her degree and was now thriving in her role with an event management company, finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment in her work.

Khushi and Arnav were still together, navigating the ups and downs of their relationship. After finishing her college studies a few months ago, Khushi had landed a job at a bank, marking the start of her professional journey. Despite their occasional on-and-off fights—sometimes fiery, sometimes trivial—they always found their way back to each other, their bond growing stronger with each reconciliation.

Their families, on the other hand, watched eagerly, waiting for the moment when the two would finally decide to take the next step. It was no secret that both sets of parents were excitedly anticipating the day when Khushi and Arnav would let them know they were ready to get married. It was a topic of endless speculation and gentle nudges, and though Khushi and Arnav pretended not to notice, a shared smile or a lingering glance would give away that they understood everything.

The most startling change in the Shikhawat family was Naina's unexpected suspension from the military. The official reason was vague, but rumors were rampant. According to speculation, she had been found drunk on duty multiple times, leading her superiors to intervene. Her seniors, aware of her impressive track record and recent personal loss, assumed that grief had driven her to alcohol. With that in mind, they imposed a condition: Naina could only return to duty if she completed six months in a rehabilitation center and obtained a certificate proving her sobriety.

But Naina had other plans. She outright refused the idea of rehabilitation, choosing instead to drown her sorrows in a whirlwind of parties. Night after night, she would come home well past midnight, stumbling and intoxicated, clad in glamorous, eye-catching outfits. She was often seen leaving clubs with different men, only to return at dawn, much to her family's dismay.

Her actions didn't go unnoticed. Neighbors whispered, and even the milkman and maids exchanged uneasy glances. Her colleagues in the military looked on with a mix of disappointment and disbelief. Tension began to simmer within the family, as frequent arguments broke out over her behavior. It was a painful sight for those who had once admired her as a dedicated soldier and loving wife.