Accepting Reality ✔️

Epilogue

Aman arrived in Sydney the next morning, having taken the earliest flight available. He spoke with Arnav and Khushi, urging them to return to India. "You need to come back," he said firmly. "Akash and Anjali have heard everything you've been through. They're all willing to forgive and forget. You need to return for the sake of your child. Aarav shouldn't suffer because of what's happened." Akash and Saira had been informed of the ordeal and had advised the family to mend their relations with Arnav and Khushi. The safety and well-being of their children were paramount. Akash, deeply moved by the story, spoke with Anjali, who was visibly emotional upon hearing the details. Anjali, was in tears when she spoke with Arnav and Khushi. "I'm so sorry, Arnav. I never realised the extent of what you were going through. Can you ever forgive us?" Arnav, holding Khushi's hand, spoke to his sister after years. Aman escorted Arnav, Khushi, and Aarav back to India. Upon their return, Anjali welcomed them with open arms, the family slowly healing from past wounds. Anjali and Arnav slowly reconciled, putting their differences aside.

Khushi had fainted one day, and it was during that scare that Arnav discovered they were expecting a baby again. The news had brought mixed emotions, but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter. It had been nearly a year since they returned from Sydney, and the Raizada family had come together once more, putting aside past grievances. Akash had handed ARD back to Arnav, and both Arnav and Saira were now actively involved in running the business. Meanwhile, Arnav had taken over Khushi's old ventures to support her during her pregnancy, though Khushi remained deeply involved in everything. Akash was now working with his father. 

Today, however, the atmosphere in the hospital was tense. Arnav paced anxiously outside the operating theatre, his face was pale and etched with worry. He glanced at the clock repeatedly, his hands gripped the railing tightly. Akash, trying to be a pillar of support, was with him, along with his son, Shaurya, and Aarav. Despite their attempts to console him, Arnav's nerves were frazzled. Akash put a reassuring hand on Arnav's shoulder.

Akash: "Bhai, it's going to be okay. This isn't your first time. You've been through this before with Aarav."

Arnav shook his head, his eyes never left the closed doors of the operating room.

Arnav: "It's not that, Akash. I know I've done this before, but... Khushi is going through so much right now. I love her so much. It's just terrifying."

Shaurya, sensing his uncle's distress, tugged at Arnav's sleeve.

Shaurya: "Bade papa, is badi mama going to be okay? When will the baby come out?"

Arnav forced a smile, though his worry was palpable.

Arnav: "Yes, Shaurya, she will be okay. The baby will be here soon. Just a little while longer."

Aarav, who had been clinging to his father's leg, looked up with wide eyes.

Aarav: "Paa, will my little sister come out soon?"

Arnav bent down, gently ruffling Aarav's hair.

Arnav: "Yes, Aarav. Your little sister will be here soon. We just need to be patient."

Hours seemed to stretch endlessly, and the weight of the wait felt like it would never lift. Finally, the operating room doors swung open, and a nurse stepped out, holding a tiny bundle in her arms. The sight of the nurse carrying his daughter brought a wave of emotion over Arnav. The nurse approached Arnav, handing over the baby with a warm smile.

Nurse: "Congratulations, Mr. Raizada. Here's your daughter."

Arnav took the baby gently, his hands were still trembling. He looked down at his daughter, her tiny face was barely visible under the soft blanket. Tears welled up in his eyes as he marvelled at the new life in his arms. The moment was overwhelming, and he felt a mix of joy and relief. Inside the waiting area, Shali, Aarav, and Shaurya eagerly awaited news of their new family member. Their faces were filled with anticipation as they watched Arnav approach them with his daughter. Shali jumped up excitedly.

Shali: "Maamu, is it really her? Can we see her?"

Aarav, his small hands reaching out, added, "I want to see my baby sister first!"

Arnav, still in a daze, nodded but was barely able to speak. His voice cracked as he looked at his children. He gently lowered her down so that the three of them could see their new sister. Once Khushi was shifted to the ward they all went inside. As he carefully handed the baby to Khushi, Arnav took a moment to gather himself. The sight of his family, their faces filled with joy, brought him a deep sense of peace. The room was filled with a new sense of happiness and togetherness as they celebrated the arrival of the newest member. The trials they had faced seemed to melt away, replaced by the pure, simple joy of welcoming a new life into their world.

Arnav: "Congratulations my baby on your new baby!"

Khushi: "Thank you Arnav, for changing my life around, for messing with me, for giving me my own family, for everything, I love you!"

Arnav: "You don't have to thank me. I love you too my baby, you have made me the happiest man in the world."

Arnav left the room so that everyone could meet Khushi and his daughter. Looking at his children from the window he dialled Aman,

Arnav: "I want all of the test subjects killed, everyone I ever slipped those drugs to."

Aman: "You do realise 'they' aren't going to be happy about it?"

Arnav: "Give them an offer they can't refuse. I will completely fund their new research on gene manipulations, if they let me kill everyone."

Aman: "You know what this means?"

Arnav: "I don't care, I have a family now. I can't risk more people escaping out and making my family a target. We have been through enough. It's taken time to get ARD back to it's position you know, I don't want to risk it further. I cannot let my daughter be hurt, she is so tiny and seeing her I.. just.. I"

Aman: "Sheetal was an anomaly"

Arnav: "Still, she escaped. I can't take more risks. Finish them all, and I mean A-L-L of them!"