The Second Chance

The Mask Of Innocence

The Luthra house was buzzing with warmth as the family gathered for dinner. Laughter filled the air as Karan complimented the ladoo made by Palki, a dish that seemed to have everyone enchanted.

"These ladoos are perfect!" Karan said, smiling warmly at Palki. Kavya, always one to add a playful touch, chimed in, "That's because love is mixed in them."

Shaurya, not one to be left behind, grinned and said, "Love wale ladoo." His words caused a ripple of laughter throughout the room, but Preeta and Karishma exchanged glances, each with thoughts of their own.

Meanwhile, Raajveer, having dropped Anika home, was taking his time. "You must be getting late," Anika pointed out, a small smile playing on her lips.

Raajveer, being the gentleman that he was, got down from the car and smiled. "No, it's okay. I'll come inside and meet your parents. I haven't seen them in a while."

Back at the Luthra house, Kriti had arrived and greeted Preeta. Palki, ever courteous, asked, "How are you?"

Kriti smiled, though her mind seemed preoccupied. "I'm fine," she responded before Palki added, "If you had come a little earlier, you could've had dinner with us."

Kavya jumped in, "You missed Palki bhabhi's ladoos! Even Shaurya had them and praised them." Shaurya nodded, though his attention seemed to be elsewhere.

Kriti laughed lightly but quickly dismissed the offer, "I didn't come for dinner. If I was coming, I would've informed Karishma Massi. I came to discuss something about Viraj's work."

Shaurya raised an eyebrow, teasing, "Your friendship with Viraj seems to be growing more."

Kriti, sensing his tone, responded with a bit of hurt in her voice, "You don't have time for me anymore, Shaurya. Ever since you got married, you're not available for me like before."

Palki, feeling slightly responsible, interjected, "Why do you think that your right on him has diminished? You still have the same right on him as before."

Shaurya smiled softly, appreciating how Palki understood these nuances. He added, "Even Palki gets it."

Kriti, however, wasn't about to let her feelings go unnoticed. "I know what I said is right. We're even fighting because of you, Palki.

The atmosphere in the room tensed up immediately. Shaurya's smile faded, his face showing confusion. "What are you talking about, Kriti?"

"You left me," Kriti said again, this time more firmly, her emotions bubbling up. "You abandoned me in the middle of crucial meeting just to be with Palki."

Before anyone could respond, Viraj entered the room. Karan, always the diplomat, welcomed him with a smile. "Come on in, Viraj."

Viraj approached with his signature charm, looking at the gathering. "Kriti must have apologized for barging in unexpectedly, but I took permission." He winked at Kriti, lightening the mood slightly.

Palki, ever the host, handed him a bowl of ice cream. Viraj took it gratefully and then announced the reason for his visit. "I came here with a special request. My Dadaji's birthday is tomorrow, and it's at 8:30 PM. I flew in from London just for this, and I want it to be a memorable evening."

Preeta, understanding the significance, smiled but declined politely. "I'm sorry, but we can't come. My close friend's daughter is getting married tomorrow."

Viraj looked around at everyone and then asked, "What about Shaurya, Palki, and Raajveer?"

After some contemplation, Preeta nodded. "They will come," she confirmed.