𝑯𝑬𝑹 𝑯𝑨𝑹𝑫𝑬𝑵𝑬𝑫 𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑹𝑻. ✅✅

𝑯𝑯𝑯 𝟏𝟏

The Cambridge Montessori School.

Shashi looked sadly at Khushi, who gave him a glance before looking away, which hurt him.

The entire family, including Khushi, Preeto, Aman, and Sahil, had gathered to support Kiki in her first lead role in a school play since beginning preschool a few months prior.

The Gupta women who came with Shashi were taken aback when they saw Khushi, and what shocked them even more was how elegantly she dressed, especially since she was a mother.

They realised from Shashi and Payal's expressions that they already knew about Khushi's arrival and the existence of her daughter, and the warning Shashi and Payal had given them to behave finally made sense.

Garima and Buaji wanted to hug Lulu, but they restrained themselves so as not to upset Shashi and Payal, knowing that doing so would leave them homeless and penniless.

"I do not think I can do this." Kiki exclaimed nervously, stopping at the entrance and grabbing everyone's attention.

She played the lead in her school's Beauty and the Beast production, and she looked stunning as Belle.

Akash kneeled to her level to encourage her, but Lulu intervened.

"What do you mean, you can not do it?...... Of course you can...... "We practiced all week, and you were fantastic."

"Really." Kiki cried out in delight, and Lulu smiled and nodded.

Lulu pushed Akash aside and stood in front of Kiki, making the adults laugh while holding Kiki's hand.

"Now, breathe in." Lulu issued the command, and Kiki followed suit. "Now, breathe out." Lulu sighed with relief. "Now let us go and kill the show."

Kiki smiled and the girls entered the building together, welcomed by the teachers.

Payal exclaimed angrily just as the adults were about to enter.

"What exactly are they doing here?"

They all turned to see Nani, Mami, Anjali, and Naina approaching them.

"I am here to support my niece and to check out the facilities because I want Naina to start as soon as possible." Anjali responded arrogantly, toning her eyes until she focused on Khushi.

She was astounded to see Khushi and felt a surge of jealousy because she was so beautiful, young, and elegantly dressed.

Arnav moved in between them, blocking Anjali's gaze, and gave Anjali an angry look before warning her to back off.

"For the time being, I am unable to approach Khushi while Arnav is present...... It is best for me to be patient." Anjali paused and turned to face the others, who were also dissatisfied with her presence.

Manohar shot a glare at Mami, who was hiding behind Anjali.

He was about to lash out and kick them out when the teacher rushed out, informing them that the show was about to begin and that they should take their seats immediately.

"We will be joining the audience soon, but first I need to make sure some unwanted people leave the premises...... Mrs. Dhawan, please contact security and have these individuals removed." Akash spoke with firm and stern tone.

The principal was surprised because she had no idea there was so much animosity between the family members.

"Akash, just let it be." Payal spoke up, which surprised everyone, and Akash was about to respond when Payal squeezed his arm. "Let us not ruin our princess' performance by fighting..... They will be safe from my wrath if they stay away from Lulu and Kiki. Akash sighed and nodded as Payal turned to an angry-looking Anjali. "Know your place. "