The Second Chance

A Heart Divided

Palki holds up a love band in her hand, looking at Shaurya with questioning eyes. "Shaurya, I found this in your cupboard," she says. "You had given this to Kriti, right? Then how did it end up here?"

Shaurya looks at the band and sighs. "It is Kriti’s love band," he admits.

Palki tilts her head, confused. "Did you take it back from her after a fight? That’s not right, Shaurya. You shouldn’t behave like kids," she says gently. "I will return it to her."

Shaurya shakes his head. "It’s not needed, Palki," he says firmly.

"But she is your good friend," Palki insists. "She even said that you have changed. Now that she’s getting married, we should do something nice for her. Let’s clear any misunderstandings between you both." She smiles at him. "You won’t refuse me, right?"

Shaurya watches her for a moment and then sighs. "Do what you feel is right."

Palki walks toward his cupboard to place the love band back inside. As she stands there, she suddenly feels restless. A strange feeling tugs at her heart. She places her hand on her chest, recalling all the moments she has shared with Shaurya. A soft smile plays on her lips, but an unexplainable worry lingers in her heart.

At Kriti’s house, she sits on the floor, tears streaming down her face as she picks up the torn pieces of Shaurya’s photos. She stares at them with pain in her eyes.

"My Shaurya…" she whispers.

Kiran enters the room and sees Kriti’s distress. She sighs and sits beside her. "How will you fix these pictures now?" she asks.

Kriti wipes her tears. "It doesn’t matter anymore."

Kiran shakes her head. "You need to return his things. Shaurya is confused, but he’s not afraid of losing you," she says. "That’s why you agreed to marry Viraj, right?"

Kriti looks at her mother and nods slowly. "Yes, that’s why."

Kiran places a hand on her shoulder. "Then move on, Kriti. Take this risk. If Shaurya truly loves you, he will realize that he can’t live without the one he loves."

Kriti's lips tremble as she whispers, "And that person is me."

At the Luthra house, Kavya happily rushes toward Karan and greets him.

"Dad, you should always be this happy!" she exclaims.

Karan chuckles, but before he can respond, Kavya pouts. "But why aren’t you sharing your happiness with me?"

Just then, Raajveer enters, looking cheerful. Kavya grins mischievously and pulls his ear. "You both are the same! Always hiding things from me!"

"Leave my ear, Kavya!" Raajveer complains.

"Not until you tell me what’s going on," she teases.

Karan and Raajveer exchange a look before laughing. "Alright, alright! We’ll tell you, just let him go first," Karan says.

Kavya finally releases Raajveer’s ear. "Okay, now tell me!"

Before they can answer, Preeta enters. "Come on, let’s have breakfast first," she says.

Everyone moves to the dining table. As they sit, Preeta whispers something to Karishma and then tells Karan, "I need to talk to her about something important."

Karan nods. "Do it after breakfast."

"I’ll eat later," Preeta replies and leaves with Karishma.

Just then, Palki enters and touches the elders' feet.