The Second Chance

The Battle of Hearts

Kiran looks at Karishma with determination. "If I were in Kriti’s place, I wouldn’t have waited for Shaurya," she says firmly. "I would have left him long ago."

Karishma listens quietly as Kiran continues, her voice laced with frustration. "Kriti loves Shaurya, but she’s stubborn. If he doesn’t leave Palki, she’ll go ahead and marry Viraj—even though she doesn’t love him."

Karishma frowns. "So what do you want us to do?"

Kiran crosses her arms. "The choice is yours, Karishma. Either tell Palki to leave or throw her out. If you want my daughter to marry Shaurya, then give her security. Shaurya must leave Palki for that to happen."

Karishma sighs. The situation was more complicated than she had expected.

---

Shaurya stands outside Preeta’s room, listening as she speaks to Kriti.

Preeta smiles gently. "Kriti, I like you. I know you’ve always supported Shaurya, and I’ll never forget your kindness. Thank you for that."

Kriti nods and leaves the room, passing by Shaurya without noticing him.

Shaurya steps inside, looking at his mother.

Preeta turns to him with pride in her eyes. "Shaurya, I’m so proud of you. You didn’t do what Kriti wanted."

Shaurya stays silent, his mind conflicted.

Preeta continues, "I’m happy that you kept your word and married Palki for a year. The Markesh Dosh in your kundali will be aggressive throughout this year, and if you had left Palki, anything could have happened to you."

Shaurya’s heart races as he thinks, I didn’t see the kundali dosh. I only saw Palki.

Preeta places a hand on his shoulder. "If you had married Kriti, I would have never accepted her as my bahu. But you kept your promise, and for that, I thank you."

She hugs him. Shaurya stands still, feeling a weight pressing on his heart.

---

Karishma and Kiran watch as Kriti storms toward them.

"Kriti, what’s wrong?" Kiran asks.

"Nothing," Kriti says flatly. "Just start making arrangements for my wedding."

"Kriti!" Karishma calls out, but Kriti doesn’t stop.

Karishma sighs and goes to Preeta.

Preeta looks at her calmly. "If Kriti doesn’t believe my words, then I won’t care for her either. I won’t risk my son’s life for her insecurities."

Karishma hesitates. "But—"

Preeta interrupts, "Let’s go attend to our guests." She walks away with Shaurya, leaving Karishma deep in thought.

---

In the hall, Viraj turns to Kriti. "We should leave now."

Before they can, Viraj’s Dadu smiles and says, "I have invited Palki’s family. If they allow, can I take her with me for a few hours?"

Everyone looks at him curiously.

He chuckles. "My bahu will learn from your bahu. I’m sure Kriti will learn to make tea from Palki."

Palki smiles. "Of course, Dadu ji."

Dadu turns to Kriti. "Will you learn from Palki?"

Kriti forces a smile. "Of course. How can I refuse you?"