Tangled Ties

Gunshot?

The loud screech of tires outside the Singhania Mansion broke the silence like a thunderclap.

Two black police SUVs rolled into the estate grounds. Officers in crisp uniforms stepped out in swift coordination, led by a tall inspector with sharp eyes and a file in hand.

Renu Bua flinched as the sound of boots echoed across the marble floors. Her eyes darted to the door — panic finally setting in.

"Renu Raichand....." the inspector called firmly, stepping into the hall, "you are under arrest for charges including kidnapping, unlawful confinement, attempted manipulation of royal succession, and criminal conspiracy."

Gasps filled the hall.

Siya stood behind Avyansh, expression stoic. Aryaa, Abeer, Veer — all stood surrounding her like an unshakable wall of support.

Renu's voice trembled "How... how did you..."

"Do you really think we'd just expose you without proof?" Siya said quietly, stepping forward. "You installed mics to listen to us. We installed cameras."

The inspector opened the file and flashed a screenshot — Renu standing in front of Siya, confessing everything. Every word, every move — recorded.

Renu broke down "Virat... Samriddhi—please... tell them! I did this for—"

But two figures walked in from the side hallway.

Virat and Samriddhi.

Dressed in traditional wear, their faces looked pale but determined. Samriddhi's eyes were red from crying, Virat's jaw was set tight.

They walked toward their mother slowly.

And for the first time, Renu's voice softened.

"Beta... I did this for you..."

But Virat took a step back.

"No...." he said, voice trembling. "You didn't do this for us. You did this to us."

Tears ran down Samriddhi's cheeks. "We were never against the family. Never. They're not just cousins — they're home to us. And Siya Didi... is more of a mother to us than you ever tried to be."

Renu's face collapsed "You... can't say that..."

"We can..." Virat said, eyes brimming but voice strong. "Because it's the truth."

Siya slowly walked forward, placing a hand gently on both their shoulders.

"You don't have to hate her." she said softly. "She was broken long before she broke us. But now it's time to heal... all of us."

Renu sobbed, dropping to her knees, her hands in prayer as the officers approached.

"Mujhe maaf kar do..."

But the handcuffs clicked into place.

"Take her away." the inspector ordered.

Renu looked at her children, begging with her eyes for help.

They didn't wave. They didn't smile.

But they didn't look away.

Because some wounds had to be witnessed... before they could be forgiven.

Avyansh stepped up to Virat and Samriddhi, his voice gentle.

"I'm sorry...." he said, sincerely. "For whats happening now. For your mother being arrested. For the pain this caused."

Siya stepped beside him. Aryaa joined too, putting a hand over Samriddhi's. "We're so sorry you had to go through this."

But before they could say more, Samriddhi broke down — collapsing into Siya's arms, sobbing like a child. "We thought we lost you... I was so scared... please don't ever leave again."