What happens if the guy you truly love takes you for granted?
What happens if you are treated like a slave in your own house?
What happens if he accuses you of not trusting him when he doesn't trust you?
What happens if a guy has to choose between...
As soon as I walked into the house and caught sight of the vibrant decorations, I couldn't help but grin—I knew instantly it was a surprise party. Feeling mischievous and relieved that our kids were safe, I decided to play around a bit, mimicking Vivu and Aru's antics to lighten Jiji's tense mood. After a brief moment of teasing, we entered the room to yet another pleasant surprise.
The ballroom was adorned in shades of purple, our favorite color, from floor to ceiling. It lent a cozy yet festive atmosphere to the celebration. Hand in hand, Jiji and I made our way towards the beautifully decorated cake at the center of the room, only to be greeted by the sudden burst of voices:
Voices (Yelling) - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Turning around, I saw Vivu and Aru, their faces beaming with delight, standing beside Karan and Samrat who approached us with guilty smiles.
Jiji (approaching Sam and Karan, eyeing them suspiciously) - Was this your idea?
Karan (sweating) - It...It was Sam's idea (pointing at Sam)
Sam (also sweating) - Don't be upset, Payal... The kids insisted on throwing a party for you, so we went along with it...
Me (interrupting Sam, with a smile) - Jiji, let's not pretend to be angry. Let's just enjoy the party.
Grabbing Vivu in my arms and Jiji picking up Aru, we headed to the dance floor, knowing it was a family affair with just the six of us—or so we thought. Just then, Nanheji and Lavanyaji made a dramatic entrance.
Nanheji (feigning tears) - Did you see that, Lavanya? They forgot their best friends because of Sam and Karan... I thought they loved us...
Lavanyaji (playfully jealous) - Chamkili, just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I can't dance. How could you celebrate Payal's birthday without us? We're hurt! Let's go, Nk... they don't need us.
Aru (tearfully pleading) - Chacha, Chachi... please don't leave. Mum and Masi didn't know about this. I'm sorry...
Vivu (also tearfully begging) - We're sorry, Chachil. We love you both so much. Please don't be upset...
Nanheji and Lavanyaji quickly lifted the little ones, kissing them on their cheeks.
Lavanyaji (smiling) - We were just joking... (mock-angry at Nanheji) ...I told you not to tease them like this. I'm upset with you.
Jiji, Karan, Sam, and I struggled to stifle our laughter as Lavanyaji's playful mood swings always landed Nanheji in trouble.
Nanheji (apologetically) - Sorry, baby...
Aru (correcting him) - Chacha, we're babies. Chachi is a big girl. You can't call her baby.
Vivu (indignantly) - Yeah, Chacha. Say sorry to Chachi. You can't say that!
Laughter erupted uncontrollably among us, and we couldn't hold it in any longer.
Setting Aru down carefully, Nanheji and Lavanyaji joined us on the dance floor, where we played a romantic song for them. A few minutes later, Karan approached me, asking for a dance, while Sam did the same with Jiji. Placing his hand on my back and mine on his shoulder, our free hands intertwined as we swayed to the music. Soon after, Karan gracefully turned me over to Sam's waiting arms, continuing our joyful dance under the glowing purple lights of the celebration.
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We started to sway to the soft melodies filling the room, and I glanced over to see Jiji and Karan lost in their own world. Their eyes locked, speaking volumes without a single word. The warmth and affection between them were palpable, radiating an undeniable connection that seemed to transcend the dance floor's confines. It was a moment where time seemed to stand still, encapsulating the depth of their bond amidst the joyous celebration around us.
After about 5 minutes, Lavanyaji broke the serene moment with her hunger cravings.
Lavanyaji (tired) - I am hungry... Nk, get some pani-puri with ice cream and bhel, please.
Nanheji, sounding slightly annoyed, replied, Bab... I mean, Lavanya, why do you have such weird tastes?
Lavanyaji retorted, Blame your baby... now hurry up.
Before Nanheji could respond, Bhabhi entered the scene.
Bhabhi (laughing) - Lavanya, don't worry, I have got that here. I was craving for this as well.
Soon, all our family members joined us, filling the room with jokes and laughter. Unfortunately, Mum and Dad didn't attend, but they sent a message requesting a meeting the next day to explain more. I could see the disappointment on Jiji's face as our parents didn't even bother to call or wish her. Even their message lacked any personal touch for her birthday. Thankfully, Nanheji ensured that Jiji had a smile on her face throughout the night
Next Day
Payal's POV
I woke up to the incessant buzzing of my alarm clock. Groaning, I turned it off and got ready. Today was Aru and Vivu's first day in Year 1, and I needed to take them because Khushi had an important meeting with the CEO of AKAPA. No one knew much about him, not even his name, so I didn't want Khushi to be late. After about 5 minutes, I went to wake up Vivu, who was cuddling with the pillow I placed earlier. He jumped up excitedly, eager to start his first day of school. I took him to the shower and got him ready.
Ten minutes later, I came downstairs and found Aru already dressed in her school uniform, her hair neatly tied up.
Me (approaching Aru) - Aru darling, where is your mum?
Aru (upset) - Mum had to go to a meeting... she left 5 minutes ago.
I could sense Aru's disappointment. It was her first day at school, and she missed having her mum there, like last year.
Me (lifting her) - Aru... your mum will come and pick you up today, beta. She's a little busy right now, but I'm here, your favourite Masi. I'll drop you off, okay?"
Aru (smiling) - Ok masi
I took Aru with me to the dining table and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Aru, just like her father, preferred toast, while Vivu, taking after his father, was content with whatever was served. After they finished breakfast, I asked a worker to clear the table while I took both of them to the car.
Twenty minutes later, as soon as we arrived at the school, a strange feeling overcame me, as if Akash were nearby. I'd been experiencing these feelings since the fire incident. Not wanting to linger at the school, I decided to drop Aru and Vivu off at their classes and leave.
I got them out of the car and tried to hold their hands, but Vivu darted away towards a guy nearby. He tapped on the guy's shoulder and immediately hugged him, receiving an embrace in return.
Unable to see the guy clearly, my heart started pounding as if Akash were present. Ignoring the feeling, I approached them and spoke abruptly.
"Me (rudely) - Excuse me!!"
The guy turned around abruptly as if he recognised me.
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Precap - Arshi Meet and the blackmailer's identity revealed
