The flight touched down in India. The moment they stepped out of the airport, a car was already waiting at a short distance. Ivaan walked ahead with little Palki, but Jharna’s steps faltered. Her feet rooted to the ground, refusing to move.

Noticing her absence, Ivaan turned back. He saw her standing still, frozen by invisible chains of fear and guilt.

He glanced at Palki, who was still cheerful and excited. Gently lifting her into his arms, he placed her inside the car.
“Wait here, we’ll be right back. Okay?”

Palki nodded quickly, swinging her legs. “Okay! Okay!”

Ivaan smiled faintly, then turned toward Jharna. Reaching her, he took her trembling hand in his. But before he could speak, her voice broke through the silence.

“No, Ivaan… I can’t do this. I don’t have the courage to face them.” Her eyes welled with tears as words poured out in a rush.
“What will I say to my Ansh when he asks why I never came back? What answer will I give? That the woman he believed to be his mother all his life… was never his mother at all. That the woman who raised him hid the truth about his real mother. Because of me, Meera di could never be with her own son even while being alive. How will I endure his hatred? And Shikha Maa… I promised her I would always take care of you, yet I left you midway and disappeared.”

Her voice cracked, tears streaming freely. “I am terrible, Ivaan. I ruined everyone’s life. I ruined everything.”

Ivaan’s gaze softened. He gently wiped her tears with his thumb.
“No, Jharna. You did nothing wrong. Life puts you in impossible situations—circumstances beyond your control. You survived them the only way you could. And listen…” He intertwined their fingers firmly, his voice steady and full of conviction.
“You don’t have to face anything alone. Not anymore. I am with you. Always. In every situation.”

Jharna looked at him through tear-stained eyes, searching for strength in his unwavering gaze.

“Trust me,” he whispered.

And in that moment, something inside her steadied. With their hands clasped tightly together, Jharna and Ivaan walked toward the car, ready to face whatever waited for them.

Maurya Mansion — Garden

The soft spray of water shimmered in the sunlight as Meera gently tended to the roses in the garden. Her movements were calm, almost meditative, when Abhimaan’s footsteps broke the silence.

He walked closer, his tone quiet but firm.
“Servants can do this. Why are you troubling yourself?”

Meera turned to him with a faint smile.
“Because I like it. It soothes me.”

Abhimaan tried to smile back, but it barely touched his lips.
“I understand your pain, Meera. Ivaan and Adhik… they don’t consider me their father either. And honestly, it’s not their fault. The negligence was mine.”

Meera’s gaze softened.
“You wouldn’t have done anything knowingly. There must have been some helplessness… some circumstances. I can understand that.”

Abhimaan looked at her for a long moment, as though searching her face for answers he didn’t dare speak aloud. Gathering courage, he finally asked:
“Meera… your parents… where are they now?”

Her eyes clouded with hurt, her voice trembling.
“Are you asking this… just to hurt me?”

His reply was immediate, almost defensive.
“Why would I ever do that?”

“Then what’s the meaning of this question?” Meera pressed. “You already know… Jharna’s parents are no more. And I… I am Jharna’s real sister.”

Abhimaan’s throat tightened. He swallowed hard before asking, almost in a whisper, “Was your father’s name… Dinesh Kashyap?”

Meera lowered her gaze, her voice breaking with pride and sorrow.
“Yes. DSP Dinesh Kashyap.”

Abhimaan’s breath hitched, his eyes widening in shock.

Meera continued with a sad smile, lost in memories.
“My father… was an honest, fearless police officer. He won so many awards, so much respect. But to me and Jharna, he was simply our Papa—the one who loved us unconditionally, who always stood by us. He gave us strength. But destiny…” her voice faltered, tears spilling down her cheeks, “…destiny took him away when we needed him the most.”

Her tears glistened as they fell, and Abhimaan’s own eyes welled up, his heart hammering against his chest.

“If Papa were alive today,” Meera whispered, her voice breaking, “our lives would have been completely different. But he’s not here. Neither Papa… nor Mumma.”

The weight of her words crushed him. Abhimaan staggered a step back, his eyes overflowing. Without another word, he turned away abruptly, rushing toward his room, his face twisted with emotions he couldn’t reveal.

Meera called softly, confused. “How do you know his name—”

But before she could finish, he was gone.

She stood in the garden, bewildered, whispering to herself,
“Maybe… Jharna told him.”

***

Abhimaan’s Room

The door shut with a sharp click. Abhimaan leaned against it, his strength abandoning him. He slid down to the floor, clutching his chest, as though the weight of years had finally crushed him.

Tears streamed uncontrollably as he whispered hoarsely,
“Three of us… now only one remains.”

His voice broke into a guttural cry, echoing through the emptiness of the room. He buried his face in his hands, sobbing like a man who had carried silence for far too long.

***

Maurya Mansion — Afternoon

Miransh trudged in through the main door, his schoolbag hanging heavily from his shoulders. Without a word, he dropped it onto the sofa, pulled out a folded paper, and stared at it with a long sigh. Restless, he wandered through the vast halls of the mansion until his eyes landed on Meera.

She noticed the hesitation in his little face and walked toward him, her voice calm and gentle.
“Do you want something, beta?”

Miransh didn’t answer. He simply held out the paper in his tiny hands.

Meera unfolded it—it was a school consent slip for an educational trip.

Her eyes lifted to his, questioning silently. Miransh pressed his palms together, shut his eyes tight, and said in a small, hopeful voice, “Dadda isn’t here… if he was, I’d ask him to sign. But he told me to get it signed by you.”

Meera’s chest tightened. She didn’t say anything. She placed the slip on the table, picked up a pen, and glanced at the three signature columns: Mother / Father / Guardian.

Her gaze lingered on the Mother column. Miransh’s eyes followed hers, waiting, searching… When she met his gaze, he quickly turned his face away.

Swallowing her emotions, Meera signed under Guardian. She set the paper back on the table and walked away without a word.

Miransh quietly picked it up, tucked it into his bag again. But then… he froze. A strange pull tugged at his heart.

“Momma…” he whispered.

His chest tightened, and louder this time, he cried out,
“MOMMA!”

Meera stopped in her tracks, stunned, and turned toward him. Miransh bolted toward the main door, his small legs racing faster than ever.

“Miransh, wait!” Meera hurried after him.

At the gate, Miransh stopped abruptly, scanning the empty space with desperate eyes. His little chest rose and fell quickly, hope and fear battling inside him.

“Miransh, beta… there’s no one there,” Meera said softly.

Hearing her words, his shoulders slumped, tears spilling down his cheeks. He turned back, ready to retreat inside, when—

“Ansh…”

The voice pierced the air.

Miransh froze mid-step. His head snapped up, as did Meera’s. And there she was.

Jharna.

Meera’s lips trembled as her whisper escaped,
“Jharna…”

Jharna’s own eyes brimmed with tears as she slowly walked forward, stopping just a few steps away. She sank to her knees, spreading her arms wide, her voice breaking,
“Ansh…”

The dam of Miransh’s emotions burst. He sprinted forward and threw himself into her arms. She clutched him tightly, her tears falling into his hair, her body shaking with relief.

Just then, Ivaan stepped out, holding Palki by the hand.

Meera’s eyes widened. She rushed to him, her voice urgent.
“Ivaan… is this real? Is all of this true?”

Ivaan met her gaze and gave a firm nod.

Her eyes fell on the little girl beside him.
“And this girl… who is she?”

Ivaan exhaled.
“It’s a long story. Let everyone gather… then I’ll tell everything.”

Meanwhile, Miransh sobbed into Jharna’s embrace, his words muffled, broken.
“Momma… where did you go? I missed you so much…”

“I missed you too, my baby. Every single day,” Jharna whispered, rocking him gently.

The sound of footsteps echoed. Abhimaan, Shikha, Deepa, and Sagarika (Tia) came out, drawn by the commotion.

When their eyes fell on Jharna, shock swept over them like a storm.

Deepa gasped, her voice trembling,
“I… I can’t believe my eyes. Jharna… is that really you?”

Jharna looked up at them, silent tears spilling. Their faces were painted with confusion and disbelief.

Abhimaan’s mind reeled. Jharna… she’s Dinesh’s daughter…
Memories of every moment with her flashed through his mind. Overcome, he stepped forward and pulled her into a fatherly embrace, his tears falling freely.

“Are you alright, beta?” he asked, his voice breaking.

Jharna nodded faintly, still holding Miransh close.

A few steps away, Sagarika stood frozen, her thoughts a storm.
What the hell! First she disappears out of nowhere… and now she just walks back in?

“Jharna…” Meera whispered again.

This time, Jharna’s teary eyes lifted to meet her sister’s. Without hesitation, Meera closed the distance and wrapped her arms around her.

Two sisters—torn apart by fate—together again.

***

Later, everyone except Miransh and Palki was gathered in Maurya Mansion. Adhik and Vihaan had also returned. The air was heavy with silence. Ivaan had already explained Jharna’s medical condition, and now she stood in the corner, head bowed, unable to meet anyone’s eyes.

Meera rushed to her, almost scolding, “Have you lost your mind, Jharna? When someone falls ill, they return to their family for support. And you… you left everything and ran away!”

Jharna remained quiet.

Shikha, agreeing with Meera, added firmly, “Truly, Jharna. Did you think so little of us? That we are not even capable of taking care of you?”

Jharna’s lips trembled, as if she wanted to speak, but no words came out. Before Ivaan could intervene, Abhimaan spoke, his voice steady yet emotional, “Enough. Stop it, both of you. The girl is already troubled, and you’re making her feel even more guilty.”

He gently brushed Jharna’s hair back, his fatherly affection evident, and said, “Don’t worry, nothing will happen to you. We will arrange the best doctors in the world. You’ll be completely fine. Okay?”

Jharna’s eyes welled up, and she nodded faintly.

Just then, Ivaan’s phone rang. He answered, listened for a moment, and then said, “I’m coming.” Cutting the call, he looked at everyone, then specifically at Jharna. “I’ve called some doctors. I’m going to meet them. Take care, I’ll be back soon.”

Jharna only stared at him with tear-filled eyes—silent, motionless.

Ivaan left, and Jharna’s gaze followed him until he disappeared from sight.

Meanwhile, Sagarika, aka Tia, slipped away quietly, her eyes sharp and calculating.

In Miransh’s Room

Palki was bouncing on Miransh’s bed like a little spring.

Irritated, Miransh glared at her, his patience snapping. “What are you doing?!” he shouted.

Palki froze, her smile vanishing. She pouted and said in a small voice, “Why did you scold me?”

“Because you’re doing things that deserve scolding,” Miransh shot back. “This is my room, and girls are not allowed here. So, go away!”

Palki quickly retorted, “No! Best friend’s husband—told me I can stay here. So I’ll stay here.”

Miransh frowned, confused. “Best friend? Who?”

Palki folded her tiny arms and said proudly, “That beautiful lady you were hugging and crying with. She’s my best friend!”

Miransh understood instantly. His eyes narrowed in anger. “No. She’s my momma.”

Palki shook her head, stubborn. “No, she’s my best friend.”

“She’s my momma!” Miransh snapped again.

For a second, Palki paused, tilting her head as if a thought struck her. “Wait… are you Ansh?”

Miransh thought for a moment, then nodded. “Yes. Momma calls me Ansh.”

Palki’s face lit up, and she clapped once. “Okay! Okay! Then she’s your momma.”

Miransh sighed in relief—only for Palki to add mischievously, “And my best friend too.”

His temper flared again. “She’s my momma. Momma! Momma! Momma!”

Palki bounced right back onto the bed, giggling, and sang while jumping, “Best friend! Best friend! Best friend!”

Miransh clenched his fists, glaring at her. His voice dropped into a mutter full of frustration, “That’s why I hate girls.”

***

Sitara’s Note

Sometimes destiny weaves its own bridges—bridges of pain, silence, and unspoken truths.

In this chapter, Jharna finally returns, carrying the weight of her past decisions, only to face the family she once left behind. For every tear of guilt, there is a tear of longing, and for every silence, a cry of belonging.

But even in the storm of emotions, the innocent voices of children remind us that love knows no definitions. Whether it’s “momma” or “best friend,” the heart recognizes its own.

This chapter is not just about reunions—it’s about courage. The courage to face mistakes, the courage to forgive, and the courage to embrace love despite the scars.

Writing this cruel destiny
—Sitara Chandria