Veena's hands flew to her ears, her face contorted in anguish as she apologized profusely to Vihaan. "I'm so sorry, beta... I was afraid to tell you the truth because I feared you might not accept me as your mother," she sobbed, her voice trembling with emotion.
Vihaan's expression softened, his eyes welling up with tears as he opened his arms and enveloped Veena in a warm hug. "You're my only mother, Maa," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "Kamini may have given birth to me, but you're the one who raised me, loved me, and cared for me. You're my Maa, and I'll never let anyone take that away from us."
The mother-son duo stood there, locked in a tight embrace, as tears of joy and relief streamed down their faces. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated love, one that would stay with them forever.
As they finally pulled back, Vihaan's expression turned determined. "I won't let myself be pulled into Kamini's darkness. I'll fight it at all costs," he vowed, his voice firm and resolute.
Veena's face lit up with pride and determination. She placed a gentle hand on his cheek, her eyes shining with tears. "We'll always stand by you, beta," she whispered. "Through thick and thin, we'll face everything together."
Raani, who had been watching the emotional scene unfold, stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Vihaan's waist. "We're a team, bhai," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "We'll fight Kamini's evil together, as a family."
Yug looked up at Vihaan with wide, admiring eyes. "I'll stand by you too, bhaiya," he said, his voice filled with determination.
The rest of the family, who had been watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but be swept up in the emotional moment. They closed in, wrapping their arms around Vihaan, Veena, Raani, and Yug, forming a tight, loving circle.
---
The next morning
As Gauri's eyes fluttered open, she was met with a sea of faces. The Kothari family stood before her, their expressions a mixture of concern and curiosity. She struggled to sit up, her mind foggy and her memories hazy.
Veena stepped forward, her expression sharp, her eyes blazing with authority. "Now that you're awake, girl, it's time to answer some questions," she said, her voice firm. "What were you thinking, coming to our house uninvited?"
Gauri's eyes darted around the room, searching for a friendly face. Vihaan stood tall, his eyes fixed on her with an intense gaze, but his expression was neutral. Dadi and Urvashi were seated nearby, watching silently. The others seemed curious, but not hostile.
"How did I...?" Gauri trailed off, her hand reaching up to rub her temples. "I don't remember passing out. What happened?" She looked up at Veena, tension radiating from every pore.
Veena's grip on Gauri's arm tightened slightly. "Don't play dumb with me, girl," she said, her voice firm. "You came here for a reason. Now, I want to know what that reason is."
Veena's eyes narrowed, her tone sharp. "The last time I told you not to come here, I meant it. But you just couldn't resist, could you?"
Gauri tried to justify herself, "Aunty, please listen—"
Veena cut her off, her tone cold and unforgiving. "You think you can just waltz in here and manipulate my family? Think again, Girl. You won't be able to influence any of us."
Vihaan stepped slightly forward, his expression unreadable, but his eyes attentive.
Gauri's eyes widened in shock and anger, her face pale. She met Veena's gaze, her voice trembling but firm. "I didn't come here to manipulate anyone."
Veena's face reddened, her voice rising. "Then why did you come?"
Gauri stood tall, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I only came to return ACP Sir's bracelet."
Veena's expression twisted in skepticism, but Gauri continued, her voice steady. "I'm not fond of coming to a place where I know I'll be insulted, where people don't respect others, and where they judge before understanding."
The room fell silent, the tension between Gauri and Veena palpable. Veena's eyes blazed with anger, but Gauri stood her ground, her gaze unwavering.
Veena's face darkened further, her voice trembling with authority. "How dare you!"
Gauri stood her ground, her eyes flashing with determination. "I'm daring enough to answer back when someone criticizes me, even if they're older. I don't have to endure oppression or insult quietly just because of age. Even an elder can be wrong."
The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on Gauri. Veena's chest heaved, the air thick with tension, as if charged by the weight of Gauri's defiance.
Vihaan's face darkened, his eyes blazing with anger. "Gauri!" he shouted, his voice thundering.
Gauri's eyes widened in shock, but she quickly countered, her voice firm and steady. "Don't raise your voice at me, Vihaan," she said, her words dripping with quiet confidence.
The room fell silent once more, with all eyes fixed on the tense standoff between Gauri and Vihaan. Veena's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, as if pleased to see Vihaan asserting himself, while Gauri stood her ground, unwavering.