One month later, the full moon shone, casting a soft glow over the city of Mumbai. Naina stood on the balcony of a luxurious penthouse belonging to her childhood best friend, Trisha Murthy.
Trisha, known as "T" in the modeling world, was a renowned model and mentor. She and Naina had become inseparable friends while sharing a dormitory during Naina's studies abroad. Trisha, whose parents divorced young, found relief from her solitude in Naina's friendship.
Naina was staring at the moon when she heard a voice. She turned to see Trisha smiling at her. Naina walked back into the room—a space specially designed by Trisha, complete with a comfortable bed, a study area, a fully equipped printing sector with accessories, and all the luxuries Naina had lost when her family went bankrupt. Trisha wanted to give her friend everything back.
Naina stood before Trisha, her expression blank, a behavior that had persisted for the last month and worried Trisha greatly. Trisha's mind drifted back to the day Naina called. Trisha always carried Naina's old mobile, hoping one day it would ring. While on a break at her photo studio, the foreign number finally appeared. Though thrilled to hear Naina's voice, Trisha was also angry because Naina had sacrificed her dream of becoming a painter for her family business, leaving her passion behind.
When Naina called, asking for money and bill clearance, Trisha was immediately scared. She sent her employee right away. Later, when the employee relayed Naina's wish to leave the hospital and stay somewhere safe, Trisha personally made all the arrangements. Once safe in the penthouse, Naina had confided everything that had happened to her.
Preparing for the Reveal
"Did you have dinner?" Trisha asked, pulling herself back to the present.
Naina simply nodded.
"The day after tomorrow is a big day for you," Trisha said, her voice bright. "You'll be hosting your printing exhibition there. It will be the perfect debut."
Trisha knew that Naina had achieved international fame for her artwork, which she released under a shadow name to avoid the flame of media attention.
"Yes," Naina replied. "I never want fame or media attention, so hiding my identity is better."
"Okay, let's go get some sleep then," Trisha said, and they both retired for the night.
The King's Anticipation
Across the city, at the Malhotra Villa, Manik was sitting, counting down the hours until the next day—the day he would finally see his wife, Naina, who had been missing for a whole month.
The last month had been hell. After Naina left the hospital, he had spent a week locked in his room, unable to function. Vikram constantly checked on him, and Manik was forced to confront his feelings. He confessed to Avinash that he was attracted to Simran but never loved her. This admission hurt Avinash, who was already struggling with Simran's recovery and the trauma they all faced.
Manik eventually pulled himself together and used all his resources, including KK and his mafia network, to track Naina. A few days ago, he finally received the news: Naina was hosting a Printing Museum, where a significant amount would be bet on her artwork. Manik was thrilled at the prospect of seeing Naina again.
The Museum Event
The next night, the event was underway. Guests, including Manik, Simran, and Avinash, arrived. Maya and Arjun were also present, having received an invitation from Naina.
Soon, Naina and Trisha arrived. Trisha was instantly swarmed by fans and people seeking photographs. Naina discreetly slipped away from the crowd and took a quiet position beside a table. The wait was over.