Life in the Oberoi Golden Cage
Sonia was happy living in the Oberoi Villa, primarily because everyone treated her with kindness. Abhay constantly pampered and spoiled her. At 19, Sonia began experiencing new, more complex feelings, similar to any teenage girl, but her persistent child-like mannerisms and health issues made Abhay's affection for her pure, devoid of any physical desire.
Abhay, seeing her potential, decided Sonia needed to focus on her studies. She found out her exams were approaching in 15 days. It was decided she would return temporarily to the Sharma Villa so her brother, Avinash, could tutor her, as he always had. Abhay was visibly unhappy about Sonia leaving, even for a few days, confirming that he was already falling for his substitute wife.
The Sharma Family Dynamic
Meanwhile, Arjun, Sonia's elder brother, and his wife, Naina, arrived from Canada. They had been working abroad to save money for a house where they, Kavita, Sonia, and Avinash could all live together.
The Sharmas—Sonia's paternal family—lived in the Sharma Villa. They constantly mistreated Sonia's mother, Kavita, and her children, acting as if they were slaves. This was because Kavita's husband, Vikas Sharma (Sonia's father), had married the middle-class Kavita against his family's wishes. The grandparents only brought them back because their other son did not have an heir. Crucially, they only treated Arjun and Avinash with any respect.
Divorce Drama and Departure
Arjun and Naina learned of Sonia's marriage on the very day they arrived. They and Avinash had gone to the airport to see off Sonia, who was leaving for the Sharma Villa to study.
During Sonia's brief stay at the Sharma Villa, Kiran (the runaway bride) suddenly returned. Kiran's sole purpose was to pressure Sonia into signing divorce papers. However, Abhay's father arrived just in time to retrieve his daughter-in-law, insisting that Sonia immediately return to the Oberoi Villa.
Treatment and Isolation
Abhay made a firm decision: Sonia needed specialized care. He planned to send her to a private, international hospital in Switzerland for advanced medical treatment.
Arjun and Avinash initially hesitated, fearing to let Sonia go alone, but ultimately agreed, convinced it was for her own good. Sonia was distressed. She didn't want to go to Switzerland and leave her brothers and Abhay, who she had started to genuinely like.
The next six months were hard. Sonia missed her brothers and Abhay deeply, as she had never made a major decision without them. She constantly told the doctors she wanted to go back, but they refused to give permission. She called her brothers, who insisted she stay for her "own good." She tried calling Abhay, but he ignored her calls.
Sonia's treatment included a full medical evaluation, but it also involved stock treatment (likely electrical or psychiatric therapy, referencing the opening scene). The doctor overseeing her case was Dr. Ethan Black, who had befriended her during the plane journey to the Zurich Institute of Neurology and Wellness.
Priya Takes Control
In the present time, Sonia (Priya) was jarred back to reality. She stepped out of the bathroom and looked out the window, mesmerized by the beautiful view she saw from her hospital room.
The nurse returned, giving her lunch, which she ate. Priya felt profound grief for the innocent soul of the real Priya who died, but she made a promise: "I will make Sonia strong, both physically and mentally."
Drawing on her past life's knowledge, Priya checked her pulse and instantly realized Sonia's body was suffering from malnutrition and severe health imbalances. Having studied herbal medicine at the gurukul from her guru, Priya had significant medical knowledge.
"I will take care of you, Sonia," she murmured to the reflection of her new self. "My body (Priya) may have died, but I will not let this one fail."