"How dare you hold my hand like that?" her mother screamed.
Kashvi flung her hand away without hesitation.
Just then, her father intervened, his voice tight with embarrassment.
"Kashvi, what kind of spectacle are you creating? Go inside. It's your sister's wedding—people are watching. We're being disgraced."
Kashvi laughed bitterly.
"I was already sent away from this house the day you sold me off in greed—the day you forced me into a marriage for money, papa."
She turned sharply and said, "Bring all the gifts."
Within moments, several guards walked forward, carrying box after box. They placed them inside the house until every corner was overflowing with expensive wedding presents.
"And one more thing, mummy," Kashvi said calmly, her voice firm.
"I'm not standing on anyone else's support. I am a successful CEO of my own company now."
She glanced at the gifts.
"These are bought with my hard-earned money—for my younger sister."
Then Kashvi walked up to her sister and hugged her tightly.
Both sisters' eyes filled with tears.
Without another word, Kashvi turned around and left.
They checked into a hotel and immediately booked flights back to London.
But the tickets were for a week later.
That night, Kashvi's phone rang.
"H-Hello beta," came a gentle voice.
"This is Ved's mother. I heard you're in India… will you come meet me?"
There was a pause—then Kashvi smiled softly.
"Yes, mum… I mean, aunty. I'll come. Please send me the location. We'll meet tomorrow."
The next day, Ved's mother shared the address, and they met.
Seeing her after so long filled Kashvi with unexpected warmth.
They talked endlessly—about life, pain, healing. Kashvi shared her five-year journey, every struggle and every victory.
But she didn't mention Kriday.
They spent the entire day together, laughing like best friends.
"Beta," Ved's mother said gently,
"I never imagined you and Ved would divorce. But after what he did to you… he deserved this. He never deserved a girl like you."
Kashvi nodded slowly.
"Yes, mummy. And honestly, Ved loves Anvi. They should get married. Maybe now Dada ji won't interfere."
Ved's mother stiffened.
"You… you don't know?"
Kashvi frowned.
"Know what? What should I know?"
With a heavy heart, Ved's mother told her everything—about Anvi, about Ved, about the truth Kashvi had never known.
The ice cream slipped from Kashvi's hand and fell to the ground.
Her chest tightened.
But it was too late.
The divorce was done.
And even if something could be fixed, Kashvi didn't want to.
Because the moment Ved's name echoed in her mind, the flashbacks returned—pain, fear, helplessness.
"It's okay, aunty," she said softly, forcing a smile.
"This was their destiny… and this was mine with Ved. I'm happy without him now."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"It's alright, beta," Ved's mother whispered, holding her hand.
"Ved never deserved you. God bless you. You'll find a wonderful life partner."
Just then, Kashvi's phone rang.
"Kashvi, where are you?" Krish said anxiously.
"You've been gone all day. Kriday is crying—he's not sleeping without you."
"I'm coming," Kashvi replied quickly. "Just a moment."
She hugged Ved's mother goodbye and left.
But the entire way back…
Her mind was filled with only one name.
Ved.