The Raizada living room was a crucible of tension, Payal’s sharp voice slicing through the heavy silence as she called out, “Dadi ji, Di, Maji—everyone, even you, Hari Prakash!” Her tone was a command, her eyes burning with a fire that rivaled Khushi’s earlier outburst. The Raizadas—Nani, Anjali, Manorama—and the house help, Hari Prakash, gathered reluctantly, their faces a mix of confusion, guilt, and apprehension. Upstairs, Khushi sat in the guest room with Krishan Das, Eklavya, and Abhiman, her heart heavy but shielded by her family’s presence. The faint echoes of Payal’s voice reached them, a storm brewing below.
Payal stood in the center of the living room, her gaze locked on Akash, her tears dry, her resolve ironclad. “Akash,” she said, her voice cold, cutting, “repeat what you said just now. In front of everyone.” Her words were a challenge, her posture unyielding, her hurt transformed into a quiet fury.
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