On the Way to Goenka Villa
Kartik drove in silence his grip tight on the steering wheel The closer he got to Goenka Villa the heavier his heart felt. Memories of past betrayals of how his family had forced him into a marriage he never wanted came rushing back
Kartik: (muttering) Kyu bulaaya mujhe Kirti ne
The roads seemed familiar yet distant It had been so long since he last drove towards this house and now every turn felt like reopening an old wound
Finally as he reached the grand gates of Goenka Villa he stopped the car Taking a deep breath he looked up at the mansion that once was his home but now felt like a stranger's house
Kartik: (clenching his jaw) Bas Kirti ke liye sirf Kirti ke liye
He stepped out of the car adjusting his bag over his shoulder The guards recognized him immediately opening the gate without a word He walked in his heart pounding as he approached the entrance
Before he could ring the bell the door swung open Kirti stood there her eyes filled with relief and happiness
Kirti: (softly) Kartik
Kartik forced a small smile but his eyes held hesitation
Kartik: (quietly) Aa gaya main
Kirti stood frozen for a moment then unable to hold back her emotions she rushed forward and hugged Kartik tightly
Kirti: (softly) I missed you so much kartik
Kartik sighed, hugging her back this time.
Kartik: (gently) I miss you too kirti
As they pulled apart he saw her eyes glistening
Kartik: (smirking) Bas bas rona mat shuru kar dena
Kirti chuckled and wiped her eyes
Just then a voice interrupted them
Surekha: Kartik
Kartik turned to see Surekha approaching happiness evident on her face Before he could react she cupped his face
Surekha: (affectionately) Kitne din baad dikhai diya tu
Kartik gave a small smile and bent down to touch her feet
Kartik: (softly) Kaise ho aap Chachi
Surekha: (happily) Bas ab theek hoon kyunki mera beta wapas aaya hai
Just then Akhilesh walked in with Luv Kush Mansi and Shubham
Akhilesh: (happy) Kartik
Before Kartik could reply Luv and Kush ran to him
Luv & Kush: (excitedly) Bhaiya
They hugged him tightly making him laugh for the first time since arriving
Kartik: (teasing) Bade ho gaye ho tum dono main yaad hoon na
Luv: (grinning) Aapko kaise bhool sakte hain
Kush: (pouting) Par aap humein bhool gaye
Kartik's smile faded slightly guilt passing over his face
Kartik: (softly) Aisa nahi hai
Mansi also came forward smiling
Mansi: Bhaiya aap waapis aa gaye
Kartik smiled and side hugged her
Kartik: (gently) Haan bas tum sabse milne ke liye
Just then Shubham stepped forward crossing his arms
