Morning sunlight filtered through the hotel curtains.
Kashvi sat near the window, staring outside without really seeing anything.
India felt heavy.
Every street, every face, every memory pulled her backward—toward a life she had fought hard to escape.
"Mumma," Kriday's sleepy voice broke her thoughts, "are we going home today?"
She turned, forcing a smile.
"Soon, baby. Very soon."
Home.
London.
The place where she had rebuilt herself piece by piece.
She packed silently—folding clothes, arranging Kriday's things, keeping herself busy so she wouldn't think.
Krish stood near the door, watching her.
"You've changed since yesterday," he said carefully.
She paused for a moment.
"I just want to leave," she replied. "This place… it doesn't feel safe for my heart."
Krish nodded. He understood more than he said.
"I'll handle the bookings and the documents," he said softly. "You just focus on Kriday."
She looked at him—grateful, tired.
"Thank you, Krish. For everything."
He smiled, but there was sadness behind it.
Later that day, Kashvi visited her parents' house one last time—to formally give her sister the wedding gifts.
She didn't stay long.
No arguments.
No explanations.
Some relationships didn't deserve closure.
In the evening, Kashvi sat beside Kriday on the bed, brushing his hair.
"Beta," she asked gently, "do you like London?"
Kriday nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! My room, my toys… and you."
She hugged him tightly.
"You'll always have me," she whispered.
But her heart ached knowing that one day… he would ask again.
That night, Krish sat alone in the living area, scrolling through his phone.
Finally, he spoke.
"Kashvi… after we go back… what are you planning?"
She hesitated.
"I don't know," she admitted. "Right now, my only plan is to protect Kriday and live peacefully."
Krish looked away.
"And us?"
She didn't answer immediately.
Silence filled the room.
"Let's reach London first," she said finally. "We'll talk then."
Krish nodded, though his heart already sensed the distance growing.
Elsewhere, Ved's grandfather sat with the DNA report in his hands.
He read it again.
And again.
Then he made a call.
"Cancel Ved's London meetings," he said firmly.
"We have a family matter to handle."
Back at the hotel, Kashvi zipped the last suitcase.
She stood still for a moment, her hand resting on the handle.
"Just five more days," she whispered to herself.
"Then I'll be free."
But destiny had already made other plans.