In a fit of rage, Manik nearly took Harshad's life by drowning him. Fortunately, Nandini arrived just in time, and with Navya's assistance, they managed to rescue Harshad. When Manik discovered that Nandini had intervened to save Harshad, he confronted her about it. Nandini attempted to reason with him, emphasizing that resorting to violence wasn't the solution. She tried to steer him away from a destructive path fueled by anger. Despite her efforts, Manik argued against her perspective and left the scene.
Nayonika, Manik's mother, grew exasperated with the ongoing conflicts between Harshad and Manik. In an attempt to put an end to their disputes within the college premises, she obtained restraining orders against both of them, stipulating that they couldn't be within 100 meters of each other. This legal measure aimed to prevent further disruptions and maintain peace in the college.
Later that afternoon, the Murthy family anxiously gathered in the living room, awaiting the arrival of Rajveer and Khushi. Nandini felt a mix of nervousness and uncertainty, unsure whether she truly wanted Rajveer and Khushi to be her biological siblings. The doorbell rang, causing Nandini to jump in surprise.
Nandini's aunt warmly welcomed Rajveer, who reciprocated with a smile, presenting a bag of fresh fruits they had brought as a thoughtful gesture. "Arrey Beta! You didn't have to bring so many things," Nandini's aunt expressed, genuinely touched.
Khushi, with a mischievous smile, chimed in, "Oh ho, Auntie ji! Why not? We have to make sure that our beautiful aunt can hold onto her beauty for a long, long time."
Nandini's aunt giggled at Khushi's playful comment, while Rajveer looked at Khushi wide-eyed, seemingly surprised by her cheekiness. Nandini, who had been eagerly anticipating their arrival, burst into giggles upon hearing Khushi's remark, unwittingly joining the cheerful atmosphere.
Rajveer leaned to his right and his eyes met the beautiful sight of his little sister laugh. He recalled how she used to giggle the same way when he used to play peek-a-boo with her. Nandini looked up and found Rajveer giving her an warm smile. Nandini blushed and return a hesitant smile on her own.
Rajveer and Khushi were graciously welcomed into the Murthy home and introduced to Kishori Murthy before taking their seats. Ams and Nandini's uncle inquired about the evidence Rajveer and Khushi had to prove Nandini's relationship with them. Rajveer presented the DNA report conducted by his detective and other supporting documents that aided in locating Nandini.
Despite the presented paperwork, Ams expressed the family's desire for a new DNA test conducted in their presence. Rajveer, with a smile, agreed, "Of course. No problem. I've already given one sample today," teasingly glancing at Khushi. Throughout the day, Rajveer had playfully teased Khushi, and though no words were exchanged, his teasing smiles hinted at his suspicions regarding Khushi and Arnav.
Nandini, still adjusting to having an elder brother, shyly addressed Rajveer, "Given one sample already? What do you mean... Bhaiya?" The term "Bhaiya" felt unfamiliar, as she hadn't had an older brother before.
Rajveer grinned at Nandini's use of the term and responded, "Our Ruhi dear has someone in her life who was really concerned about her believing me so easily. Thus the other sample."
"Bhaiya! Nothing like that!" Khushi protested, eliciting laughter from everyone present.
Following a pleasant dinner together, Rajveer and Khushi assured Nandini that they would meet her at the hospital the next morning. Rajveer had initially suggested picking her up, but Nandini, showing her independence, mentioned that she would be heading there anyway to visit a friend who was currently admitted.
... - - - - ...
The Fab 5 convened in Cabir's hospital cabin, engaged in a discussion about the restraining order hindering their retaliation plans. Dhruv entered with Nandini and declared that she would assist them in taking down Harshad. This announcement irked Manik, who accused Nandini of being the cause behind the restraining order.
In response, Nandini defended herself and revealed to the rest of the Fab 5 how Manik had nearly killed Harshad. After prolonged arguments, everyone in the Fab 5, except Manik, agreed to support Nandini's plan to expose Harshad's true nature to the public. Nandini excused herself, mentioning another task at hand. Manik, still grumbling about the plan, left the room shortly after. As he descended to the ground floor, he received a text from Cabir. It said:
"Dhruv proposed to Nandini, but she said no."
The revelation stirred Manik's anger. All the sacrifices and efforts he had made to steer Nandini towards Dhruv seemed futile in the face of her rejection. Spotting Nandini heading towards the diagnostic section of the hospital, Manik's curiosity got the better of him, prompting him to follow.
Observing Nandini inquire at the information desk and take a seat in the waiting area, as though expecting someone or something, Manik couldn't resist joining her.
"Nandini?" he called out before settling beside her in the waiting room.
"Manik? What are you doing here?" Nandini questioned, irritation evident in her tone.
"First, tell me what your problem is. Why did you reject Dhruv?" he asked, his anger palpable.
Nandini, puzzled, responded, "It's my life, my choice. I get to decide who I want to be with and who I don't. How is this any of your business?" she asked, clearly aggravated.
"What's my problem?! Don't forget that Dhruv is my best friend. He's the nicest guy in the world. I won't tolerate it if someone hurts him," he declared. "Did you forget how much he did for you? He even went against Fab5 for you!" he added, a hint of jealousy evident in his tone. "And you always smile whenever you see him." If his words were laced with jealousy, he wasn't ready to admit it.
"I don't need to explain ANYTHING to you. Got it?" Nandini retorted sternly.
"Nandini?! Is everything alright?" The familiar voice of Rajveer startled both Nandini and Manik.
Looking up, they found Rajveer standing there with a concerned look on his face. Nandini instantly stood up and gave him a smile. "Yeah, everything's okay," she lied.
Manik, frowning at the stranger in front of him, wondered, "Is he the reason Nandini rejected Dhruv?" Then, pulling himself to his feet, he stretched out his hand towards the stranger and introduced himself in an arrogant tone, "Hi, I'm Manik Malhotra, Nandini's... friend. Who are you?"
Having overheard Nandini's assertion that she didn't need to explain anything to Manik, Rajveer decided to remain quiet about their relationship for the moment. He wanted to see who this young man was, acting a little too possessive for someone claiming to be Nandini's friend. "Hi, I'm Rajveer," he said, shaking Manik's hand.
"You didn't say how you knew Nandini," Manik pointed out rudely.
"Why would he need to tell you that? Go away from here!" Nandini told him angrily.
"Nandini, you..." Manik opened his mouth to argue, but Rajveer stepped between them and pushed them away from each other.
"Alright, times up!" Rajveer said loudly, bringing Manik and Nandini's attention to him. "Mr. Malhotra, Nandini will see you at college, and you can continue your argument about... whatever... there. And Nandini, we have something important to do, remember?"
Manik wanted to argue on this matter. He didn't want to leave Nandini alone with this man. But the angry look Nandini was throwing him showed that she preferred this stranger over him. Biting the inside of his cheek, Manik left, but not before telling Nandini, "See you later."
"Are you okay?" Rajveer asked his little sister kindly.
"Yeah... Um... Khushi didi? She didn't come?" she asked softly.
"She came along... but at the doorway, she saw a peanut seller. So she sent me inside and got busy arguing with the seller over the price of peanuts," Rajveer informed, shaking his head fondly.
Nandini started giggling. Soon enough, they saw Khushi walking towards them, eating peanuts to her heart's content.
"Were those peanuts really that important at this very moment, Ruhani?" Rajveer asked, mildly exasperated.
"Kya yaar, Bhaiya! How can I not munch on some peanuts in important moments like this?" Khushi argued playfully as she shared some of her peanuts with Nandini.
Nandini automatically accepted the peanut before she even knew it. Then, she watched as Rajveer tried to explain to Khushi why peanuts could've waited a while. Realizing that it would take a few moments before Rajveer and Khushi could settle the matter, Nandini started enjoying the peanuts while reveling in her older siblings' playful banter.
...-...
...-...
...-...
Rajveer was driving towards SPACE academy with Khushi and Nandini. Khushi was blabbering on about something Rajveer had no clue about. Nandini seemed to understand what Khushi was talking about, so they were chatting while Rajveer concentrated on driving.
"Okay, I'm confused. What does chicken have to do with fabric? Or is it a chicken made out of fabric? What are you girls even talking about?" Rajveer finally asked.
The girls looked at each other for a second before bursting into laughter. Rajveer sulked silently in response.
"Bhaiya, Khushi didi isn't talking about the bird chicken. She's talking about chikankari fabric," Nandini explained, smiling.
"There's a fabric named after chicken? Wow!" Rajveer muttered to himself, making his sisters start snickering again. "Don't laugh at your older brother. How am I supposed to know about fabrics?" he whined, making them laugh even more. He was actually doing this because he was enjoying the laughter of his sisters after so many years.
Suddenly, Rajveer's phone started ringing. Rajveer glanced at the caller ID, and it showed KMA's landline number. Rajveer started looking for a side to park when Khushi grabbed his phone. "Ruhani Singh Shikhawat, do NOT answer that phone!" Rajveer warned in his stern tone.
"Come on, Bhaiya! What's the harm if I answer your phone?" she countered.
"It could be a confidential phone call that's not meant for your ears," he replied.
"Why don't you put the phone on speaker? If it's a confidential call, then we can turn the speaker off." Nandini suggested. She herself didn't know why she was ganging up on Rajveer with Khushi. But for some reason, she felt free with these two. Like they were her own. Like she could be her playful self with them without offending them.
"Riddhima, you too? I thought you were a good girl!" Rajveer exclaimed in shock, making his sisters laugh.
"Come on, Bhaiya, live a little! Let's add some excitement to this road trip," Khushi teased, dangling the phone out of Rajveer's reach.
"Fine, but if it's something you shouldn't hear, promise me you won't eavesdrop and turn the speaker off immediately," Rajveer relented with a playful smirk.
"Deal!" Khushi agreed, grinning mischievously. She answered the phone and put it on speaker.
"Hello, Rajveer sir?" Naina's familiar voice filled the jeep. In the last three days, Naina didn't forget to call him at least twice per day—sometimes to ask about Rajveer's whereabouts and sometimes with the excuse of needing help with her lessons.
Rajveer instantly stated, "Hello, Naina. You're on the speaker."
"Oh... um... are you not alone?" Naina inquired hesitantly.
"My sisters are with me. Khushi and Nandini, say hello to Naina. She's my protégé... my best cadet," Rajveer introduced shyly.
Khushi elbowed Nandini discreetly while wiggling her eyebrow. "Hello, Naina ji. I'm Khushi... Khushi Kumari Gupta. Though I might change my name to Ruhani Singh Shikhawat. I haven't decided yet," she said chirpily.
"Hello, Khushi. Nice to talk to you," Naina greeted with a smile.
"Hello, I'm Nandini Murthy... and if the DNA test comes out positive, then I might be Riddhima Singh Shikhawat, the youngest," Nandini introduced herself with a little hesitance.
"Hello, Nandini. If you turn out to be my Rajveer sir's biological sister, then consider yourself as the luckiest girl in the world. To have such an angel as your family only happens with miracles," Naina told her.
Rajveer was startled by the reverence in Naina's voice. He choked up with the overwhelming love that was in Naina's tone.
Khushi and Nandini exchanged a knowing look at this. "So, Naina ji, how do you know our brother?" Khushi asked.
"Well, he was my older brother, Naveen's best friend first. Then, he became my teacher when I joined the military academy. Then, he became my friend, my confidante. And then, he became my mentor," Naina answered, a shy smile gracing her lips.
Rajveer cleared his throat, not wanting his Nancy Drew sister to question his Naina further. He asked, "How's everything going there? Did you guys resume your mission?"
"Hmm... everything is good here. I'll tell you the details later. Ah... everyone is missing you. So, do you have any idea when you might be coming back?"
"Not sure yet. BC agreed to give me another 7 days. But he's chomping at the bits to have me back. He wants me to lead the mission. Col. Shakti, on the other hand, does not want me ANYWHERE near this mission. He wants me to stay away for as long as I could," Rajveer replied.
"I agree with him. I don't know why but I think you staying away right now is keeping you safe. Please be careful."
"Naina, I'm a soldier. There's always risk to my life. That doesn't mean I should wrap myself in bubble wrap," Rajveer joked.
"Khushi, Nandini, it's your job to make sure your brother does not come back here for at least another 10 to 15 days. If he comes back earlier, I'll punish you girls," Naina ordered sternly before hanging up.
Khushi and Nandini gave Rajveer wide-eyed looks at this. "Are you crazy? Why would you say something like that? It's clear from her tone how much she loves and cares for you. And you casually spoke about life risks?" Nandini scolded.
"These men, I tell you. Completely useless in the matter of hearts; all they know is how to trouble us, and they argue about it," Khushi grumbled, folding her arms over her chest.
"Agreed," Nandini also folded her arms over her chest and sighed.
Rajveer turned to give his younger sisters a look of disbelief. He couldn't believe that those two were bonding over this matter. He really wanted to facepalm in that moment.
...-...
...-...
...-...
[A/N:: It takes about 3 to 7 days to get DNA reports depending on the lab the sample was sent to. But I'm making it two days for the sake of this story.]
Two days later.
Rajveer sat in the Murthy family's living room with the DNA reports in his hand, containing the results for both Khushi and Nandini. The Gupta family and the Raizada family had already seen the reports, and now it was the Murthy family's turn. Rajveer glanced at his sisters with a helpless look on his face, as both of them were still not talking to him since that day. On top of that, Naina was also not speaking to him. Rajveer realized a little late that he now had people in his life for whom his safety mattered. His casual mention of life risks had hurt not only his Naina but also his little sisters.
Nandini's Ams, Chacha, Chachi, and Rishav read the DNA reports before handing them to Nandini. She took a look before nodding her head. Before even seeing the reports, something inside her knew that Rajveer was really her brother. But the DNA report resolved any doubt left in her mind.
"So, what happens now?" Nandini's uncle asked, frowning at the thought of losing his niece.
"Nothing happens. It depends on Riddhima and Ruhani. Whatever they want will happen. If they want to stay with their adopted families, then they can. If they want to shift to our family home, then that can happen as well," Rajveer informed them about the options. "But I have to go back on duty a few days later. I won't be able to stay with them to protect them. So, I think staying with their adopted families for the time being while maintaining contact with each other is the perfect solution. What do you think, Nandini?"
Nandini ignored Rajveer and told her family, "I think staying with our families while maintaining contact is a better option."
"If Bhaiya is going back, then there's no point in going to our family home if the head of our family is not present. Yes, after bhaiya is done with his mission and bhabhi comes with him, then we can move there. What do you think Riddhi?" Khushi suggested.
"That's a great idea, di." Nandini beamed.
Rajveer gaped at his sisters. "What Bhabhi?" he asked, blushing hard.
"Naina bhabhi, of course!" Khushi and Nandini said at the same time.
Rajveer's jaw dropped to the floor at their answer as his cheeks gave competition to a tomato. His state made Rishav turn away his head to hide his snickers. Nandini's Uncle and aunt were barely able to hide their laughter as well.
Ams gave the girls a fond look before turning towards Rajveer. "Khushi beta is correct. Moving houses at the moment does not make any sense. After you get married, then you all can move into your family home together. By the way, how old are you, Rajveer beta?"
Rajveer wanted to run away and hide his face as he knew his face was bright red at this point. The sneaky smiles his evil sisters were sharing was not helping the matter. "Um... I'm 32." he replied.
"OH MY! 32 years old? Beta, why didn't you get married yet? This way, by the time you have children, you'll be too old to play with them." Ams scolded him.
Nandini and Khushi burst into laughter. They pressed their palms over their mouths to stop the laughter, but their shaking forms revealed how hard they were laughing. Rajveer gave Ams a polite smile before shooting his sisters a murderous look. It only made them laugh harder.
Ams ignored the laughing duo and continued her interrogation. "Do you have anyone you like? Or should we look for someone for you?" she asked.
"Oh actually... the matter is..." Rajveer started stuttering and blushing.
Finally taking mercy on their brother, Nandini told her grandmother, "Ams, bhaiya has someone special in his life. Her name is Naina. She's currently training to be an army officer."
"Oh, she's in the military as well. That's good. Having a similar career would make things easier. I heard married couples get posted in the same location as well. That's good. Rajveer beta, make sure to introduce your to-be wife to me." Ams told Rajveer.
Rajveer could only blink his eyes and nod. Thankfully his phone started ringing. "It's an important call." he said, not even looking at the caller ID before rushing out of the house.
Ams gave him a confused look. "How did he know it was an important call? He didn't even look at the caller id." she asked aloud.
Her question made the rest of them burst into laughter as they all knew Rajveer only said that to run away from this conversation.
.. .. - - - - .. ..
"Thank you for the update, Alekh. So, how are the rest of my super six?" Rajveer inquired.
"Apun sab thik hai, sir." Alekh replied. [We're all okay, sir.]
"Where is Naina? She hadn't been calling me for the last two days. Usually, she's the one who updates me with what's been going on at the academy. Is she okay?" Rajveer asked. He didn't know why, but something didn't feel right.
"Sir, aisa kuch nehi hai. Woh yehri do dino se kisi baat pe gusse mein lag rahi hai. Apun ko bola ki apun apko call karke sab update de de." Alekh assured as he stared at his friend cum sister's injured form. Naina had prohibited him from telling Rajveer that Naina had gotten injured two days ago and just gained her consciousness. [Sir, nothing like that. That crazy girl is angry about something for the last two days. Told me to call you with the updates.]
Rajveer chuckled. "Alright then. See you guys in a few days. And please tell Naina to call me." Rajveer insisted.
"Yes sir." And Alekh hung up. "Why don't you want Rajveer sir to know about your injury?" he asked Naina, folding his arms over his chest.
"If he knows about this, he'll come back fast. I don't want that. Alekh, those people are plotting to trap Rajveer sir. This whole incident about Col. Shakti was to trap Rajveer sir. The past is being repeated, Alekh. Everything is happening again. But thankfully, Rajveer sir got busy with his family matter and escaped that trap. But for how long? He will come back. And then those monsters will again attempt to snatch him away from me." Naina had tears in her eyes.
"Do you know why Rajveer sir is pursuing those proofs like a mad person?" Alekh asked. At Naina's curious look, he continued, "because there was a time when you hated him for what he had to do with Naveen bhai. He had promised to get you those proofs. He could endure many things, Naina, but not your hate. He feels like the only aim in his life now is to prove to you that he was innocent. That he was forced to shoot Naveen Bhai under distress. Naina, Rajveer sir loves you a lot." he pointed out.
Naina started crying. "Do you think I didn't realize it by now? Why do you think I want him to stay away for a while. I want to find out and eliminate those dangers before he comes back. Then, I'll confess to him. I love him too, Alekh. And I realized it when it was almost too late. If that day Rajveer sir had gone in search for those proofs..." she trailed off, shivering even at the thought of what-ifs.
"No, Naina. Those monsters won't win. We will protect our Rajveer sir." Alekh vowed firmly.
Naina had snuck out of the academy two days ago and went to investigate the area where those people had called Rajveer about those proofs in the red box. She had thought those people might've left some clues behind, but what she didn't anticipate was for there to be a few of those people. Thankfully, Alekh had noticed her sneaking out and told the rest of the super six about it. They reached at the location to find Naina fighting with those people alone. They jumped in and were not only able to save Naina, but also capture two of those goons. Since this was not an official mission, Huda suggested that they should conduct their own interrogation. Yudi provided a secret place in his father's godown where they kept those goons locked in. They didn't trust the military officials at the moment. They felt like someone in the military was also involved in this whole matter. Naina was hurt while saving Pooja as one of the assailants had tried to attack Pooja with a knife. As a result, Naina's back was sliced open and she had to get more than 24 stitches. She also had a concussion before the super six had reached. The combination of blood loss and concussion kept her unconscious for the last two days.
When Ali and Alekh brought Naina in, Dr. Shalini had covered for them in front of BC. The super six claimed that they were just playing around and daring each other to do stunts when Naina hurt her head. They didn't tell BC about the back injury as that would reveal their lie. Shalini supported them and secretly started treating Naina.
"It has to be someone who knows Rajveer sir very well," Alekh told Naina.
"He's right, Naina," Yudi added as the rest of their group joined Naina and Alekh in the infirmary.
"They know Rajveer sir well enough to understand that he would've killed one person to save all the cadets. That's why they planned it like that. Rajveer sir doesn't know about that bomb in the bus, right?" Huda inquired of Naina.
"No, he doesn't. BC and Captain Abhimanyu didn't tell him and also advised me not to mention it," Naina replied.
"It has to be someone close to Rajveer sir or someone who observed Rajveer sir for years," Ali stated thoughtfully.
"That could be anyone, Ali. From his friends to his colleagues, to all the people our Shahrukh has come in contact with," Pooja pointed out.
"Then, let's let our Phoolan find out about that," Huda stated with a naughty grin as he turned towards Naina. "Phoolan, it's your job to flirt with sirji and find out about all the people he shares his secrets with," he ordered with a nod of his head.
Naina gaped at him and asked, "Why would I need to flirt? I could just casually ask him about it."
"But now that you also love him, you should flirt," Huda pointed out.
Naina's eyes widened in shock before she looked away and started blushing. The rest of the super six started sniggering at the scene.
.. .. - - - - .. ..
Rajveer ended the call and found himself lost in thought. "Why hasn't Lt. Bunty called me with any information? Did Col. Shakti instruct him not to disturb me or something? I sense that something is happening, and I'm being kept in the dark," he pondered, a frown creasing his forehead. "Perhaps I should call Dr. Shalini. With her gossipy nature, she might inadvertently spill the beans. Yes, I'll give her a call tonight," he decided.
Rajveer pocketed his phone and turned to find Rishav emerging from the Murthy house, bearing a steaming cup of coffee. A warm smile graced Rajveer's lips as he accepted the mug. "Thank you. You're Rishav, right?" he inquired.
Rishav nodded, his eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
Sipping the coffee, Rajveer looked at the young boy beside him. "Do you want to say something to me?" he gently asked, sensing that there might be a reason behind Rishav's voluntary gesture of bringing him coffee.
Rishav, a 14-year-old with a haunting past, had endured a traumatic incident that claimed the lives of his biological parents [adopted parents of Nandini]. Since that dreadful event, Rishav had withdrawn into silence. The move to Delhi, which coincided with Nandini's higher education, was motivated by the hope for a better environment and treatment for Rishav.
In the aftermath of the reunion with Rajveer and Khushi, Rishav grappled with insecurities and fears. He harbored a deep concern that, with Nandini discovering her biological family, she might no longer have room in her heart for him. Rishav, who had already lost so much, dreaded the thought of losing his only remaining family member – his sister.
Rajveer, perceptive to the unspoken worries in Rishav's eyes, felt a sense of responsibility. He understood the delicate situation and aimed to bridge the gap that threatened to widen between the siblings. Rajveer knew that Rishav needed assurance and a sense of belonging in this new family dynamic.
As they sat on the porch, Rajveer decided to initiate a conversation, creating a space for Rishav to share his thoughts and concerns. "You know, Rishav, I've heard a lot about you from Nandini. She cares about you a lot," Rajveer began, choosing his words carefully to ease Rishav into the dialogue.
Rishav looked at Rajveer, his gaze searching for sincerity. He remained silent but attentive, as if awaiting further words of understanding.
"Nandini has told me how strong you've been, especially after what you went through. Losing your parents is never easy," Rajveer continued, acknowledging the pain that had shaped Rishav's silence. "I lost my parents too, and I know it changes you. But it doesn't define you. You're more than the tragedies that have happened."
There was a brief pause, and Rishav's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions. The unspoken connection between the two began to take root. Rajveer sensed that Rishav needed more than just words – he needed time, trust, and the gradual building of a relationship.
"You're not alone in this, Rishav. You're not loosing your sister. You're just gaining another sister and an older brother. We're one family now, and family supports each other. Riddhima loves you. You don't have to be afraid of losing anyone," Rajveer reassured, hoping to plant the seeds of security in Rishav's heart.
Rishav's gaze softened, and a hint of gratitude emerged in his eyes. He sipped his coffee, contemplating Rajveer's words. The porch became a silent haven where understanding unfolded, and a subtle bond began to weave between the two.
...-...
...-...
...-...
A/N::: What do you think so far?