Till Death Do Us Apart [✓]

||Episode 29: All Over?||

Kartik's fists clenched as he turned to the staff, his voice rising above the commotion. "Why is Naira's stuff outside? Who gave you the right to do this?"

The staff froze, their eyes darting nervously toward the senior Goenkas, unsure of how to respond. Naira stood rooted to the spot, her face pale and her hands trembling as she took in the scene before her. Words failed her as the weight of what was happening sank in.

Before Kartik could demand an answer again, they stepped inside the house. The sound of laughter drew their attention, and their eyes landed on Aditya, lounging on the living room sofa, sipping tea with a smug smirk plastered across his face. The sight of him in their home made Kartik's blood boil.

Aditya placed the teacup down on the table with deliberate ease before getting up. He slowly approached Naira, his smirk never wavering. "Ah, Naira," he said, his tone smooth but dripping with malice. "It's been so long, hasn't it? I've missed you."

Naira instinctively stepped back, her breathing shallow, but Aditya moved closer. His eyes danced with false sincerity as he continued, "You know, no matter how far you go, our connection is unbreakable. Don't you think about those times, Naira? About us?"

Kartik stepped in front of Naira, his body shielding her from Aditya's toxic presence. "Stay away from her, Aditya," he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

Before Kartik could say more, Dadi's sharp voice cut through the room.

"Kittu, ruko!" Dadi's voice trembled with anger as she stepped forward, holding a stack of photos in her hands. Her eyes burned with accusation as she turned to Naira. "Aur tum, Naira, tumhari himmat kaise hui iss ghar mein wapas aane ki, haan? Itni sharam bhi nahi bachi tumhare andar?"

Naira flinched as Dadi threw the photos at her feet. They scattered across the floor, their glossy surfaces catching the light. Kartik looked down, his heart sinking as he saw the pictures. They showed Naira with Aditya—smiling, laughing, standing too close. But Kartik knew Naira's expressions; these weren't real. They were manipulated. He bent down, picking up one of the photos, his sharp eyes immediately spotting the telltale signs of editing.

"Yeh kya ho raha hai, Dadi?" Kartik demanded, holding up the picture. "Aap in jhooti photos par yakeen kar rahi hain?"

Dadi pointed a shaking finger at Naira, her voice rising. "Yeh jhooti nahi hain, Kittu! Yeh Aditya ne mujhe diye hain. Yeh Rishikesh ke hain. Dekho, kaise hass rahi hai, mazaak kar rahi hai iske saath! Tumhe lagta hai yeh sab jhooth hai?"

Her voice cracked with anger as she glared at Naira. "Goenka ghar ki bahu ban kar tumne yeh sab kiya? Tumne is parivaar ki izzat mitti mein mila di!"

Naira staggered back as if struck, her eyes welling up with tears. "Dadi, yeh sach nahi hai. Yeh photos fake hain. Aditya jhoot bol raha hai—"

Kartik's fury erupted. He stepped in front of Naira, shielding her from Dadi's harsh words. "That's enough, Dadi! How can you trust him of all people?" He pointed at Aditya, who leaned back casually, his smirk deepening.

"Do you even realize who you're defending? This is the same man who killed Akshara Maa!" Kartik's voice cracked with emotion as he continued. "The same man responsible for Shubham's death, and the same man who ruined our lives by taking away our first daughter! And now, you're willing to trust him over Naira? Over the woman who has done nothing but love and support this family?"