"Mukesh, take these bags and put them in the car."

Shikar instructed the servant, who nodded and began lifting the luggage.

Gauri stood silently in a corner of the foyer, watching as Hriday’s parents prepared to leave.

"Hey Gauri, come here."

Maithili called warmly, spotting her by the doorway.

"Yes, Madam?"
Gauri walked over.

Maithili pulled out a bundle of notes from her purse. Gauri looked surprised.

"You’ve been an amazing cook—and an even more amazing person. I enjoyed your company so much. This is just a small gift from me."

Gauri stepped back slightly, shaking her head.

"No, Madam. I can’t take this. It’s my job to cook properly—and Hriday sir already pays me fairly."

"Oh come on, Gauri, this is just a gesture..."

Maithili tried again.

"Please, I really can’t. I’m grateful, but this is enough."

Before Maithili could insist further, Shikar called from outside.

"Maithili! We're getting late for the flight."

Maithili sighed and slipped the money back into her purse.
"Take care, Gauri. I hope we meet again soon."

"Safe journey, Madam."
Gauri replied softly.

Outside, Hriday stood with his father, both deep in conversation.

"I hope you’ve handled the orphanage paperwork?"
Shikar asked.

"I will, Dad. Don’t worry."
Hriday responded, still mentally juggling tasks.

Maithili stepped out, catching her usual annoyance at their endless business chatter.

"Hello, you two. Planning to say goodbye to me or not?"
She walked toward them with mock irritation.

Hriday smiled.
"I’ll miss you, Mom."

Her face softened immediately.
"I’d stay if I could, but your Mausi is alone, and Saksham’s wedding is at the end of the month."

"I’ll come back to Chandigarh as soon as the office settles."

Maithili nodded and hugged him tightly.

Hriday hugged his father next, their bond unspoken but steady.

Later that evening, Maithili and Shikar landed safely in Chandigarh.

Hriday received his father's call confirming their arrival. He was back in office mode.

"Vivek, any meetings left for today?"

"Yes, sir. One with Mr. Kumar."

"After that, clear my schedule for a week. I’m going to Chandigarh. You’re coming too—hope you’re ready."

"Yes, sir."

Hriday noted Vivek hesitating.

"You have a request?"

"Sir… my wife’s a teacher. If we shift to Chandigarh, she’ll need to find a new job."

Hriday nodded.
"Don’t worry. I’ll talk to the best college in the city. Your family won’t suffer for your dedication."

"Thank you, sir."
Vivek said, genuinely moved.

Meanwhile, back at home...

"Do you know how long Hriday sir is staying?"
Gauri asked Jiya while cleaning up.

"Not sure. Mukesh said he might leave this month or next."

Gauri didn't reply. Her thoughts were already drifting elsewhere.
"Maybe I should start looking for a new job soon..."
She murmured to herself.

After preparing dinner, she left for home.

At home...

Gauri walked in to find her mother in the kitchen.

"What's for dinner, Maa?"

"Bhindi sabzi."

Gauri groaned.

Kishori laughed.

"Relax. I also made Hilsa fish."

Gauri’s eyes lit up.

"I love you, Maa!"

She kissed her mother's cheek and ran to freshen up.

"Pagal larki..."

Kishori shook her head with a smile.

Dressed in a soft cotton kurta, Gauri returned to eat.

"How was your day, Sona?"

Kishori asked.

"Good, Maa. Yours?"

"Same. But the neighbour was talking about your marriage proposal again."

Gauri froze.

"And?"

"I said no."

"Good."

But Kishori wasn’t finished.

"Sona, don’t you think it’s time to consider marriage?"

"Maa, I’m not ageing!"

"Still... think about it. You deserve companionship."

Gauri suddenly grew quiet, her voice tight.

"I don’t want to marry, Maa. I don’t want to repeat your suffering—or mine."

Kishori’s heart sank.

"Sona, not all men are the same..."

"I can’t trust anyone, Maa. The word marriage gives me nightmares."

She stood abruptly and walked to her room, leaving her plate half-finished.

Kishori stared at the closed door, wiping silent tears from her cheek. She whispered into the quiet,

"Am I wrong, Durga Maa? For wanting my daughter to find happiness...?"

Back at Hriday’s home...

He sat in front of a video call.

"Hello, Mom!"

Maithili’s face lit up on screen.

"Hello, Hriday Bhai!"

His cousin Saksham waved excitedly.

"How are you, Saksham?"

"Sad. My brother won’t be here to help me with my wedding prep!"

"I’ll be there on time, promise."

"You better! Or I won’t talk to you again."

"Okay, okay—enough. Now let me talk to my son!"

Maithili laughed, taking the phone.

"Did you eat, Hriday?"

"Yes, Mom. Kadai paneer."

"Good. Now sleep on time and don’t overwork. Call me again tomorrow."

"I will, Mom. You take care."

The screen faded to black, leaving Hriday staring into the quiet night—homesick, but somehow, a little more at peace.