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

Shikhar instructed calmly. Mukesh nodded and lifted the luggage.

Near the doorway, Gauri stood quietly in a corner, watching Hriday's parents prepare to leave.

She didn't know why—but the house already felt emptier.

"Hey Gauri, come here."

Maithili called out, noticing her standing silently.

"Yes, Madam."

Gauri walked closer.

Maithili opened her handbag and took out a bundle of notes.

Gauri looked at her, confused.

"You are an amazing cook... and an even more amazing human," Maithili said warmly. "I truly enjoyed your company. This is just a small gift from my side."

Gauri immediately shook her head.

"No, Madam. I can't take this. It's my job to cook well. Hriday sir already pays me properly. I don't need this."

"Aree, take it, Gauri. It's not salary. It's affection."

"No, Madam... please."

She stepped back slightly.

Before Maithili could insist—

"Maithili, where are you? We're getting late for the flight."

Shikhar's voice came from outside.

Maithili sighed softly and placed the money back into her purse.

"Alright. But I won't forget this stubborn girl."

Gauri lowered her eyes.

"Have a safe journey, Madam."

"You take care too. Hope we meet again soon."

Gauri nodded.

She didn't trust her voice at that moment.

Outside, near the car—

"I hope you'll take care of the orphanage work," Shikhar said to Hriday.

"I will, Dad. Don't worry."

Maithili walked out and saw them already discussing business again.

She placed her hands on her hips.

"Hello to you two."

Hriday smiled instantly at his mother.

Shikhar simply nodded.

"Mom... I'll miss you."

Maithili's heart melted.

"I would've stayed if I could. But your Mausi is alone there. And remember, Saksham's wedding is at the end of this month."

"I'll come as soon as things settle here."

She hugged him tightly.

Then Shikhar and Hriday embraced too—less dramatic, more firm.

A silent understanding between father and son.

The car drove away.

And the house felt bigger.

Quieter.

Chandigarh.

Maithili and Shikhar landed safely.

A few minutes later, Hriday received a call from his father confirming their arrival.

Back at the office—

"Vivek, do I have any further meetings?"

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

"Okay. After this week, clear my schedule. I'll be going to Chandigarh once work here settles. You'll come with me."

"Yes, sir."

"Bring your family along. The company will provide an apartment."

Vivek looked grateful.

"Sir... my wife is a teacher. If we shift, she'll need a new job—"

"I'll speak to one of the best colleges there," Hriday replied calmly.

He understood responsibility.

Not just profits.

"Thank you, sir."

Vivek bowed slightly.

In the servants' quarters—

"Jiya, do you know how long Hriday sir is staying?" Gauri asked casually.

"No idea. But Mukesh said his work here is almost done. He might leave for Chandigarh this month or next."

Gauri didn't respond further.

But something tightened inside her.

Maybe...

Maybe she should start looking for another job.

After finishing dinner preparations, she placed the dishes neatly on the dining table and left for her home.

At her small house—

The first thing she saw was her mother cooking.

"What's for dinner, Maa?"

"Today is bhindi sabzi."

Gauri made a dramatic face.

Kishori laughed.

"Don't worry. I made Hilsa fish too."

Gauri's eyes sparkled instantly.

"I love you, Maa!!!"

She kissed her mother's cheek and ran to change.

"Pagal larki..." Kishori muttered fondly.

After changing into a simple kurta set, Gauri came out for dinner.

"How was your day?" Kishori asked.

"Good. Yours?"

"As usual. But your neighboring aunty was talking about a marriage proposal for you."

Gauri paused mid-bite.

"But I said no," Kishori added.

"Good."

She continued eating.

"But Sona... don't you think about it? You're growing older—"

"Maa, I'm not aging!"

"Sona, think about it—"

"No. I don't want to marry. I don't want to suffer like you did. I don't want my child to grow up like I did."

Her voice trembled.

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

"I can't believe that, Maa. It's difficult..."

Tears pooled in her eyes.

"You should have thought before bringing up marriage. I fear that word. It gives me nightmares. I've seen it with my own eyes."

She stood up and walked to her room without finishing her food.

Kishori stared at the closed door.

Tears slipped silently.

"Am I wrong, Durga Maa?" she whispered.

She wanted her daughter to have love.

Not fear.

Meanwhile—

Hriday sat in front of a video call.

"Hello, Mom!"

Maithili smiled brightly.

"Hello, Hriday Bhai!" Saksham popped into the screen.

"How are you, Saksham?"

"I'm very sad."

"Why?"

"Because my only brother might not attend my wedding!"

Maithili laughed.

"He wants his brother at his wedding."

"I'll be there. I promise."

"You better be!" Saksham warned playfully.

"Okay, okay. Now let me talk to my son," Maithili said, taking the phone.

"Did you have dinner?" she asked.

"Yes. Kadai paneer."

"Sleep on time. Don't overwork."

"Yes, Mom."

He smiled.

After the call ended—

Hriday sat alone for a moment.

For some reason—

His mind drifted to the kitchen.

To a quiet girl who refused extra money.

Who defended his father.

Who feared marriage.

And didn't even know—

He was leaving soon.