After their conversation, Hriday returned home with a firm decision in his heart — he would stand by her side no matter what.

He knew she needed time. Too much had happened in too little time. Grief, marriage, humiliation — anyone would feel overwhelmed.

That night, he went to bed without dinner.

The next morning, the first thing he did after freshening up was call her.

No response.

He tried again.

Still nothing.

A flicker of worry crossed his face. He immediately dialed the hotel manager.

"Hello sir, how may I help you?"

"Check room 3008. Is she inside?"

"Just a moment, sir."

The manager personally went upstairs, only to find the room locked from outside.

"Sir, the room is locked. It seems madam went out."

Hriday didn't waste another second. He grabbed his car keys and drove off in haste.

In the garden, Harshavardhan was sipping his morning tea when he noticed Hriday speeding out recklessly.

"Hey Bhagwan, mere bacche ki raksha karna..."
(Oh God, protect my child.)

Concern clouded his face. He immediately asked a servant to call Maithili and Shikar. He couldn't ignore this anymore.

Soon, Shikar walked in, dressed in his business suit.

"You called us, Papa?"

"Yes... but it seems you're heading somewhere."

"Yes, a meeting in Mumbai. The Mehra deal."

Harshavardhan nodded thoughtfully.

Just then, Maithili entered carrying a plate of freshly made pancakes.

"Wow, someone seems happy today," Shikar teased, trying to grab one.

Maithili gave him a look and handed the plate to Harshavardhan instead.

"Papaji, taste it."

Since the doctor had restricted sugar, she had made them carefully.

Harshavardhan smiled. "Perfect as always."

Shikar quickly took a large bite.

Cough! Cough!

"Arre, aaram se!"
(Careful!)

"Drink water, Shikar. What are you, five years old?" Harshavardhan scolded lightly.

After settling down, Harshavardhan cleared his throat.

"I want to discuss Hriday's marriage."

"Suddenly?" Shikar asked.

"Great idea, Papaji!" Maithili said at the same time.

She shot Shikar a glare.

"I've thought about this for his own good," Harshavardhan continued.

"I fully support you," Maithili said eagerly.

Shikar looked hesitant. "Papa... Hriday won't agree."

"That's why I need both of you to help convince him."

Maithili nodded immediately. Shikar, though unsure, eventually agreed. He knew his son's stubbornness all too well.

Meanwhile—

"Where are you, Gauri?" Hriday muttered while driving, scanning every street.

"She's not even picking up her phone!"

He hit the steering wheel in frustration.

Then his eyes caught sight of a familiar dress — the same one she had worn the previous night.

He parked abruptly and stepped out.

Gauri, distracted while checking a packet in her hands, accidentally bumped into him.

"Ouch!"

She looked up.

"A-ap...?"

"Yes, sweetheart. Me."

He was trying very hard to control his anger.

"What are you doing here? You were supposed to be at the hotel. And where is your phone?"

"I... I needed to buy something," she said softly, avoiding his gaze. People around them were already staring.

"Oh. So Miss Gauri decided to go shopping while setting my heart on fire."

"What?"

"Nothing. Sit in the car."

They got inside.

"What did you buy?" he asked casually.

She quickly hid the packet under her dupatta. "It's personal."

He didn't push.

"Pack your bags when we get back to the hotel."

"Why? Are we going somewhere?"

"Yes. We're going home."

"What home? Are you mad, Hriday? How can we go to your house? They won't accept this!"

"They will. We are husband and wife. If Goddess Kali blessed us, my family will too. They've always trusted my decisions."

"No. I can't go."

"Why, Gauri?"

"I just can't."

"Gauri, at least tell me why. When you didn't answer my calls today, I felt—"

He stopped mid-sentence, closing his eyes briefly.

"You felt what?"

"Don't be stubborn. Come with me. I can't leave you alone in that hotel. And if you don't listen... I have my own ways."

His tone turned firm.

She stayed silent for a moment before speaking slowly.

"Fine. I'll come. But on one condition."

"What?"

"You will not tell your family about our marriage. Not until they accept me for who I am. I don't want them to accept me just because you married me. I want them to want me. Promise me."

Hriday studied her face.

"Okay. I give you my word. I won't claim you as my wife until that day comes. Now... pack your bags."

She quietly packed her small belongings — just a few suits and one saree.

While she packed, Hriday stood by the window, looking out at the city. He didn't fully understand her condition, but he respected it.

Right now, all he knew was one thing:

He would protect her.

"Ready?" he asked.

She nodded.

And together, they walked toward the car.