Anurag parked his car a little away from Siya's house. He didn't want her to see him. Wearing a mask, he stepped out and looked towards her house. Just then, a pair of eyes flashed from a black car. The person inside, dressed in black, had a revolver in hand.
The man in the car aimed at Anurag and fired—but just then, someone pushed Anurag away. He fell backward, and the bullet struck the other person. A crowd began to gather from the sound of the gunshot. The shooter sped off, and Anurag looked at the person who had saved him—it was none other than Chandrika ji. Blood was gushing from her stomach.
Anurag quickly carried her to his car and rushed to the hospital. Meanwhile, neighbors informed Aman ji that Chandrika ji had been shot. Aman and Kabir came running out, but Anurag had already left with her. Aman immediately drove toward the hospital with Kabir.
At the Hospital
Doctors were operating on Chandrika ji. Anurag, teary-eyed and anxious, kept pacing outside, praying for the woman who had saved his life. His phone rang—it was Apoorva. Crying, Anurag told her everything. She arrived quickly with security.
As she tried to lead Anurag out the back exit, he resisted."How can you leave her alone, Di? She saved my life," he protested.
"She saved your life, which means you're in more danger now," Apoorva reasoned.
"But Di…"
"Anurag, I'll stay with her. Please, just get out of here."
He still hesitated. So Apoorva played her emotional card."If you stay and they attack again, what if something happens to you? Her sacrifice would be in vain…"
Reluctantly, Anurag left with the bodyguards—but his heart stayed behind in the hospital.
Blood Needed
When the news reached Yamuna ji, she called Raj ji and went to the hospital with Siya. Outside the operating room, everyone prayed.
After some time, the doctor came out."No need to worry. We removed the bullet. But she's lost a lot of blood. You must arrange for O-positive blood quickly," he said.
Aman thanked him and rushed out to search. Raj ji met him outside and joined the effort.
Apoorva, upon learning Chandrika ji was stable, breathed a sigh of relief and immediately informed Anurag. He leaned his head back and whispered,"Thank you so much, God… If anything had happened to her, I could never have forgiven myself…"
Blood Search Continues
Aman and Raj ji searched the city for O-positive blood but couldn't find any. Aman broke down, but Raj comforted him."Don't worry, Bhai Sahib. We can't give up yet. Keep trying."
Raghav's Anxiety
In Auli, Raghav was in class but unable to focus. He felt deeply uneasy and missed his mother terribly. As the bell rang, students left—but Raghav kept his head down.
Aditya approached."What's wrong, Shona? You okay?"
"I don't know… I just miss Mom a lot."
Aditya tapped his head. "Which century are you in? If you miss her, call her!"
Raghav took the phone from Aditya's pocket and tried calling his mom, but got no answer. He called Aman ji—who silenced the call to avoid alarming him.
Next, Raghav called Kabir. Seeing his brother's name, Kabir broke down in sobs. Siya grabbed the phone."Mummy, it's Raghav calling!"
Yamuna ji, her voice choked, said,"Tell him everyone is busy with a Satyanarayan puja. We'll call later."
Siya wiped her tears, answered the call, and put it on speaker."Kabir, why aren't you picking up my call? Where's Mom and Dad?" Raghav asked.
"I'm here," Siya replied.
"Siya? Where's Kabir? Where's everyone?"
"There's a puja at home today. No one can talk right now. I'll tell Mom to call you in the evening."
"No one told me…" Raghav whispered.
"Well, would you have come running if we had?" she snapped.
After a pause, Raghav said,"Okay. Tell Mom I called. Bye."
Siya regretted her tone but didn't know what else to do.
Just then, Aman entered, smiling."We found a donor! My Chandru will be fine soon."
Yamuna ji nodded, relieved.
Truth Slips
Raghav, still holding the call, heard that and asked,"Mom will be fine? Siya, what happened to Mom?!"
Siya gasped. "Ugh, why hasn't this call ended yet?!"
"Whose call?" Aman asked.
"…Raghav's," Siya said quietly.
Aman closed his eyes, regretting not warning Kabir earlier—of course, Raghav would call him.
"Hello?! Siya?! Tell me what's wrong with Mom!" Raghav screamed.
Aditya grew worried. "What happened, Raghav? Is aunty okay?"
"I don't know. I don't think she is. I need to go to her, now."
Father-Son Call
Aman took the phone."Hello, Raghav, son…"
"Dad! Where is Mom? Is she okay? I'm coming now!"
"Nothing serious—just a small accident. She's fine now. You don't need to come."
"No, Dad—I'm coming. I need to see her…"
Aman's voice grew firm."Raghav, how many times do I have to explain? Your mother is fine. Don't you trust me?"
Raghav froze."It's not that… I just want to see her…"
"Stay there and focus on your studies. I'm still alive, and I'll take care of everything."
Reluctantly, Raghav said "okay" and hung up. Aditya hugged him."Don't worry. Aunty will be okay."
Raghav clung to him tightly, wordless.
Damage Control
Apoorva decided to keep the incident with Anurag quiet—she didn't want any news to cancel the party and break Anant's heart. She increased security, began investigating the masked attacker, and told everyone that it was just a precaution.
The Grand Celebration
Evening came, and the party began. Dignitaries arrived. Music, dance, and gourmet food dazzled the guests.
"Man, this is the life—Anant Chauhan is living like a prince!" people said.The mansion gleamed like a bride, draped in flowers and lights.
Anant wore his golden-embroidered white suit and joyfully showed his friends around.
Meanwhile, in the Shadows
Anurag sat on his sofa, puffing cigarettes. The room was thick with smoke. His eyes were hollow—no joy, no sadness, no anger—just numb.
Avyaan entered, coughing. He opened windows and scolded,"Dude, you're smoking inside the house now? If they catch you, you're dead!"
Anurag remained silent, staring at the ceiling.
"What are you looking at up there? Is there a witch glued to the ceiling or what?"
Still no answer.
Avyaan sat beside him."Anu, what's wrong?"
Anurag gave a sad smile."Nothing… Just realizing how weak I am—that I need support for everything."