70. Epilogue

Niharika slowly blinked her eyes open, the dim, musty air hitting her lungs as her vision swam into focus. Her head throbbed painfully, and the cold, damp floor beneath her made her shiver. She could barely move, her arms bound tightly behind her back, the ropes digging into her skin.

Panic surged through her chest as her surroundings became clearer. The walls were old, covered in grime, and the faint scent of mildew lingered in the air. She was in some sort of basement—dark, quiet, and eerie. Her breaths quickened, heart racing in fear.

She attempted to move, but the ropes held her in place, constricting her every attempt to break free. Her body ached, bruised from the sudden assault and the unknown danger she’d been thrust into. The events before she had blacked out rushed back to her mind—the car attack, the man with the chloroform, and then... nothing.

She swallowed hard, trying to steady her breathing. Where was she? Who had taken her? And why?

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from somewhere above, and Niharika tensed, her body rigid with fear. She couldn’t let them know she was awake. She had to stay calm, think clearly.

She strained against the ropes, her hands bruising from the force of her struggle, but the more she moved, the tighter the knots seemed to become. She closed her eyes briefly, feeling her mind swirl in confusion. She had to get out of here. She had to survive.

The sound of the door creaking open above her sent a jolt of terror through her. The basement light flickered on, casting harsh shadows on the walls. Someone was coming.

Her body went still as she tried to make out the footsteps, the air thick with the weight of what was to come. Whoever it was, they were coming closer.

The door creaked open, and Niharika's breath hitched in her throat as she heard the footsteps approach. A cold, sinister presence filled the room, and then, his voice-low and taunting-cut through the silence.

Niharika's eyes widened in shock, her pulse pounding in her ears as the man stepped into the faint pool of light that illuminated the basement. His smirk was unnerving, a twisted grin that didn't reach his eyes.

Kanishk.

"Butterfly"

He looked down at her, eyes gleaming with something far more dangerous than madness.

"You don't know, do you?" he said, his voice dripping with cruel amusement. "I've been waiting for this moment for so long. For you."

Niharika's stomach churned, a cold sweat breaking out over her skin as she tried to process his words. He moved closer, his presence overwhelming, suffocating her.

"For that... I've had to commit so many crimes," Kanishk continued, his smile widening. "Kill your parents... kill that Charles... all to bring you to me."

Her heart raced as his words sank in. Kill her parents? Charles? The pieces of the puzzle clicked together, and the horrifying truth hit her like a slap in the face.

"You're the one... who... who killed them," she whispered hoarsely, her voice shaking.

Kanishk crouched down in front of her, his face dangerously close to hers, and his breath smelled of stale alcohol and something darker. "Oh, I did much more than that, my dear. But everything I've done... has led to this moment. You belong to me now."

The coldness in his voice sent a shiver down her spine.

Niharika fought against the ropes once more, panic flooding her system. "Why?" she gasped, her eyes darting between him and the door, hoping for some chance of escape. "Why me?"

Kanishk's smile grew even wider, his eyes glinting with something dark, possessive. "You've always been the prize, Niharika. The one I was meant to have. Your life, your family, everything-it's all been a part of the plan."

He reached out, his fingers grazing her cheek, sending a wave of revulsion through her body. "And now, finally, you're mine."

Niharika felt the bile rise in her throat. She wanted to scream, to fight, but the ropes were too tight, and Kanishk's grip on her was unshakable.

But deep inside, a fierce determination sparked. He might have taken her, but he would never break her.

Kanishk's eyes gleamed with malice as he sneered at Niharika. "Now you will see what I can do," he taunted, his voice dripping with menace. Niharika's eyes widened in terror as Kanishk grasped her wrists, his grip like a vice.

She struggled to break free, but he was too strong. He scooped her up, carrying her to a large, dark room. The air was thick with the scent of decay, and Niharika's heart pounded in her chest.

She was tossed onto the bed, her saree pallu forcibly removed. Niharika cried out, struggling to cover herself, but Kanishk was relentless. He leaned in, his lips inches from her neck, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine.

Just as he was about to kiss her, a fist connected with his jaw, sending him stumbling back. Kanishk's eyes narrowed as he looked up to see Shivaay standing over him, his fists clenched.

But to Shivaay's surprise, Kanishk didn't back down. Instead, he sneered, his eyes flashing with defiance. "You think you can stop me, Shivaay?" he taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "I'll show you what I'm capable of."

The room erupted with tension as Shivaay and Kanishk squared off, eyes locked in a deadly stare. Without a word, Shivaay lunged at Kanishk, throwing a sharp punch that landed with a sickening thud against Kanishk’s jaw. Kanishk staggered back but recovered quickly, his eyes flashing with rage.

He retaliated with a swift kick to Shivaay’s ribs, knocking the wind out of him. Shivaay grunted but stayed on his feet, barely faltering. He swung back with a vengeance, delivering a brutal blow to Kanishk’s stomach. Kanishk gasped, his face contorting in pain, but he wasn’t done yet. He grabbed Shivaay’s arm and twisted it behind his back, forcing him to his knees.

"You think you can stop me, Shivaay?" Kanishk sneered, his voice filled with contempt. "I’m untouchable."

Shivaay gritted his teeth, fighting through the pain. With a powerful movement, he broke free, flipping Kanishk to the ground. The room seemed to shake with the force of their collision. Both men were bloodied and bruised, their breathing labored, but neither would yield.

Kanishk scrambled to his feet, his eyes burning with fury. "You’re just as weak as everyone else," he spat, charging at Shivaay with wild desperation. But Shivaay was faster. He sidestepped, grabbing Kanishk by the neck and slamming him into the wall with bone-crushing force. Kanishk’s head snapped back, but he smirked through the blood.

"Is that all you’ve got?" Kanishk taunted, even as his legs wobbled from the impact.

Shivaay’s eyes burned with intensity. "You’ve made one hell of a mistake, Kanishk," he growled. "This ends now."

With a final, brutal punch, Shivaay drove his fist into Kanishk’s face, sending him crashing to the ground. Blood dripped from Kanishk’s nose, his eyes dazed, but there was still a fire in them as he glared up at Shivaay.

"You can beat me, Shivaay," Kanishk hissed, "but you’ll never win. You’ll never save her."

Shivaay stood over him, panting heavily, but his resolve was unwavering. He bent down, grabbing Kanishk by the collar and lifting him off the floor. "I’m not here to save her, Kanishk," Shivaay said coldly, his voice laced with fury. "I’m here to make you pay for everything."

And with that, he slammed Kanishk back to the ground, his fists prepared for the final blow.

As Shivaay prepared to strike the final blow, his name echoed through the room. "Shivaay!"

He froze, his body tense as he turned toward the voice. There, weakly standing, was Niharika—her face pale, her body trembling. Her eyes were wide with a mix of fear and relief. She was finally free, but the toll it had taken on her was evident.

Shivaay’s heart skipped a beat as he rushed towards her, his anger and adrenaline fading into overwhelming concern. Kanishk was left lying on the floor, motionless but not out of the fight just yet—he had been arrested by the authorities who had stormed in at the last moment. Shivaay didn’t care. Niharika was the only thing that mattered now.

"Niharika, you’re safe now," Shivaay said, his voice soft but filled with relief as he reached her.

Before she could respond, her knees gave out, and she collapsed into his arms. He caught her just in time, her unconscious form cradled against his chest. Panic flickered through him as he checked for signs of injury, his heart racing.

"Niharika!" he called out, shaking her gently. But she didn’t stir.

His emotions swelled as he held her close, tears threatening to spill. He couldn’t bear to see her like this—weak, broken, and vulnerable. Every second felt like an eternity as he cradled her in his arms, his mind racing for answers.

"Stay with me, Niharika," he whispered desperately, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted him, and soon, the room was filled with the flashing lights of police officers and the sound of their commands. But all Shivaay could focus on was Niharika, still unconscious in his arms. He couldn’t let go. Not now.

With great care, he lifted her in his arms and began to carry her out of the room, ignoring everything around him. All that mattered was getting her to safety.

Shivaay’s heart raced as he sat by Niharika’s side in the hospital room, his hand gripping hers tightly. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, but all he could focus on was Niharika’s pale face, the shallow rise and fall of her chest, and the way her delicate hand rested in his.

A doctor entered the room, his expression serious. Shivaay stood up immediately, his protective instincts kicking in.

"How is she?" Shivaay asked, his voice low but laced with concern.

The doctor glanced at Niharika before turning his attention back to Shivaay. "She’s stable now. We’ve administered fluids and kept her under observation. She was severely dehydrated and exhausted from the trauma, but she should be fine with time."

Shivaay exhaled a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. "What else?" he asked, his voice tight with the dread of what might come next.

The doctor hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. "There’s something we discovered during the examination," he began, choosing his words carefully. "Niharika is approximately one week pregnant."

Shivaay froze. The words felt like a jolt of electricity running through him, leaving him stunned. His mind raced as the weight of the information sank in.

Pregnant?

He turned toward Niharika, his gaze softening as he looked at her peaceful face. The realization hit him with a wave of mixed emotions—shock, confusion, and a strange sense of protectiveness.

"Are you sure?" Shivaay asked, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't believe it. After everything that had happened, this was the last thing he had expected to hear.

The doctor nodded. "The tests confirm it. She’s early into her pregnancy, but it's clear. You should be prepared to support her through this."

Shivaay’s heart pounded. The idea of Niharika carrying his child—his flesh and blood—was both a blessing and a challenge. He had to protect her, more than ever. His mind flashed back to the moment he realized how much he loved her, how he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her, and now, with this child, there was even more at stake.

He looked at Niharika again, his emotions in turmoil.

"This changes everything," he murmured to himself, as his hand gently brushed a strand of hair away from her forehead. He knew he would do anything to make sure she was safe, to make sure the child was safe.

As he sat back down beside her, holding her hand, a promise formed in his heart—he would protect both of them, no matter what.

As the doctor left, Shivaay sat back in his chair, his mind racing, but this time, it was filled with joy. A wide smile began to tug at the corners of his lips, and his heart swelled with a happiness he couldn’t quite put into words.

One week. Just one week.

His gaze softened as he looked at Niharika, still unconscious but stable. She was carrying his child. The thought of it made his chest tighten with emotion. The pain, the struggles, the darkness they had both endured—it all seemed so far away now, replaced with the most unexpected and beautiful piece of news.

He placed his hand gently on her belly, as though trying to connect with the tiny life growing inside her. "You’re going to be a mother, Niharika," he whispered, his voice filled with awe. "And I... I’m going to be a father."

Shivaay’s heart fluttered at the realization. He had never imagined he’d be in this position, but now that he was, it was like nothing else in the world mattered.

He stood up suddenly, his face alight with an infectious excitement. His heart raced with a happiness he’d never felt before, like everything was falling into place.

He paced around the room, unable to contain the joy bubbling within him. A child. A family. His family.

He came back to Niharika’s side and took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. "I don’t know what the future holds, but I promise you one thing, Niharika," he said softly, his voice brimming with love. "I’ll be the best father, and I’ll be here for you and our child, every single step of the way."

His smile widened as he gazed at her, the excitement in his eyes evident. The happiness he felt in that moment was unlike anything he had ever known. The world outside, the challenges, the enemies—they didn’t matter. All that mattered was Niharika and the little life growing inside her. He would do anything to protect them, to give them a life filled with love and happiness.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead, his heart soaring with joy. "Thank you, Niharika. Thank you for this gift."

Later that day, after Niharika had been stabilized and moved to a private room for more rest, Shivaay couldn't contain his happiness any longer. He was pacing the hospital hallway, waiting for the perfect moment to tell his family. He wanted to share the news in a way that would make it as special as he felt.

His phone buzzed with messages, but he ignored them, his focus solely on the joy that was about to pour into his family's hearts.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Shivaay made his way back to the mansion. As soon as he entered, the rest of the family looked up, and his expression alone was enough to make everyone pause. The air was thick with anticipation.

Indra, Shweta, Riya, and the others gathered around, sensing something important was happening. Shivaay looked at them, his heart overflowing with joy.

“Everyone," Shivaay began, his voice thick with emotion. "I have something incredible to share." He paused for a moment, his smile widening as he took a deep breath.

“The doctor confirmed it today. Niharika is... one week pregnant.”

The words hung in the air for a moment, and then a wave of excitement swept through the room.

Indra’s eyes widened in disbelief before he broke into a huge grin. “Are you serious? That’s incredible, Shivaay!”

Shweta clutched her chest, her face lighting up with joy. “I’m going to be a grandmother?” she whispered in awe.

Riya’s face softened, and even though she was usually more reserved, she couldn’t hide the happiness in her eyes. “This is amazing. A new life. A new beginning for all of us."

Shivaay laughed, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders as he saw the happiness in their eyes. It was the most beautiful thing he could have ever hoped for—this child was the bridge between his past and the future he wanted to build.

He turned to his mother, his expression full of gratitude. “Thank you, Ma, for always supporting me. This child... this is a blessing, and I promise I’ll protect and love Niharika and our little one more than anything.”

Shweta walked over to Shivaay and embraced him tightly, tears in her eyes. “I knew you’d be a great father, beta. I’m so proud of you.”

Indra clapped Shivaay on the back with a grin that couldn’t be wiped away. “Looks like you’re officially joining the ranks of fatherhood, my son. I couldn’t be happier for you.”

The rest of the family surrounded him, congratulating him, their joy palpable in the air. It was a celebration, not just of a new life, but of healing, hope, and new beginnings.

As they gathered around, Shivaay stood in the center of it all, his heart full. For the first time in years, everything felt right. This was just the beginning of a new chapter, and he couldn’t wait to experience every moment of it with Niharika and their child.

Indra and Anand arrived at the custody facility, their expressions serious but determined. They had come not just as family, but as men seeking the truth, hoping to clear up the misunderstandings that had torn their families apart.

Ragini was seated in a small interrogation room, her hands still restrained, her eyes filled with confusion and hurt. She was unsure whether to believe what she had been told—about Indra's so-called involvement in the events leading up to Alok’s death. But when Indra walked in, she looked up, her eyes filled with an unreadable mixture of suspicion and longing for answers.

“Ragini,” Indra began, his voice calm but firm, “I know you think I’m responsible for Alok's death, but I need you to listen to me carefully.”

Ragini’s eyes narrowed. “You expect me to listen to you after everything that’s happened? After you betrayed us?”

Anand stepped forward, his voice softer than Indra’s but no less intense. “It wasn’t what you think, Ragini. There’s something you haven’t seen, something that changes everything.” He pulled out his phone, showing her a video clip that left her stunned.

The video had been shot by Ishaan, their young son, unaware that it would be crucial evidence. The footage clearly showed Riya, sitting in the car while her phone was buzzing with an incoming call. Ishaan’s voice echoed in the background, “Mom, someone’s calling!”

The video paused at the exact moment when Riya picked up the phone—her face changing as she glanced at the caller ID. It was Alok. She answered, but her expression was filled with worry as she looked down at the phone, muttering something under her breath. Riya’s actions seemed suspicious as she fiddled with the phone, almost like she was trying to hide something.

Indra continued, his voice calm as he pointed to the next part of the video. “You can clearly see that she was watching something on her phone. And when the call came through, the mic on Alok’s phone wasn’t working. He tried to speak, but there was no sound.”

He flipped to another clip, showing Riya’s phone battery draining rapidly, its screen flashing a low-battery warning before it cut off completely. "And then, the worst part—his phone died in the middle of the call. It wasn't a coincidence."

Ragini’s eyes widened, disbelief written all over her face. “You’re saying... you’re telling me it wasn’t you who ignored him?”

Indra nodded, his gaze unwavering. “No, Ragini. My phone was working fine when I tried to call, but the mic wasn’t functioning, and my battery died. I couldn’t have heard what Alok was trying to say. I wasn’t responsible for any of this.”

Ragini’s mind raced, trying to piece together the truth. Her emotions were a whirlwind, torn between her anger towards him and the new revelations in front of her. Was it really as Indra said? Was he innocent in all of this? Her heart felt heavy, but there was no denying that the video raised too many questions for her to ignore.

“So, you’re saying... Riya was the one who…” Ragini trailed off, her voice barely a whisper.

Anand nodded slowly, his expression solemn. “It seems like there’s more to the story than we thought, Ragini. We need to get to the bottom of this. Riya’s actions were suspicious, and I’m afraid this is just the beginning.”

Ragini sat back, her mind swirling with the possibilities. She had always trusted her instincts, and they told her that something wasn’t right. Perhaps Indra had not been the enemy after all.

But the truth wasn’t always easy to accept, and even now, it felt like she was trapped in a web of lies, betrayal, and uncertainty. She had to confront her own feelings, but the storm inside her was far from over.

------

Ragini Sahani and her daughter Natasha, along with Shweta and Indra, withdrew their cases as they realized that Ragini had been misled and was not at fault. After further investigation, it became clear that Ragini had misunderstood the situation, and she had taken actions based on false assumptions. Niharika, who had initially been a victim, was no longer involved in any wrongful accusations. As a result, Ragini and Natasha's charges were dropped. Meanwhile, the case against Jhumki Kumar was also dismissed, as her role was clarified and seen in a different light. Kanishk, on the other hand, was found guilty of multiple murders, attempted murder, and assault. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for his numerous crimes, bringing justice to those he had harmed.

With the court cases behind them and the weight of the past lifted, everyone began to rebuild their lives. Shivaay and Niharika were overjoyed with the arrival of their daughter, Shivika, who became the light of their world. Their family was finally at peace, and they cherished every moment of their new chapter.

Ishaan and Kanika, who had faced their own trials, found happiness in each other’s arms and soon tied the knot, embarking on a journey of love and togetherness. Similarly, Sanchi and Ivaan, whose bond had grown stronger through everything, married and started a life filled with joy and love.

As for Riya, she made the bold decision to leave behind the luxuries she had once known. She chose a simpler, more fulfilling life with Arav, embracing the beauty of mid-class living. Together, they created a humble yet beautiful life, full of love, mutual respect, and happiness.

In the end, each of them found their own path to happiness, leaving the dark past behind and moving forward with newfound hope, love, and peace.

The End