The next morning, the Roy family gathered by the riverside for Zainab's last rites.

The atmosphere was heavy.

No one spoke.

The white flowers, the sacred chants, and the smoke rising into the sky made the reality impossible to deny.

Zainab was gone.

Mareena stood silently with folded hands, tears rolling down her cheeks. She had once considered Zainab an enemy, yet in her final months she had become like a daughter.

Abhinav closed his eyes in prayer.

Abhina stood beside Hrittik, holding his hand tightly.

A small cradle had been placed nearby.

Inside it slept Zainab's tiny premature daughter, unaware of the tragedy surrounding her.

Just then, a car stopped.

Vedant stepped out.

He had rushed back overnight after receiving Mareena's call.

The moment he saw Zainab's lifeless body wrapped in maroon saree, She was dressed so beautifully. Perhaps she could have been decked as a bride if he didn't escape, the thought made his legs gave way.

"No..."

He stumbled forward.

"No... Zainab..."

He fell beside her and broke into uncontrollable sobs.

"I'm here..."

"I came back..."

"I'm sorry..."

"I should never have left you."

He held her cold hand.

"You waited for me..."

"And I wasn't there."

Tears streamed down his face.

"I wanted to build my career first... I thought there was time..."

"There wasn't..."

Everyone watching silently wiped their own tears.

Hrittik walked forward and gently placed a hand on Vedant's shoulder.

"Be strong."

Vedant looked up with swollen eyes.

"I failed her, bhaiya."

Hrittik embraced him.

"The past cannot be changed. But your daughter still needs you."

Vedant slowly turned towards the cradle.

The tiny baby was sleeping peacefully.

With trembling hands he picked her up for the first time.

His daughter opened her little eyes for a brief moment before wrapping her tiny fingers around one of his.

Vedant broke down again.

"My princess..."

"I promise..."

"I'll never leave you."

Abhina smiled through tears.

She stepped forward and gently kissed the baby's forehead.

"You've already lost your mother."

"You'll never be short of love."

The baby quietly slept in her aunt's arms.

---

After the rituals, the funeral pyre was lit.

As the flames slowly rose into the sky, Vedant collapsed to his knees.

Memories flooded his mind.

The first time he had seen Zainab.

Their arguments.

Their secret outings.

The day she had confessed she wanted to keep the baby.

"Their affair started as a desire of greed,lust and agony which ended with affection, this is the tragedy of burning in your love. Zainab wanted his wealth but ended up to be his Mourning Bride".

The phone calls he ignored.

The last conversation they never got to have.

The flames consumed everything.

By evening...

Only ashes remained.

---

Back at Roy Mansion, silence filled every room.

Mareena gently rocked the baby to sleep.

Looking at everyone, she softly said,

"This child has lost her mother."

"I won't let her grow up without love."

"I'll raise her as my own granddaughter."

Abhinav nodded.

"Our house has seen enough hatred."

"From today onwards, only love."

Vedant folded his hands before Mareena.

"Aunty... thank you."

"I still have to complete my studies and build my career."

"I'll become worthy of being her father."

Mareena smiled sadly.

"And until then..."

"We'll raise her together."

---

Later that day, the prison authorities brought Ekta under police escort to attend her daughter's final rites.

The moment she saw the ashes, she screamed.

"Zainab!"

"My daughter!"

She cried uncontrollably.

"I wanted money..."

"I wanted revenge..."

"I never wanted to lose you."

The officers eventually led her away.

Her cries echoed long after she disappeared.

---

That night, Abhina decided to stay at Roy Mansion.

The baby needed constant attention.

She and Mareena took turns feeding and comforting the infant through the night.

Meanwhile, Hrittik returned alone to his apartment.

The house felt unusually empty.

He was emotionally exhausted.

Around 10 p.m., the doorbell rang.

He opened it.

Krutika stood outside looking distressed.

"Hrittik... please help me."

"I don't feel well."

He hesitated before allowing her inside.

She sat on the sofa, breathing heavily.

"My head is spinning..."

"I think my blood sugar has dropped."

Concerned, Hrittik brought her a glass of water.

Krutika then took out a small bottle from her handbag.

"It's just herbal medicine... have some too. You've looked exhausted since the funeral."

Without suspecting anything, Hrittik took a few sips.

Within minutes, his vision became blurry.

"Hrittik?" Krutika asked softly.

"I... don't feel..."

His words faded.

He lost consciousness.

A cold smile appeared on Krutika's face.

"So this is how I'll get you back."

She dragged him towards the bedroom.

Then, to create a false impression, she deliberately tore parts of her own clothing and lay beside the unconscious Hrittik.

---

The next morning...

Abhina returned to the apartment after helping Mareena settle the baby.

She smiled softly, thinking of surprising her husband.

She unlocked the door.

"Hrittik..."

There was no response.

She walked towards the bedroom.

The door was slightly open.

She froze.

Hrittik was lying unconscious on the bed.

Beside him lay Krutika, her clothes torn and her hair dishevelled.

The sight shattered Abhina.

The gift she had worn after their wedding slipped from her hands onto the floor.

"H... Hrittik..."

Her voice trembled.

The sound woke Hrittik.

He slowly opened his eyes, pressing a hand to his forehead.

His expression immediately changed to horror.

"What..."

He looked beside him.

Krutika.

Then he looked at Abhina standing at the doorway with tears streaming down her face.

"No..."

"No, Abhina!"

He quickly got off the bed.

"This isn't what it looks like!"

"I swear!"

"I remember she came asking for help..."

"She gave me something to drink..."

"After that..."

He held his head in confusion.

"I don't remember anything."

Abhina stood motionless, unable to process what she had just seen.

For the first time since their marriage...

Trust had been shaken.