---

Mass sits on the edge of the bed, his gaze soft, while Kk gently runs the comb through her hair, lost in thought.

Mass: "Come here, Kat."

Kk: "Why? What now?"

Mass: "Just come. I need to ask you something... important."

Kk eyes him suspiciously but walks over. As she approaches, he reaches out and pulls her by the hand, guiding her down gently until she’s sitting on his l@p.

Kk: "Alright... What is it you want to ask?"

Mass takes both of her hands in his. His touch is warm, his fingers brushing over her knuckles tenderly, as if trying to ease an old pain away.

Mass: "Do you trust me?"

Kk: pauses, narrowing her eyes "What’s the purpose behind that question?"

Mass: "Just answer it."

Kk: softly "Yes... I trust you."

Mass’s expression darkens a little, not with anger, but with concern—like something heavy is on his chest.

Mass: "What happened in your past... that still h@unts your present? All I know is that something changed you in your twenties. And Kat, you know this—whatever it is, you can share it with me. I won’t judge, I won’t walk away. Ever."

Kk: shaken "Who told you?"

Mass: "No one. I just... noticed."

Kk: pulls her hands away, voice cracking "Don’t... please don’t go there."

Mass: gently "Just tell me... why do you shy away from people? Why does the word ‘mafia’ make you flinch?"

Kk: her voice rising "Because I don’t want to relive it again! Why are you pushing this? I’ve built a new life, a peaceful one. You’re not involved in the underw0rld, so why does it matter to you?"

Mass: "Because I want you to be free. Truly free, from the chains of that past."

Kk: firmly "If I hadn’t let go of that past, I wouldn’t even be here, Mass. I am free. But listen to me carefully—I've already lost someone I loved more than life. And if there's even the smallest chance of losing you too, I... I wouldn’t survive that. So let’s bu®y the past. Please."

She wraps her arms around him tightly, as if her embrace could shield them both from the gh0sts she refused to name. He caresses her cheek and plants a tender k!ss. Then they lie down, holding each other, but even in the silence, Mass’s mind is restless.

Who was she talking about? What pa!n did she carry behind that calm smile?

Days fly by like the wind. It’s been over a month and a half now. Christmas season has arrived, bringing with it joy, warmth, and an unspoken anticipation.

Mass is preparing for a week-long business trip to India. He won't be home. Kk, the children, and Jadav are left to prepare for Christmas.

The house buzzes with life and decorations. Kk handles the kitchen with her usual perfection, Jadav transforms the living room into a winter wonderland, and the kids are busy surrounding the Christmas tree with sparkles and color.

Samar: "Mom... Mom!"

Samar: "Can you pass me the red lights, please?"

Kk hands them to him with a soft smile, about to step away when—

Sahil: "Mom!"

Kk: "What now?"

Sahil: "Can I get those shiny balls? Please?"

She hands him the decorations, again trying to retreat.

Meera: "Mom, can I get the white lights?"

Kk: exasperated "Are you all seriously using me like a delivery woman?"

Meera: "Sorry, Mom... This’ll be the last one, promise."

Kk: "Do any of you even know where the white lights are? I don’t see them here."

Jadav: "They're in the storeroom cupboard. I can go get them."

Kk: "No, it’s okay. You continue. I’ll fetch them."

Jadav: "Alright. They’re in the top section of the cupboard."

Kk: "Got it."

She walks to the storeroom. Opening the cupboard, she reaches in and grabs the lights. But as she's about to close the door, her eyes catch something behind the stack of old boxes.

Kk: "Oh... that's Meera’s picture. She was such an adorable baby in this one."

Her fingers brush over a thick photo album. Curiosity pulls her in. She sits down, flipping the pages slowly. Each picture brings warmth to her heart—her children smiling, growing, living.

Kk: murmurs "Why doesn’t Mass ever take photos with the kids? He’s such a boring dad. I swear we need a proper family photoshoot. Let’s see if this serious-faced man agrees."

As she turns more pages, her smile fades. Her brows furrow. Confusion creeps in.

There’s a photo of her father, Mass… and another man she recognizes—an infamous mafia leader.

Her heart skips a beat. The background, the atmosphere... nothing about that photo screams "business." There are armed men, unmistakable bodyguards, the dangerous aura of the underworld.

Kk: whispers "Mass... Is this who you really are?"

She flips another page. Her breath catches.

It’s Mass. In a wedding sherwani. But the bride beside him—her face isn’t shown.

Kk: "No... No, this can’t be... Mass, were you... married? If this is true... I—I’ll never forgive you."

Her eyes blaze with fury. She storms into the living room, her footsteps thundering across the floor.

Kk: "JADAV! JADAV!"

Jadav and the kids come running, concern etched into their faces.

Jadav: "What happened?"

Meera: "Mom? What’s wrong?"

Kk hurls the album at their feet, her voice trembling with rage.

Kk: "Does your father belong to the mafia?!"

The children stare at her, stunned. Silent. Confused.

Kk: "I’m asking one question. Just one."

Meera: "Mom, please calm down..."

Jadav: "I’m calling Mass. Right now."

He pulls out his phone. But before he can dial, Kk snatches it from his hand and throws it onto the sofa. She grabs his shirt collar, face inches from his.

Kk: "Don’t. You. Dare. Just answer me! Tell me the truth!"

Samar: "Mom, please... let him go!"

Kk shoves Jadav away, bre@thing hard, che$t heaving.

Kk: "IS HE INVOLVED IN THE MAFIA? YES OR NO?! Meera... Tell me. YES... or NO?!"

Meera: whispers "Mom... Mom..."

Kk: "ANSWER ME!"

She storms over to the table, snatches a vase, and hurls it with full f0rce onto the floor. The sh@rp shatter echoes through the room like thunder.

Meera: trembling "Yes... Yes... he is a mafia."

Kk’s jaw tightens as fury ripples across her face.

Kk: "Tell me everything. RIGHT NOW."

Meera: hesitating, voice cracking "He told us to keep it hidden... to act like he was just a regular businessman—because he knew how much you h@te the mafia."

Kk: "I worked beside my father for years. I knew the names of every key mafia member, even if I didn’t meet all of them. And still... I never heard his name. Why?!"

Jadav: "Because... his real name isn’t Mass. His real name is... Surya."

Kk lets out a bitter, hollow laugh. It’s the kind that b|eeds betrayal.

Kk: "Wow. So his name’s different too. Anything real about him?"

Samar: "Please, Mom... try to understand."

Kk: "Oh, I understand perfectly. So—he’s Surya Khan, huh? THE Surya Khan? Tell me, what exactly should I be understanding?"

Sahil: "Mom, just wait... Let us call Dad. You two need to talk."

Kk: "Don’t call him. He must be busy... with his wife."

Meera: "Mom..."

Kk: mocking "Ah, I’m sorry. I meant the first wife, right? Because I’m just the second."

Jadav: "No. That’s not true. You only know part of it. Surya—"

Kk: ¢uts him off coldly "I don’t want your explanations. I want to hear it from him. Only him."

Jadav: "Okay. Thank God. I’ll call—"

Kk: "NO. I want to meet him. Face to face. We’re going to India."

Jadav: "What? No, we can’t—"

Kk: "We will. And none of you are going to contact him. Got it? This is going to be... a surprise."

She picks up her baby gently, with silent f!re in her eyes, and heads toward the door.

Kk: "What’s the delay? Let’s go."

---

The kids and Jadav quickly follow her out. Kk takes the wheel, driving with steel determination in her veins. They arrive at the airport. Within an hour, they’re on a private jet, soaring toward Mumbai.

At the Mumbai airport—

Jadav: pulling out his phone "Let me call the bodyguard. He’ll take us safely to the house."

Kk: "We’re going by taxi."

Jadav: "That’s too risky. It’s not safe."

Kk: "I said no."

Jadav: "At least for the kids’ sake, Bhabhi. Please."

Kk: pauses, then relents "Fine. But don’t tell them we’re here. I want this surprise to be unforgettable."

Jadav: "Understood."

Jadav makes the call. Soon after, three sleek black cars pull up.

They get in. Jadav drives, Kk sits in silence—every heartbeat pounding like war drums in her chest.

They arrive at the grand mansion.

Kk wastes no time. She steps out, holding her baby tightly, and marches toward the front door like a storm about to break.

Meera: "Wait—Mom..."

Kk doesn’t. She flings the door open.

Inside the lavish living room, Surya—once Mass—sits at the head of a business meeting. A few men in suits are seated across from him. And beside him... the same woman from the photograph—the bride.

Kk: calm but ice-cold "MR. SURYA KHAN, do you have a moment? We need to talk."

Surya’s eyes go wide with shock.

Surya (to businessmen): "Please leave. We'll continue this discussion tomorrow."

Businessmen: "Of course, sir."

They gather their papers and leave quickly. Jadav and the children enter the room as Surya rises.

Surya: "Kat..."

Kk: "Mr. Khan... I apologize for the disruption."

Surya: "Kat, listen to me—"

Kk suddenly grabs his collar, dragging him close.

?: "What are you doing?! Let him go!"

Kk: spins around, eyes blazing "AND WHO THE HELL ARE YOU TO SPEAK BETWEEN US?!"

beat

Kk: "Ah, yes... Of course. The wife. And I’m just the outsider. Isn’t that right?"

Surya: "It’s not what you think."

Kk: coldly "I told you... I hate liars."

Shaili: "Let him go! You’re completely misunderstanding—"

Kk: gritted teeth "Say one more word and I’ll end you. Right here, in front of your husband."

Meera: "Mom..."

Kk: "SHUT UP. Jadav, take the kids outside. Now."

Samar: "Please, Mom..."

Kk: "GET. OUT."

Her voice booms through the hall like a slap. Meera flinches. Jadav quickly ushers them out.

Kk: "Should I send an invitation for you to leave too?"

Shaili: scowling "You—"

Surya: "Shaili. Leave us."

Reluctantly, she obeys, disappearing through a side door.

Kk: glaring "I’m listening. Start explaining."

Surya is silent.

Kk: "I asked you a question!"

Surya: "Calm down first. Then I’ll explain."

He reaches to hold her hands, but she jerks away.

Kk: "Don’t. You lost the right to touch me the moment you lied."

Surya: "Kat... please. Just hear me out with a calm mind."

Kk: laughing bitterly "Calm? You want me to calm down? Knowing you’ve been hiding your identity, your past, your whole damn life from me? You knew I hated the mafia... and you still came after me. Why?!"

Tears brim in her eyes, but her voice is steel.

Surya: "Please don’t cry. It’s not what it looks like—"

She grabs the lamp beside her and smashes it onto the floor, shards scattering like broken promises.

Kk: "SURYA! Don’t you dare test my patience!"

Surya leans back on the sofa, folding his arms across his chest.

Surya: "If you want to break more things, go ahead. But calm down before we talk."

Kk storms forward, grabs his blazer and yanks him to his feet, their faces inches apart.

She breathes hard, trembling with fury.

Kk: "Now talk."

He stares at her—blank, unreadable.

Kk: "I SAID SOMETHING. ANSWER ME."

She shoves him back and turns away, hands on her head.

Her rage trembles through her limbs. Her heart pounds.

Without thinking, she reaches behind her waistband and pulls out her gun. Her hands shaking, she points it directly at him.

Kk: "I swear to God... I WILL KILL YOU."

Surya: "Then do it."

Kk: "Don’t play with me. I’m not bluffing."

Surya: calmly "And I’m not stopping you."

Her fingers tense over the trigger.

Surya: "You won’t do it. You can’t."

Kk: "You know I’m capable."

Surya: a small, dark chuckle "I know you better than you know yourself."

Her jaw locks. Rage spills through her veins.

She tightens her grip—

AND PULLS THE TRIGGER.

Outside,

Shaili: "She’s absolutely fur!ous."

Meera: "Yeah... I’ve never seen her this @ngry before."

Jadav: "I just hope Surya can calm her down before it’s too late."

??: "Jadav, are you out here?"

Jadav: "Yes, Cassidy."

Cassidy, Surya’s loyal bodyguard, steps forward from the shadows. Like Jadav, he’s tough, composed, and exudes an aura of quiet power. And just like Jadav, he’s more than just muscle—he’s family.

Jadav: "How’ve you been? How did the mission go?"

Cassidy: "I’m good. The mission was a success. Eight months undercover—it’s a relief to finally breathe normal air."

Samar: "It’s been forever since we saw you."

Cassidy: "Yeah, eight months felt like a lifetime. But now, I’m back. Hey... who's this adorable little one?"

Meera: "This is Saumya."

Cassidy: "Saumya. She’s beautiful. Why is she here? Does her mother know you brought her?"

Shaili: "Her mother is here too."

Cassidy: "Wait, what? Does she know about… everything?"

Jadav: "Yes."

Jadav began explaining the entire tangled story, from betr@yal to he@rtbreak, while Cassidy listened, his expression turning serious.

Cassidy: "That’s... a lot. But don’t worry. The boss—he always finds a way. He’ll fix it."

Shaili: "He better."

Cassidy: "And finally, I get to meet her. Funny, I’ve never seen her before, just heard stories."

Shaili: "She’s stunning. Every pair of eyes can’t stop looking at her."

Cassidy: "Okay, now I’m alarmed. Shaili praising another woman? The world must be ending."

Samar: "But she’s right."

Shaili gently takes the baby from Jadav’s arms and holds her close.

Shaili: "She’s just too cute. Look at those cheeks."

Suddenly—BANG! A single £unshot echoed from inside the mansion. Their hearts skipped a beat.

They rushed inside.

She had f!red.

And Surya... didn’t even flinch.

The bu||et grazed his neck, a clean pass. Blood tr!ckled, but his eyes didn’t waver. He just stared at her.

Her arm trembled, then dropped.

Surya: "I told you..."

Kk: "Fine! YOU WIN! I LOSE!"

Her voice cracked, filled with rage and heartbreak.

Kk: "But tell me—who believes in you now? Who trusts you again? Who... who still loves you?"

Footsteps echoed. Everyone entered just in time to see the aftermath.

Jadav: "Surya! Are you okay?"

Kk’s gaze drifted across the room—and then landed on a face she recognized too well.

Kk: "The Orange Cassidy..."

Cassidy: "Boss... tell me she’s not your wife."

Surya: "She is. Do you know her?"

Kk: "He used to be my bodyguard. The coward."

Cassidy: "Watch your words."

Surya: "CASSIDY—"

Kk: "How d@re you touch my child?!"

She snatched the baby from Shaili's arms with shaking hands.

Shaili: "But... I..."

Surya: "Shaili."

He stopped her with a quiet nod. His eyes pleaded.

Kk: "Mr. Surya, I apologize for de$troying your perfect world. I’ll raise my child alone now. Goodbye."

Her voice was flat. Final.

She turned and began walking away.

Meera: "Mom... please tell me where you’re going?"

Kk: "Bangkok."

She turned again—her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Kk: "Remember you once asked if I regret marrying you?"

She paused. Then whispered:

Kk: "Yes. I regret it deeply. I should’ve just been a single mother from the start."

Surya: "Kat, just listen—"

Samar: "Mom... please..."

She was gone.

Surya: "Let her go. I’ll bring her back. Next week’s mafia family gathering is in Bangkok. I’ll talk to her then. She’s too hu®t right now. She won’t listen."

Meera: "We’re going with her."

Surya: "Okay. Go. I’ll come for all of you soon."

They followed her outside.

Surya: "Jadav, keep your eyes on them. I want them reaching Bangkok safely."

Kk sat inside the car. Her children followed, quietly.

Kk: "Why are you coming?"

Sahil: "Because we’re not leaving you alone."

Kk: "Okay..."

They boarded their private jet.

Kk gently placed Saumya in a seat, pulled the cover down over the baby, then moved to another seat. She sat, silent. And then... the tears fell.

Kk (thinking): I trusted you. And you shattered everything. I was foolish to give you a second chance. You don’t deserve it. You’re a mafia man—how could you ever lose? Maybe I’m just a character in your story, a role you write and rewrite to your whim. You win. Always.

She let out a broken laugh.

Meera: "Mom... are you okay?"

Samar: "Please, Mom..."

Kk: "Please... just let me be alone."

They respected her space.

Kk (thinking): No more crying. This is a new beginning. A fresh life. Just me and my daughter. Let’s start from zero.

They landed in Bangkok.

Her eyes, sw0llen and red, were hidden behind dark goggles.

Kk: "Shen, come to the airport. Now."

Shen: "Yes, Ma’am."

Her old bodyguard arrived with a team of cars.

Kk: "You three go in that car. I need to speak with Shen alone."

They nodded and entered the second car.

Kk sat beside Shen, holding her daughter in her l@p.

Shen: "How are you?"

She pulled off her goggles and stared at him with red, we@ry eyes.

Kk: "What do you think?"

Shen: "Tell me—did someone hu®t you?"

Kk exhaled and poured her heart out.

She told him everything.

Shen: "What now?"

Kk: "I just want my old life back."

Shen: "Racing? Clubbing? Boxing?"

A faint smile touched her lips.

Kk: "Racing."

Shen: "Done."

Kk: "You know... I still blame you."

Shen: "Me?!"

Kk: "Why did you go to America that night?"

Shen: "Your father sent me. You know that."

Kk: "If you’d stayed, maybe nothing would've happened. Will you be my personal bodyguard again? Just mine. No one else’s. I’ll pay double what Dad paid."

Shen: "You know I don’t do this for money."

Kk: "Yeah... I know."

Shen: "Your daughter is perfect. She’s going to grow up thinking her mom is a superhero."

Kk: "And her superhero mom has no clue how to face the world again."

She gave a soft, bitter laugh.

Shen: "You’re stronger than you know. One cup of coffee and one fast race—you’ll be ready to fight again."

Kk: "You should be a motivational speaker."

Shen: "Next life."

Kk: "I’d be your biggest fan."

Shen: "Don’t say that. If ‘The KK’ is my fan, I’ll have thousands of @ngry men chasing me."

They both laughed.

Kk: "The KK... currently the second choice of someone she gave everything to."

Shen: "You underestimate your power. Let’s see what the future holds."

They reached home.

Shen: "Can I take Saumya for a bit?"

Kk: "Sure. But be careful."

Shen: "Always. See you tonight."

They entered the house.

Mr. Kaif: "What are you doing here?"

Nargis: "Kk?"

Aaisha: "Meera? You're here too? Did Mass come?"

Kk: "His name is Surya. And you’re all l!ars."

Mr. Kaif: "Kk, please listen—"

Kk: "I don’t want to hear anything."

She walked past them and shut herself in her room.

Nargis: "I’ll talk to her—"

Shen: "She asked to be alone."

Meera’s phone rang.

Meera: "Hello? Dad? Yes, we’re safe."

Mr. Kaif: "Put it on speaker."

She did.

Mr. Kaif: "How does she know everything?"

Nargis: "How will you win her back?"

Surya: "I’ll come to Bangkok. For the mafia gathering. I’ll try then."

Mr. Kaif: "Are you sure you?"

Surya: "I’ve thought about it."

Mr. Kaif: "Then be careful."

Surya: "I will."

Samar: "Bye, Dad."

Surya: "Bye."

At Night...

In the living room, everyone gathered.

Aaisha: "So what did your Dad say to win her back?"

Sahil: "He was being too calm... he definitely has a plan."

Shen walked in.

Nargis: "Shen? Why now?"

Shen: "Ma’am wants to go racing."

Meera: "At this hour? It’s freezing outside!"

Aaisha: "For Kk, adventure doesn’t check the time."

Kk entered, her outfit fierce—leather pants, a tube top, a biker jacket. Her hair wild and loose.

Aaisha: "I swear, heartbreak made you h0tter."

Kk: chuckles

Nargis: "We’re coming too."

Kk: "Alright. Change fast."

Kk and Shen sat in the car.

Kk: "How do I look?"

Shen: "Would you change if I said ‘ugly’?"

Kk: "Never."

They laughed.

Kk: "So I look ugly."

Shen: "You know the truth."

Kk: "I do."

Shen: "By the way, your husband comes next week."

Kk: "You know him better than I do."

Shen: "He called Meera. He said he’s coming."

Kk: "He’s not my husband anymore."

Shen: "We’ll see."

Kk: "Whose side are you on?"

Shen: "You’ll find out."

They reached the racing arena. Engines roared. Bikes lined up.

Kk: "Bike or car?"

Meera: "Bike."

Nargis: "Let’s do it."

They revved up. Shen raised a £un and fired.

The race exploded.

And as always, KK was the frontrunner—unstoppable.

She won.

Samar: "I didn’t know you liked racing!"

Sahil: "You were amazing! You have to enter the next race!"

Shen: "Are you happy now?"

Kk: "Very. I’m starving. Let’s eat."

Meera: "Mom—it’s 3 a.m.!"

Kk: "Sweetheart, this is Bangkok."

Aaisha: "And Bangkok never sleeps for KK."

They reached a restaurant.

Receptionist: "Ma’am, welcome back. It's been a while."

Kk: nods silently

They were seated in a private room.

Waiter: "Your usual or something new?"

Kk: "My favorite."

Meera: "What's her favorite?"

Aaisha: "Pasta."

Shen handed over some papers.

Shen: "For you."

Nargis: "What’s that?"

Kk: gasping "Are you serious?"

A huge smile broke across her face.

Shen: "Sign it."

She signed.

Aaisha: "What is it?"

Kk: "He’s now my personal bodyguard. No more Dad's orders. Only mine."

She hugged Shen tightly.

Kk: "You’re the best gift I’ve ever gotten."

Meera: "He’s a gift?"

Nargis: "Someone gifted you a bodyguard?"

Kk: "Yes."

Samar: "Who?"

The smile faded.

Kk: "Someone... special."

Meanwhile...

Surya: "Cassidy, how do you know Kat?"

Cassidy: "I was her bodyguard, long ago."

Jadav: "Why did she call you a coward?"

Cassidy: "She got into a fight once—her boyfriend was also a mafia guy. He got k!dnapped. She and her father got involved. I went too, but my mom suddenly got sick. I flew to Spain. When I came back—everything had changed. She changed."

Surya: "Do you know who the boyfriend was?"

Cassidy: "Just that he was mafia. And stupidly handsome. Honestly? He made you look average."

They laughed.

Surya: "She’s not my girlfriend. She’s my wife."

Cassidy: "Even worse. She's terrifying when angry."

To be continued....