EPISODE 5

Despite Janvi’s efforts to paint Arushi as irresponsible, another important figure in the Malhotra family, Shivani Malhotra (Akash’s mother), starts to take a liking to Arushi. She’s more traditional, but she sees something in Arushi that others miss—a genuine, unpolished ambition that reminds her of her youth.

Arushi & Shivani (Unexpected Conversation)

*Shivani*: *Smiling warmly* Arushi, dear, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.

*Arushi*: *Surprised* Oh\, hello\, Mrs. Malhotra! What’s on your mind?

*Shivani*: *Pauses thoughtfully* I’ve been watching you. You’re a bit different from the others in the family. You’ve got a certain... spark. I see why you want to become a model.

*Arushi*: *Surprised* Really? You... don’t think it’s a foolish idea?

*Shivani*: *Softly* No\, not at all. I admire your courage. I may be traditional\, but I know that if you want something badly enough\, you should follow it. Just be careful of the people you trust along the way.

*Arushi*: *Grinning* You really mean that?

Shivani*: *Nods I do. And I think you can make it\, Arushi. If you keep working hard and stay true to yourself\, you’ll go far.

*Arushi*: *Eyes sparkle* Thank you\, Mrs. Malhotra. That means more to me than you know. 😌

*Shivani*: *Smiles warmly* Of course\, dear. I want to see you succeed. Just remember—always stay humble and never lose sight of who you are. And if you ever need help or advice\, don’t hesitate to come to me.

*Arushi*: *Tears up a little* Thank you so much. You’ve given me hope. I’ll make you proud. 🙏

Arushi is overjoyed by Shivani’s support. For the first time, someone in Akash’s family believes in her. She feels encouraged to keep fighting for her dreams, despite all the obstacles she faces. This also sparks a tiny hope in her that maybe Akash’s mother could be her ally in the future.

As the tension between Arushi and Akash continues to build, Akash begins to realize that his feelings for her are not as straightforward as he thought. He starts feeling protective and more drawn to her, even though he’s been trying to keep his distance. He finds himself in a silent battle with his own emotions.

*Akash*: *Sighs* You’re always so... stubborn. Why don’t you ever listen?

*Arushi*: *Laughs* Because I know what’s best for me! 😆

*Akash*: *Glances at her* You always act like nothing can stop you. But the truth is\, the world isn’t always going to be kind.

Arushi: *Tilts head* I know the world can be tough\, Akash. But that’s why I have to keep fighting. I can’t give up on my dreams.

*Akash*: *Softly* I can’t stand seeing you hurt\, Arushi. Even if you think I’m just being annoying\, I care about what happens to you.

*Arushi*: *Pauses* What do you mean? You... care about me?

*Akash*: *Looks away* I don’t know\, okay? I don’t know why I feel this way. But... every time something happens to you\, it feels like it affects me too.

*Arushi*: *Softly* You do care about me\, don’t you?

*Akash*: *Reluctantly* Yeah\, maybe I do. But that doesn’t change anything. You still have your path\, and I still have mine.

*Arushi*: *Smiles* Maybe... maybe those paths aren’t so different after all. 😌

*Akash*: *Frowns\, then softens* Maybe. But I’m not going to make things easy for you.

*Arushi*: *Laughs* I wouldn’t want it any other way. 😜

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