The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the street as Nandini walked away from the house that had once been a sanctuary. Each step felt heavier than the last, her heart weighed down by the burden of betrayal and anguish. She wrapped her arms around her middle, as if shielding the life within her from the chaos surrounding her.

The streets were alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. Nandini felt like a ghost, invisible among the vibrant world around her. She wandered aimlessly, her mind racing with the accusations thrown at her like daggers. “Gold digger,” they had said, as if her only worth was tied to wealth. “Murderer,” they had accused, branding her a villain for trying to save her own life.

she didn't care where she was going; she didn't care that the sun was setting and the streets were slowly emptying. The tears had stopped flowing, but her face remained expressionless, as if drained of all emotion. Her once bright eyes were now hollow, lifeless. She was neither sad, angry, nor scared. She was simply... numb.

"I always lived as someone's wife, someone's daughter, or daughter-in-law. I was someone's sister, sister-in-law, or friend. But in all of this, where was I? They never cared about my emotions or my struggles. And now, they've thrown me out of their lives like I was nothing more than an inconvenience, a fly in their tea. Who am I? What is my 'identity'? I've been alone before, but now... now I am pregnant. Manik didn't even believe me when I told him about the baby. He thought it was just another ploy to stay in his house. Yes, his house—because none of it was ever mine. Not the house, not the family... nothing. I don't have a family anymore. I never really did."

She let out a bitter laugh in her mind, though it barely reached her lips.

"They think I'm a slut, a woman who only exists to warm men's bed. They don't know the truth. They never even asked. Veedha set this all up, and they think I'm behind it. Now they think I tried to kill Mukti... I was alone before, but now it's different. I have a child to think about. Whether this baby was conceived out of love or cruelty, it doesn't matter to me. It's my child. My blood. I will live for my child now. I will give him or her everything I never had—love, protection, safety. I will become so strong that no one will dare hurt us again. My child will have everything they deserve, no matter what it costs
me."

Nandini paused for a moment, her hands instinctively moving to her stomach. For the first time in hours, her lips trembled into a weak smile. "This child...," she thought, "will be my reason to fight. No more sacrificing my happiness for those who don't care. From now on, I will live for my baby. I will protect them with everything I have. I will be strong, mentally and physically. And if anyone ever tries to hurt us again, they will think a thousand times before even coming near us."

End of POV

The weight of her exhaustion finally hit her, and Nandini slumped onto a bench at a nearby bus stop. She didn't even realize how dark it had gotten. The streetlights flickered on, casting a soft glow over the empty road. She was lost in her thoughts, still reeling from the storm of betrayal, when she felt a gentle hand on her head. Startled, she looked up.

A kind-looking elderly couple stood before her. The woman, with silver hair and warm eyes, smiled softly. The man, standing next to her, had a concerned look on his face.

"Beta," the lady said gently, "what are you doing here? It's getting dark. Shouldn't you be going home?"

Nandini let out a sad chuckle, her voice hollow. "Home?" she murmured. "I don't have a home. I don't have a family anymore."

The woman's expression softened further, and she sat down beside Nandini, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "What happened, beta? You can tell us. Keeping it all inside won't help. Sometimes sharing your burden can make it a little lighter."

The man nodded, sitting on the other side of Nandini. "Yes, beta. We're strangers, but sometimes strangers can listen without judgment. Tell us what's troubling you."

Nandini hesitated for a moment. Could she really trust them? But as she looked into their kind faces, something inside her gave way. She nodded slowly, wiping the remnants of tears from her cheeks.

Nandini began to tell them everything, from how her family had treated her to how her husband, Manik, and his family threw her out. She told them about the false accusations, the betrayal of her friends, and how no one believed her. As she spoke, her voice cracked with emotion. The pain she had been holding in for so long finally spilled out, and by the time she finished, she was sobbing.

The couple listened quietly, their hearts breaking for the young woman before them. Tears glistened in the older woman's eyes, and the man clenched his fists in silent anger at how Nandini had been treated.

After a moment of silence, the woman, who introduced herself as Ishwari Dixit, spoke softly. "Beta, come with us. You don't have to be alone. You can stay in our home as long as you need. Please don't say no. I always wanted a daughter, but I only have one son. You will be like my daughter, Nandini."

Nandini shook her head, overwhelmed. "I can't... You don't even know me. How can I come with you? It wouldn't be right."
The man, Devraj Dixit, gently took Nandini's hand. "Beta, we may not know you, but we see you. And we see the pain you're carrying. Think of us as your parents. You're pregnant, and you need support, not more loneliness. Where will you go if not with us? Please, think of your child."

Nandini closed her eyes, the weight of her exhaustion bearing down on her. Could she trust them? She had no one, no place to go, and the thought of raising her child on the streets terrified her. After a few moments of silence, she finally nodded.

"Okay," Nandini whispered. "But... may I ask your names?"

The woman smiled warmly. "I am Ishwari Dixit, and this is my husband, Devraj Dixit."

"Thank you... both of you," Nandini said, her voice trembling with gratitude. "I don't know how to repay you for this."

Ishwari gently cupped her face. "Pagli, don't say thank you to your mother. And call me Mom, okay?"

Devraj smiled and added, "And me as Dad. From now on, you're part of our family."

Nandini couldn't hold back the tears this time. She had never expected kindness from strangers, but here they were, offering her a new beginning. She nodded, and both Ishwari and Devraj hugged her tightly.

After a moment, Devraj held out his hand to Nandini, and she took it. They made their way to the Dixit family car, and soon they arrived at their home. As they approached the door, Ishwari rang the bell. The door swung open, and a young woman stood in the doorway, smiling warmly.

"Mom, Dad! Where have you been? You had me so worried!" she said, her words tumbling out without pause.

Behind her, a tall man appeared. He had an air of concern. "Why are you both so quiet? Are you okay? Did something happen?" he asked anxiously, his words coming in a rush.

The woman, Sonakshi, shook her head, amused. "Dev, calm down! You're not even letting them speak."

Devraj chuckled. "We're fine, beta. Calm down."

Then Dev's eyes landed on Nandini. He tilted his head slightly. "And who's this doll standing with you?"

Ishwari smiled. "Let's go inside, and we'll explain everything."

Once inside, everyone gathered in the living room. As they all sat down, Ishwari recounted Nandini's story, how they had found her, and everything she had been through. Both Dev and Sonakshi were moved to tears by Nandini's tale.

Dev walked over to Nandini, his voice soft and protective. "Hey, baby doll, from today, think of me as your brother. I will always protect you. You don't need to cry for anyone or anything anymore. If they couldn't see your worth, that's their loss, not yours. Will you accept me as your brother?"

Nandini, overwhelmed with emotion, nodded. "Yes, bhai."

Dev's eyes welled up as he hugged her tightly. "Thank you," he whispered.

Sonakshi smiled and wiped her own tears. "And me as your bhabhi, okay?"

Nandini smiled weakly. "Okay, bhabhi."

Ishwari clapped her hands. "Alright, no more tears. Let's all have dinner now. Sonakshi has already made everything. Let's eat!"
Everyone moved to the dining table. The warmth of the Dixit family began to melt some of the coldness Nandini had felt. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt a glimmer of hope. After dinner, Dev and Sonakshi showed Nandini to her room.

"If you need anything, just call us," Sonakshi said gently. "You're family now."

Nandini nodded, grateful beyond words. Once alone in the room, she changed into the clothes Sonakshi had given her and sat on the bed. Her thoughts wandered back to everything that had happened, but this time, her mind wasn't filled with despair. For the first time in days, she felt the weight lifting.

Laying down, she finally allowed herself to drift off to sleep, knowing that she wasn't alone anymore.

*****************************

hey Lovies

this is updated version of the story. i hope you guys like it and yeah do comment and vote to keep me motivated.

thankssssss