The divorce was announced at a family meeting.

Maa fainted.

Papa shouted.

The aunties whispered.

The uncles strategized.

And when Arjun refused to give a reason beyond "irreconcilable differences," the speculation began.

Was he cheating? Was she? Was there a scandal?

Aashi sat through it all, silent, pale, terrified.

Mehera stood in the corner, arms crossed, jaw tight, saying nothing.

It was Rajeshwari who finally silenced the room.

"Enough," Maa said, pressing her pallu to her forehead. "Enough speculation. Enough gossip. I want to speak with Mehera and Aashi. Alone."

The room emptied.

The door closed.

Maa looked at them.

At Mehera, who hadn't moved from her corner.

At Aashi, who was shaking like a leaf.

"I've known since Holi," Rajeshwari said calmly.

Mehera's eyes widened.

"A mother sees things," Rajeshwari continued. "The way you looked at her. The way she looked at you. The way you came alive around her."

"Maa, I—"

"I'm not angry, Mehera."

Both women froze.

"I'm scared," Rajeshwari said. "For you. For both of you. This world... this society... it won't be kind."

"I know," Mehera said.

"Then you know what you're choosing?"

"Yes."

"And you, Aashi?" Rajeshwari turned to her. "Do you understand what this means? What people will say? What you'll face?"

Aashi swallowed hard. "I know, Maa. But..." She looked at Mehera. "She's worth it."

Rajeshwari closed her eyes.

A tear slipped down her cheek.

"Then I will stand with you," she said. "Whatever comes. I will stand with you."

Aashi broke down.

Mehera crossed the room and pulled Aashi into her arms.

And Rajeshwari Rathore watched her eldest daughter hold the woman she loved and thought—

My child has finally found someone worth fighting for.