After 7months 23days,

The doctor came out of the operation hall and sighed, "We have tried our best. But we can say nothing now. We shall observe the patient for next 48 hours to say whether he is out of danger or not."

The ground under Neelam Oberoi's feet slipped. Her son was admitted to the hospital once again. It was the 10th time after Lakshmi left that Rishi had an accident and was hanging between life and death. He has been spending more time in the hospital than his home. Vikram consoled a crying Neelam while Buaji and Sonia tried to console Maliska. Hearing Maliska's voice, Neelam walked towards Maliska and shouted, "Your panditji said Lakshmi was the reason behind Rishi's bad luck. Then why is all mishaps happening to him since she left?" Maliska was speechless and could do nothing but stare at Neelam. Rishi's multiple accidents had deprived her of her usual way of making excuses and blaming others.

A nurse entered and said, "Maam this is hospital. Can you lower your voice? It is affecting the other patients. You can continue your talks outside the hospital."

"I think niether my son nor Lakshmi was a bad omen. Its you the reason of Rishi's bad luck." - Neelam's last words rang in Maliska's ears. She ran out of the hospital crying. Buaji and Sonia dared not say anything after seeing Neelam's temper. Kiran ran behind Maliska.

Outside the hospital,

Kiran- Maliska stop being a crybaby. If only you had married Rishi and got pregnant by now, Neelam would not have blamed  you. It has been more than 7months since their divorce was granted but you are still his girlfriend.

Maliska- Our engagement was about to happen Mom. Is it my fault that the venue caught fire.

Kiran- That uneducated fool is gone for so long yet dadi, Vikram, Ayush and Ahana refuse to accept you. Listen to me. They have soft heart. If you get their support, they shall protect you.

Maliska- Mom Rishi's life is in danger and you are thinking of kitchen politics.

Kiran- That village girl was smarter than you. She left but now, people are thinking more of her.

An angry Kiran left Maliska behind and drove to her house. Maliska was there still standing. Lakshmi was right. Second wife never gets the place of first wife. Now even Neelam wanted to get back Lakshmi in Oberoi house. Rishi seemed to be cool from above. But neither could he eat food as he missed Lakshmi's cooking nor could he smile, the guilt of hurting Lakshmi was eating him inside.

Meanwhile

Ayush's phone rang. He received the call and went to talk outside.

Vikram sighed, "Our business is drowning day by day. Our share prices have fallen. The company is yet to pay the debt.  All the good employees are leaving the office. God knows what else is left to see."

Ayush came back and hugs Vikram and said, "An international businessman is coming. Rishabh bajaj. It is being said he wants to invest in hotel business now. If we can make him agree to invest in Oberoi Enterprises, our ship might not sink."

Neelam- But I heard he is known as the business shark because of his shrewdness and cunningness. He goes on taking over the companies he likes by hook or by crook. He is not a trustworthy and loyal man. He might leave us on the streets too by overtaking our business."

dadi- As if we are very loyal and trustworthy!

Vikram- But do we have the option? We need to take the risk.

Somewhere in Rishikesh,

Rishabh Bajaj

I am here to repay my debt. Yeh game mera hai, iska rules bhi mein set karta hun aur ise jeet ta bhi mein hu.