Act 3: The Isolation

The aftermath of Kirti’s tragedy was unbearable for Naira.

1. At Home:
   Naotik, overwhelmed by guilt and grief, withdrew further. He didn’t openly accuse Naira but began treating her with indifference, as if her presence was a constant reminder of the family’s loss.
   Kairav stopped talking to her altogether, refusing to even look at her.

2. At School:
   Kartik, once her best friend and confidant, began bullying her. He spread rumors, mocked her in public, and encouraged others to ostracize her.
   Naira, once vibrant and full of life, became a shell of herself. She endured the taunts and whispers, believing that time would heal the wounds.

Act 4: The Breaking Point

A year passed, and Naira’s life became an unending cycle of pain and loneliness. She held on, hoping for redemption, but fate wasn’t done testing her.

1. The Deal Gone Wrong:
   The Goenkas had a crucial business deal with Rohan Arora, a wealthy and influential client. During a meeting at their home, Rohan tried to touch Naira inappropriately. Disgusted and angry, she slapped him.

2. The Accusation:
   Rohan accused Naira of disrespect and misconduct, claiming she had insulted him without reason. Naotik, desperate to save the deal, immediately sided with Rohan. He scolded Naira in front of everyone, accusing her of sabotaging the family’s reputation.

   1. Kairav and Kartik, though shocked by Rohan’s behavior, stayed silent. They believed Naira’s actions were another example of her impulsiveness, perhaps even her guilt manifesting.

3. Naotik’s Outburst:
   During the heated confrontation, Naotik, for the first time in his life, lost control and slapped Naira. His voice, trembling with anger, called her a curse.

4. The Family’s Silence:
   Kairav and Kartik, stunned by their father’s action, didn’t know how to react. For the first time, they saw the depth of their cruelty, but guilt held them back from speaking up.

5. Naira’s Realization:
   This was the breaking point for Naira. She realized her family no longer saw her as the person she once was. They saw her as a burden, a scapegoat for their pain. She blamed herself—not just for the tragedies, but for turning the people she loved into strangers.

The Departure

That night, Naira silently packed her belongings. With no goodbyes and no explanations, she walked out of the house, leaving behind the family that had once been her entire world.

As she stepped into the cold night, her heart heavy but resolute, she vowed to find herself again—a version of her that didn’t need their approval, their love, or their trust.