MARRIED AGAIN, WEDNESDAY 26TH FEBRUARY Update by Prather Prathinar Pragati Listening to Ansh, Yash was totally shocked and looked at his mom with a little sensor in his eyes. He got up from the floor right away and asked Aarti why nobody had told him about this incident. Indirectly, he praised Aarti for not complaining about his mom to him. Aarti just lifted her eyes to look at him. Yash then left the side of his daughters and went to bring water for the terrified little boy. Ansh was crying, scared of the punishment and the dark room. He held his mother tightly and cried his heart out. Yash could not bear to see him in that condition. He offered him water and fed him with his own hands. After Ansh drank, Yash called Pratik, gave him the glass, and ruffled Ansh's hair lovingly, cupping his face with a tender smile. Gayatri noticed this behavior. Aarti apologized to everyone, saying she was sorry for Ansh breaking the computer. Gayatri, trying to put up a front of motherly love, said, "Oh, it's okay if the computer is broken, but I was worried about the kids. Aarti, you should take Ansh and make him feel comfortable." She also asked Aarti if Ansh had been taught computers, and Aarti replied that there was no computer class in his school. Gayatri remarked that Payal and Palak had started learning long ago and that if Ansh didn't know, he should have asked them. Yash listened to her remarks and taunts, noticing the difference in treatment Ansh was receiving. He looked at his mother, knowing she was not sincere, but held his peace and did not say a word. He also noticed how Palak went to her grandmother and complained about the broken computer, asking what they would do now. Yash called her near him and assured her that their daddy would bring a new computer, so they didn’t need to worry. Payal and Palak were happy and kissed him. Yash could have taught Payal and Palak to share their things with Ansh, but he didn’t correct them when they said Ansh shouldn’t touch the computer again. He knew they needed to learn their lesson, and he would deal with it at the right time. The girls went to get ready while Yash walked toward the pool area, where he saw Aarti and Ansh sitting. Ansh had his head on Aarti's lap as she tried to comfort him. Yash stopped and watched as she soothed his pain and fear. His heart ached for the little boy, who was feeling rejected. He heard Aarti gently reassure Ansh that everything would be fine. But Ansh, still feeling hurt, insisted that he wanted to go to his grandparents' house, where he felt safe. Yash's expression softened—he wanted to hug the boy and take away his pain, but he held back. Aarti continued encouraging Ansh, explaining that they were new in this house and that, in time, everyone would become friends, especially Grandma, who always loved good boys. Yash was in awe of Aarti’s generosity. Despite being mistreated by his family, she never spoke negatively about them. Aarti had tears in her eyes seeing her son in such a state, but she kept a brave face, trying to make him feel better. She changed the subject, talking about his lunch, prepared just the way he liked it. Ansh, perceptive beyond his years, remained quiet but was now ready to go to school. As they got up, Yash wanted to hide behind the pillar, but Aarti’s eyes caught his. She looked straight at him, hurt, as if silently asking, Why does my son have to go through this? Yash had no answer. He lowered his gaze, determined to handle the issue in his own way. Aarti left with Ansh. As Yash was about to step out into the outer courtyard, his daughters came running, ready for school. Yash told them he would drop them off, but they said their Taouji would do it. Yash picked them up, carried them to the car, and softly put them down. He asked for a kiss, and they happily obliged, reminding him about the new computer. The girls left with their uncle, and Yash saw his mother performing the Tulsi puja. He approached her for a private conversation. He asked if Ansh had done any mischief the previous day. Gayatri admitted that he had, which was why she punished him—just as she did with all her grandchildren. Yash responded, “Yes, I know you treat Payal, Palak, and Ansh equally, and you must have acted wisely.” He already knew that she hadn’t, but instead of confronting her, he took a different approach. He subtly told her that if she was wrong, she should not repeat it. He reminded her that Ansh was new in the household and unaware of the rules, so it would take time for him to adjust. He took responsibility for ensuring Ansh would be trained properly and promised that he would not give her any reason to be upset with him. However, he also made it clear that if she had any issues with Ansh again, she would have to deal with him. Gayatri was slightly shaken by Yash’s subtle warning. She knew her son had a no-nonsense attitude and would not tolerate any unfairness. Trying to act hurt, she spoke about her rights as a grandmother. Yash agreed but indirectly cautioned her that he would personally handle Ansh’s discipline. Gayatri, feeling cornered, hurried away, knowing that Yash, like his father, always tackled the root of a problem. After dealing with his mother, Yash’s gaze fell on Aarti and Ansh waiting at the gate for the school bus. He noticed Aarti talking on the phone. When he approached and asked what was wrong, she explained that the bus had broken down, so she would take Ansh by rickshaw. Yash offered to drop him off and asked for the school’s address. Aarti hesitated, saying she would manage, but Yash gave her his signature silent sideways look, and Aarti instantly fell silent. She knew better than to argue with him at that moment. Yash brought his black car around, leaned over, and asked Ansh to get in. But Ansh, still holding onto his mother, hesitated. Aarti reassured him, saying she needed to speak with the teacher. Yash offered to give her a lift as well. Aarti sat in the front seat, holding Ansh in her lap—without a seatbelt, which was unusual. Yash noticed Ansh’s subdued demeanor and tried to cheer him up by letting him pick a CD to play. But Ansh remained silent. Aarti appreciated Yash’s effort, but she felt sad seeing her son so withdrawn. She held him tightly, stroking his face to comfort him. Yash then received a call reminding him of an important meeting. He assured the caller he would be there on time. Meanwhile, at home, Vidhi was handling the household chores, while the jealous Buaji was back to make Aarti’s life even more difficult. She started her usual instigations, criticizing how Aarti had gained a second chance in life while she hadn’t. She also manipulated Gayatri, who was easily influenced. After dropping off Ansh, Aarti walked him to school. He remained unusually quiet. She tried to cheer him up, but he didn’t respond with his usual enthusiasm. Her heart broke as she knelt to hug him, telling him she was always there for him. But Ansh, feeling abandoned in the dark room the night before, remained silent. His trust in his mother had wavered. Aarti watched her once-lively son climb the school stairs without his usual excitement. Tears welled in her eyes as she longed to see his cheerful self again. After finishing her work at the school, she stepped outside and was surprised by what she saw. Her expression wasn’t one of horror—like if she had seen Prashant—but more of a pleasant surprise. It was Yash, waiting in the car for her, despite his busy schedule. She knew how punctual he was, and the fact that he had stayed spoke volumes.