𝐆𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐬

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025! 🎉✨
Wishing you all joy, success, and unforgettable memories this year! 🌟💖

*

It's been three days since I officially moved into my home—Yep, home—the Oberoi Mansion. Sounds fancy, right? To be fair, I've already been crashing here for months, so it's not exactly new. But calling it "home" feels... different. There's this tiny flutter in my chest—like an annoying little butterfly that refuses to leave. Weird.

Oh, and here's the kicker: Dad convinced Saad Bhai to move in too. Well, convinced might be a stretch—it was more of a command. Not that I'm complaining! I mean, leaving him behind was giving me major guilt trips, but Dad, my superhero and told Bhai to pack up and move in.

Technically, Bhai still owns his mansion and can visit whenever he wants, but this place? This is home base now. Turns out, Dad wasn't thrilled about Bhai living alone. Honestly, same. Bhai might act all tough and mysterious, but even Batman needs a Batcave full of people sometimes.

The past three days have been a rollercoaster. And by rollercoaster, I mean a weird mix of awkward family moments and me realizing my grandmother—Dadi—is a human chameleon. No, really. The woman changes colors faster than my mood swings.

Case in point: the moment Dad announced that ta-da! I, his long-lost daughter, am alive. For a split second, Dadi looked like she'd seen a ghost. Her face went pale, her eyes widened, and I swear I caught her brain short-circuiting. But then—boom!—she snapped back into her sugar-coated grandma act, smiling so hard I thought her cheeks might crack. It's all very charming... until we're alone. That's when her real self comes out.

She doesn't say anything, but her glares? Oh, those are weapons. They scream, "I don't like you, but I can't say it out loud because I'll look bad." Honestly, it's almost funny—almost.

But don't worry, I'm not one to back down. If she ever decides to test me, well, let's just say I'm fully equipped for battle.

Right now, though, I'm flopped on my bed in my temporary room. My real room? Under renovation. Apparently, Dad had it designed before I was born. Awww, right? Except it's basically a nursery straight out of a Pinterest board, complete with a crib. Oh, and let's not forget Vikkie's genius observation: "I bet you could still fit in it."

Spoiler alert: I can't.

To prove my point, I shoved his big head into the crib. Let's just say he wasn't thrilled. And me? Totally worth it.

Anyway, it's 10 a.m., and no one has bothered to wake me up. Shocking, I know. Here's why: the first day, everyone was all over me—hovering, checking in, making sure I was comfortable. But three days in? They've realized I'm a full-time job.

You see, I've mastered the art of being the youngest sibling. Annoying them is my new favorite hobby, and let me tell you—it's glorious. I've been poking, teasing, and generally being a pain, all while flashing my innocent smile to get away with it. Honestly, it's a gift.

Soon after a quick shower, I slipped into my uniform of joggers and a hoodie—the ultimate "don't mess with me, I'm iconic" look. Dressing up? For what? I was already the main character of this chaotic saga called life. Hunger nudged me toward the kitchen, where the divine aroma of aloo parathas hit me like a warm hug from the universe. Life: 1, Aisha: 0.

But then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw it.

A suspiciously green, definitely unappetizing drink stood there, practically screaming, "Health is wealth!" at me. Obviously, it was Veeru's masterpiece. Who else drinks something that looks like it was brewed in a bog? My brain shifted gears: chaos mode activated.

Operation: Destroy Veeru's Drink was officially a go.

I grabbed the chocolate syrup, squeezing it in like I was making art, followed by an excessive sprinkle of salt. Stirring the concoction like a mad scientist, I marveled at my creation. Still green, still hideous, but now with an extra zing. With a smirk, I grabbed an aloo paratha roll and fled the crime scene, leaving no trace of my villainy—except, well, the drink.

I waltzed into the living room with the confidence of a rock star, ready to bless my unsuspecting audience. First target: Arjun Bhaiya.

He was glued to his phone, oblivious to the storm brewing right in front of him. Naturally, I did what any loving sibling would do—I yelled near his ear, "GOOD MORNING, FAMILY!" at full volume.

Cue the chaos.

Arjun Bhaiya's phone flew out of his hands like it was auditioning for a role in Mission: Impossible. He turned to me with a glare so intense it could have melted glaciers. Did I care? Not even a little.

Dad chuckled, shaking his head. "Good morning, princess," he said, his tone dripping with fatherly indulgence. 

Dadi, on the other hand, pierced me with her signature death glare. Aww, affection comes in so many forms, doesn't it?

I flopped onto the couch between Vikkie and Divu, who were both ignoring me. Challenge accepted.

First up: Divu. The boy was laser-focused on his muffin, so naturally, I shoved his face into it. Frosting explosion: achieved.

"Seriously, Aisha?!" he yelled, storming off to clean up, while I cackled like a villain reveling in her latest scheme.

Next victim: Vikkie.

He was smiling at his phone like a lovestruck fool, so I peeked over his shoulder. And gasped. Loudly.

"You're texting my best friend?!" I shrieked. "How dare you talk to her without my royal permission?"

Vikkie sighed, clearly unbothered, and shoved my face away with one hand. But I wasn't done. Oh no.

"You didn't even let me meet Rivaan, and now you're casually chatting with my best friend?!" I yanked his hair with the righteous fury of a betrayed sibling.

"Let go, you little demon!" he yelled, trying to pry me off.

Before I could deliver my next dramatic monologue, a roar erupted from the kitchen. "AISHA!"

Ah, here it comes.

Veeru stormed in, looking like a man on a mission. His face was a Picasso painting of rage, confusion, and pure disbelief. I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing.

"What now?" Dad asked, his tone betraying his deep exhaustion.

Veeru pointed at me with all the dramatic flair of a Bollywood hero. "Your daughter RUINED my drink!"

I batted my lashes innocently. "Ruined? Veeru, I enhanced it. I added chocolate. You're welcome."

His face twisted like I'd suggested he chug mud. "Chocolate?! In my green smoothie?!"

"Oh, and a pinch of salt," I added cheerfully.

Just then, Divu returned, still wiping frosting off his face. "Dad, your daughter is impossible! I couldn't even eat my muffin because of her!"

Arjun Bhaiya joined in, clearly over my antics. "Dad, I don't usually complain, but she's out of control."

Vikkie, finally free from my grip, groane5d, "Dad, let's just put her up for adoption. Seriously."

"Adoption?!" I gasped. "Wow. So all those 'I love my sister' speeches were lies? You're ready to ditch me after three days? I'm shattered."

They froze, guilt creeping onto their faces. Rookie mistake. Someone hand me an Oscar.

Before I could milk the moment further, Saad Bhai walked in and smacked the back of my head. "Enough drama."

I scowled at him. "Oh, come on. Don't be such a party pooper."

"You've officially become a brat," he said, raising an eyebrow.

"Brat? Me?" I gasped, feigning outrage. "I'm an angel."

I heard Neha Di's voice echo through the mansion as she walked in with Kavya Bhabhi. "Angel? You're a devil disguised as an angel."

Vikkie immediately chimed in, "Exactly."

I rolled my eyes at their theatrics and shot back, "You're all just jealous of me."

Divu scoffed, crossing his arms. "Jealous? Of what?"

Flashing my most innocent grin, I said sweetly, "That no matter what I do, Dad won't scold me." To prove my point, I wrapped my arms around Dad, who chuckled and nodded in agreement, clearly entertained by my antics.

I sauntered off to the kitchen to grab another aloo paratha roll. Saad Bhai followed, his expression serious as he spoke. "We found two more guys from your board."

I stopped, turning to him slowly. The playful light in my eyes dimmed, replaced by something colder, sharper. "Tell our men to welcome our guests," I said, my words dripping with venom. "Make sure they're comfortable—but not too comfortable. I'll join them soon to give them my personal touch."

He nodded, but the weight in his eyes told me he had more to say. "When are you going to tell them?"

I arched an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "Tell them what?"

His stare bore into me, unwavering. "That you're STAR."

I let out a slow, heavy sigh, leaning against the counter. "I don't know, Bhai. I just got them back. What if they can't handle this side of me? To them, I'm still the innocent little girl they lost."

He scoffed, the sound cutting through my doubts. "As much as I know them, they know you're anything but innocent. And trust me, they'll love you no matter what side you show. You're their sister and a daughter, and they'll always see you as their little girl. But if you think hiding this part of yourself will protect them, you're fooling yourself. They need to know who you really are—sooner or later."

His words lingered like a warning, but I pushed them aside, forcing myself to focus. "What about Joshi and the others?" My voice dropped; every word laced with steely resolve.

"Joshi's out on bail. No idea who's backing him. Rastogi too. And Chandra?" He hesitated. "She's gone. Vanished into thin air."

My jaw tightened, anger flickering behind my calm exterior. "Put our men on them. I want every detail—who's behind this, where they've been, what they're planning. I may be taking a break, but these ghosts from my past won't stay buried. They'll wish they had."

Saad studied me for a moment, his gaze probing. "And Kartik? How could you let him go so easily? Do you really trust him? Or do you actually believe he's innocent?"

A low, humorless laugh escaped my lips as I reached for a glass. Pouring water, I moved with deliberate calm, the silence stretching ominously between us. I took a sip, savoring the cool liquid as though it could quell the fire simmering beneath my skin. Then I turned to him, smirking darkly.

"When," I said, my voice quiet but lethal, "did I ever say I trust him?"

His eyebrows lifted, curiosity sparking behind his stoicism.

Setting the glass down, I stepped closer, my tone growing even darker. "Let him believe he's safe. Let him think he's won. The higher he climbs, the harder he'll fall. He's not innocent, Bhai. Not even close. I warned him once, and he ignored it. He'll cross me again." My smirk deepened, a dangerous glint in my eyes. "And when he does, I'll make sure his regret burns brighter than his ambition."

I turned away, the corners of my lips curling into a sinister smile sharing it with Bhai.

As Saad Bhai and I walked back into the living room, I immediately noticed something off. Scanning the room, I frowned. "Where's Dadi?"

Neha Di looked up, her face lit with what anyone else would call a sweet smile. But I could see the teasing behind it. "She's gone with her friends for some pooja," she said.

I nodded slowly, my thoughts wandering. Pooja for what? For me? Is she praying to fix me, or praying to erase me? The thought brought a wry smile to my face. Maybe I should talk to her about what exactly she's asking God for—I might have a few counter-suggestions.

Dad's voice pulled me out of my spiraling thoughts. "Aisha."

I turned to him, feeling the weight in his tone. "Yes, Dad?"

He sighed, glancing around at everyone else in the room like he was looking for support. The way their eyes darted between each other annoyed me. It was like they were all waiting for the right moment to spring something on me.

"What?" I asked, crossing my arms.

Dad cleared his throat. "Aisha, I know you've never done this before, but now that things are... settling, and you're back home where you belong..." He hesitated, as though weighing his words. "We were thinking we should celebrate your birthday this year."

I froze.

Birthday.

The word echoed in my mind, dragging with it memories I'd buried deep. My chest tightened as an unwelcome nightmare flickered to life. 

Shut up, brain—not now. Dad's right. I'm back where I belong. There's nothing wrong with celebrating. But still...my birthday hasn't been a celebration since I was four.

I took a deep breath, forcing my voice to stay steady. "I guess we can," I said finally, offering a small smile. "You're right. There's no point letting the past block my future. So...yeah, we can celebrate."

Relief washed over the room like a wave, and everyone smiled, their tension melting away.

Kavya Bhabhi leaned in, her voice warm and curious. "So, what kind of party do you want?"

I grimaced. "No party," I said quickly. "Just us—family and close friends. That's enough for me."

Arjun Bhaiya nodded, his expression serious. "Fair enough. But we'll have to introduce you to people sooner or later. For now, the world still thinks you're a Joshi."

I tilted my head, considering his words. "Why don't we post something after the birthday? A picture or an announcement. Let them know I'm an Oberoi now. Then we can hold a press conference to clear everything up when the time's right."

Vikkie smirked. "Not a bad idea. You'll definitely get attention."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help a small smile. "Well, I was born to get attention." They all chuckles.

Veeru leaned forward, his tone curious. "What kind of cake do you want?"

I gave him a look like he'd asked the most obvious question in the world. "Dark chocolate," I said flatly. "Always dark chocolate." He grinned and nodded.

Divu chimed in next. "What about the theme?"

The question caught me off guard. My eyes widened in excitement, and before I could stop myself, the words spilled out. "Cartoon theme!"

The moment they left my mouth, I froze. Silence filled the room, and the weight of my own voice felt suffocating. What was I thinking? Heat crawled up my neck as their surprised expressions shifted into smiles.

I wasn't five years old anymore. I am twenty-one—a woman who'd long since buried any trace of innocence, a woman carrying scars she didn't dare show.

I shot to my feet, forcing out a laugh that felt hollow even to me. "I'm joking! Obviously. The theme should be simple. Nothing fancy, just comfortable." My words tumbled out too quickly, my voice higher than usual.

Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel. "Bye," I muttered, my feet carrying me swiftly toward the stairs.

Once I reached my room, I shut the door behind me and leaned against it, my chest heaving as though I'd just run a marathon. My heart pounded loudly in my ears. Cartoon theme? Really?

I pressed my hands against my face, letting out a bitter, humorless laugh. What kind of person blurted out something so childish? 

But deep down, I knew the answer.

Maybe it wasn't just a slip. Maybe some small, forgotten part of me—the part that once dared to dream—had surfaced for a moment. The little girl who never got her cartoon-themed party, who cried alone when no one remembered her birthday, who wanted to feel special just once.

I shook my head, trying to push the thought away. That girl didn't exist anymore. She couldn't.

I straightened, my expression hardening. There was no place for childish dreams in my life. No time for longing for a past that had betrayed me. I had no space for such weaknesses.

Taking a deep breath, I pulled myself together.

The room fell into an uneasy silence after Aisha hurried out. It was Divyansh who finally broke it. "What just happened to her?" he asked, frowning in confusion.

No one answered right away. The unspoken weight of concern and helplessness hung in the room like a dark cloud. Finally, Neha broke the silence, her voice trembling. "She's shutting down again in therapy."

Saad leaned forward, his face darkening. "What do you mean shutting down? She's been talking, hasn't she?"

Neha hesitated, pain flickering in her eyes. "She talks... but it's surface-level. She's letting out her secrets, yes, but she's stopped sharing her feelings. It's like she's convinced herself there's no point anymore. Like her pain is too far buried to even matter."

Everyone exchanged worried glances, the weight of her words settling heavily in the room. Finally, Rajendra stood, his expression resolute. "Make sure everything is perfect for her birthday, just the way she wants. I'll go talk to her."

Everyone nodded, watching him climb the stairs with slow, deliberate steps. When he reached her door, he knocked softly. "Aisha?" No response. He tried again, and when there was still no answer, he gently turned the knob.

The room was dimly lit, the air cold and still. His eyes swept over the empty bed before landing on the open balcony door. He walked out and found her there, sitting on the swing, her small frame hunched over as she stared blankly at the city lights.

She didn't hear him approach, not until he sat down beside her. The swing creaked under the weight, startling her. She glanced up, her face a mix of surprise and exhaustion. "Dad? What's wrong? You could've called me if you needed something."

He smiled softly and sat beside her, patting her head. "I just wanted to talk to my princess."

At his words, her shoulders relaxed, and a small smile touched her lips. She leaned her head against his shoulder, seeking the comfort she rarely allowed herself.

"I'm here now, Aisha," Rajendra began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I know I wasn't there when you needed me the most. When the little girl inside you needed her father to protect her, to listen to her problems. But I'm here now. And no matter how old you get, you'll always be my little girl. You can share anything with me."

Aisha stiffened slightly, her body tense. "Little girl," she echoed bitterly, her voice barely audible. "Do you know what it means to be a little girl who's... forgotten?"

Rajendra didn't say anything, afraid that any word would shatter her fragile openness.

"When I was four," she began, her voice flat and emotionless, "my Kaki—she was my everything. My mother, my friend, my protector. She loved me when no one else did. But then... she was taken from me. Raped. Murdered. Right in front of me." Her voice cracked, but she pressed on, her words spilling out like a dam breaking.

"After she was gone, everyone said it was my fault. That if I hadn't been there, maybe she'd still be alive." She let out a bitter laugh, her hands shaking as she gripped the edge of the swing.

Rajendra's breath hitched, his heart breaking with every word.

"I was five when I dared to hope for something good," she continued, her tone distant. "Chandra's birthday had been celebrated just before mine. It was beautiful, and I thought—just this once—I might matter too. I asked Mr. Joshi for a cartoon-themed party. Just a simple wish from a stupid little navie girl. And do you know what he did?"

Her head lifted, her haunted eyes meeting his. "He turned that wish into a curse. He made me clean the entire hall by myself. No food, no water. And when I was done, he let me sleep on the cold floor as punishment for daring to dream."

Rajendra felt his throat close up, his chest tightening painfully. He reached for her hand, but she pulled away, her voice rising as she continued.

"Do you know what's worse, Dad? I didn't even cry that night. I just... stopped. Stopped hoping, stopped wishing. Birthdays? They're nothing but a reminder of how much I hated being alive."

Her voice broke completely, and she buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking as the tears finally came.

Rajendra felt his chest tighten painfully. He couldn't imagine the torment she'd endured. And this was just one 온라인카지노게임—one glimpse into the hell she had lived. How much more was buried within her?

Aisha's voice wavered as she looked down, her words barely above a whisper, "You know... even after everything that happened, that little naive girl—the one I hate now with all my heart—she still hoped. She hoped that, just once, those people would be my family. That they'd accept me. But..." Her voice faltered, and she had to stop herself before the weight of her emotions took over.

"That little girl—I—was such a fool. They used me, Dad. They made me believe that I was worth something, that maybe, just maybe, I could be loved. They'd say, 'Isn't Aisha such a good girl?' And every single time, I'd fall for it. I'd work, and work, and work. Thinking... thinking that this time, it would be different. But when they were done using me—" Her voice cracked, and she let out a hollow, bitter laugh, "—boom, Aisha was nothing but a burden. A disgrace. A nobody."

Her breath hitched, and she squeezed her eyes shut to stop the tears from falling. "I wanted to call them 'Mom,' 'Dad.' I thought that maybe, for once, I could belong somewhere. But little did she know—they weren't even my real parents."

Rajendra's heart shattered at her words, his fists clenching in helplessness.

"Every day, I watched them. I watched everyone in that house laughing, living—doing the things families are supposed to do—while I rotted in the basement. Alone. Unseen. Invisible. They didn't just hurt me, Dad. They erased me. I didn't even exist to them. Not in any way that mattered."

The tears she'd been holding back finally spilled over, but it wasn't just the tears that made her voice crack—it was the years of pain that had never been allowed to surface.

She turned to face Rajendra now, her eyes red from crying, her smile small but filled with so much heartache it felt like the air was getting thicker around them. "But you know what, Dad?" she said, her voice trembling. "The first time you stood up for me in Divu's office and called me 'princess,' I... I cried. Not because of what people said, but because, for the first time in my life, someone finally saw me. You became my father figure that day. You made me want to have a dad. To have you as my dad."

Rajendra felt his throat tighten, the pain of those words cutting through him deeper than anything he'd ever experienced. He swallowed hard, trying to steady himself, but the emotion was overwhelming.

"And now, look at us," she said, a choked laugh escaping her lips. "You really are my father. I got my dad. You blessed me, praised me—all the things I was starving for as a child. And there you were, giving them to me like they'd always been mine to have. Even in the little time we've spent together, you've become my superhero."

Aisha's voice broke, and she leaned into him, sobbing uncontrollably now. "I love you, Dad. I love you so much," she choked out, her sobs shaking her whole body.

Rajendra's heart shattered, and without thinking, he pulled her tightly into his arms, holding her against him as though he could protect her from everything she'd been through. He held her so close, his own tears falling freely as he kissed her forehead.

"My little girl," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I can't even imagine what you've been through, what you've carried all these years. But Aisha, I'm so proud of you. So proud of everything you've become. You're stronger than anyone I know, and you're my golden girl. You've always been my princess, and you always will be."

Aisha's sobs turned into quiet cries, her body trembling in his arms as she clung to him. "I love you, Dad," she whispered again, her voice broken and raw.

"I love you too, princess," he murmured, his voice filled with the kind of raw emotion that only a parent could feel for their child. "I missed you so much. I missed you every single day. And I'm so sorry I wasn't there sooner."

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's embrace, as years of pain and longing slowly began to heal in the warmth of a love neither of them thought they'd ever have.

✨

Rajendra sat in his study, his jaw clenched, hands gripping the armrests of his chair as if holding himself back from shattering everything in sight. His eyes burned with a fury that none of his sons had seen before.

One by one, they entered. Arjun first, then Vikram and Veer, followed by Saad. Divyansh, the last to arrive, shut the door quietly behind him, sensing something monumental was brewing.

It was Arjun who finally broke the stillness, his voice cautious. "Dad... what's going on?"

Rajendra's eyes snapped to his eldest, then swept across the room, taking in each face before he spoke. His voice was icy, laced with raw pain and fury.

"I want that fucking Joshi in our basement."

The room fell into a stunned silence. The Oberoi brothers exchanged wide-eyed glances. Their father, who hadn't personally involved himself in their more... unconventional dealings since Arjun had taken over, now seemed to embody the very storm they had always been told to avoid provoking.

Saad, meanwhile, sat frozen, trying to reconcile the composed and warm Rajendra he knew with the man before him. Aisha's demeanor suddenly made perfect sense. Like father, like daughter, he thought grimly.

It was Veer who finally mustered the courage to ask, his tone calm but edged with caution, "What happened Dad?"

Rajendra's gaze shifted to Veer, sharp as a blade, making even his usually unshakable son flinch slightly. His voice dropped lower, but it carried a weight that could crush.

"What happened?" he repeated, his voice rising, rough and filled with raw pain. "That bastard... that fucking monster... tortured my daughter for years. He didn't just ruin her childhood; he made her hate herself. He made her hate her own damn birthday. He made her beg for love and care while he locked her away like some unwanted piece of trash. That's what happened, Veer!"

Divyansh stammered, his usual playful demeanor stripped away. "She... she hates her birthday?"

Rajendra let out a bitter laugh, his voice cracking as he answered. "Hates it? She told me she spent every one of them alone, wondering why she wasn't good enough. She cried when she told me. My little girl cried. And all I could do was listen, wishing I could turn back time and take her pain away."

The silence was suffocating, until Saad spoke, his tone low but resolute. "Don't worry, Uncle. Joshi will be in that basement soon. I'll make sure he's taken care of. He's already out of jail, and it won't take long to grab him."

Rajendra gave a stiff nod, the fire in his eyes unrelenting.

Vikram, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, chimed in. "His brother too. He's just as bad. He physically abused her."

Rajendra let out a low growl, his hands curling into fists. "Then both of them. Both of them in my cage. I'll make sure they pay for every damn thing they did to my daughter."

The room fell silent, each son feeling the weight of his words.

After a moment, Rajendra turned to Divyansh, his voice still sharp but with an undertone of care. "And you, Div. Starting tomorrow, get your ass back to the office. You've got a mountain of pending work to catch up on."

Divyansh pouted, trying to lighten the mood. "Seriously, Dad? Now?"

Arjun smacked the back of his head, his voice curt. "Do as he says. And don't you dare dump any of that work on Shya. I swear, if I find out you've been overloading her, I'll take her under me, and you'll regret it."

Divyansh huffed. "Fine. She'll just hang out with me, then."

Rajendra shook his head, a faint flicker of a smile breaking through his stern expression before disappearing again. His gaze shifted to Veer. "Where's Rivaan? He hasn't been around today, unlike usual."

Veer shrugged. "He called this morning. Said he's busy."

Vikram smirked. "Yeah. Busy planning his 'pixie's' birthday gift."

A faint chuckle rippled through the room, breaking the tension for a moment.

Rajendra's face softened slightly, though his protectiveness was evident. "Good. Let him stay busy. Though I trust him, but Aisha is my little girl. I can't help it—I don't want any man getting too close to her. Not yet." The brothers nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile in Aisha's room, she sat cross-legged on her bed, her laptop balanced on her knees, the soft glow of the screen illuminating her tired face. She rubbed her forehead, her fingers pressing into her temples in frustration. The drafts of codes waiting for her review seemed endless, a mountain she was determined to climb. With a deep breath, she refocused, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she began to sort through the mess.

The silence of the room was a comforting cocoon, broken only by the faint hum of her laptop and the rhythmic tapping of keys.

Until it wasn't.

A faint noise drifted in from the balcony—a soft shuffle, barely audible, but enough to snap her attention away from the screen. Her fingers paused mid-type, and her brows furrowed as her eyes darted toward the source of the sound.

A shadow.

Her heartbeat quickened as she shut the laptop, placing it silently on the bed. Instinct kicked in as she reached under the mattress, her hand closing around the cool hilt of her dagger.

The world around her seemed to narrow, the soft glow of the room fading into the background as she moved with practiced precision. Each step toward the balcony was slow, calculated, her grip on the dagger tightening as adrenaline coursed through her veins.

She reached the balcony door, her other hand hovering above the handle. With a sharp exhale, she yanked the door open, her arm already swinging in a practiced arc to strike—

Only to freeze mid-motion.

Her eyes widened in recognition, her grip slackening as she swiftly tossed the dagger under the bed before the person can she the dagger. Her glare sharpened as she stepped back, her chest rising and falling with controlled breaths.

She groaned, rubbing her face in exasperation. Her fingers combed through her hair as she paced the room, the dagger incident replaying in her mind. What if she had stabbed—

Aisha turned on her heel, her piercing glare locking onto the intruder. He instinctively stepped back, the intensity of her gaze making him second-guess his decision.

Her voice was sharp, laced with irritation. "What the hell do you think you are? This isn't some Romeo and Juliet fantasy where you sneak into my balcony uninvited, Rivaan!"

Rivaan, trying to defuse the tension, offered a sheepish grin, though his nerves were evident. "Baby, I know, but come on—you know your brothers and dad would never let me meet you alone. I didn't have a choice!"

Her glare only intensified as she crossed her arms. "No, I don't know anything. And let me make one thing very clear, Rivaan—if you pull a stunt like this again, I'm done. I will dump your ass without thinking twice."

The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air. Rivaan's playful demeanor shifted in an instant. His eyes darkened as he stepped forward, his voice low and menacing. "What did you just say?"

Aisha's breath caught, realizing too late the gravity of her slip. Her eyes widened, and she instinctively took a step back. "Rivaan, I didn't mean it like that—uggh—I've got so much work to do, please, not today." Her tone was hurried, an attempt to steer the conversation away from the brewing storm.

Rivaan wasn't listening. His jaw clenched, his dark eyes blazing with something Aisha couldn't name but felt all the way down to her core. Without warning, his hand shot out, grabbing her wrist with a swiftness that made her gasp. Before she could protest, he lifted her effortlessly over his shoulder as though she weighed nothing.

"Rivaan, put me down!" she yelled, her fists pounding against his back. Her voice was sharp, commanding, but he didn't so much as flinch. His grip was firm, possessive, and utterly unyielding, as if her struggles only spurred him on.

"Not a chance," he said darkly, each word making her pulse quicken.

His strides were long and purposeful, taking her straight to the bed. With a single sweep of his arm, everything on it—her laptop, papers, pens—was sent clattering to the nearby table.

"Rivaan!" she shrieked again, kicking her legs in protest. Her fists landed against his back, but the only response she got was the sting of his palm meeting her backside in a swift, deliberate smack.

She froze, her breath catching as heat shot through her—half indignation, half something else entirely. "Did you just—"

"I did," he interrupted smoothly, a smirk playing at his lips.

When he finally lowered her onto the bed, it wasn't rough, but the action was firm, commanding. She scrambled back instinctively, her breaths coming quicker as she tried to put distance between them. But Rivaan was quicker. His hands wrapped around her ankles, and with a firm, possessive pull, he brought her back beneath him.

Her heart slammed against her ribs as he hovered over her, his broad shoulders blocking out everything else. One strong hand pinned her wrists above her head, his grip firm but not painful, while his other hand pressed into the mattress beside her, caging her in completely.

"Do you think you can threaten me like that?" he said, his voice low and edged with steel.

Her breath hitched, her throat tightening as his dark gaze bore into hers. The intensity in his eyes was too much, and she turned her head to the side, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. "Rivaan, let me go," she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of emotions she couldn't name.

"Let you go?" he repeated, his lips curving into a slow, dangerous smile. He leaned down, his breath warm against her ear. "Never, baby. You don't get to say things like that and walk away."

Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she tried to think of a way to break the tension. "I-I mean, I have work to do," she stammered, her voice uneven. "You can sit with me. No problem." She forced a smile, hoping it would distract him.

But Rivaan wasn't interested in distractions. His free hand moved to her waist, sliding beneath her top with deliberate slowness. His fingertips brushed against her bare skin, sending shivers up her spine.

She gasped, her body instinctively arching into his touch. His lips hovered just above hers now, so close she could feel the heat of them. Her eyes dropped to his mouth, and she swallowed hard, her heart pounding.

He noticed. Of course, he noticed. His smirk widened, sharp and knowing, as he tilted his head, his voice dropping to a dark, velvety whisper. "What do you want, baby?"

She glared up at him, though the defiance in her eyes was undercut by the flush on her cheeks. Her lips parted, but the words came shakily. "Like you don't know," she challenged, though her voice quivered under his intense gaze.

His smirk deepened, his grip on her wrists tightening slightly as he pinned them above her head. "Oh, I don't," he drawled, his tone mockingly casual, his eyes locking onto hers with an unwavering intensity. "Tell me."

She squirmed, her body instinctively testing his hold, but he didn't budge. His strength, his control—it was maddening. "Kiss me, Rivaan, or I'll find someone else—"

He didn't let her finish. In one swift motion, his lips captured hers, silencing her with a kiss so fierce it stole her breath away. It wasn't soft or tentative—it was all-consuming, his mouth moving over hers with a hunger that ignited something deep inside her.

Their lips molded perfectly, his firm and commanding, hers yielding but equally fervent. The kiss was hot and demanding, each movement of his lips coaxing hers to follow, to surrender completely. She couldn't think, couldn't breathe—only feel.

As her body arched involuntarily toward him, Rivaan's hand released her wrists. His fingers slid down to her waist, rough yet deliberate, sneaking beneath the thin fabric of her top. The heat of his palm against her bare skin sent a shiver coursing through her, and when he pinched the sensitive curve of her waist, her breath hitched, her body trembling in response.

A muffled gasp escaped her lips against his, and he seized the moment, deepening the kiss. His tongue teased hers, stroking and tasting, setting her nerves alight with every deliberate motion. She clung to him, her hands tangling in his hair, pulling him impossibly closer as the world dissolved into nothing but the feel of him.

His lips moved with expert precision, slow and lingering one moment, then fierce and possessive the next. The contrast made her head spin, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. She couldn't help the soft moan that slipped out when his thumb grazed the edge of her ribcage, his touch both tantalizing and infuriatingly teasing.

When he finally pulled back, both of them were breathing heavily, their faces mere inches apart. "Say it again," he demanded, his voice low and rough.

"Say what?" she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Say you'll find someone else," he said, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "I dare you."

Her lips parted, but no words came out. She simply stared at him, her cheeks flushed, her breath catching under his intense gaze. After a moment, she managed to pull herself together and shot him a weak glare—one that only made him smirk wider, thoroughly enjoying the situation.

Gathering her composure, Aisha brushed her fingers against his face, raising a brow. "Where were you the whole day?" she asked, trying to sound annoyed but failing miserably.

Rivaan caught her hand mid-motion, bringing her fingers to his lips and pressing a deliberate kiss on them. "Preparing a gift for my baby," he said.

Her cheeks warmed, a shy smile betraying her attempt at staying mad. "Really?" she whispered.

"Really," he affirmed, leaning down to kiss her forehead with such tenderness it made her heart skip.

After a pause, she squinted at him suspiciously. "How did you even manage to climb the balcony without getting caught?"

His smirk grew into a grin, full of unshaken confidence. "Baby, don't underestimate your Aan. I can pull off anything when it's about you. And, as you can see, no one caught me."

Just as the words left his mouth, a thunderous voice of Vikram echoed from outside her room.

"RIVAAN MALHOTRA, YOU BETTER NOT BE TOUCHING HER, OR I SWEAR I'LL KILL YOU!"

Rivaan froze like a deer caught in headlights. His smirk evaporated, replaced by wide eyes and a dawning sense of doom.

Aisha stared at him, and then it hit her. She burst into uncontrollable laughter, falling back onto the bed, clutching her stomach. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to catch her breath.

"Where did you park your car?" she managed to wheeze between fits of laughter.

Rivaan groaned, rubbing his temple like a man regretting every life choice. "The back gate of the mansion," he muttered reluctantly.

Aisha sat up, her laughter intensifying. "The back gate? Are you serious? And tell me, did you at least dodge the cameras on your way in?"

His expression faltered, and he frowned. "There were cameras in the back?"

Aisha howled with laughter this time, practically doubling over. "Yes! And guess what? They added more to my side recently."

Rivaan groaned dramatically, dragging his hands down his face. Without another word, he flopped down beside her, burying his face in her neck as if hiding from the entire world.

Another voice joined the chaos from outside—this time, deeper and even more terrifying.

"RIVAAN," Arjun boomed, "IF YOU'RE STILL IN HER ROOM, YOU'RE NEVER SETTING FOOT IN THIS MANSION AGAIN!"

Rivaan groaned even louder, muttering curses under his breath, while Aisha laughing so hard she could barely breathe.

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