30.

This book is entirely a product of my imagination. Please do not copy my work, or I will take strict action.

Thank you ❤️

Aaradhya’s POV

Ahhh I hiss softly feeling a slight ache as I try to move. My eyes flutter open and I blink a few times trying to adjust to the dim light around me. I slowly sit up rubbing my eyes. The room I’m in feels unfamiliar strange.

“Where am I?” I whisper to myself confusion clouding my mind. Then it hits me hard. I’ve been kidnapped.

My heart pounds as I force myself to stand even though my legs feel weak because of fear. I glance around the room taking in every detail. It’s luxurious too luxurious. The furniture is expensive and everything is perfectly arranged not a single thing out of place.

I make my way to the door. I grab the knob and try turning it. It’s locked. Panic begins to rise in my chest. Fear starts bubbling inside me making it hard to breathe. My hands tremble as I glance around searching for another way out.

That’s when I notice a large glass door covered by heavy curtains. I rush to it and pull the curtains aside. My eyes widen. The view outside is breathtaking, but it only makes me more anxious. The city stretches out below glittering with lights. “Am I on a hill?” I murmur my voice shaky.

I try the glass door next pulling at it desperately but it doesn’t budge. It’s locked too. Tears well up in my eyes as my fear grows stronger. Suddenly I hear muffled voices near the main door.

“Is someone there?” I whisper backing away from the sound. My hands instinctively go to my chest clutching it as tears spill over “Aarav ji where are you?” I whisper to myself my voice trembling.

The door creaks open and a man steps inside. My heart nearly stops. He’s huge towering over me with a face that looks... terrifying. He’s double my size and just his presence makes me want to shrink back.

“W-wh… why did you kidnap me?” I manage to ask my voice barely audible. My legs feel like jelly as he looks at me his expression cold and unreadable. I stumble back pressing myself against the wall trying to create as much distance as I can.

He doesn’t answer. Instead he walks to the bed and places a bag on it. Without a word he turns and leaves locking the door behind him.

“Please... jane do mujhe. Mai bahut gareeb hoon. Mere paas to khane ke paise bhi nahi hai. Aap logon ko mujhse kuch nahi milega(Please... let me go. I am very poor. I don't even have money to buy food. You won't get anything from me)” I cry lightly but there’s no one to hear me. My voice breaks and I feel completely helpless.

I notice a note on the bag. My hands shake as I reach for it and read the message

Wear this.

I frown and open the bag revealing a beautiful gown. It’s peach-colored with one side shimmering and the other plain. My fear turns to confusion. “Does this kidnapper want to marry me?” I wonder aloud panic creeping back into my voice.

“No no no! I can’t marry him” I mutter shaking my head “I’m fine with Aarav ji. At least he’s not this scary! I can adjust with him, but this man... no!”

Yet, despite my panic my eyes keep drifting back to the gown. It’s beautiful almost mesmerizing. I run my fingers over the fabric, admiring its softness “The kidnapper has good taste” I mutter with a nervous laugh.

Before I realize it I’ve already put the gown on “How does he even know my exact size?” I wonder aloud shivering at the thought “Is he some psycho stalker? Oh my God is this really happening? Do I actually have a stalker?”

I shake my head trying to push away the absurd thought. I walk to the door and knock softly hoping someone will hear me. When no one answers I try the knob. To my surprise it turns and the door creaks open.

Stepping out cautiously I glance around. The hallway is pitch dark. Not a single light is on. My breathing quickens as I take slow steps forward my heart thundering in my chest.

“What’s going on?” I whisper to myself my fear growing with every step.

Stupid kidnapper Aaradhya, no one is here! Run away! I tell myself lifting my gown as I start walking quickly. I notice a dim light ahead guiding me to a staircase. I hurry down the stairs my heart racing.

I look around cautiously scanning the area. My eyes catch a back door. “Let’s go from there” I whisper to myself moving towards it. There’s too much light outside. As soon as I step out I freeze in shock.

“Happy Birthday!” my family shouts together their voices echoing around me.

I stand there completely stunned my mouth hanging open “You... I... here?” I stammer unable to form a complete sentence.

They burst out laughing and walk towards me “We kidnapped you!” they say in unison still laughing. I stare at them confused and dazed.

“Why?” I whisper barely able to speak.

“Today is your birthday na? So we decided to surprise you” Maa says her eyes twinkling with joy. Suddenly reality dawns on me. Oh my God it’s my birthday! I glance at the time it’s already 12 a.m.

“Ohh so you all are the ones who kidnapped me from the car and brought me here?” I ask piecing it all together. They all nod grinning from ear to ear.

I look around at everyone, amazed. My gaze stops at him. Aarav ji. He’s standing there looking perfect as always in his signature style. My heart flutters. Everyone looks so beautiful tonight but my eyes stay on him.

I walk towards my family and Maa pulls me into a warm hug “Happy Birthday mera baccha” she says kissing my forehead. Her love makes my heart swell “Thank you Maa” I whisper overwhelmed.

One by one everyone starts wishing me showering me with love.

“Let’s cut the cake now!” Jaya says excitedly and everyone nods walking towards the beautifully decorated area.

I stand there still taking everything in, when Aarav ji comes closer “Happy Birthday jaan. You’re looking so gorgeous” he says softly his eyes full of admiration.

His words make me blush “Thank you... and you’re also looking dashing” I reply smiling shyly. He bows dramatically making me giggle.

“How’s the surprise?” he asks wrapping his arms around my waist his hand gently caressing my cheek.

“It’s just perfect” I say my voice full of emotion. He smiles at me his eyes sparkling.

I tiptoe and press a quick peak on his lips “Thank you so much for all this” I say and I notice his cheeks turning pink. Who says only girls blush?

“I’ll take my thank you in another way” he whispers winking mischievously before leading me to the backyard.

The backyard is breathtaking. The decorations are magical twinkling lights, soft petals and an atmosphere that feels like a dream. There’s a large swimming pool and from here, the entire city sparkles like stars in the distance.

“Let’s cut the cake!” Riya calls out breaking the moment. I step in front of the cake smiling.

“Bhai baked this cake for you Bhabhi!” Raj announces proudly. My eyes widen in surprise as I look at Aarav ji. He rubs the back of his neck smiling shyly.

I look at the cake. It’s stunning decorated with tiny hearts and in the middle written in elegant letters are the words

Happy Birthday.

I take the knife in my hand and everyone starts singing the birthday song.

“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Aaradhya, Happy Birthday to you…”

As I cut the cake I hear fireworks lighting up the sky. The sound and colors fill the night but my heart feels a little heavy. My eyes become moist as memories flood in. Every year Di used to bake a small cake for me and we would cut it together. I miss you Di. I think to myself, swallowing the lump in my throat.

I take a small piece of the cake and hold it out to Aarav ji. He leans in taking a small bite his eyes soft as they meet mine. One by one I feed everyone a piece of cake their happy faces making me smile.

After the cake cutting we all sit down on benches arranged around a warm firewood setup. The crackling sound of the fire and its warmth feel comforting.

“Thank you so much everyone for this” I say sincerely my heart full of gratitude. They all smile warmly at me their love evident.

“Now gifts!” Riya says excitedly walking toward me with a box in her hand.

“This is for my sweet Bhabhi” she says with a cheeky grin making me chuckle. I take the box and carefully open it. Inside there’s a stunning set of diamond studs twelve pairs each with a unique shade and design.

“Bhabhi I had made them with my own hands… well with the help of a professional” she says proudly her eyes twinkling. I look at her surprised and touched. The studs look so elegant and professionally crafted.

“Thank you so much Riya” I say smiling warmly at her.

Next Raj comes forward with a small box and hands it to me. I open it and find a key inside.

“A car?” I ask looking up at him in surprise.

“Yes! And I’ll be your driver” he says grinning widely. I laugh and pinch his cheeks.

“Thank you so much handsome” I say teasingly making him smile shyly.

Darsh steps forward with a similar box a pout on his face. I open it and once again find a key inside.

“He copied my idea Bhabhi!” he complains sulking like a child. Everyone bursts into laughter at his expression.

“It’s okay. I’m going to use both cars. And thank you so much handsome” I say trying to cheer him up.

Jaye walks up to me with a well-wrapped box. I unwrap it carefully and find a collection of perfumes. The bottles look luxurious and expensive there are at least 24 of them.

“I made them” he says with a proud smile.

“Thank you so much Jaye But you should have given me a bhabhi  instead of perfumes” I tease making everyone laugh.

“Soon” he replies grinning and everyone starts teasing him.

Maa and Papa come forward next handing me an envelope. I open it and freeze. My eyes widen as I realize what it is.

“This is too much I…” I start to say but they cut me off.

“It’s not too much. You deserve more than this” Maa says firmly. The paper in my hand is the ownership of a mansion in my name. I’m speechless.

Tears sting my eyes as I bend down to touch their feet. “Thank you” I say softly overwhelmed. Maa kisses my forehead lovingly her warmth filling my heart.

Chachi and Chachu step forward with another envelope. I look at them curiously my hands shaking slightly as I open it.

“I think they’re all copying each other” Jaye says making everyone laugh.

I open the envelope from Chachu and Chachi and find the papers for a plot in Kashmir. My eyes widen in surprise.

“Thank you so much Chachu, Chachi” I say bending down to touch their feet.

“Now Bhai it’s your turn!” Darsh says turning to Aarav ji. I look at him expectantly.

“I’ll give my gift later” he says with a small smile and we all nod.

Dinner is served and we all sit together, talking and laughing as we eat. The mansion is breathtaking it’s located on the highest hill in the city offering a stunning view.

After dinner everyone decides to stay the night. Slowly they all head to their respective rooms but Aarav ji and I remain on the balcony gazing at the view.

“The city looks so decorated tonight. Why is that?” I ask curiously. He’s back-hugging me his arms wrapped securely around my waist while I lean against his chest.

“Because today is an angel’s birthday” he whispers softly and I turn to look at him shocked.

“Don’t tell me you decorated the entire city” I say laughing a little and waiting for his reply.

“Yes I did. But I know it’s really small” he says casually and my jaw drops. Then I quickly close it because well, this is Aarav Yaduvanshi. He can do anything.

“By the way thank you so much for all this” I say my voice filled with gratitude as I look up at him. He smiles warmly.

“These are nothing jaan. You deserve the entire world” he says and my heart flutters.

I turn towards him unable to hold back anymore and press my lips to his. He holds my waist firmly responding to the kiss with the same emotion. I kiss him slowly pouring all my happiness and gratitude into it. He smirks against my lips, making my heart skip a beat.

He breaks the kiss, looking into my eyes. “This is just a small gift. The rest I’ll give you later,” he says, pulling out his phone and showing me something.

I take his phone and start reading, only to feel the biggest shock of my life. My hands tremble as I realize what he has done.

He has opened at least 30 NGOs across the country in my name and donated billions of dollars under my name.

Tears pool in my eyes as I look at him. Unable to contain my emotions, I throw my arms around him and hug him tightly.

“Thank you so much, Aarav ji. This is the best gift I’ve ever received in my life,” I say, clinging to him like he’s my lifeline.

“This day isn’t just special for you, jaan. It’s special for me too because my everything came into this world on this precious day. And I thank God every moment for bringing you into my life,” he says, his voice full of love.

I smile, my heart overflowing with emotions, and we stay in each other’s arms, savoring the moment.

Our lips meet again, and this time, the kiss feels like a promise—a promise of love, trust, and togetherness.

This is the happy start of our life, and I’ll make sure to give my best in this relationship. I’ll love you, Aarav ji, more than I love myself, I think, pouring my heart into the kiss.

Sorry, this chapter is short because I was editing and translating the previous chapters for those of you who can’t read Hindi. I didn’t get time to write a longer chapter. Sorry and love you all so much, my ladies🎀✨🌎🦢❤️.