87. Chances

♡ྀི

The tension in the air was suffocating.

Days had passed since the incident, but it felt like the aftermath of a storm—silent yet devastating.

Everyone now knew the truth. Mahira wasn’t just some stranger. She was Mahima’s sister.

And suddenly, everything made sense—why she felt so familiar, why there was an unexplainable connection.

But knowing the truth didn’t change anything. If anything, it made things worse.

Mahima acted like nothing had happened. As if she hadn’t nearly killed her own sister.

As if she hadn’t driven away to the edge of a hill, spewing nothing but venom.

She laughed, she talked, she lived—as if the weight of her past wasn’t dragging her down.

But Mahira… Mahira was different.

Aarush had tried—God, he had tried—to talk to her. But she wouldn’t let him.

Every time he showed up, she shut the door in his face. Every time he called, she ignored him.

And when he finally cornered her, demanding to know why she was pushing him away, she said things that cut deep.

"Just leave, Aarush."

"Stop coming back."

"I don’t need you."

"I don’t like you."

She was cruel, brutal—each word sharper than a knife. And yet, her eyes told a different story.

They weren’t filled with hatred. They weren’t cold.

No, they were filled with something else—pain. Regret.

A silent plea for him to stop trying, because she wouldn’t stop pushing him away.

And it hurt.

It hurt them both.

♡ྀི

Meanwhile, Raghav, who had once taken Ananya in his arms and raised her as his own, was now too afraid to even look at her.

He had backed off, retreating into the shadows, unable to face the child he had once loved so much.

Aditya had noticed. He had tried to get him to talk. But even he knew when to stop. For now, he was giving him time. But not forever.

And the Raghuwanshi Palace?

It was silent. Too silent.

No one spoke about Mahira. It was as if she didn’t exist.

As if she had never stepped into their lives, as if she hadn’t almost bled out because of Mahima.

And Aarush?

He was gone.

He wasn’t at the palace anymore. He wasn’t at the dining table for lunch or dinner, wasn’t teasing his family, wasn’t smirking at stupid jokes.

He had retreated to his small apartment in the city, locking himself away from the world.

Because for the first time in his life…

He didn’t want to come home.

Aarush wasn’t himself anymore.

When he came to work, there was no teasing, no smirks, no sarcastic remarks—just silence. He didn’t smile.

He barely spoke unless necessary. His presence, once lively and mischievous, had dulled into something unrecognizable.

Everyone noticed.

His brothers, his family, even the employees at the company whispered about it. The ever-charming Aarush was now just… existing.

And today, Geeta, Rukmini, Ishwar, and Shravan had had enough.

They couldn't watch him like this anymore. They had given him space, time, hoping he would come back on his own. But days had passed, and nothing had changed.

So they decided to do something about it.

♡ྀི

They drove straight to his apartment, standing in front of the door, determined. Ishwar knocked first.

No response.

He knocked again, harder this time. Still nothing.

"Aarush! Open the door!" Geeta called out.

A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing a disheveled Aarush.

His hair was messy, his stubble had grown, and there were faint dark circles under his eyes. But what hit them the most was his expression.

It was empty.

Rukmini’s heart clenched at the sight. This wasn’t their Aarush.

"Aren't you going to invite us in?" Shravan asked, trying to keep things light.

Aarush blinked at them for a second before stepping aside, letting them in without a word.

The apartment was neat—too neat. It felt lifeless, like no one lived there, just existed.

Ishwar sighed and crossed his arms. "Alright, enough of this. What the hell is going on with you?"

Aarush ran a hand through his hair. "Nothing," he said flatly.

"Nothing?" Geeta scoffed. "You look like you haven't slept in days, you barely talk, you don’t even smile anymore! And you say nothing?"

"Drop the act, Aarush," Shravan added. "We're not leaving until you tell us what’s wrong."

Aarush exhaled, rubbing his face. He knew they wouldn’t let this go.

"I don’t know what you want me to say," he muttered.

"How about you start with what happened with Mahira?" Rukmini suggested gently.

His body tensed at the name. He looked away.

"There's nothing to talk about," he said, but his voice lacked conviction.

"She’s the reason, isn’t she?" Geeta pressed. "She’s why you’re like this."

Aarush clenched his jaw. "She told me to leave her."

Silence.

"And?" Shravan asked cautiously.

"And I did," Aarush said bitterly. "She doesn’t want me in her life, so I left."

"But why?" Rukmini asked. "Did she say why she wanted you to leave?"

Aarush let out a humorless chuckle. "She said she doesn’t like me."

They all exchanged glances.

"And you believed her?" Ishwar asked, raising an eyebrow.

Aarush let out a frustrated sigh. "What else was I supposed to do?"

"Fight for her," Shravan said simply.

Aarush shook his head. "She was serious, sir. She was cold, distant. She meant it."

"You think she meant it," Geeta corrected. "But we all know that girl cares about you. Why would she push you away so suddenly?"

Aarush remained silent.

"You really think she doesn’t like you?" Rukmini asked.

His jaw tightened. "She said it."

"And you’re just going to take her word for it?" Ishwar challenged.

Aarush ran a hand through his hair again, frustrated. "What do you all want from me? She made her choice. I’m just respecting it."

Geeta sighed, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Aarush… we just want you back. And if Mahira is the reason you’re like this, then we can’t just sit back and watch you suffer."

He exhaled sharply, looking down. He wanted to believe they were right. That Mahira didn’t mean what she said.

But the way she had looked at him, so cold, so distant… it haunted him.

"I don’t know," he admitted quietly.

"Then find out," Shravan said firmly.

Aarush looked up at him.

"Talk to her, Aarush," Rukmini urged. "Don’t just give up on her like this."

Aarush swallowed hard. He wanted to. God, he wanted to.

But did he have the right to?

♡ྀི

Aarush stayed silent, his fingers gripping the edge of the table as he processed their words. His head was spinning.

"You really love her, don’t you?" Geeta’s voice was soft, but her words hit hard.

Aarush scoffed, shaking his head. "What does it matter? She doesn’t want me."

"So you’re just going to accept that?" Shravan asked, arms crossed.

"What the hell else am I supposed to do?" Aarush snapped, finally looking up at them, frustration flickering in his tired eyes. "She told me to leave her. She made it clear she doesn’t want me in her life. I have no choice!"

"You do have a choice," Ishwar said firmly. "You can fight."

"For what?" Aarush scoffed. "For someone who doesn’t even want me around?"

"You think she doesn’t want you around," Rukmini corrected. "But you know that’s not true."

Aarush clenched his jaw, looking away.

"If you really love her," Geeta said, stepping closer, "you wouldn’t give up so easily."

Aarush flinched at her words.

"Love isn’t just about being there when it’s easy," Shravan added. "It’s about staying, even when it’s hard. Even when they push you away."

Aarush shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "She doesn’t love me! She said it herself!"

"So what?" Ishwar said bluntly. "You know that’s a lie."

Aarush’s breathing was uneven. His fists clenched.

"She’s scared, Aarush," Rukmini said softly. "You can see it, can’t you? She’s scared of something. And instead of fighting to find out what it is, you walked away."

Aarush’s stomach twisted. He knew she was right.

But it wasn’t that simple.

"I tried," he whispered, voice strained. "I tried to talk to her, to understand… but she shut me out. Every damn time."

"So try harder," Shravan said, stepping forward. "Since when do you walk away from something just because it’s difficult?"

Aarush exhaled shakily, staring at the floor.

"You love her, Aarush," Geeta said. "And if you do, you don’t just leave. No matter how much she tries to hurt you, no matter how much she pushes you away, you stay."

His throat tightened.

"You fight for her."

Aarush swallowed hard.

And for the first time in days… he let himself hope.

Aarush felt something stir inside him—something he had lost over the past few days.

Hope.

Determination.

Love.

For the first time, he smiled, a small, grateful smile as he exhaled deeply.

"Thank you," he said, his voice softer but filled with conviction.

Then, without wasting another second, he grabbed his car keys, ready to leave. But before he could even take a step, Geeta grabbed his wrist.

He looked at her, confused. "What?"

"You can’t just go like that," she scolded, eyeing his wrinkled shirt, unshaven face, and tired eyes.

Rukmini crossed her arms. "You look like you’ve just crawled out of a battlefield."

"I feel like I have," Aarush muttered.

"Exactly," Geeta said, dragging him back inside. "And you cannot meet Mahira looking like this. She’ll think you’re miserable without her!"

"I am miserable without her," he admitted, but that only made the women shake their heads in disapproval.

"Beta," Rukmini sighed, pushing him toward his room, "if you go like this, she’ll think she was right to push you away. You need to show her that she doesn’t get to decide for you. That you choose her, no matter what."

Aarush looked at them, realizing they were right. Mahira had been stubborn, but if he showed up looking defeated, she’d never let her guard down.

"Fine," he sighed, surrendering to their expertise.

Geeta and Rukmini got to work immediately. They made him shave, fix his hair, and put on a crisp, well-fitted shirt instead of the wrinkled one he had been living in.

As he buttoned the last one, Rukmini looked him over and smiled. "Now this is Aarush. Confident. Determined. And absolutely not giving up."

Aarush chuckled. "You two are the best."

Geeta smirked. "We learned from the best."

He laughed, shaking his head. Then, taking a deep breath, he grabbed his keys again. "Now, I’m ready."

With that, he walked out the door, his heart set on only one thing—Mahira.

♡ྀི

Mahira sighed as she stepped into her office, her left arm secured in a sling to prevent any strain on her stitches.

The slight throb in her shoulder reminded her that she shouldn’t have come, but staying at home, drowning in her own thoughts, was worse.

As soon as Daisy saw her, she gasped and stormed over. “Myra! What the hell are you doing here?”

Mahira blinked at her, confused. “Uh… working?”

Daisy placed her hands on her hips, glaring. “Working? You got shot a few days ago! Do you even realize how serious that is?”

Mahira sighed, adjusting the sling. “I know, Daisy. But I have too much work to do.”

“No, you had too much work. Now you have a wound that could reopen if you keep acting like some stubborn idiot.”

Mahira rolled her eyes and walked into her cabin, ignoring Daisy’s continued scolding.

She sat down at her desk, shifting carefully to avoid putting pressure on her injured shoulder.

Daisy followed her inside and dropped into the chair in front of her, arms crossed. “You should be resting.”

“I am resting,” Mahira muttered, turning on her laptop.

Daisy scoffed. “Sitting in an office chair and typing is not resting. You’re so freaking stubborn, Myra. Who even let you come here?”

Mahira clicked her tongue. “I let myself.”

Daisy sighed, shaking her head. “At least tell me you’re not planning to do anything physically demanding.”

“I’m not stupid, Daisy.”

“That’s debatable.”

Mahira narrowed her eyes at her friend. “I swear, you’re worse than a mother.”

Daisy smirked. “And you’re worse than a reckless teenager who refuses to listen.”

Mahira chuckled despite herself. “Fine, I promise I won’t do anything stupid.”

Daisy gave her a long, skeptical look. “You already did by coming here, but whatever. Just don’t make me drag you out of here if your stitches reopen.”

Mahira sighed dramatically. “You love bossing me around, don’t you?”

Daisy grinned. “Absolutely.”

Rolling her eyes, Mahira got back to work, but a small smile tugged at her lips.

♡ྀི

Mahira focused on her laptop screen, typing away, trying her best to ignore the nagging feeling inside her.

Daisy was still sitting in front of her, arms crossed, watching her like a hawk.

Mahira sighed, finally glancing up. “What?”

Daisy tilted her head. “You tell me. Why do you look like you’re forcing yourself to be okay?”

Mahira’s jaw clenched. “I am okay.”

Daisy scoffed. “Yeah, and I’m the Queen of England.”

Mahira groaned, rubbing her forehead. “Daisy, I really don’t want to talk about whatever is going on in your head right now.”

“Oh, but we are going to talk about it,” Daisy said firmly, leaning forward. “Why are you pushing Aarush away?”

Mahira stiffened, gripping the mouse a little too tightly. “I’m not.”

“You are,” Daisy insisted. “He comes to see you, and you send him away. He tries to talk, and you shut him down. He’s hurting, Mahira, and you know it.”

Mahira exhaled sharply, leaning back in her chair. “I just… I don’t want him to get more hurt because of me.”

Daisy narrowed her eyes. “And why would he get hurt because of you?”

Mahira swallowed, struggling to find the words. “Because… because people around me always get hurt. I don't want that to happen to him.”

Daisy shook her head. “So your solution is to push him away? To hurt him yourself?”

Mahira flinched. “It’s better than something worse happening.”

Daisy huffed, standing up and leaning on Mahira’s desk. “Mahira, listen to me. You are not some curse, okay? You are not a danger to him. You are a woman who’s scared of love because you think you don’t deserve it.”

Mahira looked away. “I just… I don’t want to be the reason he suffers.”

“And what if he wants to take that risk?” Daisy challenged. “What if, despite everything, he still chooses you?”

Mahira’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out.

Daisy softened. “Mahira, love isn’t about being perfect or making sure the other person never gets hurt. It’s about standing together even when things get rough. And Aarush? He wants to stand with you. You’re the only one pushing him away.”

Mahira bit her lip, staring at her desk. She wanted to deny it, to insist she was doing the right thing—but deep down, she knew Daisy was right.

After a long pause, she finally sighed, a small, tired smile appearing on her lips. “Fine… I’ll talk to him today.”

Daisy grinned. “Finally! Took you long enough.”

Mahira shook her head, chuckling. “You’re so annoying.”

“And you love me for it,” Daisy said smugly.

Mahira laughed softly, but deep inside, her heart raced. She was finally going to face Aarush.

♡ྀི

In Amrita’s office, she was focused on her work when a knock echoed through the room.

Without looking up, she said, “Come in,” her tone formal and detached.

Aaryansh stepped inside, but she remained unaware, still immersed in her documents.

He cleared his throat, making a casual remark, and only then did she look up.

The moment her eyes met his, her stoic expression melted away, replaced by a rare, genuine smile.

She instinctively stood up, but before she could take a step, he gently pressed her shoulders, making her sit back down.

Then, with an amused smirk, he turned her chair towards him and leaned down, his proximity making her heart skip a beat.

A soft blush crept onto her face as she averted her gaze.

"W-Why are you here?" she asked, trying to sound unaffected.

Aaryansh studied her for a moment before replying, “I wanted to ask you something.”

Her brows furrowed slightly as she waited for him to continue.

“Do you love Deva and Vaidehi?” he asked, his voice calm but firm.

Her breath hitched, and the room fell into silence. The warmth in her eyes flickered, replaced by an unreadable expression.

Aaryansh watched her closely, noticing the way her gaze dropped to her hands, as if debating whether to answer. He straightened slightly but didn’t back away.

“Buttercup,” he called, his voice softer this time, “Do you love them?”

She let out a long sigh, as if releasing a weight she had carried for years, and then, finally, she nodded.

“Why?” he pressed, his tone neither demanding nor forceful—just seeking the truth.

She hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly on the fabric of her skirt.

Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, she said, “Because… my daddy always told me that Deva Mama loved me so much before I was even born.”

Aaryansh stayed silent, giving her space to continue.

“But after he lost his sister,” she swallowed, the lump in her throat making it harder to speak, “he was deeply hurt. So, he… stopped loving me.”

Her voice wavered slightly, and a single tear escaped, sliding down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away, but Aaryansh didn’t stop her

Amrita clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she forced herself to continue.

“I felt so bad… so cruel,” she whispered, her voice barely holding together. “I snatched away their happiness. I killed my mom and dad. Their sister and brother. I took everything from them.”

Aaryansh’s jaw clenched at her words, but he didn’t interrupt. He just listened, letting her pour out the pain she had carried for so long.

“I was supposed to be their daughter,” she continued, her voice trembling now. “They couldn’t have kids… I was meant to fill that void, to be their happiness, but instead, I became the reason for their pain.”

Her breath hitched, and suddenly, her body shook with silent sobs.

“If only… if only I hadn’t been born…”

A soft gasp echoed in the room, and before Amrita could process anything, she felt a pair of warm arms wrap tightly around her from behind.

She didn’t flinch.

For the first time in forever, she gave in to a touch she never knew she longed for. It was unfamiliar, yet so comforting. A warmth she had never allowed herself to feel.

Tears slid down her cheeks as she slowly turned her head, only to be met with the sight of Vaidehi, her face streaked with silent tears.

Vaidehi couldn’t take it anymore. The moment Amrita had said she wished she hadn’t been born, something inside her shattered.

“I’m sorry…” Vaidehi whispered, tightening her embrace.

Amrita’s lips quivered as she let herself lean into her. “No…” she choked, her fingers clutching Vaidehi’s arms. “I’m sorry…”

The two women sobbed in each other’s arms, breaking down years of silence, years of unspoken pain.

Aaryansh stepped back slightly, his throat tightening at the sight. He had wanted to make Amrita realize that she was loved, but he hadn’t expected Vaidehi to be the one to prove it first.

And right now, it was exactly what Amrita needed.

♡ྀི

Amrita opened her eyes, her vision still blurred with tears, and saw him.

Deva.

He stood there, unmoving. His head was lowered, his fists clenched at his sides.

But unlike before, there was no anger in his stance. No sharp glares or cold indifference. There was something else—something unfamiliar.

Silence filled the office, suffocating, heavy.

Vaidehi sniffled, still holding onto Amrita, but as she noticed Deva standing there, she slowly pulled away. Aaryansh remained quiet, watching intently.

Amrita’s heart pounded.

Had he heard everything?

She forced herself to sit straighter, wiping the stray tear on her cheek. But her voice betrayed her when she spoke. “Why are you here?”

Deva inhaled sharply, as if steadying himself. Then, finally, he lifted his head, his dark eyes piercing into hers.

“You really believe that?” His voice was low, but there was no mistaking the weight behind his words.

Amrita stiffened.

“You really think it was your fault?” he asked again, his voice harsher this time.

She gritted her teeth, looking away. “Wasn’t it?” she whispered bitterly. “If I hadn’t been born—”

“Stop,” he interrupted, his voice suddenly firm, making her flinch.

Deva took a slow step forward. His jaw was clenched, but his expression… it was conflicted, as though he was battling something inside himself.

“For years,” he started, voice rough, “I hated you.”

The bluntness of his words hit her like a slap.

“I hated you, Amrita.” His hands clenched at his sides. “Every time I looked at you, all I could see was my sister lying in that hospital bed, covered in blood, fighting for her life.” His breath was ragged, his body rigid. “And then she was gone.”

Amrita swallowed, a lump forming in her throat.

Deva’s eyes darkened further. “I blamed you. I convinced myself that if you hadn’t been born, she would still be here.”

She shut her eyes for a brief second, the familiar ache in her chest returning.

“I resented you,” he continued mercilessly. “I wanted nothing to do with you. I left you to be someone else’s problem.” His fists shook slightly, and his voice cracked. “I thought if I pushed you away, if I acted like you didn’t exist, it wouldn’t hurt as much.”

Amrita remained quiet, her nails digging into her palms.

“But…” Deva exhaled, his entire body seeming to deflate. His voice lost its sharpness. “I was wrong.”

Her breath hitched.

Deva ran a hand down his face, exhaling sharply. “I spent all these years running away from my grief, drowning in my hatred, when in reality…” He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “In reality, the only person who suffered the most was you.”

His gaze softened—not in pity, but in realization.

“You lost your parents before you could even remember them,” he said quietly. “And instead of being protected, you were cast aside.” His throat bobbed as he swallowed. “By me.”

Amrita blinked rapidly, her vision blurring again.

Deva let out a heavy breath, his voice almost raw. “I should’ve been the one protecting you. I should’ve been there when you needed me.”

He let out a shaky exhale. “But all I did was push you into the same loneliness I was drowning in.”

Silence.

Complete, suffocating silence.

Amrita’s breath was shaky, her fingers trembling.

“I can’t undo what I’ve done,” Deva admitted, his voice rough. “I can’t change the years of pain I caused you.”

Amrita clenched her jaw.

“But…” He hesitated, his next words coming out almost painfully. “If you let me… I want to make things right.”

She sucked in a sharp breath.

Deva took another step forward. “Not because I feel guilty.” He shook his head. “But because you are my sister’s daughter. And because whether I admitted it or not, you were always my family.”

Something inside Amrita cracked.

She turned her head away, trying to keep her composure.

But then Vaidehi’s grip on her hand tightened.

She glanced up to see her aunt’s teary eyes, full of unspoken words.

And then she looked at Deva.

For the first time in her life, he wasn’t looking at her with hatred.

For the first time, he wasn’t looking at her like she was a mistake.

He was looking at her like she mattered.

Like she belonged.

Her lips trembled, and before she could stop herself, a sob broke past her throat.

And in the next second, Vaidehi pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her close.

Amrita broke.

She cried—years of buried pain, years of longing for something she thought she would never have.

♡ྀི

Amrita sobbed into Vaidehi’s embrace, her entire body trembling as years of pain and loneliness poured out of her.

Vaidehi held her tightly, her own tears falling as she whispered soothing words.

But then, something unexpected happened.

She felt another pair of arms wrap around her.

Strong, hesitant, but warm.

Amrita froze for a second, her breath catching in her throat.

Deva.

She could barely believe it.

For so many years, she had wanted this. Just once, she had wished that he would acknowledge her.

That he would look at her without hatred, without anger. That he would—

That he would hold her like family.

And now, here he was.

She didn’t dare move, afraid this moment would disappear if she did. But then, she felt Deva’s grip tighten.

It wasn’t forceful. It wasn’t hesitant. It was firm, like he was holding onto something he had lost and finally found again.

Vaidehi sniffled. “You’re crushing me,” she mumbled, but neither of them let go.

Amrita let out a watery chuckle, her fingers gripping Deva’s sleeve. “You… you really don’t hate me?” Her voice was small, uncertain, vulnerable.

Deva let out a sharp exhale. “No, Amrita,” he said quietly. “I don’t.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat, her fingers tightening around his sleeve like a child afraid of losing something precious. “I don’t know if I can forgive you,” she admitted honestly.

“I don’t expect you to,” Deva replied just as honestly. “But I’ll wait.”

Amrita pulled back slightly, looking up at him with red, teary eyes.

“You mean it?” she asked, her voice almost breaking.

Deva nodded. “I do.”

Amrita bit her lip. She had spent so many years convincing herself she didn’t need him. That she was fine without him.

But deep down, she had always wanted this moment. She had always wanted to be seen, to be wanted.

And now, for the first time in her life, she was.

With a small, hesitant movement, she leaned forward and rested her forehead against Deva’s shoulder. Not fully ready to let go of the past, but not unwilling to try either.

Deva’s grip on her tightened for a brief moment, as if silently telling her he wouldn’t leave this time.

Vaidehi smiled through her tears. “Finally.”

Aaryansh, who had been silently watching, crossed his arms and smirked. “Took you all long enough.”

Amrita pulled back and shot him a glare, making him chuckle.

But even with her glare, there was something different about her now.

Something lighter.

Something hopeful.

♡ྀི

As Deva and Vaidehi slowly pulled away, Vaidehi cupped Amrita’s face once more, her thumb gently brushing against Amrita’s cheek.

"Take care of yourself, okay?" Vaidehi whispered, her voice thick with emotions.

Amrita could only nod, unable to form words.

Deva stood still for a moment, his eyes lingering on Amrita with an expression she had never seen before—something between regret and acceptance.

He gave her a small nod before turning away with Vaidehi, leaving the office.

As the door clicked shut behind them, Amrita stood frozen. The weight of what just happened—what she had finally received after years of longing—pressed onto her like an overwhelming tide.

She had been waiting for this. For Deva to finally acknowledge her. For Vaidehi to embrace her.

But the one who made it happen… the one who had truly given this moment to her…

Her eyes flickered to Aaryansh, who had turned to leave as well.

Her body moved before she could think.

Her hand shot out, gripping his wrist tightly.

Aaryansh halted instantly. He looked back at her, surprised. "Buttercup?"

Her grip on him tightened, but she still didn't look up.

She didn't know what to say. Her heart was racing, her emotions were everywhere, and she had no idea why stopping him felt like the only thing she wanted to do right now.

Aaryansh turned fully to her, his gaze searching her face. "Do you—"

She suddenly stepped forward. And before she could stop herself, before her mind could interfere—

She wrapped her arms around him. Tightly.

Aaryansh froze.

Amrita's face was buried in his chest, her fingers gripping the back of his shirt.

She clung to him as if he was the only thing keeping her from falling apart.

Aaryansh's breath hitched, his arms still at his sides, too stunned to react.

Seconds passed.

Then, slowly, he lifted his arms and wrapped them around her. Firmly.

He felt her trembling. Not from sadness—but from the sheer weight of the moment.

"You…" Her voice was barely a whisper. "You made this happen."

Aaryansh didn't say anything. He simply tightened his hold on her.

Amrita swallowed, closing her eyes. "I never thought…" Her voice broke slightly. "I never thought they would ever… accept me."

"You were always theirs," Aaryansh murmured, his voice deep and steady. "They just forgot for a while. I just reminded them."

She pressed her forehead against his chest, inhaling deeply. The warmth of his embrace was unfamiliar, yet it felt like the safest place she had ever been.

Silence filled the room, but neither of them moved.

Amrita had never been held like this before. Had never allowed herself to be vulnerable like this.

But with Aaryansh… it didn't feel like weakness.

It felt like home.

Minutes passed.

She didn’t want to let go.

Aaryansh's hand moved to the back of her head, his fingers threading through her hair gently. "Buttercup," he murmured.

She hummed against his chest.

He chuckled softly, tilting his head down so that his lips brushed the top of her head. "If you keep holding me like this, I might get the wrong idea."

She stiffened slightly, but before she could pull away, he tightened his grip around her. "I didn’t say I mind, though."

Amrita scoffed lightly, but she didn’t push him away.

Instead, she held him a little tighter.

Because right now, she didn't want to let go.

♡ྀི

Amrita slowly lifted her head, her eyes locking with Aaryansh’s. There was something unspoken between them, something raw and deep.

They just stood there, staring, letting the silence speak. The air felt heavier, thick with emotions neither of them could deny anymore.

Aaryansh’s gaze flickered to her lips, and a teasing smirk played at the corner of his mouth.

“Good,” he murmured, his voice husky, “you’ve been drinking water nicely.”

She frowned slightly, confused, and he continued, “Your lips aren’t dry anymore.”

A small, amused smile broke on her face, her cheeks heating up. He always found a way to make her flustered.

He tilted his head, his thumb grazing her lower lip. “I should reward you for that.”

Before she could process his words, he closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.

His hands cupped her face, holding her gently yet possessively, as if she was something he never wanted to let go of.

Amrita’s breath hitched, but she didn’t pull away.

Instead, she melted into him, her hands fisting the fabric of his shirt as she let herself drown in the warmth of his touch.

The kiss was slow, intense, filled with all the emotions they had held back for too long.

His lips moved against hers, tasting, savoring, claiming. A shiver ran down her spine when he deepened the kiss, his fingers slipping into her hair, pulling her closer, making her forget the world around them.

For the first time in forever, Amrita felt safe, loved. And she didn’t want this moment to end.

♡ྀི

Sorry guys! I was so busy!

Thank you for waiting patiently!

For once, destiny played a gentle hand, and they embraced it.✨🌸