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"Every story begins somewhere... but this one starts with a loss, a storm, and two strangers chasing escape.

Ready to feel something real?"

The room was dark, bathed in the cold glow of the moon filtering through the half-open window. The silence of the night was deep, heavy. The only sound was the soft, rhythmic breathing of an angel curled up in the bed, lost in restless sleep.

A sudden vibration. Her phone buzzed violently against the wooden nightstand. It was 4:00 AM. She stirred slightly, with half-closed eyes. GRANDPA'S DOCTOR. A frown formed on her sleepy face as she answered.

From the other side came a voice, "Hello, Dr. Aadhya. Are you listening to me?"

Yes, she was Dr. Aadhya Raichand, the most brilliant neurosurgeon in the country.

"Yes," her voice was thick with sleep, but the second she heard the words on the other end, every last trace of drowsiness vanished.

"He doesn't have much time... he is asking for you."

Her heart stopped. The air in the room felt like it had been sucked out.

"Come now. If you want to see him before-" the voice hesitated, but she knew what they were about to say.

Before it was too late.

Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. Her chest was tight, her breath shallow, her mind racing.

He was supposed to be okay. He was supposed to have more time.

She grabbed her jacket, called her friends. As she stumbled out of her room, phone still clutched in her fingers, one thought drowned out everything else-she had to get to him.

A quiet hospital room, dimly lit by the early morning moon filtering through the curtains. The steady beeping of the heart monitor was slowing. A frail old man, his face lined with years of wisdom and kindness, lay in the hospital bed.

He was AVAY KAPOOR, grandpa of Aadhya -not by blood, but by soul-lay silent. Beside him, his best friends RAJDEV SINGH RATHORE and his wife BARKHA RAJDEV SINGH RATHORE, and Aadhya's best friends RUDRANSH and AAKANSHA, their eyes filled with grief and tears.

Beside him, his granddaughter Aadhya clasped his hand tightly, her eyes filled with unshed tears. He was never her blood relative, but he was her family-the real one she ever had.

With a soft smile and weak voice, he said,

"You've always been stubborn, my little star. Holding my hands like that... as if you could keep me here. Fourteen years. That's all we got, huh?"

Shaking her head with a breaking voice, she said,

"Fourteen years was not enough. Because I wanted to keep you here. I didn't want to be alone. I still needed you. Who will remind me to be strong? You promised me that you would always stand by my side. But no, you were a liar. You proved that 'promises are meant to be broken.' Please don't go... I'm not ready."

His tired eyes softened as he lifted a trembling hand to cup her cheek, his warmth fading with each second. He gently said,

"You brought laughter into my life when I thought I had nothing left to give. You remind me what it's like to be needed. You won't be without me. I'll be right here near you always. You're my strong kid. Stronger than you think. And you'll keep going... because that's who you are." She sobbed continuously.

He moved her gaze toward his best friends and said, "Take care of my child." Then he moved his gaze back to his little star and said, "Now, do an old man a favor... and don't cry too much, okay?"

The monitor went silent. The world stilled. Silence. Her fingers tightened around his hand, as if trying to hold onto the life that had already slipped away. A sob escaped her lips, raw and helpless. She lowered her head, pressing it against his now-lifeless hand. Because for the first time in these five years... she felt alone again.

Her best friends-the moment they saw her sitting there, utterly shattered-their hearts clenched. For a moment, they didn't know what to say.

What did you even say when someone lost the person who meant the world to them?

Slowly, carefully, they sat beside her. No words, no forced comfort. Just presence.

She sniffed, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's gone."

A beat of silence. The friends' throats tightened, but they held it together. "I know."

She finally looked at them, her eyes red, searching for something-answers, relief, a reason to breathe. Her friends didn't have those answers. But what they did have was warmth.

Without hesitation, they pulled her into a hug. Tight. Grounding. A silent reminder that she wasn't alone.

"I'm here," they whispered, voice steady. "And I'm not going anywhere."

She finally let go. The sobs she had been holding back crashed over her like a wave, and her friends held her through it. No clichés, no empty reassurances. Just quiet, unwavering support.

Rajdev and Barkha, their eyes softened seeing her broken figure. They both went towards her. Rajdev placed his palms on her head and said softly, "He hated seeing you cry, you know."

She didn't respond, just tightened her grip on her grandfather's hand as tears spilled down her face.

He said, gentle but firm, "I have known this stubborn old man for more years than I can count... and if there's one thing he always said in these five years about you, it's that you were his greatest pride."

With a cracking voice, she said, "Then why did he leave me?"

Then Barkha held her hand and said, "Because this is how life works, beta. No matter how much we love someone, we don't get to keep them forever." Smiling sadly, tapping her chest lightly, she again said, "He's here. Every lesson he taught you, every scolding, every moment of love-it's all inside you. Live for him. He wants to see you happy and succeed."

She nodded. Instead, they just stayed beside her-because sometimes, the best way to console someone is simply being there.

A soft knock on the door broke the quiet. A nurse stepped in, hesitant, her face unreadable.

Nurse softly said, "I... I wanted to inform you... his family was contacted, but-"

She paused, glancing at the young woman, unsure of how to say it.

Hoarse, barely above a whisper, Aadhya asked, "But what?"

Nurse hesitantly, voice laced with discomfort, "They refused to come. They... disowned him a long time ago."

Silence. A deep, suffocating silence. The words hit her like a punch, but a part of her wasn't even surprised. A bitter laugh escaped her lips, though there was no humor in it.

Shaking her head, voice cold, she said, "Of course, they did."

A storm brewed inside her-not just grief, but anger. How could they abandon him in life and in death?

Nurse gently said, "I'm... so sorry. If you need time to decide what to do-"

Cutting in, firm despite the ache in her voice, "I don't need time."

She turned to the nurse, eyes red but determined.

"I'll do it. I'll handle everything."

The nurse looked at her with quiet admiration, then nodded, stepping back to give her space.

She looked down at her grandfather's face-peaceful now, as if finally free from the burdens of a past that never forgave him. Her heart clenched, but she straightened her back, wiped the last of her tears, and exhaled shakily. If his family wouldn't stand by him, she would. Because he was hers. And she was his granddaughter.

She would give him the farewell he deserved.

She moved towards Rudransh and said, "Rudransh, get everything ready. I will do his last work."

It had been night by the time everything ended. Kiara insisted she stay with her that night, but she refused. Now she sat on her bed with her diary, letting out every pain through her writing, because she had to be stronger from tomorrow. And as she drifted into sleep, she didn't know...

After a week...

The city slept under a starless sky, its streets bathed in the cold glow of streetlights. It had been a week since he left. A week of silence, of forced condolences, of people telling her to "stay strong" when all she felt was hollow. She needed air. Needed to feel something other than this crushing emptiness.

The key turned in the ignition, and her bike, YAMAHA R7, roared to life, its engine cutting through the stillness of the night. Dressed in a hoodie and jeans, no destination in mind, she twisted the throttle and took off-her bike tearing down the deserted roads like a bullet. She didn't think. She just rode. Faster and faster.

For the first time in days, her heart wasn't weighed down by grief. Instead, it pounded from the sheer adrenaline, the rush of speed, the way the city blurred past her. The wind drowned out the echoes of her pain, the memories that refused to leave her alone.

And then-rain.

Fat droplets hit her skin, cold and sudden, soaking her clothes. But she didn't slow down. Instead, she laughed. A broken, breathless, almost hysterical laugh. Because in that moment, under the pouring rain, speeding through the empty city at midnight... she felt something.

Not okay. Not healed. But alive. For now, that was enough.

On the other side...

A dimly lit warehouse, the air thick with the stench of blood, sweat, and gunpowder. The flickering tube light overhead barely illuminated the mess-scattered papers, broken glass, and a man lying unconscious on the floor.

At the center of it all stood him-AYANSH SINGH RATHORE, THE DEVIL, king of business and mafia world. Jaw clenched, fists bloodied, eyes burning with frustration. Dressed in a dark shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, veins visible against his skin, his breathing was heavy.

That night was supposed to be a simple deal. But things had gone south. Betrayal. Lies. A business that was already slipping through his fingers now threatened to crumble completely.

One of his men stumbled toward him. "Boss, what now?"

He exhaled sharply, pushing his hair back. "Now?" He scoffed, grabbing his leather jacket. "Now, I get the hell out of here before I burn this place down myself."

He was tired. Of the chaos. The fights. The expectations. The weight of a name that demanded blood to keep its power.

He needed air. Needed to disappear-just for a while.

The night was cold, the streets slick from the fresh rain. His bike, Ducati Streetfighter V4, growled beneath him, a beast unleashed. He leaned forward, gripping the handlebars tighter, pushing the speed-60... 90... 120. The city lights blurred past him, but it wasn't enough. He wanted more. More distance from the life he couldn't escape. More speed to drown out the storm in his head.

Then-a blur to his left.

A second bike. Matching his speed, defying the rain. She rode like she was chasing something just out of reach, pushing her machine to its limit.

Reckless. Wild. Untamed.

His lips twitched. Finally... a challenge.

Without a word, without even seeing each other's faces, they both accelerated.

The road stretched ahead-a long, sharp turn. Dangerous. Stupid. Perfect.

She didn't slow down. Neither did he.

For a split second, their bikes almost touched, engines screaming against the silence of the night. The rain, the speed, the danger-it fueled them. The kind of moment where time blurred, where nothing else mattered but the wind whipping past their skin and the raw, unfiltered adrenaline in their veins.

Then-she smirked. Just slightly. Just enough for him to notice.

And just like that, he knew.

She wasn't running. She was chasing the thrill, just like him.

His grip tightened. He smirked back.

Challenge accepted.

Two strangers running from their demons, unknowingly chasing the same escape.

In the flash of a second...

She gripped the handlebars, eyes flicking to the sharp turn ahead.

Too dangerous. Too sharp.

But she didn't hesitate. And neither did he.

At the last second, she kicked the back wheel out, throwing her weight into the drift. Tires screamed. The bike swung dangerously close to the ground, water spraying up in a silver arc.

And then-him.

His bike surged beside hers, a mirror of her movement.

Perfect control. Perfect chaos.

Their eyes locked.

Her Black almond eyes burned into his ocean blue.

Time fractured.

It wasn't just a race. It was a challenge. A game. A fire meeting a storm. And decided she was his. A silent war began... and he knew he'd win or burn for her.

She saw it in his gaze-the same hunger, the same recklessness, the same need to feel something real.

And then, just as the drift completed, just as they both straightened out, she did something unexpected.

She smirked.

Not just any smirk. A smirk that said,

Catch me if you can.

His breath caught for just a second. Damn.

Then?

He smirked back.

Because he would.

She took a sudden turn down a narrow road, barely squeezing between two trucks. He didn't hesitate-he followed.

Faster. Sharper. Closer.

At another sharp turn, she drifted again, kicking up water, her body leaning dangerously low. Perfect. Flawless.

He mirrored her, the space between them shrinking.

For a moment, it felt like they were dancing. A dangerous, high-speed rhythm of risk and adrenaline.

Then—she glanced back. Just for a second.

And that was all it took.

A red light. A sudden intersection. A car appearing out of nowhere.

Her eyes widened. Too late. Too fast.

She slammed the brakes, but the road was too wet—she was going to crash.

His body reacted before his mind did.

In one reckless move, he swerved, cutting into her path. His bike skidded sideways, blocking her fall.

She collided into him-a blur of motion, metal, and breathless chaos.

Then-silence.

The world slowed.

The only sound was their heavy breathing.

She was on top of him, her hands braced against his chest, their faces just inches apart. His bike lay on its side, the rain still falling around them.

She blinked, dazed. He smirked.

"Told you I'd catch you."

Her breath hitched. For the first time that night—she had no comeback.

The rain kept falling, soaking them both. She moved first.

No words. No apology. Just a look. Piercing, unreadable black almond eyes.

Then, without a second glance, she gripped her bike, kicked the engine to life, and sped away into the night.

Gone.

Aankhon ne kuchh aise chhuwa... Halka halka uns hua... Halka halka uns hua... Dil ko mehsoos hua...

Tu hi tu... Tu hi tu...

Jeene ki saari khushboo..

Tu hi tu... Tu hi tu...

Aarzoo aarzoo...

The sound of her engine fades into the night, but my heart is still pounding. My fingers tighten around the handlebar, jaw clenching so hard it hurts.

What the hell just happened?

No one-no one-has ever chased me like that. Definitely not a woman.

Yet, she did.

People fear me. Women run after my power, my name.

But she?

She didn't give a damn about any of that. She chased the rush. The thrill. The game.

And worst of all? She won.

Fuck.

I hate women. I always have. They lie. They manipulate. They chase things that don't matter.

But her? She was different.

Those black almond eyes... I can still see them.

Piercing. Defiant. Unafraid.

They pulled me in, just for a second-just long enough to make me forget who I am.

And that damn smirk.

Like she knew. Like she could see right through me. It pisses me off. It pisses me off more than anything.

It intrigues me.

I exhale sharply, dragging a hand through my wet hair. It was nothing. Just a moment.  Just a ride.

My mind mocked at me , "JUST ??!!!! Are you sure??"

For the first time in my life-I was the one being chased.

And for the first time-I didn't hate it.

A low chuckle escaped me, laced with amusement and frustration. I wiped the rain off my face, my lip curving into a smirk.

"Damn... such a great rider."

A worthy opponent.

She was neither weak nor a distraction.

She was a storm.

And I wanted to drown in it.

Then why the hell can't I shake it off?

I revved my bike, speeding off into the dark, rain-soaked streets. Fast. Hard.

As if I can outrun the feeling creeping under my skin. But no matter how fast I go, one thought won't leave my head-

Will I see her again?

And the worst part?

I want to.

AT ASR VILLA

I stalked toward the villa, my boots pressing into the gravel, each step heavier than the last. The cold night air did nothing to quiet the storm inside me. Blood clung to my hands, dried in thin, dark streaks along my knuckles. His blood. The only man who could have given us answers. The only one who knew where they were.

But I had to kill him.

The moment I stepped inside, a fist slammed into my jaw. A sharp crack rang through the air as pain shot through my skull. My head snapped to the side, the taste of iron filling my mouth. I staggered, gripping the doorframe, but I didn't fall.

"Tell me you didn't," a voice hissed.

I lifted my gaze.

My best friend, Rajveer Shekhawat, stood before me, breathing hard, fists still clenched. His eyes burned-not just with anger, but something far worse. Fear.

"You killed him? Do you even realize what you've done?" His voice was barely above a whisper, but the weight of his words landed harder than his punch.

I exhaled slowly, rolling my jaw before wiping the blood from my lip. My voice came out cold, steady.

"I did what had to be done."

His nostrils flared. "He was the only one who could have told us where they are! You didn't just kill an informant. You killed our last lead. You might've just ended everything we fought for."

I held his gaze, unwavering. "And he was lying. He was a liability."

Silence. Heavy, suffocating.

I could see the war raging in his eyes-the need to hold onto the plan, the hope that we'd finally find them. But I knew better.

"He wasn't just stalling-he was leading us into a trap," I continued, my voice calm, but firm. "He wasn't going to talk. He was going to end us."

His fists loosened, but his hands still shook. He knew I was right. He knew that if I hadn't killed that man, we'd be walking into an ambush right now.

Still, his voice wavered when he spoke. "Then what now?"

I stepped forward, closing the distance between us. "Now, we stop waiting for leads." My voice dropped lower, colder. "Now, we hunt them down ourselves."

He stared at me for a long moment. Then, finally, he nodded.

The war we were fighting wasn't over. But tonight, we had just made it personal.

Before the silence could stretch too long, the sound of slow, deliberate clapping echoed through the room.

"Well, well, well. What a beautiful display of brotherly love," a smooth, amused voice drawled.

I didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

Ayan Ayansh Singh Rathore . My younger brother-not by blood, but more than that. The most talented hacker I know-and deeply embedded in the mafia.

The bastard strolled in like he owned the place, dressed in his usual expensive leather jacket, his dark hair perfectly styled despite the chaos we lived in. He leaned lazily against the couch, smirking like he'd just walked into a comedy show instead of a war zone.

"That was some punch, man," he chuckled, pointing at my jaw.

"Gotta say, I was expecting a gunshot, but this-this was personal."

I shot him a glare, but he just grinned wider.

"Seriously, though," he continued, plopping down onto the couch like he had all the time in the world. "Did you two finally confess your undying love, or are we still pretending this is all about the dead guy?"

"Shut up, Ayan," Rajveer muttered, rubbing his temples.

Ayan placed a hand over his chest, mock-offended. "Ouch. I come home after a long, exhausting night, hoping for some drinks and peace, and what do I get? Drama. So much drama." He sighed, then perked up. "But I have to admit, it is entertaining."

A snort came from the hallway. "I'd pay to see him punch you next, Ayan,"

Advay Oberoi, CEO of Oberoi Enterprises, and also in the mafia-remarked, walking in with a water bottle in hand.

Ayan gasped. "Advay, my dear, sweet, faithless friend. How could you?"

Advay shrugged. "It'd be fun."

"Great," I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose.

Ayan winked at me. "Lighten up, big guy. We're about to go to war. Might as well enjoy the bickering while we can."

He stretched out on the couch like he was lounging on a beach, arms behind his head.

"So, let me get this straight. You killed the guy. He punched you for it. And now we're all standing here brooding like we're in a tragic action movie?"

Advay took a sip from his water bottle, nodding. "Pretty much."

He leaned against the wall, smirking. "I'd say it's more like a dramatic soap opera. Next episode: Will they forgive each other, or will another punch be thrown?"

Ayan snapped his fingers. "Ooh, I like that. But let's raise the stakes-maybe a love triangle?"

I shot him a look. "You want another punch?"

Ayan grinned, completely unfazed. "Hey, I'm just saying. The tension in here? Off the charts. We should capitalize on it."

"How about I capitalize on shutting you up?" Rajveer muttered, still rubbing his jaw.

Ayan gasped, placing a hand over his heart.

"Wow. So much violence. What happened to peace and love?"

Advay snorted. "You? Preaching peace and love? That's rich coming from the guy who nearly got us killed last week because he was flirting with the enemy's sister."

Ayan scoffed. "First of all, that was reconnaissance."

"You kissed her," Advay pointed out, deadpan.

Ayan shrugged. "A very thorough reconnaissance."

I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. "Can we focus? We just lost our last lead."

Ayan groaned. "Ugh, fine. Let's be serious. We have no leads. No plan. The enemy still has the upper hand. We're basically screwed." He clapped his hands together. "Did I miss anything?"

Advay nodded. "Yeah. You're an idiot."

Ayan grinned. "Ah, yes. That too."

I sighed, rubbing my temple. "Remind me why we keep you around?"

Ayan smirked. "Because I'm charming, devastatingly handsome, and, let's be honest, you'd all be depressed without me."

Rajveer looked at Advay. "Depressed or relieved?"

Advay pretended to think. "Tough call."

Ayan threw a pillow at them. "Fine, be ungrateful. But when I save all your asses again, I want an official apology-preferably in writing."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop the small smirk tugging at my lips. As frustrating as they were, these idiots were my team. And no matter how bad things got, we'd find a way through this.

Together.

After fifteen minutes of useless bickering, Rajveer went to his home. Advay decided to stay at my place. Advay and Ayan continued their bickering. I went to my room.

The moment I shut the door behind me, the exhaustion finally settled in. Not just in my body, but in my mind. The weight of what I had done, what came next, pressed down hard.

I ran a hand over my face, breathing out slowly before collapsing onto the bed. My muscles ached, my jaw still throbbed from the punch, but none of it was enough to keep me awake.

Still, just before sleep pulled me under, the last face that flashed in my mind...

It was hers.

The girl on the bike.

Those black almond-shaped eyes,

sharp and unreadable.

The way she had looked at me the night-like she had already figured me out, like she was playing a game I hadn't even realized I was part of.

I had chased her through

the city, but she had slipped away like a shadow, leaving only questions behind.

Who was she?

Sleep took over before I could find the answer.

It's been a month.

Thirty damn days since that night. Since the chase. Since those ocean-blue eyes locked onto mine like they could see through everything I tried to hide.

I tell myself it was just a moment, just a fleeting encounter on the road.

But then.

why does it feel like he left a mark under my skin?

Like his gaze still lingers in the air around me, like the thrill of that chase is still humming in my veins.

I've stitched wounds, saved lives, worked sleepless nights-but nothing, nothing, has been able to erase that moment.

The way the rain clung to his skin, the way his smirk held danger, the way his eyes... Drowned me.

I should've forgotten. I should've moved on. But every time my mind wanders, it takes me back to that night. The way he rode, the way he matched my speed, the way his gaze held something unspoken.

That reckless smirk.

That impossible chase.

That lingering gaze,

like he had all the time in the world to figure me out.

I shake my head, trying to focus on the patient files in front of me.

This is madness. It's ridiculous. Infuriating.

He was just a stranger. A fleeting moment. A mistake I should've forgotten the second I sped away that night.

But my mind? My mind is a traitor.

I freeze. And then, horror.

I groan, rubbing my temples, "What the fuck are you doing? What is happening to you? Just focus on your work."

Before I can curse myself any further, my phone buzzes.

Kiara.

I sigh, picking up. "What?"

"You need to be treated" she teases.

I ask her, "Tell me, what do you want?"

"Your senses-the ones someone has stolen away." She smirks through the phone.

"Lunch, my cabin. "

I roll my eyes. "Shut up, Kiara." But I'm already grabbing my coat.

Because if I stay here any longer...

My head will burst.

I pushed open the door to Kiara's cabin, and the chaos hit me like a well-thrown punch.

"You are absolutely impossible, Rudransh!" Akansha snapped, arms crossed like she was ready to throw hands.

"And you're a walking Bollywood drama," Rudransh shot back, lounging on the couch like he had all the time in the world. "Typical fiancée behavior."

Akansha's eyes flared. "I swear, if you weren't engaged to me, I'd-"

"Bore us all to death with your threats?" Rudransh smirked.

"Oh, god, not again," Kiara groaned, rubbing her temples. "Can you two flirt like normal people and spare us the headache? I swear, if I had a dollar for every time you two bickering, I'd own a private island by now."

I arched a brow, stepping fully inside and letting the door click shut behind me. "You two turn this place into a kindergarten fight club. We could just put them in a cage and let them fight it out-last one standing wins the engagement."

Rudransh turned, his smirk widening. "Ah, great Dr. Aadhya graces us with her presence. What, did saving lives get boring today?"

I strolled over to the table, grabbing a slice of pizza and taking a slow bite before answering, "No, but looking at you reminds me why brain surgery is necessary-just to check if there is anything inside."

Kiara choked on her drink. Akansha gave me an approving nod, while Rudransh just placed a hand over his heart, feigning deep betrayal. "That was cold, Aadhya."

I shrugged, tossing a napkin at him. "You'll live. Unfortunately."

Rudransh said dramatically, "Savage and hot. No wonder half the hospital is secretly terrified of you."

I shrugged, smirking. "Fear keeps people in check. Maybe you should try it sometime."

Akansha grinned. "This is why I love you."

"I know," I smirked. "Now, can someone tell me why this room sounds like a reality show audition?"

Kiara leaned back, smirking. "Aadhya, I'm genuinely curious. Do you wake up every morning and decide to roast people for fun?"

I took a sip of water. "No, it just comes naturally. Like your ability to mess up simple tasks."

Kiara gasped. "Excuse me?! When have I ever-"

"Should I bring up the time you mixed up a patient's MRI scans and almost sent a guy in for a spinal surgery he didn't need?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kiara threw a napkin at me. "That was one time! And I fixed it before anything happened."

"Uh-huh," I said, unconvinced. "Tell that to the guy who almost lost a perfectly good spine."

Akansha clapped her hands. "Okay, idiots, listen up. We actually had an announcement before someone..."she shot a glare at Rudransh "decided to test my patience."

Rudransh smirked. "Oh, you love it."

Akansha rolled her eyes, then grinned. "We're throwing our engagement party. And it won't be complete without you two troublemakers. So be there."

Kiara practically squealed. "Finally! A reason to wear heels and gossip guilt-free."

I smiled faintly but said nothing.

Parties weren't really my scene. The noise. The crowd. The energy. All too loud for a soul like mine. I usually stayed on the edge of gatherings— watching, never fully part of it.

But this time... I didn't know. Something deep down tugged at me—a whisper I couldn't quite silence.

A gut feeling.

Like something was waiting for me there.

Something... or someone.

A quiet flutter beneath my ribs I couldn't quite name.

Like the universe was stirring.

Like fate was holding its breath.

And somewhere in that pull— unspoken, invisible—was a flash of ocean-blue eyes, buried in memory but far from forgotten.

Akansha turned to me. "Aadhya?"

I looked up, forcing a calm nod. "I'll come."

Even if I didn't belong in a room full of lights and laughter—Something was drawing me in.

And whatever it was...

It was already waiting for me.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

After lunch, Kiara and I drove to the orphanage-my grandpa's orphanage. The moment I stepped out of the car, I barely had time to breathe before the storm hit.

"ANGEL!!!"

A wild army of tiny humans came charging at me like missiles. In seconds, I was surrounded—small hands tugging my sleeves, little arms wrapping around my waist, voices overlapping in excited chaos.

"You finally came!"

"We missed you!"

"Did you bring chocolates?"

"You promised to play football!"

"Why didn't you come yesterday?"

"Kiara is here too! Does she have chocolates?"

I threw my hands up. "Whoa, calm down, my little monsters! And no, I didn't bring chocolates today."

Silence. Deafening, dramatic silence. The betrayal was real.

Aarav-their unofficial leader-stepped back and crossed his arms like a betrayed parent. "Angel... are you okay? No chocolates? This isn't normal. This feels wrong."

Kiara laughed, shaking her head. "Told you guys-she's getting old. First no chocolates, next she'll start forgetting your names."

I gave her a flat look. "Kiara, if you value your life, shut up."

She smirked. "Defensiveness? Classic aging symptom."

I smacked her forehead. She gasped, clutching her head dramatically."VIOLENCE! Children, did you witness that?!"

Aarav sighed. "Honestly, Kiara... you deserved that."

I high-fived him. "Smart boy."

"I learn from the best," he said, beaming.

Before Kiara could launch into a dramatic monologue about her suffering, little Meher tugged my sleeve, her big eyes full of hope. "But Angel... you brought something, right?"

My heart melted. That look.

God, that look could melt glaciers.

I crouched down and tapped her nose. "Of course I did. But it's a secret."

Gasps.

"A secret gift?" Aarav narrowed his eyes. "Better than chocolates?"

"That depends," I smirked. "Are you worthy of it?"

Aarav frowned. "Angel... that sounds like a trap."

I chuckled. "You're learning well."

Kiara let out a dramatic sigh. "Okay, enough of Aadhya's fan club. Can we go inside before I melt?"

Aarav grinned. "Aww, is the big doctor scared of the sun?"

Kiara narrowed her eyes. "Listen, you little-"

I grabbed her arm and dragged her inside before she challenged a six-year-old to a duel.

As we stepped through the doors, warmth settled in my chest. This wasn't just a building. It was love. Family. A promise I was never breaking.

Eventually, after escaping my little monsters-still obsessing over the "secret gift"-Kiara and I headed to the main office, where the orphanage caretakers were waiting.

Mrs. Sharma, the senior caretaker, greeted me with a soft smile and open arms. "Aadhya beta, you're here."

Before I could speak, she took my hands in hers, eyes shining. "You've done so much for this place, and still... you keep giving. We don't know how to thank you."

I shook my head softly. "No need for that, Mrs. Sharma. This place is my family, just like it was his." My voice faltered slightly at the memory of Grandpa. "I'll always protect it."

Mr. Mehta stepped forward with a warm smile. "And you did, truly. If not for you, we would've lost everything. You saved this orphanage when no one else would."

"You've no idea, beta," Mrs. Sharma added, shaking her head. "They were powerful men, those investors. Dangerous. The way they threatened you... followed you at night..."

Kiara, beside me, suddenly tensed.

I cursed internally. Damn it.

I tried to downplay it. "Well, they didn't expect someone who doesn't scare easy."

Mrs. Sharma chuckled. "That's true. The way you stood up to them-threatening legal ruin, not blinking once-it was unbelievable. But still, beta... they could have hurt you."

"I just did what I had to," I said quietly.

"That's what makes you different," she said with soft pride. "Most people only help when it's easy. But you fight for what you love."

I heard Kiara's sharp inhale.

Too late-I turned. She was staring at me, expression unreadable. Eyes burning.

"Aadhya," she said slowly.

"What. The. Hell?"

I rubbed my forehead. "Kiara, let's not-"

"You never told me!" Her voice cracked-part anger, part fear. "You went up against those bastards? They followed you?! You didn't think I should know?"

Mrs. Sharma and Mr. Mehta quietly exchanged nervous glances.

"It's over now," I said evenly. "I handled it."

"Oh, you handled it?" She gave a bitter laugh. "What if you hadn't? What if they hurt you?"

"I would've dealt with it."

"That's not the point!" she snapped. "You don't get to put yourself in danger like that and shut me out!"

I sighed. "Kiara-"

Hurt. Furious. Scared.

"No. You don't get to 'Kiara' me right now." Her hands were clenched, her voice trembling. "You think I wouldn't have stood with you? Fought with you?"

I looked into her eyes. "I know you would have."

"Then why didn't you let me?"

I exhaled. "Because you'd have stopped me. Or worse—joined me."

She scoffed. "And?"

"And I couldn't let you be in danger too."

She blinked. "So you took all of it alone? Do you think that's strength?"

"No," I said. "That's love."

She stared. Something inside her cracked—just a bit. Then she muttered, "You're a goddamn idiot."

I smirked. "But you love me."

"I will end you."

Mr. Mehta chuckled. "You two are hopeless."

Mrs. Sharma laughed. "Beta, no matter how scary you try to sound, Aadhya will always be worse."

Kiara groaned. "That's the damn problem."

I wrapped an arm around her. "Come on, Drama Queen. Let's go before the kids come storming in."

She huffed but didn't move away. "This isn't over."

I knew it wasn't. But she was here. Still my Kiara. Still my safe place.

Emotion swelled in my throat, but before I could drown in it, a tiny voice interrupted.

"But if you're so strong... why do you always get bullied by Kiara?"

Silence.

Kiara burst out laughing. I turned around to see Aarav standing at the door, arms crossed, completely serious.

Kiara wiped away a fake tear. "Smart kid. I love him."

I crossed my arms. "Aarav, do you like your peaceful life?"

He hesitated. "...Yes?"

"Then choose your words carefully."

The room filled with laughter as Mrs. Sharma said fondly, "This is why the kids love you, Aadhya. You make this place feel like home."

And as I looked around-at the people, the walls, the memories—I realized...

That's exactly what it was. My home.

And no matter what, I would never let it be taken away.

✽────────────✧────────────✽

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