Arvi's pov:

Today, I woke up early and made sure to reach college on time. I didn't want to be caught in any mess again. Now I'm sitting in class, and Nia keeps asking me about my eyes. They were puffy from all the crying, but I didn't have the heart to tell her the truth. I just said I had a headache. She's already done so much for me I didn't want to worry her more.

After college, I went straight home, took a quick shower I smelled awful and got dressed in my uniform. I was unsure if I should even go to work, but this job is the only source of income I have.

As I stood outside the restaurant, my heart felt unbearably heavy. I walked in and saw people chatting, laughing, eating just living their lives. I slowly made my way toward the other staff. Afreen saw me and instantly pulled me into a hug. I assured her I was fine, even though I was anything but fine..

That's when the boss walked up to me.

"Arvi, you better not trouble yourself by coming here again. You're fired," he said coldly.

Hearing the word fired felt like the ground had disappeared from under my feet.

"Sir, please," I said, tears filling my eyes. "This is my only income. Please don't do this."

Afreen pleaded with him too, but he silenced her and ordered the rest of the staff to leave as well.

"You may leave now," he said to me. I stood there, frozen, tears streaming down my cheeks.

I somehow managed to walk out of there. My dreams...my hope...everything shattered in an instant. I thought of calling Nia but no, I couldn't burden her again. This is your fate, Arvi, I told myself. You have to face it alone.

I walked aimlessly, the city unfamiliar around me, until I heard voices behind me. Five boys on bikes were hooting and calling out to me.

"Afsara jaisi ladki humse bhaag ke kahan jaa rahi hai?" one of them jeered.

I ignored them and walked faster. They followed. Panic kicked in I ran. My vision blurred, and then everything went dark.

.

.

.

When I opened my eyes, I was lying in a bed, a drip in my hand. I tried to sit up, confused and scared, when the door creaked open. Two women entered one carrying a tray.

"Beta, don't get up. You're weak, take some rest," one of them said kindly.

"Aunty, where am I? I'm sorry, but I don't know you," I said, nervous and overwhelmed.

She sat beside me and gently took my hand. "I found you lying unconscious on the road. I couldn't leave you there, so I brought you home."

Reality hit me, and without thinking, I hugged her.

"Thank you, aunty... thank you for saving me."

She hugged me back. "No need to thank me, beta. You're like my daughter."

That word daughter it had been so long since anyone had called me that. I couldn't hold back my tears.

The other lady asked me gently, "But beta, what were you doing on that road?"

And I don't know why, but I told them everything my name, my job, how I lost it. Not for sympathy... but because, somehow, they made me feel safe. Like I belonged.

"Don't worry, we're with you now," they said.

"No aunty, I can't stay here. I don't want to be a burden," I tried to explain, getting up.

But she held my hand tightly. "The doctor said you're weak. Please, stay just a few more days. For me."

Something about her words touched my heart. "Okay, aunty. But only for two days."

She smiled, and the other woman brought me juice and fruits. They left, telling me to rest.

As I looked around the room, I was stunned. It was bigger than the entire apartment I used to rent. There was a walk-in closet, a huge dressing table, a queen-sized bed, even a balcony with a swing. And then I realized...I hadn't even asked their names.

Downstairs-

"Bhabi, did we do the right thing?" Jaya asked Sulekha, concern in her eyes.

"Of course, Jaya. Did you not see how she was fighting in her sleep? That girl is broken. She has no one. If I hadn't reached in time..." Sulekha's voice trailed off.

"You did the right thing, bhabhi. But I'm just worried... what if Rayaan says something? We brought a stranger into our home," Jaya said hesitantly.

"Don't worry. I'll handle Rayaan," Sulekha replied firmly.

Arvi's Room

Knock knock

"Come in," I said softly.

The door opened, and three girls walked in with a boy behind them. I sat up, nervous.

"Hello Arvi, I'm Vivaan. These are my sisters Vanisha, Arekha, and Aleesha," the boy said with a smile.

"Hello," I greeted them, trying to smile.

"Hope you're feeling better now?" Arekha asked gently.

"Yes, thank you."

"Arvi, don't be afraid of us. We're all the same here," she said.

"Yes, consider this your own home, Arvi di," Vanisha added warmly.

I smiled. "Thank you."

"I think we just found the fourth member of our girl gang," Aleesha chirped excitedly.

They all laughed and Vivaan pouted, "Please let me in the group too!"

"Focus on your work or bhai won't spare you!" they teased him.

Hearing bhai, I realized there was someone else... another brother. Someone I hadn't met yet.

Later, aunty came to my room with clothes. I told her she didn't need to I'd manage but she insisted. Now the staff was arranging everything in the closet jewelry, footwear, even nightwear. It felt like a dream.

A staff member came to inform me, "Ma'am, Sulekha madam is calling you for dinner."

I went downstairs, heart racing. The dining table was enormous. As I walked in, everyone smiled at me. Sulekha aunty gestured to the seat beside her.

As I sat, I noticed two uncles were already there. Aunty introduced me to them I learned they were the husbands of Sulekha aunty and Jaya aunty.

"Beta, make yourself comfortable here," one of them said kindly.

I just nodded, still not used to so much warmth.

"Mukesh ji, is Rayaan coming home tonight?" Sulekha aunty asked suddenly.

That name...Rayaan. My heart skipped a beat. Why?

"No, he said he'll return after two or three days," Mukesh uncle replied.

"He just came yesterday and now he's off again," aunty said, sighing.

"Don't worry, mom. Bhai will be back soon," one of the girls reassured her.

After dinner, as I headed back to my room, someone grabbed me from behind. I gasped, ready to scream until I saw it was Vivaan.

"Arvi, don't scream it's me," he whispered.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, startled.

"Not just me. We," he smirked, and his sisters appeared behind him.

"We've decided to watch a movie... in the theatre," Arekha said with excitement.

"A theatre? At this time?" I asked, confused.

"Arvi di, don't worry. The theatre's in our house," Vanisha grinned.

My mouth formed a perfect "O."

We watched the movie together. But I wasn't really paying attention. I was mesmerized by their bond their laughter, their teasing. It reminded me of the siblings I never had. I've always longed for this kind of love. For the first time in 22 years... I felt genuinely happy.

No one questioned me. No one judged me. They simply welcomed me.

But somewhere deep inside, a strange feeling lingered. Something tells me this peace won't last forever. My life took a U-turn the moment I met this family, and now... I can't help but wonder what my destiny has in store for me next.

Authors Note:

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Let me know if you'd like any changes or want more drama, softness, or emotional twists added!

Keep voting.

Keep commenting.

Rayaan's pov:

Few days ago i came home after months and here i am again stucking in this shit,but i cant ignore this project i want it and i will get it by hook or crook

Right now i am in my penthouse, but usually i didn't live here, i am working from here because my office is few feets apart from my penthouse so working from here is easier than working from my home

I wake up at 4:30 a.m. No alarm. I don't need one anymore. Workout till 6. Cold shower. Black coffee with no sugar.

Meetings start by 7. Not your regular ones global clients, high stakes, zero margin for error, but back to back calls, contract reviews, strategy drafts.

I got ready and came downstairs, as i was about to step outside my phone rings and caller id showd "Mom", I picked and said " "Hello mom", and she replied "Ray, how are you, beta? "I am busy" i replied not harshly but truthfully, she replied " ray i want to talk to about something really important""Not now, Mom. Can we talk later?"

There was silence on the other end. Not offended just... disappointed.

"I just wanted to ask you something important," she said finally.

I sighed, checking the time. "Mom, I really can't right now. Whatever it is, we'll talk soon, okay?"

She was quiet again. Then, gently, "Okay, beta. Just... don't make me wait too long."

I nodded, even though she couldn't see. "I won't. I promise."

"I know you're busy," she whispered, "but sometimes I wish I mattered as much as your work."

The call ended before I could respond and i drove off to my office.

Arvi's pov:

Today i woke up at 6:00 am in the morning as i cant sleep here for too long, i entered the washroom picked my outfit got ready, i wore a black kurti with black jeans did a little skincare as i my not much into makeup

I got ready and came downstairs

I entered the kitchen and said to the staff "Can i help with- before i can finish a firm yet caring voice interrupts "There's no need to help, Arvi. You're ill. You should be resting." sulekha aunty said i replied back

"But I was feeling a little better..."

Aunty shaking her head gently, walking up to me and she said "Feeling better doesn't mean you're fine. Come, sit. I'll send you some warm soup."

Arvi settles reluctantly on the plush couch. Her fingers twist at the edge of her kurta Sulekha signals a staff member, who nods and heads to the kitchen.

Arvi said softly, almost to herself

"I hate just sitting around. I feel so... useless.." but sulekha said sitting beside her, voice gentler now

"Taking care of yourself isn't useless, Arvi. It's strength too. You always give so much learn to receive a little, hmm?"

Before Arvi can reply, a new voice breaks the moment.

Vivaan entering with his usual calm energy

"What's going on here? Why does Arvi look like she's being scolded?"

Sulekha glared at him, arvi replied softly

"Because I dared to offer help."

Vivaan replied back "There is no need arvi, just chill pill" arvi laughed vivaan said" Acha mom you too enjoy i have some work", sulekha replied "Tum kab se kaam krne lage", he replied back " Mom kch paane k liye kch khona bi padhta hai" he gave them a cheeky wink and left from there

"Sulekha aunty... I need to talk to you," Arvi said, her voice soft but resolute. Sulekha looked up, immediately sensing the seriousness in her tone. She nodded gently. "Of course, Arvi. What's on your mind?"

Arvi sat across from her, her posture tense with unspoken emotion. "I've been thinking for a while," she began, "and I've decided... I need to leave." Sulekha's expression shifted, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes, but she said nothing, allowing Arvi to continue.

"You've done so much for me. More than I ever expected. But I can't stay here forever," Arvi said, her words tumbling out in a rush of honesty. "This isn't my home. I need to find a job, start fresh, build something for myself. I need to stand on my own feet."

Sulekha let out a soft sigh, her gaze calm and thoughtful. "Arvi, no one here expects anything from you. You were unwell. We took care of you because we care about you. That's what families do."

"I know," Arvi said quickly. "And I'm grateful. But I'm not really a part of this family... I am a mere stranger And I don't want to become someone who depends on kindness just because it's easier than struggling."

There was a pause. Sulekha removed her glasses, setting them aside, and looked directly at Arvi. "You have strength. I've seen it in you from the beginning. But leaving isn't the only way to prove it. You can find something here. I can help."

Arvi shook her head gently. "If I let you help, it won't feel like it's mine. I want to earn it, even if I fall a few times. I need to know I tried."

Sulekha stared at her for a long moment, and the she said " Beta, live here for next few days then find a job", Okay? Arvi smiled and said" thankyou aunty for helping me".

Rayaan's pov:

The atmosphere in the conference room buzzed with subdued excitement. Papers were being gathered, laptops shut, and congratulations exchanged. At the head of the table, Rayaan leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smile playing on his lips. The deal was sealed, the project was his months of planning and long hours had finally paid off.

He stood up, buttoning his sleek navy blazer, confidence radiating from every move. His team clapped politely, a few murmurs of "Well done, sir," echoing around. Rayaan nodded appreciatively but didn't linger in the limelight. Instead, he turned toward the door, pulling out his phone as he walked.

Just outside the glass doors, his PA, Advik, was already waiting, sensing his boss's next move.

"Advik," Rayaan said, a triumphant glint in his eyes, "arrange my car. I'm done for the day. Heading home."

Advik nodded instantly, already tapping on his phone to alert the driver. "Right away, sir. Congratulations again."

Rayaan flashed a rare, genuine smile before striding down the hallway, his steps light, the win sitting easy on his shoulders. Today, he wasn't just leaving the building he was walking out as the man who conquered the room.

Rayaan leaned back in the plush seat of his sleek black car, the city lights blurring past as the driver maneuvered through evening traffic. His phone buzzed, flashing a familiar name Riaan. He picked up, already smiling.

"Don't tell me you forgot our plan?" Riaan's voice came through, laced with mock irritation.

Rayaan chuckled. "Wasn't there a plan?"

"There is now. I'm coming to your penthouse in twenty minutes. No excuses."

"Fine," Rayaan said, amused.

By the time Riaan arrived, the penthouse was bathed in warm lighting and soft jazz played in the background. Rayaan opened the door, still in his suit but more relaxed now. Riaan barged in with his usual energy, handing over a takeaway cup and flopping onto the leather couch like he owned the place.

"You know, you're really living like an old man these days," Riaan teased, eyeing the calm space. "Win a massive project today and come back to drink coffee alone? It's time, Rayaan. Get married, man. You're getting old!"

Rayaan rolled his eyes, taking a sip of the coffee. "I don't want to get married, Riaan. Not anymore."

Riaan raised an eyebrow. "Still because of her?"

Rayaan's jaw tightened for a split second before he looked away. "Yeah. After what she did... it's hard to even like someone again, let alone trust. I hate cheaters. I gave her everything, and she still... never mind."

Riaan leaned forward, his tone more serious now. "I get it, bro. What she did was messed up. But not every girl is like that."

Rayaan shrugged. "Maybe. But I'm not ready to risk it. I'm better off focusing on what I can control."

Riaan didn't push further. Instead, he lifted his coffee cup and smirked. "Fine. Stay single and broody. I'll just plan your bachelor party for your 31th birthday."

Rayaan glared at him and riaan gave him a sheepy smile.