SHANAYA'S POV

There’s something about returning home after a long time—it wraps itself around your soul like a warm, familiar blanket. The moment I stepped into the Singh household, everything slowed down. The scent of mom’s rose incense, the little wind chimes dancing near the front door, and the soft sound of Ishaan’s guitar playing from his room… it all made my heart ache in the best way.

“Shanaya!” Mom nearly squealed, wrapping her arms around me so tight I almost couldn’t breathe. “You’re glowing,” she whispered into my hair, and I smiled.

“I missed you so much, Ma,” I said softly, tears stinging my eyes.

Dad came out from his study with his glasses perched on his nose, and Ishaan tackled me in a hug before I could even wave at him. It was loud. It was chaotic. It was perfect.

We sat for lunch together—homemade aloo parathas, creamy paneer, and mom’s signature mint chutney. Everyone was talking over each other, asking about Kabir, my new life, college, everything.

“So,” Ishaan said, grinning, “you’re officially moved in with your mystery man now?”

I gave a little nod, cheeks flushed. “Yes… and it’s not just a phase. I’m serious about him. About us.”

There was a pause—a long one. Dad finally nodded with a soft smile. “We trust your choices, beta. As long as he’s good to you… that’s all that matters.”

----

After lunch, Dad called me into his study. I hadn’t been in this room in ages. The tall bookshelves, the dusky wooden desk, his framed awards—it all felt just the same. I sat on the couch, nervous. He poured two cups of tea and handed me one.

“You’re growing up,” he said, eyes scanning me in that dad way that sees everything. “Falling in love. Building a life. I know it hasn’t been easy for you.”

My throat tightened. “It still isn’t sometimes. But he makes it worth it.”

He nodded, thoughtful. “Then hold on to that. But don’t lose yourself in someone else’s world. Create your own space inside it. You’re strong, Shanaya. I just don’t want you to forget that.”

I reached over and hugged him tightly. “I won’t, Papa. I promise.”

----

Later, in the kitchen, Ma and I were laughing like old times as we rolled out puris and she told me how she still doesn’t trust these fancy recipe videos. I told her about Kabir’s cooking attempts and how he once tried to chop onions with sunglasses on.

She chuckled. “Sounds like he’s already a part of the family.”

Then, her face lit up as she said, “Oh, and Vansh is coming to meet you tomorrow. He’s finally back from London!”

My heart flipped. “Vansh bhaiya? After all these years?”

She smiled warmly. “Yes, and he’s really looking forward to seeing you.”

----

That evening, I returned to the penthouse, my heart still carrying the warmth of home. Kabir called right after I texted him I was back. His voice was as deep and comforting as always.

“Tell me everything,” he said.

So I did. From Ma’s parathas to Papa’s advice and Ishaan’s teasing. He listened to it all.

“I’m glad you enjoyed and there's nothing I want more than your happiness,” he said after a pause. “But remember what I told you, Shanaya. Until I’m back, please don’t step out without the guards. Not even for a coffee run.”

I rolled my eyes, smiling. “Kabir…”

“No negotiations,” he cut in, his voice low but firm. “Just a day more. Then go wherever you want. But until then… stay safe. For me.”

I nodded even though he couldn’t see me. “Okay. For you.”

And as I lay in bed that night, my heart full from the warmth of two homes, I knew this was just the beginning of something even bigger. And maybe—just maybe—everything was finally falling into place.

---

The day had started off on such a normal note—it felt almost strange now, how something so simple could spiral into the chaos that followed.

I woke up to my usual alarm, groaning as I turned it off and rolled over to check my phone. There was a good morning text from Kabir—short, teasing, and enough to make me smile before I even got out of bed.

> “Be safe today. I mean it. I miss you already.”

I tucked the phone against my chest for a second, warmth blooming in my chest like it always did when he was the first thought in my mind. I typed back, fingers flying.

> “You miss me too much, Mr. Singhania. Go take over the world. I’ll see you soon.”

He replied almost instantly.

> “I’ll take over only if you promise to come back home safe. You’re mine, remember?”

God. That man. Even through text, he had the ability to make my pulse race.

After getting ready, I threw on my favorite fitted black jeans and an oversized sky-blue shirt. Comfortable yet cute. I tied my hair in a high ponytail, added a hint of kajal, and slipped into sneakers. The guards were already waiting outside the penthouse when I stepped out, two cars trailing me like silent shadows.

I didn’t question it—not yet. Kabir had insisted, and while it felt a little over the top, I trusted him. Maybe too much.

---

University felt like a blur. Lectures, chai breaks, my classmates going on about internships and weekend plans. I tried to stay focused, but my mind kept drifting. Kabir's messages throughout the day didn’t help either. Teasing, sweet, and incredibly distracting.

> “Are you eating?”

“Counting down hours.”

By the time my last class ended, I was halfway to texting him that I missed him too when Isha’s call popped up on my screen.

“Let’s go out tonight,” she chirped. “I’m talking bar, drinks, and dancing. You need a break.”

I paused, biting my lip. “Why don’t we just hang at my place? Safer, quieter.”

“Ugh. That place sounds like rich boyfriend and rules. Don’t be boring, Shanaya. One night. We’ll be back early. You need this.”

After a long sigh and a little more persuasion, I gave in. “Fine. But we don’t stay too late.”

---

By 8 PM, I was at the bar with Isha and the girls. The music was loud, neon lights flashing above our heads like restless lightning. The bass thumped through my chest, and laughter spilled around us like champagne. I danced like I hadn’t in weeks, the stress slowly peeling off me with each sway of my hips and flick of my hair. I forget everything the stress, being away from him everything it was just me - a girl enjoying her young self.

We were safe. We were just girls having fun. Right?

---

It all happened so fast.

One minute I was laughing, heading toward the washroom with a light buzz in my veins, and the next—I was yanked.

A rough hand covered my mouth from behind. I kicked, twisted, tried to scream, but my voice died in my throat. Panic clawed through my chest. I couldn’t breathe.

“Don’t move,” a cold voice growled against my ear.

My pulse thundered. My limbs froze. Then more figures emerged—three, maybe four—all in black. Faces covered. Shadows with eyes full of venom.

I was going to be taken. I—

The door burst open. Crashes. Shouts. Gunshots.

My bodyguards.

I didn’t even see how it began—only that the men who’d tried to grab me were suddenly tackled, punches flying, chaos exploding in the small hallway. Isha screamed from behind me as a guard shielded me, dragging me back into the main bar as the rest of the team handled the fight.

Sirens wailed in the distance.

It was over in minutes.

I was shaking. My legs gave out on the curb outside the bar. Isha crouched beside me, trying to calm me down. I could barely hear her over the roaring in my ears.

“Ma’am, are you okay? We need to move!”

Isha rushed toward me, horrified. “Shanaya, are you hurt?!”

I shook my head, still in shock. “No, I—I don’t know…”

“I’m coming with you,” she said firmly.

I sat in the car, numb. Isha tried to stay, but I made her go home. The guards assured me they’d handle everything. But before I could breathe again, one of them said something that made my stomach drop.

“Ma’am... Mr. Singhania is already on his way.”

My heart nearly stopped. I fumbled with my phone and saw it—twelve missed calls. And then my screen lit up again.

I froze. My blood ran cold.

Kabir.

I hadn’t even checked my phone. And when I did—

Twenty missed calls.

Fourteen messages.

All from him.

My fingers trembled as I opened the most recent one.

> “Where the f*ck are you?”

“Shanaya, pick up the phone. Right now.”

“I swear to god—”

“I’m coming.”

Tears pricked my eyes. Not just from fear, but from what was about to come.

The fury in his voice, in those words.

He would burn the city down if it meant protecting me.

And I… I had disobeyed the one thing he begged me not to do.

I had no idea how I would face him.

But I knew one thing—this wasn’t just about a night out anymore.

This was about us.

---

END OF CHAPTER

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