Chapter ~9

The blindfold slipped away, and for a moment I couldn't believe my eyes.
Kabir Malhotra stood there. My heart stopped, then raced so fast it hurt.

Tears spilled before I could stop them. I ran, faster than thought, and leapt into him—my legs wrapping around his torso, clinging to him as if I'd never let go. His arms caught me instantly, strong and steady, like they always had.

I buried my face in the curve of his neck, breathing in the familiar warmth I had missed for so long. My fists tightened, and I began hitting his shoulder, my voice breaking between sobs and anger:
"Why did you lie? You said you wouldn't come... you said to me you wouldn't..."

He didn't flinch. He just held me closer, his silence saying more than words. Around us, gasps and whispers filled the garden. Reyansh's siblings laughed, teasing him mercilessly, but none of them knew the truth.

Only my family understood. Only they knew that Kabir wasn't just the man I was hugging—he was the CEO of Aurora Corporation, the empire he had named for me.

Kabir didn't move, didn't defend himself. His arms only tightened around me, steady and unshaken, as if he'd been waiting for this moment. I felt his breath against my hair, calm and warm, and then his voice—low, soothing, almost trembling with emotion:

"I had to, Aroohi. If I told you, you wouldn't have believed me. I wanted this moment to be real... to see your eyes when you realized I was here."

I pressed my face deeper into his neck, my tears soaking into him, my anger melting into relief. His words wrapped around me like the embrace itself—gentle, unyielding, filled with a devotion I couldn't deny.

The laughter around us faltered. One by one, the teasing voices fell silent, curiosity overtaking their jokes. Everyone was listening now—listening to the words spilling from me, words I couldn't hold back.

My tears wouldn't stop. My legs stayed locked around Kabir's torso, my arms clutching him as if I'd never let go. My face was buried in his neck, my voice muffled but desperate:
"Why didn't you tell me? Why did you lie? Do you know how much I waited, how much I cried thinking you wouldn't come?"

I hit his shoulder again, softer this time, more like a plea than anger. His hand moved gently across my back, steady, calming, but he didn't try to pull me away. He let me stay—let me cling, let me complain, let me break.

Around us, silence stretched. Reyansh's siblings exchanged glances, their teasing gone. Even his friends stood still, watching, confused. They didn't understand why my reaction was so fierce, why my tears carried so much weight.

The garden had fallen silent, everyone listening. Then, my chachu's voice broke through, half amused, half affectionate:
"Arre bacha, complain karni hai toh karo... par upar se utro ab."

A flush of embarrassment warmed my cheeks, but I didn't move. My grip only tightened. Before I could answer, Kabir's voice came, calm and firm, directed at my chachu:
"Koi na, chachu... rehne do isse."

His words wrapped around me like his arms—protective, unyielding. I felt safe, even in front of everyone. My tears slowed, but I didn't let go. I wasn't ready to.

Kabir's hand rested firmly on my head, shielding me from every gaze, as if he was protecting me from the world itself.

He stepped forward, calm and unshaken, his voice steady as he spoke:
"I'm Kabir Malhotra."

The silence broke into murmurs. Reyansh's siblings exchanged wide-eyed glances, his friends leaned closer, and even my own friends gasped. One of them blurted out, almost disbelieving:
"Wait... are you the CEO of Aurora Corporation?"

Kabir's grip on me didn't loosen. His hand stayed on my head, protective, his arm strong around me. He didn't answer immediately—his eyes swept the crowd, his expression unreadable. The weight of his name hung in the air, and the question lingered like thunder waiting to break.

I clung tighter, refusing to let go, my tears still damp against his neck. My complaints whispered again, softer now but still trembling:
"You lied... you said you wouldn't come..."

And all around us, the garden held its breath, waiting for Kabir's reply.

He stepped forward, calm and unshaken, his voice steady:
"Yes. I am."

The words fell heavy, echoing in the silence.

Gasps rippled through the garden. Reyansh's siblings froze, their teasing gone. His friends exchanged stunned looks. Even my own friends covered their mouths, disbelief written across their faces.

"It's unbelievable..." one whispered.
"He never comes to business parties..." another added.
"He always stays away from everyone... and now seeing him like this, with Aroohi..."

Their voices trembled with shock. The image of Kabir Malhotra—the untouchable CEO of Aurora Corporation, the man who avoided every spotlight—was shattered by the sight of him holding me, shielding me, protecting me as if nothing else existed.

But Kabir ignored them. His focus was only on me—and my family. Still holding me close, his hand never leaving my head, he greeted softly:
"Chachu, Chachi..." His voice carried warmth, respect.
Then he looked toward Aarav and Priya bhabhi, his tone gentle:
"How are you both?"

Priya bhabhi's eyes widened, her voice trembling with surprise:
"You said you wouldn't come... it's so shocking, even I didn't know about this."

Kabir's lips curved into a faint smile, his reply calm but filled with affection:
"Sorry, bhabhi... I just wanted to surprise Aru."

Then Aarav bhai voice came, firm but affectionate:
"Thik hai... ab aaya hai toh jaane nahi denge. Bahut time ho gaya tha."

Priya bhabhi nodded quickly, agreeing with him.

Kabir's hand stroked my hair gently, his voice steady, carrying a promise:
"Yes... I will not go now."

The garden fell into silence again. Everyone stared, stunned—not just at his words, but at the sight of Kabir Malhotra, the elusive CEO of Aurora Corporation, holding me like I was the only thing that mattered.

Everyone stared, stunned—not just at his words, but at the sight of Kabir Malhotra, the elusive CEO of Aurora Corporation, holding me like I was the only thing that mattered

The garden had fallen into stunned silence. Aroohi clung to Kabir, her legs wrapped around his torso, her face hidden in his neck, while his hand rested protectively on her head, shielding her from every gaze. His calm words—"Yes. I am."—still echoed in the air, leaving everyone frozen.

Now Chacha stepped forward, his tone gentle but deliberate, introducing Reyansh's family, his friends, and even Aroohi's circle to Kabir. The air was tense, curiosity burning in every gaze.

Kabir's eyes softened as he listened, but his reply carried quiet authority:
"papa, I know about everyone. Do you think I would not? Especially when my Aru is going to marry that person... I had to check his background, his family, everything."

Gasps rippled again. Reyansh's siblings exchanged uneasy glances, his friends shifted uncomfortably, and Aroohi's friends stared in disbelief. The idea that Kabir Malhotra—the elusive CEO of Aurora Corporation, a man who avoided even business parties—had investigated Reyansh's family was staggering.

But Kabir's voice remained calm, protective, unshaken. His hand stayed firm on Aroohi's head, shielding her, his embrace unyielding. To him, this wasn't about power or reputation—it was about her.

And in that moment, everyone understood: Kabir Malhotra wasn't just a name, wasn't just a CEO. He was a man who would move the world for Aroohi.

Then Aarav stepped forward, his voice firm and proud, carrying the weight of truth:
"Everyone... meet my brother."

The words struck like thunder. Gasps rippled through the crowd. Reyansh's siblings froze, their teasing gone. His friends exchanged stunned looks, whispering in disbelief. Even Aroohi's friends stared wide-eyed, unable to process what they were hearing.

Shock deepened. Kabir Malhotra—the elusive CEO of Aurora Corporation, the man who avoided even business parties, who stayed away from every spotlight—was not blood, but he was family. Aarav's brother in bond, in loyalty, in heart.

Reyansh's dadu leaned forward, his voice steady but edged with disbelief:
"You didn't tell us about him? How could you hide something like this?"

The question hung heavy in the air, pressing against the stunned silence. Aarav's revelation had changed everything. Kabir wasn't just a name, wasn't just a CEO. He was chosen family. And now, the truth stood before everyone, undeniable and unshaken.

The silence pressed down, but Kabir's reply came calm, protective, unshaken. His hand stayed firm on Aroohi's head, shielding her, his embrace unyielding:
"I was not here... and I told them not to tell about me. Because I wanted to come myself and meet you all."

Finally, Kabir's voice broke the silence, steady and commanding, yet warm:
"Let's go inside the villa. We can talk there, all of us."

His words carried authority, but his hold on Aroohi did not loosen. His arm remained firm around her, his hand still resting protectively on her head. He moved forward, guiding the group, but never once letting her go.

The group moved slowly into the villa, whispers trailing behind them. Shock still lingered in every gaze—Reyansh's siblings, his friends, and even Aroohi's circle were unable to process what they had just witnessed.

In the living room, everyone settled into their seats, the atmosphere heavy with disbelief. Kabir sat too, but his hold on Aroohi did not loosen. Her face remained hidden in his neck, his arm firm around her, his hand resting protectively on her head.

The silence pressed down until Kabir's voice broke it—calm, steady, undeniable:
"Yes... I am their brother."

Gasps rippled again. The words carried weight, not of blood, but of bond. Aarav's proud introduction had already shaken them, but Kabir's own confirmation made it real.

The living room was heavy with silence. Everyone sat, still processing the revelation. Kabir sat too, but his hold on Aroohi did not loosen—her face remained hidden in his neck, his arm firm around her, his hand resting protectively on her head.

Then Karan spoke, his voice trembling with disbelief, yet carrying the thoughts of the entire group:
"Aap to media ke saamne aate nahi ho... aur aapko yahan dekhkar hum sab shock ho gaye. Aur phir... aap Aroohi ke bhai bhi ho?"

The moment Kabir appeared, Reyansh's world cracked. Aroohi's legs wrapped around Kabir's torso, her arms locked tight, her face buried in his neck—it was unbearable. Every tear she shed against Kabir's shoulder felt like acid burning through Reyansh's chest.

That should have been me. She should have clung to me, cried for me, hidden in me. Not him. Never him.

Her broken voice echoed in his ears:
"You lied... you said you wouldn't come..."

And Kabir's hand—steady, protective—rested on her head, shielding her from every gaze. That gesture, so simple, so intimate, made Reyansh's blood boil.

His fists clenched. His jaw locked. His heart pounded with rage. Why him? Why does she look at him like he's her whole world?

Then Kabir's calm words shattered the silence:
"Yes. I am."

The crowd gasped. Whispers spread like wildfire. Reyansh's siblings froze, his friends leaned closer, even Aroohi's circle stared wide-eyed.

And then Aarav's proud voice thundered:
"Everyone... meet my brother."

The word brother hit Reyansh like a blade. It should have eased him, should have erased the sting. But instead, it twisted deeper.

Brother? Family? Then why does she hold him like that? Why does she cling to him as if he's her lifeline?

Reyansh's chest tightened, his breath sharp. The word "brother" should have been a relief, but it wasn't. It was torture. Because even knowing Kabir was family, Reyansh couldn't ignore what his eyes saw—Aroohi clinging to Kabir, refusing to let go, her tears soaking into him, her trust wrapped around him like chains.

Jealousy consumed him. Raw, unrelenting, suffocating. It didn't matter who Kabir was. What mattered was that Aroohi had chosen him—her embrace, her tears, her heart—all belonged to Kabir.

And Reyansh could only watch, burning alive in silence, drowning in a jealousy that refused to die.

As everyone moved into the villa, Reyansh's chest tightened with every step. The whispers, the shock, the disbelief—it all blurred around him. His eyes were locked only on Kabir.

Kabir sat down on the sofa, Aroohi still wrapped around him, her face buried in his neck, his hand resting protectively on her head. He didn't let go. Not even for a second.

Reyansh's heart burned. Why doesn't she move? Why doesn't she sit beside me? Why does she cling to him like he's her lifeline?

The room filled with murmurs, but Reyansh couldn't hear them. All he could hear was the pounding of his own jealousy. His fists clenched, nails digging into his palms. His jaw locked so tight it hurt.

Kabir's calm voice echoed through the living room:
"Yes... I am their brother."

The words should have been a relief. Brother. Family. Not a rival. Not a lover. But Reyansh's jealousy refused to die.

Brother or not, he's the one she's holding. He's the one she's crying for. He's the one she trusts. And I'm just sitting here, watching, burning.

Reyansh's chest felt heavy, suffocating. His eyes stung as he watched Kabir stroke Aroohi's hair gently, shielding her from every gaze. The sight was unbearable.

Even knowing Kabir was family, Reyansh's jealousy only grew sharper, darker. Because in that moment, it didn't matter who Kabir was. What mattered was that Aroohi had chosen him—her embrace, her tears, her trust—all belonged to Kabir.

And Reyansh sat there, drowning in silence, consumed by a jealousy that refused to let go.

His mind began to spiral into fantasies. He imagined himself standing up, walking across the room, tearing her away from Kabir's arms. He pictured her sitting beside him instead, her head resting on his shoulder, her tears soaking into his shirt. He imagined her whispering his name, choosing him, trusting him.

But reality was cruel. She stayed with Kabir.

Reyansh's thoughts grew darker. If only I could pull her away. If only I could make her see that she belongs with me, not him. If only I could erase Kabir from her world.

He imagined confronting Kabir—grabbing his collar, forcing him to let go, shouting that Aroohi wasn't his to hold. He pictured the shock on everyone's faces, the way Aroohi would finally turn to him, finally realize that he was the one who deserved her trust.

No one else noticed his pain. They were too busy staring at Kabir, whispering in disbelief. But Reyansh felt like he was burning alive.

His fantasies kept clawing at him—snatching her away, holding her close, proving she belonged to him. But all he could do was sit there, suffocating, consumed by a jealousy that refused to die.

And then the fear crept in. A fear that clawed at his chest, sharper than jealousy. What if Kabir will always have a place in her heart that I can never touch? What if no matter what I do, she will always run to him first?

The thought suffocated him. His fantasies twisted—he imagined stealing her away, locking her in his embrace, making her see that she belonged to him. He imagined a world where Kabir didn't exist, where Aroohi's tears, her trust, her love—all belonged to Reyansh alone.

But reality was merciless. Kabir was here. Kabir was family. Kabir was the one she clung to.

Reyansh's eyes stayed locked on them, every detail stabbing deeper into him. Kabir sat on the sofa, Aroohi still wrapped around him, her face hidden in his neck, his hand stroking her hair like she was something fragile, something precious.

Then Reyansh noticed it—Aroohi whispered something to Kabir. He couldn't hear the words, but he saw the way Kabir's lips curved into a smile. That smile was unbearable.

She whispered to him. She made him smile. Not me. Never me.

The jealousy roared inside him, louder than ever. His chest burned, his fists clenched, his jaw locked. He wanted to scream, to demand what she said, to tear her away and force her to whisper only to him.

And then Kabir's calm voice rang out, steady and commanding:
"Bring snacks and drinks for everyone. And ramen with tteokbokki—for Aroohi."

The words were ordinary, but the way he said them—like he belonged here, like he was in control—made Reyansh's blood boil.

He's acting like this is his home. Like she is his. Like he has the right to sit there, holding her, smiling at her whispers, ordering food for her as if he knows her better than anyone else.

Vikram leaned forward, his tone curious but edged with disbelief:
"Kabir... why didn't you ever come to parties or other celebrations? We never saw you in any of them."

Kabir's reply was simple, steady, and without hesitation:
"I don't like these things."

His words carried no arrogance, only certainty. He wasn't a man of crowds, of noise, of spotlight. He was here now, because he chose to be, because family mattered more than appearances.

Before the silence could settle again, Vihaan spoke up, his voice sharper, probing:
"Your company is growing, building its name... but your headquarters are in Italy. Why didn't you live with Aroohi's family instead?"

The question hung heavy in the air. Everyone leaned in, waiting for Kabir's answer. Reyansh's jealousy flared again—because every question, every gaze, every word was directed at Kabir, not him.

All eyes turned to Kabir. His expression didn't falter, his voice steady, calm, yet carrying weight:
"I moved out from here when Aroohi went to Bangalore for her studies. She had to live there... and it's been almost six years."

The words fell heavy in the room. Six years. Six years of distance, of silence, of building an empire far away. Yet his presence now, his hold on Aroohi, made it clear—he had never truly left her.

Aroohi's friends exchanged glances, stunned. Reyansh's siblings whispered among themselves. And Reyansh... his chest burned hotter. Six years away, and still she clings to him. Six years gone, and still she whispers to him. Six years, and still he knows her comfort food, her tears, her heart.

Karan leaned forward, his tone sharp but curious:
"And when Aroohi went to Bangalore..."

Before Kabir could answer, Aarav spoke, his voice steady, carrying the weight of memory:
"When she was seventeen, she moved out. And when she was almost eighteen... Kabir also moved out."

The words fell heavy in the room. Seventeen. Eighteen. The timeline painted itself clearly—Aroohi stepping into independence, Kabir following soon after, building his empire far away, yet never severing the bond.

The silence that followed was thick. Aroohi's friends exchanged glances, Reyansh's siblings whispered among themselves, and Reyansh... his chest burned hotter. She moved out at seventeen, and he left at eighteen. Six years gone, and still she clings to him. Six years, and still she whispers to him. Six years, and still he knows her heart.

Kabir sat calm, unshaken, his hand never leaving Aroohi's head. His presence was undeniable, his bond with her unbreakable.

The servant returned with trays of snacks and chilled drinks. Plates clinked softly as they were set down, the aroma of ramen and tteokbokki filling the room. Kabir's earlier words had been clear: snacks for everyone, but the ramen and tteokbokki were for Aroohi.

Finally, Aroohi shifted. She moved from Kabir's lap, but not far—she sat right beside him on the sofa, nestled between Kabir and Aarav. Her hand reached for the bowl, and she began eating quietly, comforted by the familiar taste. Kabir's presence remained steady at her side, his calmness unshaken.

The atmosphere loosened as everyone began talking, nibbling, sipping. Yet curiosity still hung heavy.

The atmosphere was lighter now, but curiosity still lingered. Vanya and Ishita exchanged glances before leaning closer to Aroohi, their voices carrying both surprise and hurt:
"Aroohi... why didn't you tell us about this? About him?"

Aroohi paused, her chopsticks hovering mid-air. She glanced at Kabir, then back at her friends, her voice soft but steady:
"Bhai didn't want to disclose his identity. That's why I didn't tell you guys."

Her words fell heavy in the room. The truth was simple, yet it explained everything—the secrecy, the silence, the shock of his sudden appearance. Kabir had chosen to remain hidden, and Aroohi had respected that choice.

Her friends sat back, processing her reply. Some nodded slowly, others exchanged uneasy looks. But Reyansh... his chest burned hotter than ever. She kept his secret. She protected him. She chose his silence over our trust. Even now, she sits beside him, eats beside him, defends him.

Kabir remained calm, his hand resting lightly on the sofa behind Aroohi, his presence steady and unshaken. Every gesture, every word only tied her closer to him.

And Reyansh sat there, suffocating, consumed by jealousy and fear, watching as even her friends' questions only proved how deeply Aroohi belonged to Kabir's world.

But now Riya leaned forward, her tone filled with awe and disbelief:
"Aroohi... you moved out so young, but still you became a cardiologist and a surgeon—both—at such a young age. How did you even manage that?"

Aroohi paused, her chopsticks resting lightly against the bowl. She glanced at Kabir for a brief moment, as if drawing strength from his presence, then looked back at Riya. Her voice was soft but steady, carrying quiet pride:
"At seventeen, I cleared my NEET and my Class 12 together. Then I moved to college and also started my internship. It wasn't easy... but I had to prove myself. I studied harder, worked longer... and Bhai always supported me, even from a distance. That's how I managed to become both."

Her words struck the room with silence. Friends exchanged stunned glances, siblings looked at her with newfound respect. Even Kabir's calm expression softened, pride flickering in his eyes.

And Reyansh... his chest burned hotter than ever. She credits him. She looks at him when she speaks. She ties her success to him. Even her achievements, even her pride, are linked to Kabir.

Reyansh's mother had already spoken, her tone sharp yet affectionate:
"Tum mere sabhi bachon se chhoti ho, par phir bhi in sabse zyada samajhdaar ho. Ye sab to nikkame hain, kuch bhi nahi karte."

Her words drew laughter from the room, but also a chorus of protests.

Riya and Karan immediately whined, their voices overlapping:
"Badi maa! Why are you scolding us? Scold Vikram bhai and Reyansh bhai also!"

The room erupted in chuckles. Vikram raised his brows in mock offense, Aarav smirked, and Reyansh sat stiff, his jaw tight, his chest burning hotter. Even Maa praises her. Even my siblings defend themselves by dragging me into it. And me? Just another 'nikkama' in everyone's eyes.

Kabir's calm presence beside Aroohi only made it worse. He didn't need to say anything—his silence, his steady hand resting behind her, his pride-filled gaze at her achievements—was enough to make Reyansh feel invisible.

And then Dadu joined in, his voice carrying the weight of age but laced with humor:
"Sahi baat hai. Inhe toh bas ladna, khana aur sona aata hai."

The room was alive with laughter and chatter. Reyansh's mother had already teased the siblings, calling them nikkame, and Dadu had added humor, saying they only knew how to fight, eat, and sleep. The playful banter filled the air, but Aroohi's quiet voice suddenly cut through, steady and sincere.

She set her chopsticks down, her gaze soft yet firm:
"Mere se zyada toh mehnat Aarav bhai aur Kabir bhai ne ki. Both of them worked from scratch and built their companies. They could have worked in Chachu's company or taken help, but instead they created their own identity and worked hard."

Her words carried weight, silencing the laughter for a moment. Aarav glanced at her, pride flickering in his eyes. Kabir's calm expression softened, his gaze resting on her with quiet acknowledgment.

The others exchanged glances, surprised at her humility. She had achieved so much at such a young age, yet she chose to highlight her brothers' struggles, their independence, their refusal to rely on family privilege.

The atmosphere shifted—admiration filled the room, respect deepened.

But Reyansh... his chest burned hotter. Even her praise belongs to them. Even her respect ties her closer to Kabir and Aarav. Every word she speaks, every glance she gives, only proves how inseparable they are.

The warmth of the family moment wrapped around everyone else, but for Reyansh, it was another silent wound.

The evening settled into a softer rhythm. The clinking of plates and the aroma of snacks filled the villa's living room, laughter weaving through the air. Aroohi sat comfortably between Kabir and Aarav, her presence calm yet commanding attention.

Her earlier words still echoed—how Aarav and Kabir had worked from scratch, refusing shortcuts, building their companies with their own identity. The family had fallen into admiration, pride flickering in every glance.

Reyansh's mother had teased the siblings, calling them nikkame, and Dadu had added humor, saying they only knew how to fight, eat, and sleep. Riya and Karan had whined in protest, dragging Vikram and Reyansh into the scolding. The room had erupted in laughter, warmth spreading like firelight.

But Aroohi's humility had shifted the tone. She had spoken with quiet strength, reminding everyone that her brothers' struggles were greater than her own. Her words had silenced the teasing, replacing it with respect.

Kabir sat steady, his calm presence unshaken, pride flickering in his eyes as he glanced at her. Aarav leaned back, his expression softened with quiet satisfaction.

The family moment glowed with warmth, but Reyansh sat stiff, his chest burning hotter. Even in laughter, even in admiration, she ties herself to them. Every word she speaks, every glance she gives, only proves how inseparable she is from Kabir and Aarav.

The room was alive with chatter, but beneath it all, Reyansh's silence was heavy, his jealousy twisting deeper, unseen by the others.

The laughter and chatter still lingered in the villa's living room, the aroma of snacks and ramen filling the air. Aroohi sat between Kabir and Aarav, her presence calm yet glowing under the weight of admiration.

Then Kabir stood up. His calm voice carried across the room, steady but with a hint of mystery:
"Actually... I have a surprise for Aru. But this is also for all the youngers."

Everyone's eyes turned to him, curiosity sparking instantly. Kabir reached into his coat pocket and pulled out an envelope. He walked over and handed it directly to Aroohi.

She blinked, confused, her fingers trembling slightly as she opened it. The moment her eyes fell on the contents, her expression froze. Shock widened her gaze, her lips parted, and then—

She screamed.

The sound startled everyone, laughter breaking out in surprise. She turned to Kabir, her voice trembling with disbelief:
"Is it true, Bhai?"

Kabir nodded once, calm and certain.

Aroohi let out another scream, this one louder, filled with joy. She jumped up from her seat, her happiness spilling over, her smile radiant. The room erupted in laughter and claps, her excitement contagious.

Kabir's calm gaze softened, pride flickering in his eyes as he watched her happiness. Aarav chuckled, shaking his head at her energy. The others leaned forward, eager to know what the surprise was.

But Reyansh... his chest burned hotter than ever. Even her screams, even her joy, belong to him. He gives her surprises, he makes her happy, he makes her jump with excitement. And me? I sit here, invisible, suffocating in silence.

The atmosphere glowed with warmth and celebration, but beneath it all, Reyansh's jealousy twisted darker, unseen by the others.

The envelope in Aroohi's hands had already sent her into screams of joy, her happiness spilling over as she jumped with excitement. Everyone leaned forward, desperate to know what had made her so thrilled.

Riya and Karan spoke at once, their voices overlapping in curiosity:
"Aroohi! What is this? Why are you so happy?"

Aroohi's eyes sparkled, her voice trembling with excitement as she held up the ticket:
"It's a concert ticket!"

The room buzzed instantly, everyone talking at once. Riya gasped, Karan's jaw dropped, Aarav chuckled at her energy, and Kabir stood calm, pride flickering in his eyes.

Karan leaned closer, his voice sharp with curiosity:
"Aroohi! Which singer's concert is it?"

Aroohi's eyes sparkled, her smile stretched wide, and then she screamed at the top of her voice:
"Karan Aujla!"

The name echoed through the room like a spark. Riya clapped her hands in disbelief, Karan shouted in excitement, Vikram whistled, and Aarav chuckled at her energy. The younger ones erupted in chatter, teasing and cheering, while Aroohi jumped again, her joy uncontainable.

The villa's living room was buzzing with laughter and chatter. Aroohi had already screamed in joy after revealing the concert ticket, her happiness spilling over as she jumped with excitement.

But curiosity wasn't done yet. Riya leaned closer, her tone playful:
"Okay, fine! But when is the concert?"

Aroohi's cheeks flushed, her smile refusing to fade. She held the ticket tightly, her voice trembling with excitement as she replied:
"After our engagement!"

Karan leaned forward, still curious, his tone teasing:
"Aroohi... did you really like his songs that much?"

Aroohi's cheeks flushed, her smile refusing to fade. Before she could answer, her friends—Vaanya and Ishita—nodded eagerly, their voices overlapping with laughter:
"She loves his songs! Always listening, always humming them. She's his biggest fan!"

The room erupted again. Riya clapped, Karan laughed, Vikram whistled, and Aarav shook his head with a grin. Aroohi hid her face shyly for a moment, but her sparkling eyes betrayed her excitement.

Kabir stood calm, his gaze softening with pride as he watched her joy. His voice was steady, warm, carrying quiet affection:
"That's why I arranged it. I knew this would make her happiest."

The words silenced the room for a heartbeat, admiration flickering in every glance. Aroohi looked at him, her eyes shining, her joy tied completely to his gesture.

The villa was alive with chatter, the younger ones exploring hallways and rooms, their laughter echoing faintly in the distance. But in the living room, the air between Kabir and Reyansh had shifted—thick with unspoken rivalry.

Kabir's calm voice had already pierced the silence:
"I noticed your gaze when Aroohi was with me. You were feeling jealous."

Reyansh's jaw tightened, his fists clenched. For a moment, silence hung heavy. Then, his voice broke through, low but firm:
"Yes... I was feeling jealous."

Kabir's eyes softened, his tone steady, carrying no judgment:
"It is good that you accept it. And also... it made me release the tension I had—that Aroohi is marrying someone and I didn't know. But now, I can see in your eyes that you love Aru. And I can see... you will always keep her happy."

The words struck Reyansh with unexpected weight. His chest tightened, but not with jealousy this time—with something deeper, heavier. Kabir's calm acceptance, his trust, his acknowledgment, felt like a silent blessing.

The laughter from the others carried faintly into the room, but between Kabir and Reyansh, the atmosphere was different—quiet, intense, layered with truth.

Kabir's gaze remained steady, unwavering, as if passing responsibility into Reyansh's hands. And Reyansh... for the first time, his jealousy eased, replaced by a silent promise forming within him.

Reyansh's chest tightened, his silence heavy. Kabir leaned closer, his voice lowering, each word deliberate:
"Always make her happy. Because she suffered so much in her childhood. I want you to always love her. And if you can't do it... say it now."

The words struck Reyansh like a challenge, but also like a plea. Kabir's calmness carried weight, his trust pressing down like responsibility.

Reyansh's fists clenched, his jaw locked. His chest burned, but this time not with jealousy—with raw emotion. His voice broke through, low but steady, carrying the weight of his heart:
"I will always love her and cherish her. She is my peace... she is my bachcha. I will not leave her—not now, not in the future."

Kabir's gaze softened, his calm expression finally easing. His voice carried quiet relief, almost like a blessing:
"It is good that you accept it. And now... I can release the tension I had. I can see you will always keep her happy."

The words settled between them, heavy yet freeing. For the first time, Reyansh's jealousy eased, replaced by a silent vow. Kabir's trust was not just an observation—it was a responsibility handed over, a promise Reyansh had to keep.

The laughter from the others carried faintly into the room, but between Kabir and Reyansh, the atmosphere was different—quiet, intense, layered with love, trust, and unspoken brotherhood.