Enjoy the chapter!

She was still mad at him, her silence sharper than any words.

And yet... he smiled. That rare, devilishly handsome smile reserved only for her.

"Still not talking to me properly, Baccha?" he teased softly, playing with the ring on his finger.

But behind him, the man who had tried to betray him, was being held by his men.

Suddenly, that man tried to escape.

He was still on call with her, was about to say something sweet when he heard the sound of movement behind him.

And the fool tried to run.

The very next second - BANG!

Without even turning fully, without breaking his lazy smile, he pulled out his gun and shot him straight in the leg clean, precise, brutal.

The sudden gunshot echoed loudly.

On the other end of the call. She flinched, eyes wide in horror. The phone slipped from her trembling hands, crashing into the floor. Her breathing became shallow, her racing in fear.

That sound... that violence... it shook her to the core.

For a moment, everything went quite.

Then his eyes widened. He remembered, she was on the call.

"F*ck!" he whispered, panic in his voice.

He quickly dialed her number again.

She, frozen in shock, stared at the phone but didn't answer.

He kept calling. His voice turned desperate. "Pick up the f*cking phone, Baccha... before I lose my mind here."

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration growing inside him.

"Adi, you idiot," he muttered to himself. "Can't you control your temper for once?"

He raised his hand to throw his phone in anger but stopped halfway.

"No... no, I need to talk to my Jaan," he said softly, his voice filled with guilt.

He took a deep breath and called again.

This time, as the phone rang, his tone softened completely.

"Please... pick up the phone, Jaan," he whispered, almost begging.

On the other end, she heard the ringtone again. Her fingers hesitated, but then she picked the phone up from the floor and slowly answered.

He heard her breathing on the other side and quickly tried to change the mood.

He chuckled lightly, pretending nothing had happened. "Shh... nothing happened, Baccha, I was just expllaining that's exactly how you should shoot if any of security guy doesn't listen to you next time, if they they don't follow your orders, okay?"

Her heart skipped a beat somewhere between fear, disbelief.

And her voice come out in a soft, barely a whisper, "M-Mr. Singhania... I... I got scared..."

He closed his eyes, feeling a sharp pain in his chest. He hated hearing fear in her voice.

He spoke very gentle now, softer than ever, his tone full of love. "My baccha got scared... I'm so sorry, Jaan. I swear... this won't happen again... Never. I promise. It was my fault, hmm?"

But she was still shaken. She didn't say anything else and quietly cut the call.

He started at the screen. His jaw clenched.

His entire expression changed.

He turned slowly, eyes now cold with rage.

He walked back toward the man lying on the ground bleeding... crying... gasping.

Without saying much, he pointed the gun at the man's other leg and fired.

Another scream.

"You useless bl**dy bastard...," he said in a low, threatening voice.

"Because of you, my wife got scared. Do you know what that means?"

The man whimpered in pain.

He chuckled - emotionless.

"You thought you could run from me?"

"Go ahead..." He threw the gun aside.

"If you can run..." his voice dropped to pure venom.

"then run..."

He adjusted his sleeves of his shirt, looked at the man struggling to stand, and calmly, "Run."

Then suddenly, his voice become sharp, filled with anger. "RUN! If you want to escape? Then run for your f*cking life."

The man on the ground was bleeding heavily from his legs. He looked like he was in serious pain. But fear had taken over. That fear gave him a strange kind of strength. He forced himself up and began to run, limping but fast, desperate to live.

One of his men, looking confused and unsure, said, "Boss... should we stop him?"

He said coldly, "No. Don't stop him. Let him run. No one will follow him... yet."

But as the man ran off, blood leaving a trail behind him, his eyes followed him carefully.

Then he spoke with a slight smirk, "Now follow him. I know exactly where he's going. The moment he reaches those people, bring me their main guy. And the rest... burn them right. No mercy."

Then he picked up his phone and called Kabir.

Kabir quickly answered, "Yes, boss?"

His voice was cold and sharp, "What the hell is going on, Kabir? I told you clearly to take care of your Bhabhi, to properly instruct the security team. Were you even listening to me, or were you too busy doing God knows what?"

Kabir flinched at the tone. "I'm really sorry, boss. It was their first day today. They're still adjusting. They didn't fully understand. I'll make sure to explain everything again. From now on, there won't be any problem, I swear."

His voice turned even harder, "Understanding? Kabir, if I wanted clueless fools around my wife, I could've hired anyone off the streets. I paid top dollar to bring this team all the way from LA. And this is what I get in return?"

Kabir's voice shook slightly. "I promise, boss. From now on, nothing will go wrong. Bhabhi's safety and comfort will be my top priority."

He took a deep breath, then said in a dangerously low tone, "It batter be. Because if anything happens to her again, I won't be calling you next time. I'll act. And you know very well, Kabir, when I take action... It's not something anyone forgets easily."

Kabir gulped, his throat dry. "Yes, boss. I understand. I'll make sure bhabhi doesn't face any issue, not even by mistake."

Without another word, he hung up. He immediately dialed Vansh.

"Vansh, I need your help," he said curtly.

Vansh, ever the laid-back one, answered with a laugh, "Adi, when did you start asking for help, huh? What's wrong? Tell me."

His voice softened. "It's baccha. She's feeling uncomfortable with the new security team. There's too much attention on her. Tomorrow, I want you to drop her to the university yourself. Make sure she feels safe. Personally.

Vansh chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Alright alright I'll take care of her. Don't worry. But honestly Adi... she's kinda scary. She gives me those deadly looks, like. I get nervous around her."

He smirked, shaking his head. "Come on Vansh. She's just a little stubborn princess. My stubborn princess."

He teased, "Yeah, and you keep feeding that fire, boss. And you keep spoiling her more and more like crazy."

He leaned back in his chair, a rare softness in his eyes. "She deserves everything good, Vansh. I just want her to be happy. I'll do anything for that."

He paused for a moment, then added, "But... I made a big mistake."

"Adi, don't tell me... don't tell me Meera got upset because of you again?"

His voice dropped. "Yeah... sorry, Vansh. But I messed up. I... I forgot."

Vansh sounded tense now. "Forgot what? What the hell did you do now?"

He exhaled slowly, his tone almost regretful. "I was talking to her on the phone. And then suddenly, that idiot one of guys the guards had caught... he tried to escape. I lost my temper. I pulled out my gun and shot him."

He paused, his voice dropping. "I didn't even realize... she was still on the call. She heard everything. And... I think it scared her."

Vansh's voice in frustration. "Think it scared her? Adi, she's not used to this kind of life. She's not like us. She's already stuck in this dangerous world because of us"

He closed his eyes, guilt tightening in his chest. "I know... and after that, she didn't say a word. Just went silent. Then she cuts the call. I could feel her fear, Vansh. And I hate myself for causing it."

Vansh snapped, "Adi wo bacchi hai tu kyon nahi samjhta bhai. Wo pahale hi itni dari hui thi confused thi. And you keep showing her the same violence she's trying to escape from."

He said quietly, "I'm sorry, yaar... really. I forgot myself in the moment. I just... reacted."

He ran a hand through his hair and added, "Listen, can you do something for me? Take maa to see her. If maa talks to her, spend a little time with her, she might feel better. She needs comfort right now... not me."

"She didn't even talk to me after that. Just hung up the phone."

Vansh sighed deeply, anger still in his voice. "Talk to you? Kyon karegi wo tere se baat tu hai nahi is layak jo tere se baat kari jaye. Adi usko samjhne ki koshish kar bhai. Gusse par thoda control kar liya sirf uske saamne.

He added. "Adi, I know tu try kar raha hai usko khush karne ka uske liye sab kuch kar raha hai. But Bhai tu pahale apne gusse or control karna seekh le."

He replied. "Okay, I'll try my best..."

His mom walked into the hall, wiping her hands on her dupatta. "Vansh, who are you talking to with so much tension?"

Vansh rolled his eyes playfully, "Maa, who else? Your ladla... Adi."

She smiled fondly, "Uff..., mera Adi. Give me the phone, I want to talk to him too."

Vansh handed her the phone, shaking his head, "Everyone spoils him..."

She took the phone and spoke lovingly, "Adi, how are you, beta? Eating on time or not?"

His voice softened immediately, "I'm fine, Maa... just a bit tired. But listen, can you please go see your daughter-in-law? She's alone there, and I think she's feeling low."

Maa replied, concerned already in her voice, "Yes, beta. I was just thinking of going. In fact, I thought I'd call Roop too. Meera will feel better with some company. Bechari meri bacchi must be so bored and lonely in that big house."

He sighed, "Maa, please... do whatever you feel is right. But just take care of her. She's not used to all this. She shouldn't feel scared or sad... not because of me."

His mother's voice turned firm and full of love, "Beta, you don't worry. She won't be upset. As long as I'm here, I'll take care of everything. You work day and night, put your life on the line, and still worry about her first... you're a good husband, Adi. Don't be too hard on yourself."

He smiled faintly, "Maa. Just... tell her I miss her, okay?"

She nodded, "I will. And I'll make her favorite sweet too."

Meanwhile, Vansh sat on the side, half-smiling and muttering to himself, "Yeah, your son works so hard... he even fires bullets in the middle of a phone call."

Then he added sarcastically under his breath, "Romeo with a gun."

Vansh's mother was sitting with Shanti in the veranda, sipping evening tea.

She looked thoughtfully at Shanti and said, "Shanti, I heard your daughter wanted to come from the village, right? She had expressed her wish to visit, didn't she?"

Shanti nodded, "Yes bhabhi, she did... Roop keeps saying she wants to move to the city, but there's no space available here for her to stay and work."

Vansh's mom smiled warmly. "I understand. But listen, why don't you ask your daughter to come here? My Adi has just married, and he's always busy with his work. My poor Meera must be feeling lonely in that big house all by herself. The only person there is his Dadi, and with the security staff being mostly men and very few girls, maybe she feels uncomfortable. What I need is a simple, homely girl who can stay with her and keep her company. His Dadi is much older, and what can she possibly talk to her about? At least your daughter would get work here and have a companion. It will help Meera stay cheerful too. Adi is very stressed these days, and this might help everyone."

She took another sip of tea and added, "At least Roop will give her company. And she'll have something to do too small chores, helping out... Meera's life won't feel so empty."

Shanti looked a little hesitant. "Bhabhi, are you sure? She's a bit talkative, you know... and sometimes she jokes too much. I just hope your daughter-in-law doesn't get annoyed with her."

Vansh's mom chuckled. "Let her come. Meera needs someone who can make her laugh again. That house has become too quiet for a newlywed."

Shanti nodded slowly, warming up to the idea. "Alright, bhabhi. I'll call Roop now. She'll be so excited."

Vansh's mother nods and says, "That's good. And by the way, she'll feel more at home with Meera. It will be good for both of them. I'm sure they'll get along."

She then turns to Vansh, who was sitting on the sofa, focused on his phone. She says with a smile, "Vansh, can you take me to meet Meera? I want to talk to her, get to know her better."

Vansh raised an eyebrow playfully. "Maa, meet her carefully. Adi's lioness is fierce. She looks sweet but... she scares me sometimes."

His mother gave him a light glare and swatted his arm with her dupatta. "You shut up! She's perfect for my Adi. She keeps him grounded. Just like your Amaya does for you."

Vansh smirked at the mention of his fiancée and replied softly, "Fine, maa. Let's go. But don't say I didn't warn you if she stares you down."

"I'm not scared of her stare. I raised Adi, remember? No one can be scarier than him."

Vansh called out to the driver, "Get the car ready quickly, we have to leave."

Then he turned to his mother, gently held her hand, and walked with her towards the door. As they stepped outside, Vansh grinned and said teasingly, "Maa, just... be careful when you meet her, okay?"

His mom gave him a look and replied with a laugh, "I'm just going to meet my bahu, not a wild lion. I'm sure she's a sweet girl."

He chuckled, "Maa, I'm serious. Don't speak to her like a typical saas. She's already dealing with a lot. Try not to make it worse."

She smiled knowingly, "Arre, I'm going to cheer her up, not give her a long lecture. I'm not that kind of mother-in-law. I know what she needs right now it's not rules or advice, it's love and comfort."

Then she added softly, "She's just a girl, Vansh... She must be missing her family, her old world. I want her to feel that this is her home too."

He nodded, "Exactly. She puts on a brave face, but I can see it in her eyes. She's not okay."

His mother placed a hand on his arm and said, "Don't worry. I'll talk to her, sit with her for a while, maybe make her favorite dish. Sometimes, all a girl needs is someone to sit beside her and just... listen."

He smiled gently and opened the car door for her, "You're the best, Maa. If anyone can make her feel better, it's you."

As the car drove off, she looked out the window and whispered to herself, "Don't worry, meri bacchi... your maa is on her way."

They finally reached Aditya's penthouse. She was in the study room, sitting quietly, pretending to read, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

As they entered, Vansh said, "Maa, you go ahead. Meera's probably in her room or the study. I'll check in with Kabir and be back soon."

His mother walked toward the house. Inside, in the living room, Dadi was sitting quietly while her caretaker gently massaged oil into her hair.

His mom smiled and asked, "Maa ji, where's Meera?"

Dadi sighed softly. "No, beta. Maybe she's in the study. She hasn't spoken much today... barely even looked at me. She seems so lost."

His mom said softly, "I'll go check on her."

Dadi nodded, "Alright, beta. Maybe she'll feel a little better after seeing you. Our Adi has lost his mind these days. I really don't understand this boy anymore."

His mother smiled and said gently, "Maa ji, Adi's just a little busy right now. But he cares so much about her you have no idea how much he worries about her, even while he's away. Bechara mera beta trying his best."

Dadi turned her face away silently, still upset with him.

His mom quietly walked toward the study room. Inside, she was sitting with a book open in her lap, though her mind was elsewhere. That gunshot from earlier kept replaying. Her heart still hadn't stopped racing.

A soft knock came on the door.

She quickly wiped her tears and stood up. In a quiet, hesitant voice, she asked, "Who is it?"

The door opened gently.

His mother stepped inside with a soft, motherly smile.

She looked surprised and nervously said, "Aunty... I mean... Maa..."

She still wasn't sure how to address her.

His mother walked up and lovingly placed her hands on Meera's cheeks. "Only Maa, beta. That's what I am now, hmm? You're my daughter too."

She blinked, her lips trembling. "You... you're here?"

"Yes," she said softly. "My little girl is sitting alone here and I should just sit comfortably at home? Absolutely not."

She glanced around the large study room and then added, "Beta, I know this house is big... and maybe it doesn't feel like yours yet. And that's okay. It's not easy adjusting to everything at once."

She didn't say anything, but tears welled up in her eyes again. She couldn't hold them back.

She suddenly hugged her, burying her face in her shoulder, finally letting herself cry.

His mother didn't stop her. She gently stroked her hair and said softly, "Crying is good, beta. It's allowed. You're allowed to feel everything. But don't ever think you're alone. I'm here now. Always. And whenever you feel heavy inside, just give me a call. No formalities. No hesitation."

She kept crying, and she didn't let go.

After a few moments, she pulled back slightly, and Vansh's mom said, "Let me call Adi. He needs to know..."

But she quickly held her hand and said, "No, Maa... please. Don't tell him anything."

She nodded gently, seeing the fear in her eyes. "Alright, beta. I won't say anything to him. I promise."

Then she softly asked, "Beta, what happened?"

She hesitated, trying to find the right words. Her voice trembled a little as she said, "Maa... sometimes I feel scared here. I don't understand this place. I feel lost..."

His mom gently took her hand in both of hers and said with warmth, "Beta, I understand. It's a completely new life for you. Everything is different. And maybe... my Adi is not perfect. He's stubborn, and yes, sometimes careless. He makes mistakes. But he has a good heart. He truly loves you, beta. And believe me... he's more worried about you than you know."

She looked away and said with a little frustration, "Maa, I don't want to talk about him."

His mom didn't push her. She softly nodded, "Okay beta, we won't talk about him. Let's talk about you."

She gently wiped a tear off Meera's cheek and smiled, "I saw you on the news today. You looked so strong, so graceful. The way you handled the situation... I was so proud watching you. I thought, 'That's my daughter."

Her eyes welled up again.

His mom continued, "Beta, sometimes we don't realize our own strength until we're tested. And you... you've already faced so much, yet you're still standing. That's not weakness, Meera, that's power."

There was silence for a moment.

Then she said gently, "Come downstairs with me. Just for a little while. Sit with Dadi, the staff... You might feel better being around people who care."

She shook her head slightly. "No Maa, you go. I just want to be alone for now."

His mom nodded slowly, "Okay beta. I understand. But remember, being alone doesn't mean you have to be lonely. I'm always here, just one call away."

She stood up and gently tucked her hair behind her ear. "Take your time. But please, don't keep everything inside. You don't have to fight alone."

She finally looked up and gave her a small nod.

His mom smiled and whispered, "That's my girl."

And then, with a last soft look, she walked out quietly, giving her space.

It was late at night. Roop arrived at the house like a storm, walking fast and full of confidence. As she reached the entrance, two guards quickly stepped forward and blocked her way.

One of the guards asked, "Who are you? Where do you think you're going?"

Roop looked at them with a slight smile and said, "You don't know who I am? Well, of course, how would you? I'm not a celebrity or someone famous."

The guards stood still, not moving.

Roop rolled her eyes and took out her phone. "Let me call someone who actually runs this place."

She called Vansh's mother. When the call connected, she spoke clearly.

She called Vansh's mother. When the call connected, she spoke clearly.

"Aunty, these guards at Adi Baba's house are not letting me go inside. They're stopping me like I'm some stranger."

His mother replied, "Is there someone named Dara there? Give the phone to him."

Roop looked at the guards and asked loudly, "Who is Dara here?"

Dara stepped forward. "I'm Dara."

Roop gave him the phone. "Here. Talk to her yourself."

Dara took the phone and spoke respectfully, "Yes, Ma'am."

His mother said, "Dara, this is Roop. I called her here. From now on, she will stay in that house. Let her in."

Dara nodded. "Yes, Ma'am. Understood."

Roop looked at the guards again, now with a proud smile. "Now try to stop me again. You were acting so smart just a minute ago!"

The guards quietly moved aside. Roop walked into the house confidently, flipping her hair back.

In the living room, Meera was sitting on a sofa, looking calm but serious. She noticed Roop entering and stared at her.

She was sitting on the sofa, looking calm but serious, holding a book in her hand. She looked up slowly as Roop entered.

"Who are you?" She asked with a sharp tone.

Roop smiled politely. "You're Meera bhabhi, right? I've heard about you."

Her eyes narrowed. "Whoever I am doesn't matter. First tell me who are you and why are you here?"

Roop replied calmly, "Bhabhi, Vansh bhaiya's mom sent me here. I've come to help around the house... and also to give you company, so you don't feel alone."

She looked at her for a moment, then nodded slightly. "Alright. Fine."

Roop sat down on the edge of the sofa and said in a softer voice, "Bhabhi, is it true? Did Adi Baba really force you to marry him?"

She immediately became serious. Her face changed and her voice became cold. "That's between me and my husband. You don't need to ask questions about that."

She stood up, clearly not happy. "And another thing," Meera added, "Why are you calling him Baba?"

Roop looked surprised but still smiled. "My mother calls him Adi Baba, so I also call him that."

She stepped closer and said firmly, "She's your mother. She can say what she wants. But you don't you dare call my husband Baba again. Understand?"

Roop stayed calm, but laughed a little. "Bhabhi, you get angry so quickly. But that's okay. I think we can still be friends."

She looked at her, annoyed but silent.

"I'll think about it," she said coldly, and turned to leave.

As she walked upstairs to her room, she looked around and muttered under her breath, "Kanha please help... Mr. Singhania kab aayenge aise logon ke sath to main pagal hi ho jaungi."

Next morning...

Vansh walked in again, looking relaxed but tired. He threw his jacket on the side and sat on the sofa.

"Man, it's too quiet here," he mumbled.

Then he called out to the staff, "Hey, can someone get me a coffee, please?"

A few minutes later, a staff member brought a hot cup of coffee. Vansh took it and leaned back on the sofa, taking a sip.

Just then, Meera came down the stairs slowly. She was wearing a simple suit and looked fresh, but her face was still serious.

Vansh noticed her and, about to say something.

"Meera, I..." he began.

Roop saw Kabir.

She paused, squinted at him, tilted her head, and suddenly blurted out, "Vansh Bhaiya, ye chikna shadi-shuda hai kya?"

Vansh, who had just taken a sip of his coffee, almost spat it out. "Excuse me, WHAT? What kind of language is this? Chikna?"

She giggled mischievously and said, "Vansh bhaiya, aap bataiye na! Itne seedhe mat baniye!"

He raised an eyebrow. "Your name is Roop, right?"

She nodded. "Haan."

He smirked and said, "Then show your 'Roop ka jaadu' and ask yourself."

She pouted dramatically, "Uff Bhaiya, Main nahi puch sakti, kyoki Mera ek sapna hai... Main Adi baba ki tarah shadi karna chahati hun! Jaise unhone Meera bhabhi se ki thi - same to same! Bas ek chhota sa difference hai... main khud kidnap hona chahti hun."

He almost choked on his own breath. "WHATTT? Are you even listening to yourself? You want to get kidnapped? Have you lost it, woman?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "Haan! But see, I need an expert for this! And bhaiya... You are the expert!"

He nearly fell off his chair. "WHAT NONSENSE! WHO told you that?"

She smirked. "History, Bhaiya! History!"

He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Oh God... Main ek bahut hi shariff insaan hun. What do you all think I am?"

Meera, crossed her arms and said. "Well, who started this tradition in the first place?"

He took three steps back. "Adi, kahan hai bhai bahut khatarnak log hain main inse deal nahi kar sakta, main yahan kyo aya tha ye bhi bhul gaya."

Then, something clicked in his mind, and he stared at Roop in disbelief. "Wait a second... You're calling him Baba?"

Roop smiled innocently. "Yes, bhaiya. You've forgotten, haven't you? When I was little, I used to call him Baba, and even now, I still do."

Vansh's face softened as he thought about it. "That was when he was young, and you were too. Now, he's grown. Abhi uske khud ke bacche hone ka time aa gaya hai."

Meera, still confused, asked, "What are you trying to say?"

He sighed and shook his head. "Main yahan kya kar raha hun? Ye khatrnak log abhi yahin hain or ab mujhe yaad aya main yahan kyon aya... Meera get ready main tumhe university chhod deta hun, but jaldi karo."

(Translation - What am I even doing here? These dangerous people are still around, and now I remember why I came... Meera, get ready. I'll take you to the university, but hurry up!)

She nodded and hurried off, while Roop stood beside Vansh, looking up at him with earnest eyes. "Brother, tell me, who exactly is this man?"

He glanced at her, still unsure of what to make of her. "You know him?"

Roop smiled slyly. "Yes, he's not just handsome, chikna bhi hai. I can't stop thinking about him!"

Vansh winced, shaking his head in disbelief. "Chii! Roop, don't you feel even a little bit embarrassed saying these things?"

Roop smirked playfully. "Bhaiya, I don't care. That's exactly what I want! You're the only one who can help me make it happen. Please help me get close to him!"

His expression grew serious as he considered her request. "I can't believe you sometimes. What are you even saying? But fine, I'll help you. But you better be serious about this!"

Roop's face lit up with excitement as she grinned widely. "I'm serious, bhaiya. Please help me, please!"

He threw his hands up dramatically, eyes lifted toward the ceiling like he was pleading to the heavens. "Oh God," he said with mock desperation, "please give this girl some wisdom."

Roop folded her arms, clearly annoyed. "Fine, Bhaiya. If you don't want to help me, I'll figure it out myself."

But he flashed his signature grin playful, teasing, and just a little too smooth. "Roop, tum mujhe bharosa hai tum par. Tum apne roop ka jaadu dikhaogi"

(Translation - Roop, I believe in you. You'll definitely work your magic in your own special Roop-style.)

At that moment, Meera appeared at the staircase. He straightened, his expression softening as he turned to her.

"Meera, come on. I'll drop you at university," he offered casually.

As they started heading out, Roop looked over at her with mock sympathy. "Bhabhi, why do you stay in Dadi's room? Bechari bhabhi you... it must be so painful."

She paused, her tone turning sharp. "Roop, I told you yesterday this is between me and my husband. Please don't interfere in my personal life."

Without waiting for a reply, Meera got into the car with Vansh. She sat quietly, staring out of the window. Vansh glanced at her a few times before speaking.

"You okay? You seem upset," he asked gently.

She nodded, still not speaking.

"You know," Vansh continued, "you can talk to me. I know you're mad at me too but I still think of you like my little sister. So here's a tip from an older brother..."

She finally looked at him. "What kind of tip?"

"I get it," he said. "I know what Roop said bothered you. The media questions yesterday must've hit hard too. But you're venting your frustration on the wrong people. The one you're really angry at... you're avoiding him."

That made her turn fully toward him. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

He smiled, his tone casual but deliberate. "Main ye kah raha hun ki tum dadi ke room mein rah ke khud ko kyon punish kar rahi ho? Agar tum sach mein Adi ko punish karna chahti ho to uske room mein jakar raho. Wahan uska jeena haram karo. Wo azad ghum raha hai or tum chhup rahi ho. Use itni aasani se kyon jane de rahi ho?

(Translation - I'm saying why are you punishing yourself by staying in Dadi's room? If you really want to punish Adi... then go live in his room. Drive him crazy. He's walking around free while you're hiding away. Why are you letting him off so easy?)

She narrowed her eyes. "You're saying this? Aren't you his best friend?"

He nodded with a half-laugh. "YYeah, he's my bro. My jigar ka tukda. But now I have a bond with you too. That means I get to give you advice especially when it's for your own good."

Before leaving, he turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Today, the security won't bother you at all. I've spoken to all of them," he said. "And Meera... just remember what I told you, okay?"

With that, he drove off, leaving her slightly puzzled, his words echoing in her mind.

As she stepped out of the car, her friend approached her, cheerful as always. But she was still lost in thought, her mind looping his words again and again. What did he mean by that? Was he actually right about what he said earlier?

"Meera?" her friend called out. "Where's your mind? What are you thinking?"

She blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "Nothing... I'm fine," she said with a faint smile.

Later that evening, back at home, she went to Dadi's room.

"Dadi," she said gently, "I think I'll sleep in the study tonight. I don't want to disturb you... I'll be up late reading anyway."

Dadi nodded warmly. "That's fine, beta. Do what feels right."

But instead of going to the study, she quietly walked to his room unaware that the room was rigged with hidden cameras, set up to record whenever someone entered. Only he had access to the live feed.

As she stepped inside, a notification pinged on his phone.

He was in the middle of a confidential meeting, seated with a group of dangerous-looking men, discussing a diamond deal. But the moment he saw the alert, he opened the footage and froze.

There she was. His precious treasure. Walking slowly into his room. Looking around, curious, cautious like she was stepping into a world she didn't fully understand. She pulled the curtains open.

He couldn't take his eyes off her. It was as if time had stopped. His men were still talking, but he was no longer listening.

Without moving his eyes from the screen, he said coldly, "Nobody speaks until I say so. Leave the room."

One of the men hesitated. "But sir, we were supposed to finalize the deal today..."

"I said out," he snapped.

The room fell silent. They gathered their files and left quickly.

Alone now, he continued watching the screen as she sat down slowly on the edge of his bed.

She glanced around the room once more... and whispered to herself with a faint, bitter smile. "I don't know why... but sometimes I feel like both my husband... and his best friend... are frauds."

He laughs at her words and he loves her innocence.

Only she... only she could pull something human out of him, even from a screen miles away.

She was speaking to her Kanha ji again.

"Kanha... don't you think so too? Something feels... off."

His eyes stayed fixed on the screen. His expression shifted from amused to focused, his fingers were tight around the edge of the desk.

He slowly leaned forward and zoomed in further on the camera feed.

She was in his room.

His space.

And for the first time... she wasn't crying, or yelling, or trembling in fear.

No.

She was quiet. Calm.

Just looking around at the walls, the bookshelf, the view from the window.

Two days later...

He woke up with a heaviness in his chest a weight he couldn't shake off. His first instinct wasn't business, wasn't deals, It was her. His ziddi Baccha.

He sat up on the edge of the bed, ran a tired hand over his face, and whispered under his breath, "What the f*cking hell is happening to you, Adi?"

He got up and paced around the room, looking out the window at the beautiful Florence skyline.

"Why can't I breathe without her? Why is her face stuck in my head? Her silence... her anger... her stubbornness it haunts me."

He clenched his jaw. "I can't stay here. I need to see her. I have to go back. Now."

In a flurry of urgency, he showered, dressed in his tailored black suit, and dialed a number. A man, sharply dressed and respectful, entered his office within minutes. His name was Marcello the man who had been managing his affairs in Italy for years.

"Marcello," he said, slipping on his watch, "You're handling everything from here. I'm flying back to India. Immediately."

Marcello blinked, startled. "Boss, the diamond shipment meeting it's in 48 hours. You're the key. You were supposed to leave after the deal is sealed."

He looked him dead in the eye.

"The deal can wait. If it fails, so be it. This... this isn't about business. It's personal."

Marcello lowered his voice, unsure. "Sir, is everything alright?"

He paused at the door, eyes darker than usual. "Nothing's alright until I see her."

He turned to leave, but stopped and added, "Cancel the meetings. Stall the clients. Make up whatever you need to. I don't care what it costs. I'm leaving in an hour."

He stepped out of his jet. The night in India was quiet, but his heart wasn't. All he could think about was her.

"What is happening to me?" he thought as he sat in the car.

"Why do I feel empty without her? Baccha... I can't even breathe without seeing you. I need you... even if I don't deserve you."

He reached the penthouse.

He walked to his room and entered using his passcode. The lights were off, and then he saw her she was sleeping on his bed. His heart skipped a beat.

She was finally here. In his space.

He didn't move for a moment, just watched her. Her soft breathing, the way she held a book in her hands, the way her hair had fallen on her face everything made his chest feel tight.

He walked closer and gently took the book from her hand, placing it on the table. He tucked her hair behind her ear slowly, carefully.

She moved a little. Then she slowly opened her eyes. She couldn't see clearly in the dark, but she felt someone near.

She got scared and was about to scream, but he quickly covered her mouth with his hand.

"Baccha... it's me," he whispered gently.

She looked at him, confused and half-asleep.

Then she said softly, "Kanha... I must be dreaming. Why is Mr. Singhania even in my dreams now? He doesn't leave me alone even when I sleep..."

He smiled a little. Just hearing her voice calmed something in him.

He replied, "This is not a dream, Baccha."

She sat up and rubbed her eyes, now fully awake. "Mr. Singhania," she said with a serious face, "Kanha, main na kahti thi ki mera pati fraud hai. A full time, world-class fraud. Kanha aap ka naam sun sun ke thak gaye honge."

(Translation - Kanha I already told you naa... my husband is a fraud. A full-time, world-class fraud. Even Kanha must be tired of hearing your name.)

She got up and said firmly, I'm leaving. I can't stay in this room with you."

He said, a small smirk on his face. "Baccha, listen to me..."

She cut him off, "No! I'm going to Dadi's room."

She turned and started walking away.

He quietly followed behind her.

She turned around and glared at him.

"Why are you following me?"

He replied with a teasing smile, "I'm going to see Dadi... Just checking kahin aapne unhe panje to nahi maare."