FORBIDDEN FLAMES ✅

Rebuilding Bonds

VIHAAN'S POV

The next morning, I was in the process of discharging Aarna from the hospital. Rohan and Keerthi had arrived early, and Aarna, who had been silent and distant towards me, started to cheer up with Rohan's help.

As I was sorting out the paperwork, I saw Neil and Nidhi approaching us. The memory of what Shreya had told me about Nidhi's role in deceiving me flashed through my mind, but I decided to keep my composure and not make a scene here.

Neil came up to me, giving me a hug. "How are you doing and how is aarna, Vihaan?" he asked.

"I'm good and she is good too, come," I replied, trying to keep things light.

Nidhi, looking slightly hesitant, asked, "Vihaan bhai, is Shreya and Aarna coming to your home?"

I glanced at her, wary but calm. "Why?" I asked.

"If everything is okay between you two, why don't you stay together?" she suggested.

I looked at Nidhi, choosing my words carefully. "We haven't discussed that yet, Nidhi. I don't want to pressure Shreya into anything she's not ready for. If she and Aarna want to stay with me, Shreya will talk to me about it."

Nidhi nodded, a bit taken aback but understanding. "I see. I just thought it might be easier for Aarna if you're all together."

"I appreciate your concern," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral. "But it's important that Shreya and Aarna feel comfortable and make their own decisions."

Neil, sensing the tension, tried to change the subject. "So, when do we get Aarna out of here?"

"Just finishing up the paperwork now," I said. "She should be ready to go soon."

Shreya was packing up our things when I asked "Shreya, I want to drop you both."

She looked at Aarna, then back at me, and said, "Okay."

I added, "Just check everything while I talk to the doctor. I want to make sure we don't need to take any extra care with her diet or anything until she's fully recovered."

"That's not needed, Vihaan," Shreya replied.

"Maybe it's not needed, but it's for my peace of mind," I insisted.

Shreya smiled and said, "Your wish."

I headed out to speak with the doctor, who explained that Aarna could have a normal diet but should avoid any spicy food for a week. She also prescribed some medication and assured me that Aarna would be fine. As I was coming back, I saw Nidhi standing in a corner, talking on the phone. Suspicious, I went over to her.

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

"Nothing, bhai," she replied quickly. "Did you talk to the doctor? What did she say?"

"The doctor said everything is good," I answered.

Nidhi hesitated before saying, "Bhai, if you don't think I'm interfering too much, remember that Aarna is your daughter. You have equal rights on her as well as Shreya."