𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞: 𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖕𝖔𝖘𝖘𝖊𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓

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Aarohi POV:

We came back in the morning and freshened up. Ajju said he was going to the dungeon, and even though I wanted to stop him, I knew he wouldn't listen, so I just nodded.

After dropping Aryan at school, I returned home to see Baba getting ready. Guilt pricked at me seeing him still involved in the company when he should be enjoying his retirement.

"Baba, I'm so sorry. You should be resting, not worrying about the company because of me," I said, feeling awful.

He smiled, gently cupping my cheeks like I was still his little girl. "My little princess, you're overthinking again. Just focus on handling whatever is happening. Catch them before they can hurt you or your Arjun, okay?"

I nodded, his words calming my anxious thoughts. He placed a long, reassuring kiss on my forehead. "Be careful, princess. I'll send proxy to help you out here."

I hummed in response, watching him leave for the office. After a moment, I made my way to the den.

As I approached, I saw Choco, napping lazily near a tree. "Chocooo!" I called. He rumbled awake, padding toward me with his usual protective affection.

"Hey buddy, how are you?" I whispered, laughing as he licked me in greeting. I spent a good five minutes petting him before heading into the dungeon. There, Dhruv and Harsh stood outside with stern expressions.

I placed a hand on Dhruv's shoulder, offering some comfort. "Chill, Dhruv. It's going to be alright." Then I hugged Harsh sideways, feeling the familiar warmth.

"If he's not the real culprit behind all this, I won't let anything happen to your dad, Harsh. He's my chachu too, and though I'm angry at him for how he spoke to Ajju, I still love him like family," I said, meaning every word.

Harsh gave me a small, grateful smile. "Do it your way, Aaru. You know I never question you. Even if the culprit is my own blood, it doesn't matter. If they're a threat to you, then they deserve what's coming to them."

His words made my chest tighten with emotion. Harsh had been with me through every storm, my partner in crime, my confidant, my shield, most importantly my bestfriend. He fucking sacrificed his love for my happiness, never once complaining.

What did I ever do to deserve someone like him? How can I ever repay this pure, selfless soul who stood by me, even when it meant burying his own feelings?

It hit me hard how deeply he cared, and it stirred something inside—gratefulness, admiration, love. Harsh had given up so much, and here he was, still protecting me without asking for anything in return.

We left Dhruv outside and stepped into the dungeon. Inside, we were met with Chachu's furious voice. He was shouting at Ajju, "I DON'T NEED TO ANSWER TO ANY FUCKING PERSON! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO LOCK ME UP AND QUESTION ME?"

My blood boiled instantly. No one, and I mean no one, speaks to my Arjun like that. Rage simmered inside me. I wanted to rip out his tongue, but Harsh, sensing my growing fury, grabbed my hand and shook his head. He was silently telling me to calm down.

I swallowed the anger down and channeled it into a cold, authoritative voice. "I don't care how powerful you think you are, Chachu," I spat, my tone icy and commanding. "But you will lower your voice when you speak to my man."

Chachu looked at me with shock, then shifted his gaze to Harsh, his expression full of disbelief. "Harsh, you know what they're doing, and you didn't stop them? I'm your dad, for God's sake."

Harsh remained silent, unsure of how to respond. I nudged him gently, signaling him to speak. He sighed, finally giving in. "Dad, I trust you, but I trust Aaru more than anyone. You know that. So please, just tell us what you know, and I promise I'll personally send you home and take care of everything."