In the heart of chaos

Chapter 6

Aarohi's heart raced as the car drove down the familiar streets of Udaipur. The city's timeless charm, with its majestic palaces and serene lakes, felt both nostalgic and overwhelming. It had been seven years since she last saw these streets, and now, returning after so long, her emotions were a whirlwind.

As her car pulled up in front of the Goenka mansion, Aarohi took a deep breath. The house looked just the same—grand and welcoming, like the family she had left behind.

Before she could even step out of the car, she saw the Goenkas waiting at the front gate. Kairav, Vansh, Suwarna, Manish, Akhilesh, and everyone else were there, their faces lighting up with joy as they saw her. Kairav was the first to run to her.

"Aaru!" he called out, wrapping her in a tight hug the moment she stepped out.

Aarohi couldn't help but laugh, her heart swelling with emotion. "Bhai, it's so good to see you!"

One by one, the rest of the family embraced her, their warmth and love palpable. Even Manish, who had been upset with her when she left, had tears in his eyes as he pulled her into a hug.

"You're finally home," Manish whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "We've missed you so much, Aarohi."

"I missed you all too, Bade Papa," Aarohi replied, her voice soft but sincere.

Suwarna placed her hand on Aarohi's cheek, smiling through her tears. "You've grown even more beautiful, beta. We're so proud of everything you've achieved."

Aarohi smiled, feeling a mixture of happiness and guilt. She had stayed away for so long, and yet they welcomed her back with open arms, no questions asked.

As they all moved inside the house, Aarohi's heart warmed at the familiar sights and smells of her childhood home. Every corner of the house held memories—some happy, some painful—but they all made her who she was.

---

Later in the day, as Aarohi was settling in, Akshara arrived at the Goenka mansion with her young son, Aarav. Aarav, who was around five, had the same mischievous spark in his eyes that reminded Aarohi of Kartik.

Akshara approached Aarohi cautiously, a soft smile on her face. "Aaru, I hope you don't mind us coming by."

Aarohi looked at her younger sister and smiled back, though there was still a distance between them. "Of course not, Akshu. I'm glad you came."

Aarav, unaware of the tension, ran to Aarohi with his arms wide open. "Bua!" he squealed, wrapping his little arms around her legs.

Aarohi's heart melted as she crouched down to his level and hugged him back. "Look at you, Aarav! You've grown so much!"

Aarav giggled and tugged at her hand. "I missed you, Bua. Mamma always tells me stories about you."

Aarohi smiled, glancing up at Akshara. "I've missed you too, little one."

The sisters exchanged a brief but meaningful look, and Akshara reached out to touch Aarohi's arm. "We've all missed you. I know things have been complicated, but it means the world to me that you're here now."

Aarohi nodded, her smile softening. "It's good to be back."

After some more conversation and laughter with the family, Akshara and Aarav left, giving Aarohi some space to settle in. The reunion had gone better than she expected, but there were still emotions to process—especially regarding her sister.

---

Aarohi finally retreated to her old room, which had been kept just as she left it. As she unpacked her bags, she couldn't help but glance at the framed photos on her dresser. There, in front of her, were the same pictures she'd kept close in Mumbai—her father Kartik, her mother Sirat, and her stepmother Naira.

She sat down on the edge of her bed, staring at their faces. "Mumma, Papa, Naira Maa... I'm back. I never thought I'd come home again, but here I am."

Aarohi sighed, running her fingers over Sirat's photo. "Mumma, I wonder what you would've thought of everything that happened. You always taught me to be strong, to stand up for myself. I hope I'm living up to that."

She turned to Naira's picture, her expression softening. "And Naira Maa... everyone says you were so much like me. It's funny because I never got to meet you, but it feels like I know you through the stories everyone told me. Bade Papa, Kairav, even Akshu—they all say I remind them of you."

Aarohi smiled a little. "They say I'm stubborn, just like you. That I fight for what I believe in, just like you did. I hope you would've been proud of me too."

She placed the photos gently on her nightstand, next to her bed. "It's strange, you know? I've spent so much time trying to be independent, to prove that I don't need anyone. But being back here... it's making me realize that family is always a part of you, no matter how far you go."

Aarohi leaned back on her bed, staring at the ceiling as memories of her childhood flooded her mind. She remembered running through these halls as a little girl, with Kairav and Vansh chasing after her. She remembered her father's laughter, her mother's strong but loving presence, and the stories of Naira's kindness that had shaped her view of what family should be.

She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. "I think you all would've liked the person I've become."

For the first time in years, Aarohi felt a sense of belonging, as if she was finally where she was meant to be. The Goenkas had welcomed her back with open arms, and though the road ahead was still uncertain, she knew one thing for sure—she was home.

As the sun began to set outside her window, casting a warm glow over her room, Aarohi whispered a final thought to her parents and Naira.

"I'll make you proud, I promise."