MEETING THE DARKNESS

39

Two days later, the time had come for Dia's mother and Aryan to head back to India. The last few days had been filled with long conversations, laughter, and a much-needed sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. But now, standing at the entrance of Viktor's mansion, it was time to say goodbye, and the weight of that moment hung in the air.

Dia stood with her mother and Aryan, her heart heavy as they prepared to leave. Her mom, usually so strong and composed, had tears in her eyes.

"You take care of yourself, alright?" her mom said, pulling Dia into a tight hug. "And no more secrets, Dia. We're family. We'll always stand by you."

Dia hugged her back, fighting the lump in her throat. "I promise, Maa. No more secrets. I'll keep you in the loop from now on."

Aryan stepped forward next, his usually stern face softened with emotion. "You're tough, Dia, but remember—just because you can handle things on your own doesn't mean you have to." He pulled her into a protective hug. "I'll always be here for you. Call me if you need anything."

"I will," Dia whispered, clinging to her brother for a moment longer. "I'm going to miss you, bhai." [bhai means brother in Hindi]

"We'll see each other soon," he said, trying to sound reassuring, but there was a sadness in his voice.

Viktor stood nearby, respectfully giving them space, but there was a silent understanding in his gaze as Aryan gave him a nod.

"Take care of her," Aryan said quietly to Viktor, though his words carried a weight of trust.

Viktor nodded, his expression sincere. "I will."

As Dia stood at the entrance, hugging her mother and Aryan one last time, she noticed something unexpected. When Aryan turned to say his goodbyes to Viktor's team, his gaze lingered on Vivian for just a second longer than usual. There was something in his eyes—a flicker of attraction, perhaps even something deeper.

Vivian, standing a few steps away, glanced at Aryan too, her usually composed expression softening just slightly. It was brief, but Dia caught it. There was a tension in the air between them, an unspoken connection. Aryan's typically stoic demeanour shifted ever so slightly as if he was hesitant to leave, almost as if he'd miss Vivian more than he was letting on.

Vivian quickly masked her emotions, giving Aryan a professional nod, but Dia could tell there was more behind that look. She felt the corners of her mouth twitch into a small, knowing smile, but she stayed quiet, deciding not to tease Aryan or Vivian about it—at least, not yet.

As Aryan finally walked toward the car, Dia couldn't help but feel that there was something brewing between the two. But for now, she'd let it be, choosing to keep that little observation to herself, silently amused by the possibility.

After all, sometimes, these things took time.

While Dia's farewells to her family unfolded, Maya, Viktor's mother, approached Dia's mom. Over the last two days, the two women had bonded, sharing their experiences and forming a connection that felt deeper than just casual acquaintances. Maya, with her kind eyes and warm demeanor, had become a comforting presence.

Maya took Dia's mother's hands in hers, her voice soft but filled with emotion. "It has been an honor getting to know you. You have a remarkable daughter, and I can see where she gets her strength."

Dia's mother smiled through her tears. "And you've raised a fine man yourself. Thank you for being here for my daughter, for helping her in ways I couldn't."

The two women hugged, their connection palpable. It wasn't just the bond of mothers; it was the shared understanding of the challenges their children faced.

"You're welcome here anytime," Maya said gently. "We're family now."

Dia's mom nodded, her eyes misty. "Thank you. And please, take care of each other."

As the final goodbyes were said, Dia stood by Viktor's side, watching as her family left in the car that would take them to the airport. The house suddenly felt quieter, emptier, and Dia's heart ached. But there was also a sense of peace, knowing that her family understood her life now, that they trusted her—and Viktor—to navigate the storm ahead.

Viktor gently placed a hand on her shoulder, his presence grounding her. "You alright?"

Dia nodded, her voice quiet. "I will be. It's just... hard to see them go."

"They'll be back," Viktor said, his tone comforting. "And until then, you're not alone."

Dia looked up at him, grateful for his steady support. "Thank you. For everything."

Dia had begun to notice a subtle shift within herself, one she hadn't anticipated. Lately, her lips had been uttering "thank you" more frequently than she could remember. It wasn't just the automatic, polite response she'd used before—this felt different. There was a warmth to the words, a genuine sense of gratitude that bubbled up from a place deep inside her. Each time she said it, whether it was for a simple gesture or a moment of kindness, she felt herself growing softer, more open. It was as though the barriers she had built around her heart were beginning to erode, brick by brick, making room for appreciation where resentment once lived. The world hadn't changed much, but Dia had, and with every 'thank you,' she realized just how much she was beginning to transform.

As they stood there, watching the car disappear into the distance, Dia realized that while her family might be far away, the people around her now—Viktor, Maya, Rhys and Kai—had become part of her family too.

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Hey guys!

Happy reading!

With loads of love,

CARA