*HOME RETURNING*

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***author's pov***

⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆

                   NOW YOU LOOK MINE

⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆⋆✴︎˚。⋆

Soon, Aayara finished getting ready, her delicate frame adorned in a simple red saree with a golden border. She combed her hair neatly, the soft waves cascading down her back, and adjusted her pallu over her shoulder. Her reflection in the mirror revealed her calm yet hesitant demeanor.

Arjun walked out of the adjoining room, fastening his watch. His gaze fell on her, and he stopped in his tracks, taking in her appearance. He strode closer, standing behind her, his intense eyes meeting hers in the mirror.

"You look good," he said simply, his voice low and approving.

Aayara smiled faintly, her cheeks tinged with color, but she kept her eyes downcast.

Arjun walked to the bedside table and picked up something from his wallet. He returned to her, holding the mangalsutra in his hand. Without a word, he reached around her, the coolness of the chain brushing against her skin as he clasped it around her neck.

Leaning down, his breath fanned her ear as he whispered, "Now, you look like mine. Just like you used to."

Her breath hitched as she felt the weight of his words and the symbol of their bond resting against her collarbone. Before she could respond, he dipped his fingers into the small box of sindoor on the dresser and gently filled her maang, the crimson dust settling perfectly on her forehead.

Arjun stepped back slightly, a smirk curling his lips. "Perfect," he said, his tone a mix of satisfaction and possession.

Aayara turned to face him, her fingers instinctively brushing against the mangalsutra. Her eyes glistened, unsure of what to say, but the unspoken emotions between them filled the room.

Arjun tilted his head, his smirk softening. "What? Are you going to argue about this too?"

She shook her head, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "No... not this time."

"Good," he replied, his voice firm yet warm. "Let’s go. We have a long day ahead."

Aayara nodded, adjusting her saree once more before following him, her heart conflicted yet undeniably drawn to the man who now walked beside her.

Aayara carefully cradled Abhi in her arms, his tiny face nuzzled against her shoulder as he slept peacefully. The hotel staff followed behind, carrying her belongings and placing them in the car. Arjun stood beside her, his sharp features calm yet commanding as they prepared to leave.

The moment they stepped outside, a barrage of cameras flashed, the paparazzi wasting no time in capturing the rare sight of Arjun Oberoi Singhania with a woman and a child. The chaos was overwhelming—reporters shouting questions, trying to catch a glimpse of the mysterious family scene.

Aayara instinctively stiffened, clutching Abhi closer to her chest, her heart racing as the camera flashes blinded her. Sensing her discomfort, Arjun stepped closer, his arm wrapping firmly around her waist, shielding her from the crowd.

"Keep walking," he murmured to her, his voice low and steady.

She nodded, leaning into his protective hold as they navigated through the commotion. Arjun’s presence was commanding, his piercing gaze silencing anyone who dared come too close.

Once they reached his sleek black car, a staff member opened the door, and Arjun guided Aayara inside. He ensured she and Abhi were settled before stepping in himself. As the door closed, muffling the chaos outside, Aayara exhaled, her tense shoulders relaxing slightly.

Arjun glanced at her, his hand brushing against hers. "Don’t worry about them," he said softly. "You’re with me now. They won’t dare cross a line."

She met his gaze, her heart still pounding, but the assurance in his voice calmed her. She nodded, holding Abhi closer as the car smoothly pulled away from the flashing cameras and the crowd.

As the car began moving, Aayara leaned back, her grip on Abhi tightening slightly. The weight of what awaited her outside the car pressed heavily on her mind. She cast a sidelong glance at Arjun, who sat beside her, exuding his usual aura of unshakable confidence.

Outside, his convoy of cars moved in perfect formation, shielding them from the world’s gaze, but inside, her thoughts were chaotic.

Arjun noticed her tense posture and the way her fingers nervously fidgeted with the edge of her saree. "You’re overthinking," he said calmly, his gaze fixed ahead.

She looked at him, startled. "How can I not? What will everyone say? After all this time... after everything..."

Arjun turned to her, his expression softening just slightly. He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Let them talk. You’re mine. That’s all they need to know."

His words, though possessive, carried a strange sense of reassurance. She nodded faintly, but the anxiety didn’t entirely leave her. "I... I don’t know how I’ll face them," she murmured, looking down at Abhi, who was now awake and playing with her necklace.

Arjun leaned closer, his hand resting on her knee. "You’ll face them the way you always do—with grace and strength. And if anyone dares to disrespect you, they’ll answer to me."

Aayara’s eyes met his, and for a moment, his unwavering determination made her feel shielded, even from her own fears. "You really think it’s that easy?" she asked softly.

A smirk tugged at his lips. "With me by your side? It’s easier than you think."

She wanted to argue, to say that things weren’t that simple, but the conviction in his voice silenced her doubts. She let out a soft sigh and leaned back into the seat, letting herself trust him for now, even if the road ahead felt uncertain.




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