*GLANCES *

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***AUTHOR'S POV***

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                         WE ARE HOME

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As they stepped off Arjun's private plane, Aayara felt the cool breeze brush against her face, carrying a mixture of apprehension and relief. She held Abhi close, his small hands clutching her saree as he looked around curiously.

Arjun, ever composed, guided her towards the waiting car. His hand rested protectively on the small of her back, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by her. The staff quickly loaded their luggage into the vehicles, and soon they were on their way to the Singhania mansion.

The convoy moved swiftly through the city, with the luxury of tinted windows shielding them from the outside world. Aayara's heart pounded with every mile that brought them closer to the mansion. She glanced at Arjun, who seemed calm and unaffected, though she noticed the occasional clenching of his jaw.

Abhi cooed in her arms, bringing a faint smile to her face. She pressed a kiss to his forehead, murmuring softly to him.

Arjun glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "Nervous?"

She nodded, her voice barely audible. "What if... they don't accept us? What if—"

He interrupted her with a scoff. "They don’t have a choice. This is your home now, and Abhi’s as well. Anyone who dares to say otherwise won’t be staying under my roof for long."

His confidence, though intimidating, gave her a sliver of reassurance. She leaned back, taking a deep breath as the imposing gates of the Singhania mansion came into view.

The car slowed, and the gates opened to reveal the grand estate. It loomed large and magnificent, a testament to the Singhania legacy. Aayara’s grip on Abhi tightened as the car pulled up to the entrance, where staff had already lined up in anticipation.

Arjun stepped out first, adjusting his blazer before turning back to offer his hand to her. She hesitated for a moment but took it, stepping out with as much poise as she could muster.

The whispers started immediately, staff members exchanging glances, some surprised, some curious. Aayara’s cheeks flushed under their gazes, but Arjun pulled her close, his arm firmly around her waist, silently declaring to everyone present that she belonged to him.

As they entered the grand foyer, the reality of her new life settled in. This wasn’t just Arjun’s home—it was a world she would have to navigate, with all its challenges and expectations.

But as Abhi giggled in her arms and Arjun’s unwavering presence loomed beside her, she felt a spark of courage ignite within her. She wasn’t alone in this. And for now, that was enough.

As Meera stepped out, her expression shifted from genuine shock to a forced smile. Her eyes flared with disdain that she masked under a veil of feigned excitement. "Aayara! Oh, you’re back!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands lightly, though her voice betrayed the bitterness brewing within.

Before Aayara could respond, Daksh strode forward with a wide grin, holding Payal’s hand. Their little daughter, nestled in Payal’s arms, babbled softly. "Bhabhi!" Daksh greeted warmly, his tone genuine and full of affection. "We missed you so much. It feels like forever!"

Payal stepped closer, offering a soft smile. Though it was her first time meeting Aayara, she had heard plenty about the struggles this woman had endured. Her admiration showed in her kind eyes. "I’ve heard a lot about you, bhabhi. It’s wonderful to finally meet you," she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Aayara returned their smiles, her grip on Abhi tightening as her emotions wavered between gratitude and apprehension.

Rudra walked out next, his sharp gaze softening the moment he saw her. "Aayara..." he murmured, his voice carrying a note of warmth and surprise. He stepped forward, but before he could say more, Dia's raised brows and tightened grip on his arm made him halt.

Rudra chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension. Pulling Dia closer with a playful smirk, he added, "It’s good to see you back."

Arjun’s commanding presence, however, silenced any further murmurs. His arm firmly around Aayara’s waist, he looked at everyone, his sharp gaze daring anyone to speak out of line.

"We’re home," he announced, his voice steady and authoritative.

The staff stepped aside, bowing slightly as the family moved further inside. Aayara felt the weight of every eye on her, each glance a mixture of curiosity, judgment, or pity.

Meera, standing at the back, clenched her fists as her smile faltered for a moment. This isn’t over, she thought to herself, her mind already racing with schemes.

But as Aayara glanced at the warm smiles of Daksh, Payal, and even Rudra, she felt a flicker of hope. Despite the shadows lurking in the corners, there were still some lights she could trust. And with Arjun’s unyielding presence beside her, she knew she had the strength to face whatever came next.

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