kaho Na Pyaar Hai

Tides of change

Ariyana's POV

The days following my meeting with my father had been a whirlwind. I was grateful for Ruhaan's presence, but there was still a sense of turmoil inside me that I couldn't shake. I hadn't made any decisions yet. My mind and heart were at war—one wanted to forgive, to welcome him back into my life, while the other reminded me of all the years I'd spent feeling abandoned.

But today, everything felt heavier. Mia had been making snide comments around the house again, pushing my limits, trying to get a reaction out of me. And to make matters worse, she had started to manipulate things with my father's return. She was desperate for control, desperate to make me feel small again.

When I got home that evening, I found Mia sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Her eyes immediately flicked up when she saw me.

"You know," Mia started, her tone laced with sarcasm, "I heard you met your long-lost daddy. Must've been so touching. Too bad you'll never really be able to trust him."

Her words stung, and I could feel my temper rising. I had learned over the years not to let Mia get to me, but today, I was exhausted—emotionally and mentally.

"Why are you always so bitter, Mia?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "What do you have against me and my father?"

Mia looked at me, her smirk widening. "Nothing at all. I just think it's cute that you think he's going to suddenly show up and be the dad you always wanted. You'll always be second place."

I felt a surge of anger, but before I could respond, the front door opened, and Ruhaan stepped in. His eyes immediately landed on Mia, and I saw the tension in his shoulders.

"Mia," he said coldly, his voice low. "Leave her alone. Ariyana doesn't need your negativity."

Mia rolled her eyes. "Oh please, Ruhaan. It's not like your opinion matters here."

"Actually, it does," Ruhaan replied, stepping closer. "You've hurt Ariyana long enough. I'm not going to stand by and watch you do it again."

Mia's lips twisted in annoyance, but she got up without saying another word and stormed off to her room.

I let out a long breath, looking at Ruhaan. "Thank you. I don't know what I would've done without you today."

Ruhaan walked over to me, placing a hand gently on my shoulder. "You don't have to thank me. You never have to face her alone, Ariyana."

His words hit me deep, and I couldn't help the flutter of emotion that spread through me. It was always so simple with Ruhaan—he knew exactly when to be gentle and when to stand firm.

As if sensing my emotions, Ruhaan cupped my face, his touch warm and tender. "Ariyana," he whispered softly, "you're strong. You've been through so much already. And I promise, I'll never let you go through anything alone."

The raw honesty in his voice made my heart race. There was no doubt in my mind that Ruhaan was more than just someone who stood by me—he was the person who made me believe in myself again.

I leaned into his touch, my breath shaky. "I know, Ruhaan. I don't ever want to lose you."

He smiled, his thumb brushing across my cheek as he pulled me into a gentle embrace. "You won't. Not ever."

Ruhaan's POV

I could feel the weight of the world on Ariyana's shoulders, and I wanted nothing more than to take it all away. The constant stress of Mia's torment, the uncertainty of her father's return—it was all too much. And yet, Ariyana was still standing, still fighting.

But I could see the cracks forming, the toll it was taking on her. I couldn't let her fight alone. Not anymore.

As we stood there, in the silence of our shared space, I knew one thing for sure—I loved her. And I wasn't going to let anything tear us apart.

But I also knew that there were things left unsaid between us. Things that, if not addressed, would eventually break us.

I pulled back slightly, looking down at her. "Ariyana, there's something I need to tell you."

She tilted her head, her eyes curious. "What is it?"

I hesitated for a moment. This was the part where I would either make or break everything. But I couldn't hide from the truth anymore.

"I can't imagine my life without you," I said quietly, my voice thick with emotion. "You're not just someone I care about, Ari. You're... everything to me."

Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, I thought I had made a mistake. But then I saw the softness in her eyes, the way her lips parted slightly as if she were searching for the right words.

"I don't know what to say," she whispered. "I feel the same, but there's so much going on right now. I don't want to make any decisions while I'm still figuring things out with my father and Mia."

I nodded, understanding. I didn't want to rush her, not when she was already carrying so much.

"I'm not asking you to decide anything, Ariyana," I said, my hand finding hers. "I just needed you to know how I feel."

She looked up at me, her eyes filled with something I couldn't quite place. "I care about you too, Ruhaan. More than you know."

I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. For now, that was enough. We didn't need to have all the answers. Not yet. What mattered was that we had each other.

Later that Night

Ruhaan stayed over that night. We hadn't spoken much more about our feelings, but the silence between us wasn't awkward. It was comfortable. Peaceful.

As we lay side by side, the darkness of the room wrapped around us, I felt Ruhaan's hand find mine. His touch was tender, yet possessive, like he knew exactly where he wanted to be—in my life, and always by my side.

I turned to face him, my heart racing in my chest. "Ruhaan..."

"Hmm?" he whispered, his face inches from mine.

I wanted to say so much, but the words felt too heavy for tonight. So instead, I kissed him—slowly, gently, as if the world outside could wait.

Ruhaan responded immediately, his hand cupping my cheek as he deepened the kiss, his touch igniting something deep inside me. The intimacy between us was different now—more real, more raw.

When we finally pulled away, both of us breathless, Ruhaan rested his forehead against mine. "I'll never let you go, Ariyana. No matter what happens, I'm here."

I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of his words wash over me. For the first time in a long time, I felt at peace. Because no matter how complicated life got, I knew one thing for sure—Ruhaan was my home.

The uncertainty that had clouded my thoughts felt a little lighter now. With Ruhaan, I wasn't just facing my past and present—I was ready to face my future. Together.