His Bride

25 / The Final Hunt

Arushi's Pov

The revelation of my past had changed everything. The family looked at me differently—not with fear, but with newfound respect. Even though Dhruv had always known parts of my past, hearing the full truth had solidified our bond. But there was no time for emotions now.

Saif had resurfaced, and he wanted blood.

The weight of the situation settled heavily on my shoulders. I sat in Dhruv's study, surrounded by his brothers and a few trusted men. A map of the city lay open before us, marked with the locations of Saif's possible hideouts. Dhruv's brothers, Naksh and Lakshay, stood by the window, tension radiating from their stiff postures. Hardik leaned over the table, studying the map with a deep frown. Dhruv sat next to me, his arm brushing against mine—a silent reassurance that he was with me no matter what.

"We need to be strategic," Dhruv said, his voice sharp and controlled. "If he's planning an attack, we take the fight to him first."

"He'll expect that," I countered, my eyes fixed on the map. "Saif isn't stupid. He's survived this long because he's always a step ahead. We need to lure him out."

Naksh frowned, his jaw tightening. "And how do you suggest we do that?"

I inhaled deeply, meeting Dhruv's gaze. His dark eyes narrowed as if he could already sense what I was about to say.

"We give him exactly what he wants—me."

The room erupted in protests. Naksh's hand slammed down on the table, and Lakshay's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Absolutely not!" Dhruv's voice cut through the noise, sharp and commanding. He stood abruptly, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. "You are not putting yourself in harm's way."

"I know what I'm doing," I said firmly.

"You think that matters?" Dhruv's jaw tightened. "He's already tried to kill you before. What makes you think you'll survive if you hand yourself over?"

"Because this time, I'm prepared," I replied. My voice was steady, but my heart hammered against my chest. "Saif won't stop until I'm dead. If I confront him on my terms, I control the outcome."

Dhruv's eyes darkened, his chest rising and falling heavily. He stepped toward me, lowering his voice so only I could hear. "You are my wife. Aadhi's mother. You don't get to put yourself in danger alone."

"This isn't just about me," I whispered back. "This is about ending this nightmare once and for all. For my parents. For Aarav. For Aadhi. I can't live in fear anymore, and I won't let him take another person I love."

Silence settled over the room. Everyone's eyes were on me. Hardik's expression was grim, Naksh's fists were curled, and Lakshay's mouth pressed into a thin line. But it was Dhruv's gaze that pierced me the most—filled with a mix of anger and worry.

Finally, Dhruv exhaled, his grip on my hand tightening. His voice was low, but resolute. "Fine. But I'm coming with you."

I smiled slightly. "I never expected anything less."

Naksh shook his head. "This is insane."

Lakshay leaned back against the window. "How exactly are we supposed to bait Saif?"

"Simple." I pulled out my phone, opening a secure messaging app. "We make him think I'm alone. Vulnerable."

Hardik's eyes narrowed. "He'll bring his men."

"I'm counting on it," I said. "The moment he takes the bait, we strike."

"What's the backup plan?" Naksh asked.

"There isn't one," Dhruv answered coldly.

Lakshay's eyes sharpened. "If something goes wrong—"

"It won't," I interrupted. "Because this time, I'm finishing it."

Dhruv's hand brushed against mine. "We'll surround the location. If anyone gets close to you, they'll die before they can touch you."

A strange calm settled over me. My pulse slowed, my breathing evened out. This was what I had trained for. I had spent years sharpening my skills—hiding, surviving, waiting for the moment to take down the man who destroyed my family. And now it was here.

"I'll message Saif," I said. "We meet tomorrow night."

Dhruv's eyes darkened. "Tomorrow night, Saif dies."

My lips curved into a hard smile. "Yes. He does."

⸻

The rest of the day passed in a blur of preparation. Dhruv's men equipped the warehouse with hidden cameras and traps. His brothers positioned security at every possible exit. My mind was focused, clear. My body moved on instinct as I prepared my weapons—two handguns, a combat knife, and a backup pistol strapped to my ankle.

Dhruv found me in the bedroom that evening, standing in front of the mirror, strapping a holster beneath my saree. He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching me with a hard expression.

"You're not scared?" he asked.

"Fear is for people who have something to lose," I replied.

Dhruv's eyes darkened. He crossed the room and stood behind me, his hands resting on my shoulders. "You have something to lose, Arushi."

I closed my eyes as his warmth settled against my back. "Then I have no choice but to win."

He turned me toward him, his thumb brushing over my cheek. "Promise me you'll come back."

I looked into his eyes. "I don't break promises."

His lips curved slightly. "Good. Because if you die, I'm following you."

My breath hitched. "Dhruv—"

"Don't argue," he whispered, his lips brushing over mine. "We fight together. Or not at all."

I kissed him deeply, feeling the weight of tomorrow pressing against my chest. His arms wrapped around me, grounding me, protecting me.

When we finally pulled apart, Dhruv rested his forehead against mine. "We end this tomorrow."

"Yes," I whispered. "Tomorrow."