His Bride

27 / New Beginnings

Arushi's Pov

One Year Later

The sun was setting over the sprawling gardens of the Chauhan estate, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson. A soft breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the scent of jasmine and freshly cut grass. Laughter echoed through the air—the light, carefree sound of a child's joy.

I stood beneath the shaded archway of the terrace, watching Aadhi run through the garden, her long hair flowing behind her as she chased a butterfly. Her dress fluttered in the breeze, her face lit with unfiltered happiness.

"She looks happy," Dhruv's deep voice murmured from behind me.

I felt the warmth of his body as he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me against his side. His chin rested on my shoulder, his breath tickling my skin.

"She is," I smiled, leaning into him. "And so am I."

Aadhi squealed with delight as Naksh scooped her up and spun her in the air. Lakshay and Hardik stood nearby, cheering her on, while Dadi and Baba sat beneath a canopy, smiling as they watched the scene unfold. Chachu and Chachi were sitting on the grass, laughing as they played with the younger cousins.

My heart swelled at the sight of this—the peace and unity that had settled over the Chauhan family after the storm we had endured.

"Did you ever think life would feel this... normal?" Dhruv asked, his hand trailing up my arm.

I smiled faintly. "No. Honestly, I never thought I'd survive long enough to feel this kind of peace."

Dhruv turned me toward him, his dark eyes soft and warm as they studied my face. He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch lingering on my cheek.

"You're not surviving anymore, Arushi," he said quietly. "You're living."

My chest tightened. He was right. For years, I had lived in the shadows, constantly looking over my shoulder, waiting for the past to catch up with me. But Saif was gone. The man who had haunted my nightmares, who had stolen my family, was dead.

I was free.

Dhruv's thumb brushed over my lower lip. His gaze darkened slightly as his eyes traced the outline of my mouth.

"You know," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin, "I still haven't properly thanked you for saving my company."

I arched a brow. "Oh? And how do you plan on doing that?"

He smiled, that wickedly charming smile that still made my knees weak. His hand slid down to the small of my back, tugging me closer.

"I have a few ideas," he murmured.

I laughed, my hands sliding up his chest. "You always have ideas."

He leaned down, his lips grazing my ear. "And you always like them."

Before I could respond, Aadhi's voice broke through the moment.

"Mama! Papa!"

We turned to see her running toward us, her cheeks flushed pink, a huge smile on her face. Dhruv let go of me just in time to scoop her up into his arms.

"There's my princess!" he grinned, spinning her around until she was giggling breathlessly.

"Papa, can we get ice cream?" she asked, her big, innocent eyes working their magic.

Dhruv chuckled. "Only if Mama says yes."

I smiled, pretending to consider it. "Well... I suppose one scoop wouldn't hurt."

Aadhi's eyes sparkled. "Yay!"

Dhruv kissed her forehead, setting her down. "Go tell Lakshay to take you."

Aadhi kissed my cheek before running off. I watched her go, my heart swelling.

"She loves you," I whispered.

Dhruv's hand slid around my waist again. "She's my daughter," he said firmly. "In every way that matters."

I turned toward him, resting my hands on his chest. "And I'm your wife."

His eyes softened. "Yes, you are."

He kissed me, his lips soft and lingering against mine. It wasn't rushed or desperate like before. It was slow, deep—like a promise.

"You know," he whispered against my lips, "when you told the family about your past, I thought they might look at you differently. But they love you even more now."

"I know." I smiled. "They've given me something I didn't think I'd ever have again—a family."

"And me?" he teased, brushing his nose against mine.

"You?" I murmured. "You gave me my life back."

His arms tightened around me. "Then I guess I'm never letting go."

"Good," I whispered. "Because I'm not going anywhere."

We stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the world fading away around us.

Later that evening, after everyone had gathered for dinner, I sat beside Dhruv at the long dining table. Aadhi sat between Dhruv and Baba, happily chattering about her day. Lakshay and Naksh were arguing over something trivial, while Hardik watched them with amused disbelief. Dadi and Chachi were whispering and laughing together, and Chachu was attempting to get Chacha to try some spicy chutney.

It was loud. Chaotic. Perfect.

Dhruv leaned toward me, his hand resting on my knee beneath the table. "You're thinking too much."

I smiled. "Just... taking it all in."

He kissed my temple. "You deserve this."

After dinner, as the family settled in the living room, Dhruv pulled me aside. We stood beneath the stars, the night air cool and crisp. His hands framed my face, his eyes searching mine.

"I know you think that part of your life is over now," he said.

"It is," I replied.

"But you'll always be Trivarna," he said softly. "Not because of what you've done—but because of the strength it took to survive."

My eyes burned with sudden emotion. "I'm not her anymore."

"You're right," he whispered. "Now... you're Arushi Chauhan."

I smiled. "And that's all I want to be."

Dhruv smiled, brushing his lips over mine. "Good."

I leaned into his kiss, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my chest.

For years, my life had been a fight for survival. But now...

I was finally home..