Author's POV

Aradhna had returned after freshening up, and a sense of calm now enveloped the living room where her family and loved ones awaited her explanations.

"Bhabhi, how did you know about the terrorists?" Vihaan inquired with genuine curiosity.

"Vihaan, I work with the Government of India. I receive notifications about such activities before they become public knowledge. I had to leave and assist the CM. Considering the dangerous circumstances, it wasn't safe for any of you to return to Mumbai, so I arranged this farmhouse for your safety before departing for Dehradun," Aradhna replied, her eyes reflecting the weight of her responsibilities.

"But why did you go, even when you knew the CM was in danger?" Abhimaan's father inquired, his concern etched on his face.

"Uncle, I had no choice. It's my duty," Aradhna stated, emphasizing the unwavering commitment that came with her role.

Karan leaned in with a burning question. "How did you escape the attack yesterday morning?"

Aradhna hesitated, grappling with the challenge of presenting the truth. She wasn't with the CM during the supposed attack. Instead, she had been at a separate location, defusing a bomb. The news of the attack was deliberately fabricated by the Indian government to prevent public panic regarding the explosive device. In reality, the casualties reported were members of the terrorist group, and the injured were in custody for further investigation. However, due to complex international politics, these facts couldn't be disclosed to the public.

Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, Aradhna finally replied, "All thanks to the Indian Army and Police forces around us."

"Now, is the situation under control?" Ayesha asked

"Yes, it is." Aradhna said with a smile and continued," We can leave for Mumbai day after tomorrow." 

Everyone nodded their head and had dinner. 

Aradhna returned to her room, ready to unwind and get some rest. She had barely settled in when there came a soft but persistent knock at her door. Wondering who could be visiting at this late hour, she opened the door and was met with the heartwarming sight of her entire family gathered outside.

Without a moment's hesitation, Rishabh stepped forward and wrapped his sister in a bear hug, overwhelming her with his relief. Following suit, Vikram held Aradhna tightly, expressing his joy at her safe return. The emotional embrace moved from one family member to another, with her father, mother, and bhabhi all holding her close, their eyes glistening with tears of happiness.

"Are yaar Mumma, bhabhi kya hua, theek hoon main." Aradhna reassured them, her voice filled with warmth and comfort.

"Chalo, guys, let's sit and talk," Aradhna suggested, and they all settled down, forming a protective circle around her. Aradhna reclined, resting her head on her mother's lap, feeling the soothing presence of her loved ones.

"Aradhna, bache, tu theek hai na?" her father inquired, his eyes searching her face for any sign of distress.

"Haan, meri jaan, bilkul theek," Aradhna replied dramatically, eliciting soft chuckles from her family. The camaraderie and love that bound them together felt like a comforting balm after the intense experiences of the past days.

Rishabh and Vikram, the caring brothers that they were, approached Aradhna with the intention of tending to her injuries. Rishabh offered his support while Vikram gently began changing her dressing. As they worked, Rishabh couldn't help but hiss in pain, and Vikram's eyes welled up with tears, moved by the depth of their sibling bond.

Aradhna understood that no matter how much she and her brothers bickered and teased one another, their love ran deep. After the dressing was changed, she hugged Rishabh and Vikram once more, conveying her love and gratitude. As the night concluded, her family knew her well enough not to probe about the details of her mission. They were content to have her safe and sound.

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The Next Morning

Abhimaan's POV

It is our last day in Nainital and we are going back to Mumbai tomorrow. I wanted some moments of peace and I took Aradhna with me to Naini lake. She is my peace. Currently we are seated in front of lake and no one is around. Aradhna had kept her head on my shoulder and was hugging my bicep.

"Maan" she called me out and I hummed. 

"What is wrong? You have not been yourself since morning." She asked and I was shocked that she noticed. Even though my family loves me, they've never been able to tell when I am not feeling good. Every year on this day, I put on a happy face and everyone believes in it but she noticed.

"You noticed?" I asked her

"Of course I did." She said and I took a deep breath and lay on her lap. She was startled for a moment but then started combing her fingers through my hair making me sigh in relief. 

"I lost her today, 18 years ago." I finally said

"You lost whom?" Aradhna asked

"My mother" 

"Your mother?" 

"Shradha maa isn't my real mother. My real mother was Radha maa." I said and hugged her stomach. She kissed my head.

"I was only 7 at the time, and Vihaan and Ayesha were just 1 year old. We had a blissful family. But on this day 18 years ago, I lost my maa forever." I said

"You remember the terrorist attack in Varanasi, 18 years ago?" I asked and she nodded.

"We were in Varanasi during that time. Dad had a business meeting there and had gone for that. I along with maa and the twins were in our hotel suite. I was in the living room, playing with my toys, while Ayesha and Vihaan were nestled in their crib. My mother, Radha Maa, was singing a lullaby to them. She had the most beautiful voice, and it felt like her singing could make all the pain in the world disappear."

As I continued Aradhna listened in silence, her fingers continuing to stroke his hair, offering him her unwavering support.

"The terrorists entered our suite, armed with weapons and hatred in their hearts," he continued. "I hid under the dining table, terrified by the loud noises and shouting. I watched as they confronted my mother. She tried to shield Ayesha and Vihaan, but they showed no mercy. 

They... they... took her away from us, Aradhna.They shoot my mother right in front of me. The echoes of her lullaby were silenced forever, and with her, the light in our home was extinguished. And you know the worst part? They even took away her body." I said and started sobbing. 

"When I got to know that you were in danger, that too because of the terrorists, it felt like my world had shattered, the day rewinded in front of my eyes and I couldn't even bear the thought of loosing you." I said and she hugged me tight.

"I am so sorry Maan" She said while hugging me tight.

"I remember that day in Varanasi," he continued, his voice trembling. "The room filled with terror, the cries of the twins, the fear that had paralysed me. I couldn't do anything to protect her, Aradhna. I was only a child, but I felt like a coward, helpless in the face of such cruelty."

"My mother's voice, her presence, her love... all taken away in an instant,"

Aradhna gently stroked my hair, her touch a soothing balm. "You're not a coward, Maan. You were just a child, and even the bravest of adults would have been overwhelmed by such a horrifying situation."

"It was Shradha Maa, my father's second wife, who became our strength after that day. She stepped into the role of a mother without hesitation, nurturing us, loving us, and helping us heal. She may not be my biological mother, but her love has been a blessing.She never had a child of her own just so that I twins never feel insecure." I said

"You've been incredibly brave, Maan, to carry that pain with you all these years. Your mother would be proud of the person you've become, and Shradha Maa, too, for the love and care she has given you." Aradhna said 

We sat there for a long time with me keeping my head on her lap and she moving her fingers in my hair. 

"Jaan?" I called her finally breaking the silence.

"Hmm" She hummed.

"I know you didn't tell the truth yesterday. But I will wait for you to tell me the truth whenever you trust me enough to tell it to me." I said looking straight into her eyes. 

She closed her eyes, took a deep breathe and said, "Maan, I need to tell you something."

"Not now Aradhna, whenever you trust me." I said

"I trust you enough Maan, more than anyone in this world." She said and I got up and kissed her forehead. She looked straight into my eyes and said, "You remember I told you that I don't have a convenient job nor do I have convenient working hours." She asked and I nodded my head.

"Do you remember I had to leave suddenly the day you came to my house and then I had to leave for work for a few days before coming to Nainital?" She asked and I again nodded my head.

"Do you know abut RAW?" She asked and I was confused not knowing where this was going but I again nodded my head in a yes.

She took a deep breath, held my hand and said," I work for RAW."

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How do you feel About Abhimaan's Mother? How do you think will he react to Aradhna's Revelations.

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