Author's POV

Two days later...

The airport was buzzing with activity. Travelers hurried about, dragging their suitcases through the bustling terminal.

The sound of announcements has echoed, blending with the sound of rolling luggage and in the talk of people.

Amidst the vibrant scene, the sliding glass door of the arrivals gate whooshed open, and a young army man stepped out. He is 27, his posture straight, dressed in a crisp uniform that marked him as a member of armed forces. His luggage, a sturdy olive duffel bag -- hung casually over his shoulder. His demonar is commanding, excluding authority and discipline. As he move out of the area few people were seeing his uniform looking at him respectful manner and some were admiring making him nod politely.

As he scane the area, his gaze locks onto a sleek black car waiting nearby. With measured steps, he approaches and settle into backseat.

The car smoothly left the busy traffic behind and, after a lengthy journey of about an hour, came to a stop in front of an imposing building. As he stepped out, he noticed a man waiting in a nearby vehicle, who then led him to his destination.

He pushed open the glass doors and entered an expansive, empty room. His gaze, vacant and lost, swept across the room before settling on a solitary figure seated on a sofa, facing away from him.

Drawing a deep, steadying breath, he advanced toward her with measured, deliberate steps. Each step seemed to tell its own story, while his eyes betrayed a storm of emotions.

Nisha sensed his approach, her heart pounding in her chest. She remained still, struggling to keep her composure. When he finally placed a hand on her shoulder and uttered her name in a voice choked with emotion, she could no longer contain herself.

"Nisha..."

As his voice reached her, tears welled up uncontrollably in her eyes. She stood, her emotions breaking free, and turned towards him. With a desperate need for connection, she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly as she sobbed.

"Arjun..."

Arjun cradled her in his arms, feeling her tears seep through his uniform, each drop cutting into his heart. He closed his eyes, pressing his face into her hair, his own tears silently falling. Her soft sobs echoed in his chest, and he ached to see her face, though he held back, letting the moment linger as if their embrace could mend their pain.

Nisha slowly lifted her head, her eyes meeting his for the first time. His gaze was filled with a love so deep it seemed to reach her very soul. She hesitated, reaching out to touch his face, then stopped.

Arjun, sensing her uncertainty, gently guided her hand to his cheek. Her fingers brushed away, moving instead to the bandage on his head. Her touch was tender, exploring his wound with care, and he watched her with a gentle smile.

A few moments later, he spoke up, "Mom is coming to your house to discuss our marriage."

Nisha paused, her figure frozen as she turned to look at him. He continued, his voice steady but full of hope, "Will you marry me?"

She gazed into his eyes, which were brimming with anticipation. Tears welled up in her eyes as she nodded and broke into a soft, emotional smile. Their eyes locked, and his face radiated happiness, with his eyes sparkling like stars.

Just then, the room's atmosphere shifted as Angad and Aadir entered, their soft gazes and smiles pulling Nisha and Arjun out of their intimate moment and back to reality.

"So, it's a happy ending?" Aadir asked, stopping in front of them with a curious smile.

Arjun took a step forward and said warmly, "Thank you, Mr. Aadir Singhania."

Aadir smiled and shook his head, signaling that no thanks were needed. His gaze shifted to Nisha, who, with tears in her eyes and a radiant smile, expressed her gratitude.

As she approached him, Nisha softly said, "Thank you."

"I found my love. Now it's your turn. Take her," she said, her voice gentle and filled with meaning as she subtly indicated something to him.

Aadir's smile faded slightly as he recognized the familiar face, the dark circles under her eyes bringing back poignant memories.

Tumhari aankhon ke tale ke gham ke saaye mit jaayein,
Chandani si roshni tumare nighaon ko mehkaaye.

"Say my thanks to everyone at home," Nisha said. Aadir, coming out of his thoughts, nodded in acknowledgment.

Nisha moved closer to Arjun, who placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Let's go," he said, and she nodded in agreement.

Arjun turned back to them and said, "Thank you once again, Mr. Singhania. We'll take our leave now."

Angad nodded and added, "Our driver will personally escort you to your destination. Please don't refuse, considering your injury."

Aadir nodded in agreement.

As Nisha and Arjun took one last look back, they moved toward the glass door where Khanna was already waiting. He guided them to the car, and they settled into the back seat. Nisha rested her head on Arjun's chest, while he gently kissed her forehead. Khanna took his place in the passenger seat as the driver started the car.

During their journey, Nisha and Arjun held each other's hands, savoring the moment.

"One story must end for a new one to begin."

Angad and Aadir watched the car drive away. Angad turned to his twin brother, placing a hand on his shoulder and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

---

Singhania mansion

In the grand hall, Antara Singhania and Drishti discussed the intricate preparations for the upcoming maha puja, ensuring every detail was perfect.

Antara turned to Siya, who had been sitting on the sofa, noting her improved condition. "Siya, is the guest list prepared?"

"Yes, Maa," Siya assured her. "I've written it up; you can add anyone who's missing."

As Antara stood, taking the list and headed toward her room, she paused, captivated by the enormous photo frame displayed prominently on the wall.

There was a large picture on the wall among other family photos. As she approached, her reflection appeared on the glass of the picture. The photo showed four people standing with strong expressions on their faces. Their faces shone brightly, illuminated like the sun.

---

Angad and Aadir were seated in the hall when Divit emerged from the kitchen, carrying coffee for them. His face bore a sulky expression, clearly displeased with being tasked to make the coffee under his brothers' orders, especially when they refused to share any details with him.

Divit placed the coffee in front of them, his frustration palpable. Angad and Aadir exchanged knowing glances and side-eye winks, silently amused by Divit's sullen demeanor.

As Divit handed over the coffee mugs with a mix of irritation and defiance, his eyes, though angry, carried a hint of helplessness. Hearing the giggles from his grandma and mom, he turned towards them, feeling even more frustrated. He stood there, arms folded, his irritation evident as he tried to maintain his composure.

"Let's go upstairs," Angad said.

Aadir stood up immediately, casting a quick glance at Divit, who remained motionless. He placed a reassuring hand on Divit's shoulder, guiding him to follow.

Angad settled into the plush sofa, dialing a number on his phone.

Aakriti answered, her voice light. "Hello?"

Adopting a serious tone, Angad replied, "There are orders for you from the high command, Mrs. Aakriti Kabir Singhania. Be serious."

Aakriti stifled a laugh but quickly regained her composure. "Okay, okay."

"Listen carefully. There's an important ceremony coming up. Keep everything I say in mind."

As Angad detailed the ceremony's significance, Aakriti listened intently now, her expression turning thoughtful.

As they were nearing the end of their conversation, Kabir entered the room and sat down next to Aakriti. He noticed her serious demeanor and heard Angad's stern voice, which only added to his confusion.

Gently patting Aakriti's shoulder, Kabir leaned in and, with a questioning glance, aakriti mouthed, "What?"

Aakriti, still focusing on the conversation, leaned closer. Kabir then covered the phone with his hand and whispered in her ear, "Ask him when Maan will be coming home."

Aakriti looked perplexed and shook his head, clearly unsure of what was happening.

Turning to Angad, she asked, "Angad, when is Bhaiya coming home?"

Angad's response was laced with sarcasm. "Whoever is sitting next to you and asking that question, just tell him he can ask it himself." His tone was sharp, but it was clear both Aakriti and Kabir understood the underlying message. Aakriti almost broke into a smile but stopped herself when she noticed Kabir's growing frustration.

Kabir's eyes narrowed as he absorbed Angad's sarcastic and serious reply. His frustration was palpable, and the tension in the room was almost tangible. As he hear laughing sound before cutting the call.

                           ******

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