CHAPTER2 [ BACK TO HOME]
Vihaan had just landed in India.
The moment he stepped out of the airport, a familiar face was already waiting.
Karan.
His best friend.
A wide grin spread across Karan’s face as he walked up to him.
“Welcome back, brother.”
Vihaan gave a brief nod, his expression unreadable.
Karan smirked, slipping his hands into his pockets.
“So… what made you come back? Missing us already? I mean, it’s only been… what… four years?”
No response.
Not a single word.
Vihaan simply walked past him and got into the car.
Karan chuckled under his breath.
“Still the same.”
---
The car sped through the quiet roads of the city and soon stopped in front of the Singhania Mansion.
A place that didn’t just stand… it dominated.
Massive iron gates opened automatically.
Inside, the driveway stretched long and grand, lined with perfectly trimmed trees and warm golden lights.
The mansion itself was nothing less than royal.
Towering structure. Marble finish.
And right at the center — a magnificent crystal chandelier visible through the tall glass windows, lighting up the entire interior like a palace.
Every corner spoke of power… legacy… and control.
Without wasting a second, Vihaan stepped inside.
---
It was dinner time.
The entire family was gathered at the dining table, unaware of what was about to happen.
Soft conversations filled the room.
And then—
A voice.
Deep. Calm.
“Kaisi ho… My lady."
The spoon slipped from his mother’s hand.
Silence fell instantly.
She slowly turned around…
And there he was.
Vihaan Singhania.
For a second, no one moved.
And then—
“Vihaan!”
She rushed towards him, her eyes already filled with tears, pulling him into a tight embrace.
---
At the same time…
Aarohi had just landed.
Standing outside the airport, she paused.
Her grip tightened around her bag.
For a moment… she didn’t move.
Going back wasn’t easy.
Not for her.
She looked ahead, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
But then… she took a breath.
And stepped forward.
“Cab?” the driver asked.
“Yes.”
Her voice was calm… but her thoughts weren’t.
---
The car ride felt longer than usual.
Every turn brought her closer to something she wasn’t ready to face.
And then—
The car stopped.
“Ma’am, Mehra Mansion.”
Aarohi looked up.
The mansion stood tall.
Elegant. Spacious. Well-lit.
But quieter than expected.
It was grand… but not overwhelming.
Not like the Singhania Mansion.
There was warmth here.
But also distance.
She stepped out of the car, her eyes fixed on the gate in front of her.
For a second… she hesitated.
Then slowly—
She walked in.
---