Today, I woke up early and made sure to reach college on time. I didn't want to be caught in any mess again. Now I'm sitting in class, and Nia keeps asking me about my eyes. They were puffy from all the crying, but I didn't have the heart to tell her the truth. I just said I had a headache. She's already done so much for me I didn't want to worry her more.

After college, I went straight home, took a quick shower I smelled awful and got dressed in my uniform. I was unsure if I should even go to work, but this job is the only source of income I have.

As I stood outside the restaurant, my heart felt unbearably heavy. I walked in and saw people chatting, laughing, eating just living their lives. I slowly made my way toward the other staff. Afreen saw me and instantly pulled me into a hug. I assured her I was fine, even though I was anything but fine..

That's when the boss walked up to me.

"Arvi, you better not trouble yourself by coming here again. You're fired," he said coldly.

Hearing the word fired felt like the ground had disappeared from under my feet.

"Sir, please," I said, tears filling my eyes. "This is my only income. Please don't do this."

Afreen pleaded with him too, but he silenced her and ordered the rest of the staff to leave as well.

"You may leave now," he said to me. I stood there, frozen, tears streaming down my cheeks.

I somehow managed to walk out of there. My dreams...my hope...everything shattered in an instant. I thought of calling Nia but no, I couldn't burden her again. This is your fate, Arvi, I told myself. You have to face it alone.

I walked aimlessly, the city unfamiliar around me, until I heard voices behind me. Five boys on bikes were hooting and calling out to me.

"Afsara jaisi ladki humse bhaag ke kahan jaa rahi hai?" one of them jeered.

I ignored them and walked faster. They followed. Panic kicked in I ran. My vision blurred, and then everything went dark.

.

.

.

When I opened my eyes, I was lying in a bed, a drip in my hand. I tried to sit up, confused and scared, when the door creaked open. Two women entered one carrying a tray.

"Beta, don't get up. You're weak, take some rest," one of them said kindly.

"Aunty, where am I? I'm sorry, but I don't know you," I said, nervous and overwhelmed.

She sat beside me and gently took my hand. "I found you lying unconscious on the road. I couldn't leave you there, so I brought you home."

Reality hit me, and without thinking, I hugged her.

"Thank you, aunty... thank you for saving me."

She hugged me back. "No need to thank me, beta. You're like my daughter."

That word daughter it had been so long since anyone had called me that. I couldn't hold back my tears.

The other lady asked me gently, "But beta, what were you doing on that road?"

And I don't know why, but I told them everything my name, my job, how I lost it. Not for sympathy... but because, somehow, they made me feel safe. Like I belonged.

"Don't worry, we're with you now," they said.

"No aunty, I can't stay here. I don't want to be a burden," I tried to explain, getting up.

But she held my hand tightly. "The doctor said you're weak. Please, stay just a few more days. For me."

Something about her words touched my heart. "Okay, aunty. But only for two days."

She smiled, and the other woman brought me juice and fruits. They left, telling me to rest.

As I looked around the room, I was stunned. It was bigger than the entire apartment I used to rent. There was a walk-in closet, a huge dressing table, a queen-sized bed, even a balcony with a swing. And then I realized...I hadn't even asked their names.

Downstairs-

"Bhabi, did we do the right thing?" Jaya asked Sulekha, concern in her eyes.

"Of course, Jaya. Did you not see how she was fighting in her sleep? That girl is broken. She has no one. If I hadn't reached in time..." Sulekha's voice trailed off.

"You did the right thing, bhabhi. But I'm just worried... what if Rayaan says something? We brought a stranger into our home," Jaya said hesitantly.

"Don't worry. I'll handle Rayaan," Sulekha replied firmly.

Arvi's Room

Knock knock

"Come in," I said softly.

The door opened, and three girls walked in with a boy behind them. I sat up, nervous.

"Hello Arvi, I'm Vivaan. These are my sisters Vanisha, Arekha, and Aleesha," the boy said with a smile.

"Hello," I greeted them, trying to smile.

"Hope you're feeling better now?" Arekha asked gently.

"Yes, thank you."

"Arvi, don't be afraid of us. We're all the same here," she said.

"Yes, consider this your own home, Arvi di," Vanisha added warmly.

I smiled. "Thank you."

"I think we just found the fourth member of our girl gang," Aleesha chirped excitedly.

They all laughed and Vivaan pouted, "Please let me in the group too!"

"Focus on your work or bhai won't spare you!" they teased him.

Hearing bhai, I realized there was someone else... another brother. Someone I hadn't met yet.

Later, aunty came to my room with clothes. I told her she didn't need to I'd manage but she insisted. Now the staff was arranging everything in the closet jewelry, footwear, even nightwear. It felt like a dream.

A staff member came to inform me, "Ma'am, Sulekha madam is calling you for dinner."

I went downstairs, heart racing. The dining table was enormous. As I walked in, everyone smiled at me. Sulekha aunty gestured to the seat beside her.

As I sat, I noticed two uncles were already there. Aunty introduced me to them I learned they were the husbands of Sulekha aunty and Jaya aunty.

"Beta, make yourself comfortable here," one of them said kindly.

I just nodded, still not used to so much warmth.

"Mukesh ji, is Rayaan coming home tonight?" Sulekha aunty asked suddenly.

That name...Rayaan. My heart skipped a beat. Why?

"No, he said he'll return after two or three days," Mukesh uncle replied.

"He just came yesterday and now he's off again," aunty said, sighing.

"Don't worry, mom. Bhai will be back soon," one of the girls reassured her.

After dinner, as I headed back to my room, someone grabbed me from behind. I gasped, ready to scream until I saw it was Vivaan.

"Arvi, don't scream it's me," he whispered.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, startled.

"Not just me. We," he smirked, and his sisters appeared behind him.

"We've decided to watch a movie... in the theatre," Arekha said with excitement.

"A theatre? At this time?" I asked, confused.

"Arvi di, don't worry. The theatre's in our house," Vanisha grinned.

My mouth formed a perfect "O."

We watched the movie together. But I wasn't really paying attention. I was mesmerized by their bond their laughter, their teasing. It reminded me of the siblings I never had. I've always longed for this kind of love. For the first time in 22 years... I felt genuinely happy.

No one questioned me. No one judged me. They simply welcomed me.

But somewhere deep inside, a strange feeling lingered. Something tells me this peace won't last forever. My life took a U-turn the moment I met this family, and now... I can't help but wonder what my destiny has in store for me next.

Authors Note:

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Let me know if you'd like any changes or want more drama, softness, or emotional twists added.

Keep voting.

Keep commenting.

With love,

Imsal.

Some ideas of her room♡



The closet



Balcony



Room



Dressing table