Rayaan's pov:

The soft hum of the car engine was the only sound between us as I drove, the city lights flickering by. Arvi sat beside me, her silence filling the space. She was better now thankfully but the events of the last few hours still clung to me.

I glanced at her, her face pale but softened with relief. She wasn’t the strong, independent woman I knew right now. But she would be again, I had to believe that.

“Jaan,” I said softly, my eyes flicking to her for just a moment. “You’re okay now, right?”

She looked over at me, her lips curving into a small smile. But her eyes still held that tiredness, that vulnerability I never wanted to see in her again.

“I’m better,” she whispered, though I could tell she was still holding on to something still processing.

I couldn’t help but reach for her hand. My fingers brushed against hers, the simple touch grounding me. “Good,” I murmured, not needing any more words. I just needed to know she was okay.

“You really scared me,” I added, voice a little rougher than I intended. “Don’t do that again, okay?”

She glanced at me, her eyes softening. “I didn’t do it on purpose,” she said, a teasing glint coming into her voice. But it quickly faded, and she looked away, staring out at the dark streets.

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, the tension from the hospital still weighing on me. But now, driving her home, I felt a shift. We were going back to normal. Or at least, I hoped we were.

“Jaan,” I said again, a little more firmly this time, my voice slipping into that possessive softness I reserved only for her. “You need to rest. You’ve been through too much.”

She turned to face me, a weak but genuine smile tugging at her lips. “I don’t want to fall asleep yet. Not when you’re here.”

My heart twisted at the words, and I looked at her, my gaze lingering on her face for a moment longer than necessary. I wanted to protect her, keep her safe from everything that had happened.

“We’re almost there,” I said, my tone still soft but purposeful. I couldn’t hide the concern I felt for her, no matter how much I tried to.

“Mm-hmm,” she hummed in agreement, her eyes drooping as if sleep was trying to claim her. But she fought it.

The mansion came into view, the large gates slowly opening as we approached. I parked the car, not rushing, not wanting to disturb the calm between us.

“We’re home,” I said, turning to her. “Finally.”

Arvi looked up at me, that smile still lingering, though faint. “Thanks for being here with me.”

I leaned over, brushing her hair out of her face. My thumb traced the line of her cheek, so gently it was almost like I was afraid to break the moment. “I’ll always be here, Jaan,” I whispered, feeling the weight of the promise in my chest.

We got out of the car, and I helped her walk inside. My arm stayed around her, holding her close as if I never wanted to let go.

She looked up at me, her voice barely above a whisper. “Rayaan,” she said, her breath soft on my skin. “You really do love me, don’t you?”

I stopped in my tracks, my heart skipping a beat. She had to know. I had to show her. “I always have, Jaan,” I said, pulling her closer. “And I always will.”

She nodded, her eyes locking with mine, her lips quivering slightly as if fighting the tears. But she didn’t need to say anything else. We understood each other.

I kissed her forehead gently, the weight of everything lifting, just for a moment. “Let’s get inside. You need to rest.”

She leaned into me, her head on my shoulder. “With you by my side,” she murmured, “I think I’ll be alright.”

And in that moment, I knew no matter what happened, we’d face it together.

Arvi's pov:

The moment we stepped into the Oberoi Mansion, I felt the air shift. It was warm, filled with love, concern, and a sense of belonging I hadn’t known I needed.

Everyone welcomed me with open arms Maa hugged me tightly, Choti Maa kissed my forehead, and Vanisha, Aleesha, Arekha they all wrapped me in the kind of comfort only family could give.

I smiled through the flurry of emotions, my eyes quietly seeking one face Rayaan. He stood close, always watching, always ready.

As the greetings settled and everyone urged me to rest, Rayaan came beside me and, without a word, lifted me into his arms.

"Rayaan!" I gasped, surprised.

"Shh, Jaan," he whispered softly, "I’m just taking care of what’s mine."

His words made my cheeks flush, but I didn’t protest.

He carried me through the hallways, up the stairs, into our room. The door shut behind us with a soft click, and the moment we were alone, I looked at him, my heart beating faster.

"I want to tell you something," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He paused, helping me settle on the bed. “What is it, Arvi?”

"It’s about Vivaan," I murmured, keeping my gaze on his face.

He stiffened slightly but didn’t speak just waited, patiently.

I continued, “Vivaan told me that he is in love… with Nia.”

His expression shifted relief maybe but confusion still lingered.

“He loved her, Rayaan. Really loved her. But she didn’t love him back. And now… he’s marrying someone else. Not because he’s moved on but because he’s hurt.”

Rayaan’s brows drew together. He didn’t say anything at first.

“I thought you should know,” I said softly. “Because he might act okay in front of everyone, but I saw the pain in his eyes.”

He reached for my hand and held it firmly.

“He is stubborn,”he said, voice low.

I looked at him his concern for his brother clear now, along with that silent promise in his eyes.

That no one in this house would ever suffer alone again.

And in that moment, I felt proud to call him mine.

Rayaan stayed quiet for a second.

Then, he gently squeezed my hand and looked me straight in the eyes.

“Bacha… don’t take stress over this.”

His voice was calm, but firm. Assuring.

“I’ll talk to Vivaan. He’s my brother I’ll handle him.”

I blinked at him, feeling the tight knot in my chest loosen just a little.

“But he’s hurt” I whispered. “He hides it so well, but he’s not okay.”

“I know,” he said, softly now. “I see it too. And I promise… I won’t let him carry it alone.”

The way he said it so certain, so responsible it made something swell in my heart.

He wasn’t just my husband. He was a protector.

For me. For his family.

I nodded, quietly leaning my head against his shoulder.

And for a moment, we sat in that silence. Just breathing.

Together.

Rayaan's pov:

Arvi was asleep in my arms.

Her breath warm against my chest, her fingers still lightly curled around my shirt like she didn’t want to let go, even in her dreams.

I didn’t move for a while just held her, watching her sleep, memorizing the peace on her face.

God, after everything… she deserved this rest.

But her words kept echoing in my head.

Vivaan loves Nia… but she never loved him back.

I carefully shifted, laying her down gently on the bed. Tucked the blanket around her. Pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Sleep, jaan,” I whispered. “I’ll be back soon.”

I walked out of the room quietly, shutting the door behind me.

I knew where to find Vivaan. Alone, at the back balcony  his usual spot when he needed to escape the noise.

And this time, he wouldn’t escape me.

It was time to talk

I found him right where I expected  standing alone, leaning against the railing, staring out into the night like he was waiting for it to answer his silence.

“Vivaan,” I said quietly.

He turned, surprised at first  then looked away, jaw clenched. “Bhai…”

I walked over, stood beside him.

“You should’ve told me,” I said.

He didn’t respond.

I sighed. “About Nia.”

A bitter smile tugged at his lips. “What was the point? She made her choice. And now I’m making mine.”

“By marrying someone you don’t love?” I asked, watching him. “That’s not a choice, Vivaan. That’s punishment  for something that wasn’t even your fault.”

He swallowed hard, still not meeting my eyes.

“Arvi told me,” I added softly. “She was worried. She cares.”

He finally looked at me. “She… she told you everything?”

I nodded.

Silence stretched between us for a moment.

Then he spoke, voice low. “It hurts, bhai. Loving someone who doesn’t feel the same. I thought marrying someone else would fix it. Distract me. But…”

“It won’t,” I cut in. “You deserve love, Vivaan. Not silence. Not compromise.”

His eyes shimmered with something unsaid.

I placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not alone, okay? You never were. We’ll figure this out together.”

Vivaan’s lips trembled, but he nodded  slowly.

“Thank you, bhaii” he whispered.

He pulled me into a brief hug.

“For now,” I said, stepping back, “just don’t run away from what you feel. And don’t marry someone to forget.”

He looked down, nodding again.

And for the first time in a long time he looked like my little brother again.