(Aarohi pov)
The moment her eyes fell on him, Aarohi felt her entire world tilt.
Was it really him? Or was her exhausted, hungry, and abused mind playing cruel tricks?
"Ruhan…" his name escaped her lips in the softest whisper, almost as if saying it louder would break the fragile illusion standing in front of her.
Her heart pounded violently against her chest, hands turning clammy, feet frozen to the floor. He stood there—majestic, powerful, and devastatingly handsome. The boy who once shared his toffee with her… who once sat beside her in the orphanage garden, telling her silly stories… was now an intimidating man with an aura that could crush cities.
Why… why was he here?
Did he… did he even recognize her?
Was she visible to him in this broken, worn-out appearance?
Or was this another game of fate—showing her a glimpse of light only to snatch it away again?
She tried to convince herself to look away, to stop staring… but her heart refused to listen. Instead, it ached… ached seeing someone from her forgotten past standing in front of her like a storm ready to take everything away.
But before she could even step forward… a sharp shove from behind made her stumble, crashing harshly onto the cold floor.
Her breath hitched, a small cry of pain escaping her throat.
"Utho! Nazar lagana bandh kar uss par… kaam karna seekh!" Bina's shrill voice rang in her ears as Aarohi whimpered, trying to push herself up.
Before she could react further, strong, warm hands gently scooped her up—hands that held power, authority… but right now, they were trembling in worry.
Ruhan.
Her lashes fluttered in shock as she realized it wasn't a dream. It was him. Holding her like the most delicate thing in the world.
His jaw was clenched, eyes darkened, and every muscle in his body screamed of restrained rage.
"Are you okay? Kahin lagi toh nahi?" His voice was soft yet dangerous, trembling with emotion. His large palms cupped her cheeks, his eyes roamed her fragile face, inspecting every inch, every scar.
Aarohi felt the lump in her throat grow heavier. Her lips trembled, but words failed her.
Then… without any warning, Ruhan pulled her close—his arms wrapping around her like a shield, pressing her tightly against his chest.
Aarohi gasped, body stiffening in pure shock.
Tears she didn't know existed threatened to spill. This touch… this warmth… it was something she had craved in lonely nights when nobody cared if she even existed.
But… this felt too much.
"Please…" she whispered, her voice breaking, "Please chhodiye mujhe… it's hurting…"
Yet, Ruhan didn't budge.
His grip only tightened, his hand sliding protectively around her waist, his face buried in the crook of her neck.
It wasn't just a hug—it was desperation, longing, and raw obsession pouring out after twelve torturous years of separation.
"Main tumhe phir kabhi chhodunga nahi…" he murmured so low, she almost missed it.
Bina stood a few steps away, stunned into silence before regaining her sly composure. Her lips curved into a sinister smile, her eyes shining with evil amusement.
"Mr. Singhal… aap Aarohi ko jaante hain?" Bina asked sweetly, like a vulture circling her prey.
Ruhan didn't answer. His entire focus was on Aarohi, who trembled within his hold.
Kabir stepped forward, breaking the intense atmosphere. "Boss…"
Ruhan blinked, as if waking from a trance, finally realizing the grip he had on the delicate girl.
The moment his hands loosened, Aarohi's weak body gave away—she collapsed in his arms, fainting.
"Purple… Purple! Open your eyes!" Ruhan's panic was instant, his hand gently patting her cheeks, his voice desperate.
Bina sauntered closer, brushing invisible dust off her designer clothes, her fake concern evident.
"Koi tension ki baat nahi Mr. Singhal… yeh toh thodi kamzor hai… stress mein behosh hoti rehti hai…," she shrugged nonchalantly, enjoying the scene play out.
Ruhan's eyes snapped up, fury evident.
"Call a doctor… NOW!" he barked at Kabir, who instantly took out his phone.
Aarohi's limp body remained cradled in Ruhan's arms as he carried her out like a wounded bird, refusing to let anyone else even touch her.
For the first time in twelve years… she wasn't left lying on the floor… someone had cared enough to lift her.
◇◇◇
Hours later…
Aarohi stirred, her lashes fluttering against her cheeks, her head aching as she slowly sat up.
Her eyes blinked open—only to widen in complete shock.
This… this wasn't her dingy room with broken walls and peeling paint.
This was a royal suite, with marble flooring, velvet drapes, and the softest mattress beneath her.
Panic rose like bile in her throat.
"Where am I…?" her shaky voice broke through the silence.
The door creaked open and a stunning girl in her mid-twenties walked in, dressed in comfortable designer wear, carrying a gentle smile.
"Hey… don't panic, okay? You're safe," she said softly, sitting beside her.
Aarohi shrunk back instinctively.
The girl noticed and softened her tone, extending her palm to cup Aarohi's face, rubbing her thumb comfortingly.
"I'm Sara… Ruhan's best friend. You can call me Sara, baby Purple."
Aarohi blinked, confusion flooding her.
Baby Purple…? She barely remembered anyone calling her that… except one boy… years ago.
"Mujhe ghar jaana hai…" her voice cracked. "Mujhe ghar jaana hai please… mujhe yahan nahi rehna… I… I don't even know you…" Her body shook, fear returning with full force.
Sara's smile dimmed, but before she could answer, a spine-chilling, commanding voice filled the room.
"You're not going anywhere…"
Aarohi's breath hitched.
"…tum yahin rahogi. Mere saath. Hamesha ke liye."
Her head turned slowly, tears brimming, heart thudding.
There… standing tall by the doorway, in a crisp black suit, was Ruhan Singh Singhal.
His presence consumed the entire space.
And in that moment… every instinct inside her screamed—she would never escape now.
Thankyou 💜