The city lights still glowed outside the glass walls, but inside, the room was silent — except for the slow, steady breathing of two people who had just crossed a line they could never step back from.
Riya woke first. Aarav's arm was still around her waist, his face relaxed in sleep. She smiled, tracing her fingers softly across his jawline. For the first time in years, she felt alive. Not as the Ice Queen, not as the millionaire… just as a woman who had loved and been loved.
She leaned down and kissed his forehead. This is where I belong, she thought.
But happiness never comes without shadows.
The Morning Twist
Her phone buzzed loudly on the nightstand. She quickly picked it up before Aarav woke. The message was from Kabir:
"Dinner tonight. Don't forget. Important news."
Her chest tightened. She couldn't ignore Kabir forever — her family wouldn't allow it.
Before she could reply, Aarav stirred awake, blinking at her with a sleepy smile. "Good morning."
Riya smiled back, hiding the storm inside her. "Good morning."
He pulled her closer, kissing her shoulder. "I wish every morning could be like this."
Her heart ached. So do I, she thought.
The Café Surprise
That afternoon, Riya stopped by the café again. This time, she found Aarav singing softly, his guitar echoing through the almost-empty space. His voice was raw, emotional — and it drew people in. A few strangers clapped, dropping coins in a small jar.
Riya felt her eyes sting. He wasn't just a boy with dreams. He was an artist, and the world needed to hear him.
But then she noticed — Kabir was standing at the door, watching too. His expression was unreadable.
When Aarav finished, Kabir walked straight to Riya. "So… this is the man?" His tone was sharp but calm, like a businessman negotiating a deal.
Aarav frowned. "Who are you?"
Kabir extended his hand casually. "Kabir Malhotra. Family friend. And soon…" he looked at Riya, "…possibly more."
Riya froze. Aarav's face darkened. The tension was sharp, and the café air grew heavy.
Emotional Blow
After Kabir left, Aarav sat down, silent. Riya touched his hand. "Don't listen to him."
Aarav shook his head. "Riya… you mean everything to me. But am I just a phase for you? Will you really stand against your world for me?"
His voice cracked. "Because if not, I don't want to lose myself loving you."
Her throat tightened, tears filling her eyes. "You're not a phase, Aarav. You're the only truth I've ever had."
She leaned in, kissing him deeply, almost desperately, as if to erase his doubts. People in the café looked away politely, but Riya didn't care. For once, she wanted the world to see her heart.
Plot Twist – The Newspaper
Next morning, a scandal broke.
Front-page headline:
"Ice Queen Riya Malhotra Seen With Mystery Man – Not Kabir?"
Paparazzi had snapped photos of Riya and Aarav outside the café, their kiss under the rain caught perfectly.
Riya's phone exploded with calls — her father, business partners, media.
And Kabir's message arrived again:
"We need to talk. Tonight. Before this destroys everything."