The café's small performance had changed everything. By morning, Aarav's song had reached thousands of people online. Comments poured in:
"Who is this guy?"
"His voice feels real."
"That song… it's about someone."
For the first time, Aarav wasn't invisible. But fame also brought questions — and danger.
The Call
Riya sat in her office when Aarav called. His voice was nervous but excited.
"Riya… my mom saw the video."
Her breath caught. "Your mom?"
"Yes. And… she wants to meet you."
Silence. Riya's heart pounded. She had faced boardrooms, investors, even paparazzi — but meeting the family of the man she loved felt scarier.
The Journey
Aarav held her hand tightly as they traveled through narrow lanes to a modest neighborhood. The buildings were old, children played cricket in the streets, women chatted from balconies. It was nothing like Riya's world of glass towers and luxury cars.
She whispered, "Aarav… what if they don't like me?"
He smiled gently. "They'll love you. Because I love you."
Her eyes stung with tears.
The First Meeting
Aarav's home was small but warm. The walls were painted bright, the aroma of fresh food filled the air. His mother, a kind woman in a simple saree, greeted Riya with folded hands.
"So you're the girl who stole my son's heart," she said warmly.
Riya, nervous, bent down to touch her feet out of respect. The old woman smiled and hugged her. "Rich or poor doesn't matter. What matters is if you'll keep him happy."
Riya's eyes filled. "I'll try… with everything I have."
Aarav's younger sister peeked from behind the curtain, giggling. "Bhai, she's prettier than any actress."
Riya laughed, blushing for the first time in years.
The Contrast
Over dinner, Riya felt something she hadn't felt in years — a family's warmth. The jokes, the laughter, the way they argued over who got the last roti… it was messy, loud, imperfect.
And it was beautiful.
Riya thought of her empty penthouse, the cold silence at her father's mansion. Tears slipped from her eyes without warning.
Aarav's mother noticed. She gently held Riya's hand. "You've lived in a palace, beti. But remember — even a palace feels empty without love."
Riya broke down, resting her head on Aarav's shoulder. In that moment, she knew — this was the world she wanted.
The Shadow Returns
But happiness never lasted long. As they stepped out of the house later that night, a black car was waiting at the end of the lane. Kabir stood leaning against it, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
"So this is where you belong now, Riya? With them?"
Aarav stepped forward, fire in his eyes. "Yes. With us. With me."
Kabir's smirk returned. "Then get ready, both of you. Because the war has only begun."