Note: Many of you still seem confused about what’s happening with Ayaan. I had a Q&A session on Instagram where I dropped several hints about the plot, but let me give you a clear heads-up again.
Ayaan is constantly torn between his past and his present, between his heart and his mind. While he follows his mind, he lives with his heart. To put it simply, ‘ his actions speak louder than his words’. The more you will know when Ayaan opens up his heart confessing everything from the very beginning when he met Zara.
Redemption and groveling will be a long journey not only for Ayaan but both of them. Be prepared for the best and the worst. Have patience. Considering your mental well-being, I will give immediate next day updates whenever necessary.
As the story unfolds, prepare to witness a love that surpasses obsession itself—raw, consuming, and impossible to escape. It will pull you in and refuse to let go.
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Zara was in a hurry rushing through her routine after oversleeping. She had been up late, lost in a long, dreamy conversation with Ayaan that stretched well into the early hours. She practically flew down the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator.
The moment she reached the office, she walked into his cabin and froze in surprise. Reyansh and Vaishu were seated on the couch both smiling warmly at her.
“Uncle, Aunty You’re here? How are you?” she asked, a little breathless but beaming.
” Zara, call us mamma and papa. You are family now. We came to discuss something important. I would’ve invited you home, but I know how busy you both are so we thought we’d come here instead.” Reyansh said kindly.
He patted the space beside him and Zara looked at Ayaan before sitting next to Reyansh.
“Thank you, mamma. Thank you, papa. I never thought I’d have someone to call my own.” she said softly and Reyansh gently touched her head in affection.
“The wedding will take place in a week. Everything’s been taken care of except your outfit and jewelry. I want you and Ayaan to choose them together. It’s your special day and it should feel like yours.” Vaishu said with a smile and Zara nodded, her heart feeling full.
“And there’s one more thing. We want you to move into the manor. You shouldn’t be staying alone in that flat anymore. Come home, live with us and enjoy these days together as a family before the wedding. Afterward, it’s up to you both where you’d like to live.” Reyansh added and his tone was firm yet caring.
Zara blinked, stunned by the warmth and finality in his voice. She opened her mouth to respond, but Vaishu held hand gently, stopping her.
“Ayaan, take Zara with you and help her pack her essentials. I want my daughter home today. No arguments and no office for a month ” Vaishu said, turning to her son.
Ayaan who was battling his emotions on seeing the love and care his parents were showering Zara simply nodded his head.
Vaishu and Reyansh left the office and the room fell silent. Zara turned to look at Ayaan, who sat motionless, lost in thought.
“Ayaan… you’re quiet. Are you upset about me moving into the manor? I can talk to papa. I’ll stay at my apartment until the wedding. I don’t want to do anything that upsets you.” she said softly and began to walk toward the door, but before she could reach it, the electronic lock clicked. Zara turned back to him, her heart skipping a beat as his unreadable eyes met hers.
Ayaan beckoned her closer, his gaze soft yet unreadable. Zara took slow, hesitant steps until she stood beside his desk. Without a word, Ayaan caught her wrist and pulled her gently onto his lap, his arm wrapping securely around her waist.
“Either you overthink too much, or you don’t trust me enough. I was just… admiring how easily you’ve stolen my place. Now my mom and dad seem to care more about you than they do about me.” he murmured, brushing his thumb against her skin.
His lips curved into a smile before he pressed a kiss to her cheek and his nose brushed against her neck.
Zara let out a small sigh of relief and rested her head against his chest. “I trust you, Ayaan. It’s just… I’ve been alone for so long. I’m not used to being surrounded by people who care. But I love the warmth they give me and I’ll cherish it for the rest of my life.” she said in a gentle voice and Ayaan kissed her crown.
“Then let’s go pack your things, before my father throws me out for being late.” Ayaan said with a wink. Zara chuckled softly at his words and together they walked out of his cabin hand in hand.
At Zara’s apartment, she poured a glass of juice for Ayaan and they sat beside each other on the couch.
“Let’s pack only your essentials, I’ll have my stylist redo your wardrobe and don’t you dare say no. Now come on, before I start something else.” He winked playfully.
“I’m sorry, Ayaan but I don’t really have anything valuable except for my clothes and certificates. I never thought I’d marry anyone, so I never bought jewels. This apartment was already furnished when I moved in, so technically nothing here belongs to me. Sometimes I wonder if I even deserve you. You could easily marry a billionaire’s daughter or an actress. People might talk behind your back for choosing someone like me. Are you sure you want this, Ayaan? I’ll understand if you—”
Her words ended abruptly as Ayaan leaned forward and kissed her deeply, silencing her insecurities. When he pulled back, she looked at him with glassy eyes.
“It’s fine if you don’t want to marry me, but that’ll be your decision, not mine. I’ve chosen you and my family has too. So if you still want to back out, go ahead and break all our hearts.” he said, brushing her hair back.
Zara shook her head almost instantly. “No… I’ll pack my things.”
Zara led him to her bedroom and Ayaan let out a soft whistle when his eyes caught a framed photo of himself.
She pulled out a trolley and began folding her clothes and documents. When she reached her innerwear, she froze as Ayaan was still standing near the open suitcase. Trying not to make it obvious, she clutched the items behind her.
“There’s something on your shirt,” she said quickly.
As Ayaan looked down to check, she tossed them into the trolley and slammed it shut with a sigh of relief. But Ayaan’s gaze soon drifted to the floor where a red bra lay rebelliously out of place.
Zara followed his eyes and her face turned crimson. She grabbed it in a flash, hiding it behind her.
Ayaan stepped closer, “With us getting married in a week, you still blush this much? By this time next week, you’ll be in my bed as my wife and I doubt you’ll even need this tiny thing.” he said and his voice dropped to a husky whisper near her ear.
Before she could escape, he caught her wrist and pulled her against him. She trembled as he picked up the fallen piece and opened the trolley again, only to be greeted by a colorful collection that made his jaw tighten and his breath quicken.
He carefully placed the fabric back, shut the trolley, and exhaled deeply before letting her go.
Zara bolted into the washroom, taking her time to calm her racing heart. When she finally emerged, she packed her toiletries and found Ayaan on a call in the living room.
She rolled her trolley out quietly but Ayaan ended the call, took it from her hand and smiled. Together, they stepped out of the apartment leaving behind her small world.
At the manor, the family welcomed Zara with warm hugs and smiles. Vaishu personally led her to her room, a beautifully furnished space right next to Ayaan’s. Zara stood in awe for a moment, realizing the room itself was larger than her entire apartment. She set her trolley aside and followed Vaishu back to the living area.
A stylist had already arrived to finalize the outfits for both Ayaan and Zara for the wedding and all the accompanying rituals.
Vaishu and Reyansh presented Zara with exquisite designer collections for every ritual, each piece more elegant than the last. Overwhelmed by their affection and generosity, Zara smiled gratefully and said, “Thank you so much… I don’t even know how to repay all this kindness.”
Vaishu simply hugged her and said warmly, “Just be happy, dear. That’s all we want.”
Zara had grown fond of spending time with the family, enjoying every shared laugh and warm conversation. By night, when she returned to her room, Ayaan followed her. She noticed a few maids walking out of the closet, carrying empty boxes.
“I had a few outfits arranged for you, something you might need until our wedding. I’ll talk to Mom and Dad about us moving to the villa after the wedding.” Ayaan said.
Zara’s smile faded instantly. The thought of leaving the family she had just begun to love tugged at her heart. “Can’t we stay here with them? It’s all so new to me… and I really love being around everyone,” she said softly.
Ayaan lifted her chin and brushed a gentle kiss on her cheek. “We can visit them anytime you want but I think we deserve a little time to ourselves too, to know each other better and enjoy being newlyweds.”
Zara nodded with a small hum, her eyes softening. Ayaan kissed her forehead with a smile and turned to leave. Once in his room, he closed the door, poured himself a drink, and sat in silence…… his mind was restless, echoing her voice and the ached of wanting to return to her.
Three days passed, and Zara felt as if she was living in a beautiful dream. Everyone in the family pampered her like a child, tending to her every need despite her gentle protests. That morning, all the women gathered for a special spa session and Zara felt like a princess, her laughter filled through the room as she twirled around in delight. Vaishu and Kajal exchanged knowing smiles, touched by how easily Zara found happiness in the simplest of things.
The media buzzed with news of Ayaan’s wedding, though the bride’s identity remained a mystery to the world.
The manor was glowing draped in lights and filled with the fragrance of fresh flowers for the haldi ceremony.
The family gathered in the garden, dressed elegantly in white, while Ayaan stood waiting in a crisp white pant and a yellow shirt. His eyes were fixed on the path ahead and then she arrived.
Zara walked in, accompanied by Pari and Ishika, looking radiant in a yellow and white lehenga adorned with delicate floral accessories. Ayaan’s breath caught in his throat when his gaze fell on her, she was glowing, beautiful, almost ethereal. His palms instantly itched to touch her bare waist as she walked towards him, her hips swaying with an effortless grace.
Without thinking, he pulled her gently into his arms, and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. “You’re gorgeous,” he murmured, making her blush before they sat for the ritual.
The ceremony unfolded with laughter, teasing and playful splashes of haldi. By the end, both Ayaan and Zara were drenched, glowing under the golden hues of turmeric and sunlight. Ayaan watched her smile, its was pure, innocent, and full of life and his hand brushed her cheek lovingly when no one was watching.
Zara stepped into her room, about to head for a bath, when a pair of strong, muscular arms suddenly pulled her back. Her breath hitched as she found herself against Ayaan’s chest, his intense gaze locking with hers.
“You enjoy teasing me, don’t you? I’ve been waiting to have you alone… to punish you for being this beautiful.” he murmured, his voice was husky against her ear.
Zara gasped softly when his warm palm brushed over her bare waist, tracing slow, deliberate circles that sent shivers up her spine. She bit her lower lip to hold back a moan but Ayaan caught her lip between his fingers, freeing it before claiming her mouth in a deep kiss. His hand tightened possessively around her waist, drawing a soft, breathless moan from her as the air between them grew thick with desire.
Their moment was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door. Ayaan groaned in frustration before pulling away and opening it. Pari stood there, looking uneasy.
“Ayaan… Jothi aunty and Lakshman uncle are here to meet you,” she said softly.
Ayaan froze. It felt as if a tidal wave had just crashed over him. After a brief silence, Pari quietly left. He turned to see Zara standing behind him, her expression confused and curious.
“They’re… Zara’s parents. I believe Dad and Mom must’ve invited them for the rituals. I’ll be back after meeting them.” Ayaan said in a flat, heavy tone and walked out, heading to his room to change. When he returned to the living room, dressed in casuals, Jothi and Lakshman were already seated with his parents, sipping tea.
Ayaan approached them, touched their feet respectfully and hugged them but guilt twisted in his chest. For a fleeting second, he felt like he was betraying not just them, but also his first love.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured as he pulled back from the hug.
Jothi shook her head with a warm, motherly smile. “Don’t be sorry, Ayaan. You deserve happiness. And Zara… she’d wish the same for you.”
Lakshman nodded in agreement. “She’d be happy for you, son and so are we.”
Ayaan could only nod silently, his mind clouded with emotion. He sat there, lost in thoughts of the past, when Zara entered the room. She wore a simple saree, her damp hair framing her glowing face. She looked breathtakingly beautiful, and Ayaan found himself unable to look away.
Vaishu introduced her to Jothi and Lakshman. Zara folded her hands and softly said, “I’m sorry.”
Her words left everyone stunned.
“Why would she apologize? Is she sorry for killing my Zara? Or sorry for taking her place in my life? ” Ayaan’s thoughts raced darkly. Jothi and Lakshman’s arrival stirred all the emotions his heart was trying to bury and his blood boiled as he watched her, confusion and anger battling inside him.
But his thoughts stilled when Jothi and Lakshman smiled kindly, blessed Zara, and gifted her a set of jewels before taking their leave.
Later that night, during the Mehendi ceremony, laughter and music filled the house. Zara sat gracefully as designs adorned her hands, while Ayaan sat beside her, feeding her dinner with quiet tenderness, his gaze never leaving her face.
” Two more days Ayaan thought.
“Two more days… and we’ll be married.” Zara whispered leaning her head gently against his chest.
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A/N:
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