Trivedi Mansion...
Arnav was about to leave when Vinay Ji stopped him.
"Where are you going now? To create more drama?"
Arnav smirked. "I don't stop for anyone when I'm leaving. Anyway, I'm heading to my success party, and I can't be late! Bye-bye!"
Just as he turned toward the door, his steps froze. His smile disappeared, replaced by shock.
"Anya…?"
Standing at the entrance, Anya smiled and greeted him. "Hi, Arnav! Won't you welcome me?"
Arnav's confusion deepened. "You... here?"
Anya took a step forward, her tone teasing yet firm. "Why do you look so surprised, Arnav? This house is mine too, isn't it? That's why, from today, I'll be staying here. See, I even brought my bags!"
Hearing their conversation, the entire family gathered near the entrance.
Arnav's voice hardened. "What is this, Anya? You brought your bags?"
Anya chuckled. "Oh, I thought you didn't hear me properly. Yes, I'm here to stay."
Arnav narrowed his eyes. "And where do you plan to stay?"
Anya smirked. "Of course, in your brother's room."
Looking around, Arnav threw up his hands in frustration. "Are you all seeing this? What kind of drama is this?"
Anya tilted her head. "Exactly! Not just drama, Arnav. Call it melodrama! From our first meeting until now—your arrogance against my self-respect, your revenge against my love, your betrayal against my trust! So, I thought, since our story has such great commentary, why not live under the same roof?"
Arnav's expression turned cold. "As far as I'm concerned, this story is over! I wanted revenge, and I got it. You do understand revenge, don't you?"
Anya smiled faintly. "Who asked you to teach me love, Arnav? That was your doing. And revenge? Oh, I understand that quite well now. By the way, no matter how you are as a person, you sure know how to put on a good show."
She turned toward Vinay Ji. "Papa, I'm here! I did the right thing, didn't I? You always said I am the daughter-in-law of this house!"
Vinay Ji nodded approvingly. "You did the right thing, my child. Just give your marriage one chance. That's all we ask for."
Just then, Dadi Ma stepped forward, kissed Anya's forehead, and beamed. "My child has returned! Someone bring the aarti plate. Our daughter-in-law has truly entered her home today!"
Arnav clenched his fists, his voice filled with anger. "There will be NO aarti! Do you all not understand? If it were any other girl, she would've drowned herself in shame after such humiliation! But look at her—boldly walking in here! I finally get it. She wants Advik Trivedi's name and his wealth! But as long as I'm here, that will NEVER happen! You will never be a part of my brother's life. You don't deserve him!"
Dada Ji sighed and spoke firmly. "You are right. If she were truly guilty, she wouldn't have come here. But the fact that she is here proves that she has nothing to hide. That's why this entire family stands with her! If you want to leave this house, go ahead. You've always done as you please anyway! But Anya is not going anywhere. She will stay here—as the daughter-in-law of this family!"
Arnav stood frozen, his piercing gaze locked onto Anya's. She returned the stare, her thoughts burning with determination.
"Arnav Trivedi, now it's my turn for revenge! I swear on my love, I will make you suffer. You will live every moment in torment!"
As if reading her thoughts, Arnav stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. "You walked into my den willingly this time. Now watch how I make you experience hell while you're still alive!"
Anya smirked. Before she could respond, Guruji entered the mansion.
At the same time, Lavanya and Trisha ran up to Anya and hugged her. "Thank God, Bhabhi! You're back!"
Guruji raised an eyebrow. "Instead of hugging, you should seek blessings from your elders. What kind of upbringing did your family give you?"
Startled, the girls quickly bent down and touched Anya's feet.
Anya turned to Guruji with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Guruji, but my dear devarji didn't touch my feet!"
Guruji shot Arnav a stern look. "Do I need to send you a personal invitation? Touch your bhabhi's feet!"
Arnav stiffened, glaring at Anya. After a long pause, he unwillingly bent down.
But just as he was about to touch her feet, Anya took a step back. Her voice was calm yet cutting.
"You should bow before God for forgiveness, Arnav. Perhaps He will pardon you for your sins."
She paused, then added in a whisper, "Just like I made you bow before me today, one day, I will make you bow before the whole world. That's a promise!"
---
At the Airport…
At exactly 8:00 PM, Advik's flight landed. His men, already waiting with sleek black Mercedes cars, straightened as soon as they spotted him.
"Good evening, sir!" they greeted in unison.
Advik nodded. "Take me straight to Trivedi Mansion."
"Yes, sir!"
---
Trivedi Mansion, 10:00 PM...
A black Mercedes pulled up outside the grand villa. A tall, powerful figure stepped out, his aura exuding authority and dominance. Even in the dim light, his sharp features and commanding presence were impossible to ignore.
Without disturbing anyone, Advik walked inside, heading straight for his room. Once inside, he tossed his coat onto the couch and stepped into the shower.
Minutes later, he emerged, a towel wrapped around his waist, his hair damp. As he moved toward his bed, his gaze landed on the sleeping figure on it.
His eyes narrowed. His jaw tightened.
Just as he was about to shout, demanding answers, his gaze fell upon the delicate mangalsutra adorning the girl's neck.
His fury paused.
Silence filled the room as realization dawned upon him.
To be continued...