Abhimanyu's phone buzzes on the nightstand. He stiffens slightly, careful not to wake her, but she stirs — her eyes flutter open.
She watches him sit up and glance at the screen, jaw tightening just a little.
Meera (drowsy):
"Is it work?"
He hesitates, then nods.
Abhimanyu:
"I'm needed back in India."
Her face changes — not anger, but fear. The softness in her eyes is quickly replaced by panic.
Meera (sitting up, hurried):
"What if… what if you change again?"
He turns to her, caught off guard.
Meera:
"What if you go back to shutting me out, drowning in revenge, always ten steps away from me? I… I like you like this, Abhimanyu. Here. You're present. Gentle. Real."
He watches her — this vulnerable woman he once planned to break, now the only person who can shatter him with a sentence.
Abhimanyu (reaching for her hand):
"I'm not going back to being that man, Meera. Not completely."
She studies him, uncertain.
Abhimanyu (softly, a promise):
"I'll still handle what needs to be handled. But I've learned that power without peace is nothing. And you are my peace."
She blinks, a single tear slipping down her cheek.
Abhimanyu (adding, with a slight smile):
"We'll take more of these breaks. You, me, no past, no masks. I need them too. I need you."
Meera (half-laughs, teary):
"You better. You're a lot to handle when you're brooding."
He chuckles, brushing a knuckle along her cheek.
Abhimanyu:
"Then I guess I'll have to keep giving you reasons to handle me."
She leans in, resting her forehead against his.
Meera (soft):
"Just don't leave me behind."
Abhimanyu:
"Never again."
The suitcase wheels thud softly against the wooden floor as Abhimanyu brings them near the door. Meera walks out of the bedroom, now dressed and packed, eyes a little tired but clearer than before.
He turns to her, gaze sweeping over her face.
Abhimanyu (gently):
"You ready?"
She gives a faint nod. He watches her for a second longer, as if checking — really checking — whether she's okay. And then she surprises him.
Meera (quiet but certain):
"I'm scared. But I trust you."
His eyes soften. He says nothing, just opens his palm in invitation.
She walks to him, slips her hand into his, and they step out together into the cold morning air.
The cab is waiting.
As the retreat fades behind them, and the car winds down the hill, Meera leans her head on his shoulder. No words. Just his hand squeezing hers once, firmly — a silent promise.
They're going home. Together.
————————————————————
The glass doors slide open as Meera and Abhimanyu step out into the arrival hall. She squints through the crowd — and then she sees them.
And The moment her friends spot her, all hell breaks loose.
Zara is the first to scream, rushing forward.
Isha follows suit, tears already brimming in her eyes.
Dhriti grabs her bag and hurls it aside just to run faster.
Within seconds, Meera is engulfed in a suffocating, warm group hug — three women clinging to her like she's air after drowning.
Zara (whispering, emotional):
"You idiot… you didn't even text…"
Isha (teary-eyed):
"You had us going mad! One whole month, Meera! What were you thinking?"
Dhriti (pulling back and smacking her arm lightly):
"I swear I will kill you before anything else kills you!"
They all laugh and cry and pull her into another hug.
Abhimanyu clears his throat, watching the chaos with a raised brow.
Abhimanyu (dryly):
"Right, lovely reunion and all — but I have a flight to catch to Mumbai in an hour. So unless we're doing a sequel to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in the lobby, maybe wrap it up?"
Dhriti (turning to him dramatically):
"Oh don't think you're walking away untouched, Mr. High Horse! If anyone has hurt her the most, it's you."
Abhimanyu (deadpan):
"Well, in my defense, I had a quota to fill."
Zara (smirking):
"Meera, please tell me you're not still in love with him. He has the emotional range of dry toast."
Meera (soft laugh):
"Too late. Already married the toast."
Isha:
"And now we have to deal with you both being stupid together. Great."
They all burst into laughter, even Abhimanyu letting out a low chuckle as he watches Meera glow again — finally, finally — in her element.
————————————————————
The SUV pulls in through the wrought-iron gates of the palace. Meera gazes out the window as the familiar facade of her childhood home comes into view. Every carved arch and sandstone column feels heavier today — not with fear, but with memory.
As the car slows to a stop, the grand doors open.
Raja Sa and Rani Sa step forward, regal and warm. Just behind them stands Daksh — hands behind his back, expression unreadable, eyes steady on Meera.
She steps out slowly.
Raja Sa (softly):
"Welcome home, Meera."
Meera hesitates — just a second — then walks quickly into his embrace. Rani Sa draws her in too, kissing her forehead with maternal tenderness.
Rani Sa:
"We missed you, beta."
Meera (quietly):
"I missed you more than I thought."
Her eyes flicker to Daksh, who's still standing still, not moving forward — just watching.
Meera (trying to smile):
"What, no sarcastic welcome?"
Daksh (flatly):
"You look like hell."
Meera (laughing softly):
"I missed that warm, fuzzy love."
Daksh (finally stepping forward):
"You could've called."
Meera (guilty):
"I know."
He doesn't say anything more. But his hand rests briefly on her shoulder — grounding, steady, protective — before falling back to his side.
Zara appears beside Meera just then, sunglasses on, gaze sharp.
Zara (coolly to Daksh):
"Still practicing the silent intimidation act, I see."
Daksh (glancing at her, expression unreadable):
"Still mistaking that for flirting?"
Zara (smirking):
"If I ever flirt, you'll know. You'll faint."
Daksh:
"Then we're both safe."
The tension lingers just a beat too long.
Rani Sa (cutting in gracefully):
"Enough. All of you. Come inside. Meera needs rest."
Meera looks at Daksh as she walks in. He doesn't say a word, but he follows behind, just a step off her left — like a silent guard.
She doesn't need him to say it.
She knows.
He's here. And she's safe.