Vijay left without saying a word. After he walked out, I closed the door, freshened up, and sat on the bed. For a while, I just sat there, replaying the entire day in my head.
So much has changed today. For the past eight years, I lived a different life… and now I've returned to the one I left behind. But am I really the same person who left? No. I've changed. My life isn't mine anymore—it belongs to my purpose. That is my only goal now. But what about my family? Is it right to keep them in the dark? Wouldn't that be deceit? No—it isn't deceit. It's protection. Their safety comes before everything else. Still… what about Anaya? Why is she so angry with me? I need to talk to her. But not yet. First, I need to finish what must be done. After that, maybe I can allow myself to be bound by family again. Yes… that's what Baba wanted too.
I got up and pulled the old trunk the stylist had left in the corner. I placed it on the bed and opened it. Inside were the things I had used for the past eight years. But there was only one thing I needed right now.
'βιβλίο μυστικών' — The Book of Secrets.
I can't reveal much about this book yet, except one thing: no one else can read its language, only its keeper.
I read for a while, planning my next steps. Then I put the book back into the trunk, locked it inside the wardrobe where no one would find it, and lay down. Sleep came quickly.
When I woke, it was evening—around six. I washed up and went downstairs. The hall was buzzing with activity. Servants were running around, and my mother, Meera Rathod, was giving out instructions. My father was nowhere to be seen.
I walked up to her. "Ma, what's going on?"
She turned and smiled, relieved. "Oh good, you're awake. Hurry up and get ready, there's a party tonight."
"A party? Is that really necessary, Ma?"
"Of course it is! we found our son after eight long yearsif that's not a reason to celebrate, then what is?" My father's voice came from behind me.
"But I'm not ready for this," I muttered.
"I understand," my father said gently. "You've been away from all this for so long. It must feel strange. But the sooner you let yourself blend back into this life, the easier it will be."
My mother placed a hand on my shoulder. "Exactly. And besides, it's just tonight. Let us share our happiness."
I thought for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But one condition—no one asks me any questions."
"Don't worry about that," Ma said quickly. "Your father already held a press conference this afternoon. Everything has been explained. No one will bother you."
I sighed and muttered. "Then I'll need appropriate clothes for the celebration."
They exchanged glances, clearly not following. Ma frowned. "Beta, can you please say it loudly? So we understand properly."
I chuckled softly. "I mean, I'll need something to wear for the party."
"Oh, no need to worry about that. Your clothes have already been sent to your room," she replied.
That set off an alarm in my head. I frowned. "Ma, one more thing. No one enters my room without my permission."
"What?" She blinked, surprised.
"I mean it. If the room needs cleaning or anything else, first ask me. I don't like anyone entering without me knowing."
She looked confused but before she could argue, my father laid a hand on her shoulder. She went quiet.
That's when I realized someone was missing. "Where's Anaya?"
"She went out with her friends, probably shopping. Don't worry, she'll be back before the party."
"Alright, Ma. I think I'll step out too for a while."
"No, not tonight," she said firmly. "You just came home today. Stay here, with me. From tomorrow, I won't stop you."
I smiled faintly. "Okay, Ma."
"Good. Sit here, I'll have tea and snacks sent to you." She left for the kitchen.
I stayed in the hall alone until my father left for work. After tea, I went back to my room to get ready.
By 8:45, I'd showered and stepped out to find a new suit laid on the bed. Of course, Ma had put it there. That meant from now on I'd have to hide my important belongings carefully because my mother would never stop bending my rules.
I sighed, picked up the suit, and slipped it on. It was black, designer, and fit me well. Standing before the mirror, I thought, Well, Arjun… looks like you're already starting to fit into this world again.
At nine, I went downstairs. The hall was filled with people holding drinks, laughing, talking. My father came toward me, pride shining in his eyes.
"Friends, thank you all for being here tonight. Today is one of the happiest days of my life. After eight years, my son has returned. God finally answered our prayers. So tonight's celebration is for him—my son, Arjun Rathod. And here's a small homecoming gift for him."
He pressed a car key into my hand.
I didn't say anything, just accepted it with a nod. Applause filled the room as guests congratulated me. My father kept introducing me to powerful businessmen, ministers, and officials.
But through all the noise, I felt a gaze that wouldn't leave me. Six eyes, to be exact.
Four of them belonged to Viju and… Anaya.
I looked at Anaya and gave her a small smile, but she turned her head sharply away. My chest tightened, but I let it go. As for Viju, ignore him.
It was the last pair of eyes that unsettled me. A stranger was watching me calmly, intently. When I finally met her gaze, she began walking toward me. By the time our eyes locked fully, she was already close.
She looked at me like she'd known me forever, and then her lips curved. Her voice was quiet, but sharp enough to cut through the noise.
"How are you?"
I studied her from head to toe before answering, a small, dangerous smile playing on my lips.
"Alive."