His Forbidden Flame

Chapter 4

The next day

The morning light streamed softly through the curtains, spilling golden warmth across the room.

Aarya stirred, blinking against the sunlight that danced on her face. For a moment, she didn’t recognize the ceiling — it took her a few seconds to remember she was back home. The familiar scent of sandalwood and lavender lingered faintly in the air, wrapping her in the nostalgia she hadn’t asked for.

With a deep breath, she pushed herself up, rubbing her eyes. “New day, Aarya,” she whispered to herself before slipping out of bed.

She headed to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face. The mirror reflected her — tired eyes, soft hair tumbling over her shoulders, and a face that looked both older and younger all at once. Ten years away, and yet the walls, the silence, everything felt the same.

After brushing her teeth and tying her hair up, she changed into her workout clothes — black leggings and a loose grey tank — and grabbed her water bottle.

When she stepped out of her room, the house was calm. Sunlight poured through the hallway windows, and the faint clatter of pots from the kitchen signaled someone was already awake.

As she descended the staircase, she saw Bhavya Ma at the end of the hallway, talking to one of the housemaids while checking the breakfast tray.

“Good morning, Ma,” Aarya greeted softly.

Bhavya turned immediately, her face lighting up. “Good morning, beta! You’re awake early. How did you sleep?”

“Like a log,” Aarya chuckled. “Still feels weird to be home, though.”

Bhavya smiled warmly, walking closer to fix a loose strand of Aarya’s hair. “You’ll get used to it again, dear. I’m just happy you’re here.”

“Where’s everyone?” Aarya asked, glancing toward the dining room.

“The boys are still in their rooms,” Bhavya replied, setting the tray down. “But Vihaan’s already in the gym — you know he never misses his morning workout.”

Aarya nodded. “Of course he isn’t. That boy would go to the gym even with a fever,” she said, smiling faintly.

Bhavya laughed softly. “True. And you? Off to join him?”

“Yeah,” Aarya said, adjusting her ponytail. “Need to stretch these stiff bones. Jet lag’s killing me.”

“Go, then,” Bhavya said affectionately. “Breakfast will be ready when you’re done.”

“Thanks, Ma,” Aarya replied, touching her hand lightly before heading toward the gym.

As she walked down the corridor, faint memories tugged at her — her and Sid racing each other down the same hallway, her mother’s laughter echoing from the kitchen, her father calling them for breakfast.

Now, only her footsteps filled the silence.

She inhaled deeply, squared her shoulders, and pushed the gym door open.

---

Meanwhile, just after Aarya left Bhavya Ma and went to the gym, all the family members started coming one by one to the first floor of the mansion.

“Bhavya beta, where is Aarya, dear?” Dadu asked, coming downstairs with the help of Dadi Ma.

Bhavya immediately went to support Dadi Ma and helped Dadu to the living room.

“Papa, she just went to the gym,” Bhavya said, heading toward the kitchen.

“Ma, Papa, here’s your chai,” Bhavya said, returning with a tray. “Riya, Shiv — here’s your hot chocolate. And this milk is for you guys,” she added, handing out the cups.

“Where are Ranveer and Aditya?” Bhavya asked Riya.

“Ma, they’re still in their rooms,” Riya replied.

“Martha, go and call them,” Bhavya instructed one of the maids.

After some time, Ranveer and Aditya — the loud duo of the house — came crashing into the living room.

“Come and eat,” Aryan said to them.

“Golgappe?! Wow, my favorite!” Aditya exclaimed, rushing forward to grab a bite.

“Bhavya beta, when is the Aurora family coming?” Dadi asked.

“What are those witches coming here for?” Before Bhavya could respond, Aditya blurted out.

“Adi! Why would you say that?” Bhavya scolded him.

“Ma, he’s not wrong. You know…” Ranveer muttered, supporting his brother.

“You—”

Before Bhavya could say anything more—

“Hello ji!” someone said from the front door.

Ranveer and Aditya rolled their eyes instantly, recognizing the pretentious voice.

“Speak of the devil — they just had to ruin the mood,” Aditya muttered under his breath, though everyone heard him.

Everyone agreed silently.

They turned around to see an elderly-looking man and woman standing at the door, accompanied by a young man about Ranveer’s age and a girl Aditya’s age.

The people who had just entered were the Auroras — Dhiraj Aurora and Durga Aurora with their two children, Sonia and Manav.

The Auroras were relatives of the Malhotras. To be precise, Dhiraj was Dadi Ma’s nephew.

But the Malhotras didn’t like them — at all — except for Dadi Ma, who refused to see their true colors.

Durga was what everyone called the gossip aunty. She didn’t have any work apart from gossiping, and she was painfully orthodox.

Dhiraj, on the other hand, was greedy to the core. Their kids were no better — they’d learned from the best.

Manav was always looking for ways to pick fights with the Malhotra brothers — even going as far as flirting with Riya, Shivansh’s wife.

Their daughter Sonia was no less, constantly competing with someone way out of her league — Aarya. She envied her elegance, her confidence, her life.

The Malhotras and Auroras had bad blood between them, but the family could never openly say anything because of Dadi Ma.

“Why are you all still standing there? Come in, come in,” Bhavya said politely, ushering them inside.

---

At the breakfast table

The Aurora family looked confused and surprised upon seeing the special breakfast spread.

They could tell something had happened in the mansion — it felt livelier than usual, and though subtle, everyone seemed a bit brighter, happier.

“What do you think will happen when they see Aarya di?” Ranveer whispered to Aditya.

“I don’t know, but whatever happens, it’s gonna be entertaining. I need my popcorn,” Aditya whispered back, and the two started chuckling quietly.

“Why are you two grinning like hyenas?” Vihaan asked, coming to sit beside them.

“The Auroras don’t know Di is back,” Ranveer whispered. “We’re just waiting for the drama.”

“Oh, it’s going to be bang,” Vihaan said, grinning with them.

The three brothers exchanged knowing looks.

They’d always despised how the Auroras treated Aarya. The families were practically mortal enemies — and now that Aarya was back after ten years, they knew something deliciously dramatic was coming.

“Bhavya bhabhi, what’s so special today that you prepared a feast? Is it because you knew we were coming?” Durga asked proudly, sitting down with a smug smile.

“Oh, no, no — it’s for—” Bhavya started, but Adi quickly cut her off.

“It’s a surprise, Aunty,” Aditya said with a grin.

“What surprise?” Durga asked suspiciously, eyeing the special dishes.

“Aunty, if we tell you, it won’t be a surprise anymore. But I guarantee you’ll love this one,” Vihaan said with a smirk.

“Really? Then this aunty will wait,” Durga said, intrigued.

The three brothers shared a quick fist bump while the rest of the family simply shook their heads in amusement.

Everyone settled down at the table for breakfast.

“Ma,” a voice called from the staircase on the second floor.

The moment they heard that voice — soft, calm, and unmistakably familiar — the entire Aurora family froze.

Their faces went pale, and they nearly choked on their tea.