His Forbidden Flame

Chapter 5

They all looked towards the stairs, where Aarya was coming down with a cold, emotionless face.

Dressed in denim jeans and a crop top, her waist chain glittering under the lights, she looked effortlessly divine. Her long black hair fell down her back, no trace of makeup — yet she looked breathtaking. She walked down the stairs like the whole world belonged to her.

“We need an ambulance,” Adi said, trying to hold back his laughter.

“No, we need to book the whole hospital for them. They look like they’re about to have a heart attack,” Ranveer added, grinning. The boys were clearly enjoying the show.

Shivansh, sitting to the side, just shook his head, listening to his three crazy cousins.

Aarya walked to the dining table and greeted everyone before settling down. She sat beside Shivansh Bhai and Riya Bhabhi.

Aarya looked at the Auroras and smirked.

“What the hell? What are you doing here?” Sonia yelled, standing up and pointing at Aarya.

Aarya glanced at her once but said nothing. She turned to Bhavya Ma instead.

“Chhoti Ma, I’m starving,” Aarya said, smiling lightly — though her eyes were hollow.

Hearing her, Bhavya Ma’s heart melted. A smile broke through her tears; after ten long years, she could finally feed her daughter again.

Bhavya happily went to Aarya’s side and began serving her food.

“These are your favourites, beta. Eat — you look so thin,” Bhavya said, patting her head lovingly.

“Yes, Ma,” Aarya replied quietly.

“I’m asking you something! What the f**k are you doing here?” Sonia snapped again.

The entire table went silent. Everyone turned to look at Sonia, then at Aarya — waiting. They all knew what was coming next.

One thing was certain: you never shouted at Aarya Malhotra. She hated when people raised their voice at her or used foul language.

“Sonia…” Aarya paused mid-bite, calmly finished chewing, then took a sip of water. The whole family held their breath.

“Don’t you ever — and I mean ever — in your miserable lifetime, raise your voice at me,” Aarya said coldly. Her tone was calm, but the air around her felt like ice. “I don’t tolerate s**t coming out of your gutter mouth. And about your question…”

She wiped her mouth with a serviette, her gaze freezing Sonia in place.

“It’s none of your f*****g business. This is my f*****g home. I can come here whenever the f**k I want. I don’t need anyone’s permission — especially not from you.”

Her eyes darkened, cutting through the room like knives.

“Sit your butt down, or see yourself through the door,” she added icily.

Durga quickly grabbed her daughter’s arm and pulled her down despite her protests.

“But Maa—” Sonia whined.

“Aarya beta, you’re back! Oh my God, such good news. We missed you! When did you come back?” Durga said nervously, trying to lighten the mood.

Aarya glanced at her, still calmly eating.

“Bua ji, if I didn’t know any better, I would’ve actually believed that concern. Maybe I should come back to India permanently — seems like you all are happy to see me,” she said, smirking.

Durga’s eyes widened as she stumbled slightly in her chair.

“Chill, Aunty. I was just joking,” Aarya said sarcastically.

The Malhotra brothers had to bite their lips to stop themselves from laughing.

“Chhoti Ma, I’m going to my office. I have some important work to do,” Aarya said, standing up.

“Okay, beta,” Bhavya replied softly.

“Bhavya, how did you raise your daughter? See the way she’s talking to me!” Durga snapped.

“Sister,” Bhavya said sharply, her tone rising for the first time, “my daughter knows exactly how to talk to people. You should worry about your own daughter, not mine.”

“Enough!” Dadu sa said, slamming his hand on the dining table. The sharp sound silenced everyone.

“I will not hear another word from anybody at this table until we finish this breakfast. Is that clear?” Dadu sa said in his deep, authoritative voice.

“Yes,” they all replied immediately.

The rest of the meal continued in tense silence — though the youngsters kept exchanging glances, trying to hold in their laughter.

When breakfast was finally over, everyone went their separate ways. The Malhotra elders went to the living room, while the Auroras retreated to their own wing of the mansion.

Meanwhile, the Malhotra brothers and Riya headed straight to Aarya’s office.

---

In Aarya’s Office

The Malhotra brothers entered first, with Riya gently pushing Shivansh's wheelchair.

Aarya glanced up from her desk and frowned. They all looked suspiciously nervous — and she immediately noticed that every one of them had their hands behind their backs.

“What are you guys hiding?” Aarya asked, confused.

“Cough— Di, we got you these,” Ranveer said quickly as they all revealed what they’d been hiding.

It was a bouquet — a huge one — filled with her favourite flowers: lilies. Different colours, carefully arranged.

“Wow, guys, they’re so beautiful,” Aarya said softly, admiring them.

“But… why did you get me flowers?” she asked, still confused.

Aditya stepped forward and handed her his bouquet.

“It’s for your welcome back,” he said with a grin.

“Beautiful flowers for our beautiful Di,” Ranveer added, kissing her cheek.

“Thanks, guys,” she said, smiling faintly

“And that’s not all,” Vihaan said mischievously. “Your welcome party is tonight.”

“What? But why?” Aarya sighed. She didn’t exactly feel like interacting with a crowd of people — not yet.

“We have to let them know the Malhotra princess is back,” Shivansh said proudly, looking at his little sister — now all grown up. “We have to celebrate your return, Ari.”

“Fine,” she muttered, resigning to her fate.

“We have one more surprise for you, Aarya,” Riya said, glancing meaningfully at the brothers.

“What surpr—” Before she could finish her sentence, Shivansh suddenly stood up from his wheelchair.

The bouquet slipped from Aarya’s hands, but Adi caught it just in time.

She froze, eyes wide, staring at her brother standing tall before her — strong and majestic, just like she remembered him from their childhood.

“Won’t you come and give your big brother a hug?” Shivansh said softly, opening his arms.