As Dhriti and Tavish stepped out of the burning mansion, the flickering flames casting eerie shadows behind them, their eyes met the anxious faces of Aaradhya and Aarna. Both women stood frozen, their hands clasped together, their breaths held in suspense. For a moment, there was silence—just the crackling of fire and the distant wail of sirens.

Then, as realization dawned upon them that Dhriti and Tavish had made it out unscathed, Aarna exhaled sharply, her eyes brimming with relief. Aaradhya, unable to hold back, rushed forward and engulfed Dhriti in a tight embrace.

“You’re okay,” Aaradhya whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “You’re actually okay.”

Dhriti stiffened for a moment before relaxing into the hug. “Of course, I’m okay,” she murmured. “You really think I’d let that bastard take me down?”

Aaradhya pulled back just enough to look into Dhriti’s eyes. “No, but I saw the rage in your eyes, the fire within you... and for a moment, I was terrified you’d let it consume you.”

Tavish, standing slightly behind, smirked. “If she had, I would have pulled her right back. Can’t have my little warrior turning into an actual fire spirit now, can I?”

Aarna, still staring at them in disbelief, finally found her voice. “How... how are you both completely unharmed? The house is literally burning down.”

Dhriti simply shrugged. “Luck.”

Tavish chuckled, his voice laced with amusement. “Or perhaps the fire knew better than to mess with us.”

Aarna let out a small laugh at that, shaking her head. “You two are unbelievable.”

Tavish clapped his hands together. “Now that we’ve confirmed that no one’s a ghost here, I’d suggest we all get some rest. It’s been a long night.”

Aaradhya nodded. “You’re right. But what about Aarna? Where will she stay?”

“I’ve already taken care of that,” Dhriti replied. “She’ll be staying in one of the hotels owned by Trehan Enterprises for the time being. Expenses, security, everything’s handled.”

Aarna, moved by the gesture, hesitated before speaking. “Dhriti, I—”

Before she could finish, Aaradhya stepped forward. “No. She’s coming with me. I’m not letting her stay alone, not after everything.”

Dhriti’s gaze shifted to Aarna, silently asking for confirmation. Aarna nodded. “I’d rather be with Aaradhya, if that’s okay.”

“Fine,” Dhriti relented. “But if you need anything, let me know.”

Aaradhya reached out and placed a gentle hand on Dhriti’s shoulder. “It’s over,” she said softly. “You can finally breathe.”

Dhriti gave a small nod, but the storm within her hadn’t entirely settled. Aaradhya, sensing that, didn’t push further. Instead, she squeezed Dhriti’s shoulder before stepping back.

“Go home and rest,” Aaradhya continued. “You’ve earned this night.”

For the first time, Dhriti truly acknowledged the exhaustion settling into her bones. She nodded again and turned toward Tavish’s car. As she reached for the door, Aaradhya called out once more.

“I don’t know why you married him,” she admitted. “Maybe it was a strategy, maybe it was something more. But whatever it was, one thing is clear— you trust him, and whether you admit it or not, you need him. So, Tavish, take care of her.”

Tavish smirked. “I intend to.”

With that, he slipped into the driver’s seat, and Dhriti followed, resting her head against the window as the car moved forward into the quiet night.

After a few minutes of silence, Tavish glanced at her and smirked. “So, when are you shifting in with me?”

Dhriti turned her head slowly, giving him a blank stare. “Excuse me?”

Tavish clicked his tongue playfully. “Oh, come on, Dhriti. We’re married. People will talk if we live separately. Scandalous headlines, whispers at fancy parties... you know how people love gossip.”

Dhriti narrowed her eyes. “Are you seriously thinking about society’s opinion right now?”

“Not really,” Tavish admitted, grinning. “I just like teasing you.”

Dhriti sighed. “You’re impossible.”

Tavish shrugged. “True. But seriously, if you don’t want to move in with me, I can always move in with you.”

Dhriti arched an eyebrow. “You’d leave your grand mansion just like that?”

“For you? Absolutely.” Tavish smirked. “Besides, your house is cozy. Less empty space, more warmth.”

Dhriti crossed her arms. “I suppose it makes sense. Fine, you’ll move in with me.”

Tavish blinked. “Wait, what?”

“Don’t flatter yourself, demon king,” Dhriti said, smirking. “I only agreed because your argument made sense.”

Tavish let out a low chuckle. “This is why I adore you, Mrs. Agnihotri. Always so pragmatic.”

Dhriti tilted her head. “You’re starting to sound like a human, Tavish. The very creatures you once dismissed as insignificant.”

Tavish leaned back in his seat, a playful glint in his eyes. “Maybe I’ve spent too much time around one particular human who turned out to be anything but ordinary.”

For once, Dhriti had no retort. Instead, she looked out the window, the city lights blurring past.

Tavish reached over and placed his hand over hers, his grip firm yet reassuring. “You’re not alone, little warrior.”

Dhriti didn’t respond with words. Instead, she turned her palm slightly, just enough to entwine her fingers with his.

Tavish’s lips curled into a knowing smile. Maybe, just maybe, fate knew exactly what it was doing all along.