Amaya's POV

The faint hum of music filled the pristine white recording studio as I leaned against the glass panel, replaying the final track from my album. The applause, the charts, and the streaming milestones—it all still felt surreal. I scribbled a few notes in my journal when the sharp ringtone of my phone broke the moment.

"Amaya, it's urgent," came the familiar voice of my PA, Mia. Her tone was clipped but professional as always.

"Another event?" I sighed, already half expecting a scheduling disaster.

"Nope. You have a flight to catch. Wheels up in three hours."

"Wait, what?" I blinked.

"Family's waiting. I booked the jet. Move!"

A wide grin spread across my face. Mia knew me too well—there was no better cure for post-launch fatigue than going home to Bhai, Bhabs, and little Zi.

In a rush, I opened my closet, skimming through rows of designer outfits. My eyes landed on a sage-green midi dress with delicate floral embroidery—a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. I slipped into it, pairing it with white sneakers and a gold chain. I tousled my long hair and grabbed my carry-on.

Before long, I was stepping onto the private jet. The leather seats gleamed under the soft cabin lights as I settled in by the window. My heart thumped in excitement. I imagined Zi's squeals, Bhai's warm hug, and Bhabhi's teasing grin.

The flight was smooth, but my nerves buzzed with anticipation as we touched down in Ranchi.

The car ride blurred by until we pulled up to the Dhoni house.

I barely rang the bell before it flew open.

"MASIIIIII!" Zi's voice pierced the air as she launched herself at me.

"Zi!" I twirled her around, laughing. "Look at you, meri jaan! Taller and sassier?"

"You bet!" she giggled.

Before I could catch my breath, Bhai appeared, his eyes wide in shock.

"Princess?" he said in disbelief, before pulling me into a hug.

"Surprise!" I grinned.

"You didn't even warn us!" Bhabhi scolded, though her smile was radiant. "Amu, come in before Zi drags you to her playroom."

And just like that, I was home.

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Bhabhi took my hand, leading me inside, while Bhai and Zi followed, chattering nonstop. The familiar warmth of their home wrapped around me—the faint aroma of freshly brewed chai mingling with the scent of flowers from the garden.

"So, what brings our superstar back to Ranchi without a warning?" Bhabhi teased, her eyes glinting as we walked toward the living room.

I plopped onto the couch, stretching my arms dramatically. "Couldn't stay away from my favorite people, obviously!"

Bhai smirked, crossing his arms. "Really? Not because you wanted an excuse to dodge the press after your album launch?"

"Bhai!" I gasped, mock-offended. "I'm here for pure family bonding."

"Uh-huh." He raised an eyebrow.

"Princess," he said softly, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Proud of you. Always."

A lump caught in my throat. "Thanks, Bhai."

"And I second that, but less emotionally," Bhabhi interjected, waving her hand. "Now come to the kitchen. You're not escaping without my famous chai and pakoras."

I laughed. "You had me at pakoras."

We gathered at the kitchen island, where Bhabhi handed me a steaming cup of chai. Zi perched on a stool beside me, her face full of mischief.

"So, Amy, sing something for us," Zi demanded, using her occasional pet name for me.

"Zi, I just got here!" I protested.

"Pleeeeease?" She batted her lashes dramatically.

"You're too cute for your own good," I sighed, setting down my chai. "Okay, just a line."

I hummed the opening of one of my new songs, soft and melodic. Bhai and Bhabhi exchanged glances, smiling as Zi clapped enthusiastically.

"You've still got it, Amu," Bhabhi said warmly.

Just as I finished, Bhabhi's phone buzzed on the counter. She glanced at the screen, her brows furrowing.

"It's the media again. They're all over your surprise return," she said with a sigh.

I rolled my eyes. "Of course, they are. I just hope they don't camp outside."

"You know how it goes," Bhai said with a protective edge. "But they won't bother you here. I'll handle it if they do."

"Thanks, Bhai."

The sound of the doorbell interrupted our moment, echoing through the house.

"I'll get it!" Zi shouted, already darting toward the entrance, her tiny legs moving faster than I thought possible. One of the house staff hurried to catch up and help her.

Curious, I followed behind with Bhabhi, my chai still in hand.

Zi pulled the heavy door open, revealing a familiar pair of faces.

"Dadi Dadu!" Zi's voice echoed joyfully as she ran into the embrace.

I stood there, stunned for a beat, before a wide smile broke across my face. "Aunty! Uncle!"

Their eyes sparkled when they saw me.

"Amaya, beta!" Aunty exclaimed, her arms opening wide.

I barely had time to set my cup down before she pulled me into a warm hug that smelled of sandalwood and comfort. "Look at you, all grown up and glowing like a star."

Uncle's deep, steady voice followed. "She's always been a star, hasn't she?" he said with pride as he patted my head affectionately.

"You two still make me blush," I teased, though the warmth in my chest was undeniable.

"You'll always be our other daughter, no matter how famous you get," Uncle said firmly, his voice full of conviction.

"Absolutely," Aunty agreed. "Now, where's my son?"

"Probably hiding," I quipped. "Bhai doesn't do emotional reunions as well as I do."

"Princess, I heard that!" Bhai's voice called from the hallway as he made his way over, a sheepish grin on his face.

"Well, it's true," I laughed.

Uncle clapped Bhai on the shoulder. "Beta, we thought you'd at least warn us when you're planning surprises."

"She didn't warn me either," Bhai said, throwing a playful glare my way.

"Keep her close, Mahi," Aunty said with a knowing smile. "She brings life into this house."

"Always, Ma." Bhai's tone softened, glancing at me with a rare vulnerability.

"Now, enough standing around," Aunty declared, taking charge. "Let's sit and catch up. I need all the updates from our star."

"And I need more chai," Uncle added with a grin.

"I second that!" I chimed in as we all headed back inside, the house filling with the laughter and love I had missed more than I realized.

@amayadk
💫 Back to my home with my favorite people! 

📸 by the one and only @sakshisingh_r

Comments:

@ritssajdeh : Excuse me?! YOU BETRAYED US. 😭💔

@rohitsharma45 : Aye 😐

@amayadk : LOL it was a surprise!!! Don't cry vadapav gang! 🤭

@sakshisingh_r : Yeh lo drama queens aa gaye 😂

────𝐒𝐭✰𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥──── 

The front door flung open without ceremony.

"WHERE IS SHE?!" Rohit's voice boomed through the hallway, startling even Bhai.

"I swear, I locked that door," Bhai muttered, shaking his head.

Before I could escape, Rohit appeared in front of me with Ritika right behind him, both wearing mock-serious expressions.

"You didn't tell us? Us? Your soul fam?!" Ritika accused, hands on her hips.

"It was a surprise—" I began, only for Rohit to cut me off.

"Surprise my foot," he scoffed. "Bhabhi posted before you called us."

"Oops?" I grinned sheepishly.

"You're done for, Amu," Ritika warned dramatically.

I attempted to sidestep, but Rohit caught me in a playful tackle, ruffling my hair. "Betrayal at its peak!" he declared dramatically.

"You're so annoying, Vadapav!" I laughed, shoving him back.

"Admit it, I'm your favorite!" he teased.

"In your dreams," I quipped, rolling my eyes.

"Oh, that hurt." Rohit clutched his chest like I had delivered a mortal blow.

"Drama queen," Ritika muttered, shaking her head.

We all burst into laughter, collapsing onto the couch.

Bhabhi peeked in, grinning. "Looks like I need to make more chai for the drama club."

"Please, Bhabs!" I called, still breathless from laughing.

As the warmth of friendship and family surrounded me, I realized this was why I had come back—to be with the people who made every moment, no matter how chaotic, feel like home.

Author's Note: i'm back T_T