LobbyDawn crept into the suite as Arohi and Shruti lounged over breakfast—fresh fruit, flaky croissants, coffee steaming in glass cups. Conversation was light but edged with anticipation. The news that Bhushan's brother, Rishi, might be downstairs hung in the air like a stray monsoon cloud.
Shruti (nervous): "Should we just… stay here? What if the whole family storms the lobby?"
Arohi (steady): "Let them. This time I'm not sneaking out a back window."
She clipped her hair back, pulled on sunglasses, and slipped her latest sign-in perk—a sharp, linen blazer—over her tank top. Quiet power, understated luxury: the look of someone ready to handle, not hide from, drama.
Descent into DramaTheir elevator chimed open onto the marble lobby, bustling with tourists and smartly dressed staff. Arohi's gaze swept the room—vigilant but relaxed, like she'd done this a hundred times.
Near the doors, Rishi stood gripping his phone, flanked by two younger cousins. Their whispered conference halted as they spotted Arohi and Shruti.
Rishi (tight smile): "Didn't expect you here, Arohi. Family's worried sick."
Arohi (level): "I'm safe, as you see. And—no offense—enjoying my own company more than any arranged marriage ever could."
The cousins shifted uneasily. One, a wannabe instigator, huffed:
Cousin: "How long are you going to run? This isn't normal."
Arohi's voice was calm, nearly amused:
Arohi: "If you spent less time worrying about appearances and more about happiness, maybe you wouldn't end up chasing girls through hotel lobbies."
Shruti stifled a giggle, tension breaking as staff bustled past. Rishi softened, embarrassment coloring his voice.
Rishi: "Look… Mom's really upset. Come home, just talk it out."
Arohi (kind, but firm): "I'll explain when you're ready to listen, Rishi. But I'm not walking into a blame game. I'm done with guilt—today, I pick peace."
Her system buzzed—[Negotiation skill in use. Social tension: defused.] A subtle wave of relief rolled through the group; Rishi nodded, resigned:
Rishi: "At least text her, okay?"
Arohi smiled encouragingly, touching Shruti's arm.
Arohi: "I will. But don't expect a grand homecoming. This runaway has better places to be."
Out into the CityOutside, the air was bright and alive with Mumbai's promise. Shruti threw her cousin an admiring look.
Shruti: "You make standing your ground look glamorous."
Arohi (sarcastic): "You should see me negotiate for discount makeup."
Their laughter sparkled as they hailed an auto, heading off to a favorite art gallery—a quiet haven where real life thrummed, far from drama.
Villa Aftermath: Gossip ReduxAt the Malhotra villa, another round of arguments brewed.
Savita Chachi: "She stood up to Rishi too! That girl could out-talk a lawyer."
Mini (smirking under her breath): "Maybe she'll send souvenirs from her next adventure."
The family, caught between outrage and awe, found their old melodrama wearing thin. The neighbors, meanwhile, eyed the Malhotras with fresh curiosity—some scandalized, some newly envious.
Arohi's JournalThat night, Arohi made a new entry in her diary:
"Standing still is harder than running, but sweeter too. Maybe that's how you build something real—step by bold step, not apology by apology."
Her system pinged:
[Sign-In Reward: Investment Tip Unlocked. You are eligible to purchase shares in 'Saffron Art Café'—location in walking distance. Chance to change lives, and your own happiness, today.]
Arohi smiled, filled with possibility. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and new victories—always on her terms, always growing in power, wealth, and self-respect.