The mansion stood in an unusual silence that evening, its grand halls empty as everyone had left for dinner. The chandeliers glowed softly, casting golden reflections across the marble floors, but there was no laughter, no footsteps, no voices echoing through the walls. It was as if the house itself was holding its breath.
Upstairs, Riyana slowly stirred awake.
Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light of her room. For a moment, she lay still, her mind foggy, until something caught her attention—a letter resting neatly on her bed.
Her heart skipped.
She sat up, reaching for it with slightly trembling fingers. The paper felt familiar, as though it carried a presence she had longed for.
She opened it.
Garden am wait love.
Her lips curved into a soft, radiant smile. A blush crept up her cheeks as her eyes softened with emotion.
"He's here…" she whispered.
Without wasting another second, she rose from the bed and walked toward the bathroom. Warm water cascaded over her as she bathed, washing her sandy brown hair slowly, carefully, as though preparing for something sacred. Every movement carried anticipation, every breath held emotion.
After her bath, she stepped out, her damp hair falling down her back in soft waves.
Her eyes fell on a box placed carefully near her dresser.
She approached it slowly.
Opening it, her breath hitched.
Inside lay a dark red bridal lehenga—rich, heavy, embroidered with intricate golden designs that shimmered under the light.
Her fingers gently traced the fabric.
She lifted it with care, her hands adorned with fresh henna, the deep reddish patterns glowing beautifully against her soft skin. A shy smile spread across her lips.
She dressed slowly.
Every piece, every layer, every fold of the lehenga felt like a memory being woven back into her life. Once dressed, she covered her face with the veil, letting it fall gracefully over her features.
Then her eyes shifted to another box.
An old one.
Her heart tightened.
She opened it.
Inside were bangles.
Glass bangles.
The very ones Sohan had given her during their college days.
Her fingers trembled as she picked them up, a soft laugh escaping her lips through tears. Carefully, she slid them onto her wrists. The gentle clinking sound filled the room—a melody of memories.
And just like that…
Flashback.
It was raining heavily that day.
The sky roared as droplets poured endlessly, soaking everything in sight.
Riyana ran through the streets, trying to shield herself, her veil clutched tightly as she searched for a safe place. Her plan was simple—wait out the rain, then return to her dorm.
She finally stopped under a small shade, breathing lightly.
Not far away, a young man stood, watching.
His sharp eyes were fixed on her.
The veil covering her face intrigued him, but it was her presence—soft, delicate, mysterious—that caught him completely.
The beauty has caught his eyes.
Her blue eyes peeked through slightly, her soft cream skin glowing even in the dull rainlight. She wore a purple salwar kameez, her long veil flowing with the wind. A silver nose ring adorned her face, glass bangles clinked softly on her wrists, and silver anklets shimmered faintly as she moved.
A white bag hung on her shoulder.
He smirked.
Taking an umbrella, he walked toward her.
"Hey girl," he said, his voice deep and husky.
She startled slightly, clutching her sleeve.
"G…Good evening, sir…" she replied softly, her voice low, calm, shy.
"You're gonna get wet," he said, holding the umbrella toward her.
"But… it's yours… and I don't know how to return it to you later…" she said, hesitating.
He stepped closer.
He was very, very tall.
Bending down slightly to meet her height, he whispered,
"It's yours now… just like you're mine now."
Her breath caught.
"What… what's your name, sir?" she asked.
He handed her the umbrella.
"Sohan Murad."
Her eyes widened in shock.
She had heard that name before.
From her classmates.
The most dangerous… the most feared mafia.
She instinctively stepped back.
"Don't be scared, little dove…" he said softly.
Then, tilting his head slightly, he asked,
"What's your name, dove?"
"Riyana…" she whispered.
"That's a very beautiful name," he said.
Her hands trembled as she took the umbrella, her soft fingers brushing against his.
"See you soon, little dove," he said, gently patting her head, adjusting her veil to cover her hair properly.
He walked away.
Riyana stood there, holding the umbrella… and then she giggled.
A soft, innocent giggle.
He heard it.
And it made his heart beat.
He entered his car.
"That girl… get me her information. No details left behind," he ordered.
From that day on, gifts began arriving.
Bangles.
The same ones she wore now.
He made sure she was his.
And he was hers.
Flashback End.
Riyana stepped into the garden.
The night air wrapped around her gently, the soft breeze lifting the edges of her veil. Lights glowed faintly around, illuminating the path as if guiding her to him.
Her heart pounded.
Her veil still covered her face.
She took a deep breath.
And began to sing.
Title: "Phir Se Tum, Phir Se Hum"
[Riyana]
Tum laut aaye ho, jaise subah ki roshni
(You have returned, like the light of dawn)
Saanson ne phir se li hai jeene ki zimmedari
(My breaths have once again taken responsibility to live)
Barson ki dooriyan, aankhon mein pighal gayi
(The distance of years has melted within our eyes)
Khamoshiyon mein bhi, tumhari awaaz chal gayi
(Even in silence, your voice began to echo)
[Riyana]
Yaadon ke diye humne andheron mein jalaye
(In the darkness, I lit lamps of memories)
Har raat tumhe humne khwabon mein bulaye
(Every night, I called you into my dreams)
Sindoor ki laali ne intezaar saha hai
(The red of vermilion has endured the waiting)
Patni ke dil ne bas tumhe hi chaha hai
(A wife's heart has loved only you)
[Chorus – Together]
Phir se tum, phir se hum, likh rahe kismat nayi
(You again, me again, rewriting our destiny anew)
Toota tha jo kabhi, jud gaya aaj wahi
(What was once broken has been mended today)
Haathon mein haath hai, dil ko sukoon mila
(With hands in hands, the heart has found peace)
Tum bin jo adhoora tha, aaj poora ho gaya
(What was incomplete without you is now whole)
[Sohan]
Maang ka sindoor tumhara, meri saanson ki qasam
(The vermilion in your hair parting, I swear on my breath)
Main har janam mein tumhe hi chahunga sanam
(In every lifetime, I will love only you, my beloved)
Duniya ne roka humein, waqt ne bhi toda tha
(The world tried to stop us, time tried to break us)
Par ishq ne har mod pe humein joda tha
(But love reunited us at every turn)
[Riyana]
Chunri mein basi hai meri har dua tumhari
(In my veil lives every prayer for you)
Maang mein saja hai mera har vaada tumhari
(In my hair parting rests every promise of yours)
Mandir ki ghanti jaise goonj uthi hai rooh
(Like temple bells, the soul has begun to echo)
Tum aa gaye ho toh mil gaya hai sukoon
(Now that you've returned, peace has been found)
[Chorus – Together]
Phir se tum, phir se hum, likh rahe kismat nayi
(You again, me again, rewriting our destiny anew)
Toota tha jo kabhi, jud gaya aaj wahi
(What was once broken has been mended today)
Saath janmon ka yeh bandhan phir se jag utha
(This bond of seven lifetimes has awakened again)
Tum meri zindagi, main tumhara raasta
(You are my life, I am your path)
[Outro – Together]
Ab na juda honge hum, chahe jo ho zamaana
(Now we will never part, no matter what the world brings)
Rab ne likha hai humein ek doosre ka afsaana
(God has written us as each other's story)
Phir se tum, phir se hum… sada ke liye saath
(You again, me again… together forever)
As the final note faded into the night, Riyana stood still.
Face to face with him.
Her husband.
Tears rolled down her cheeks beneath the veil.
"Sohan…" she whispered.
"Meri jaan…" he replied softly.
Her eyes closed as he took her hands into his, his thumbs gently rubbing her knuckles. His touch was warm, familiar, grounding. He lifted her hands and kissed them softly.
She sobbed.
Slowly, gently, he lifted her veil.
And there she was.
Her beautiful face.
"Oh, Riyana…" he breathed. "How much I missed you…"
Tears filled his eyes.
She cried harder, throwing herself into his arms, hugging him tightly.
"I missed you so, so, so, so, so much…" she sobbed.
"I missed you more…" he whispered, holding her closer.
Time passed.
Two hours of laughter, soft whispers, holding each other like they never wanted to let go again.
Then—
"You took her from Nikolai, didn't you?" Riyana asked quietly.
"Yes, I did," Sohan replied calmly. "His aunt slapped her… before I even came downstairs to see what happened. So I took her away. I want to see how far Nikolai Devereaux can go for my gem."
Riyana held his hand tightly.
"He didn't let her go… she didn't let him go either… she calls him Nikki…" Sohan said, gently rubbing Riyana's hair and back.
"That's hurtful… he really loves Lily… they really do…" Riyana whispered.
"Hm… I will see," he said.
Then suddenly, he lifted her into his arms and spun her around.
She laughed loudly, her gown flowing in the air, spinning with her.
Sohan smiled.
He stopped, cupped her face, and kissed her deeply.
The taste of old love.
Of longing.
Of years lost and found again.
They wrapped themselves around each other.
Russia
Nikolai hadn't moved.
Not from the same spot.
Since Sohan took Lilith away from him.
Rain had soaked him completely. His clothes clung to his body, his hair dripping, his face pale and empty.
They tried to take him inside.
But he didn't say a single word.
Ethan stood there, stunned.
"She's gone… he took her away…" he whispered.
"Boss… I checked the cameras. It was those two girls… they poured oil on the floor…" Damian said quietly.
Slowly…
Nikolai stood up.
He had been there since yesterday.
All day.
All night.
He looked up.
And saw it.
Lily's teddy bear.
Lying on the floor near the gate.
He pointed at it.
Damian rushed to get it and handed it to him.
Nikolai gently dusted it, his wet hands trembling. His clothes were still soaked, but he held the teddy bear close to his chest.
"Bambi…" he whispered.
Then he slowly walked back inside.
Silence followed him.
Heavy.
Painful.
"Nick…" his mother called.
He didn't respond.
His eyes were red.
He entered their room.
Her toys were still on the bed.
He placed the teddy bear down.
Then walked into the bathroom.
The bathtub was already filled.
He stepped in.
Cold water surrounded him as he lay back, staring blankly.
Memories flooded him.
Her giggling.
Her cooking.
Her running around.
Playing in the mud.
Her happy dances.
Her tiny voice calling him—
Nikki.
He got out.
Water dripping from his body, he dried himself, wore a shirt and pants. His hair was messy, his face drained.
Holding the teddy bear again, he walked downstairs.
Rowena and Paige exchanged glances.
Like they had won.
Nikolai stopped in front of them.
"Who poured the oil on the stairs between the both of you?" Damian asked coldly.
"W-we don't know… how would we know?" Paige stammered.
Rowena flipped her hair.
In a flash—
Nikolai grabbed both their hair with one hand.
"Speak… or die," he said, his voice dangerously cold.
"O-okay! Okay! It was Rowena's idea! We just wanted to trouble her a bit—to separate you both!" Paige cried.
"But you're the one who poured the oil!" Rowena snapped back.
"Boss… it's a video from Karim… it's Lily…" Damian said.
Nikolai froze.
He grabbed the phone.
"Lily wants her Nikki!" Lilith cried through the screen.
She looked weak.
She hadn't eaten.
Hadn't slept.
She only cried.
Whispering his name again and again.
It shattered him.
"Get out of here… and never show your faces again… or I will wipe you and your families out. GET OUT!" Nikolai roared.
They ran.
Then he turned.
"And you…" he said, facing Karolina.
Her arm was bandaged.
He placed his hand on it.
And pressed.
She screamed.
"You raised those filthy hands and slapped my Bambi… you're the reason Sohan took her away from me!" he growled, pressing harder.
"Brother, calm down!" Arina and Daria rushed.
"Nick, for Lily's sake…" Mrs. Francesca said softly, placing her hand on his shoulder.
He stopped.
Took a deep breath.
"We are leaving. Now."
They arrived in New York.
"Buy a mansion. Make sure it's clean," Nikolai ordered.
"Yes, boss."
Four weeks later…
Lilith sat on the floor.
Crying.
"I WANT MY NIKKI!" she screamed, banging on the locked doors.
She hadn't eaten.
Hadn't slept.
Hadn't laughed.
Hadn't danced.
Her world had gone silent.
Broken.
Sohan had locked her in.
Only Anika managed to feed her sometimes.
One night, Anika and the boys sneaked into her room.
Lilith was drawing.
Nikolai's face.
"Mihu… come, let's call Nikolai…" Anika whispered.
Lilith's body burned.
She had a high fever.
For two weeks.
Meanwhile…
Nikolai had been in New York, watching the Murad mansion constantly.
He allowed no one near.
His phone rang.
A video call.
He answered.
Damian stood behind him.
"Here you go, Mihu…" Anika said.
Nikolai froze.
"Bambi?" he whispered.
"Lily can't see Nikki?" she said weakly.
"Nikki… can you see Lily?" she stuttered.
"Yes, Bambi…" his voice broke.
"Hi Nikki!" she said softly.
"Shhh… no one knows we called you. She has a high fever… she wanted you…" Karim whispered.
"Boss has a fever too…" Damian added.
"Oh no… Nikki… do you also miss Lily?" she asked.
They both coughed.
Sneezed.
At the same time.
"Oh wowww…" Nihal whispered.
"Nikolai… you should come tomorrow for her hand… or Baba will marry her off tomorrow… we overheard him…" Reyan said.
"What?" Nikolai snapped.
"Hurry," Zafraan said.
"Can I talk to her alone?" Nikolai asked.
"Yeah… Mihu, shhh… be quiet like a cat…" Ariz whispered.
"Meow…" Lilith whispered.
They all hid.
"Call everyone. Now," Nikolai ordered.
"Yes, boss."
"H-hi Nikki… Lily miss you a lot…" she said weakly.
"I miss my Bambi too… kisses?" he asked softly.
"Can Lily give kisses to Nikki?" she asked innocently.
"I'm sorry, baby… it's a video call… you can only see him…" Rafsan explained gently.
"Oh…" she whispered.
"It's okay, Bambi… I promise… I'll see you tomorrow. Pinky promise."
"I love you, Nikki…" she said.
"I love you too, Bambi."
"Baba is coming!" Aarav whispered.
"Shhh! Hide!" Karim said.
"Bye, Nikki…" she said, kissing the phone.
The call ended.
"B-bye… Bambi…" Nikolai whispered.
His heart shattered.
"Sir… they're on their way," Damian said.
"Thank you…" Nikolai said quietly.
Holding Lilith's teddy bear tightly, tears streamed down his face.
That night…
Nikolai Devereaux cried himself to sleep.
With nothing but pain in his heart.