When Aaika reached the area where Arin lived, she made her next move carefully.
She approached Arin's mother and used her charm to subtly influence her thoughts. Without realizing it, Arin's mother began to feel a sense of trust and warmth toward Aaika.
After Aaika left, Arin returned home.
His mother immediately said,
"Arin, have you met Aaika? She's such a sweet and kind girl, isn't she?"
Arin nodded.
"Yes, Mom… she's nice. But why are you asking?"
His mother smiled.
"Nothing… I was just thinking, why don't you become closer friends with her?"
Arin replied casually,
"I already am her friend, Mom. What else should I do?"
She continued,
"Take her out somewhere… spend some time with her."
Arin looked at her curiously.
"That's strange. You've never said something like this before. What happened?"
She replied softly,
"No, nothing like that. I just liked her."
Arin asked,
"When did you even meet her?"
His mother answered,
"I met her in the market once. She helped me a lot."
Arin smiled slightly.
"That sounds like her… she's always ready to help others."
His mother nodded.
"That's why I'm saying this."
After thinking for a moment, Arin said,
"Alright. In two days, my friends and I are planning a trip. I'll take Aaika with us."
His mother looked satisfied.
"Good. That's perfect."
Aaika had heard everything.
A small smile appeared on her face.
The plan is working…
But she had another plan in mind as well—
To gain Arin's sympathy.
Later, Aaika stood on a lonely road near the forest, where hardly anyone passed.
At that moment, Arin called her.
While she was talking to him, a group of boys approached from behind.
One of them said mockingly,
"Come, madam… let us show you around the jungle."
Arin heard their voices over the phone.
"Hello? Aaika? Are you there?" he said repeatedly.
When she didn't respond, Arin quickly traced her location and rushed toward her on his bike at full speed.
Meanwhile, Aaika had already injured two of the boys easily. For her, defeating them was effortless—it was almost like a game.
But just then, Wish whispered,
"Aaika! Arin is coming… what are you doing?"
Immediately, Aaika changed her plan.
She created fake injuries on her body—on her hands and head.
Wish looked shocked.
"What about them? You already hurt them!"
Aaika calmly healed the boys and staged the scene to make it look like they were attacking her.
She grabbed one of their hands, pretending to struggle.
Just then, Arin arrived.
The moment Aaika saw him, she pulled away and ran straight toward him, as if escaping.
Tears filled her eyes as she said emotionally,
"Thank God you came on time… otherwise they would have killed me!"
She began to cry.
Seeing this, Arin's anger exploded.
Without listening to anything, he attacked the boys mercilessly, beating them until they collapsed.
One of them tried to say,
"We didn't do anything! She—"
But Arin didn't listen.
From the side, Wish whispered to Aaika,
"Wow… they're getting beaten from both sides."
Aaika murmured quietly,
"Be quiet… he'll hear you."
Aaika stepped forward and stopped Arin.
"Let them go… I'm scared. Let's leave this place."
Then she hugged him tightly.
Arin held her protectively.
"No one can hurt you while I'm here," he said firmly. "Anyone who tries… won't survive."
He held her hand and took her to his bike.
As they rode away, Aaika held onto him tightly, as if she didn't want to let go.
For her, the journey felt strangely… short.
Soon, they reached her house.
Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra came outside immediately. Seeing Aaika injured, they panicked.
"What happened, beta? Tell us!" her mother asked worriedly.
Arin explained everything.
Mrs. Malhotra hugged Aaika tightly and took her inside.
Mr. Malhotra turned to Arin and said gratefully,
"Once again, you have saved my daughter. I don't know how to thank you."
Arin replied calmly,
"She's in shock after what happened. Please let her rest. And… in two days, let her come with us on the trip. It might help her feel better."
Aaika listened silently.
Her plan was working perfectly.
But somewhere deep inside…
Something felt different.
To be continued…