AUTHOR'S POV -

The shoot finally wrapped up as the morning sun hung bright in the sky, its light sharp but warm, spreading evenly across the massive outdoor set.

The air still carried that early-day freshness, mixed with dust and the faint smell of coffee that had been circulating since dawn.

One by one, the towering lights were switched off-not because the day was ending, but because the scene was done.

Cameras were carefully unmounted, lenses wiped, and equipment packed away with the smooth efficiency of a crew that had done this a thousand times before.

Crew members stretched their stiff shoulders, some rolling their necks, others dropping onto nearby chairs with relieved sighs.

A few checked the time on their phones, surprised it was already past ten. Tired faces slowly relaxed, exhaustion settling in after hours of intense focus. Vans stood lined up nearby, engines humming softly, drivers waiting.

The director walked up to Yash, a satisfied smile on his face, and said casually,

"You rocked, boyy."

Before Yash could respond, voices rose together from around the set.

"Isn't that what Yash Oberoi always does?"

Yash let out a fake, effortless laugh, the kind he had perfected over the years. Cause his mind was occupied with Aarya. Why she wasn't answering. Is she okay or not? All the questions wandered in his mind.

He gave a small nod, murmured his thanks, and turned as everyone went back to packing. Compliments floated around him, blending into the background noise of zippers, footsteps, and chatter.

His assistant approached him quickly.

"Sir, there are a few people waiting for autographs. Are you coming?"

Yash didn't hesitate. He never declined a fan request. With a simple nod, he walked toward them.

A small crowd stood waiting, phones already raised, eyes wide the moment they saw him. He signed patiently, exchanged a few words, smiled for pictures-calm and polite.

Once it was done, he finally headed toward the car. He had just reached for the door handle when a familiar voice stopped him.

"Yash, can I come with you in the car?" Deepika asked, her tone casual, almost habitual, as she walked up beside him.

Before Yash could respond before the polite refusal even formed on his lips-she slipped in through the other door and settled into the back seat.

Yash paused for a moment, jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. His assistant was about to get in when Yash gestured toward the back.

"You sit there," he said flatly.

Confused but obedient, the assistant moved to the back seat-right next to Deepika. Yash then took the front seat himself, deliberately choosing distance over comfort. The door shut, a quiet but firm end to the conversation he didn't want to have.

The car started moving.Deepika leaned forward immediately, trying to catch his attention through the space between the seats.

"You were amazing today," she said, brushing her fingers lightly against his shoulder. "That shot? Perfect."

Yash didn't turn. His gaze stayed fixed outside the window, expression unreadable.

"Oh wait," she added suddenly, reaching out again, fingers hovering near his neck. "You've got something here... near your collar."

Yash shifted subtly, just enough to avoid her touch, his voice calm but distant.

"It's nothing deepika!."

Deepika laughed softly, undeterred, continuing to talk-about the scene, about the next schedule, about anything that would keep him engaged. Her hand lingered a second too long every time she gestured, every time she leaned closer.

Yash remained silent, arms crossed, posture rigid. The city blurred past the window as the car moved forward, the space between them heavy.

As the rest of the team slowly gathered in the lobby, Yash forced himself to stand straight. He knew he had to pretend to be sick to meet Aarya. He went to her room to search for her but he didn't find her.

So he masked his panic well-years of practice.

"I'm feeling a little dizzy," he said flatly when someone asked if he was okay. "Where is the nurse? I didn't see her in her room."

The hotel staff exchanged uneasy looks again.

"Sir," one of them said carefully, "madam went out yesterday evening to buy Cerelac for the baby."

Yash's breath hitched. "And?"

"She... she didn't return, sir."

The words punched straight through him.Yash froze.It was 10 a.m.No calls.No texts.No messages.Nothing.

His heartbeat thundered in his ears. The lobby lights suddenly felt too bright, too sharp. Faces blurred. Sounds stretched and distorted.

Aarya wouldn't do this.She would never leave with Vihaan alone.Before he could think further, his vision darkened completely.

"Yash-!"

His body gave up.He collapsed onto the marble floor.Chaos erupted instantly.

"Someone get water!"

"Lift him-carefully!"

"Call the doctor!"

Hands rushed around him. Someone splashed water on his face. Someone else loosened his collar.

Deepika pushed through the crowd and dropped to the floor, pulling his head into her lap.

"Yash," she said urgently, tapping his cheeks. "Wake up, please. Yash!"

Everyone panicked. Pratap ran to get water to splash on his face.

As more water hit his face.His lashes fluttered.Slowly-painfully-his eyes opened.

The first face he saw was Deepika's.Confusion flashed across his expression... then immediate discomfort.

Without a word, he tried to move away.

"Yash-wait-" she said, tightening her hold instinctively.

He pulled back sharply, sitting up on his own, distancing himself from her touch.

"Don't, I'm o-okay" he said hoarsely.

He looked around wildly, his eyes searching-for one person.

For Aarya.

The room fell silent everyone turned their heads down.

The director rushed forward.

"Where's the nurse? Are you okay yash?"

"Doesn't matter sir. She's missing and I'm responsible for this. We couldn't even take care of a woman who had a baby.

Everyone started whispering among themselves. And that irritated yash even more. The guy who was always silent who was always calm was panicking. His heart thudding loudly against his chest.

"Enough," he said, pushing himself to his feet. His voice wasn't loud-but it cut through the lobby like a blade. "We're not standing around anymore."

Everyone stopped whispering and froze.

He looked at the hotel manager, eyes sharp, burning. "I want CCTV footage. Every camera. Entrance, exit, road, lobby-everything from yesterday evening till now."

The lobby went dead silent.

"She doesn't know Jaipur. She doesn't know the roads. She doesn't know anyone here," he continued, pointing sharply toward the entrance.

"How could you let her walk out like that?" He yelled at the nurse.

The manager tried to speak. "Sir, she didn't ask-"

Yash cut him off. "She shouldn't have to ask!"

His voice cracked with anger and guilt. "Is a mother expected to carry a baby and go searching for food on her own? Couldn't one person-one staff member-have helped her bring Cerelac?"

"Now go and find the CCTV footage."

No one dared to met his eyes. The anger was evident and this side of yash was scary.

"Yes, sir-right away," the manager stammered looking down scared.

Yash turned to the PR team and crew, fury barely contained. "Split up. Check every medical store within a two-kilometer radius. Ask about a woman with a baby. I'll send her photo on the group."

Yash continued further and tried to cover up. Cause he knew if he gets to pissed people would get suspicious and he can't let deepika know about Aarya yet. Deepika could ruin Aarya and Yash. And he could never risk that.

"No shoots. No interviews. Nothing resumes until she's found. She was responsible to take care of me. What do you think I'll say if she's lost?"

Deepika stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. "Yash, please calm down-"

He shrugged her off instantly and tried to act like he was just tensed because of his responsibility. Cause she can never know he loves her. "Not now deepika. I'm the one responsible I'll be doomed if we don't find her."

The lobby turned into controlled chaos.

Phones came out. Calls were made. Hotel staff ran back and forth. Security guards were dispatched in different directions.

Yash stood still for a second-too still.His hands were trembling.

Aarya... where are you?

The CCTV footage finally started playing on the screen at the reception.Everyone gathered.There she was.

Aarya-holding Vihaan close to her chest, a small sling bag hanging off her shoulder. Tired. Pale. But determined.

"She looks exhausted," someone murmured.

Yash's chest tightened.The timestamp blinked: 6:42 PM.

The footage showed her walking out of the hotel gate... alone.

No assistant. No driver. No help.She paused once, adjusted Vihaan, and then walked toward the main road.

The footage switched cameras.She stopped an auto.Spoke to the driver.Then-she was gone.

"That's it?" Yash asked sharply. "That's all?"

The manager nodded nervously. "Sir... the road cameras don't cover beyond this point."

Yash closed his eyes for a second.Just one.Then he opened them-cold, controlled, terrifyingly calm.

"Get the auto details," he ordered. "Every auto stand nearby. Ask drivers who took a woman with a baby last evening."

"Yes, sir."

He turned to the security head. "I want posters printed. Her photo. The baby's photo. Now."

Yash grabbed his helmet and keys.

"Sir, where are you going?" someone asked.

He looked back once and said. "I'm not sitting here while she's lost."

"but sir you just fainted. You should rest sir. We'll have our people look out."

"She was my nurse and I'm the one responsible don't you get that?" yash said

and with that, he walked out-back onto the streets of Jaipur-Where the search for Aarya truly began.

Yash didn't wait any further.

"I need a bike," he said sharply to the hotel staff.

Within minutes, a bike was brought around. He didn't bother with pleasantries-just grabbed the keys, swung his leg over, and took off at full speed. The engine roared as he cut through Jaipur's streets, eyes scanning every corner, every shop, every face.

The nearest one came into view.He slammed the brakes, jumped off the bike, and rushed inside.

Before he could even speak, the old medical shop owner looked up-and froze.

"Arey maiya!" the man exclaimed loudly. "Ye toh actor Yash hai!"

(Oh my god this is actor yash.)

He instantly folded his hands and bowed deeply. "Khamba gani sa!"

(Greetings.)

The uncle clapped his hands and called out, voice booming, "Arre sab suno! Dekho toh kon padhara hai!"

(Listen everyone look at who has arrived.)

Within seconds, people shops crowded in. Someone pulled out a phone. Another shouted his name excitedly.

"Sir, photo please!" "Yash sir, ek selfie!" "Big fan, sir!"

A phone was shoved toward him.Yash's patience snapped.

"Bas!" he shouted, voice echoing through the shop.

(Enough!!)

The room fell silent.

"Please-just stop," he said, breathing hard, eyes desperate. "This is not about photos."

Everyone froze, stunned by the raw panic in his voice.

"I'm looking for a woman," he continued, forcing himself to stay steady. "She had a baby with her. She came here yesterday evening-for Cerelac."

The uncle's smile faded instantly.

"Did she come here?" Yash demanded.

Then with yash's hand still shaking he pulled out his phone.

He unlocked it, scrolled frantically, and stopped at her picture-the only clear one he had. Aarya holding Vihaan, her face tired but soft, eyes gentle.

He thrust the phone forward.

"Have you seen her?" his voice broke despite his effort. "Her name is Aarya. She was with a baby."

The moment the image came into view-The reaction was instant.Gasps rippled through the shop.

"Phool baisa..." someone whispered.

Yash frowned sharply. "What are you saying?" His eyebrows knit together in confusion. "She's Aarya. Not-whatever that is."

The medical uncle stared at the screen, eyes wide, almost reverent.

"Ha sa," he said slowly. "Yahi toh Phool baisa hai."

(Yes she's princess phool.)

Yash's chest tightened. "Stop calling her that," he snapped. "Just tell me-have you seen her or not?"

The uncle nodded. "Kal shaam ko aayi thi. Baccha godh mein tha. Log... log pehchaan gaye the."

(Yesterday evening she came. Child was in her arms. Everyone recognised her.)

Yash went still. "Pehchaan gaye matlab?"

(What recognised her means?

"Haan," the man said quietly. "Aur phir... unhe City Palace le jaya gaya."

(Yes and then they took her to the city palace.)

The words hit like thunder.

"City Palace?" Yash repeated. "Why would she be there? Who took her?"

The shop fell silent again. Someone muttered a prayer.

The uncle hesitated, then said softly, "Wahan Raj parivaar rehta hai. Phool baisa wahi hogi."

(Yes the royal family stays there and princess phool will be there.)

Yash took a step forward, anger flashing in his eyes. "I don't care who lives there. I need to meet her."

The uncle shook his head slowly, almost apologetically.

"Yash sa," he said, lowering his gaze, "aap toh kya ... aise hi unse koi mil nahi sakta."

(Yash sir. No one can meet her like this.?

Yash's jaw clenched.The uncle met his eyes, fear and certainty mixed together.

"City Palace ke darwaze... sabke liye nahi khulte," he replied.

(The doors of the city palace are not open for all.)

Yash's voice came out rough, edged with panic.

"Kya aap mujhe bataoge...," he asked, swallowing hard,"wahan kyun leke gaye hai unhe?"

(Can you tell me? Why did they take her there?)

The medical uncle looked at him for a long second-then nodded.

"Chalo," he said quietly. "Upar chalte hain."

(Come. Let's go up.)

He locked the medical halfway and led Yash up the narrow stairs to the terrace. The noise of the street faded below. The terrace was simple-two old chairs, a small table, strings of drying bandhani dupattas fluttering in the breeze. The uncle gestured for him to sit.

"Baitho sa," he said gently.

(Sit.)

He poured chai into cups, the steam curling up between them, carrying the smell of elaichi. He handed one to Yash, then sat opposite him, expression suddenly serious.

In a soft Jaipuri accent, he began-

"Ye jo ladki ki photo tahre dikhiyo na..."

He nodded toward Yash's phone.

"Woh koi aam ladki nahi hai."

(The photo you showed. She isn't a normal girl.)

Yash stared into his tea, lips curving faintly despite the fear twisting inside him.

"Ha," he murmured, almost to himself,

"woh aam toh nahi hai... hamara dil jeet liya hai usne."

(Yes she isn't a simple one she surely won my heart.)

"Haa kuch kaha?" the uncle asked and yash clearly said no.

His tone changed-lower, heavier.

"Woh raaj parivaar ka hissa hai."

(She's the part of the royal family.)

Yash looked up sharply.

"Raaj... parivaar?"

(Royal family?)

The uncle nodded slowly.

"Woh Rajkumari Phool hai."He took a sip of his chai, eyes distant now.

(She's princess phool.)

"Jiski talaash Jaipur pichhle 23 saalon se kar raha hai."

(The one we've been searching for last 23 years.)

Yash's breath hitched.

"Twenty-three years?"

"Haan sa," the uncle replied.

He leaned back, the weight of the words settling between them.

Yash's hands tightened around the cup.

"Aarya..." he whispered. "Uska naam Aarya hai."

(Aarya-her name is Aarya.)

The uncle shook his head gently.

"Duniya ke liye ho sakta hai. Par Jaipur ke liye-"

(Maybe for the world. But for jaipur-)

He finished softly,

"Woh Phool baisa hai."

(She's princess phool.)

And suddenly, everything was so confusing. Yash couldn't understand anything.

Without waiting to process it all, Yash thanked everyone and walked away.

The bike roared back to life as he sped through the city, Jaipur now awake and bustling. Markets, palaces, pink-washed buildings flew past-but his eyes were fixed on one place.

City Palace.

The massive gates came into view-towering, ancient, guarded. White stone walls rose high into the sky, banners fluttering, soldiers standing tall in traditional uniforms with spears in hand. The place didn't just look powerful.

It felt untouchable.Yash parked the bike and walked straight toward the gates.

Two guards immediately stepped forward, crossing their spears in front of him.

"Ruko," one said sternly.

(Wait.)

"I need to go inside," Yash said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I'm here for Aarya. Phool baisa."

The guards exchanged a sharp look.

"Naam?" the other asked.

"Yash," he replied. "Actor."

This was the first time ever when yash had to introduce himself to people. All his life he never needed an introduction.

Recognition flickered in their eyes-but it changed nothing.

"Maaf kijiye," the guard said coldly. "Aaj kisi ko andar jaane ki anumati nahi hai."

(Sorry. No one is allowed to enter today.)

Yash's jaw tightened. "I need to see her. Please?"

"Phool baisa surakshit hain." the guard replied.

"That's not your decision to make," Yash snapped, stepping forward.

Instantly, more guards moved, blocking his path.

"Yahi rukiye and go back." one warned.

(Wait here and go back.)

Yash clenched his fists, frustration boiling over.

"I'm not leaving," he said firmly. "I won't go anywhere until I see her."

Yash stood planted in front of the massive gates, the sandstone walls towering over him like a challenge. The morning sun hit the carvings, making them glow-but to him, the place felt cold. Closed. Final.

"I said I need to go inside," Yash repeated, voice low but firm.

One of the guards shifted his spear slightly, blocking the path more clearly.

"Aap andar nahi ja sakte."

(You can't go in.)

Yash let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. "Tum log samajh kyu nahi rahe ho?" he snapped.

(Why are you guys not understanding?)

Another guard stepped forward. "Phool baisa surakshit hain. Aapko chinta karne ki zarurat nahi."

(Princess phool is safe you don't need to worry.)

"Zarurat nahi?" Yash's temper finally snapped. "Tum log kaun hote ho decide karne wale?"

(No need? Who the hell are you to decide that.)

He took a step forward.Instantly, two spears crossed in front of his chest.

"Ek kadam aur nahi," the guard warned.

(No more steps.)

Yash's eyes darkened. "Hatao."

(Let me go!)

"Yeh rajmahal hai," the man replied calmly. "Yahan kanoon alag chalta hai."

(This is the palace. Rules are different here.)

Yash shoved the spear aside.The reaction was immediate.Hands grabbed his arms. Another guard moved behind him, trying to restrain him.

"Chhod do!" Yash shouted, twisting violently. "Mujhe usse milna hai!"

(Leave me!! I wanna meet her!)

He pushed one guard back hard enough to make him stumble. The tension exploded.

"Pakdo ise!" someone yelled.

(Hold him!)

In seconds, he was surrounded-white kurti's, multicoloured turbans, firm hands holding him back. Yash struggled, breath coming fast, fury and fear mixing together.

A hard grip tightened on his shoulder.

"Bas," a commanding voice snapped.

(Enough!)(

Everyone froze.The guards loosened their hold slightly, stepping back as a senior soldier approached-older, broader, authority etched into his face.

He looked at Yash carefully. "Aap zid kar rahe ho," he said slowly. "Par yeh jagah zid se nahi chalti."

(You're being stubborn. And this place doesn't work like that.)

Yash's chest heaved. His eyes burned.

"Mujhe sirf ek baar dekhna hai,please" he said hoarsely,almost begging for the first time in his life.

The soldier studied him for a long moment, then shook his head.

"Abhi nahi you're not allowed in."

Yash turned back-not to retreat, but to rethink. Going back wasn't an option. Seeing Aarya was. At any cost. He would find a way. Nothing in the world could stop him now.

He walked out calmly, as if defeated, but his mind was already working. Calculating. Watching. And then he saw it-the narrow ledge, the shadowed corner, the space no one bothered to guard. A risky way down. A harder way in. Exactly the kind he'd choose.

He climbed, muscles straining, breath steady, then jumped across, landing with practiced ease and blood on his elbows and knees.

The face he once cared for, the pride, the name, -none of it mattered anymore. All that mattered was her.

Aarya.

His ocean.His ruin and his rescue all at once.

The world could burn. He wouldn't look back. Not even at himself. For her he would burn if it meant to keep her warm.

Then through shadows and silence, slipping past pillars and hedges, he moved-every step measured, every breath held. The palace loomed above him, vast and unforgiving, its lights glowing like watchful eyes. Guards paced the corridors, their boots echoing, but he hid when he had to, ran when he could, driven by something stronger than fear.

ran when he could.

When he finally reached the open courtyard beneath the palace, he stopped.

He didn't know where Aarya was.

He didn't know which window hid her, which balcony held her breath, which corner of this massive place carried her heartbeat.

He knew nothing.Except one thing-she would recognize his voice.

He stepped forward, right into the open place, where he could be seen, where there was no more hiding left. The cold stone beneath his feet felt real, grounding, as if reminding him that this was it.

He lifted his head, closed his eyes, and let his voice rise.Soft at first. Almost hesitant.Then steady. Then fearless.

The only song that would describe how he felt. The song which was theirs. He began singing that.

"Jise zindagi dhoondh rahi hai..."

The words floated into the air, carried by the wind, brushing against palace walls, climbing balconies, slipping through half-open windows.

"Kya ye woh makaam mera hai..."

His chest tightened, but he didn't stop. Every line held a piece of his longing, every note carried her name though he never spoke it.

"Yahaan chain se bas ruk jaaun...

Kyun dil ye mujhe kehta hai..."

That was when the shouting began.

"Hey!"

"Who's there?"

"Stop him!"

Footsteps thundered toward him. Guards rushed in from every side, surrounding him, grabbing his arms, pulling him back with force. Hands dug into his shoulders, his collar, trying to drag him away from the courtyard.

But he didn't stop.He struggled against them, not to escape-only to stand his ground. His voice rose louder now, raw and unfiltered, cutting through the chaos.

"Jazbaat naye se mile hain..." he continued singing not caring about anything but watching for any sign of Aarya.

One guard tried to cover his mouth. Another twisted his arm behind his back. Pain shot through him, sharp and burning, but he sang through it, his voice breaking and mending in the same breath.

"Jaane kya asar ye huaa hai..."

People gathered. Whispers spread. The courtyard filled with noise-orders being shouted, confusion, anger.

But beneath it all, his song remained.Because he knew.

He knew she would hear it.

He knew she would recognize it.

He knew this was the only way left.

They could drag him, hurt him, throw him out-but they couldn't silence what his heart had already sent searching for hers.So he sang.

For her.

Until she came.

Little did he know that she was already chained with chaos. That she had been trying to run.

And then-through all the chaos, through stone walls and guarded silence-his voice reached her.

Faint. Broken.But unmistakable.

Aarya sat still for a moment, frozen.

She was dressed like a Jaipur princess, draped in heavy silks and jewels, seated gracefully in front of the Queen. The room was calm, dignified, suffocating. The Queen had just begun to speak, her voice measured, serious-about truths, about duties, about things Aarya was supposed to finally hear.

But Aarya heard something else.

His voice.Her heart stuttered.

And yet-there it was again. Weak, strained, but painfully familiar. The voice she had memorized in silence, the one her soul responded to before her mind ever could.

Her breath hitched.She didn't think. She didn't wait. She didn't explain.

She stood up abruptly, the chair scraping back, shock flashing across the Queen's face as Aarya gathered the heavy skirt in her hands and ran.

She ran through the corridors.Past pillars and paintings, past startled attendants calling her name, past guards who tried to stop her. Her bangles clashed, her dupatta slipped from her shoulder, her heartbeat thundered louder with every step.

She followed the voice.Only his voice.

Her chest began to tighten. Each breath burned. Her asthma clawed its way back and hope tangled inside her lungs-but she didn't stop. She couldn't. The air came in sharp, painful gasps, her vision blurring at the edges.

And then she reached the balcony.She stumbled forward, gripping the railing as she struggled to breathe, her chest rising and falling desperately.

Below.There he was.Yash.Surrounded by soldiers. Hands on his arms. Being dragged back. His clothes disheveled, his face strained-but his eyes wild, searching. Fighting them. Pleading with them to let him see her. To let him reach her.

Tears filled her eyes instantly.Her throat burned. Her lungs screamed.Yet she screamed louder.

"YASHHH!"

The world stopped.The soldiers froze mid-pull. Orders died on their lips. The chaos fell into stunned silence.

Yash's body gave up before his heart did.

He dropped to his knees.

Right there on the cold stone, as if the sound of her voice had finally allowed him to breathe. His head fell forward, his shoulders shaking, his hands pressed to the ground like the weight of the moment had crushed him.

Aarya stood trembling above, tears streaming freely now, one hand clutching her chest, the other gripping the balcony as if it were the only thing keeping her upright.

Their eyes met.And in that single look-pain, relief, love, and survival collided.

The soldiers slowly released their hold.No one moved.

Because in that moment, it wasn't a palace anymore.

It was just them. Two souls who loves each other more than anything.