(Author POV)

As the helicopter descended onto the helipad at the Solanki mansion, the golden hues of the evening sky cast a warm glow over the estate. The wind from the rotor blades sent ripples through the garden where Prisha and her friends had gathered after their shopping spree. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they showed off their purchases, completely unaware of the storm that had just landed.

Ketan stepped out first, rolling his shoulders as he turned to Vedant. "Maa invited you today, so get inside with me," he instructed, his voice casual but firm.

Vedant gave a slight nod, still shirtless from the earlier battle, his body displaying the remnants of the fight—scratches, bruises, and dried blood painting his skin. His sharp gaze swept over the garden, noting the group of women who had suddenly gone silent, their eyes fixed on him.

Prisha's friends—Siya, Naira, Sneha, Swati, and Rounak—stared in open awe, their conversations dying mid-sentence. The raw masculinity Vedant exuded was impossible to ignore. His tall frame, chiseled muscles, and the sheer dominance in his stance made him stand out like a warrior among men. Their eyes lingered shamelessly, some whispering among themselves while others simply gawked.

Naira, unable to hold back, nudged Prisha with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Who is that? And why is he walking around like a damn action hero fresh out of a fight scene?"

Prisha, who had been watching the scene unfold with an unreadable expression, snapped her gaze to her friend. Annoyance flickered across her face as she crossed her arms. "He's just a Gulam," she answered sharply, her tone carrying an unexpected edge.

Her response made Naira raise a brow, but before she could dig deeper, Sneha leaned in with a teasing smile. "Well, your Gulam looks nothing like a servant. He looks like he belongs on the cover of some warrior magazine."

Prisha's grip on her shopping bag tightened, irritation creeping up her spine as her friends continued their pointless admiration. She didn’t like how their eyes were glued to him. She didn’t like the way they whispered and giggled. And she most certainly didn’t like the way Vedant carried himself—completely unbothered by the attention, as if he were above it all.

Meanwhile, Vedant paid no mind to the stares or hushed voices. His focus remained on the mansion ahead as he strode beside Ketan, exuding an aura of calm control. He had faced death today, had executed a mission flawlessly, and now had to play along in this household until the right moment came. The admiration or resentment of a few curious girls was the least of his concerns.

As they walked past the garden, Ketan, ever the instigator, smirked and leaned toward Vedant. "Seems like you've got an audience."

Vedant gave him a sideways glance but didn’t bother responding.

Prisha, watching their retreating figures, clenched her jaw. She didn’t understand why she was annoyed, but something about this whole situation left a bitter taste in her mouth.

"Let’s go inside," she muttered, her mood soured.

Her friends, still intrigued by the mysterious man, trailed behind her, their gossip continuing in hushed excitement. But Prisha wasn’t listening anymore. She had a feeling this so-called Gulam was going to be a bigger problem than she had anticipated.

Dhara was already waiting at the entrance, her eyes searching for her son. However, as her gaze landed on Vedant, her expression shifted from relief to concern.

She hurried toward them, her sharp eyes scanning the injuries on Vedant’s bare torso. “What is this, Ketan? Why is he injured?”

Vedant immediately lowered his gaze out of respect. “I am fine, ma’am. Just minor scratches. Nothing to worry about.”

Dhara didn’t look convinced. She placed her hands on her hips and turned to Ketan. “Take him inside and get him fresh clothes. I’ll prepare food.”

Vedant started to protest. “Really, I don’t need—”

“Did I ask if you needed it?” Dhara cut him off, her motherly authority leaving no room for argument.

Vedant pressed his lips together and gave a respectful nod. Ketan chuckled and nudged his arm. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up before she makes you regret arguing.”

Inside the mansion, Ketan led Vedant to a guest room. He tossed him a fresh shirt and gestured toward the bathroom. “Take a quick shower. You smell like gunpowder and trouble.”

Vedant smirked but didn’t argue. After freshening up, he changed into the clothes Ketan had given him and joined him at the dining table. Dhara had already set the food, her face softening as she placed warm chapatis on their plates.

“Eat properly,” she instructed as she sat down. “You both don’t take care of yourselves.”

Vedant quietly obeyed, taking a bite. The warmth of the home-cooked meal brought an unfamiliar sense of comfort. He wasn’t used to this kind of care, but he didn’t dislike it either.

Vedant dipped his head slightly. “Thank you for the meal, ma’am. It’s the best thing I’ve had in a long time.”

Dhara’s expression softened further. “Then eat as much as you want. There’s plenty.”

Ketan, enjoying his meal, suddenly grinned. "Maa, serve him some kheer too. You know, it’s the best thing you make."

Dhara chuckled and went to bring a bowl of kheer. When she placed it in front of Vedant, he hesitated for a moment before taking a spoonful.

The moment the kheer touched his tongue, he froze. A familiar taste spread across his senses, pulling him back to a memory long buried. This... this tasted exactly like the kheer his mother used to make.

For a brief moment, he was no longer Vedant Roy, the feared shadow in the underworld. He was just a boy sitting in his mother’s kitchen, savoring the sweetness of home.

Dhara noticed his distant expression and gently called his name. "Vedant?"

He blinked, snapping back to the present. He quickly composed himself, looking at Dhara. "It’s excellent," he said, his voice steady but quieter than before.

Dhara smiled warmly. "I’m glad you like it."

Not wanting to linger in that moment any longer, Vedant focused on finishing his meal as quickly as possible. Once done, he got up and pushed his chair back.

"Thank you for the meal," he said politely. "I should get going."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the mansion, stepping out into the cool night air, his mind still lingering on the unexpected taste of the past.

Inside the grand Solanki mansion, the family gathered in the main hall after dinner. The room was filled with a relaxed atmosphere as Ketan leaned forward, addressing Jitendra with a satisfied expression.

“Vedant has done his job,” Ketan informed, his voice carrying a sense of accomplishment. “Amresh is gone, and the HDD is in our hands. I already handed it over to our team.”

Jitendra sat back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. “Not bad,” he said, nodding in approval. “He executed the job well.”

Prisha, who had been sitting nearby, perked up at the conversation. She had been away for some time, but hearing about the empire's business reignited her excitement. Jitendra turned his attention toward her.

“It’s time you start joining the office again,” Jitendra stated, watching her reaction closely. “You have been away for long enough. I want you back in the fold.”

Prisha's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “Really, Papa? You mean it?” she asked, barely able to contain her excitement.

Jitendra gave a firm nod. “Yes. Be ready.”

She grinned widely, already making plans in her head. Finally, she was back where she belonged.

After the discussion, everyone dispersed to their respective rooms. As Dhara and Jitendra settled into their own space, Jitendra turned to his wife, his expression serious now.

“Did you invite Vedant?” he asked, his tone even but firm.

Dhara nodded. “Yes, I did. He looked injured and exhausted after the mission. It was the least I could do,” she said with concern.

Jitendra sighed, rubbing his temple. “I have no problem with that boy for now,” he admitted, “but remember this—if, in the future, he becomes the reason for any big trouble in our empire, I won’t spare him.”

Dhara frowned but said nothing, understanding the weight of his words. Jitendra glanced at her one last time before leaving the room, leaving her with lingering thoughts about the man who had entered their lives so suddenly.