Anirudh’s car pulled up to the Oberoi mansion just before dawn. The sky was still dark, and the grand estate loomed over them like a silent judge. Ayush shifted uncomfortably in his seat, gripping his jeans with nervous fingers.

"You sure about this?" Ayush asked, his voice unusually small.

Anirudh shot him a look. "Do you have a choice?"

Ayush sighed. "Fair point."

The moment they stepped inside, the weight of the house hit Ayush like a punch. Everything was the same—intimidating, pristine, and eerily silent. But he felt different. The reckless arrogance he had left with was gone, replaced by uncertainty.

They had barely made it past the hallway when a sharp voice cut through the silence.

"You finally remembered where your home is?"

Ayush froze.

Arnav Oberoi stood at the top of the staircase, his sharp eyes burning into him. Dressed in a crisp suit despite the early hour, he looked as imposing as ever—like a king judging a fallen knight.

Ayush swallowed. "Bhai…"

Arnav descended the stairs slowly, his presence suffocating. Anirudh, ever the mediator, stepped forward. "He’s back. That’s all that matters."

Arnav’s jaw tightened. "Is it?" His eyes never left Ayush. "Because last I remember, he walked out of this house claiming he didn’t need us."

Ayush lowered his gaze. He had expected anger, but facing Arnav’s quiet disappointment was worse.

"I made mistakes," Ayush admitted, his voice unsteady. "I—"

"Save it," Arnav cut him off. "I don’t need apologies. I need actions."

Ayush stiffened. "And what does that mean?"

Arnav folded his arms. "You want to live under my roof again? Then you earn it. No more reckless behavior, no more disrespect. You live by my rules, or you leave again. Your choice."

Ayush’s fists clenched. The old him would have lashed out, but this time, he forced himself to breathe.

"Fine," Ayush said. "But don’t expect me to be the perfect Oberoi you and Anirudh want me to be."

Arnav’s lips curled in something close to amusement. "I never expected perfection. I expect responsibility."

A tense silence settled between them. Then Arnav turned away. "Breakfast is in an hour. Be there. And clean yourself up—you look pathetic."

Ayush exhaled sharply as Arnav walked away. "Well… that could have gone worse."

Anirudh smirked. "Trust me, that was him being nice."

Ayush groaned. "Great. Can’t wait for the ‘Arnav Oberoi Training Program’ to begin."

Anirudh patted his back. "Welcome home, little brother."

And for the first time in months, Ayush didn’t feel like an outsider.

To Be Continued