Life is full of thorns, sorrows, pain, betrayal, happiness, and joy. It gives us moments of bliss and heartache, but we never know when it will turn upside down. That's life. No one stays with us forever.

Nandini had learned that the hard way. The people she loved most had failed her—her parents, who once showered her with affection, had doubted her when it mattered most. They sent her away to live with her grandparents, thinking they were doing the right thing, but the wound of being abandoned by them left deep scars. It was a hard lesson, but one she had accepted.

Now, she stood tall. Strong, unbreakable—a warrior forged in pain. Nandini wasn't the kind of princess who needed a king to become a queen. No, she had become a queen on her own, destined to rule her world without anyone's validation. Life had toughened her mentally and physically. The storms she had weathered could have broken her, but instead, they made her resilient. She learned early on that no one would be there forever. Trust, even from family, wasn't guaranteed.

"I will never cry in front of anyone again," she had promised herself long ago. Tears were a sign of weakness, a vulnerability she refused to show to those who didn't care. But despite everything, she found joy. Not from the people who had failed her, but from those who genuinely wanted her to be happy.

The scene shifts as a girl steps out of the airport, looking effortlessly chic yet adorable at the same time. Her rounded, innocent eyes and pouty lips gave her a youthful appearance, but there was an undeniable strength in her presence. Nandini Murty—an epitome of beauty and brains, with chubby cheeks that gave her an endearing look. She carried a sleek handbag while her bodyguard handled the luggage behind her.

Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she slipped into the car, instructing the driver, "Take me to the Murty mansion."

Nandini's POV:

After seven long years, I'm finally going to meet Dadu and Amms again. I've missed them more than they could ever know. They were the ones who held me when my world crumbled. I know they've missed me, too, but I had to build something for myself—away from the Murty name. That's why I went abroad. I needed to become something on my own terms, without the weight of family legacy or expectations crushing me.

Now, I'm back for good. Dadu wanted me to stay, and I owe him that. My friends and I plan to settle here in India in two months, but I came early. I want to surprise them, help Dadu with the business so he can finally relax. He's been pushing himself too hard, and I can't stand to see him struggle anymore. Plus, I need to prepare the house where my friends will stay. They are my world, my strength. I can't wait for us to be together again.

I was deep in thought when I heard the driver's voice.

"Ma'am, we've arrived at the Murty mansion."

I stepped out of the car and felt a familiar warmth spread through me as I gazed at the mansion. This was home. Not just because of its grandeur or the family name, but because of the people inside. A smile crept onto my lips as I imagined Dadu's and Amms' reactions to my surprise.

They expected me in five days, but I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to see them.

Inside, I saw Dadu sitting in the living room, absorbed in his book. Quietly, I crept up behind him and covered his eyes with my hands. He started, nearly snapping at me, but then stopped, recognizing my touch.

"I know it's you, gudiya," he said, his voice soft and full of affection. "Now take your hands off and give your Dadu a hug."

I giggled and took my hands away as he stood up, pulling me into a tight embrace. I buried myself in his warmth, feeling like a little girl again. This is what I had missed—his unconditional love.

"I've missed you, Dadu," I whispered, holding him tightly.

He kissed my forehead and chuckled, looking at me with a mock frown. "You were supposed to come in five days! Not fair, gudiya. You should've told me you were coming early. At least then I could've sent the car to pick you up."

"Dadu, the surprise wouldn't have worked if you knew," I teased, grinning up at him. "Besides, I wanted to see your face when I showed up early."

He shook his head in disbelief, but his smile remained. "Not fair at all!"

I was about to ask where Amms was when I heard her voice from behind me.

"Khana! Oh my God, when did you come back? How are you, bacha?"

Amms' voice, usually stern and no-nonsense, now sounded full of joy. I turned around, and before I could say a word, she enveloped me in a hug.

"I'm fine, Amms," I said, squeezing her tightly. "I wanted to surprise you both. And guess what? I'm staying for good this time. No more USA. I'm home now—forever."

Her eyes widened in shock, and she pulled me into another hug. "Really? You're staying?" She looked at me with a hint of concern. "But what about your hospital? How will you manage everything?" They both know I just invest in the hospital but whatever.

I smiled, knowing she was worried. "Don't worry, Amms. The hospital is mine. I'll manage it when there's an emergency, but my priority is here. I want to help Dadu with the Murty industry so he can finally take a break."

Dadu, who had been silently watching, gave a resigned sigh. "When you set your mind on something, there's no stopping you, gudiya. But promise me you won't overwork yourself."

I grinned at him, my heart swelling with gratitude. They had always believed in me, even when others hadn't. "I promise, Dadu. I'm here to help, not add more stress."

Amms smiled softly, running a hand through my hair. "Go, khana. Take some rest. We'll talk more later."

I started toward my room, but Amms' voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Oh, khana, how's your vanar sena and your Hanuman?"

I turned back, unable to suppress my smile at her affectionate terms for my friends. "They're all doing well, Amms. But please, stop calling her Hanuman! She's just protective of me."

Amms laughed, a twinkle in her eyes. "I know, I know. They're all like family now, aren't they?"

I nodded. My friends had become my family, my strength, when I was at my lowest. And speaking of which—oh no! I suddenly remembered that I hadn't called them since I landed. They're going to kill me for not updating them.

As I rushed to my room, I thought about everything I had learned in the past few years. Life had a way of teaching us painful lessons, especially about trust and love. I had been betrayed by my parents, but I learned that love doesn't always come from the people you expect. Sometimes, family isn't just who you're born with, but who you choose. My grandparents, my friends—they were my real family.

And that's what life has taught me: sometimes, the people who break your heart the most are the ones who are supposed to protect it. But it's not the end. You learn to rise, stronger than before. You learn to build your own world and protect your own heart.

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