When the Music Found Them Again
The Sign residence did not sleep that night.
Doctors came and went. Police asked questions. Security doubled.
Twinkle slept under sedation, her hand clutched tightly around Najma's wrist.
Ranveer stood at the doorway, watching them.
He had faced boardrooms and enemies.
Nothing unsettled him like the calm woman sitting beside the bed.
By morning, Twinkle woke with a groan.
"Sister," she croaked.
Najma smiled instantly. "I'm here."
Twinkle's eyes filled. "You promised."
Najma leaned forward and rested her forehead against hers. "I always keep my promises."
Two days later, the house tried to return to normal.
Music filled the halls again.
Decorations resumed.
Life insisted on moving forward.
Twinkle sat cross-legged in the living room, sulking. "I hate hospitals. And needles. And villains."
Najma raised an eyebrow. "That's a long list."
Twinkle grinned suddenly. "Dance with me."
Ranveer, standing nearby, froze. "Now?"
"Yes now!" Twinkle stood and dragged Najma up. "Before everyone starts treating me like glass again."
The music changed—an old Bollywood song filled the room.
Najma hesitated.
Twinkle rolled her eyes. "You survived assassins. You can survive dancing."
Najma laughed softly.
Then she moved.
Graceful. Fluid. Effortless.
Twinkle danced wildly beside her, laughter echoing.
Soon, Shruti clapped.
Jodha joined in.
Even Sasha smiled.
Ranveer couldn't look away.
Najma's bangles chimed as she spun.
For the first time, she wasn't a weapon.
She was a woman.
His woman.
Later that night, Ranveer found Najma alone on the terrace.
"You didn't tell me who you really are," he said quietly.
She didn't turn around. "You didn't ask."
Silence stretched.
"Are you afraid I'll leave?" she asked softly.
He stepped closer. "I'm afraid I won't be enough."
She turned then, eyes gentle. "You already are."
He pulled her into his arms.
For the first time, Najma let herself rest.