Priya sat in her car, staring at the Facebook ad and her finger hovering over the phone number below. Her eyes moved to Aisha's bright face, wearing a tiara and a princess gown. Aisha indeed was a princess.

When Priya saw the prize money, her eyes almost popped out. The details did not mention who was posting the ad. The ad said whoever gave the whereabouts of their daughter would be awarded thirty lakhs. Indeed, it should be Aisha's father, and he must be loaded, Priya mused.

Priya's finger pressed on the number, and her heart thudded as it rang. It rang two times, and she cut the call quickly.

"Damn it!" she punched the steering wheel frustrated, "What is wrong with me?" She glanced at the time and saw it was nine p.m. and decided she'd call the number later as it was too late. Deep inside, she knew she was buying time to spend some more time with Aisha. Sighing, she went up to her apartment.

"Di! Where have you been?" Aditya asked when Priya opened the door.

"Station. I told Maa, right," Priya said as it's an obvious thing.

"Now, there is no need if it," Aditya said happily. "Madhu Di told you, right?"

"Yes," Priya muttered to herself and looked around, "By the way. Where is Aisha?"

"Di? Are you not happy?" Aditya asked.

"Huh..." She stuttered, "Why won't I? I am so happy." She smiled lightly. "Where is Maa & Aisha?"

Just then, she heard a loud squeal, "Aunty!" Aisha came and hugged her.

Priya's lips twitched up. She lifted her up and pecked her cheeks. "Hi Angel," Priya tickled her.

Aisha laughed and kissed Priya back.

Priya felt something on her foot and looked down to see Bobby licking her feet. She chuckled and patted its head.

"Aunty, Cake?" Aisha asked excitedly. In the morning, Priya bribed her by saying they'd made a cake together in the evening when she wouldn't let her leave to the office.

"You go now and play with Bobby. I'll change my dress and come. Okay..." Priya asked her.

Aisha nodded and strolled inside with Bobby trailing behind her. Priya smiled and was about to go to her room when her mother stopped her.

"Priya, what happened to you? You look so flustered," Indira asked. Priya's hands went up to her cheeks involuntarily.

"Nothing, Maa! I am just tired. If I have a bath, everything will be settled. Don't worry," Priya said, avoiding her eyes.

Priya felt terrible for not telling her mother, but she didn't want her to get stressed. She would surely freak out when she comes to know that she slapped a police officer. Better if I keep my mouth shut! She thought to herself.

"Aditya," Priya turned to her brother. "Did you contact anyone regarding the post?"

He shook his head. She sighed, relieved.

"Okay. Wait till I come," saying this, Priya went directly to her room to fresh up. All the time, she has been thinking about what to do with Aisha. She wasn't ready to leave her yet. She mentally decided that Aisha would stay with her when she wasn't successful in finding her parents.

Wearing knee-length black shorts and a white tank top and putting her hair in a messy bun, Priya came out and saw all of them in the living room.

"Aisha! Come on, let's bake the cake," Priya chirped. She was going to relish this moment with Aisha before she called her folks. Aisha squealed and jumped out of Aditya's lap, and reached Priya.

"Do I also get some?" Aditya asked, looking at something in his phone.

Priya poked her tongue. "No way," she said playfully.

"That's not fair," He scowled as he looked up. "I was the one who told you about the ad."

Her face fell when she heard about the ad, and she glared at him.

"Let bhaiya have some, Aunty," Aisha said cutely. "That's my girl," Aditya smirked at his sister as Aisha supported him.

Priya rolled her eyes. She took Aisha along with her and made her sit on the kitchen counter.

They both together started baking the cake while cracking jokes. Aisha would be handing her ingredients asked by Priya while she mixed them. They both have created a mess in the kitchen.

When the batter was ready, Priya placed the cake in the oven. As she was setting the temperature, Aisha suddenly threw a handful of flour on Priya, giggling. Priya gasped and looked at herself. Aisha jumped off the counter and started running around the kitchen laughing.

Priya vaguely heard the doorbell ring as she chased Aisha.

∞∞∞

Abhay rang the doorbell and banged on the door impatiently. When Abhay had the details of Priya Malhotra, the mystery woman having his daughter, he and Ramesh flew like a rocket and were out of the car even before it came to a complete stop.

Ramesh was holding his hands with bated breath. If they lost here too... No! He thought.

With Abhay's constant banging, an irritated shout was heard from the other side. A few seconds later, the door opened, and a woman in her forties poked her head out cautiously, frowning at them furiously.

"Who are you, people? Why are you—"

She's cut off by Abhay.

"Priya Malhotra?"

She looked in between Abhay and Ramesh questioningly.

"My daughter. What do you want?"

Abhay opened his mouth but stopped when he heard gleeful laughter from inside. Wherever he was, he'd recognize one of those voices, and it belonged to his Princess. Without thinking, he opened the door wide, surprising the woman, and barged inside.

"Arey... kya zabardasthi hey... (Hey! What are you doing?)," she shouted.

Abhay ignored her and the young man in the living room and followed the voices with bated breath. He stopped at the threshold of the kitchen at what he saw. His Princess was there, safe and sound, laughing joyfully and happier than he could ever imagine. His eyes brimmed with tears, and suddenly he fell to his knees. He was smiling, looking at his daughter, and cupped his mouth, controlling his irate breathing.

On the other hand, Ramesh saw what Abhay did and stopped a few feet behind his friend. He knew what his friend went through these past few hours and left him to gather his thoughts. He saw the old woman and her son watching Abhay, confused and also by their sudden intrusion. As they were about to speak to Abhay, Ramesh held his hand out and stopped them. He opened his mouth to explain but was cut off by an ear-piercing scream.

Ramesh turned around and was shocked when he saw his friend covered in flour and then a large spoon flying out of the kitchen and hit him.

∞∞∞

Priya screamed loudly when the flour she aimed for Aisha hit the man kneeling in front of the kitchen watching them. She instantly recognized him. It's the arrogant jerk. As a protective reflex, she took whatever she got in her hand and threw it at the man. Aisha stopped, startled by her scream, and before she could realize what was happening, Priya pulled her behind her and screamed again.

That made him come out of the trance. His eyes met Priya's, and his eyes widened in shock.

"Aaaaargh!"

Instantly, he brought his hands to his ears, covering them.

Priya took whatever her hand reached—flour, veggies... whatnot and attacked the man. Aisha clung to her legs from behind, hiding her face, and Priya put a hand protectively on her.

"Maa! Aditya!" Priya shouted, continuing her assault on the intruder while he tried to dodge them.

Hearing her scream, everyone came, and she vaguely noticed the other man, Ramesh, too, with them. Her eyes widened.

"Oh, God! What are you people doing in my house?" she shouted and threw a tomato at Ramesh. He backed away, shocked as it hit his forehead. "Maa... Come to this side. Take Aisha. Adi... call the police..." As she was throwing orders, Indira reached her side and took Aisha in her arms, who clung to her and instantly hid her face.

"You... You followed me to my house, too? Wait! I'll teach you a lesson," Priya shouted, and her aims mainly targeted him as his friend took a few steps back. A few seconds passed, and Priya was frustrated when he didn't even hiss and seemed amused than ever. Angrily, she prowled towards him with a steel spatula and hit his head, trying to get a reaction.

And... he did. He hissed and put a hand on his forehead.

Priya gasped. "Sorry. Did it hurt?" She bent to his level to inspect the injury she caused.

He glanced at her with a look like, 'Really? Can't you see, or are you insane?' "No," he said sarcastically, glaring at her.

Priya narrowed her eyes. "Ahaan... Then take more," she lifted her hand to hit again. But yelped when he held her hands and pulled her down flush against him, pinning her hands behind her back. Priya gasped at the sudden proximity. She stared into his brown eyes, and her heart raced, feeling his minty breath on her face. For a minute, she forgot where she was.

"Daddy!"

Priya came out of her trance when she heard Aisha's voice. His grip loosened, and she moved back, confused. She looked at Aisha and frowned. Daddy? She wondered as she stared at her beaming face. Suddenly, her eyes widened in realization, and her head turned slowly to the person kneeling a few inches away from her. He looked as startled as Priya and was staring back at her.

Not him, God. Please. How many times should I get embarrassed in a day? she internally groaned.

They both glanced at Aisha, who was squirming out of Indira's hands. He grinned and opened his arms wide, and Aisha ran into them.

They both hugged tightly as if they were scared to lose each other.

Priya's eyes turned glossy at the sight in front of her. Aisha started crying.

"Ssssh... Princess. Don't cry. I'm here. No crying," Abhay cooed, gently rubbing her back.

"I missed you, Daddy," Aisha sobbed.

"I missed you too, Princess. You almost gave me a heart attack. Never do that to your Dad again," he whispered. Priya watched in wonder as a tear slipped out of his eye.

Abhay Sinha.

She blinked. The stranger in front of her was completely different from the intimidating, arrogant man she encountered. Her heart fluttered watching them both, and unknowingly tears started flowing in her eyes.

Aisha pulled back and wiped her tears. "I don't, Daddy."

He chuckled, standing up, and started bouncing her up and down in the air. By that, Priya's senses alerted, and she stood up, keeping her hands on his arms, stopping him. He looked at her.

"What are you doing?" Priya glared, earning a glare back in return from him.

Just then, a screeching voice broke their eye contact, "Baby, I missed you so much." They both looked at the entrance. Priya saw a woman standing there and immediately felt Aisha stiffen.

∞∞∞

Seeing Riya, Ramesh palmed his face. He was pleased to find Aisha safe and sound. Thanks to this mysterious woman, Ramesh thought. Looking at her and his dumbstruck friend, he couldn't help but be amused. Seeing her restraining the mighty Abhay and the concern in her eyes for Aisha, he admired her instantly.

Priya Malhotra. Ramesh thought with a smile on his face and looked at his friend seeing him staring at her.

Priya and her family members were staring at them, and he could understand the confusion in their minds. Before Ramesh could clear their confusion, Riya opened her mouth as she entered. "Did you know how much you scared us?" she walked towards Abhay, and Ramesh frowned when he saw Aisha cowering away and holding on to Abhay. "Us? That's not good at all," a cynical smirk as always.

Riya held her hands out to take Aisha, but Priya beat her to it.

Gently Priya took Aisha from Abhay, who went willingly to Abhay's surprise. What's even more surprising was, Priya was shooting daggers at Riya.

"Hehey," Priya cooed softly to Aisha, "It's okay, my baby. Everything is fine," saying she patted her back. "Maa," She walked towards her mother, "Can you please take Aisha inside?" She bugged her eyes in a signal, and her mother nodded. But Aisha refused to leave. "Aisha. You're my good girl, right?" Aisha nodded. Priya kissed her cheek. "Good. Now listen to me and go with my mom and Aditya bhaiya. Your daddy and I will have a small talk," she said as she gave a stern glance to Abhay.

Ramesh pressed his lips, entertained. He turned his head to find his friend, hell confused and angry. Once Aisha and Priya's folks were inside, Priya faced them and crossed her arms. She stared at Ramesh and then at Abhay.

"So, you're Abhay Sinha," Priya stated.

Abhay narrowed his eyes, and then he realized what was happening. Aisha listened to her—a complete stranger—and was comfortable and happy without him. "Where is she taking my daughter? Get her to me," he ordered.

Priya raised an eyebrow. "You're daughter? You remember that?"

"What the hell do you mean?"

"If you did, then you wouldn't have left her with," she cast a glance at Riya, "an irresponsible person and went on your way."

Riya gasped outrageously.

"You... Who the hell are you?" Riya snarled, "Mind your own business. And bring Aisha out. We don't have much time."

Priya narrowed her gaze on Riya and frowned. "You first get out of my house."

"What?" Riya seemed taken aback.

"You heard me."

Ramesh and Abhay looked stunned. Riya looked outright furious. "Abhay! Baby! Aren't you going to say anything? She's insulting me."

"I don't care what he says," Priya said, "I don't want you in my house. Just leave before I do it myself."

"How dare you talk to me like that?" Riya gritted her teeth and gripped Priya's arm. Priya looked at her arm and then at Riya, raising an eyebrow. Riya smirked as she dug her nails in Priya's arm, but it soon fell when she heard a furious bark. Bobby, tied in his place, snarled at Riya, who tried to hurt his mistress.

"Leave my hand," Priya said calmly, even though she was feeling pain.

Riya smirked, relieved that the dog was restrained. "Not happening. What are you going to do?"

Now, Riya stepped on her last nerves. The next second, Riya shouted in pain as Priya twisted her hand, holding hers and held behind her back. Abhay and Ramesh, who stood like silent spectators, tried to hold back their laughter.

"If you don't want to become a meal for my dog..." Priya paused, tightening her hold, "Get lost," saying she gave a hard push making Riya stumble on her feet.

Riya held her arm, utterly humiliated, as she gave a last glance to Priya and the men and stormed out of the house.

Even though she maintained a calm exterior, Priya was internally boiling from head to toe when she heard laughter behind her. She turned around to find the men laughing gleefully, totally forgetting the situation at hand.

"Will you stop laughing? What is so funny here?" Priya shouted.

"Everything is," Ramesh, said holding his stomach.

"I am serious, guys," Priya exclaimed exasperatedly, which made them stop. Her eyes moved to Abhay, and if looks could kill, he would have turned into ashes in mere seconds. "You," she pointed the finger at him, "All because of you."

Abhay blinked, "What?"

"Yes. If you had not left Aisha alone, then that scornful woman couldn't have put her hands on Aisha."

"What the hell do you mean by that?"

"Do you know what that woman does when you turn your back?" Priya realized too late what she had said as she saw his expression change. Should she tell him what she knew? She doesn't have any evidence. She doesn't even know whether it's true or not. But kids don't lie.

She bit her lip, taking a step back. But stopped when she heard Abhay's firm voice.

"Stop! Complete what you wanted to say," Abhay said.

She took a deep breath. "I don't know whether it's my place to say. Even if you believe me or not, I want Aisha's welfare. Your daughter is being abused. Emotionally by words. She told that... some Riya person taunts her whenever possible saying she..." she paused, closing her eyes, "Killed her parents." She heard a sharp intake of his breath. "That she is bad luck."

She opened her eyes and was unsure whether she should continue. Abhay looked outright furious, fisting his hands and red eyes. So did Ramesh.

"You are alive and fit. Why'd Riya say that?" Priya voiced her thoughts.

He didn't reply. Priya observed him as anger, sadness, and guilt ran over his facial features. Did she ask anything wrong? Before anyone could say anything, they heard Aisha's voice.

"Daddy... Aunty..."

They turned their attention towards Aisha and saw her crying as she ran towards them, followed by Indira and Aditya. Instantly, Priya rushed towards her, and Aisha encircled her tiny hands around her, hugging tightly.

"She isn't listening to us," Indira sighed as she looked at both Priya and Abhay, "She's asking for you both."

"Why are you crying, baby? What happened?" Priya patted her back gently.

"What happened, Princess? Did anyone hurt you? Tell me," Abhay said as he placed a hand on Aisha's head.

Priya scoffed. "What the—" she paused as she looked at Aisha and cleared her throat. "Who will hurt her here? Lower your voice. Don't you know how to talk in front of kids?" she whisper-yelled.

Abhay glared. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Ramesh cupping his mouth, obviously trying not to laugh.

"Priya," Indira admonished her daughter.

"I want to be with Daddy and you, Aunty," Aisha sniffled.

"Daddy is right here," Priya cooed. "He's back to his little girl. So, no more tears," she rubbed a hand over her eyes.

"She's right, Princess," Abhay said. Priya couldn't help but give a small smile.

"At last, we agreed upon one thing, Mr. Sinha," she whispered. She blinked, surprised as his lips curled slightly into a smile, making her feel a strange warmness.

"Right," he said and turned his gaze to his daughter, "I am here. Now everything is going to be fine."

Priya smiled, at last feeling relieved since the past twenty-four hours. Just then, there was a knock at the door, and her eyes popped out when she saw the person at the door.

She made a one-eighty-degree turn and surreptitiously tried to hide behind Abhay's large frame. Though, he caught her and seemed amused by her actions.

"Police," Indira said anxiously when her eyes landed at the doorstep.

Priya peeked out and watched as SI Bijoy walked inside with a file in his hands. His cheeks were swollen, and the red imprints of her fingers were clearly visible.

Oh, God!

"Who are you, sir?" Indira panicked, seeing police in her house.

"I am definitely dead, now," Priya muttered.

"Priya Malhotra," SI Bijoy said.

Priya face-palmed herself and sighed, coming out of her hiding. She lifted her eyes, and instantly her fearful eyes turned fiery when she found the SI glaring at Aisha.

"Look, Sir," she snapped, keeping a protective hand over Aisha, "I admit slapping you... was wrong." She sighed when she heard her mother gasp. "Though I don't regret it. For the last time, I mean it. Keep your eyes down, and don't look at her. Or else I'll pull them out. I don't mind repeating this evening session... and I don't care what happens next."