The mansion was locked down.
Guards at every corner.
Cameras active.
Lights on all night.
But still—
Kiara didn't feel safe.
She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her phone.
That call.
That voice.
Still echoing.
"Closer than you think."
A knock came on the door.
Aarav.
"Open the door," he said.
Kiara got up and opened it.
He stepped in immediately.
Scanning the room.
Windows.
Balcony.
Every corner.
"Did he say anything else?" Aarav asked.
Kiara shook her head.
But her voice wasn't steady.
"He was watching me."
Aarav's expression hardened.
"Not anymore."
He walked to the balcony.
Checked outside.
Empty.
Too empty.
Then he turned back.
"You're not staying alone tonight."
Kiara didn't argue.
Didn't question.
Because for the first time—
She was actually scared.
"Okay," she said quietly.
Aarav noticed.
That scared him more than anything.
Because Kiara—
Never got scared.
He stepped closer.
"Nothing will happen to you."
Kiara looked at him.
Trying to believe it.
But something inside her knew—
This wasn't over.
That night—
She stayed in his room.
But sleep didn't come easy.
Kiara woke up suddenly.
Her heart racing.
Something felt wrong.
She looked toward the window.
And froze.
A shadow.
Outside.
Her breath stopped.
"Aarav…" she whispered.
He woke up instantly.
"What happened?"
Kiara pointed.
"The window…"
Aarav turned.
Rushed to it.
Opened it—
Nothing.
No one.
Just darkness.
He frowned.
"Are you sure?"
Kiara nodded slowly.
"I saw someone."
Aarav's jaw tightened.
He closed the window firmly.
Locked it.
Then turned to her.
"You're not imagining things."
Because deep down—
He felt it too.
They weren't alone.
Across the street—
Hidden in shadows—
Arjun stood watching.
His eyes fixed on the window.
On her.
"She's scared…"
He whispered.
Almost softly.
Then smiled.
"Good."
Back inside—
Aarav sat beside Kiara.
Closer than before.
"Sleep," he said quietly.
"I'm here."
Kiara lay down slowly.
Still tense.
After a moment—
Her hand moved slightly.
Grabbing his.
Aarav looked at her.
But didn't say anything.
He just held it.
Tighter.
Because this time—
He wasn't just protecting her from enemies.
He was protecting her from fear.
And outside—
That fear…
Was getting closer.