AUTHOR'S POV:

A man sat in his grand, king-sized chair in a dark room, his head resting against its crown, eyes closed. The silence was thick, broken only by the distant sounds of the night.

A faint glow from the moon filtered through the window, casting silver streaks across the room.

Suddenly, his phone rang, shattering the stillness. Without opening his eyes, he reached for the device on the side table and answered the call.

On the Call:

"Good evening, Big Boss," L.M. greeted.

"Hmm. What did you find out?" Ryan's deep, commanding voice resonated through the darkness.

"Boss, Ms. Isha—" L.M. began, but Ryan interrupted him.

"Your would be young madam," he corrected, causing L.M. to freeze in shock.

"Apologies, Big Boss. Actually... about Young Madam—Isha Advani—she completed her master's in business studies four years ago and founded her own company, D.C. Groups. Her company has flourished over the past two years, earning her the title of Businesswoman of the Year twice."

Ryan let out a quiet chuckle, devoid of amusement. "L.M., do you really think I didn't already know that? I want to know about her personal life. Tell me that."

L.M. hesitated before continuing, "Young Madam's parents never wanted a daughter. But when she was born, they discovered that her mother could never conceive again. Left with no choice, they accepted her but never truly cared for her. As a child, they often denied her food, neglecting her needs. Now that she’s grown and successful, they keep her close only for her wealth. Recently, an old billionaire has sent a marriage proposal to Mr. Advani, and it seems they are willing to sell her off for money."

Ryan’s face darkened at those words. His grip on the phone tightened. "Who sent the proposal?" His voice was dangerously low.

"Big Boss, that man is none other than Sailesh Varma."

A slow, menacing smirk played on Ryan’s lips. "So now, from the business world to the underworld, Sailesh Varma wants to take something that belongs to me? L.M.?"

"Yes, Big Boss."

"Call Mihir. Tell him to reopen the case against Sailesh Varma. Also, inform the commissioner that I want him to receive special treatment. Make sure he disappears for at least five years."

"Understood, Big Boss."

L.M. ended the call and immediately contacted Mihir, relaying Ryan's instructions.

As he hung up, he muttered to himself, "Finally, someone is coming to tame our Big Boss. I hope she softens him, brings back the boy he left behind. But first, I need to tell Arjun, Chote Khargosh, and the others."

In Ryan’s Room:

Ryan leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting to the framed photograph on the wall—her graduation picture. He stood up, walking toward it, his fingers tracing the glass with an aching tenderness.

"Cookie," he murmured. "It’s been long enough. It’s time to step back into your life—to bring you back to your Dumpling. I won’t lie... I was always around you. How could I ever leave you alone, hmm? From the day you went to college until today, I never truly left. I always held myself back from coming before you, but tonight... I lost control. Even after twelve years, you still have the same effect on me, my love."

His eyes darkened with resolve. "Staying away from you never helped. You still rule my heart, Isha. But I was afraid—afraid that if I entered your life, I would pull you into this dangerous world. But enough is enough. I will not forgive Mr. and Mrs. Advani. They may be your parents, but I will not tolerate what they did to you. I will protect you, even if it costs me my life. See you soon, my beautiful, fierce lady."

The moonlight bathed Isha’s face in the photograph, as if blessing his vow.

In Isha’s Bedroom:

The night was still, but Isha was restless. Sweat clung to her forehead as she tossed and turned. Then, with a sharp gasp, she jolted upright.

"Dumpling!" The name escaped her lips like a desperate plea.

She pressed a trembling hand to her forehead, trying to steady her breath. Reaching for the glass of water on her bedside table, she drained it in one go before stepping out onto her balcony. The cold night air brushed against her skin, offering little comfort.

"What’s happening to me?" she whispered, staring at the moon. "Since Class 12, this man has haunted my dreams. I don’t even know his face, yet his presence feels... familiar. Just like my Dumpling did." She sighed, frustration evident in her voice.

"And today, when I met Ryan Walia, it felt strange—like it wasn’t our first meeting. Why is everything becoming so complicated? I don’t even know where Ayansh is, and now this man keeps appearing in my dreams. And Ryan Walia..."

She closed her eyes, willing the hazy image in her mind to sharpen.

"The moment I close my eyes,A shadow appears out of nowhere.I don’t know his face,But I feel his adoration.I can’t see his eyes,But I know they hold a love deeper than the ocean.I don’t know the shape of his lips,But I know my name belongs there.I don’t know him, but maybe he knows me.If I am the moon, he is my sun.If I am a bird, he is my wings.If I am a plant, he is my rain. In this world of darkness,He is my desire, I am his madness"

"Dumpling..." she whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks. She sank to the ground, wrapping her arms around her knees. "Dumpling, please come back. Mom and Dad are forcing me to marry an old billionaire. But how could I? You know my heart belongs only to you. Cookie belongs to her Dumpling. I have earned everything in life except love. My parents never gave it to me. Neither did you. I have no one, Dumpling. No one to console me, to hold me. It’s been twelve years, Ayansh. You disappeared without a word... yet I still feel you. Please... come back."

She cried herself into an exhausted sleep.

A Silent Visitor:

A shadow slipped through her balcony, moving with practiced silence. Strong arms lifted her from the floor, cradling her as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

He carried her inside, gently placing her on the bed, tucking the blanket around her securely.

Sitting beside her, he watched her peaceful face, his fingers tracing the curve of her cheek with reverence.

"Did you really think I’d let you marry someone else, Cookie? In this lifetime—or any other—Isha belongs to Ryan. Or should I say, to her Dumpling?" His voice was a hushed vow. "I will burn the world before I let anyone take you from me. Just hold on, my love. One more day. Then, I will never let you go again."

He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead before disappearing into the night.

Tomorrow, everything would change.

Thats all for this chapter. I hope you all will like it!

Stay happy and safe ❤