Page 114 of Right Where I Belong

“It was your Uncle Mihir,” Aditya said. “He’s going to help us find your mother.”

At the confused look on Ahaan’s face, Aditya asked, “Did your mom tell you about him and your other uncles?”

Ahaan shook his head.

“Your uncles, Mihir, Armaan, and Vedant and your mother got separated many years ago,” Aditya explained. “But now, they have found your mom. They live in Dubai.”

Ahaan’s eyes widened. “Dubai?”

“Yes, they are great, and they will love you.”

The sound of rushing footsteps made them both turn. Aditya whirled sharply, his every muscle tense. He eased when he saw Rithwik and Aisha hurrying in. Aisha went straight to Ahaan,gathering him into her arms and holding him close. The boy clung to her, still trembling but calmer.

“Why did you come?” Aditya asked Rithwik. “I was clear that Aisha and you should go home from work and be with the kids.”

“I couldn’t stay away,” Aisha whispered, holding Ahaan close. “I had to come. She’s… Sabrina is…”

“I know, Aisha. I know, and I will get her back,” Aditya promised.

A second later, VJ arrived, his face tense and concerned.

Prince Viraj Jaisinghania, or VJ, was an ex-cop. In his text to his friends, Aditya had specifically asked for VJ to come. In a crisis like this, Aditya knew that VJ’s experience and his calm under pressure were exactly what was needed.

He told them about his conversation with Mihir, and VJ immediately began to make some calls.

The sound of more footsteps made him turn again.

His mother rushed to him. “I got your text. What happened? Is it true what you said about Sabrina?”

He nodded, his jaw tight. “I have to go find her. I can’t live without her. I… love her, Mom.”

He beckoned Ahaan to him. The boy approached him slowly, his eyes on Aditya’s mother.

“Mom, this is Ahaan, Sabrina’s son,” Aditya said, his voice rough. “Will you take him home with you and keep him safe?”

“Aditya, I can keep him with me,” Aisha offered quickly

“No,” Aditya said firmly. “Call your mother; make sure she’s safe. If JD has found Sabrina, then he could come after Ahaan, or… any of you related to her.”

Fear flashed across Aisha’s face. Rithwik and she exchanged a worried look.

“That’s why I told you to go straight home.” Aditya shook his head. “Anyway, get your kids and mother to my place. It’s thesafest for you all right now. JD may know your importance in Sabrina’s life, but he doesn’t know aboutme.”

“The others are on their way,” Rithwik said. “Keya, Raashi, their husbands. I’ll drop Aisha, the kids, and her mother at your house and come back.”

“But—”

“—Iwillbe with you,” Rithwik said, his tone final.

“Tell the others to reach my house. I’ll be in touch once Mihir calls.”

Taking Aisha’s hand, Rithwik led her out of the door. Aditya turned to his mother. She was talking to Ahaan in a soft tone.

“Mom,” Aditya called out, his tone urgent. “Can I trust you to keep him safe? He means everything to me. He’s… mine.”

His mother cupped his cheek. “I’m sorry I didn’t see it sooner. I know where your heart is, and I promise to be on your side always. We have to talk, and we will, but first, go get her back.”

The relief he felt at his mother’s words was all the strength he needed. He knew his mother wouldn’t fail him. Whatever their differences, he could always count on her, and that’s why he’d texted her to come here.