"So, we never got around to having a conversation last night." Aaryan said as he dressed the next day.
"What is there to discuss?" Ariana said pointedly. "I was kidnapped and you found me. The end."
"Ariana..." he began and turned toward her.
"No! I don't want to discuss it. This is the second time I have been taken from my home because of your family Aaryan." She said as he walked over toward her. She fell to the floor in a crying heap.
"Jaanu (my life)." He said raining kisses all over her face. "I am sorry, I am so sorry."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you." Aaryan said clutching her face.
"Don't." Ariana said. "Everything is about you! I was taken from America for you. Your aunt took me because of you. It's all you, you, you Aaryan."
He stood, face hardening, "So what, you hate me now, is that it? This is all my fault?"
"No, that's not it! It's just...I want to feel safe; I need to feel safe!" Ariana said, wringing her hands.
"I told you I don't agree with the circumstances that brought you here but I love you Ariana, I don't regret that." He said facing the wall.
"I love you too." She said standing and touching his back. "And I know, I know. I'm just processing all of this Aaryan and I'm so confused and I feel so emotional, that's not my normal self, you know that." She replied touching her head.
"I am sorry that they kidnapped you and that my position puts you in danger but we cannot let the actions of others tear us apart, break up our family." He said pulling her into a hug. "I love you."
"I love you too, but I'm scared and I'm tired of being someone's pawn. We have to convince your mother and the council to agree to our new government structure. Not only for my sake, but for Quadir, our children, our grandchildren, your nephews and nieces to come." She stated.
"I agree." He said kissing her. "And we will tighten security, you will never be alone again."
"Slow down there general. While this kidnapping plot did reveal some gaps in our security, the solution is not to take away my autonomy. Let's tighten security at lab." She agreed.
Aaryan began to protest. "Buh, buh, buh," she tsked. "Yes, tighten security at the lab so that all personnel badge in, badge out and there are thorough background checks done on everyone. Yes, Aaryan, yes I will keep my shadows but I think they should also teach me some self-defense in the event that something ever happens again. Ok?"
"I can agree to that. And I also agree that you should learn how to use a weapon and have one in your office. No buts." Aaryan said clasping her hands.
"Ok, I can agree to that." Ariana replied.
"I'm glad we talked." she said after a while, knocking his leg.
"Our communication is what makes us strong." He said locking their fingers. Kissing her hand, he said, "I will be working from here for a few days. I don't want you to go back to the office until the new security measures are in place. You should rest and take a few days off anyway. Let me know when and if you want to go back." He said rising from the bed.
"I think I am going to rest today...I just feel off." Ariana said crawling back into bed.
"I will check on you later." Aaryan said kissing her forehead and leaving for his office.
******
The next few days passed by uneventfully. Ariana spent most of her time with Quadir and Aaryan as she tried to get reacclimated to life. She and Aaryan provided the council with a full outline of their new government proposal and Ghaniyah said they would make a decision by the wedding.
In the meantime, she spent mornings learning self-defense from her shadows, afternoons at the range with Aaryan and evenings going over schoolwork with Quadir.
She returned to work at the end of the week. She was still feeling a bit unwell so she asked a tech to give her a full lab work up.
