ִֶָ𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ🐇་༘࿐

Hello, my lovely readers! 🤍🌸

How are you all doing?

Before we begin, don't forget to vote, comment, follow, and share if you're enjoying the story. Your support genuinely means a lot to me and motivates me to keep writing. 🤍

This chapter is a little different.

We're stepping into a completely new world...

A new family.

A new home.

And a side of the story we've only heard about until now. ✨

So, welcome to the Deora family. 👑🤍

There may not be too many dramatic moments in this chapter...

But sometimes, before a new chapter of someone's life begins, we need to meet the people waiting on the other side of it.

So...

let's meet them. 👀

Happy Reading! 🤍🌸

THE DEORA FAMILY

The Deora residence was unusually lively that morning.

Not because anything extraordinary had happened.

At least... that was what everyone was pretending.

Inside one of the private family lounges, four of the younger Deora brothers occupied the large seating area in varying degrees of boredom.

Abhay was stretched comfortably across one end of the sofa, scrolling through something on his phone.

Krishav sat nearby, occasionally glancing at the screen.

Aarav was leaning back against the sofa, talking about something that had apparently become far more interesting to him than it should have been.

And Veer...

Veer was sitting cross-legged on the carpet.

Listening.

Very seriously.

Perhaps a little too seriously.

Aarav continued,

"I am telling you, if they actually do it, this entire house is going to become impossible to live in."

Krishav glanced at him.

"You're talking as if someone is bringing an entire army into the house."

"Almost the same thing."

Abhay finally looked up from his phone.

"You're being dramatic Aarav."

"Am I?"

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

Aarav narrowed his eyes.

"You're only saying that because you don't want to admit I'm right."

Abhay gave him a completely unimpressed look.

"I don't admit things simply because you say them."

A quiet laugh escaped Krishav.

Across from them, Veer continued listening.

His eyes moved from Aarav...

to Abhay...

then to Krishav.

He was clearly trying to understand exactly what they were discussing.

Before he could ask anything, footsteps sounded outside.

The door opened.

Raghav walked in.

He paused near the entrance, looking at the four brothers.

"What are you all discussing so seriously?"

Aarav immediately pointed toward Veer.

"Bhaiyu He's been listening to us for the last ten minutes."

Raghav looked at Veer.

"And?"

Veer looked up at him.

"I have a question."

Raghav's expression softened slightly.

"Ask."

Veer hesitated.

Then finally said,

"But why would Baba Sa change everyone's rooms?"

Silence.

Complete silence.

Abhay slowly lowered his phone.

Krishav stared at Veer.

Aarav blinked.

Raghav looked at the other three.

Then back at Veer.

"...What?"

Veer frowned.

"You were talking about it."

Aarav burst out laughing.

"Veer..."

"What?"

"Who told you anything about changing rooms?"

"You were talking about it."

"We were not."

"You were."

Abhay shook his head.

"You're listening too carefully."

Veer looked genuinely confused.

"But then what were you talking about?"

Raghav folded his arms.

"That's what I want to know too."

Krishav laughed.

"Nothing important."

Veer immediately asked,

"Then why were you all discussing it?"

Aarav covered his face for a moment.

"God save us."

Veer frowned.

"Why?"

Abhay finally laughed.

"Because you ask questions nobody is prepared to answer."

Veer looked offended.

"I only asked one."

"Exactly."

Raghav chuckled quietly.

"Bas, chhote. Too much thinking for one morning."

(You're thinking far too much for one morning.)

Veer immediately shook his head.

"I wasn't thinking too much."

Aarav reached over and lightly messed up his hair.

"You were."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

Krishav joined in.

"Definitely yes."

Veer looked at all three of them.

"You three are annoying."

Aarav grinned.

"And you're adorable."

"I'm not."

"You are."

"No."

"Yes."

Veer opened his mouth to argue again.

Before he could...

the door opened once more.

This time, Vikrant stepped inside.

The atmosphere changed almost instantly.

Not dramatically.

Not because anyone was afraid of him.

It was simply the kind of presence that naturally made a room notice.

Veer spotted him first.

His entire expression brightened.

"Bhaiya!"

He immediately got up and hurried toward him.

Vikrant barely had time to put his phone aside before Veer wrapped his arms around him.

Vikrant looked down at the youngest member of the family and smiled.

"What happened Kiddo?"

Veer pointed accusingly toward the others.

"They're troubling me."

Vikrant raised an eyebrow.

"All of them?"

Veer nodded with complete seriousness.

"All of them."

Aarav immediately protested.

"That's a lie."

Krishav laughed.

"He's exaggerating."

Abhay simply shook his head.

Raghav leaned against the doorway, amused.

Vikrant looked at all four of his brothers.

Then at Veer.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"Mera bachcha..."

He gently placed a hand on Veer's head.

Then looked toward the others.

"Don't trouble my child."

(Don't trouble my child.)

Aarav smirked.

"And what if we do Bhaiya?"

Vikrant's expression became perfectly calm.

"Then you'll answer to me."

Krishav laughed.

"See? Favourite child."

Veer proudly held onto Vikrant's arm.

Aarav muttered something under his breath.

Vikrant's eyes shifted toward him.

"What did you say?"

Aarav immediately looked innocent.

"Nothing Bhaiya."

Vikrant took one step forward.

"Aarav."

"Yes?"

"Did you say something?"

"No."

A pause.

Then Aarav grinned.

"Maybe."

Vikrant gave him a long look.

The kind that needed no explanation.

Aarav's grin disappeared.

"Okay. Nothing."

Raghav laughed under his breath.

Krishav immediately pointed at him.

"Don't laugh. You're next."

Raghav raised an eyebrow.

"Try me."

Abhay shook his head.

"Here we go again."

Aarav grinned.

"Come on, Raghav bhaiyu. Say something."

Raghav looked at him.

"You really want to?"

Aarav's expression changed.

"...Not particularly."

The room filled with laughter again.

Then another voice came from behind them.

"Inki nautanki subah se hi shuru ho gayi?"

(Their drama has already started since morning?)

Everyone turned.

Devik stood near the doorway.

He looked from Vikrant...

to Veer...

then toward the other brothers.

His expression said everything.

"Seriously?"

Aarav shrugged.

"Family bonding."

Devik sighed.

"Bhagwan bachaye is family ko."

(May God save this family.)

Veer smiled.

Vikrant glanced around at his brothers.

For a moment, the room was filled with nothing but their familiar teasing.

Seven brothers.

Seven completely different personalities.

Yet somehow...

this chaos was part of what made the Deora household feel like home.

Vikrant finally checked his phone.

Then looked at everyone.

"Baba Sa sent a message."

The teasing quietened.

"In the family group."

He looked around.

"You people didn't see it?"

Abhay immediately picked up his phone.

"Wait."

Krishav checked his notifications.

Aarav did the same.

Raghav glanced at his screen.

Devik sighed before pulling out his phone.

Veer looked at him.

"What did Bade Baba say?"

Devik glanced toward Vikrant.

"Probably that we're supposed to go downstairs."

Vikrant nodded.

"Exactly."

Aarav stood.

"Then why are we still standing here?"

Krishav laughed.

"Because you were busy arguing."

"I wasn't arguing Bhai."

"You were."

Abhay walked toward the door.

"Chalo."

(Let's go.)

Veer immediately followed.

Raghav shook his head with a small smile.

Devik gestured toward the corridor.

"Come on."

Vikrant looked at the six brothers.

"Let's go."

Together, they stepped into the corridor.

The private lift waited at the end.

One by one, the brothers entered.

Veer stood beside Vikrant, still looking completely satisfied with himself.

As the doors closed, Aarav glanced at him.

"Still think we were troubling you?"

Veer looked up.

"Yes Bhai."

Krishav laughed.

Raghav shook his head.

Abhay smiled.

Even Devik couldn't hide his amusement.

Vikrant simply looked down at Veer with a faint smile.

A moment later...

the lift began its descent toward the main floor.

For a few moments, the brothers remained inside.

Veer stood closest to the doors, looking far too pleased with himself after the little argument upstairs.

Aarav leaned against the side wall, while Krishav and Abhay were still quietly discussing something.

Raghav and Devik stood together a little farther back.

Vikrant remained mostly silent.

As usual.

But unlike his normal unreadable expression, there was a faint softness in his eyes.

He was happy.

He simply wasn't the kind of person who showed it loudly.

The lift finally reached the main floor.

The doors opened.

Veer stepped out first.

Aarav followed.

Then Krishav.

Abhay came next.

Raghav and Devik walked out together.

And finally, Vikrant stepped out behind them.

The moment they entered the enormous living room, several faces turned toward them.

The room carried the perfect balance between royalty and modern elegance.

A magnificent chandelier hung from the high ceiling, spreading warm light across the polished marble floor.

The furniture was luxurious without feeling overly formal.

Large sofas, elegant tables, subtle royal artwork, tall windows overlooking the gardens, and carefully placed lights gave the massive room a warmth that made it feel lived in rather than displayed.

At the centre of it all sat Rajeshwari Deora and Baldev Singh Deora.

Rajeshwari was speaking with Kavya and Ananya, while Baldev calmly went through something on his tablet.

A little farther away, Vikram sat on a single sofa, his posture naturally commanding.

Rajveer and Devendra were seated nearby.

The moment they saw the seven brothers entering together, smiles appeared almost immediately.

Veer spotted his Dada Sa first.

"Dada Sa!"

(Grandfather!)

He walked straight toward Baldev.

Baldev lowered his tablet and opened an arm without hesitation.

"Arre, aa gaya mera sher?"

(There you are, my little lion.)

Veer grinned and settled beside him.

"Main toh pehle hi aa gaya tha."

(I was already here.)

Then he glanced toward his brothers.

"Bas ye log mujhe pareshaan kar rahe the."

(It's just that these people were bothering me.)

Rajeshwari laughed softly.

"Achha? Kaun pareshaan kar raha tha?"

(Oh really? Who was bothering you?)

Veer immediately pointed toward Aarav, Krishav and Abhay.

"Ye teen."

(These three.)

Aarav looked offended.

"Humne kya kiya?"

(What did we do?)

Krishav folded his arms.

"Isko toh bas complaint karni hoti hai."

(He just likes complaining.)

Abhay nodded seriously.

"Bilkul."

(Absolutely.)

Veer stared at them.

"Dekha?"

(See?)

That made Rajeshwari laugh again.

"Sab milkar mere Veer ko pareshaan karte ho?"

(All of you gang up on my Veer and bother him?)

Aarav placed a hand dramatically over his heart.

"Dadi Sa, hum toh bahut seedhe bachche hain."

(Dadi Sa, we are extremely innocent children.)

Krishav immediately turned toward him.

"Tu?"

(You?)

Aarav blinked.

"Kya?"

(What?)

Krishav gave him a completely unimpressed look.

"Seedha?"

(Innocent?)

Devik laughed from behind them.

"Isse bada joke aaj tak nahi suna."

(I've never heard a bigger joke than that.)

The room broke into laughter.

Veer looked extremely satisfied with himself.

Meanwhile, Abhay walked toward Ananya.

"Chhoti Maa."

(Chhoti Ma.)

Ananya immediately opened her arms.

Abhay hugged her warmly.

She smiled and gently ran a hand through his hair.

"Kya hua?"

(What happened?)

Abhay pulled back slightly.

"Bas, aapse milna tha."

(I just wanted to come see you.)

Ananya smiled.

"Achha?"

(Really?)

Then she narrowed her eyes playfully.

"Ya phir kuch kaand kiya hai?"

(Or did you do something troublesome?)

Abhay immediately shook his head.

"Maine?"

(Me?)

From across the room, Krishav called out,

"Isko kuch mat poochna, Chhoti Ma."

(Don't ask him anything, Chhoti Ma.)

Abhay turned toward him.

"Tu chup reh."

(You stay quiet.)

Kavya laughed as Krishav came over and settled beside her.

She casually adjusted his hair.

"Subah se itni awaaz kyun aa rahi hai tum logon ki?"

(Why have you boys been making so much noise since morning?)

Krishav shrugged.

"Veer ko bore ho raha tha."

(Veer was getting bored.)

Veer immediately protested.

"Main bore nahi ho raha tha!"

(I wasn't getting bored!)

Aarav looked at him.

"Bas paanch minute mein teen baar bola tha ki bore ho raha hai."

(You only said you were bored three times in five minutes.)

"Jhooth!"

(Liar!)

"Teen baar."

(Three times.)

"Do baar!"

(Twice!)

Raghav, who had been quietly watching the argument, finally laughed.

"Bas karo tum dono."

(Both of you, enough.)

He walked over and settled beside Vikram.

Devik, meanwhile, moved toward Rajveer and took the seat beside him.

Vikrant remained standing for another moment.

His gaze moved across the room.

His grandparents.

His parents.

His uncles.

His brothers.

There was something unmistakably lighter about the atmosphere today.

He knew why.

And although he wasn't going to make a dramatic announcement about it, the faint smile that touched his face said enough.

He eventually walked over and took the seat beside Devendra.

Devendra glanced at him.

"Tu bhi baith gaya?"

(You finally sat down too?)

Vikrant gave him a sideways look.

"Khada rehne ka kya faayda?"

(What's the point of standing?)

Devendra smiled.

"Bas dekh raha tha, aaj bade khush lag rahe ho."

(I was just noticing that you seem unusually happy today.)

Vikrant's expression remained calm.

"Main hamesha khush rehta hoon."

(I'm always happy.)

Raghav immediately called from the other sofa,

"Achha?"

(Really?)

Vikrant looked toward him.

Raghav smiled innocently.

"Phir aaj smile thodi zyada kyun hai, Bhaiya?"

(Then why is your smile a little bigger today, Bhaiya?)

Vikrant's eyes narrowed slightly.

Raghav immediately looked away.

Krishav whispered to Aarav,

"Ab gaya."

(Now he's in trouble.)

Aarav covered his smile.

Veer, who had been listening carefully, looked between them.

"Bhaiya khush kyun hain?"

(Why is Bhaiya happy?)

For a second, everyone went quiet.

Then Abhay slowly looked at Vikrant.

Vikrant stared at him.

Abhay immediately raised both hands.

"Main kuch nahi bola."

(I didn't say anything.)

Vikrant's lips twitched.

"Achha hai."

(Good.)

Rajveer laughed.

"Bas, ab bachchon ko zyada mat darao."

(Alright, don't scare the children too much now.)

Vikram, who had been listening to everything from his sofa, finally spoke.

"Waise tum logon ko itni curiosity kyun ho rahi hai?"

(By the way, why are all of you suddenly so curious?)

Kavya smiled.

"Kyuki aaj aap bhi kuch zyada hi khush lag rahe hain, Bhai Sa."

(Because you also seem especially happy today, Bhai Sa.)

Ananya nodded.

"Mujhe bhi lag raha hai."

(I feel the same.)

Vikram looked from one sister to the other.

"Kavya, Ananya... tum dono bhi shuru ho gayi?"

(Kavya, Ananya... you two have started as well?)

Kavya laughed.

"Hum toh bas sach bol rahe hain, Bhai Sa."

(We're only telling the truth, Bhai Sa.)

Devendra leaned back comfortably.

"Waise Bhai Sa..."

(By the way, Bhai Sa...)

Vikram looked at him.

"Haan?"

(Yes?)

Devendra smiled.

"Shaadi ke baad bhi itna serious rehna."

(Make sure you stay this serious even after the wedding.)

Rajveer laughed.

"Inko advice de raha hai?"

(You're giving him advice?)

Ananya immediately joined in.

"Inko toh khud advice ki zarurat hai."

(Devendra himself needs advice.)

Devendra placed a hand dramatically over his heart.

"Main toh bahut samajhdaar hoon."

(I'm actually very sensible.)

Kavya raised an eyebrow.

"Ye kab hua? Bhai sa"

(When did that happen? Bhai sa)

Everyone laughed.

Even Vikram shook his head with a quiet smile.

The teasing continued for another few moments.

Even the brothers slowly joined in.

Raghav made another comment.

Krishav added something.

Aarav tried to defend his father.

Abhay quietly laughed.

Veer kept asking questions he probably shouldn't have been asking.

And Vikrant...

Vikrant mostly listened.

But every now and then, a small smile appeared whenever someone teased Vikram.

He was reserved.

He always had been.

But his family knew the difference between silence and indifference.

Today, Vikrant was simply happy.

Happy because his father had finally chosen something for himself.

And everyone could see it.

Eventually, Rajeshwari gently shook her head.

"Bas karo tum sab."

(Alright, all of you, enough now.)

Her voice held more affection than authority.

"Vikram ko aaj ke din chain se rehne do."

(Let Vikram have some peace today.)

Baldev lowered his tablet.

"Bilkul."

(Absolutely.)

He looked toward his son.

"Bahut saalon baad isne khud ke liye kuch socha hai."

(After so many years, he has finally thought about something for himself.)

The room quieted for a moment.

Vikram looked toward his father.

Baldev's expression held quiet pride.

Rajeshwari reached over and gently touched Vikram's arm.

"We're happy for you, beta."

Vikram's expression softened.

"Thank you, Maa Sa."

A small silence followed.

Then Veer suddenly asked,

"Toh shaadi mein mithai milegi?"

(So, will there be sweets at the wedding?)

The entire room burst into laughter.

Vikram looked at him.

"Bas."

(Enough.)

Veer grinned.

"Main toh bas pooch raha tha."

(I was only asking.)

Aarav laughed.

"Isko shaadi se zyada mithai ki fikar hai."

(He's more concerned about sweets than the wedding.)

Veer immediately protested.

"Nahi!"

(No!)

Krishav added,

"Jhooth bol raha hai."

(He's lying.)

Veer stared at him.

The room filled with laughter once again.

And just like that, the serious conversation disappeared beneath the family's usual warmth.

A few minutes later, approaching footsteps caught everyone's attention.

A uniformed guard entered the living room and stopped respectfully near the entrance.

"Sir."

Vikram looked up.

The guard spoke clearly.

"Miss Meera and her parents are here."

The room fell quiet.

Baldev placed his tablet aside.

Rajeshwari straightened slightly.

Rajveer and Devendra exchanged a glance.

Kavya and Ananya looked toward Vikram.

The seven brothers also turned their attention toward their father.

Vikram stood.

"Chaliye."

(Let's go.)

One by one, the family rose from their seats.

They were ready to welcome their guests.

The grand doors of the palace opened as the family stepped toward the entrance.

A car had just come to a stop outside.

Meera stepped out first, dressed in an elegant suit, followed by her parents.

Her mother adjusted the edge of her saree while her father came around the other side of the car.

Meera carried a neatly packed box of sweets in her hands.

They had brought them along after leaving Aira at her examination centre.

As the three of them approached the entrance, Baldev Singh Deora stepped forward with Rajeshwari beside him.

His expression immediately softened.

"Khama Ghani."

(A traditional Rajasthani greeting.)

Meera's parents returned the greeting respectfully.

"Ghani Khama."

(A respectful response to the greeting.)

Rajeshwari smiled warmly.

"Meera beta, aao."

(Meera, dear, come.)

Meera smiled and stepped forward.

"Namaste."

Rajeshwari immediately reached out and held her hand affectionately.

"Arre, aao beta."

(Come, dear.)

There was nothing formal in her voice.

Only warmth.

The kind reserved for someone she had already begun considering family.

Meera's parents exchanged respectful greetings with the rest of the elders as well.

Vikram stood slightly ahead of his brothers.

His eyes remained on Meera for a moment.

There was a quiet happiness in his expression that was impossible to miss today.

Rajveer noticed it.

So did Devendra.

Kavya and Ananya exchanged a knowing glance.

Meanwhile, the seven brothers stood together a little behind the elders.

Vikrant had already met Meera before.

So had Raghav and Devik.

For them, her arrival wasn't a first meeting.

But the younger four watched her with a different kind of curiosity.

Abhay.

Krishav.

Aarav.

And Veer.

They had heard enough about her from their father and the rest of the family.

They knew she was the woman their father had chosen.

They knew everyone liked her.

But they had never actually met her.

Veer quietly looked at his brothers.

Then back at Meera.

Aarav noticed.

"Bas dekhte hi rehna hai kya?"

(Are you just going to keep staring?)

Veer immediately looked at him.

"Main toh bas dekh raha hoon."

(I'm just looking.)

Krishav suppressed a laugh.

"Sabko pata hai."

(Everyone knows.)

Veer frowned.

Before he could answer, Rajeshwari called gently from ahead.

"Veer."

He immediately straightened.

"Ji, Dadi Sa?"

(Yes, Dadi Sa?)

Rajeshwari smiled.

"Idhar aao."

(Come here.)

Veer walked toward her without hesitation.

The moment he reached her, she placed a loving hand over his head.

The other brothers followed more casually.

The atmosphere remained easy.

No forced formality.

No uncomfortable silence.

Just a family naturally making space for new people.

Baldev Singh looked toward Meera's parents.

"Aaiye, andar baithte hain."

(Come, let's sit inside.)

Meera's father nodded.

"Ji."

Everyone slowly moved into the enormous living room.

The room immediately revealed why the palace felt different from a traditional royal residence.

The space was massive, yet it didn't feel cold.

A magnificent chandelier hung from the high ceiling, while warm lighting reflected softly across the polished marble floor.

The furniture was luxurious without being overly formal.

Large sofas surrounded elegant tables, while tall windows opened toward the sprawling gardens outside.

Subtle royal artwork decorated the walls without overwhelming the modern interiors.

Everything carried the quiet grandeur of a royal home...

but still felt lived in.

Familiar.

Warm.

Rajeshwari returned to her seat beside Baldev Singh.

Kavya and Ananya settled nearby.

Vikram took his usual place on the single sofa, with Rajveer and Devendra sitting close enough to continue their quiet conversation.

Vikrant eventually sat beside Devendra.

Raghav joined Vikram.

Devik settled near Rajveer.

The younger four remained together for a moment before finding their own places.

Meera's parents sat opposite the elders.

Meera remained beside them.

For a few moments, everyone simply talked.

The conversation began with ordinary things.

The journey.

The weather.

The arrangements.

Nothing complicated.

Nothing overwhelming.

Then Meera's mother remembered the sweets in her hands.

She gently placed the box on the table.

"Rajeshwari jii, ye aapke liye."

(Rajeshwari ji, this is for you.)

Rajeshwari looked at the box and smiled.

"Arre, iski kya zarurat thi?"

(Oh dear, there was no need for this.)

Meera smiled.

"Khali haath aana achha nahi lagta."

(It didn't feel right to come empty-handed.)

Rajeshwari's expression softened.

"Ab apne hi ghar mein aa rahi ho."

(You're coming to your own home now.)

Meera's smile grew slightly.

Across the room, Vikram watched the exchange quietly.

His eyes held a warmth that didn't go unnoticed.

Rajveer leaned slightly toward Devendra.

"Ab samajh aa raha hai."

(Now I understand.)

Devendra glanced at him.

"Kya?"

(What?)

Rajveer's smile widened.

"Bhai Sa itne khush kyun hain."

(Why Bhai Sa is so happy.)

Devendra quietly laughed.

Kavya heard them and immediately joined in.

"Humne toh pehle hi samajh liya tha."

(We had already figured it out.)

Vikram looked toward them.

"Kavya."

She smiled innocently.

"Ji, Bhai Sa?"

(Yes, Bhai Sa?)

Vikram narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Bas."

(Enough.)

That only made Ananya and others laugh.

And for a moment, the entire room slipped back into its usual warmth.

Meera watched them quietly.

She had known some of them for years.

But seeing everyone together like this...

felt different.

More complete.

And somewhere among all those familiar and unfamiliar faces...

four younger boys were still quietly trying to understand the woman their father had chosen.

They didn't know much about her yet.

They didn't know what she was like at home.

They didn't know how she treated family.

And they certainly didn't know anything about the daughter she had mentioned so little about.

For now...

they only knew one thing.

Their father was happy.

And that was enough for them to welcome her.

For a couple of minutes...

the conversation remained light.

There was no immediate rush to discuss anything serious.

After all, they had already known each other for some time.

Kavya and Ananya were especially quick to make Meera feel comfortable.

"So, Meera ji..."

Kavya smiled innocently.

"You've somehow managed to make Bhai Sa look happier than he has in years."

Ananya immediately joined in.

"Exactly."

She glanced toward Vikram.

"Humne toh socha tha Bhai Sa ko khush dekhne ke liye kisi miracle ki zarurat padegi."

(We thought it would take a miracle to see Bhai Sa this happy.)

Vikram gave both of them a long, unimpressed look.

"Kavya."

"Ananya."

That was enough warning.

Both women tried to suppress their smiles.

Rajveer, however, had no intention of letting the opportunity go.

"Arre, Bhai Sa..."

He leaned back comfortably.

"Ab itna serious hone ki bhi zarurat nahi hai."

(There's no need to be this serious anymore.)

Devendra laughed quietly.

"Waise bhi..."

His eyes moved toward Meera before returning to his brother.

"Bhaiya ko dekhkar lag raha hai..."

He paused deliberately.

"...ki inka bas chale toh shaadi aaj hi kar lein."

(Looking at Bhaiya, it seems like if it were up to him, he would get married today itself.)

A few smiles immediately appeared around the room.

Meera's parents exchanged an amused glance.

Even Meera couldn't stop herself from smiling.

Vikram slowly turned toward his brother.

"Devendra."

One word.

Calm.

Controlled.

Yet somehow enough to make Devendra sit a little straighter.

Rajveer immediately laughed.

"Bas, bas."

He lifted both hands innocently.

"Hum toh sirf sach bol rahe hain."

(We are only telling the truth.)

"Bilkul," Ananya added.

"Humne kya galat kaha?"

(Exactly. What did we say wrong?)

Kavya nodded solemnly.

"Kuch bhi nahi."

(Nothing at all.)

Meera's smile grew wider.

For someone who had expected a formal royal household...

the warmth in front of her was unexpectedly comforting.

The younger four brothers had remained unusually quiet during the exchange.

They were sitting together with expressions so innocent that anyone unfamiliar with them might have believed they had never caused trouble in their lives.

The elder three were not nearly as convincing.

Vikrant sat slightly apart, listening more than speaking.

His expression remained reserved as always.

Yet the faint smile in his eyes had not disappeared.

He was happy.

Perhaps more than he usually allowed himself to show.

Beside him, Raghav and Devik exchanged a quick glance.

Neither said anything.

They didn't need to.

The entire family could see it.

Vikram was happy.

And that alone made the room feel different.

After another few minutes of light conversation, Baldev finally brought the discussion toward the reason for their meeting.

"The wedding."

His voice was calm.

Warm.

Yet carried the natural authority of someone everyone in the room respected.

He looked toward Meera and her parents.

"We spoke with the family."

"And we've already consulted the pandit ji."

Rajeshwari smiled gently.

"The muhurat is good."

Baldev nodded.

"The wedding can take place next week."

Meera's parents looked at each other.

For a second, neither seemed quite sure they had heard correctly.

"Next week?"

Her father finally asked.

"Isn't that a little... soon?"

Baldev's expression softened.

"Perhaps it sounds quick."

"But don't worry."

"We'll take care of everything."

Meera's father hesitated.

"Everything?"

Baldev gave him a reassuring smile.

"Everything."

"The arrangements."

"The guests."

"The ceremonies."

"All of it."

Rajeshwari added gently,

"Aap dono ko kisi cheez ki chinta karne ki zarurat nahi hai."

(You both don't need to worry about anything.)

"We only want you to come here without any burden on your minds."

Meera's mother looked genuinely touched.

"But one week is still very little time."

Baldev gave a quiet chuckle.

"For an ordinary wedding, perhaps."

His eyes briefly moved around the room.

"But this family has never been particularly ordinary."

That earned a round of soft laughter.

Even Vikram's expression relaxed further.

"We'll manage," he said calmly.

"You don't have to carry the responsibility alone."

Meera's father slowly nodded.

"If you're certain..."

Baldev smiled.

"We are."

"And once the family has decided..."

Rajeshwari completed the thought gently.

"...there is no reason to delay what everyone is already happy about."

Meera lowered her eyes with a small smile.

Across the room, Kavya leaned slightly toward Ananya.

"Ab dekho..."

She whispered.

"Bhai Sa ki shaadi ke saath humari family ki peace bhi gayi."

(Now watch... along with Bhai Sa's wedding, the peace of this family is gone too.)

Ananya immediately covered her smile.

"I think peace was already gone."

(I think peace was already gone.)

Vikram heard them.

Of course he did.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Both women instantly looked innocent.

Rajveer shook his head.

"These two will never learn."

Devendra smiled.

"Neither will you."

The room once again filled with quiet laughter.

For a while, the conversation continued around the wedding.

The venue.

The ceremonies.

The guest list.

The arrangements that would need to be completed within the coming week.

Everything was discussed with surprising ease.

And then...

Vikram's gaze shifted toward Meera.

There was a brief pause.

"Meera."

She looked at him.

"Yes?"

His expression remained calm.

"Someone wasn't with you today."

The question immediately caught everyone's attention.

Meera's parents exchanged a brief glance.

Meera remained composed.

"She couldn't come."

Vikram nodded slowly.

"I see."

There was no further explanation.

No name.

No unnecessary detail.

Just a quiet acknowledgment.

The rest of the family noticed the exchange.

But no one interrupted.

Not yet.

After another few minutes, Meera and her parents finally rose.

The family stood with them.

Warm goodbyes were exchanged.

Rajeshwari blessed them with a gentle smile.

"Jaldi milenge."

(We'll meet again soon.)

Meera smiled.

"Ji."

Her parents thanked the family for their warmth and hospitality.

Baldev assured them once again that they would handle the wedding arrangements.

And with that...

Meera and her parents made their way toward the entrance.

Behind them...

the grand living room slowly settled back into its usual rhythm.

But the brothers remained unusually quiet for a few seconds.

Because there was one small detail they had just learned.

Meera had someone waiting for her at home.

And none of them yet knew who.

For a few seconds...

the brothers simply remained where they were.

The living room had gradually fallen quieter after Meera and her parents left.

The elders had returned to their conversation.

The younger generation, however...

had something else on their minds.

Vikrant was the first to stand.

"Chalo."

The others followed him toward the private lift.

Within minutes, the brothers were back on their own floor.

The doors opened directly into their indoor recreation area.

A spacious room filled with everything they could possibly need to spend an entire afternoon without stepping outside.

Gaming consoles.

High-end PCs.

A large screen mounted against one wall.

Comfortable couches scattered around the room.

And enough space for all seven brothers to disappear into their own little world.

Veer immediately dropped onto one of the couches.

"Toh..."

He looked around at his brothers.

"Humari ek Didi aane wali hai?"

A few of them looked at him.

Aarav raised an eyebrow.

"Didi?"

"Why are you already assuming she's older than you?"

Veer blinked.

"Because..."

He thought about it seriously.

"Meera aunty khud toh badi hain."

"Toh unki daughter bhi mujhse badi hi hogi na?"

The room went silent for exactly two seconds.

Then Abhay laughed.

"Logic dekho iska."

Raghav shook his head.

"Veer, tu har cheez ka calculation kyun karta hai?"

Veer frowned.

"Main calculation nahi karta."

"Main bas sochta hoon."

Devik leaned back against the couch.

"Difference?"

Veer looked at him.

"Bahut bada."

That earned a few laughs.

Even Vikrant's expression softened.

But the laughter didn't last very long.

Aarav's attention drifted back toward the conversation from downstairs.

"So..."

He folded his arms.

"She didn't come."

Abhay glanced at him.

"Haan."

There was no excitement in his voice.

If anything...

he sounded mildly unimpressed.

"Everyone else came."

"She didn't."

Krishav looked toward them.

"Maybe she had a reason."

Aarav shrugged.

"Maybe."

"But still..."

He paused.

"Everyone in the house was there."

Abhay nodded slowly.

"Exactly."

"At least she could've come for a little while."

Veer looked between them.

"Maybe she was busy?"

Aarav gave him a look.

"You're already defending someone you've never even met."

Veer frowned.

"I'm not defending."

"I'm just saying maybe."

Abhay let out a quiet laugh.

"Tu abhi se uski side le raha hai?"

Veer didn't answer.

He simply looked away.

Aarav leaned back.

"Anyway..."

"According to what we know, she must be around our age."

Abhay nodded.

"Probably."

"Maybe nineteen or twenty."

Raghav looked thoughtful.

"Then she's old enough to understand these things."

The words settled differently this time.

Not cruel.

Just a conclusion formed from incomplete information.

They didn't know about the exam.

They didn't know what Meera's daughter had been doing that morning.

They didn't even know her name.

All they knew was what they had seen.

And from that very small piece of information...

their first impression had already begun taking shape.

"Maybe she's a little too independent."

Abhay said quietly.

Aarav gave a faint, humorless smile.

"Or maybe she thinks she doesn't need anyone."

Devik glanced between them.

"You two have already decided her entire personality."

"We haven't even met her."

Aarav shrugged.

"I'm just saying what it looks like."

Before anyone could answer...

Vikrant finally spoke.

"Looks can be wrong."

The room went quiet.

Everyone looked toward him.

He remained standing near the doorway, his expression calm.

"Meera aunty is one of the most respectful people I've met."

"Warm."

"Polite."

"She treats everyone properly."

His gaze moved briefly across his brothers.

"So don't decide what her daughter is like before you've even met her."

Abhay didn't argue.

Aarav and Krishav simply nodded.

"Fair enough."

Vikrant's expression softened slightly.

"Good."

Veer, meanwhile, had been listening with complete seriousness.

Then his face suddenly brightened.

"Toh..."

He looked at Vikrant.

"Main sach mein Didi bula sakta hoon?"

A silence followed.

Then Raghav laughed.

"Bas isi baat ki tension thi tujhe?"

Veer nodded honestly.

"Haan."

"I've always wanted a Didi."

For a moment...

no one teased him.

Because beneath all the joking...

the excitement in his voice was completely genuine.

Vikrant looked at him.

A faint smile touched his face.

"Mil jayegi."

Veer's eyes brightened.

"Really?"

"Maybe."

Veer smiled to himself.

And for the first time since the family had learned about Meera's daughter...

the thought of her didn't feel like a question.

It felt like the beginning of something.

Something none of them understood yet.

The laughter slowly settled into a softer silence.

Yet the happiness in the room remained.

Rajeshwari looked around at her family.

At her sons.

At the daughters-in-law she had come to love as her own.

And at the thought of one more little person soon becoming part of all of this.

Her smile grew warmer.

"Ek baat pakki hai..."

(One thing is certain...)

"Is baar..."

She glanced at Baldev before looking back at the others.

"...hamari beti ko hum bahut pyaar denge."

(This time, we will give our daughter all the love we can.)

Baldev nodded quietly.

"Sirf pyaar nahi."

His voice carried the calm certainty of someone who had spent his entire life protecting the people he called family.

"Uska khayal bhi rakhenge."

(Not just love. We will take care of her too.)

Rajveer smiled.

"Bilkul."

(Absolutely.)

Devendra leaned back comfortably.

"Usse kisi cheez ki kami nahi hone denge."

(We won't let her lack for anything.)

Kavya immediately added,

"Main toh pehle hi keh rahi hoon..."

(I've already said it...)

"Uski har khushi meri zimmedari."

(Her every happiness will be my responsibility.)

Ananya laughed softly.

"Sirf tumhari?"

(Only yours?)

Kavya looked at her.

"Dono ki."

(Both of ours.)

Rajveer shook his head with a smile.

"Bas, abhi se dono ne usse apna bana liya."

(They've already made her their own.)

Devendra laughed.

"Hum sabki hai."

(She's all of ours.)

For a moment...

the room fell quiet again.

Not because anyone had run out of things to say.

But because the thought itself was enough.

A daughter.

A little girl who would soon have seven brothers around her...

parents who would spoil her...

grandparents who would cherish her...

and a home large enough to hold all the love they were already preparing to give.

Vikram had remained silent throughout.

He simply watched his siblings.

His eyes moved from Rajveer to Devendra...

then to Kavya and Ananya.

They were already talking about her as though she had belonged here for years.

A faint smile touched his face.

He was happy.

Perhaps happier than he had allowed himself to show.

Baldev noticed.

So did Rajeshwari.

Neither said anything.

They simply exchanged a quiet glance.

And for a few peaceful moments...

the three of them watched their family talk about the little girl none of them had met yet.

They spoke of loving her.

Cherishing her.

Protecting her.

Of giving her every happiness they could.

Of keeping her safe...

and perhaps, in their own way...

protecting the memories that would become part of their family someday.

No one knew what the future would bring.

For now...

they were simply happy.

Happy that their family was growing.

Happy that Vikram had found someone he wanted to build a life with.

And happier still...

at the thought that, after so many years...

there would finally be a daughter in the Deora household.

The room slowly filled with laughter once again.

And that was where the evening ended.

🤍 End Note 🤍

And that's the end of Chapter 26. 🌸

I know this chapter was a little different from the previous ones.

There wasn't a huge dramatic moment...

No major reveal...

Just a family, a wedding decision, and a few people who have no idea how much their lives are about to change. 👀

And honestly...

I wanted to let this chapter breathe.

Because before we move forward, I wanted you to meet the Deora family properly.

Now tell me honestly... 🤍

🌷 What did you think of the Deora family?

🌷 Which family member caught your attention the most?

🌷 What did you think about Vikram's family being so excited about finally having a daughter?

🌷 What do you think the brothers' first impression of Meera's daughter will be?

🌷 And most importantly...

What do you think is waiting for us in the next chapter? 👀✨

As always...

Please don't forget to vote, comment, follow, and share if you're enjoying the story. Your support truly means a lot to me. 🤍🌸

Take care. Stay happy. Keep smiling. Love you all bahut saaraaa! 🤍🥹

Bye-bye! 👋🏻

See you all in the next chapter. 🌸🤍

˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆

Radhe Krishna🌷**