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Hello, my beautiful and handsome Tulips! 🌷🤍

How are you all doing?

Before we begin, if you're enjoying this story, please don't forget to vote, comment, follow, and share it with your friends. Your love and support truly mean so much to me and always motivate me to keep writing. 🤍

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So I thought, why not surprise you all with the next chapter? 👀✨

Here are the new targets:

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Complete these, and the next chapter is yours! 🔓📖💗

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Today's chapter is going to be a little special...

Because someone is finally stepping into Aira's world. 👀✨

There will be family chaos.

A little secret mission.

Some unexpected introductions.

A wedding filled with laughter and celebration.

And perhaps...

one small meeting that none of them will understand just yet. 🌷

So settle in...

because Chapter 28 is about to begin. 🤍

Happy Reading! ✨🌸

Author's POV

The evening of the wedding arrived wrapped in quiet excitement.

The Deora family's grand resort in Jaipur had been transformed overnight.

Every corner seemed to glow beneath delicate lights and flowers.

The entrance was covered with fresh marigold garlands and white roses, while elegant floral arrangements lined the pathways leading toward the main wedding area. The enormous resort itself carried the unmistakable grandeur of the Deora family, yet somehow it still felt warm rather than overwhelming.

Inside one of the beautifully decorated guest rooms...

Meera stood before the mirror.

Her bridal outfit had already been laid carefully across the bed.

She looked at herself for a moment before a soft smile appeared on her face.

Today...

she was getting married.

Not because anyone had forced her.

Not because she had been pushed into a decision.

But because somewhere along the way...

she had found someone who had made the idea of a future feel peaceful.

And perhaps that was why her smile looked different today.

Happier.

Calmer.

More certain.

Behind her...

Aira sat quietly on the edge of the sofa.

Mishti was curled comfortably in her lap.

The little white kitten had apparently decided that wedding preparations were exhausting enough to require an early nap.

Aira gently stroked the fur between her ears.

"Mrrp..."

(Mishti's translation: "I have decided to supervise the wedding from here.")

Aira's eyes curved with a silent laugh.

She looked toward Meera.

Her hands moved through sign language.

You look beautiful, Maiya.

Meera turned immediately.

Her expression softened.

She walked over and crouched in front of her daughter.

"Thank you, Angel."

She gently touched Aira's cheek.

"And you know what?"

Aira tilted her head.

Meera smiled.

"You look beautiful too."

Aira immediately lowered her eyes.

She had never quite learned how to accept compliments without becoming shy.

Mishti opened one blue eye.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "I agree.")

Meera laughed.

"Of course you agree."

She gently scratched beneath Mishti's chin.

"You two are always on the same team."

Aira smiled.

Then her eyes drifted toward the decorated room.

There was something different about today.

Something she couldn't quite explain.

Perhaps because this wasn't simply Maiya's wedding anymore.

It was the beginning of something much bigger.

A new family.

New people.

New relationships.

Aira didn't know what they would be like.

She only knew that Meera was happy.

And because Meera was happy...

some quiet part of Aira was happy too.

She looked down at Mishti.

The kitten had already fallen asleep again.

Aira carefully adjusted the tiny decorative ribbon around her collar.

"Pretty..."

she whispered inside her mind.

Then she smiled.

A few minutes later, there was a gentle knock on the door.

Before Meera could answer, the door opened.

Nandita Sharma entered with Kuldeep and their children, Yuvan and Ishani.

The moment Nandita saw Meera...

her face lit up.

"Meera!"

She walked straight toward her sister and pulled her into a warm embrace.

"Finally."

"After all these years..."

"Today you're actually getting married."

Meera laughed softly.

"I know."

Kuldeep smiled from behind her.

"Madam ko aaj bhi yakeen nahi ho raha."

(She still can't believe it herself.)

Nandita immediately turned toward him.

"Bilkul ho raha hai."

(She absolutely can believe it.)

Kuldeep raised both hands innocently.

"Main toh bas keh raha tha."

(I was just saying.)

Yuvan shook his head.

"Mummy, aaj ke din bhi aap dono shuru ho gaye?"

(Mum, you're both starting this even today?)

Ishani laughed.

"Unko koi din yaad nahi rehta."

(They never remember that they're supposed to behave on special days.)

Meera smiled.

"Exactly."

Nandita noticed Aira sitting quietly nearby.

Her expression immediately softened.

She walked toward her.

"And there is my little girl."

Aira looked up.

A small smile appeared in her eyes.

She raised one hand.

Good evening, Maasi.

Nandita bent down and hugged her gently.

"Good evening, meri jaan."

(Good morning, my dear.)

Aira relaxed into the familiar embrace.

Yuvan immediately crouched beside Mishti.

"Madam ne humein ignore karna shuru kar diya kya?"

(Has Madam started ignoring us?)

Mishti opened one eye.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "I was busy sleeping.")

Yuvan placed a hand dramatically over his heart.

"Kitni beizzati hai."

(What an insult.)

Ishani laughed.

"Usse tumhari beizzati karne ka time nahi hai."

(She doesn't have time to insult you.)

"Usko tumse zyada important kaam hai."

(She has more important things to do than you.)

Yuvan stared at her.

"Like what?"

Ishani pointed toward the kitten.

"Sleeping."

Yuvan sighed.

"Fair."

Aira's shoulders shook with silent laughter.

For a few moments, the room filled with the easy warmth of family.

No formalities.

No awkwardness.

Just familiar people teasing one another while the biggest day of Meera's life unfolded around them.

And somewhere outside...

the resort continued coming alive.

Guests arrived one after another.

Staff moved through the corridors.

Decorations were checked one final time.

The wedding preparations were almost complete.

Yet inside that room...

Aira remained peacefully tucked into the warmth of the people she already knew.

For a little while longer...

the room stayed wrapped in the comfortable chaos of family.

Then...

the door opened once again.

A familiar pair stepped inside.

Nanu and Nani had arrived.

Nanu looked elegant in a cream-colored kurta paired with a richly embroidered Nehru jacket. His silver hair was neatly combed, and the warmth in his eyes appeared the moment he spotted his childrens.

Beside him, Nani looked graceful in a beautiful pastel silk saree, her jewellery kept elegant and traditional. the soft smile on her face appeared the moment her eyes fell upon the people gathered inside.

"Arre..."

Nani's voice immediately became warmer.

"Sab yahin hain."

(Ohh, Everyone is here.)

Nandita smiled and stood.

"Maa, Papa."

Nani opened her arms.

"Come here, beta."

Nandita stepped forward and hugged her mother.

Kuldeep greeted Nanu respectfully.

"Namaste, Papa ji."

Nanu nodded before giving him an affectionate pat on the shoulder.

"Khush raho."

(Stay happy.)

Yuvan and Ishani were next.

They both greeted their grandparents before Nani immediately pulled them closer.

"Bas bas..."

She looked at Yuvan.

"Kitne bade ho gaye ho tum."

(Look how much you've grown.)

Yuvan grinned.

"Nani, main toh pehle se hi bada tha."

(Nani, I was already grown up.)

Ishani immediately rolled her eyes.

"Please don't encourage him."

Nani laughed.

"Achha?"

(Oh, really?)

"Toh tum dono abhi bhi ladte ho?"

(So you two still fight?)

"Bilkul nahi," Ishani answered instantly.

(Absolutely not.)

Yuvan looked at her.

"Jhooth."

(Lie.)

"Ishani ne aaj subah meri tie chhupayi thi."

"I didn't!"

"You did!"

"I only moved it."

"That's the same thing!"

Kuldeep sighed.

"Bas..."

He looked between his children.

"Shaadi ghar mein ho rahi hai ya tum dono ka courtroom laga hai?"

(Enough... Is this a wedding taking place in the house, or have you two opened a courtroom here?)

The room immediately burst into laughter.

Even Aira's eyes curved with quiet amusement.

She remained close to Meera, Mishti still comfortably settled nearby.

The moment Nani's eyes fell on Aira, her entire expression softened.

"There she is..."

Nani smiled.

"My baby."

Aira's face lit up.

She immediately stood.

Her hands moved through familiar signs.

Good evening, Nanu.

Good evening, Nani.

Nanu opened his arms.

"Come here, partner."

Aira walked straight into his embrace.

He hugged her warmly before lightly patting the top of her head.

"Look at you."

"All dressed up for your Maiya's big day."

Aira smiled shyly.

Nani stepped closer and gently fixed a loose strand of hair near her forehead.

"Kitni sundar lag rahi hai meri bacchi."

(My little girl looks so beautiful.)

Aira lowered her eyes.

Then signed,

Thank you, Nani.

Nani smiled proudly.

"Bas."

"Ab meri baby ko kisi ki nazar na lage."

(That's enough. Now I don't want anyone to cast an evil eye on my baby.)

Nandita laughed softly.

"Maa, aap har baar yehi bolti ho."

(Maa, you say the same thing every time.)

"Because every time she looks this beautiful."

Nani answered without hesitation.

everyone smiled and Ishani said.

"Fair enough."

Nanu looked toward Meera.

Then his expression immediately turned teasing.

"Toh..."

"Madam dulhan banne wali hain."

(So... madam is about to become a bride.)

Meera laughed.

"Papa, please."

Nanu shook his head dramatically.

"Main toh bas sach bol raha hoon."

(I'm only telling the truth.)

Nandita immediately joined in.

"Meera, abhi bhi time hai."

(Meera, there's still time.)

Meera looked at her sister.

"Time for what?"

Nandita smiled innocently.

"Shaadi se bhaagne ka."

(Time to run away from the wedding.)

Kuldeep looked at his wife.

"Please don't give her ideas."

Yuvan immediately added,

"Maasi already looks too happy to run away."

Ishani nodded.

"Exactly."

"She'll probably be the one asking everyone why they're taking so long."

Meera stared at all of them.

"Very funny."

Aira's shoulders shook with silent laughter.

Nanu noticed.

He pointed toward her.

"See?"

"At least my partner is enjoying herself."

Yuvan looked offended.

"Why does everyone have a partner except me?"

Nanu immediately answered,

"Because you haven't earned one."

The room erupted into laughter.

Yuvan placed a hand over his heart.

"That's cruel."

Ishani patted his shoulder.

"Accept your fate."

Nani shook her head with an affectionate smile.

"You two haven't changed at all."

"Neither has Papa," Nandita added.

Nanu looked proud.

"Why should I?"

Kuldeep laughed.

"That's exactly the problem."

For several minutes...

the conversation continued like that.

Light.

Playful.

Full of the kind of teasing that only existed between people who had known one another for years.

Meera's wedding had somehow become everyone's excuse to tease everyone else.

And while the others were busy talking...

Nanu's attention quietly shifted toward the far side of the room.

More specifically...

toward the tiny white kitten sitting beside Aira.

Mishti.

The kitten was currently busy grooming one paw with the seriousness of someone who had absolutely no responsibilities in life.

Nanu watched her for a few seconds.

Then glanced toward Aira.

Then toward Ishani.

A very particular expression appeared on his face.

Aira noticed it almost immediately.

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

She knew that look.

Nanu was planning something.

Again.

She slowly raised one hand.

What are you planning, Nanu?

Nanu placed a finger against his lips.

"Shhh..."

Then he leaned slightly toward her.

"I have an idea."

Aira's eyebrows lifted.

Ishani, who had been sitting nearby, noticed the exchange.

She immediately became curious.

"Nanu..."

"What kind of idea?"

Nanu looked around.

Meera was still talking with Nandita.

Nani and Kuldeep were discussing something about the wedding arrangements.

Yuvan was sitting comfortably nearby, completely unaware that his grandfather was about to make a very important decision concerning his future.

Nanu lowered his voice.

"A very important idea."

Ishani smiled.

"That sounds suspicious."

"It is."

Aira's eyes sparkled with amusement.

Nanu leaned a little closer.

"Does anyone here want ice cream?"

Aira's entire expression changed.

Ishani's eyes widened.

Mishti stopped grooming herself.

Her little head lifted immediately.

"Mew?"

(Mishti's translation: Did someone say ice cream?)

Nanu nodded solemnly.

"Yes."

Mishti sat upright.

Suddenly...

she was fully awake.

Her tiny tail curled around her paws.

Nanu pointed at her.

"See?"

"She understands the importance of this conversation."

Ishani laughed quietly.

"Mishti understands only one thing."

"Food."

Mishti looked at Ishani.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: And what exactly is wrong with that?)

Aira covered her mouth to hide her silent laugh.

Nanu smiled proudly.

"Exactly."

"Which is why she's perfect for this mission."

Yuvan, who had finally noticed the suspicious whispering, looked toward them.

"Mission?"

Nanu immediately looked at him.

"No."

Yuvan blinked.

"I haven't even asked what it is."

"Still no."

"Nanu!"

"No."

Yuvan stared at his grandfather in disbelief.

"At least tell me what you're planning."

Nanu shook his head.

"Absolutely not."

Ishani tried not to laugh.

Yuvan looked from her to Aira.

Then toward Mishti.

Even the kitten seemed to be involved.

He looked personally betrayed.

"Wait..."

"You're making a plan without me?"

Nanu nodded.

"Yes."

"Why?"

Nanu answered with complete seriousness.

"Because I know you."

Yuvan frowned.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means..."

Nanu paused dramatically.

"...you cannot keep a secret."

Yuvan immediately protested.

"I can!"

Ishani raised an eyebrow.

"Really?"

"Yes!"

Aira signed something quickly.

Last time you told everyone.

Yuvan looked at her.

"That was an accident."

Ishani laughed.

"It was not."

"It was!"

"You literally announced Nanu's plan before he finished explaining it."

Yuvan crossed his arms.

"I was excited."

Nanu nodded.

"Exactly."

"You're too excited."

Yuvan looked offended.

"So I'm being punished for being enthusiastic?"

Nanu smiled.

"You're being protected from yourself."

Ishani covered her mouth.

Aira's shoulders shook with silent laughter.

Even Mishti seemed to approve.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "Wise decision.")

Yuvan stared at the kitten.

"You're on their side too?"

Mishti turned her head away.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "I have priorities.")

Nanu gave a satisfied nod.

"Good girl."

Yuvan sighed.

"Fine."

"I don't care."

He turned his face away dramatically.

Nanu looked at Ishani.

"See?"

"He's pretending not to care."

Ishani whispered,

"Give him two minutes."

"Then he'll ask again."

Yuvan immediately turned back.

"What are you planning?"

The room burst into quiet laughter.

Nanu shook his head.

"I knew it."

Yuvan groaned.

"This is discrimination."

"Yes."

Nanu answered cheerfully.

"Grandfather-approved discrimination."

Aira couldn't stop smiling.

Nanu finally leaned toward Aira and Ishani.

"Now listen carefully."

The playful expression on his face remained, but his voice became conspiratorial.

"This is a secret mission."

Ishani nodded solemnly.

Aira immediately straightened.

Mishti also sat up.

Nanu looked at all three.

"Our mission has three rules."

He raised one finger.

"First..."

"No shouting."

Second finger.

"No running."

Third finger.

"And absolutely no telling your Maiya."

Aira nodded immediately.

Ishani whispered,

"Understood."

Mishti answered,

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "I have never told anyone anything in my entire life.")

Nanu looked at her.

"You're a cat."

Mishti blinked.

"Exactly."

Aira's shoulders shook.

Nanu continued.

"Now..."

He looked toward Meera.

She was still completely occupied with Nandita and Nani.

Perfect.

"Your Maiya cannot know what we're doing."

Aira nodded.

Nanu then looked at Ishani.

"You'll stay here with me."

Ishani blinked.

"Me?"

"Yes."

"What am I supposed to do?"

Nanu smiled.

"Keep Meera busy."

Ishani immediately understood.

She nodded.

"I can do that."

"I'll ask her about the jewellery."

"Or the wedding decorations."

"Or her outfit."

Nanu's eyes lit up.

"Excellent."

"Anything that keeps her talking."

Ishani nodded seriously.

"Consider it done."

Then Nanu looked at Mishti.

"And you..."

Mishti's ears perked up.

"You'll stay with us."

"Mew?"

(Mishti's translation: And my job?)

Nanu pointed toward Meera.

"You sit near her."

"If she gets suspicious..."

Mishti blinked.

"And?"

Nanu thought for a second.

"...look adorable."

Mishti immediately puffed out her chest.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "Finally. A task worthy of my talents.")

Ishani covered her mouth.

Aira silently laughed.

Nanu nodded.

"Perfect."

Then he looked toward Aira.

"And you..."

Aira waited.

Nanu lowered his voice.

"You are the most important part of the mission."

Aira's eyes widened.

She pointed toward herself.

Me?

"Yes."

Aira tilted her head.

Nanu smiled.

"You'll bring the ice cream."

Aira looked toward the door.

Then toward the room.

Then back at Nanu.

Her hands moved.

Why me?

Nanu answered immediately.

"Because you're the youngest."

Ishani interrupted.

"That makes no sense."

Nanu looked at her.

"It makes perfect sense."

Ishani crossed her arms.

"Explain."

Nanu pointed toward Aira.

"She can go innocently."

Then he pointed toward Ishani.

"You..."

He paused.

"...look like you know exactly what you're doing."

Ishani stared at him.

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"Yes."

"It doesn't sound like one."

Nanu shrugged.

"Still true."

Aira silently giggled.

Ishani looked at her.

"Don't laugh."

Aira quickly lowered her eyes.

Nanu continued.

"Besides..."

"Who is going to question a little angel carrying ice cream at a wedding?"

Aira immediately gave him a look.

She signed,

I'm not that little.

Nanu smiled.

"Of course not."

"You are very grown up."

He paused.

"Now go bring the ice cream."

Aira narrowed her eyes.

She knew exactly what he was doing.

Ishani laughed.

"He's manipulating you."

Aira looked at Nanu.

Then at Ishani.

Then signed,

I know.

Nanu placed a hand dramatically over his heart.

"Manipulating?"

"Me?"

"I am simply motivating my granddaughter."

Ishani shook her head.

"Same thing."

Nanu ignored her.

Then he suddenly pointed toward Yuvan.

"And you..."

Yuvan immediately looked hopeful.

"Yes?"

"Your job..."

Nanu paused.

"...is to stay exactly where you are."

Yuvan's mouth fell open.

"That's not a job!"

"It is now."

"But why?"

Nanu smiled.

"Because I trust you with absolutely nothing."

Yuvan looked genuinely wounded.

"Nanu!"

Aira immediately signed something.

Don't worry.

You'll get ice cream too.

Yuvan looked at her.

"Really?"

Aira nodded.

A small smile appeared on his face.

"Okay."

"Then I forgive everyone."

Nanu shook his head.

"See?"

"Food fixes everything."

Ishani nodded.

"Apparently."

Mishti suddenly stood up and stretched.

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: "Can we begin before the ice cream disappears?")

Nanu looked at her.

"Exactly."

He leaned closer to the three members of his actual mission team.

"Now..."

"Listen carefully."

His voice became even quieter.

"Ishani and I will keep Meera busy."

"Mishti will stay with us and create maximum cuteness."

Mishti blinked proudly.

"And Aira..."

He pointed toward the door.

"...you'll go to the ice cream counter."

"Take enough for everyone."

"Then come straight back."

Aira nodded.

But then she paused.

Her fingers moved.

What about Nanu?

Nanu smiled.

"I'll be waiting."

Aira signed again.

Sugar-free?

Nanu's eyes widened.

"Ah."

He pointed at her proudly.

"See?"

"This is why she's my partner."

"She remembers everything."

Aira smiled.

You can't have too much sugar.

Nanu sighed.

"Fine."

"One sugar-free bowl for me."

Ishani added,

"And one for Nani."

Nanu nodded.

"Correct."

Then he glanced at Mishti.

"And one tiny bowl for Madam."

Mishti's eyes immediately became enormous.

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: "Now this is what I call a properly organized mission.")

Aira looked toward the table where Meera was still talking.

She took a slow breath.

Then looked back at Nanu.

A tiny determined smile appeared.

She was ready.

Nanu gave her a solemn nod.

"Partner..."

"Mission begins in three..."

He raised three fingers.

"Two..."

Two fingers.

"One..."

One finger.

"Go."

Aira quietly stood.

Mishti immediately followed her for two steps before Nanu gently caught the kitten.

"No."

"You're with me."

Mishti looked offended.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "I was going to supervise.")

"You'll supervise from here."

Mishti sighed dramatically and settled beside Nanu.

Ishani immediately moved closer to Meera.

"So, Maasi..."

"What were you saying about your jewellery?"

Meera turned toward her.

And just like that...

the distraction had begun.

Nanu leaned back with a satisfied smile.

Yuvan watched from his seat.

He narrowed his eyes.

Then whispered to himself,

"I still think I should have been included."

Mishti looked at him.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "You would have ruined it.")

Yuvan stared at her.

"...Even the cat?"

Mishti calmly closed her eyes.

Apparently...

the matter was settled.

By then, the evening had settled beautifully over the resort.

The entire property looked as though someone had taken a royal palace, dressed it in thousands of warm lights, surrounded it with flowers, and then decided that even that wasn't enough.

Crystal chandeliers glowed beneath the decorated halls.

Golden lights traced the pathways.

Fresh flowers covered the pillars and entrances.

The mandap in the distance had already been prepared, surrounded by elegant floral arrangements and soft candlelight.

Everything looked grand.

Expensive.

Regal.

Exactly what one would expect from a Deora wedding.

And somewhere near one of the decorated corridors...

stood eight of the Deora brothers.

All dressed impeccably.

All looking effortlessly royal.

And, unfortunately for every unmarried girl within visible distance...

all eight of them were ridiculously handsome.

Raghav stood slightly ahead of the others, dressed in an ivory sherwani with subtle golden embroidery. His posture was calm and commanding, carrying the quiet authority of the eldest brother without him ever needing to announce it.

Beside him stood Priyanshu Deora in a deep wine-coloured sherwani, looking far too pleased with himself.

Devik wore a black-and-gold traditional outfit, his expression calm but his eyes carrying the unmistakable spark of someone who was enjoying the chaos around him.

Yatharth Deora stood beside him in a perfectly tailored cream sherwani, every detail of his appearance neat and precise. His expression remained serious enough to make anyone unfamiliar with him assume he had never laughed in his life.

They would have been very wrong.

Abhay looked effortlessly sharp in a dark charcoal sherwani, his expression naturally colder than the others.

Krishav wore a rich emerald-green sherwani, looking relaxed and cheerful as always.

Aarav had somehow managed to make traditional clothing look like an excuse for trouble. His dark blue sherwani suited him perfectly, especially with the amused expression permanently resting on his face.

And finally...

Veer.

The youngest of the eight.

He wore a soft ivory sherwani with a pale blue stole draped neatly over one shoulder.

He looked innocent.

Charming.

Almost unfairly adorable.

The kind of face that made people underestimate him...

until they realized he had seven elder brothers who had probably trained him in survival.

For several seconds, the brothers simply stood together.

And naturally...

the girls nearby noticed.

A group of young women passing through the corridor slowed down.

Then another group glanced in their direction.

One whispered something to her friend.

Another immediately looked away when Krishav happened to glance over.

Priyanshu noticed.

Of course he noticed.

A slow grin appeared on his face.

He leaned slightly toward Devik.

Devik..."

(Devik...)

"Hum logon ko yahan shaadi attend karni hai ya kisi ka confidence todna hai?"

(Are we here to attend a wedding, or destroy someone's confidence?)

Devik didn't even look at him.

"Apna confidence pehle sambhaal lo, anshu."

(First learn to manage your own confidence, anshu.)

Aarav immediately laughed.

"Bilkul."

(Exactly.)

Then he glanced at Priyanshu's hair.

"Waise bhai, aapne baal kitni baar set kiye hain?"

(By the way, Bhai, how many times have you fixed your hair?)

Priyanshu looked offended.

"Shaadi hai, Aarav."

(It's a wedding, Aarav.)

Aarav nodded seriously.

"Toh?"

(So?)

"Baaki sab shaadi attend karne aaye hain. Aap audition dene aaye ho kya?"

(Everyone else came to attend the wedding. Did you come here for an audition?)

Krishav burst out laughing.

Even Devik had to look away to hide his smile.

Priyanshu placed a hand dramatically over his heart.

"Krishav, dekha?"

(Krishav, did you see that?)

"Chhote bhai ki tameez dekhi tune?"

(Did you see the manners of this younger brother?)

Krishav calmly looked at Aarav.

"Main toh bas itna jaanta hoon..."

(I only know one thing...)

"Jo aadmi khud aadhe ghante se mirror dhoond raha ho..."

(A man who's been looking for a mirror for the last half hour...)

He paused.

"...usko kisi aur ki tameez par lecture nahi dena chahiye Bhai."

(shouldn't be giving lectures about anyone else's manners Bhai.)

Aarav nearly doubled over laughing.

"Krishav Bhai!"

Priyanshu pointed accusingly at him.

"Yeh family mein mera koi respect nahi hai."

(I have absolutely no respect in this family.)

Raghav finally turned toward them.

"Respect?"

He looked at Priyanshu from head to toe.

"Jitni tumhari harkatein hain, us hisaab se toh tumhe abhi tak ghar se bahar nikalne ka permission milna hi achievement hai."

(With the way you behave, the fact that you're still allowed outside the house is already an achievement.)

There was a second of silence.

Then Aarav and veer burst out laughing again.

Abhay shook his head.

Krishav covered his mouth.

Even Yatharth's lips twitched.

Priyanshu stared at Raghav.

"Raghav Bhai..."

(Raghav Bhai...)

"Main aapko bahut respect karta hoon."

(I respect you very much.)

Raghav nodded.

"Good."

Priyanshu smiled sweetly.

"Isliye aapka sherwani ka tag abhi bhi laga hua hai, woh main kisi ko nahi bataunga."

(That's why I won't tell anyone that the tag on your sherwani is still attached.)

Raghav immediately looked down.

The others exploded.

"PRIYANSHUUUUU!"

Raghav's voice finally carried a warning.

Priyanshu stepped back, laughing.

"Sorry, Bhai!"

Aarav immediately pointed at Raghav.

"Bhaiyu, sach mein tag hai kya!"

(Bhaiyu, is it really there!)

Raghav closed his eyes for a second.

"Yatharth."

Yatharth looked at him.

"Ji, Bhai."

(Yes, Bhai.)

"Please tell me at least you are sensible."

Yatharth glanced for the tag.

Then at Raghav.

"Main IAS hoon, Bhai."

(I'm an IAS officer, Bhai.)

A pause.

"Tailor nahi."

(Not a tailor.)

For two seconds...

nobody reacted.

Then the entire group burst into laughter.

Even Raghav finally laughed.

Priyanshu immediately pointed toward Yatharth.

"Bas."

(That's it.)

"Aaj pehli baar Yatharth ne joke maara hai."

(Yatharth actually made a joke today.)

Yatharth adjusted his cuff calmly.

"Record kar lo."

(Record it.)

"Agli baar shayad retirement ke baad mile."

(You may get another one after I retire.)

Aarav shook his head.

"Yatharth Bhai, aapko serious rehne ke paise milte hain kya?"

(Yatharth Bhai, do you get paid to stay serious?)

Yatharth looked at him.

"Nahi."

A brief pause.

"Par tumhe chup rehne ke paise milne chahiye."

(No. But you should probably get paid for staying quiet.)

Prianshu laughed so loudly that several people nearby turned toward them.

Veer, who had been quietly watching the entire exchange, finally spoke.

"Waise..."

(By the way...)

Everyone looked at him.

Veer pointed toward Priyanshu.

"Anshu Bhai ka tag abhi bhi hai."

(Anshu Bhai's tag is still there.)

Silence.

Priyanshu slowly turned toward him.

"Veer..."

Veer blinked innocently.

"Haan, Bhai?"

(Yes, Bhai?)

"You were supposed to support me."

Veer smiled.

"Main toh sach bata raha tha."

(I was only telling the truth.)

Aarav grabbed Krishav's shoulder.

Krishav smiled.

"Veer sabse chhota hai."

(Veer is the youngest.)

"Isliye abhi tak innocent hai."

(That's why he's still innocent.)

Veer frowned.

"Abhi tak?"

(Still?)

Devik immediately answered.

"Uska matlab hai..."

(He means...)

"tumhe humse seekhne ki zarurat nahi hai."

(you don't need to learn anything from us.)

Veer looked relieved.

"Achha."

(Oh.)

Aarav whispered loudly,

"Galat samjha."

(He misunderstood.)

Veer immediately looked suspicious.

"Main sun raha hoon, Aarav Bhai."

(I can hear you, Aarav Bhai.)

The brothers laughed again.

For a moment...

they simply stood there.

Eight brothers.

Eight completely different personalities.

Yet somehow...

the chaos between them felt effortless.

Familiar.

Almost comforting.

Raghav's eyes eventually drifted toward the wedding hall.

His expression softened slightly.

"Waise..."

(By the way...)

"Sab ready hai?"

(Is everything ready?)

Priyanshu nodded.

"Mandap ready."

(The mandap is ready.)

Devik added,

"Guests bhi almost aa gaye."

(Most of the guests have arrived too.)

Yatharth checked his watch.

"Pandit ji bhi aa chuke hain."

(The priest has arrived too.)

Krishav adjusted his stole.

"Bas dulha-dulhan aur kuch important log baaki hain."

(Only the bride, groom, and a few important people are left.)

Aarav smiled.

"Important log?"

(Important people?)

He glanced around dramatically.

"Matlab hum?"

(You mean us?)

Abhay finally spoke.

"Apne aap ko important samajhna band kar."

(Stop considering yourself important.)

Aarav looked offended.

"Abhay Bhai, aapko toh meri value samajhni chahiye."

(Abhay Bhai, you should understand my value.)

Abhay's expression remained unchanged.

"Samajh raha hoon."

(I understand it.)

A pause.

"Bahut zyada hai."

(It's extremely high.)

Aarav's face brightened.

"Thank you!"

Abhay looked at him.

"Mera matlab nuisance value."

(I meant nuisance value.)

The laughter returned instantly.

Even Veer was laughing now.

And somewhere between one joke and another...

the conversation naturally drifted toward the person who had quietly become the centre of everyone's curiosity.

Priyanshu looked toward the decorated entrance.

"Waise..."

(By the way...)

"Meera Badi Maa sa ki beti kab aa rahi hain?"

(When is Meera Badi Maa sa's daughter coming?)

The laughter slowly faded.

Not completely.

But enough.

Aarav's expression changed first.

He shrugged.

"Abhi tak toh mili nahi."

(We haven't met her yet.)

Abhay crossed his arms.

"Na hi woh kisi gathering mein aayi."

(Nor has she attended any of the family gatherings.)

Priyanshu's eyebrows lifted.

"Toh?"

(So?)

Abhay gave a small shrug.

"Shaadi mein aana bhi zaroori nahi samjha ho?"

(May be She didn't even think it is necessary to come to the wedding?)

Krishav frowned slightly.

"Ho sakta hai koi wajah ho."

(There may be a reason.)

Aarav looked at him.

"Ya phir attitude."

(Or maybe it's attitude.)

Krishav gave him a look.

"Aarav."

"Abhi mile bhi nahi ho."

(You haven't even met her yet.)

Aarav shrugged.

"Main bas possibility bol raha hoon."

(I'm only stating a possibility.)

Abhay nodded.

"Possibility toh hai."

(It is a possibility.)

Priyanshu leaned against one of the pillars.

"Ya phir..."

(Or perhaps...)

His tone became lighter.

"Meera Badi Maa sa ki beti hai."

(She's Meera Badi Maa sa's daughter.)

"So I doubt she's going to be as terrible as you two are imagining."

Devik nodded.

"Exactly."

He looked toward Abhay and Aarav.

"Ek ladki ko sirf isliye judge karna ki woh kisi function mein nahi aayi..."

(Judging a girl simply because she didn't attend a function...)

He shrugged.

"...thoda jaldi nahi hai?"

(...isn't that a little premature?)

Raghav's expression remained calm.

"Jab tak kisi se mile nahi ho..."

(Until you've actually met someone...)

"uske baare mein faisla karna bekaar hai."

(making a judgment about them is pointless.)

Yatharth gave a quiet nod.

"Agreed."

Veer looked genuinely curious.

"Toh woh kaisi hongi?"

(Then what do you think she'll be like?)

Nobody answered immediately.

Priyanshu smiled.

"Bas itna pata hai..."

(All we know is...)

"Meera Badi Maa sa unhe bahut pyaar karti hain."

(Meera Badi Maa sa loves her very much.)

Krishav's expression softened.

"Toh phir..."

(Then...)

"woh buri toh nahi ho sakti."

(she can't be a bad person.)

Aarav rolled his eyes.

"Sab log itne positive kyun ho?"

(Why is everyone being so positive?)

Abhay gave a faint smirk.

"Aaj mil jayegi."

(You'll meet her today.)

"Phir pata chal jayega."

(Then we'll know.)

Raghav looked toward the wedding hall once more.

"Bas ek baat yaad rakhna."

(Just remember one thing.)

Everyone looked at him.

"Jo bhi ho..."

(Whatever she is like...)

"pehle usse milna."

(Meet her first.)

"Phir faisla karna."

(Then decide what you think.)

The brothers fell quiet for a moment.

Then Aarav's mouth curved into a grin.

"Thik hai, Raghav Bhaiyu."

(Alright, Raghav Bhaiyu.)

"Par agar woh sach mein bahut attitude wali nikli..."

(But if she really does turn out to be extremely arrogant...)

He glanced toward Abhay.

"...toh pehla lecture aap dena."

(...you can give her the first lecture.)

Abhay's eyebrow lifted.

"Main?"

(Me?)

Aarav nodded innocently.

"Haan."

"Yes."

"Waise bhi aapko sabse zyada experience hai serious face banane ka."

(Besides, you have the most experience with making a serious face.)

Abhay stared at him.

Aarav immediately stepped behind Krishav.

"Krishav Bhai, bachao."

(Krishav Bhai, save me.)

Krishav laughed.

"Khud shuru kiya hai, khud sambhalo."

(You started it yourself. Handle it yourself.)

And once again...

the brothers dissolved into laughter.

None of them knew...

that the girl they had just spent several minutes discussing...

was already somewhere inside the same resort.

And that before the night ended...

their first impressions would begin changing in ways none of them had expected.

The evening had slowly begun settling over the grand resort.

The last traces of sunlight were fading beyond the distant trees, while hundreds of warm lights had already begun glowing across the property.

The entire resort looked almost unreal.

Floral arches stood along the pathways.

Golden fairy lights wrapped around pillars and trees.

Fresh flowers decorated every corner.

The wedding stage in the distance was glowing beneath layers of elegant fabric, crystal lights, and traditional decorations.

Everything looked grand.

Royal.

Expensive.

The kind of wedding where even the smallest detail seemed carefully planned.

And somewhere away from the main gathering...

near one of the beautifully decorated side sections...

stood the ice cream counter.

For Aira...

at that particular moment...

it was the most important place in the entire resort.

She carefully walked down the few shallow steps leading toward it.

The tiny ghungroos attached to her silver anklets chimed softly with every step.

Chhan...

Chhan...

Chhan...

She wore a beautiful pastel lavender Anarkali.

The long outfit flowed gently around her small frame, covering her completely while delicate embroidery decorated the fabric.

Her dupatta rested neatly over her shoulders.

Her long black hair fell freely down her back, with a few soft strands framing her face.

And those large black eyes...

they moved from one ice cream container to another with complete concentration.

At first glance...

she looked much younger than she actually was.

So petite.

So delicate.

So innocent-looking...

that anyone unfamiliar with her could easily mistake her for a much younger child.

Aira stopped in front of the counter.

She looked at the different flavours.

Vanilla.

Chocolate.

Strawberry.

Butterscotch.

Pistachio.

Mango.

Then another section.

And another.

Nothing.

Her eyebrows slowly pulled together.

She leaned slightly forward.

Checked the labels again.

Still nothing.

A tiny pout appeared on her face.

She glanced down at the three bowls she was already carrying carefully.

One for Mishti.

One for Ishani dii.

And one for herself.

But there was still one missing.

Nanu's.

And Nanu's ice cream had to be sugar-free.

Aira quietly looked toward the counter again.

Nothing.

She checked one final section.

Still no sugar-free option.

Her shoulders dropped slightly.

Inside her mind...

she immediately turned toward the one person she always spoke to whenever she didn't know what to do.

Kanha ji...

Nanu ki ice cream toh mil hi nahi rahi.

Ab main kya karun?

Her eyes moved over the counter once again.

Itni saari ice creams hain...

Vanilla bhi hai.

Chocolate bhi.

Strawberry bhi.

Lekin sugar-free wali hi nahi hai.

She sighed softly.

Nanu wait kar rahe honge.

Ishani Didi bhi wait kar rahi hongi.

A pause.

Aur Mishti...

A tiny smile appeared on her face.

Mishti toh bas khaane ke liye wait kar rahi hogi.

The smile disappeared almost immediately.

Because the problem remained.

She still hadn't found Nanu's ice cream.

Aira folded her hands together.

Kanha ji...

Ab aap hi kuch kijiye.

Please.

Main Nanu ko bina ice cream ke kaise le jaaun?

She looked toward another freezer.

Nothing.

Then another.

Still nothing.

She was beginning to wonder whether she should simply ask someone...

when, at almost the same moment...

two boys entered the ice cream section from the opposite side.

One was taller.

Calmer.

His posture was straight, his expression composed, and there was something naturally disciplined about the way he carried himself.

Yatharth.

Beside him walked Veer.

Younger.

More expressive.

His eyes were already wandering around the counter with obvious interest.

Veer glanced at Yatharth.

"Yatharth bhaiyu..."

"Ice cream khaate hain."

(Yatharth brother, let's have some ice cream.)

Yatharth looked at him.

"Abhi?"

Veer nodded as though the question itself was unnecessary.

"Haan, bhaiyu."

"Shaadi mein hain."

"Shaadi mein itna sab kuch mil raha hai..."

"Toh ice cream kaise chhod sakte hain?"

(We're at a wedding. There's so much food around us. How can we possibly skip ice cream?)

Yatharth gave him a look.

"Tumhari bhookh ka koi end nahi hai kya?"

(Does your appetite have no end?)

Veer smiled innocently.

"End kyun hoga?"

"Main growing age mein hoon."

(Why would it? I'm still growing.)

Yatharth's eyebrow lifted.

"Growing age?"

"Haan."

Veer nodded seriously.

"Bahut important stage hai."

(Yes. It's a very important stage.)

Yatharth shook his head.

"Tumhare liye har stage important hota hai..."

"...jab usmein khaana involved ho."

(For you, every stage becomes important whenever food is involved.)

Veer laughed.

"Exactly."

The two continued walking toward the counter.

And then...

Veer suddenly stopped.

Completely.

His eyes widened.

"Yatharth bhaiyu..."

Yatharth took another step before looking back.

"Kya hua?"

Veer slowly pointed toward the counter.

"Bhaiyu..."

"Dekhiye."

"Udhar..."

He paused.

Then his face lit up.

"Ek little fairy bhi hai."

(Look. There's a little fairy over there too.)

Yatharth frowned slightly.

"Little fairy?"

He followed Veer's gaze.

And then...

he understood.

Aira was standing near the counter.

Her back was partially turned toward them.

The soft golden lights above the ice cream section reflected gently against her long black hair.

Her silver anklets moved whenever she shifted her feet.

And her large black eyes were moving from one container to another with such serious concentration...

that she genuinely looked like a tiny fairy who had somehow wandered into a royal wedding.

Yatharth remained silent for a moment.

Veer was still staring.

"Main sach keh raha hoon, bhaiyu..."

"Kitni chhoti si lag rahi hain."

(I'm serious, brother. She looks so tiny.)

Yatharth's expression softened.

"Haan."

"Kaafi chhoti lag rahi hain."

(Yes. She does look very young.)

Veer tilted his head.

"Jaise..."

"...kisi ne fairy tale se seedha yahan bhej diya ho."

(As if someone sent her here straight out of a fairy tale.)

Yatharth gave him a faintly amused look.

"Tum kab se itna poetic ho gaye?"

(Since when did you become so poetic?)

Veer shrugged.

"Jab se little fairy dikhi."

(Since I saw the little fairy.)

Yatharth almost smiled.

But neither of them knew who she was.

Neither knew that the little girl standing only a few steps away was connected to their family.

For now...

she was simply a beautiful stranger.

A very young-looking stranger...

standing alone at an ice cream counter.

Aira suddenly noticed movement nearby.

She turned.

The moment her eyes landed on the two boys...

her body instinctively stiffened.

Her fingers tightened around the edge of her dupatta.

She took half a step backward.

Her eyes quickly moved from Veer...

to Yatharth...

then toward the open space behind her.

Her first instinct whispered one simple thing.

Go.

Turn around.

Find Nanu.

But she stopped herself.

Because another thought quietly followed.

Maiya kehti hai...

har kisi se darr kar bhaagna nahi chahiye.

Aira lowered her eyes.

Then looked at them again.

They weren't shouting.

They weren't angry.

They weren't coming toward her aggressively.

They were simply looking at her.

Still...

her heart remained cautious.

She quietly spoke inside her mind again.

Kanha ji...

Maiya kehti hain na...

agar koi pyaar se baat kare...

ya koi aapki help karna chahe...

toh bina dare apni baat batani chahiye.

She hesitated.

Lekin...

main bataun kaise?

Her eyes shifted toward the ice cream counter.

Then toward the two boys.

Then back again.

She remained where she was.

She wouldn't run.

At least...

not yet.

Yatharth noticed the slight movement.

The hesitation.

The way she had almost stepped back...

and then stopped herself.

He didn't comment.

He simply watched quietly.

Veer, however, was far more curious.

He tilted his head slightly.

Then smiled.

He took one careful step forward.

Not too close.

Just enough to speak without making her uncomfortable.

"Little fairy..."

Aira blinked.

Her eyebrows rose.

Little...

fairy?

She looked behind herself.

As though perhaps he was talking about someone else.

Veer smiled.

"Haan, aap hi."

(Yes, you.)

Aira stared at him.

For a second...

she looked genuinely confused.

Then a tiny pout appeared on her face.

Her hands moved quickly.

I'm not a little fairy.

Veer's eyes widened.

He understood immediately.

"Oh?"

A playful smile appeared on his face.

"Aapko nahi pata?"

"You are a little fairy."

"Aur bahut cute wali."

(You don't know? You are a little fairy. And a very cute one.)

Aira's cheeks warmed slightly.

She looked away.

Then remembered the actual reason she was standing there.

Her hands moved again.

I need sugar-free ice cream.

Veer's playful expression softened.

He looked toward Yatharth.

Yatharth had already understood her signs.

"Sugar-free ice cream?"

Aira nodded.

Yatharth glanced toward the counter.

Then toward the nearby server.

"Ek minute."

He raised his hand slightly.

The server immediately approached.

Yatharth spoke calmly.

"Ek sugar-free ice cream chahiye."

"Jo available ho, woh le aaiye."

(We need a sugar-free ice cream. Please bring whichever one is available.)

The server nodded.

"Ji, sir."

He immediately walked away.

Aira watched him go.

Then looked back at Yatharth.

There was still caution in her eyes...

but now there was something else too.

Relief.

Veer noticed that.

He smiled.

"Darrne ki zaroorat nahi hai."

"Mil jayegi."

(You don't need to worry. You'll get it.)

Aira looked at him.

Then gave the smallest nod.

A few seconds later...

the server returned carrying a bowl of sugar-free ice cream.

Yatharth accepted it.

He checked the label once before holding it out toward Aira.

"Yeh lijiye."

(Here you go.)

Aira carefully accepted the bowl with both hands.

Her eyes immediately brightened.

A tiny smile appeared.

Veer looked delighted.

"Mil gayi!"

"Little fairy ko finally apni ice cream mil gayi."

(Found it! The little fairy finally got her ice cream.)

Aira looked at him.

There was the faintest hint of amusement in her eyes now.

She lifted one hand.

Thank you.

Yatharth nodded.

"You're welcome."

Veer smiled.

"Anytime."

Aira gave them one more grateful look.

Then turned carefully toward the direction from which she had come.

Her hands were full.

Three bowls balanced carefully in one hand...

and Nanu's sugar-free bowl held safely in the other.

She took one step.

Then another.

Her anklets chimed softly.

Chhan...

Chhan...

She disappeared slowly into the decorated corridor.

Veer continued watching her.

For a moment...

he didn't say anything.

Then he looked at Yatharth.

"Yatharth bhaiyu..."

"Hmm?"

"Yeh little fairy kaun thi?"

(Who was that little fairy?)

Yatharth looked toward the corridor where she had disappeared.

"I don't know."

A brief pause.

"But..."

His gaze remained thoughtful.

"Main bhi soch raha hoon."

(I'm wondering the same thing.)

Veer smiled.

"Jo bhi hain..."

"Bahut hi pyaari hain."

(Whoever she is, she's really adorable.)

Yatharth gave him a sideways look.

"Tumhe bas wahi dikh raha hai?"

(Is that all you noticed?)

Veer looked innocent.

"Main aur kya notice karta?"

(What else was I supposed to notice?)

Yatharth shook his head.

"Tum kabhi nahi sudhroge."

(You'll never change.)

Veer laughed softly.

"Theek hai, bhaiyu."

"Main chup."

(Fine, brother. I'll be quiet.)

He paused.

Then looked once more toward the corridor.

"...Lekin little fairy ka naam kya hai?"

Yatharth didn't answer.

Because...

he genuinely didn't know.

And somewhere in the back of both their minds...

the same unanswered question remained.

Who was the little fairy?

Neither of them knew...

that the answer was already standing much closer to their family than either of them could possibly imagine.

The door opened slowly.

Aira stepped inside.

Both hands carefully held the bowls of ice cream she had brought back.

One for Nanu.

One for Ishani.

One for everyone else to share.

And somewhere among those bowls...

a tiny portion for Mishti too.

She took one small step inside.

Then another.

And stopped.

Completely.

Because everyone in the room was looking at her.

Aira blinked.

Once.

Twice.

Her eyes moved from Meera...

to Nani...

to Nandita...

to Kuldeep...

then finally toward Nanu.

Nanu immediately looked away.

Far too quickly.

Aira's eyes narrowed slightly.

Then she looked at Ishani.

Ishani gave her an innocent smile.

A very innocent smile.

The kind that immediately told Aira she knew something.

Then...

Aira looked toward Yuvan.

He was sitting there with the proudest expression on his face.

As though he had personally solved an international mystery.

Aira's heart sank.

Oh no.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the bowls.

The plan...

had failed.

Completely.

She lowered her eyes.

A tiny worried expression appeared on her face.

Maiya is going to be angry.

The thought came immediately.

Even though Meera rarely stayed angry with her.

Even though she knew that.

Somewhere deep inside...

that old fear still appeared whenever she thought she had done something wrong.

Aira slowly lifted one hand.

Her fingers moved carefully.

Everyone will get some.

A brief silence followed.

Then Yuvan couldn't hold it anymore.

He laughed.

"See?"

"I told you."

"I told you she would come back with enough for everyone."

Nanu immediately turned toward him.

"Yuvan."

His voice carried a warning.

Yuvan raised both hands innocently.

"What?"

"I only told them what happened."

Ishani shook her head.

"Only?"

"You completely destroyed the mission."

Yuvan looked proud.

"I prefer to call it..."

He paused dramatically.

"...protecting the family from criminal activities."

Nanu stared at him.

"Criminal activities?"

"Taking ice cream from our own wedding is now a crime?"

Yuvan nodded seriously.

"When the operation involves sneaking around..."

"...yes."

Nani laughed softly.

"Both of you are impossible."

Nandita smiled.

"I think the real criminal mastermind is sitting right there."

She pointed toward Nanu.

Nanu placed a hand over his heart.

"Me?"

"I merely requested a little ice cream."

Ishani immediately corrected him.

"You emotionally blackmailed Aira."

Nanu looked offended.

"I did not."

"You told her..."

Ishani imitated his dramatic tone,

"You're leaving me behind, and you won't even give your Nanu one last ice cream?"

The room burst into laughter.

Even Kuldeep couldn't hold back.

Nanu looked toward Aira.

"Partner..."

Aira immediately covered her mouth.

Her shoulders shook with silent laughter.

Nanu sighed.

"At least my partner understands me."

Yuvan pointed toward him.

"That's exactly the problem."

Aira's eyes curved into another smile.

For a moment...

the nervousness disappeared.

Then she remembered the bowls in her hands.

She looked toward Meera.

Meera had been watching her quietly the entire time.

There was no anger in her expression.

Only affection.

"Come here, Angel."

The softness in her voice immediately eased something inside Aira.

She walked forward.

Meera gently took the bowls from her hands and placed them safely on the nearby table.

Then she opened her arms.

Aira hesitated for only a second.

Before walking straight into them.

Meera pulled her onto her lap.

Her wedding outfit was still perfectly arranged.

Her jewellery still rested around her neck.

Her hair was styled beautifully.

Yet none of that mattered.

Her Angel had returned.

That was enough.

Aira lowered her eyes.

Her fingers moved slowly.

Sorry, Maiya.

Meera's expression softened immediately.

"Why are you saying sorry?"

Aira hesitated.

Then continued signing.

I was looking for Nanu's ice cream.

The sugar-free one.

I couldn't find it.

That's why I got late.

Meera listened carefully.

Then gently touched the tip of Aira's nose.

A tiny affectionate pinch.

"That's why?"

Aira nodded.

Meera smiled.

"My silly Angel."

She leaned forward and kissed Aira's forehead.

"You didn't have to worry so much."

Aira's eyes lowered again.

Her hands moved.

But Nanu was waiting.

From the side...

Nanu immediately nodded.

"Exactly."

"I was waiting."

Nani gave him a look.

"You were waiting for ice cream."

Nanu corrected her.

"I was waiting for my partner."

A pause.

Then he added,

"...and the ice cream."

Everyone laughed again.

Aira's silent laughter returned.

Meera gently brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face.

"So..."

"Did you find it?"

Aira nodded.

Then her hands moved again.

Two brothers helped me.

Meera paused.

"Two brothers?"

Aira nodded.

They were near the ice cream counter.

They helped me find Nanu's ice cream.

Nanu immediately looked impressed.

"See?"

"Good boys."

Yuvan looked at him.

"You don't even know who they are."

Nanu shrugged.

"They helped my partner."

"That's enough."

Aira smiled softly.

Meera looked at her with quiet amusement.

"Then you'll have to tell me about them later."

Aira nodded.

She had no idea who they were either.

To her...

they were simply two kind people who had helped her when she needed it.

Nothing more.

Meera gently tapped her nose again.

"And next time..."

"If you can't find something..."

"ask someone."

Aira nodded.

Her fingers moved.

I remembered what you told me.

I didn't run away.

For a second...

Meera simply looked at her.

Then her smile became warmer.

"Good girl."

She kissed her forehead once more.

"You did exactly right."

Aira relaxed against her.

Nearby...

Nanu had already begun opening his bowl.

The moment he saw the sugar-free ice cream...

his face brightened.

"My partner..."

He looked at Aira proudly.

"You remembered."

Aira smiled.

She nodded.

Nanu immediately took the first spoonful.

Then closed his eyes dramatically.

"Perfect."

Nani shook her head.

"You behave as though you've never eaten ice cream before."

"I haven't eaten this ice cream today."

Nandita laughed.

"That's apparently an important distinction."

Ishani had already taken her own bowl.

She looked toward Aira.

"Come on."

"Sit with me."

Aira shifted slightly on Meera's lap.

Meera smiled.

"Go."

Aira carefully climbed down.

Ishani immediately handed her a small spoon.

"Here."

Aira smiled.

She took a tiny bite.

Her eyes brightened.

Then she looked toward Meera.

Meera smiled.

"You like it?"

Aira nodded.

Very enthusiastically.

Nanu pointed toward her.

"See?"

"My partner has excellent taste."

Yuvan looked at the bowl in his hand.

"Your partner has excellent taste."

"She also has excellent priorities."

He glanced at Nanu.

"Unlike some people."

Nanu narrowed his eyes.

"Yuvan."

Yuvan immediately took another spoonful.

"I'm eating quietly."

"Please continue."

Ishani laughed.

Mishti had been watching everything from the floor.

Her bright blue eyes moved from one bowl to another.

Then...

she gave a tiny,

"Mew."

Everyone looked down.

Nani smiled.

"Of course."

"Madam has remembered her share."

A tiny bowl was placed near Mishti.

Only a little.

Enough for a small treat.

The kitten sniffed it.

Then immediately began eating.

"Mrrp..."

(Mishti's translation: Finally. Justice has been served.)

Aira silently laughed.

She crouched beside Mishti and gently stroked her back.

"You already ate earlier," Nani reminded the kitten.

Mishti paused.

Looked up.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: That was earlier. This is now.)

Yuvan burst out laughing.

"She's definitely Nanu's partner."

Nanu nodded proudly.

"She has learned from the best."

Nani looked at both of them.

"Unfortunately."

The room filled with laughter once again.

For a few minutes...

there was no wedding tension.

No formalities.

No important guests waiting downstairs.

No complicated introductions.

Only family.

Ice cream.

Teasing.

And a little white kitten who had somehow become an essential part of every gathering.

Meera took a small spoonful from Aira's bowl.

Aira immediately looked at her.

Then...

she held out another spoonful toward Meera.

Meera smiled.

"You want to feed me?"

Aira nodded.

Meera leaned closer.

Aira carefully fed her.

"Very good."

Meera then took another tiny spoonful and held it toward Aira.

"My turn."

Aira accepted it.

A little bit of ice cream accidentally touched the corner of her cheek.

Meera noticed immediately.

"Wait."

She gently wiped it away with her thumb.

"There."

Aira lowered her eyes shyly.

Ishani smiled.

"Our Angel is getting spoiled."

Meera looked at her.

"Of course she is."

"She deserves it."

Aira looked up.

For a moment...

she simply watched her Maiya.

Then her fingers moved slowly.

Thank you.

Meera understood.

She gently touched Aira's cheek.

"Always."

Across the room...

Nanu finished his bowl.

He looked completely satisfied.

The bowls were finally empty.

Or almost empty.

Mishti's tiny bowl had been licked clean enough to make her extremely proud of herself.

Nanu had already finished his sugar-free ice cream.

Ishani was still scraping the last little bit from her bowl.

Yuvan, despite having been excluded from the original mission, had somehow ended up with his own serving anyway.

He considered this a personal victory.

Aira stood quietly beside Meera for a moment.

Then...

she glanced toward the staircase.

It was almost time.

Meera adjusted the edge of her dupatta before looking down at her Angel.

"Come."

Aira nodded.

But instead of reaching for Meera's hand...

she gently picked up Mishti.

The tiny kitten immediately settled into her arms.

Then Aira stepped back.

Just a little.

Meera noticed.

She always noticed.

But she didn't call her closer.

She knew her Angel preferred moving at her own pace.

Nandita was already talking to Ishani near the doorway.

Kuldeep stood beside them, exchanging a few words with Nanu.

Nani adjusted the pleats of her saree before smiling at Aira.

"Come, beta."

Aira gave a small nod.

She followed them.

Not beside Meera.

Not directly behind her either.

Just a few steps away.

Mishti rested comfortably against her chest, her little blue eyes wandering around curiously.

The group slowly made its way downstairs.

Meera went ahead with Nandita and Ishani.

Kuldeep followed with Nanu and Nani.

Aira remained a little farther behind, walking quietly with Mishti.

There was no particular reason for the distance.

At least...

not one anyone else could see.

It simply felt more comfortable that way.

By the time they reached the main wedding area...

the difference became even more noticeable.

The bride's side was already gathering near the beautifully decorated seating arrangement.

Warm golden lights glowed overhead.

Flowers framed the entrance.

Traditional Rajasthani decorations covered almost every visible corner.

The entire resort looked less like an ordinary wedding venue...

and more like a royal celebration brought straight out of another era.

Aira quietly moved toward the bride's side.

Nanu noticed her and smiled.

He gestured toward an empty chair nearby.

Aira sat there with Mishti in her lap.

One chair remained between her and the rest of the family.

She seemed perfectly content with that.

Meanwhile...

Meera had already been surrounded by Nandita, Ishani, and a few other relatives.

From a distance...

there was nothing that immediately connected the quiet girl sitting farther away with the bride-to-be.

And perhaps...

that was exactly what Aira needed.

She lowered her eyes.

Mishti shifted comfortably in her lap.

Aira gently stroked the kitten's white fur.

For a few peaceful moments...

she simply watched the wedding preparations continue.

Nobody paid too much attention to her.

Nobody questioned her.

And she was perfectly comfortable with that.

What had looked beautiful during the day now seemed almost magical beneath the warm glow of hundreds of lights.

The entire venue had been transformed.

Golden lanterns hung along the pathways.

Fresh flowers decorated the pillars.

Delicate strings of lights shimmered above the open courtyard.

The mandap stood at the centre of it all, surrounded by flowers, traditional decorations, and the soft fragrance of jasmine drifting through the evening air.

Everything looked grand.

Elegant.

Royal.

Exactly the kind of wedding one would expect from a family like the Deoras.

The bride's side had already settled near the main wedding area.

Aira sat quietly with Nanu and Nani, leaving one chair between herself and the others.

Yuvan was nearby.

Mishti was comfortably settled in Aira's lap, occasionally lifting her tiny head whenever something caught her attention.

Aira looked peaceful.

Completely unaware of the small misunderstanding that was slowly beginning to take shape around her.

A little farther away...

Meera stood with a few relatives from her side of the family.

Nandita stood beside her.

Ishani was with them too.

Meera looked radiant in her bridal attire.

There was happiness in her eyes.

A little nervousness.

And beneath it all...

a quiet excitement.

She was finally standing at the beginning of a completely new chapter of her life.

On the other side of the mandap...

Vikram sat beside the havan kund.

He looked every bit like the groom he was meant to be.

He wore an ivory-gold sherwani with intricate traditional embroidery, paired with a royal safa that completed his appearance without making it overly elaborate.

His posture remained composed.

His expression calm.

Yet the moment his eyes wandered across the venue...

they stopped.

Meera.

For a second...

the seriousness in his face softened.

A small smile appeared before he could stop it.

The pandit ji, who had been arranging the items for the havan, noticed.

He smiled knowingly.

"Sab taiyaar hai, beta."

Vikram nodded.

"Ji, Pandit ji."

The pandit ji placed another small bowl beside the sacred fire.

"Bas aapka dhyaan kahin aur na chala jaaye."

Vikram looked at him.

Then toward Meera again.

A faint smile returned.

"Ab mushkil hai."

(Now that might be difficult.)

A quiet chuckle came from nearby.

Rajveer.

He had clearly heard that.

He looked at Devendra with an amused expression.

"Lo ji..."

"Vikram bhai sa toh aaj gaye."

(Well then... Vikram bhai sa is completely gone today.)

Devendra immediately smiled.

"Shaadi se pehle hi."

(Even before the wedding has begun.)

Vikram glanced toward them.

"Main sab sun raha hoon."

(I can hear everything.)

Rajveer immediately straightened.

"Hum toh bas tareef kar rahe the."

(We were only complimenting you.)

Yashvardhan Deora, standing nearby, gave him a dry look.

"Rajveer..."

"Jitni jaldi tum safai dene lagte ho..."

"...utni hi jaldi pata chal jaata hai ki galti kiski hai."

(The faster you start explaining yourself, the faster everyone knows who made the mistake.)

Rajveer stared at him.

"Yashvardhan..."

"Lawyer ho ya mere khilaaf permanent case file kar rakha hai?"

(Are you a lawyer, or have you permanently opened a case against me?)

Yashvardhan laughed.

"Profession ka fayda toh uthana padega."

(I have to make some use of my profession.)

Kavya shook her head, smiling.

"Bas karo aap log."

"Pandit ji havan ki taiyaari kar rahe hain aur aapke adalat chal rahi hai."

(Enough, you people. Pandit ji is preparing the havan while you all are running your own courtroom.)

Ananya laughed softly.

"Rajveer bhai ki adalat toh har jagah lag sakti hai."

(Rajveer bhai can turn absolutely anywhere into a courtroom.)

Rajveer placed a hand dramatically over his heart.

"Ye mere saath anyaay hai."

(This is injustice against me.)

Even Vikram couldn't stop the faint smile that appeared on his face.

The atmosphere around the mandap remained warm.

Comfortable.

Familiar.

The kind of teasing that only happened among people who had spent years knowing one another.

A little farther away stood Baldev Singh Deora and Rajeshwari Deora.

Baldev looked regal in a richly embroidered ivory sherwani paired with a traditional Rajasthani safa.

His presence carried the quiet authority of the head of the family.

Beside him, Rajeshwari looked graceful in an elegant Marwari-style lehenga, her traditional jewellery catching the warm light every time she moved.

She glanced toward Vikram.

Then followed his gaze.

Meera.

A soft smile appeared on her face.

"Bahut khush lag raha hai."

(He looks very happy.)

Baldev smiled.

"Khush hona bhi chahiye."

(He should be happy.)

Rajeshwari's smile grew.

"Bahut intezaar kiya hai usne."

(He has waited a long time for this.)

Baldev nodded.

"And now..."

He looked toward Meera.

"...finally, the family is about to become a little bigger."

There was genuine warmth in his voice.

Nearby, Kavya and Ananya exchanged a small smile.

Rajveer leaned toward Devendra.

"Ek baat batao..."

Devendra looked at him.

"Kya?"

"Vikram bhai sa ki shaadi hai..."

"Phir bhi lag raha hai hum sab zyada excited hain."

(It's Vikram bhai's wedding, yet somehow it feels like we're all more excited.)

Devendra smiled.

"Family mein nayi khushi aa rahi hai."

(A new happiness is entering the family.)

Yashvardhan nodded quietly.

"Bilkul."

(Absolutely.)

His expression softened as he looked toward Meera.

There was no suspicion.

No judgement.

Only quiet acceptance.

If Vikram had chosen Meera...

then there had to be a reason.

And whatever came with her...

would eventually become part of their family too.

Soon...

the pandit ji looked toward Vikram.

"Beta, dulhan ko bula lijiye."

(Son, you may call the bride now.)

Vikram's expression immediately changed.

He nodded.

"Ji."

The people around the mandap began moving slightly.

The moment everyone had been waiting for was getting closer.

Nandita gently touched Meera's arm.

"Chaliye."

(Let's go.)

Meera nodded.

Ishani immediately moved closer to her.

Together...

Nandita and Ishani began accompanying Meera toward the mandap.

Meera's heart beat a little faster.

She looked ahead.

Vikram was waiting.

Their eyes met from across the venue.

For a brief moment...

everything else seemed to disappear.

Meera smiled.

Vikram smiled back.

Nandita noticed.

A small smile appeared on her own face.

Ishani walked beside them quietly.

She looked elegant in her beautifully embroidered lehenga choli, her appearance graceful and mature.

As the three women approached the mandap...

several members of the Deora family naturally turned their attention toward them.

Rajeshwari's gaze fell on Ishani.

Then back to Meera.

A small, warm thought crossed her mind.

So this must be Meera's daughter.

She smiled.

Baldev noticed the direction of her gaze.

He followed it.

For a moment...

his eyes rested on Ishani.

A quiet smile appeared.

He didn't ask anything.

He simply assumed the same.

After all...

Ishani was walking beside Meera.

And she carried the same graceful presence one might naturally associate with her.

Kavya and Ananya exchanged a brief glance.

Neither said anything.

But both seemed to arrive at the same conclusion.

Even Yashvardhan's eyes briefly moved toward Ishani.

His expression remained neutral...

but there was a faint warmth in his eyes.

A daughter.

That thought alone was enough.

Not because they had already decided anything about her.

Not because they expected anything from her.

Simply because...

for the first time in a very long while...

their family was about to welcome a daughter.

Rajeshwari's smile deepened.

She quietly looked toward Baldev.

"Kitna achha lagega na..."

"Deora ghar mein ek beti bhi hogi."

(It will be so wonderful... the Deora family will have a daughter too.)

Baldev nodded.

"Bahut."

(Very much.)

And that was all.

No judgement.

No questions.

Just happiness.

Meanwhile...

the real little girl everyone was unknowingly waiting to meet...

sat several steps away with Mishti resting peacefully in her lap.

Aira had no idea that some of the people across the venue had already mistaken someone else for Meera's daughter.

She simply watched the lights around the mandap...

occasionally stroking Mishti's soft fur.

And somewhere between the glowing lamps...

the sacred fire...

and the quiet laughter of the family...

a beautiful misunderstanding quietly took root.

One that nobody realized would matter very soon.

The gentle sound of the shehnai floated through the air.

And near the sacred fire...

Pandit ji's voice echoed steadily as he continued chanting the wedding mantras.

The havan flames flickered softly.

Sitting before them were Vikram and Meera.

Both dressed in their traditional wedding attire.

The atmosphere around them felt peaceful.

Sacred.

Warm.

Yet somewhere among the people seated nearby...

one little girl had begun feeling slightly restless.

Aira had been sitting quietly with her family.

Mishti was curled comfortably in her lap.

Every now and then, the tiny kitten would lift her head...

look around...

then settle back down.

But after sitting for so long...

Aira finally shifted slightly.

Her eyes moved toward Nanu.

Then toward Nani.

Then back toward Mishti.

She hesitated.

For a moment...

she simply remained where she was.

Then slowly...

she stood.

Nanu noticed immediately.

He looked toward her with a familiar smile.

"Partner?"

Aira turned toward him.

He raised his eyebrows.

"Where are you going?"

Aira gently adjusted Mishti in her arms before moving her hands through sign language.

Washroom.

Then she added another quick sign.

I'm taking Mishti too.

Nanu blinked.

Then glanced at the kitten.

"Mishti bhi?"

A tiny smile appeared on Aira's face.

She nodded.

Nanu chuckled softly.

"Okay, okay."

"Go."

Nani, who was sitting nearby, had heard them as well.

She turned toward Aira.

"Jao, beta."

(Go, child.)

"Bas jaldi wapas aa jaana."

(Just come back soon.)

Aira nodded.

She carefully shifted Mishti higher into her arms.

The little kitten immediately curled against her chest.

"Mew..."

(Mishti's translation: Midnight adventure? I approve.)

Aira's lips curved into a tiny smile.

Then...

before leaving...

she stopped.

Just for a moment.

Her eyes drifted toward the mandap.

Toward the people sitting around the sacred fire.

And finally...

toward Meera.

As though sensing her daughter's gaze...

Meera looked up at exactly the same moment.

Their eyes met.

A soft smile appeared on Meera's face.

Aira smiled back.

A tiny smile.

Quiet.

Warm.

Familiar.

The kind that needed no words.

Meera gave her the smallest nod.

Go.

Aira understood.

She gently hugged Mishti closer.

Then turned away.

Her anklets made the faintest sound as she began walking.

Chhan...

Chhan...

The tiny bells around her ankles disappeared gradually beneath the music and wedding chants.

Aira walked slowly through the decorated corridor.

Mishti remained comfortably tucked against her.

Every few steps...

Aira looked down at the kitten.

Then back toward the path ahead.

Inside her mind...

her thoughts had already begun wandering.

Kanha ji...

I'm going for a little while.

Don't let Maiya worry.

She paused mentally.

Then smiled.

And please make sure Nanu doesn't start another secret mission while I'm gone.

A tiny pout appeared on her face.

Because after the last one...

I think Nani still doesn't trust him near the freezer.

Mishti shifted in her arms.

"Mew..."

(Mishti's translation: I thought the mission was successful.)

Aira silently laughed.

It was.

But we were caught.

She continued walking.

Her thoughts slowly became quieter.

Then another thought appeared.

Kanha ji...

When I come back...

everything will be different, won't it?

She glanced toward the mandap from a distance.

Maiya will have a new family.

The thought made her fingers tighten slightly around Mishti.

Not because she didn't want it.

She did.

Very much.

But there were so many people.

So many unfamiliar faces.

So many new relationships waiting for her.

Will they like me?

Will I know how to talk to them?

She immediately corrected herself.

Well...

I don't talk anyway.

A tiny smile appeared.

Then disappeared again.

Will they understand my signs?

Will they think I'm strange?

Will they...

She stopped herself.

Kanha ji...

Maiya always says I shouldn't be afraid before meeting someone.

She says I shouldn't decide what people are like before I know them.

So...

I'll try.

Aira gently stroked Mishti's back.

I'll try for Maiya.

She looked down at Mishti.

You'll stay with me, right?

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: Obviously.)

Aira smiled.

"Good."

The word existed only inside her mind.

But somehow...

it felt enough.

She continued toward the washroom corridor.

She didn't notice the footsteps approaching from the opposite direction.

The corridor was quieter than the main wedding area.

The sounds of the celebrations still reached this side...

but only faintly.

The soft music.

The distant chanting.

The occasional laughter of guests.

Aira walked slowly through the corridor, holding Mishti securely in her arms.

Her elegant Anarkali brushed lightly against the floor with every step.

The tiny silver bells around her anklets chimed softly.

Chhan...

Her small traditional juttis made almost no sound against the polished floor.

Mishti, however, seemed much more interested in the journey than Aira was.

The tiny kitten lifted her head.

"Mew?"

(Mishti's translation: Are we going somewhere interesting?)

Aira looked down at her.

A tiny smile appeared on her face.

She gently stroked the kitten's head.

Then Mishti wriggled slightly in her arms.

"Mrrp..."

(Mishti's translation: I would like to know where we're going.)

Aira adjusted her hold.

"Washroom..."

she murmured softly.

Mishti blinked.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: I shall supervise.)

Aira almost smiled again.

She continued walking.

At the same time...

someone was approaching from the opposite direction.

A tall man.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.

His appearance stood out immediately against the traditional wedding decorations around him.

His dark hair was neatly styled.

His expression was serious.

Focused.

A phone was pressed against his ear.

"Send the revised documents tonight."

He listened for a moment.

"No."

His voice remained calm.

But firm.

"I don't want another explanation."

A pause.

"Just handle it."

He ended the call.

The phone remained in his hand as he glanced down at the screen.

His attention was still occupied by whatever business matter had brought him away from the wedding.

He continued walking.

Aira continued walking too.

Neither noticed the other.

Aira looked down at Mishti once more.

The kitten had started playing with a loose fold of Aira's sleeve.

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: Look! I found something to play with!)

Aira gently moved the tiny paw away.

Then looked ahead again.

Too late.

The man had already reached the same point in the corridor.

Aira took one more step.

The stranger moved at exactly the same moment.

And suddenly...

they collided.

Aira's small body bounced slightly from the impact.

Her arms immediately tightened around Mishti.

The kitten gave a startled,

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: Excuse me?! What just happened?!)

Aira lost her balance.

For one brief second...

she tried to steady herself.

But she was too small.

Her jutti slipped slightly against the polished floor.

She stumbled backward.

The stranger's phone slipped from his hand.

He instinctively reached forward.

But Aira had already dropped down onto the floor.

Not hard.

Just enough to frighten her.

She immediately checked Mishti.

The kitten was safe.

Aira hugged her closer.

"Mrrr..."

(Mishti's translation: I'm okay. Please don't worry.)

Only then did Aira look up.

The stranger was standing directly in front of her.

Completely still.

His earlier irritation had vanished.

His eyes had gone straight to the little girl sitting on the floor...

and the tiny white kitten safely protected in her arms.

He bent slightly.

"Are you okay?"

Aira didn't answer.

She simply remained still.

Her small arms tightened around Mishti as she looked up at the stranger.

The tiny kitten peeked out from her arms.

"Mew?"

(Mishti's translation: "Are we done here, or can we leave now?")

Aira blinked.

The stranger's gaze briefly moved toward Mishti before returning to the little girl.

She looked so young.

Her long black hair had fallen slightly around her face after the fall.

A few tiny silver anklets rested around her feet.

And despite the surprise in her eyes...

she was still holding the kitten as carefully as though nothing else mattered.

His expression softened.

"Careful, kiddo."

The words slipped out naturally.

Nothing deliberate.

Nothing more.

Just an instinctive response to seeing a child nearly lose her balance.

Aira's eyes widened slightly.

Kiddo?

For a second...

she simply stared at him.

Mishti looked up at her.

Then slowly turned toward the stranger.

"Mrrp."

(Mishti's translation: "Yes. She's definitely a kid. Excellent observation.")

Aira's lips almost curved into a tiny pout.

Almost.

Then her gaze returned to the unfamiliar man standing before her.

He looked calm now.

Completely composed.

As though the small collision had been nothing more than an unexpected moment in an otherwise ordinary night.

Yet something about Aira's eyes caught his attention.

He couldn't explain why.

There was something strangely familiar about them.

Not her face.

Not her clothes.

Not even the way she was standing there.

Just...

those eyes.

For a fleeting second, he found himself looking at them a little longer than he intended.

Aira noticed.

Her fingers curled slightly around Mishti.

But the man's expression remained calm.

There was no threat in it.

Only quiet curiosity.

Mishti shifted impatiently in Aira's arms.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "Can we please continue our journey now? I have important kitten business.")

Aira finally looked down at her.

A tiny smile appeared.

She carefully adjusted Mishti in her arms.

Then...

when she looked up again...

the stranger was still there.

His gaze rested on her for one final moment.

That strange familiarity remained.

He didn't know why.

Aira didn't know why either.

And neither of them had any idea...

why those innocent dark eyes had stayed in his thoughts for even a second longer than they should have.

🤍 End Note 🤍

And that's the end of Chapter 28! 🌷

Okay...

I know there are already a few questions running around in your heads. 👀😂

Especially after that last scene...

But I'm not answering those questions just yet. 🤭

Also...

We met a few new characters in this chapter, but I'm not giving you their character aesthetics today.

I'll share their aesthetics later. 🤍

[A.N:-   Okayyy, so this is Aira! 🥹🪻

This is pretty much how I imagined her looking in this scene, with her little mishti and those tiny ghungroos on her payal. ✨🤍

Hope you guys can picture her like this too! 🫶🏻 ]

For now...

I want you to simply get to know them through the story itself. 🌷

And now...

tell me honestly... 👀

🌷 How did you like this chapter?

🌷 Which family moment did you enjoy the most?

🌷 What did you think about the secret ice-cream mission? 🍦😂

🌷 How did you like the wedding atmosphere?

🌷 What do you think about the new characters we met in this chapter?

🌷 And most importantly...

Who do you think that stranger was? 👀

He called Aira "kiddo"...

So tell me...

WHO DO YOU THINK HE IS? 👀🌷

I'm not telling you his name yet. 🤭

And one more thing...

Veer gave Aira a very cute little nickname.

"Little Fairy." 🧚🏻‍♀️🤍

So tell me honestly...

🌷 Did you like the nickname "Little Fairy" for Aira?

🌷 Do you think it suits her?

🌷 And what did you think about Veer's reaction when he first saw her?

I really want to know your thoughts because I read your comments and absolutely love seeing all your theories. 🤍

And now...

What do you think is going to happen next? 👀

As always...

please don't forget to vote ⭐, comment 💬, follow ❤️, and share if you're enjoying the story.

Your support means so much to me and keeps me motivated to continue this journey. 🌷🤍

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

Bye-bye! 👋🏻

See you all in the next chapter. ✨🌷

˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆

Radhe Krishna🌷**