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She’s never shied away from telling me how she likes it. Simran has always worn her heart on her sleeve, while I’ve kept my emotions carefully guarded. But in this moment, with her telling me exactly what she needs, I can’t hold back any longer.

With a low growl, I capture her lips in a searing kiss, my hips snapping forward with renewed vigour. Simran cries out in pleasure, her nails raking down my back as I set a punishing pace. The bed creaks beneath us, but I’m beyond caring about anything except the exquisite feel of her wrapped around me.

A string of breathless curses falls from her lips, signalling her approaching climax, and mine follows soon after her. She trembles beneath me, a sight I can’t get enough of. A part of me wants to take her again, but she’s exhausted, and I don’t want her sore and uncomfortable at our wedding tomorrow.

This isn’t just about one night. We have a lifetime to discover each other’s deepest desires and needs. I pull away, breathless and sated, before hauling her close to me. She curls against me, still consumed by the intensity of our lovemaking.

“You good?” I manage to ask, my breathing still ragged, my heart still racing.

“You bet,” she whispers, kissing my neck and closing her eyes as she melts into my embrace.

This feels like home.She is my home.I glance again at the baby monitor, and only after I’m assured Veer is still peacefully sleeping in the nursery, I let my eyes shut, scooping her in my arms.

Tomorrow, we’ll be husband and wife, but tonight, we’re just us—two people who’ve fought their way through countless obstacles to be together. And now, nothing can tear us apart.

CHAPTER 26

SIMRAN

Next Day

Every muscle in my body is aching, reminding me of last night. But I can’t even bring myself to complain. How could I, when Vishnu gave me exactly what I needed, just like I gave him what he needed. Last night wasn’t just about making love. This time, Vishnu was different—more vocal, more open. There was no grief shadowing his emotions like the first time. He allowed his walls to crumble, showing me his raw desire and admiration. The way his hands had traced every inch of me, his eyes drinking me in… and his words.Oh, his words…they’d left me trembling.

He’d admired my body, not just for its beauty but for what it represented—the changes that motherhood had brought, the strength it held as Veer’s mother. It wasn’t just passion; it was reverence, and that made it all the more special. It felt like he was branding me as his, over and over again.

Our first round had been wild, and just when I thought I couldn’t take it any more, we were drawn together again for a second, quicker round. It was just as intense, but was rushed as Veer had begun to stir in the nursery. Though he wasn’t crying, we both instinctively stopped, knowing our son needed us.

Vishnu had gone to bring him back to the bedroom, and the three of us ended up sleeping together on the same bed—our small family. Veer had snuggled right between us, sleeping peacefully in the centre. Vishnu and I both looking down at him, marvelling at how one single night of passion had led to this tiny, miraculous creation. There was something indescribably satisfying about the three of us like this. To have Veer tucked between us, our hands protecting him—it felt the purest expression of love and safety. I don’t think I’d ever felt more complete.

The memory brings a flush to my cheeks as Sarah helps me drape the maroon saree despite my protests that I could do it myself. She’s persistent, though, and I’m grateful for it. The saree is stunning—elegant but understated, perfect for the courthouse wedding. The blouse is modest compared to the black one I’d tried earlier. But then again, Vishnu doesn’t need bold outfits to lose control over me, does he?

Claire’s been busy getting Veer ready, and as I adjust my pallu in the mirror, she walks in, holding him in her arms. My heart melts at the sight of my little boy dressed in a baby suit I’d designed myself, perfectly matching the one his father will wear today. The little grey waistcoat, the tiny bowtie—it’s adorable and heartwarming. It’s a little memory I wanted them to have.

“My two handsome men,” I think with a smile, my heart overflowing with love. My mind wanders off to Vishnu. He had to leave early for an investigation related to the masked man, but he’ll be meeting us directly at the courthouse.

“Perfect timing, Veer,” I coo, taking him into my arms and pressing a kiss to his soft cheek. He gurgles, his tiny hands tugging at my necklace. “What do you think? Does Mumma look okay for the big day?”

Claire chuckles.

“He approves, Simran. Though if I’m being honest, you look more than okay. Vishnu’s going to lose his mind when he sees you.”

I flush at her words, imagining the way his intense gaze will settle on me. But there’s no time to dwell on it as Leila’s waiting in the living room, her tail swishing as she brushes against my legs the moment I move closer.

“Well, Leila, what do you think?” I ask, crouching slightly to stroke her fur. She stares at me for a moment before giving a soft meow, almost as if she’s blessing me for the occasion too.

“I know you have a crush on Vishnu,” I tell her with mock sternness, scratching behind her ears. “But today, he’s officially going to be mine, so no more of that flirtatious rubbing against his legs, okay?”

Claire laughs, shaking her head at my silliness. Even I can’t help but giggle at myself. Imagine being jealous of a cat!

Leila just blinks at me slowly, purring her approval.

The drive to the New York Marriage Bureau passes in a blur of anticipation. The courthouse feels like the perfect setting for us—a quiet place where we’re marking something permanent, without the weight of a grand affair. The car ride is smooth, and I keep checking on Veer, who seems more excited than usual, wiggling in his infant car seat as if he knows he’s going to someplace special.

As the car comes to a stop, I get ready to step out, but the moment the door opens, I freeze. It’s not one of the guards holding it open—it’s Vishnu. And he looks... absolutely dashing.

A three-piece tuxedo with a perfectly tailored waistcoat clings to his tall, broad frame, giving him a distinguished look. His hair is neatly gelled back, and his beard groomed to perfection. The crisp white shirt underneath complements the grey colour of his suit. But it’s not just the suit that leaves me speechless—it’s him. It’s the radiance in his eyes, the way they light up when they meet mine, making me weak in the knees.

This man… this amazing man is about to be my husband.