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I wake with a jolt, my hand immediately reaching out for Veer.Empty space.Panic floods my system as I bolt upright, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. Then it hits me—we’re in Walia Mansion, in Vishnu’s bedroom. Our bedroom now.

But where’s Veer? Where’s Vishnu?

I sit up, trying to calm the rising storm within me. My hand instinctively reaches for my phone on the nightstand, but instead, my fingers brush against a folded note. Picking it up, I unfold it slowly.

‘Veer is with me. He woke up while you were still sleeping, so I am taking him downstairs to feed him his breakfast. Don’t worry.’

A sigh of relief escapes my lips. Veer is with Vishnu. Thank God. I lean back against the headboard, letting the panic subside as I clutch the note tightly.

Flashes of last night come rushing back—Vishnu gently waking me for dinner, his voice soft and patient. But I had no energy left to eat or even respond properly. The exhaustion had consumed me. Now, as I check the clock, I realise it’s already past ten. Ten-thirty, to be precise. A gasp in shock. I’ve never woken up this late before, and definitely not in someone else’s home, let alonemy sasural.

I throw off the duvet and head to the bathroom to make myself presentable. After a quick shower, I slip into a simple yet elegant churidar—a soft pink one with delicate Chikankari embroidery—making sure to look every bit like the new bride. The thought of meeting everyone downstairs, facing Vishnu’s family and my two estranged friends, leaves my stomach fluttering with nerves.

Walking through the halls of the mansion, I catch the staff smiling at me as I pass by. They’re warm and welcoming, but it only adds to the pressure of fitting in. I’ve visited this home countless times before, but everything feels different now. I’m not just Meher and Devika’s friend anymore—I’m the wife of the eldest Walia son. The thought itself makes me more anxious. I glance around, hoping to spot Vishnu or Veer, but they’re nowhere in sight.

Finally, I stop one of the staff members and ask, “Where is Vishnu?”

“In the drawing room, ma’am, with Pratap sir and some guests,” she replies with a polite smile.

I thank her and make my way toward the drawing room but stop short when I see Vishnu through the partially open door. He’s seated at the head of the table, engrossed in what looks like an intense discussion with his father and a group of ministers. His commanding presence catches me off guard—this is a side of him I’ve never seen before. For a moment, I barely recognise my husband in this powerful political persona. The confident way he leads the conversation, the way everyone listens to him… It’s clear he’s preparing to take on his role as Party President.

But where’s Veer? The note said he was with Vishnu, but I can’t exactly burst into a political meeting to ask that, can I? I begin to worry. My son isn’t great with strangers, especially without either of us present.

I spot another maid passing by. “Do you know where Veer is?”

“Yes, ma’am. He’s in Devika ma’am’s room,” she replies, smiling.

I exhale deeply, relief washing over me. With quick steps, I head towards Devika’s room. Before I even step inside, I hear the sound of soft giggles and endless chatter. The door is slightly ajar, and I peek in. The sight in front of me melts my heart instantly. Veer is on a playmat with his cousin Avika, and both of them are surrounded by colourful toys. Avika, just a year and a half old, is trying to stack blocks while Veer babbles animatedly, his little fingers grabbing at anything within reach. Around them, Meher and Devika sit cross-legged on the floor, their earlier coldness momentarily forgotten as they watch the children play.

“Look at how he scrunches his nose when he concentrates,” Meher says, reaching out to tickle Veer’s tummy. “Just like Vishnu does. So serious, yet so full of energy, isn’t he?”

My son breaks into delighted giggles, and my heart clenches at how naturally he’s bonded with his aunt. He’s usually so reserved with new people.

“But that smile,” Devika says, gently stroking Veer’s cheek. “That’s all Simran, isn’t it? That same naughty grin.”

“Definitely,” Meher agrees, her voice soft with affection. “He’s got the best of both of them.”

Hearing them talk about Veer and me like this brings a lump to my throat. I step inside, and as soon as they notice me, the room falls silent. Veer spots me immediately, his tiny face lighting up as he begins to crawl toward me.

I scoop him up, pressing kisses to his chubby cheeks before walking over to Avika.

“Hi, sweetie,” I coo, dropping a kiss on her head too.

This is the first time I’m seeing Avika like this—in person. Otherwise, it was always on video calls. The girl is as pretty as her mother, with the same delicate features and sweet disposition.

Devika and Meher exchange a quick glance, but neither of them says a word. I step forward and approach them, holding Veer close.

“Can we talk?” I ask softly, my voice tinged with hope.

Meher crosses her arms. “What’s left to talk about?”

Her cold tone cuts deep, but I swallow my pride.

“Everything, Meher. I know I hurt you and Devika, and I’m so sorry. I don’t know how to fix this, but I want to try. Please.”

Devika looks away, focusing on a toy on the playmat. Meher shakes her head. “You broke our trust, Simran. Do you even realise how much we shared with you? How much we trusted you? And you kept something so big from us? That too something that’s related to us, to this family?”

“I know,” I whisper, tears brimming in my eyes. “I made a mistake, but I was scared. I didn’t know how to face any of you, especially Vishnu.”