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“How did the press handle it?” Kailash uncle asks as we settle into the living room.

“When have such revelations ever been easy?” Dad responds with a knowing smile. “But Vishnu handled it well.”

Ayaan claps me on the back as he approaches.

“Finally, my brother-in-law got hitched. And more vows are happening again tomorrow. You’re setting the bar high, Vishnu.”

“Just keeping up with the Shergill standards,” I smirk.

Dad turns to Ayaan, a smile spreading across his face. Ayaan immediately bends down to touch Dad’s feet to take his blessings. There’s a glint in Dad’s eye as he blesses Ayaan.

“Our last chess game is still incomplete, son-in-law.”

“I suggest starting fresh,” Ayaan smirks. “Unless you forgot I had already checkmated your king.”

Dad narrows his eyes in mock annoyance. “So what? I know how to protect my king from you.”

Everyone laughs, and the light-hearted banter eases the lingering tension of the press meet. Just then, Aksh joins us and greets Ayaan with a warm hug.

“Ayaan, you always steal the spotlight with your rare appearances between missions,” Aksh teases. “But this time, little Veer has taken that crown.”

“Happy to pass the torch to my nephew,” Ayaan grins. “Speaking of which, where is the little star?”

I signal the staff to bring Simran and Veer, my heart warming at the thought of introducing my son to everyone.

As we wait, Kailash uncle turns to me with a mischievous grin.

“So, how’s fatherhood treating you, Vishnu? Just don’t follow your father’s example and keep Veer under tight restrictions like Pratap did with his kids. Let the boy breathe, make his own choices, fall down and get up on his own. That’s how children truly grow!”

“Kailash!” Dad protests good-naturedly. “Don’t go giving my son any ideas. Besides, you’re just jealous that I’m already a grandfather of two—Avika and Veer—while you’re still waiting for your turn!”

Kailash uncle raises his hands in mock surrender. “I can’t argue with you on that, Pratap. But don’t worry, I’ll get there soon... hopefully,” he adds, winking at Ayaan, making everyone chuckle.

The press conference drama fades away and is replaced by the warmth of genuine love and acceptance of the family. This is what matters—not the headlines or political implications, but the bonds we share and the legacy we’re building together.

“Dad...” Meher’s voice rings out as she enters the room. “You can’t blame my father-in-law for that. Though feel free to nudge his son.” She grins at Ayaan, who responds with a mock frown.

“Exactly! Ayaan’s the one to blame. He’s never around for us, right Meher?” Kailash uncle supports her.

She nods playfully, resting her hands on Ayaan’s chest as Ayaan pulls her close. “Alright, enough aboutoursituation. Today is about Vishnu’s family.”

That’s right.

The staff brings in snacks arranged by Devika, who joins us too. Just then, Simran descends the stairs with Veer in her arms. She looks a little anxious but stunning in her pale green churidar, Veer clutching her soft dupatta in his tiny fists. My heart swells at the sight of them. Knowing how nervous she must be, I quickly move to her side, taking Veer from her and guiding her forward with a reassuring hand on her lower back.

Simran touches Kailash uncle’s feet respectfully, receiving his blessing. He smiles warmly at her and then reaches out for Veer, but my son only clings tighter to me, making everyone chuckle. Uncle kisses his tiny fist instead.

“You’re exactly the carbon copy of your father, little one. Welcome to the family.” He turns to Simran and adds, “And you, my dear, leave the past where it belongs. You have a family here who adores you both. Though, I must warn you, Pratap isn’t as easy a father-in-law as I am,” he winks, making everyone laugh.

Dad shoots Uncle a mock glare.

“But,” Kailash uncle continues, his voice softening, “I see how proud he is to have you in this family. Do you know what he told me after coming back from meeting you in New York?”

Simran’s brows lift slightly in surprise, her eyes flicking to Dad. I turn to Dad, who now looks a bit sheepish, but doesn’t deny it. I’m just as curious as she is to know what he said.

“He said, ‘I’ve found a reflection of myself in Simran—so open, bold and fiery in her talks.’ He also said that while Devika is like his wife, Meher’s mother—nurturing the household and supporting her husband’s career—you are the fierce lioness who can bring even his lion-like son to his knees.”

I smirk at Dad, who looks on proudly at his new daughter-in-law. I, too, glance at Simran, watching the confidence slowly return to her features. She meets my gaze, her lips twitching as if fighting a smile.