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“I’m lucky,” she says softly, addressing us all, “Despite everything that I did, this family has done its best to welcome Veer and me. I couldn’t thank you all enough.”

“You were always family, Simran,” Ayaan says as I lead Simran to settle into our seats. “You know what,” he says, turning to both our fathers. “Vishnu and Simran’s story began around the same time as Meher and me.”

“Oh, here we go,” Meher mutters, rolling her eyes, but the grin tugging at her lips betrays her amusement.

Dad and Kailash uncle both perk up, intrigued.

“Back when Meher and I were... shall we say, ‘secretly interested’ in each other, we had to find clever ways to meet alone, given how much tension existed between the Walias and the Shergills. Simran’s boutique became our secret spot. She arranged everything—timing, privacy—so we could sneak away and talk without anyone suspecting anything.”

Simran and I smile, already knowing where this is going.

I lean forward, trying to hold Veer on my lap, but he wriggles himself free and gets down, eager to crawl over to Dad, who is on the other couch. My son is very fond of his grandfather.

Ayaan continues dramatically, “So one day, Meher arrived early, and just as I was about to reach her, Vishnu showed up unexpectedly like a hawk. Before he could sense that something was going on between me and Meher, I had to think quickly and pretend to flirt with Simran instead. I even gave her the bouquet meant for Meher!” He chuckles, clearly enjoying the nostalgia.

The room bursts into laughter, and I roll my eyes, though a slight smirk plays on my lips.

“What can I say? I sensed something fishy.”

“You didn’t just sense it; you almost ruined it,” Ayaan counters, grinning.

“Vishnu, you never told me this… that you had almost caught Meher and Ayaan meeting secretly,” Dad points out.

“I was just protecting my sister from your wrath, Dad. That’s all. Although you can ask her, I did warn her to stay away from Ayaan, and if she still continued to meet him, well… I said that I wouldn’t mind putting a bullet in his head for you.”

“He actually said that?” Ayaan turns to Meher, frowning.

Meher nods with a grin and circles her arm around Ayaan’s waist, leaning in closer.

He gives me a mock glare before smiling.

“But the best part was Vishnu’s jealousy when he saw me flirting with Simran,” he continues. “It was impossible to miss. That’s when Meher and I first noticed something brewing between these two.”

“These kids really gave us quite the surprise,” Dad and Kailash uncle say almost in unison.

My eyes meet Simran’s, who is trying to hide her smile. The moment our gazes lock, the memory of that day floods back. It was the first time I’d felt something for her—something I couldn’t name—something possessive, protective, and undeniably real. A warmth spreads through me as I think about it.

The banter and conversations continue, light-hearted and full of love. This is my family. Messy, loud, and chaotic, but it’s ours.

After a while, Veer finally allows Ayaan to hold him, and I notice Meher and Ayaan whispering to each other as they embrace him, their excitement evident. They’re probably making plans about starting their own family soon. Honestly, I’d love to see that happen.

Kailash uncle’s warm demeanour and genuine interest in Simran’s work in New York encourage her to open up and share more about it. Dad looks equally impressed when she talks about the all the awards that she’s received. All in all, I see no reason why Simran wouldn’t find her place in this family. It may take some time, but I’m confident she’ll adapt and blend in beautifully.

SIMRAN

Night

The meeting with the Shergill family went smoothly. While my relationship with Meher and Devika remained distant, Kailash uncle’s warmth and kindness were as comforting as ever. But what truly surprised me was my father-in-law’s genuine interest in my work and business. His curiosity gave me a glimmer of hope that this family wasn’t solely about politics.

However, even that small comfort doesn’t ease my bigger concerns. Veer clung to me almost the entire day as if I was the only familiar thing in this unfamiliar house. He was okay for a while—willingly going to Vishnu’s father, allowing Ayaan to hold him briefly, and even playing with Avika this morning. But as the day progressed, he refused to leave my side, no matter how much Devika and Meher tried to coax him into playing with them. Each time someone came to take him, he burrowed deeper into my embrace. I could see the confusion in his little eyes, the way he looked around this massive house with so many new faces and noises. He’s not used to this, and honestly, neither am I.

After the chaos of the entire day, I finally take a moment to sit on the cosy sofa in the nursery room, trying to focus on the emails on my phone, but Veer is restless in my lap. His head shifts against my chest, as if seeking comfort amongst the unknown. I gently bounce him on my lap to calm him down. My inbox is flooded with urgent messages from my team in New York. Designs pending approval, shipments delayed, a high-profile client waiting for a response—all things I’d normally handle within hours. But now, I can barely focus. And then, there’s the nagging worry about the business fallout from Zane’s withdrawal from the consulting contract. I’ve too much on my plate right now.

Vishnu walks in. He takes one look at me, and he just knows.

“Still can’t work?” he asks, sitting next to me on the sofa.

I shake my head, too tired to say much. Veer lets out a soft whimper, drawing both our attention.