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Veer gives me his most innocent smile that’s so identical to his mother’s. Next to us, Aksh is consoling Avika, who’s already forgetting her tears as her father makes silly faces at her.

“It’s okay, princess. Veer is still a tiny baby. He doesn’t know what he’s doing. Show me where it hurts.”

Avika touches her pigtails, and Aksh quickly leans in to kiss her hair.

“See, better now?”

Avika sniffles but quickly calms down when Aksh hands her one of her favourite soft toys. She hugs it tightly, her face all smiles now.

“Look at his face. He’s so proud of himself!” Aksh exclaims, pointing at Veer’s cheeky grin.

I glance down at Veer, who’s indeed looking at Avika like he’s just accomplished something monumental. With a sigh, I shake my head and kiss his forehead.

“You’ve got to be nicer to your sister, buddy. She’s going to gang up on you when she’s older, and then, you won’t stand a chance.”

Just then, Meher’s voice rings out.

“Look at my brothers,” she gushes, “being such doting fathers. It’s absolutely adorable!”

She’s dressed in what appears to be her ‘paint the town red’ outfit. She immediately hugs both kids and kisses them before hugging Aksh and me.

Aksh eyes her outfit suspiciously.

“Why are you dressed like you’re about to hit a club?”

“Because I am going to a club...” she starts, but I cut her off.

“Is Ayaan going with you?”

Before Meher can laugh at our predictably protective reaction, Ayaan strolls in with a grin.

“She’s not going with me, guys. She’s going with your wives.”

Aksh and I exchange stunned looks. “Our wives?” Aksh and I both say at the same time.

Just then, I catch sight of Simran descending the stairs. She’s wearing a deep burgundy wrap dress that falls just above her knees, paired with classic black heels. The outfit is elegant yet daring, showing just enough skin to be tasteful while making my pulse quicken. Her hair falls in loose waves around her shoulders, and her eyes sparkle with excitement as she walks up to me, a sly smile on her lips.

I clear my throat, struggling to keep my expression serious. “You didn’t tell me about this… this outing.”

“Because you would have said no,” she says matter-of-factly.

“I’m still saying no.”

She sighs dramatically and places her hand on my arm, her fingers teasingly trailing up. “Come on, Vishnu. It’s just for two hours. I promise I’ll behave. Besides, Abhay and the other guards are coming with us, so you don’t have to worry.”

My jaw tightens as her lips brush dangerously close to my jawline. I grab her wrist, pulling her closer until our eyes lock.

“Don’t think you can tempt me into lowering my guard, Simran,” I say. “When your life is at risk, your seduction won’t work. You’re staying home. End of discussion.”

Her pout is almost convincing.Almost.

“Please? After our patch-up, this is the first time Meher, Devika, and I get to spend time together like old times. It means a lot to us.”

I glance at Aksh, who’s already caved in to Devika’s persuasion, and Ayaan, who’s wearing an annoyingly amused expression.

“I wouldn’t dare stop my queen from enjoying herself,” Ayaan shrugs.

“Exactly,” Meher adds with a threatening smile, “or there will be consequences.”