Page 138

Simran turns those pleading eyes back to me, and I can feel my resolve crumbling.

“Fine,” I mutter gruffly, “but no getting away from Abhay’s sight, even for a second.”

“Promise!” she says, pinching her neck in a gesture of a promise, looking adorable as ever. “But if Veer needs me...”

“I’ve got him covered,” I assure her. “I’ll feed him and put him to bed.”

“His food is ready in the kitchen,” she says, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. “We’ll come soon.”

As she turns to leave, I pull her back for one last moment. Leaning close to her ear, I whisper, “You look stunning tonight, Mrs. Walia. But don’t make me regret letting you go, or you’ll have to deal with me when you’re back.”

Her cheeks flush beautifully as she steals another kiss. “Noted, Mr. Walia.”

She then turns to Veer, who’s happily playing on the mat with Avika. “Mumma will be back soon, my little champ,” she coos, peppering kisses on his face.

Veer giggles, utterly unbothered, and continues playing.

As the women head out, Abhay nods at me from a distance, silently assuring me he’ll handle everything.

Ayaan saunters over with a grin. “So, while our wives are out, what should we do? I heard my father-in-law isn’t home yet.”

“Yes, he’s tied up in a meeting and won’t be back until late,” I confirm.

“Perfect! What’s the plan then?”

Aksh and I exchange knowing looks before turning to Ayaan with matching smirks.

“Babysitting,” we say in unison.

Ayaan looks confused for a second, then glances at Veer and Avika. Realisation dawns, and he groans dramatically.

“Babysitting? Seriously?”

“You’re in the Walia house now,” Aksh says, smirking.

“And tonight, you’re one of us,” I add, grabbing a toy as Veer toddles toward me with a mischievous glint in his eye.

“Welcome to fatherhood boot camp, brother-in-law,” Aksh teases, patting Ayaan on the back.

Ayaan throws his hands up in surrender. “Fine. Let’s do this.”

And just like that, our ‘Daddy Bootcamp’ begins—with baby bottles, toys, and two mischievous toddlers who have no intention of letting us off easy.

CHAPTER 34

MEHER

Josh Pub - Juhu

We are at my favourite club in Mumbai, theJosh Pub, a place that holds a special place in my heart. Ayaan and I have so many memories here. But it’s not just us. It’s memorable for Simran and Vishnu too. It’s where their lives took a turn that neither of them could have predicted. This is where they met on that fateful night—the night that set everything in motion and eventually brought Veer into their lives. Since this place holds pieces of all our stories, Simran, Devika, and I decided to come here tonight to celebrate our getting back together. Being here feels like coming full circle.

The pub is alive with music and laughter. We’re scanning the place when my phone pings with a message from Ayaan. A grin curves across my face as I look up at Simran and Devika, sitting across from me, watching me curiously.

“What’s got you smiling like that?” Simran asks, sipping her mocktail with a raised brow.

I hold up my phone, unable to keep the amusement out of my voice and show them the picture Ayaan just sent.

“Your husbands are giving my King some ‘babysitting training,’” she laughs.