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Trisha steps forward next, extending her hand to Raghav. Not long ago, he had helped Krish and Trisha on a crucial GLEN mission. His past mafia connections had made it possible to infiltrate a notorious drug lord’s den, something no one else could have pulled off.

“Nice to see you again after that mission,” she says with a knowing smile. “You disappeared so fast; you didn’t even wait for me to thank you properly.”

Raghav’s response is brief, as always. “Wasn’t looking for applause.” His eyes flick briefly to Ayaan. “I did it only because Ayaan asked for my help. I couldn’t refuse my brother.” A shadow passes over his face. “Besides, I had to be somewhere else... that time.”

There’s something about the way he says those last words that makes Krish’s eyes light up with mischief. “Of course,” he drawls, “But tell me, Raghav—why is it that wherever you go, mystery seems to follow?”

Raghav’s questioning look only confirms our suspicions—he genuinely has no clue how his secretive nature and sudden disappearances only make us more curious. I exchange a quick look with Meher, and she smirks, already sensing where this is headed.

The ex-mafia boss, the man who once ruled the underworld with sheer intimidation, has unwittingly walked straight into our trap. Like hunters, who have caught the scent of something irresistibly tempting, we close in—one by one, ready to dissect every ounce of his secrecy. And from the look of confusion on Raghav’s face, he has no absolutely idea what’s about to hit him.

“What were you doing at Mumbai’s club six months ago where Meher saw you?” Krish starts.

“With a woman’s sandal in hand, no less,” Vishnu adds, barely containing his grin.

I can’t help joining in. “You were in such a hurry you didn’t even stop to meet me and Devika inside!”

“And that bruise on your neck?” Ayaan’s eyebrows wiggle suggestively. “What was that about?”

“Who’s the mystery girl?” Trisha asks, practically bouncing with excitement.

Meher delivers the final blow: “So, are you dating already, or are we still in the wooing phase?”

It’s almost comical how the mysterious Raghav, who can breach any security and handle the most dangerous criminals, faces his toughest interrogation—from his own family. His expression darkens as his gaze sweeps across our eager faces before landing on Meher.

“Is there anyone left in this party you haven’t shared this with?” he mutters, annoyed.

Meher’s pouts dramatically. “Such things don’t stay hidden for long. It’s not every day we see you holding a woman’s sandal! We’re a very close-knit family—we have a right to know. Besides, you’re the only one left to tie the knot. Who else will we tease?”

“I’ve no plans to settle down,” Raghav says dismissively, crossing his arms over his chest. “Am happy with my singlehood.”

The men exchange knowing looks before bursting into laughter.

“Trust me, Raghav,” Krish pretends to wipe an imaginary tear from his eye, “we all sang that same song once upon a time.”

“Until we met our better halves,” Ayaan adds, his eyes softening as they land on Meher.

Vishnu wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. “And we don’t regret giving up our bachelorhood one bit.”

Raghav takes a deep breath and very smartly diverts the topic.

“Speaking of ‘hoods,’” Raghav begins, “heard you’re excelling at fatherhood, Vishnu.”

“It comes naturally,” Vishnu smirks.

Something dark passes over Raghav’s face. “It’s hard to be a good father,” he says quietly. “Even harder to teach the right lessons to your son. After all, fathers play a very important role in shaping their children’s lives. They have the power to either make them or break them.” His gaze rests on Vishnu for a second before he looks away. “Not every child is as lucky as Veer… or even Ayaan, for that matter—to have a father like Kailash Shergill.”

The group goes silent. No one knows what to say. Ayaan gently places his hand over Raghav’s shoulder, offering silent support.

After a brief moment, Vishnu breaks the silence.

“Well, that was deep,” Vishnu finally says, trying to lighten the mood.

Before anyone can respond, Kailash uncle and Papa join the group.

“You’re absolutely right, Raghav,” Kailash uncle says warmly. “But… I’m not just Ayaan’s father. I see you as my son too. Haven’t I done enough to prove that to you?”

Raghav pauses before bending down to touch Kailash uncle’s feet—a rare sign of respect from a man who’d never truly known what a father’s love felt like.