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Then, just as realisation starts to sink in, Ayaan and Meher say in perfect sync, “We’re pregnant.”

For a split second, there’s stunned silence. Then, the room erupts into cheers of excitement. Papa and Kailash uncle are the first to react, quickly stepping forward to bless the couple. Papa claps Ayaan’s back proudly while Kailash uncle pulls Meher into a warm hug like she is his own daughter.

He then turns to Papa with mock amusement. “Pratap, all this while, you kept teasing me that you had grandchildren while I didn’t. Now, you won’t be able to brag about it anymore. My daughter-in-law has finally given us all the good news.”

Papa laughs, shaking his head. “Don’t forget—your daughter-in-law is also my daughter.”

The family laughs at their friendly banter, but I can’t hold back anymore. Devika and I squeal, throwing ourselves at Meher.

“Oh my God, Meher! This is the best news ever!” I gush, hugging her tight.

Devika wipes away a tear, laughing. “We’re finally getting another baby in the family! Our trio is expanding!”

Trisha steps in, her eyes twinkling with joy as she hugs Meher. “You’re going to be such an amazing mom, Meher.”

“I have so much to learn, though,” Meher sniffles, nodding.

Vishnu finally steps forward, engulfing Meher in a tight hug.

“The entire family has been waiting for this moment—to see you and Ayaan join the parent club. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see my little sister about to become a mother.”

Meher pulls back, her eyes moist with unshed tears. “One thing I know for sure,” she whispers, “just like my brother has always protected me, he will protect my baby too—no matter what.”

“Always.” Vishnu places a firm kiss on her forehead and nods.

“Well, well, Ayaan, congratulations,” Krish grins, clapping Ayaan on the shoulder. “Get ready for sleepless nights and diaper duty, my friend.”

Ayaan smirks, pulling Meher closer. “Unlike you, Krish, I’m actually looking forward to it.”

Raghav, who had been watching quietly, finally steps in. “Congratulations,” he says, giving Ayaan a brief hug before turning to Meher. “You’ll be a wonderful mother.”

Ayaan grins at his brother. “And you, Raghav—you’re going to be a chachu. Better start preparing.”

Raghav smirks. “I’ll stick to spoiling the kid. Discipline is your department.”

We laugh again at his teasing reply. And then, just as the excitement settles, a small voice pipes up again.

“Take, take!” Veer demands once more, patting Vishnu’s chest again.

Vishnu laughs, adjusting Veer in his arms. “Alright, my boy. Let’s get that cake.”

Papa signals to the staff, who wheel in a magnificent cake decorated in elegant swirls of gold and black. It’s exactly what Vishnu deserves—sophisticated yet celebratory.

Our family and friends circle around us as Vishnu balances Veer in one arm and takes the knife in his other hand. The way he holds our son so naturally while maintaining his commanding presence makes my heart flutter. Some things never change—he’s still the most captivating man in the room.

“Make a wish,” I whisper, touching his arm lightly.

But Vishnu doesn’t look at the cake. Instead, his eyes find mine, dark and intense.

“I already have everything I’ve ever wished for,” he says softly, and the raw honesty in his voice nearly brings tears to my eyes.

Looking at him now, surrounded by love and laughter, it’s hard to imagine the man he once was—living in shadows, burdened by duty and pain. But now, he has everything: family, love, purpose, joy. And knowing that I’ve been a part of that transformation, that I helped bring light into his life, just as he brought stability in mine, fills me with a happiness that’s hard to explain.

The cake-cutting ceremony quickly turns into delighted chaos when Veer, our little mischief-maker, decides to decorate his father’s face with frosting. Everyone bursts into laughter, and even Vishnu, the calm and composed one, chuckles as he wipes the cream from his nose.

In the midst of the celebration, he pulls me close, his fingers tracing patterns on my back as we sneak away from the rest of the family. Even after all this time, his touch still has the power to leave me wanting, desperate for more.

“Happy Birthday, my love,” I whisper against his chest.