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His hands slid from her face down her spine, anchoring her to him. When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless and slightly dazed.

“I could get used to this,” she murmured, resting her forehead against his, still catching her breath.

“You’d better,” he replied, his lips brushing hers again, teasing. “Because I’m never letting you go. You’re mine, Nandini Raichand. Today, tomorrow, always.”

She smiled through the warmth in her chest. Their fingers laced together like they’d always belonged, and their hearts beatin sync. Outside, the mango tree swayed slightly in the breeze, as if nodding in approval.

Their forever had just begun. And it was already shining brighter than they had ever imagined.

CHAPTER 26

Three months Later – Raichand Villa

Shaurya Ahuja

Weds

Nandini Raichand

It hadn’t been easy winning over Nandini’s parents, but with Grandpa and Shaurya fighting as one unshakable front, their resistance eventually gave way to acceptance. What had once seemed impossible now unfolded as a celebration of love, trust, and hard-earned approval. Three months had passed, and today, the Raichands stood united to bless the union of their daughter Nandini with Shaurya Ahuja.

The wedding was nothing short of magical. Held within the vicinity of Raichand Villa, the ceremony venue had been chosen intentionally so that even the mango tree, a silent witness to their stolen glances, confessions, heartbreaks, and eventual togetherness could bless the couple taking their sacred vows. The lush garden that stretched between the Raichand and Ahuja villas had been transformed into an open-air mandap, draped in blooming marigolds, fragrant white jasmine, and strings of fairy lights that swayed gently in the early evening breeze. Both villas were decorated with festive lights, symbolising the joy of a love that had finally found its rightful place.

Guests poured in from every corner—relatives, close friends, and the entire Serene Meadows community. Everyone came dressed to the nines, their hearts full of joy for the couple whose journey they had witnessed firsthand. Lakshmi and Meera moved through the crowd like seasoned hosts, their trays full, and their smiles wider than ever. This wasn’t just Nandini and Shaurya’s wedding. It felt like a community celebration of something long overdue.

Upstairs, in her bedroom, Nandini was ready, looking radiant in her red and gold bridal lehenga with delicate zardozi work and heirloom jewellery passed down from her late Daadi, Ambika Raichand. Her friends, Priya, Kavya, Jyoti, and the rest of them had teased her non-stop ever since the wedding was fixed, especially about being the one to have claimed‘the hottest man in Serene Meadows.’If anyone deserved him, it was Nandini.

Kavya brushed a stray lock of hair behind Nandini’s ear and teased, “Just so you know, even if you’ve officially bagged the Mr. Hotness, we still get to admire him from afar.”

Jyoti immediately chimed in. “Exactly! Just because you’ll be married doesn’t mean you’ve got exclusive rights. His wedding vows don’t come with a monopoly clause. We still hold full admiration rights with us.”

Kavya winked mischievously at Priya. “Whenever he drops by the community pool, we’ll be right there, shamelessly checking him out. And you can’t stop us, Nandini.”

Nandini let out a dramatic groan. “Ugh! You two better get your own men. He’s never going to the community pool again, I’ll make sure of it.”

Jyoti threw her hands up, grinning. “Good luck with that, bridezilla. Let’s see if you can make it happen. But seriously, think about us too. We also need some excitement, some distraction from our boring routines. At least, let your eye candyof a husband swing by the pool now and then. You can do that much for your friends, right?”

Nandini rolled her eyes, but her smile gave her away as she reached out and swatted their hands. “Enough, girls. He is mine. Every inch of his belongs to me.”

The girls pretended to be devastated. Kavya even wiped an imaginary tear. “Fine. We’ll survive.”

At that moment, her mother, Nivedita, entered the room, followed by Grandpa. The girls smiled knowingly and slipped out, leaving the family to their moment.

Nandini stood and immediately bent to take Grandpa’s blessings. His eyes, damp with unspoken emotion, rested on her face for a long beat. “You look just like Ambika today,” he said softly.

“That’s because I’m wearing her ornaments, Daadu,” Nandini said, her voice cracking slightly. “Thank you. You gave me a piece of her… and I’ll carry it with me forever.”

He gently cupped her cheek. “I’m going to miss you terribly.”

She choked back a sob, but before emotion overtook them, her mother stepped in, saying, “Papa, not you... you’ll still have her next door. We’re the ones who’ll miss her once we go back to London.”

Grandpa nodded, brushing away a tear that had unknowingly escaped. “I know. And I’m grateful for that. I just meant... I’ll miss her here. In this house. In Raichand Villa.”

Nandini rested her head briefly on his shoulder.

“I’ll still be here, Daadu. Full-time. You’re stuck with me forever, whether you like it or not.”

He gave a soft laugh and wrapped his one arm around her shoulder. “Who said I don’t like it?” Then he sighed dramatically. “But do me one favour. Please tell Shaurya to spare me from his boring yoga sessions. Ask him to keep his fitness regime far, far away from me.”