Page 148 of Entangled Vows

Their eyes met during the seven sacred pheras around the fire, every vow feeling sacred and full of meaning. They exchanged wedding rings—classic, elegant gold bands, this time engraved with two very special dates: the day they first confessed their love for each other and Kiara’s birthdate.

They spent their honeymoon in Bora Bora, but they weren’t alone. They had taken along little Kiara with Sandhya Ma, Ishika’s mother, and Vikram’s mother. Both grandmothers had been over the moon when they heard about Mahika’s pregnancy. And when Kiara was born, that happiness had only doubled. From then on, until now, both mothers and Sandhya Ma had supported Mahika in every way possible.

So, it was only natural that when they went to Bora Bora, they all came along, staying in a luxurious family suite at the same resort as Mahika and Vikram. This allowed Mahika to stay close to her baby while still giving her a much-needed break. With the elders helping care for Kiara, the couple had time to relax in privacy. The trip became the perfect balance of love, laughter, family bonding, and passionate nights.

“House of chaos and glitter, we have arrived!” Ishika announced with her arms flung wide open.

Trailing behind Ishika and Mohit, Mahika spotted what she had come to think of as their extended family—not by blood, but by all the little moments, choices, and memories that truly counted. The Oberoi brothers and their wives strolled in, along with Vikram’s best friend, Arjun and Ira. They didn’t just show up for birthdays or anniversaries, they showed up foreverything.

Adil and Mira claimed the couch on the open deck, Mira already angling her phone for a selfie, probably to post on her Picturegram account. Ever since their café became the city’s hottest go-to spot, Mira and Ruhi had practically turned into internet celebrities.

“Ruhi, lean in,” Mira said, tugging her best friend closer. “This one’s going on my story.”

Ruhi laughed. “I’m reposting it too. Our followers are going to think we’ve moved to the beach.”

“That’s because maybe weshouldmove here,” Mira said, flipping her hair like she was in a photo shoot.

“You wanna move here, my love?” Adil asked, giving her a look so intent and focused it was obvious he was already figuring out how to make it happen if she said yes.

“No, hubs. I’m just kidding. No need to mentally plan our big move to Australia in the next five seconds.” Mira kissed his cheek, but Adil caught her chin, tilted it, and gave her a proper kiss instead.

“C’mon, soul, these two aren’t going to let us breathe without giving us a full exhibit of their PDA,” Vaayu groaned, tugging Ruhi towards the refrigerator.

“You talk as if you two are any better,” Kabir called out from his spot, clearly entertained by the scene.

“Pause it, guys. You all are no saints. Everyone here is totally whipped, and loving it,” Kyra piped up, grinning.

“Damn right, Princess. I love it,” Kabir said, wrapping his arms around Kyra from behind and nuzzling his face into her neck.

Vaayu and Ruhi laughed, shaking their heads as they emerged with miniature wine bottles in hand. They handed two to Kabir and Kyra, who were hovering over Kiara as she crafted something outrageously glittery. The table already looked like a colourful crime scene.

“I thought coming here without the kids would be a therapeutic break,” Kabir sighed, eyeing the shimmery chaos. “But now, I’m just missing the whole kids gang back home.”

“That’s true, Bira. Even I thought that without the kids we’d finally have some peace, but I think we’re addicted to the madness they bring,” Vaayu chuckled, popping the cork off his wine bottle.

“Agreed. We should group call Mom and Dad before they go to sleep,” Ruhi suggested.

Finally, Arjun and Ira strolled in from the beach. Or rather, Ira ran while Arjun trailed at the back. But then he caught up with her and literally swept her off her feet, grabbing her from behind and spinning her around until she squealed.

“Arjun!” Ira smacked his chest, laughing. “Stop it.”

He ignored her, giving her one more twirl before setting her down.

“Whoa! Okay, now I’m dizzy,” Ira complained.

“Dizzy from the spinning… or are you not telling us something?” Kyra teased, waggling her brows suggestively.

“I’m definitely not hiding a thing. Right, my love?” Ira turned to Arjun, who pressed a kiss to her lips.

“Absolutely, sweetheart. But we can practice a little more… just so we have something to hide next time.”

“Such a one-track mind, AJ,” Vikram teased, grinning.

“Look who’s talking,” Adil cut in, looking smug. “The man who’s barely left his wife’s side all morning.”

“Pot, meet kettle,” Vaayu and Kabir said in perfect unison, and the whole group burst into laughter.

“You all are mad,” Mahika giggled, shaking her head.