Reyansh, Mithun and Ishaan stepped out into the garden with Ayaan following behind and Ved clinging to his back like a tiny koala.
“Uncle, am I getting a new aunt? Will she play with me and Saanvi?” Ved asked in his sweet, curious voice.
“Of course, buddy. She’ll love our little Ved and Saanvi.” Ayaan said with a smile, flipping Ved to his front and tickled his sides until the boy squealed with laughter.
Ishaan reached out and gently took Ved from him. “Ved, go play with Saanvi,” he said, but the little one pouted, clearly wanting to stay.
Reyansh chuckled, leaned down and ruffled Ved’s hair before giving him a quick wink — a silent promise of a treat later. Instantly, Ved’s frown vanished and he ran back inside with a grin.
Once the boy was gone, the men took their seats, the air turning a shade more serious. Reyansh cleared his throat, ready to start the conversation.
“Cupcake,” Reyansh began, his was tone gentle but teasing.
“Dad, I’m ready to get married and you’re still calling me cupcake? Please” Ayaan groaned and rolled his eyes.
Reyansh chuckled, utterly unbothered. “You could give me ten grandchildren and you’d still be my cupcake,” he said, earning a dramatic sigh from Ayaan.
Then his tone softened but turned serious. “Now, back to the point. I’m genuinely happy that you’re giving yourself a chance again. Trust me, son, nothing makes me prouder. But as your father, there are a few things I want you to understand first. Second chances don’t come to everyone, son. When life gives you one, you hold it close and never take it for granted. This woman you’re ready to marry, she’s trusting you with her heart. Don’t let your past shadow her present.”
Ayaan listened quietly, his eyes softening.
“Love her with everything you have. Be her strength, her calm, her home. Don’t marry her just to fill the void in your heart or to replace the name you’ve lost. Be true to her and stand by her through every storm. That’s what it truly means to begin again.” Reyansh said.
Ayaan nodded, emotion flickering in his eyes. “I will, Dad. Thank you for being the best father. I need to leave now, I promised to pick her up,” he said before quickly walking away.
He arrived at Zara’s apartment and called her. “Zara, I’m just outside. I’d come up to get you, but we might run short on time, so it’s better if you come down when you’re ready,” he said and Zara chuckled softly and hummed in agreement.
In less than five minutes, she appeared beside his car carrying a few bags. She placed them in the back seat and buckled her seatbelt.
“What are those bags?” Ayaan asked curiously.
“I’m about to meet your family officially, so I thought I should bring something for them. I don’t know much about their likes or preferences and I’m just a simple girl, I can’t afford anything fancy for the billionaires of the continent so I just got some sweets, chocolates and toys for Ishaan sir and Pari madam’s children.” she said with a nervous smile.
Ayaan felt a strange tug in his chest at her words, but he refused to give into it and masked it with a faint smile. “Planning already to win over my family with your web of lies?” he thought bitterly, starting the car.
” Fool yourself ” his heart mocked him.
As they drove, he noticed the mix of excitement and anxiety on her face. She slowly reached out and held his hand.
“Just relax, you’re going to love them.” he said gently.
As Ayaan pulled the car in front of the manor, Zara gasped at the breathtaking sight. The majestic building stood tall and elegant, its pillars adorned with intricate designs. The sprawling front yard, the lush garden, and the grand fountain glistening under the morning sun made her feel like she’d stepped into another world.
She stepped out of the car, her eyes wide in awe. Ayaan walked around, took her hand, and led her toward the entrance. Zara froze for a moment as they stepped inside, the interior shimmered under the soft glow of lights, the air fragrant with fresh flowers.
“Mom had all these flowers personally arranged to welcome you,” Ayaan’s voice gentle, broke her trance.
They walked into the living room where the entire family was gathered. Zara’s nerves spiked instantly, the faces she had only seen in magazines, newspapers, television interviews, and social media posts were all standing before her.
Vaishu, Kajal and Ishika were the first to step forward, wrapping her in a warm hug, followed by Pari who greeted her kindly. The men welcomed her with warm smiles, their eyes filled with curiosity and quiet approval.
Zara bent down respectfully to touch Reyansh, Vaishu, Mithun, and Kajal’s feet, seeking their blessings.
Just then, two children appeared before her and Zara smiled softly, realizing they must be Ishaan and Pari’s kids, Ved and Saanvi, whose pictures rarely made it to the public eye.
Zara knelt down to the children’s level, smiling warmly. Ved was the first to speak, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“Are you our new aunt? Will you play with us?” he asked eagerly.
Zara’s heart melted at his innocence. She nodded quickly, handing them the toys she had brought. “I got these for you both to play with this time, but next time, I’ll make sure to bring your favorite ones. And I brought some chocolates too but promise me you’ll ask Mamma and Papa before eating them, okay?”
Both Ved and Saanvi’s faces lit up with joy as they hugged her tightly. Zara almost lost her balance, but Ayaan, standing right behind her, caught her just in time, steadying her with a gentle smile.
The family watched the scene unfold with warmth and amusement, touched by how easily she had connected with the children.
Zara then stood and handed the box of sweets to Vaishu, who accepted it with a fond smile. Ayaan guided her to the couch and gently pulled her down to sit beside him.
“So, Zara, how is Ayaan treating you?” Reyansh was the first to ask and Zara’s heart raced, and for a moment, her voice seemed caught in her throat. Vaishu, sitting beside her, reached out and held her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. The warmth in that touch calmed her nerves, and Zara finally found her words.
“He’s the first person who’s ever treated me with so much love and care,” she began softly and her eyes started glistening. “I never knew what it felt like to be protected by someone until he did. Ayaan gave me hope when I had none, and that hope turned my life into something beautiful, something I never even dared to dream of.”
Her words hung in the air, filled with sincerity and emotion. Everyone could feel the weight of her loneliness and the depth of her love for Ayaan.
Reyansh smiled warmly. “You have a family now, Zara. The moment Ayaan chose you, you became our daughter. You belong to the Rey family, so don’t ever think you’re alone. And even if Ayaan ever troubles you, you can always come to us.” he said and tears welled up in Zara’s eyes, spilling down her cheeks. Vaishu gently wiped them away, and Zara leaned forward to hug her tightly, whispering a trembling, “Thank you.”
Ayaan was quietly battling his emotions, watching Zara and his family bond so quickly. The morning flowed with laughter and stories about him, each one painting a picture of his mischievous past. Yet, everyone was careful not to touch the painful memories that could shadow his newfound happiness.
Ishika’s silence cut through Zara like a knife, Ishika smiled and welcomed her like a sister easing the heaviness in her heart.
Zara listened to every story with a soft smile, her heart swelling with love and guilt at once. She knew, deep down, that she was connected indirectly to the loss that had once shattered him.
” But I will love you, Ayaan… with everything I have. No expectations. No conditions. I promise you that, you will always be the center of my world. I’d give up everything and anything if it means keeping your smile alive. ” Zara thought silently.
Vaishu called everyone to the dining hall for lunch and Zara froze the moment she stepped inside. The royal dining chamber gleamed under the chandeliers—an endless table adorned with gold and silver cutlery that shimmered like a dream. She took a seat beside Ayaan, her smile soft but nervous as her eyes travelled across the large, joyful family gathered around with Reyansh at the head of the table.
Everyone made sure to include her in their conversations, their warmth easing her tension little by little. As the maids began serving, Zara’s eyes widened at the array of dishes and sweets laid before her and it was nothing short of a feast.
Feeling everyone’s gaze, Ayaan, picked up a sweet and gently fed it to Zara. The family went still for a heartbeat before laughter rippled across the table.
“Zara, feed him too, Poor guy looks like he’ll cry if you don’t.” Pari teased with a grin.
Blushing, Zara picked a piece and fed Ayaan, her shy smile earning a round of chuckles from the family before everyone finally began to eat.
After the grand feast, the family moved to the theatre for a movie. Ayaan and Zara quietly slipped into the top corner seats, away from everyone else, ignoring the playful teases thrown their way. Throughout the movie, Ayaan kept stealing soft kisses whenever the lights dimmed, and Zara eventually rested her head on his chest, the film long forgotten as they sank into their own world.
When the movie ended and everyone walked out, Pari nudged Zara’s shoulder playfully.
“Seems like someone was having a romantic time instead of watching the movie,” she teased with a grin.
Zara blushed furiously, shaking her head too quickly in denial, which only made Pari laugh louder until Kajal playfully twisted her ear. “Stop teasing the poor girl,” she scolded, making everyone chuckle.
Ayaan rubbed the back of his neck, exchanging a knowing glance with his mother, who simply nodded with a small smile. Without a word, he took Zara’s hand and led her to the elevator.
When they reached the second floor, Zara froze the moment she stepped into his room. Her eyes widened in surprise, awe, and disbelief all at once. The room was elegant, masculine but what caught her attention, what stole her breath completely, was the large framed photograph of his ex girlfriend on the wall.
” I’m trying to move on, also I haven’t been here for a while now but I’ll have it removed today because this is our new beginning. I’ll replace it with our picture.” Ayaan said softly, his gaze fixed on the portrait.
Zara opened her mouth to protest, shaking her head gently but he stopped her with a look. “I need to do this, Zara. It’s the only way I can truly move forward… and start a life with you. I know we are moving too fast but I don’t see any point in waiting when I already know that you are all I want. ” he said tracing her cheek with his thumb.
Overwhelmed, Zara hugged him tightly and Ayaan’s arms instinctively wrapped around her. He pulled back slightly and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead only to feel an ache twist deep inside him.
The air in the room suddenly grew heavy, the walls closing in with the weight of memories that weren’t hers. His chest tightened as guilt clawed at him.
“How could you kiss her here? This room still belongs to your Zara, your first love. You’re doing this for revenge… so remember your purpose, Ayaan. Control yourself.” he thought.
“Liar, close your eyes and face the truth—see who really owns your heart now,” his mind screamed.
Ayaan shut his eyes instinctively and in that instant, the image of the woman in his arms, he swore to ruin, with her eyes full of love and a heart carrying the dream of becoming his wife flashed in his mind.
He opened his eyes abruptly, his breath catching in his throat as realization and confusion warred within him.
Ayaan couldn’t stay in that room any longer. He took Zara to the terrace, showing her the breathtaking view of the garden before they returned to join the family for coffee.
Vaishu held Zara’s hand and led her toward the garden for a quiet walk. They settled on the swing, the evening breeze brushing past them.
“Zara… do you know about his past?” Vaishu asked gently and Zara nodded with a soft hum, acknowledging the question.
“Are you sure about this relationship? I’m asking for the sake of both of you. This morning, I even questioned him, if he chose you for your name. Have you ever felt that? You two have been together for a while now.” Vaishu asked and her tone was steady and sincere.
Zara shook her head immediately. “No. Never. He has never made me feel that way. He makes me feel special. He cares, he protects, and he’s always been straightforward with me.” she said firmly and Vaishu let out a subtle breath of relief, a warm smile spreading across her face.
They walked back to the living room and Zara took her place beside Ayaan.
“So, what are your plans?” Ishaan asked casually.
Ayaan glanced at Zara, and she gave a small nod knowing where would this discussion head.
“We’re ready to get married but we want it simple, just family and a reception with close circle. The world will know, but I don’t want her uncomfortable in front of thousands. Her comfort matters more than anything.” Ayaan said looking at Zara and the sincerity in his tone left everyone touched and as Zara smiled, the family nodded in agreement.
Vaishu showered Zara with jewels as gifts, but Zara hesitated to accept them, it all felt too overwhelming. Ayaan gave her a reassuring look, silently urging her to take them. Later, Zara bid bye to everyone and Ayaan drove her back to her apartment.
Zara invited him in and Ayaan followed her wearing a mask. The moment the door closed, he pulled her close and kissed her.
“Let’s get married in a week, I will take care of all the arrangements. Will that be ok or do you feel I m forcing you ? I will do anything as you say ” he murmured.
“You have no idea what it means to be with you. I’ve loved you in silence for years so why would I stop now, when I finally have the chance to love you with all my heart?” she thought, and nodded her head, tightening her arms around him and burying her face in his chest.
Ayaan crushed her in his embrace feeling the warmth that made him feel at peace.
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A/N:
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