Ayaan was in the room, pacing slowly with two-month old Rehan and Zavi in his arms. Zara sat on the bed, watching him with a soft smile. Ayaan gently laid the babies on the bed and knelt in front of them.
“Look at my prince and princess… aren’t you both the cutest babies? And you want mamma and daddy’s attention all the time, isn’t it?” he murmured, kissing their foreheads.
“You’re already so experienced holding both of them together. Do you remember how scared you were, saying you might never be able to carry them at the same time? Now look at you………… being a super-daddy, doing everything perfectly. Who taught you, Mr. Ayaan?” Zara teased him.
Ayaan turned his gaze to his wife.
“You taught me, wifey. You sacrificed your health and everything else to bring them into this world. I have always loved my mom so much and you know I would do anything for her but I never truly understood the pain she must have gone through giving birth to us and raising us. When I saw you give birth to our babies… and the way you smiled despite the pain… it made me realize nothing is impossible. And most importantly, look at our Rehan and Zavi. Who wouldn’t want to cradle them? I love them equally, but I never want them to feel neglected just because I could hold only one of them at a time.” Ayaan replied with a smile but Zara smirked, deciding to tease him more.
“So what about me then? You’ll carry your son and daughter and leave your wife behind?” she said, pretending to pout.
Ayaan chuckled pinching her cheek gently and kissed her nose.
“Stop pretending mommy. I know you are pulling my leg. You know, I carry you in my heart. Once you recover, I’ll carry you on my back while I cradle our babies in my arms. And when they grow older, I will carry you in my arms and they shall sit on my shoulders and cling to my back. Either way, you three are my whole world and I breathe for you.” Ayaan said and hearing his words Zara opened her arms for him.
Ayaan immediately hugged her carefully and tenderly before placing a soft kiss on her neck.
“I lob you,” Zara said dramatically, making him laugh. He pulled back and pecked her lips.
“I wuv you,” he replied and Just then his phone started ringing. Ayaan groaned and moved to the couch to take the call but his eyes never left Zara who was gently talking to the babies and kissing their tiny palms.
“Sir, Suryadev has invited the top businessmen of the country for a conference next week. They are planning to discuss employment development and business expansion to improve the nation’s economic condition.” Sameer informed and Ayaan let out a short, humorless chuckle.
“That bastard wants to show he is doing his best for the nation, huh? Fine. Accept the invite. And if he requests a private meeting during the conference, accept that too,” Ayaan said before cutting the call.
Zara looked up at him. “What happened?”
“Suryadev has arranged a business meet. He wants people to believe he is working hard for their sake. And I’m sure this is also an excuse to meet one of us privately to discuss the ongoing cold war. He can’t call for a direct meeting, not when Mom is standing against him and we’re supporting her. So he needed a reason that looks like a win–win.” Ayaan said with a sarcastic smile.
Zara nodded, understanding perfectly.
“Let it be. I’ll handle him. Right now, let’s focus on us.” Ayaan said softly and moved back to the bed. He lay beside Rehan, gently talking and playing with him, while Zara continued feeding little Zavi.
The next morning, the family was gathered for breakfast while Rehan and Zavi slept peacefully in their cribs and the nannies kept a close watch on them. Ayaan gently served food onto Zara’s plate and poured juice into her glass, ignoring her protests.
“Stop protesting every time, sweetheart. I know you don’t like these, but your body needs it to recuperate. And you are feeding two babies, not one so you need more energy.” he scolded lovingly and fed her a spoonful, ignoring the cute pout she gave him.
“Hello, everyone “, A loud screechy voice suddenly echoed through the hall. The sound wasn’t just jarring, it startled Rehan and Zavi awake and both immediately burst into loud cries. Ayaan’s expression darkened at once. He rushed to Zavi, lifting her into his arms, while Zara cradled Rehan and gently rocked him, trying to soothe the babies.
Everyone’s gaze snapped toward the source of the noise and Brinda, Pari’s distant cousin stood smiling as if she had done nothing wrong.
Ayaan placed Zavi back into her crib once she calmed and then he turned towards Brinda with his teeth clenched. But before he could say anything, she suddenly threw herself at him and hugged him tightly.
Ayaan instantly shoved her away and stepped back with a disgusted look, while Zara’s jaw dropped open as someone had just hugged her Ayaan right in front of the whole family.
“Do you know anything about manners or etiquette? Is this how you barge into someone’s home?” Ayaan snapped.
His raised voice made Rehan start crying again in Zara’s arms. Ayaan immediately rushed over and held him against his chest.
“Sorry, my son… did Daddy scare you? Don’t cry. I won’t raise my voice in your presence again, okay?” he whispered gently and kissed Rehan’s forehead.
A tiny tear escaped the corner of the baby’s eye and that only fueled Ayaan’s anger further. He shot a harsh glare at Brinda.
“You made my son shed tears,” he growled and before he could continue, Pari stepped forward, visibly distant and unwelcoming.
“Brinda, I didn’t know you were coming. What brings you here?” she asked in cold tone.
“Hi Pari, I heard Ayaan had the naming ceremony for his twin babies, so I thought I should visit and convey my wishes personally. And it’s been so many years, I haven’t met any of you.” Brinda said cheerfully, brushing her hair back as if she owned the room.
Everyone fell silent at her boldness but Ayaan was the first to react. He didn’t bother hiding his irritation.
“The twins are mine and my wife Zara’s babies.” Ayaan said sharply and didn’t spare her another glance. Instead he turned to the butler. “Serve breakfast in our room.” he ordered.
He gently handed Rehan to the nanny and nodded for the nannies to take both babies to his wing. Then he took Zara’s hand firmly, protectively and walked out of the dining hall without once looking back at Brinda.
In the room, Zara settled on the couch, quietly observing Ayaan as he poured himself a glass of water and gulped it down, clearly trying to calm his mind.
“Is there some history I should know?” Zara asked softly.
Ayaan shook his head. “Not history, she is just a disgusting brat. She is Pari’s distant cousin and used to visit occasionally. You know me, Zara… I don’t step into anyone’s personal space so I never gave her any attention. Even Ishaan bro kept his distance from her. During one of her visits, she tried to get close to me… too close. Invading my space, touching, flirting, everything I hate so I snapped at her. She left immediately and never returned. It must be around fifteen years now. She didn’t show up even for Ishaan bro and Pari’s wedding. I have no idea why she is back now.” he said and sat beside Zara just as the maids entered with the food trolley. Ayaan dismissed them with a nod and personally served Zara and fed her with quiet care.
“Ignore her, I’ll ask the chef to prepare food in the kitchen in our wing. We shall have all our meals here away from any disturbance.” he murmured and Zara hummed in agreement.
Meanwhile, in the dining hall…the family continued their breakfast with Brinda but the air felt thick and uncomfortable. Later everyone moved to the living room and Brinda cleared her throat dramatically.
“I’m sorry if my presence is disturbing your peace. I truly have no bad intentions. I only wanted to meet you all as a family. But if I am making anyone uncomfortable, I’m willing to leave and stay with Kajal aunty and Mithun uncle instead. I even brought gifts for Ved, Saanvi and Ayaan’s babies.” she said trying to sound sincere and placed the gift bags on the tea table.
“You can stay here, Brinda but do not involve yourself in Ayaan’s life. He is very possessive about his space and his family and he will not tolerate anyone crossing that line. Keep your distance from him and his household.” Reyansh said firmly.
Brinda smiled politely and nodded in understanding.
Vaishu then instructed the home manager to prepare a room for Brinda in the same wing as Pari and Ishaan, far away from Ayaan’s side.
Two days passed since Brinda arrived and Ayaan remained mostly inside his wing and even worked from his room. He was having a happy time taking care of his wife and his babies.
He stepped out of the closet and heard soft babbling coming from the bed. Zara was smiling at the twins.
“You both want to play now? Look at you two…..so energetic as if the day has just begun, but it’s already ten at night. Mamma needs some sleep so either sleep with me or go join your daddy. He is having a meeting with your Ishu papa and Sameer uncle. I’m sure they could use some entertainment to keep them awake.” Zara said, gently poking Zavi’s tummy.
Rehan and Zavi babbled louder as if answering her.
Ayaan chuckled at the interaction and immediately sat on the other side of the bed, catching both babies attention at once. They turned to him with bright eyes and tiny kicks.
“They definitely recognize us, Ayaan. I don’t know if they understand everything but they surely listen to us.” Zara said with a smile.
Ayaan propped himself on his elbow and hugged both Rehan and Zavi close. “I can’t wait for you two to start talking. So tell me………what are your plans tonight? Do you intend to sleep or should I take you along with me like your mamma suggested?”
Both babies curled their legs and smiled. Ayaan held their tiny feet and kissed their soles.
“My little devils, Come on let’s go and let my wife rest.” he teased fondly and tried to lift them but Zara touched his arm immediately.
“I was just kidding. I don’t feel sleepy yet so I’ll take care of them. If I need rest, I’ll call you,” she said.
Ayaan checked the time on his watch. “Okay. I’ll inform the nannies and caretaker to stay right outside the room. If you need anything just call them. And if the babies look sleepy, call me, I’ll take a break from the meeting. Don’t strain yourself just because you don’t want to disturb me. I love you, sweetheart.” He kissed her forehead and walked out.
As soon as the door closed, Zara lay down beside the twins. “Your daddy has gone for his meeting so now let’s talk… and I’ll tell you a story.” She whispered and began narrating softly while the babies stared at her with wide, curious eyes.
Ayaan was in the study with Ishaan and Sameer, discussing the upcoming business meet with Suryadev.
“We shall make it clear that this government has never been supportive of our business. So we won’t be investing in any new ventures for now. We will make sure the rest of the businessmen echo the same. Any major expansion will happen only after the election, under the new government.” Ayaan said leaning back in his chair.
Ishaan sipped his whiskey listening quietly.
“And he will definitely push for a compromise to end this cold war. He will be willing to offer anything if it means stopping us. I’m sure he will try convincing Mom to back off… and he might even offer a deal to release his son.” Ayaan said and Sameer poured a drink for Ayaan but Ayaan raised a hand immediately stopping him.
“No. New daddy doesn’t drink ” Ishaan said with a smirk. He placed his glass on the table and leaned forward. “We’re not bending to anything. But what’s running in that sharp mind of yours?” he asked Ayaan.
Before Ayaan could answer there was a knock on the door.
All three looked at each other since none of them had called for anyone. Sameer walked to open it and Ayaan’s jaw tightened the second he saw Brinda walk in holding a tray.
“I couldn’t sleep so felt like having coffee and then I found out you were all in a meeting… so I thought I would bring some.” she said placing the tray on the table. She picked up a cup and extended it to Ayaan but he stepped back without a second glance and ignored her. Her smile faltered and she turned toward Ishaan, only to find him already holding his whiskey, with Sameer pouring another.
She sat down with her own cup but both Ayaan and Ishaan noticed how her eyes traveled across the room, observing everything she could.
Ayaan stood abruptly. “Zara will be looking for me. We’ll continue this later.” he said and without waiting for a response he walked out. Ishaan downed the rest of his whiskey in one go and followed him out, not offering Brinda a single word.
Sameer looked at Brinda and the door, a silent message for her to leave. She rolled her eyes in annoyance and stormed out. Sameer’s mobile pinged with a message from Ayaan and he glanced at it with a smirk and left the room with a smile.
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A/N:
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