One month passed and Ishaan and Pari had returned to Rey’s Manor. They spent weekdays there but often stayed at their penthouse on weekends to have some time for themselves. Life was complete bliss, they were truly living every moment of it.
Meanwhile, Ishaan, Reyansh, and Mithun kept a close watch on Varun, his family, and everyone associated with him. Their phones were tapped, every transaction and meeting was monitored closely. But it seemed like Varun had withdrawn from his earlier plans and was now focusing solely on his business.
Ishaan had instructed Ayaan to keep a vigilant eye on everything — both in business and within the family. All the men were on high alert.
Reyansh had arranged a special family dinner at the manor, so Ishaan and Pari decided to spend the weekend with everyone. While Ishaan was with Ayaan, Pari went to Vaishu’s room and found her reading a magazine. Vaishu folded it and patted the space beside her, inviting Pari to sit.
“So strange that my Rey uncle has left you all alone. What’s happening?” Pari asked playfully, lying down on the couch with her head resting on Vaishu’s lap.
“Your mamma has threw your papa out of home since she wanted a spa day, so he’s here with Rey uncle and they’re catching up on some old friends’ time. How are you, Pari? How’s Ishu treating you?” Vaishu asked caressing Pari’s hair with love.
Pari smiled at her words and the affectionate tone in her question. She gently took Vaishu’s hand and kissed her palm.
“You’re such a great woman, aunty. So special, you did what no mother would ever do for her son. You could have hated me since I was the reason you had to send Ishaan away from all of you. But you never once showed any hatred toward me. In fact, I didn’t even know you punished Ishaan all these years. What did I ever do to deserve all your love?”
Vaishu’s eyes glistened as she wiped the tears forming in the corners.
“Every woman on this planet is great and special, Pari. And why should I hate you, doll? What Ishu did was a sin. Let’s imagine he wasn’t my son and you were someone from an unknown family and what do you think would have been the consequences of his actions? Your father would’ve filed a complaint against him, and he would’ve ended up behind bars. Just because he’s my son and you’re my Mithun bro’s daughter doesn’t mean we could turn a blind eye to his mistakes. So don’t blame yourself for what he did.” Vaishu said and Pari felt a deep respect rise within her towards Vaishu.
“Maybe if I hadn’t seen him in the wrong light, none of this would’ve happened. Why am I so weak?” she murmured.
Vaishu placed a gentle finger on Pari’s lips, stopping her from saying another word.
“You’re not weak, Pari,” Vaishu said with warmth. “You’re kind, humble, innocent, and naive just like I once was. You won’t believe me, but the truth is, when I first met your uncle, I never spoke to him. I used to hide from him. I had haphephobia, but your uncle was patient. He won me over with love. He broke through my insecurities. I refused to study, but he pushed me to grow. I don’t even know how or when, but we became a power couple — standing strong against the world together.
You don’t have to be strong all the time, and that’s completely normal. Being yourself is your real strength and that’s your beauty. Everyone is different, and it’s okay to be who we truly are without trying to change.” Vaishu said with warmth.
Pari sat up and hugged Vaishu tightly, her heart full. “Thank you, aunty,” she whispered as Vaishu stroked her back with a smile.
“But why didn’t you all try to make me understand that Ishaan was the one for me?” Pari asked with a small pout.
Vaishu chuckled. “Because we already knew you were in love with him. Your eyes never left him even when your mouth screamed at him. Eyes are the doors to the heart, and he had already found his place there. Love isn’t something that can be forced or taught — it has to be felt and realized in every bone and fiber of your being. So we let fate decide your future.
When you visited us on weekends, you would always look through the family album. Your fingers would linger a little longer on his photo. You’d even sneak into his room when no one was watching.”
Pari gasped in shock, her cheeks flushing red.
“Come, let me show you something today,” Vaishu said with a mysterious smile, pulling Pari along. “There are certain things I’ve kept safe and meant to be shown only to Ishaan’s wife. And that’s you.”
She opened a room, and Pari’s eyes widened in awe. Her lips parted as she took in the sight — a beautiful silver cradle gleamed under the soft light, surrounded by neatly arranged baby toys. There was a tiny walker, a swing, and several soft toys — everything preserved with love and care even after all these years.
“This room holds all the things Ishaan used over the years until he turned into a teen. Your uncle and your papa bought all of these for him. We have similar rooms for Ishi, Adhvika, and Ayaan and one for you too, both here and at your papa’s home. I’ll show that to Ishaan later,” Vaishu said with a gentle smile.
Pari touched the beautiful cradle, her fingers brushing over the neatly arranged toys, tiny cars, and the walker.
Vaishu opened a box, and Pari chuckled in surprise when she saw a miniature cutlery set inside. She picked up a golden bowl, a sipper, and a spoon, her eyes widening.
“Ansh got these for Ishu and Ishi, I used to argue with him that we shouldn’t spoil them, but he never agreed. He wanted his son and daughter to be fed from golden spoons and drink water from golden sippers. Rey and Mithun bro truly spoiled them with love.” Vaishu said, her tone filled with nostalgia
Pari laughed softly, imagining the sight. They spent some time together as Vaishu explained the story behind each toy — every memory stitched with warmth and laughter. Pari’s eyes fell on a framed picture of Ishaan, Ishika, Reyansh, and Vaishu, all smiling brightly. In another photo, Mithun was carrying little Ishaan and Ishika on his shoulders, their joy frozen in time.
“Mithun bro wasn’t just his mamu, he was like a father too,” Vaishu said, her voice tender. “This room is yours now, Pari. You can visit it anytime you want. Now, come on let’s get ready for dinner. Kajal should be arriving any moment.”
Pari nodded, still lost in the sweet emotions that lingered in the room, and followed Vaishu out as she locked the door behind them.
When Pari entered the bedroom, she gasped as her feet suddenly lifted off the ground. Ishaan had swept her into his arms, pressing a playful kiss to her cheek.
“I was looking for you, I heard you were with Amma, so I didn’t want to disturb you. But I was waiting patiently for you to come back. I missed you.” he murmured, his lips brushing her skin.
Pari smiled, her arms curling around his neck. “I love you,” she whispered.
Ishaan’s smile deepened at her words, his eyes glinting with affection.
Together, they got ready for dinner, and an hour later they arrived at the dining hall. The huge table gleamed under the chandelier, beautifully arranged with dishes and flowers. The cutlery sparkled, perfectly aligned. One by one, the family members arrived, taking their seats.
Reyansh sat at the head of the table, Vaishu to his right, Mithun to his left, and Kajal beside Mithun. Ishaan and Pari took their seats next to Vaishu.
Reyansh smiled, his gaze moving around the table, pride and contentment reflected in his eyes as the dishes were served to everyone.
” Dad, who sat in the head seat before you ? “Ayaan asked stuffing a piece of his favorite sweet in his mouth.
” This always belonged to your grandpa and even after he passed away I never occupied this seat. Years later, it was my muffins who occupied this. They would love to be seated in this to have their food, spilling all over and feeding us too. ” Reyansh said with a smile that confirmed that his mind was back to those days. Ishaan and Ishika shared a look and turned their gaze to their father.
” Now my muffins are grown up and Ishaan is married to our darling Pari. Its almost more than a month and I think we should plan their wedding officially. There is enough gossip already and we don’t want any drama about them. Tomorrow we would fix a date and start with the preparations. Ishaan and Pari shall decide the venue and everything they wanted in their wedding. ” Reyansh said and Ishaan winked at Pari.
Cheers erupted around the table as sweets were passed and shared to celebrate the news. Ayaan hugged Ishaan tightly, while Pari blushed, thanking everyone for their wishes.
Soon after, Ishaan, Pari, Ishika, Ayaan, Adhvika, and Zara gathered in the garden. The night sky was dotted with stars, the air filled with laughter and chatter. Ayaan, brimming with mischief, placed a bottle in the middle of their circle on the grass.
“Alright, lets play Truth or Dare, No backing out. And remember, the dares are not for the weak-hearted.” Ayaan announced, rubbing his palms together.
Ayaan spun the bottle first and it pointed straight at Ishika.
“Truth or dare?” Zara asked, grinning mischievously.
“Truth,” Ishika said cautiously.
“Fine, Is there someone you’re secretly crushing on?”
Ishika’s cheeks turned red. “Maybe,” she mumbled, trying to avoid everyone’s gaze.
“Maybe? that’s not an answer. Who is it? The nation wants to know. Its a great news that our Ishi sissy has crush on someone. Who is that lucky guy ? ” Ayaan asked and everyone joined him.
Ishika glared playfully. ” I m supposed to answer a single question and I did. Next spin”
The bottle spun again and stopped at Pari.
“Dare,” Pari said boldly, raising her chin.
Adhvika’s lips curved into a half-smile. “I dare you to look into Ishaan bro’s eyes for three minutes. You lose the dare if you blink.”
The group whistled and laughed at the challenge. Pari’s cheeks flushed, but she lifted her chin and nodded. “Fine. I’ll do it.”
Ishaan raised his brows, half-amused, half-nervous. “Three minutes, huh? Are you sure you can handle that, Pari?”
“I should be asking you the same thing,” Pari shot back, her voice softer than she intended.
The timer started. The moment their eyes locked, laughter faded into silence. Pari’s heartbeat raced while Ishaan’s gaze held her steady, intense, almost unraveling her. She fought the urge to look away.
Two minutes in, his eyes flicked briefly to her lips, and she nearly blinked. Heat rushed to her cheeks.
“Time’s up ” Zara cheered.
Pari exhaled, blinking fast, while Ishaan leaned back with a satisfied smile. Adhvika grinned. “Forget winning, you two are already lost in each other.”
The circle erupted into laughter, but Ishaan and Pari only looked at each other, silently acknowledging the truth in her words.
Pari shook her head, trying to steady her racing heartbeat, but the flush on her cheeks betrayed her.
On the next spin, the bottle landed on Ayaan.
“Dare” he said instantly, puffing his chest.
“Good, I dare you to do a full-on filmy proposal to Zara.” Ishika said with a wicked grin.
“What?” both Ayaan and Zara exclaimed at once, while the rest burst into laughter.
But Ayaan, never the one to back down, dramatically got on one knee, held Zara’s hand, and declared, “Zara, from the moment our paths crossed, my world hasn’t been the same. You’ve filled it with laughter, warmth, and love… Will you marry me?
Everyone roared with laughter as Zara hit him on the shoulder, hiding her smile.
The bottle spun again and landed on Ishaan.
“Truth,” he said calmly.
Pari’s eyes glinted with curiosity. “Alright… what’s the one thing we aren’t aware of, Ishaan?”
The group leaned in, expecting something mischievous. Ishaan, however, grew uncharacteristically quiet. He ran a hand through his hair, his eyes briefly flicking to Pari before settling on the ground.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low but steady. “You all know me as stubborn, short-tempered, always in control… but what you don’t know is, I write letters.”
Pari blinked. “Letters?”
He nodded. “Since we were kids. I’ve written hundreds of them… to one person. Every time I couldn’t say something, every time I missed, every time I was angry, or happy, or just… lost. I poured it all into words.”
Ayaan whistled softly. “And where are these letters now?”
Ishaan’s gaze locked onto Pari, unflinching, his expression raw. “They’re still with me. Unsent. Because they were always meant for someone who was right in front of me.”
Pari’s heart raced and she quickly looked down at the grass.
To break the tension, Adhvika spun the bottle again it landed on Zara.
“Truth,” Zara chose, wary after Ayaan’s dare.
“Fine,” Ayaan smirked. “Have you ever sneaked out at night without telling anyone?”
Zara laughed nervously. “Yes… and I got caught by dad before I even reached the gate.”
Everyone burst into laughter again. They wind up the game and Ishaan Pari retired to their room and cuddled on the bed.
” So Mrs. Ishaan Rey, tell me what type of wedding you want ? I shall take care of anything my wife wants ” Ishaan said and Pari tilt her head to look at him.
” Lets get married in the garden only. It carries so many memories of us and let our wedding be another memory. Lets have only family for the wedding and invite friends and guests to the reception. How about we plan the party at your hotel ? “
Ishaan smiled and pinched her nose.
” Your wish is my command and we shall have the reception party at our hotel ” he stressed the ‘our’ and Pari smiled kissing his chin.
The next day everyone gathered in the living and Vaishu placed a plate of sweets before revealing the date.
” The wedding will take place three weeks from today and the reception will be two days later ” Vaishu announced and everyone hooted and Ishaan hugged Pari. Later Ishaan revealed their plans of wedding and reception which was immediately agreed by everyone.
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A/N:
Be prepared for the pre- climax
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