The ballroom of Ishaan’s luxury hotel glittered like a palace carved out of a dream. Crystal chandeliers cascaded from the towering ceiling, scattering warm light that danced across the polished marble floors. Every corner overflowed with fresh flowers…..orchids, lilies, jasmine, roses woven into grand arrangements that filled the room with a delicate fragrance befitting royalty.
It was not just an event, it was a celebration that matched the stature of the family hosting it, baby shower for Zara, awaited by all with overwhelming joy.
The entire family looked breathtaking in their regal silk ensembles, handwoven, rich in color, and complemented with diamonds, emeralds and rare jewels that shimmered under the golden lights. They looked like a lineage born to lead, radiating grace and power in equal measure.
Reyansh and Vaishu the perfect hosts, stood at the entrance, warm, composed and majestic as they greeted each guest. Business magnates, influential industrialists, cabinet ministers, senior bureaucrats and state and central politicians lined up to congratulate the family, each acknowledging the grandeur of the event.
Inside the ballroom, Ishaan carried little Saanvi in his arms, bouncing her gently as she tugged at his collar playfully. Her laughter blended with the soft music drifting through the hall. Mithun and Hari were engaged in conversations with top executives and delegates, switching effortlessly between light banter and sharp political discussions.
All around them, the family’s personal assistants moved with expert precision guiding guests, coordinating staff, ensuring that nothing, absolutely nothing, fell out of place. Trays of exotic beverages and delicacies circulated smoothly.
And amidst the elegance, the security team worked like a silent force. The CSO and his specially appointed elite unit monitored every angle of the room, from discreet corners, from the balcony above and through hidden earpieces they were alert, vigilant and in complete control. Every entry point, every guest list, every movement was being monitored with military-level precision.
The atmosphere was alive, celebratory, powerful and filled with the unmistakable warmth of a family ready to welcome their new legacy into the world.
Inside the luxury suite, Zara now 36 weeks pregnant sat regally while three stylists worked around her with utmost precision. Soft brushes swept across her skin, flowers and diamond brooches were pinned carefully into her braid and gentle hands adjusted each fold of her saree. Despite the activity around her, Zara radiated a serene beauty, the kind that naturally blooms from anticipation and joy.
Pari, already dressed in a stunning pastel-pink lehenga, lingered nearby like a protective sister, hovering, watching and constantly slipping a glass of juice or a small plate of snacks into Zara’s hands.
“No skipping anything today. You’re feeding two little royals, remember?” Pari warned sweetly as she adjusted Zara’s bangles.
Finally, after the last touch of gloss and the final pin in her hair, Zara was ready. And she looked breathtaking.
Pari quickly sent a message to Ayaan, who had been waiting impatiently for updates. The moment he received the text, he practically flew up the hallway.
Dressed in a crisp white silk shirt and dhoti, his hair slightly tousled in the exact way his wife adored, he stepped into the suite and the world seemed to pause.
The stylists froze for a moment, then quickly gathered their things. Pari winked mischievously, gave Zara’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze and nudged Ayaan as she exited, shutting the door behind her.
Silence filled the room and Ayaan stood still for a heartbeat, then slowly took a step forward… and another… as if afraid she would vanish if he blinked.
Zara looked ethereal in the pastel-green silk saree, woven exclusively for her comfort. At her request, the silk was light, soft and free of heavy gems because Ayaan had personally ensured that nothing weighed her down. Every detail had been chosen to make her feel cherished, safe, and beautiful.
Her jewelry sparkled subtly, elegant diamonds and emeralds that matched the serene glow of her outfit. Her hair, braided intricately, held delicate flowers and tiny diamond brooches that shimmered with each breath she took.
She stood with one hand resting protectively over her twin bump.
She was beyond beautiful…she looked divine in his eyes. His chest tightened, eyes were fixed on her, his voice lost somewhere in the warmth rising inside him. He didn’t rush toward her. He approached like a man walking toward a miracle.
And Zara’s smile widened, knowing exactly what he was thinking… because she felt it too…..the electricity between them, the overwhelming tenderness and the silent promise in his gaze.
Ayaan held her arm as if she were a delicate glass doll and leaning close he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. His hands rose to cradle her cheeks and he brushed a gentle kiss over her closed eyes.
“God… you’re so beautiful, Zara. I… I can’t breathe, sweetheart. You’re breathtaking,” he murmured before placing the lightest peck on her lips. His gaze traveled over her and then he circled his hands around her face, warding off the evil eyes in his own way.
“You’re divine. Now I understand why people call women goddesses. You’re glowing… powerful… carrying our babies like a queen. You look so graceful that I think I’ve forgotten every word I’ve ever learned.” he said and Zara gave his chest a playful punch.
“Stop being dreamy, Ayaan. Nothing has changed. I’m still your Zara…… your wife who annoys you every day. And let me praise my husband. You look ravishing… delicious,” she said with an exaggerated pout.
Ayaan laughed softly at her words. “You’re cute. Too innocent. And mine… only mine, Zara,” he whispered, pulling her into a careful embrace.
“I could stand here staring at you all night but I know all this must be exhausting for you with every passing minute. So let’s go, sweetheart. Let’s finish the rituals,” he said gently and slipped one arm around her shoulders, holding her steady, while his other hand clasped hers. Together, they made their way out of the suite.
The moment they stepped into the ballroom, the entire room fell silent…….frozen by the sight of the glowing couple who couldn’t take their eyes off each other.
Vaishu and Kajal guided Zara to the beautifully decorated loveseat, while Ayaan sat beside her. They were asked to exchange garlands and Zara blushed at the sight of her family beaming with pride and joy.
As the rituals began, Leela approached with the ceremonial tray. Only then did Zara notice it, the plate filled entirely with shimmering diamond bangles. She turned sharply toward Ayaan, wide-eyed and he only shrugged with a smile.
“I did buy the glass bangles you asked for, but everyone brought bangles for you and they wanted you to wear theirs. The entire plate filled up… so wear these now. Once we’re home, I’ll put the bangles I bought on you myself.” Ayaan murmured softly, leaning closer so only she could hear him.
Zara’s heart softened at his words and she nodded before turning her attention to Leela, who stepped forward with a warm smile. Gently holding Zara’s cheeks, Leela placed a kiss on her forehead.
“Stay together and love each other a little more every single day. You both deserve that kind of happiness.” she blessed and her voice was affectionate and proud. She smeared sandal powder on both their cheeks and slid a pair of bangles onto Zara’s wrists before stepping aside.
Then came Vaishu, Kajal, Pari, Ishika and little Advika, each taking turns to complete the ritual. Finally, Reyansh, Hari, Mithun and Ishaan were called forward. Each placed a hand on Ayaan’s and Zara’s heads, blessing them and the babies.
Zara felt her breath hitch. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she took in the overwhelming affection surrounding her. Every gesture, every blessing, every smile wrapped her like a warm embrace. She wasn’t alone anymore. She has a big family and soon, she and Ayaan would welcome their babies into this world, into this home, into this love.
The thought sent shivers through her, a tremble of joy spread down her spine. She intertwined her fingers with Ayaan’s needing to feel him, needing him to anchor her overflowing emotions.
Ayaan turned his head and caught her teary smile, his lips curved into a soft smile, one that told her he understood everything she was feeling without a single word spoken.
After the guests had greeted the couple and showered them with their wishes, a lavish dinner was served. Ayaan quietly instructed Sameer to ensure that every guest received their return gifts. Once the formal gathering ended, the family moved to the private dining area, where a special feast had been arranged exclusively for them.
Everyone settled into their seats while the waiters moved around gracefully, serving dish after dish. Ayaan picked up a starter and Zara, feeling hungry instantly opened her mouth. He chuckled softly and fed her, earning a few fond glances from the table.
After the meal, Zara rose from her seat. She opened her arms wide and her eyes shimmered with emotion.
” I love you all… thank you so much for everything you’ve given me, for giving me a family,” she said, blowing kisses toward them.
Reyansh and Vaishu immediately walked to her side and wrapped her in a warm embrace. Ayaan lifted his phone without being asked as he was already used to capturing these moments for her album and clicked photos of the three of them smiling together, preserving yet another memory she would treasure forever.
Since it was already late, the family retired to the VIP suites reserved for them. Ayaan and Zara entered their suite and he waited patiently while the stylist and her assistants helped Zara remove her saree, accessories and makeup, finally freeing her hair from its pins. The staff who remained gave her gentle head, back and foot massages to ease the exhaustion of the long day.
Once they left, Ayaan took her hand, guided her to sit on the bed and then stepped into the closet to change into his night clothes. When he returned, he carried a small box in his hands. He opened it before her and Zara let out a soft squeal looking at the glass bangles he had bought glimmering inside.
Ayaan slid them onto her wrists slowly, with utmost care and Zara lifted her arms to admire the colorful bangles now chiming softly. He ended up clicking more photos of her…and of them together, as always.
” I love you, Ayaan,” she murmured and leaned forward to kiss his cheek.
Ayaan smiled, easing her back onto the bed with tenderness before pressing a gentle kiss to her baby bump.
“Are you happy, little Zara and little Ayaan? Just a few more days… I can’t wait to hold you both in my arms,” he whispered, making Zara’s smile widen as she opened her arms for him.
He immediately snuggled into her embrace, resting his head against her chest.
“God, you’re like a fluffy little cloud. I love cuddling you,” he said, earning a playful smack on his back.
Zara stroked his hair softly, her fingers weaving through the slightly messy strands she loved so much. For a long moment she just held him, listening to the steady rhythm of his breath against her chest.
“Ayaan…” she whispered and he hummed, lifting his head just enough to look at her. “Hmm, yes sweetheart?” he asked pecking her lips.
Zara swallowed and her eyes suddenly glistened. “Today… everything felt like a dream. Sometimes I still can’t believe this is my life. I was alone for so long. I never thought I would have a family who loves me so much… a husband who holds me like I’m precious… and now our babies…” Her voice trembled as emotion swelled in her chest, her breathe hitched and tears slipped down her cheeks. Ayaan rose instantly, cupping her face with both hands and wiped her tears with his thumbs.
“Zara…” he whispered and concern filled his eyes.
She shook her head gently. “I’m not crying out of sadness. I’m just… overwhelmed. All of this love… all of this happiness… it feels like my heart is too small to hold it. When everyone blessed us today, when they put the bangles, when they hugged me… I felt like I finally belonged somewhere. Like I finally mattered.” She said and smiled softly through her tears.
Ayaan pulled her into his chest, holding her as though trying to absorb every word into his skin. “You matter more than you’ll ever know. To them… to me… to our children. You’re the heart of our family, Zara. You’re the reason we are complete.” he murmured into her hair.
Zara clung to him, breathing in his warmth. “I’m scared…. too scared that this happiness is too much… scared that something or someone will take it away.” she whispered against his shoulder.
Ayaan leaned back, holding her face firmly but gently and his gaze was steady and full of promise.
“Nothing or no one will take it away. I’m here. Our family is here. You are safe, Zara. You are loved. And you are never, ever going to be alone again.” he said quietly and her lips curved in a trembling smile as she pressed her forehead to his.
“Thank you for making me feel cherished… for giving me everything I never dared to dream.” she said and Ayaan brushed a kiss on her nose, then her cheeks and then finally her lips.
” Thank you for giving me a life worth living.” he said and Zara pulled him back into her arms, holding him close, as if anchoring herself to the only place she truly felt like home.
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