One Year Later
Ayaan and Zara spent most of their time with the kids despite their busy schedules. Ayaan was occupied with his music sessions, while Zara was focused on managing the business. All their vacations were included with the kids. The family finally managed to convince Ayaan and Zara to go on a honeymoon, especially since the couple had been unwilling to leave Rehan and Zavi even for a short while. To reassure them, the family planned a vacation to the Ooty farmhouse and promised the twins an unforgettable time. Reyansh, in particular, tempted them with endless fun and adventures, cleverly presenting their parents honeymoon as a business trip that would last just a week.
Rehan and Zavi were hesitant at first, but Ved and Saanvi along with Ishaan and Pari bribed them shamelessly with treats, games and exciting plans, finally winning them over.
Zavi passed folded business attire to Rehan, who carefully placed each piece into the trolley. Ayaan watched them with a fond smile, his heart swell at how responsible his little ones were while packing for the so called business trip.
“Daddy, I want lots of chocolates,” Zavi said with a cute pout.
Ayaan scooped her into his arms and kissed her cheek. “Anything for my princess. Promise me you will be good and call me whenever you miss me,” he said running his fingers through her hair.
“Daddy, Pari aunty said you will be busy in meetings and that we shouldn’t disturb you,” Rehan said seriously, placing another one of Ayaan’s shirts into the trolley.
Zara bit her lip and glanced at Ayaan, who momentarily choked on Rehan’s words. Rehan climbed onto Ayaan’s other lap and looked at both his parents with curious eyes.
“Yes, boss, but mamma and daddy are never too busy for our Rehan and Zavi. Tell me, have I ever missed your call, even when I was in an important meeting?” Ayaan asked softly witha a smile.
Rehan and Zavi shook their heads instantly with a grin and planted kisses on his cheek.
Soon, the family gathered in the living room, with Rehan and Zavi clinging tightly to Ayaan. Reyansh opened his arms and Zavi happily climbed to him. Ishaan lifted Rehan into his arms and together the family walked out, ready for their planned vacation.
The convoy reached the airport. Reyansh and the others boarded the jet to Ooty with Rehan and Zavi, while Ayaan and Zara stepped into a different jet finally beginning their long-awaited honeymoon.
Ayaan slipped an arm around Zara’s shoulders and winked at her. Zara blushed and nudged him playfully with her elbow.
“We are going to miss Rehan and Zavi but finally, we’ll get some time to ourselves. Our long-pending honeymoon is actually happening. Sweetheart, pinch me just to make sure this is real.” he said softly.
Zara smiled and pinched his arm hard.
Ayaan hissed in pain and they both burst into laughter, their eyes met with shared excitement.
They landed in Venice and Zara rolled her eyes when she spotted a limousine waiting for them.
“Come on, baby, it’s your first time here and I want you to enjoy every bit of the luxury that comes with being the queen of Rey’s empire.” Ayaan said with a grin. He took her hand and guided her into the limo.
As they drove through the beautiful streets of Venice, Ayaan’s phone rang and the call was from his father. He answered immediately and Rehan and Zavi’s voices echoed from the other end.
“Daddy, did you and mamma reach Venice?” Zavi asked in her sweet and excited voice.
“Of course, baby. We just landed and we are on our way to our bungalow to get ready for a meeting,” Ayaan replied with a smile. Laughter in the background told him the call was on speaker and the whole family was listening in.
“I love you, Rehan. I love you, Zavi. Mamma is missing you both already,” Zara said, her voice soft with emotion.
“Miss you, mamma,” the twins replied together before the call ended.
Ayaan chuckled and then gently stroked Zara’s arm, silently reassuring her that their little ones were safe and happy.
The limousine rolled through the massive wrought-iron gates of the bungalow and came to a smooth halt at the entrance. Staff members hurried forward and opened the doors. Ayaan stepped out first and offered his hand, helping Zara down.
Zara paused, taking in the grandeur, the intricately carved pillars, the ornate ceilings, and the tasteful elegance of the interiors. The place exuded quiet luxury, refined and classy, much like all their properties.
Once their luggage was arranged in the bedroom, Zara collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion finally catching up with her. Ayaan closed the door behind him, shrugged out of his shirt and joined her.
“Rest as much as you want now because once we start, I won’t let you rest. And thank me later, I packed some very special clothes for our honeymoon. God, distracting Rehan while the servants swapped the luggage was a mission.” he murmured, pulling her closer.
Zara smiled, resting her head against his chest and listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
At Ooty, a large transparent bubble had been set up and filled with fluttering butterflies. Rehan and Zavi stepped inside and squealed with delight as the colorful wings danced around them. Ishaan clicked pictures while the kids laughed and ran and after a while they agreed to let the butterflies free.
Soon, Rehan and Zavi grabbed the water hose and began splashing everyone around. Pari lifted the giggling troublemakers while Ishaan took over the hose and sprayed the water at the twins. The children ran around in pure excitement until they crashed into Reyansh. Vaishu quickly wrapped towels around them and carried them off to their room after the playful chaos.
“Grandma, please let me go on a horse ride… please, pretty please,” Rehan pleaded, sitting on Reyansh’s lap as he dried his hair.
Reyansh chuckled. “You are exactly like your daddy.”
“Grandpa, please,” Zavi joined in, adding her own pout.
“Alright, but not a horse yet. You’ll get a mare. You are still too young. You can take care of them for now, give them names and once they grow up, you can ride them.” Reyansh said and the twins squealed with joy and planted kisses on his cheeks.
The next day in Venice, Ayaan and Zara returned to the bungalow after sightseeing. They had taken a taxi and worn masks to blend into the crowds. Zara had loved wandering through the streets freely, just like she had always dreamed.
Ayaan placed the shopping bags inside the closet when Zara suddenly jumped into his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist.
“Thank you so much, Ayaan, today was amazing. I had so much fun.” she said, her voice glowing with happiness.
He kissed her cheek with a smile. “Get ready for our date night, sweetheart.”
Zara hopped down and rushed into the washroom while Ayaan headed into the adjoining room to get ready.
When Zara stepped out, she noticed a shopping bag placed neatly on the couch. She opened it and smiled seeing the beautiful off-shoulder gown with matching accessories. She got ready quickly.
An hour later, the door opened and Ayaan stepped in dressed in black trousers and a blue shirt that perfectly complemented her outfit. Two buttons were undone, his hair slightly messy and the platinum chain with a delicate ‘Z’ pendant rested against his chest.
His gaze slowly traveled over her, filled with admiration. Zara blushed under his intense attention, while his eyes lingered appreciatively before meeting hers again.
“You are dangerous to my poor heart. If we stay in this closed space any longer, I won’t survive. Come on, I’ll behave… for now.” he said softly and offered his arm. Zara linked hers with his and they walked out together.
The terrace had been transformed completely. Soft fairy lights glowed, flowers adorned every corner and a table stood elegantly in the center. Ayaan pulled out a chair for her before taking his seat beside her.
He served food onto her plate but Zara stopped him midway and fed him from her own plate instead. Ayaan couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“Is there anything you wish for ? Something you want us to fulfill together… just the two of us?” he asked gently,
Zara paused, biting her lip thoughtfully.
“You have already given me everything, Ayaan. A life I once believed was impossible. I thought I would be alone forever but you came like a storm, turned everything upside down and then painted my life into something beautiful. I do have a wish… but I’ll tell you when the time is right.” she said quietly.
Ayaan nodded, accepting her words with a soft smile.
After dinner, Ayaan held out his hand. Zara placed hers in his and he gently pulled her closer. Wrapping their arms around each other, they swayed to the soft music, moving in perfect rhythm. Ayaan pressed a tender kiss to her forehead while Zara kissed his chin. They giggled, stealing playful kisses on each other’s eyes, nose and cheeks.
“Are we forgetting that this is our honeymoon?” Ayaan asked with a teasing grin.
Zara bit her lip, trying and failing to hide her smile.
Without warning, Ayaan scooped her up in his arms. Zara squealed in surprise and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I’ve been patient for far too long, baby but not anymore.” he murmured.
He carried her to the bedroom and gently settled her down. He kissed her lips for a few lingering seconds before stepping back, his eyes never left hers.
“I got you something for tonight, but it’s entirely your choice. Go check the closet ” he said softly.
Zara ran toward the closet with excitement written all over her flushed face. She froze the moment she saw it, a mannequin adorned with an exquisite diamond-studded lingerie set.
“Oh my God… this man is crazy,” she mumbled, brushing her fingers over the delicate sparkle.
Outside, Ayaan paced the room restlessly. Fifteen minutes later, Zara walked out wrapped in a silk robe. She picked up a cushion and threw it at him.
“Dirty pervert,” she accused, trying to sound stern.
Ayaan burst out laughing.
“Sweetheart, what’s the point of being the world’s largest diamond merchant if I can’t gift diamond lingerie to my wife? And stop pretending, I know you are wearing it.” he teased.
He pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist. Leaning in, he brushed a soft kiss along her ear.
“May I?” he whispered.
Zara blushed deeply, hiding her face against his chest before giving a shy nod.
Ayaan gently loosened the knot of her robe, letting it fall away as the diamonds caught the light, glimmering softly, just like the emotion shining in her eyes. Ayaan discarded his clothes except for his boxer and carried Zara to the bed. He showered her with gentle kissed all over her face and then kissed her lips deeply. His lips trailed down to her neck and kissed her pulse.
” You look enticing baby, I did make the perfect selection ” he mumbled and kissed her chest and then looked at the diamond on her bosoms with a smile. He gently unhooked the diamond piece and dropped it to the floor with his eyes fixed only on her.
Zara caressed his face and he kissed her fingers before he leaned down and attacked her bosoms. Zara gasped and arched her back, screamed his name as his fingers and tongue did wonders. He marked every spot of her body before he moved to her south and winked at seeing the tiny piece of diamond jewel that covered her.
Zara pressed her foot on his chest and Ayaan yanked her closer holding her ankle. He kissed her toes and way to her thighs before he threw away the diamond piece and buried himself between her legs. Zara screamed his name as she reached her orgasm.
Ayaan moved up and wrapped her legs around him and thrusted his hard length inside her. He hugged her to let them feel skin to skin and smooched her neck as he continued to thrust inside her. Her moans and his grunts filled the room as they continued with their passionate night.
A week passed by and Ayaan and Zara cherished every single moment of their honeymoon. They also made sure to speak to the kids every day so they wouldn’t feel their absence too deeply.
When they arrived at the airport and got in the car, Ayaan glanced at Zara and winked, noticing the unmistakable glow on her face.
“You look like a newlywed fresh from her honeymoon,” he teased.
Zara quickly patted her cheeks, trying to tone down her blush. “I don’t want to be teased, Ayaan,” she mumbled.
Ayaan laughed at her helpless expression. “Let them tease. It’s not like they haven’t all been on honeymoons themselves.”
Zara pinched his arm in response.
The car came to a stop and the moment they stepped out, Rehan and Zavi came running toward them. Ayaan lifted Rehan effortlessly while Zara scooped Zavi into her arms. They showered the kids with kisses and twirled them around in joy.
“Daddy, mamma we missed you” the twins said together.
They entered the living room with the family following behind. Pari shot a teasing smile at Zara, who nudged her back with her shoulder.
Ayaan sat down with Zavi firmly settled on his lap, refusing to leave him, while Zara had Rehan curled up on her lap, his head resting safely against her chest.
Ayaan handed out gifts to the kids, who excitedly began playing with their new toys and shared chocolates with everyone around.
That night, the family gathered for dinner as usual. As they were heading back to their rooms, Reyansh suddenly stumbled on the stairs, clutching his chest and panic spread instantly.
Vaishu screamed his name as Ishaan and Ayaan caught him just in time, supporting him and guided him to the room. The manor’s doctor was called immediately and the family waited anxiously outside.
Vaishu paced back and forth, nervously fidgeting with her fingers. Seeing the strong pillar of their family like this left everyone shaken.
When the door finally opened, they rushed inside. Vaishu sat beside Reyansh, who offered her a gentle smile. Everyone turned to the doctor but before he could speak, Ishika stepped forward.
She folded her arms, patted her father’s cheek and raised a warning finger.
“Ishi, what are you doing? Let’s hear from the doctor and let Appa rest,” Ishaan said gently.
But Ishika shook her head, she picked up a pen and paper and scribbled something quickly. She showed it first to Reyansh and then to the family.
“Appa, stop pretending and tell us the reason behind this drama.”
Ayaan frowned. “Sissy, you think Dad is pretending? Why would he do that?”
Ishika nodded firmly and shot Reyansh a sharp glare. She wrote again.
“You are an iron man. Nothing would happen to you so easily. And Amma wouldn’t be this calm if something was truly wrong.”
Reyansh leaned back against the headrest as the entire family turned their accusing looks toward him. He glared back at them which only made them give up with collective sighs.
Taking Ishika’s hand, Reyansh kissed her knuckles.
“Muffin, I’m glad you can read me so well, but I’m worried about you.” he said softly and the room grew quiet.
“I won’t deny your point that one could live without a partner but I just want you to try once before giving up on marriage entirely. You need a change. Ishaan mentioned his friend in London and I spoke to the family personally. They are kind people. Their younger son manages the business and they are looking for a bride.” Reyansh said and Ishika stiffened but Reyansh held up a hand.
“This is not a proposal. Just think of them as family friends. Stay with them for a month or two. Get to know them. If, after that, you still feel the same, I won’t force you. I just want you to try once. And maybe Adhvi can accompany you.”
Ishika let out a long, exaggerated sigh… then finally nodded her head.
Reyansh hugged her and Vaishu touched her head with love.
” Appa, you could have talked to us before pulling such stunt. You scared us to death. Please don’t ever do this ” Ishaan said and Ayaan laid on the bed with his head on his father’s lap.
” You people call me brat and naughty. I hope now its clear whom I have inherited all these qualities. ” Ayaan said and Reyansh screwed his ear.
Ishaan touched Ishika’s shoulder and sat next to her with a smile.
” Ishi, my friend is a nice guy and he quit business to take care of his daughter. He is a single father and I heard from him that his family is now looking for a girl for his younger brother who is taking care of the family business. Meet him and try to get him know better. Rest shall be discussed later after what you decide about him ” Ishaan said and Ishika nodded her head.
The whole family was happy with her decision and they moved back to their rooms with lot of hope that Ishika would really fall in love with the guy she is about to meet in London.
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A/N:
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