SUNAINA'S POV

"I'm really sorry, ladies and gentlemen, for the inconvenience," I said calmly, noting the surprised look on my mother’s face.

"The meeting stands cancelled, Mrs. Vashisht. As you're probably aware, I value punctuality, and unfortunately, this level of delay doesn’t align with our standards. I’d suggest connecting with my secretary if you'd like to reschedule," I added, keeping my tone polite but clear.

"And who are you to say that?" she snapped, visibly irritated.

"Mrs. Vashisht, a bit of background research would’ve helped—this isn’t how we work. Just a friendly tip from one professional to another," I said with a small smile. "Anyway, thank you all for your time. Sona, please take care of the rest—and do check with me before fixing any future appointments with this team."

After Sona nodded, I ended the meeting.

And yes, my mother definitely looked like she had a shock attack.

Whatever, serves her right.

“God” I exhaled sharply, leaning against the sofa.

After giving myself some time to throw this meeting at the back of my mind, "Alright, let's go," I said, standing up.

"That was cool, Dii," Pari said, making me smile as I ruffled her hair.

"Yeah, so good," Eshu added.

"Thank you, ladies. Ab chale?" I asked with a smile.

( Shall we go?)

"Yessssss let's gooooooo!" they replied in unison, making me laugh softly at their excitement.

"Let's go?" I asked him, and he simply nodded with a smile, a smile that reflected admiration and fondness that definitely made my heart flutter but he wouldn't know that.

The four of us headed out, my suitcase having already been sent ahead with the driver to the Mehra mansion.

I was sitting in the passenger seat because two certain cheeky devils were faster than me.

"Sunu di, how about we start our day with some chilled shakes?" Pari suggested after a few minutes of peaceful driving.

"Of course. Suniye Mr. Mehra," I said, turning to him with a playful grin.

"Ji farmaaye, Mr. Mehra ki hone wali Mrs.," he replied smoothly, keeping his eyes on the road.

(Yes, tell me Mr Mehra's soon to be Mrs.)

"Shut up. And you heard Pari, didn’t you? There’s a shake parlour just five minutes ahead—let’s stop there first," I said. My cheeks were probably turning red.

"Jo aagya Maharani," he said, bowing his head slightly in mock obedience, making the three of us burst into laughter.

(Whatever you say, Queen.)

A few minutes later, he pulled up in front of the shake parlour.

"Let’s go," he said, reaching for the door.

"No bhaiya, you go and get it," Pari said quickly, her eyes reflecting mischief.

"I’ll have a chocolate Oreo milkshake—make sure it’s properly chilled," I said with a sweet smile.

"I’ll have a blueberry smoothie," Eshu added.

"And I want a strawberry milkshake!" Pari continued with a cheeky smile.

Alright, alright, you girls stay put—I’ll go get them," he said, shaking his head with an amused smile.

After what felt like years but it was just a few minutes later, he returned, balancing three perfectly chilled shakes in his hands.

"Here you go—strawberry and blueberry," he said, handing Pari and Eshu their respective milkshakes.

"Thankyouu bhaiii!" they said excitedly, making him chuckle at their adorableness.

"And here you go, madam—your milkshake," he added, offering mine with a warm smile.

"Thank you," I replied softly, taking it from him.

"Won’t you have one?" I asked, noticing he hadn’t gotten anything for himself.

"I’m driving, so I won’t be able to enjoy it properly," he said with a soft smile.

"Ladies, let’s click a picture!" Pari said, holding up her phone and snapping a photo of our milkshakes.

"I’m posting this on my Instagram story," she added, already sipping hers.

"Here," I said, gently holding out my milkshake toward him.

"Huh?" he asked, clearly surprised.

"We can share. I’ll help you," I said, smiling softly, a little warmth rising to my cheeks.

You don't have to," he said softly, a little hesitant.

"Shut up and take a sip," I said firmly, my cheeks were on fire.

Dhokebaaz kahi k

"Fine, I’ll have it," he replied, taking a sip.

"But how will you drink it now? Ye toh jhootha ho gaya," he said, raising his eyebrow, teasingly.

( Jhootha- leftovers)

"It's fine. Since you bought it for me, I’ll have it with the same straw," I replied with a shrug and took a sip. And just like that, we finished it-together.

After reaching the mall, we first went shopping for clothes and ended up buying a few outfits for Pari and Eshu—which turned out to be quite the task. It took nearly five to six hours and a lot of roaming around. Everyone was completely worn out, so we decided to head out for lunch.

Right now, we’re driving to their favourite restaurant. Both Pari and Eshu fell asleep within a few minutes.

"Thank you," he said softly, breaking the peaceful silence.

"For what?" I asked, turning to him, clearly confused.

"for today, I saw my eshu smile wholeheartedly after so long" he said with a soft smile glancing at her for a few seconds.

"You don't have to thank me I genuinely love both pari and doll" I replied with a smile.

"Aur unka bhai," he said, smiling mischievously.

( And their brother?)

"What about him?" I asked, playing along.

"Woh kaisa lagta hai aapko?" he asked with the same teasing smile.

( What do you think about him?)

"Hmm... kabhi fursat mili toh soch kar bataungi," I replied, turning toward him.

( Hmm… I'll think about it later, when I feel like it.)

"Jaisa aap kahe," he said, looking at me with a grin that was far too mischievous for his own good.

(Whatever you say.)

"Saamne dekhkar drive karo aap," I said, gently turning his face back to the road, making him laugh softly.

( Look in the front and drive.)

"Kitna thak gaye honge na ye dono," I murmured, glancing at the girls with a fond smile.

( They must be so tired right?)

"Obviously, poora mall ghumaya in logon ne sirf 4 tops aur 2 jeans ke liye," he said, rolling his eyes, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

( Obviously, they made us roam around the whole mall- just for 4 tops and 2 pairs of jeans.)

"How about we just get takeout and head home?" I suggested.

"Jo aapka hukum, biwi sahib," he said with a playful wink.

(Whatever you say, wife.)

"Shut up. I'm not your wife," I replied, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Oops, sorry— to-be biwi sahib," he said, grinning even wider.

( To be-wife.)

"Woh bhi nahi hoon abhi. Maine haan nahi kari hai, Mr.," I said, raising an eyebrow.

( Not that either, I haven't agreed to the proposal yet.)

"Ek mahina hai mere paas. Haan karwa hi lenge aapse," he replied with a confident smirk.

( I have a month, I'll make you say yes.)

"Whatever," I muttered, turning to look out the window, hiding the redness creeping onto my face.

"Aapke iss haseen chehre par jo mere kaaran khubsurat rang aaya hai, usse chhupa kar mujhe khubsurti se deprive na karein," he said, making me blush even more.

( At least don't deprive me of that lovely blush adorning your beautiful face, because of me.)

"Shut up and drive," I said, and he chuckled softly in response.

We picked up the takeout and headed home—his home.

"I’ll carry the bags and stay with Eshu and you go and tuck Pari in. Once she’s asleep, come back for Eshu," I said.

"Sure," he said with a smile, carefully lifting Pari in his arms and heading inside to tuck her in.

"Mumma..a...p..papa....please..don’t...go..." Eshu mumbled in her sleep. I frowned. Was she having a nightmare?

"Shit—Eshu, wake up," I said gently, stroking her hair. But she kept whispering the same thing.

"Sweetheart, wake up. Your Sunu di is here," I said, shaking her just a little more. She jolted awake with a gasp.

"Shh... shh... relax, you’re safe now," I whispered, rubbing her back slowly.

"Sunu di..." she cried, clinging tightly to me. I wrapped my arms around her protectively. Seeing her like this broke something inside me.

"Bas itna nahi rote mera baccha," I whispered, caressing her back and brushing her hair away.

( Stop crying my baby.)

"Please don’t leave me," she sobbed, hugging me tighter—like a little koala afraid to let go.

"I won’t. I promise I won’t leave you,Eshu. Just calm down, okay?" I said, resting my chin on her head. My eyes welled up. No child should ever feel this scared… this broken.

"You want some water? Hmm?" I asked gently as her sobs began to ease.

"Yess..." she whispered, still holding on.

"Here. Come on, have some water, and let me see your face. I’ll wipe it," I said, handing her the bottle and grabbing some wet wipes.

"Bhai ko mat batana iss baare mein, please," she said softly after taking a few sips.

( Please don't tell bhai about it.)

"Kya nahi batana mujhe?" he asked suddenly, making both of us flinch.

( Don't tell bhai what?)

"Oh God, you scared us," I said, trying to collect myself.

"Sorry," he replied sheepishly.

"Batao bhi ab," he added, raising an eyebrow.

( Say it now)

"Nothing. This is a secret between me and Eshu l," I said, finishing wiping her face.

"Wash your face later, okay?" I said to her gently, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear. She gave me a small smile.

"Let’s go in—or are you ladies planning to stay in the car all day?" he teased, leaning on the window.

"Peeche hattiye," I said, giving him a playful push as I opened the door.

( Move aside.)

"You need help with the bags?" I asked, just to be polite.

"Yeah, one sec. Eshu bachcha, you go and take some rest—we’ll bring everything in," he told her. She nodded and went inside.

"What is it?" I asked him once Doll was inside.

"Eshu had a nightmare, right?" he asked, glancing at me seriously.

"Yes… but she’s a bit more relaxed now," I admitted. He’s her brother—he deserved to know.

"Thank you for being there for her," he said, his smile filled with quiet gratitude.

"Kitni baar bolenge thank you aap?" I asked, raising both eyebrows at him.

Come on - I tried to raise one, but alas it's just not for me.

( How many times are you going to say thank you?)

"Uh, right," he muttered, scratching the back of his neck.

"Chale andar?" I asked, with a smile. (Shall we go in?)

He's cute.

"Yeah, let’s go. I’ll ask the staff to bring in the luggage. Let me just grab the food bags," he said. Once he had them, we headed inside.

Since Uncle and Aunty were out for some urgent work, and the girls were already in their rooms, we decided to freshen up and get some rest ourselves.

"Here’s your room. The one opposite is mine. If you need anything, just let me know," he said, looking at me with a soft look that betrayed nothing but softness.

"Sure, thank you," I replied with a smile and stepped into my room, ready to finally unwind after such a long and emotional day.