ADHVAIT'S POV

I was on my way to pick up Di and Avinash from the airport. Initially, the plan was to send a driver, but since none was available, here I was — ready at 8 a.m., going to pick my sister and her lovely husband. (Note the sarcasm.)

"Wassup, asshole," Avinash said, hugging me sideways as I stepped out of my car.

"Eww, get off me, you harami," I said, pushing him slightly.

"How are you?" I said, hugging my sister instead.

"Amazing, little bro," Di said mischievously.

"Ew, Di, he's rubbing on you," I said, pointing at my best friend, who stood with his mouth parted, stunned.

"Yeah, whatever, let's go. No one knows, right?" he asked, rolling his eyes.

"Apparently, I’m not like you," I replied with a sarcastic smile.

"Kutta," he muttered, opening the back door for my sister and sliding in beside her. He had already kept the luggage in the trunk.

(Dog)

"Ooye kamine, mai driver dikh raha hu tujhe?" I said, glaring at him. He just shrugged with a smirk.

(Hey, asshole. Do I look like a driver to you?)

Seeing no point in arguing, I simply sighed and started driving. Soon, we reached home. After instructing our househelp to place the luggage in Di’s room, we waited outside the dining area — they stayed hidden, ready for the big reveal.

I stepped inside first.

"Good morning, guys," I said, entering the dining area where my lovely family sat enjoying breakfast.

"Good morning," came their replies.

"Kaha gaya tha tu?" Chachi asked.

(Where were you?)

"Aapke liye ek surprise laane," I said with a smile.

(To get a surprise for you.)

"In fact, sabke liye," I added, my gaze lingering on my love.

(Infact for everyone.)

"SURPRISE!" Di and Avinash burst into the room, and the pure joy on my family’s faces was worth every bit of effort — especially hers.

"Bhaiyaaa! Bhabhiii!" she squealed, jumping up and running toward them, hugging Di first.

"Ha, ab bhabhi aagyi hai toh meri toh koi izzat hai hi nahi," Avinash said, pouting dramatically. I rolled my eyes — what a dramatic ass.

(Right, now that you have your bhabhi, there's no love for me.)

"I missed you guys," she said, sniffing slightly as she hugged Avinash.

"We missed you more, baby," Di replied, patting her hair gently.

"Kaisi hai meri Sunu?" Avinash asked, his voice rough with emotion. I hate to admit it, but this fucker is the best brother.

(How's my sunu?)

"Bohot achi, aapko pata hai yaha sab bohot ache hai bhaiya, I never felt I was away from home," she said, still wrapped in her brother’s arms, making everyone around chuckle softly.

(Very good, you know everyone here is so nice bhaiya, I never felt I was away from home.)

"Aww, my little one," he murmured, hugging her even tighter, their bond shining in that moment.

"Chalo bacho, let's have breakfast," Chachi said, and after the warm reunion, we all sat down.

(Come kids, let's have breakfast.)

After a hearty breakfast filled with love and happiness, we all sat down for some chit-chat. Everyone decided to take the day off to spend some family time, and I purposely sat beside her.

"Hey," I whispered.

"Hi," she whispered back with a smile.

"Aapne bataya kyu nahi?" she asked, her brows knitting slightly.

(Why didn't you tell me?)

"Kya nahi bataya, meri jaan?" I asked, confused.

(Didn't tell you what, meri jaan?)

"That Bhaiya and Bhabhi are returning today. I would’ve tagged along to pick them up," she said, her pout making it hard not to smile.

"Surprise kaise hota fir woh?" I said with a grin, earning a small nod from her in understanding.

(It would not be a surprise now would it be?)

“Acha suno” I said, and she gestured for me to continue.

(Listen.)

"Kya kehti ho? Bata du sabko?" I asked, leaning in just a little.

(What do you say? Should I inform everyone?)

"Bata do," she replied, smiling.

(Yes! Do it.)

"Ahem, lovebirds, we are also here," Pari cut in mischievously— this devil.

"Uh, we want to say something," I said, rubbing my hands. Damn, this is so nerve-wrecking.

"What's going on, Adi?" Uncle asked.

"Um chachu the thing is—" I stuttered. What the fuck.

"We both are ready to get married," she said with a sigh. Oh, thank fuck.

"WHAT?!" everyone shouted, making us flinch.

"Yes, she and I have decided to get married," I said — finally managing a sentence without stuttering.

"Are you sure?" Chachi asked, smiling.

Yes," we both said in unison.

"OMG! OUR BROTHER AND SUNU DI ARE GETTING MARRIED!" Pari and Eshu screamed.

"Sunu bacha, are you sure about him?" Di asked. I looked at her in disbelief. My own sister? What the fuck.

"Yes, Bhabhi, I am sure," she said, and I smirked at my sister, making her roll her eyes.

"My baby sister has grown up," Avinash said, hugging her and making her smile.

"Okay then, it’s decided — let’s inform everyone and get their marriage dates fixed," Chachi said, caressing our cheeks.

"I am so happy with your decision,God bless you, my babies," Chachi added, blessing us, while Chachu just smiled and patted our cheeks.

"You will be our Bhabhi," Eshu said, looking at her admiringly, still not able to believe it.

"Well, I guess I will be," she said, winking at her.

"Omgg, we got a cool Bhabhiiiiii!" Pari squealed, making us laugh.

"Can’t wait to have you in our family, Sunu Di," Eshu said, smiling at her. She kissed her forehead in response.

"Yes, omgg, I am so happy," Pari said, hugging her — and she too got a kiss on her forehead.

Damn, I’m jealous of my own sisters. What the hell, man.

"Saale, tujhe meri hi behen mili thi patane k liye?" Avinash said, smacking my head.

(Asshole, out of everyone, you decided to go and court my sister?)

"Saale, tune bhi meri hi behen se shaadi kari hai," I said, punching him lightly, making our lady loves laugh at our bickering.

(Fucker, you too married my sister, didn't you?)

"Keep her happy," he said, his tone holding a warning.

"More than myself," I replied. He finally smiled, then turned to her, clearly about to say something — but she beat him to it.

"We’ll talk about it later, now shut up," she said, making me and Di snicker and Avinash look at her in disbelief.

"Fine," he said, sulking, making us roll our eyes at his drama.

The rest of the day went well as we spent some family time together. The only con was that my love was going back tomorrow. I wanted to talk to her before she left.

So I texted her "Hey".

"Hi," her reply came instantly.

"I want to meet you before you leave tomorrow, so if you’re free, can we meet now?" I typed, crossing my fingers, waiting for her positive reply.

"Terrace in 15 minutes, see you <3," came her reply, and I shouted a ‘yes’ with a stupid smile.

"Alright, see you there," I replied.

Getting up, I freshened up a little in 10 minutes and rushed to the terrace. I wouldn’t want to make her wait, now would I?

Sitting on the swing, I waited for her to arrive — and she did, exactly 5 minutes and 39 seconds later. She hadn’t said anything yet. My eyes were closed, but I could feel her. How? Because my heart was beating at a ridiculous pace.

"Hey," I said, slowly opening my eyes. My voice came out a bit huskier than usual.

"Hi," she said, looking at me.

"Sit with me, please," I said, patting the space next to me, and she did. My heart couldn’t be happier.

"So," she started.

"You’re leaving tomorrow," I muttered.

"Yes," she said, her eyes mirroring the sadness I felt in mine.

"I’ll miss you," I whispered, looking at her, my heart bursting with love and longing for her. Now that she had said yes to me wholeheartedly, I just wanted her in front of me.

She was the fruit of the longing I had kept in my heart.

"I’m coming back to you in a month," she said. Yes, our marriage and engagement dates were fixed — the engagement in 15 days, and the wedding exactly a month from today.

"Yeah, but that’s 30 days away," I whined, and her reply was her melodious laugh.

"I’m sure you can manage just fine for a month," she said.

"Are you happy?" I asked. She looked at me, confused, and asked, "Happy about?"

"Us? Our relationship?" I clarified.

"I am. And why wouldn’t I be happy? I got a lovely family I’ve always craved, Chacha and Chachi in the form of parents, Eshu and Pari in the form of two baby sisters, and you in the form of a partner I never imagined myself getting hitched with. All because of you," she said with a soft smile. Her eyes held so many emotions — genuineness, love, and happiness among them.

I held her hands, softly rubbing my thumb against her palm, gesturing for her to continue.

"After watching my parents’ failed marriage, I never imagined myself with a partner. I never really found anyone worth giving a chance to either. But then you came — yeah, you were a bit annoying at first — but then I saw your other sides, like your sincerity and your genuineness. It’s too early for me to say that I like you, because I’m still figuring myself out, and I know you’ll understand. But… a lifetime with you sounds like a nice plan," she said, her words making my heart skip multiple beats.

"Thank you for giving me this chance, jaan. I swear I won’t disappoint you," I muttered, looking at our hands.

"I know, and I trust you," she said, resting her head on my shoulder. My heart skipped a beat at her words and her proximity, so I just hummed and held her tightly, side-hugging her.

We sat in silence — I don’t know for how long — but it all felt right. Us, our closeness, the silence… everything felt as if I belonged here, in this moment, with her. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

"I think we should go now, it’s getting late," she mumbled after some time.

"You’re right," I said with a sigh. I didn’t want to leave, but she must be tired.

"Let’s go," she said, getting up. I followed suit, and together, hand in hand, we left for our rooms.

"Good night, Senorita," I said, kissing her forehead gently.

"Good night," she mumbled, her face flushed, before going in. I too went inside my room, which was alongside hers, smiling like an idiot.

Ahh, I love her so much.

SUNAINA'S POV

"Phew, all done," I mumbled, closing my suitcase’s zip after packing my last-minute stuff.

Last night was bliss. I feel like I made the right decision. Before meeting him, I had a deep conversation with bhaiya and bhabhi too. I shared my fears with them, and they helped me overcome them a little. It’ll take time to get over them completely, but somewhere in my heart, I know he will make me forget them easily.

I’ve started to feel something for him. I don’t know exactly what that feeling is, but I feel safe around him. I know he’ll hold me when I break down. He’s becoming my home, and I don’t feel bad about it. It feels as if all of this was meant for me.

"Sunu bachha, are you ready?" bhabhi said, knocking on the door slightly as it was already open.

"Yes, let’s go," I said as we both headed downstairs to have breakfast.

"Good morning," we both said as we entered the dining area, receiving a chorus of greetings in return.

Bhabhi went to sit next to bhaiya and me… uh, well, there was no other place to sit except the seat next to him. So, I went and sat beside him.

"Hey," he whispered as I sat down.

"Hi," I whispered back.

"Let me," he said, starting to serve me some sandwiches.

"Can you serve some poha too?" I asked, leaning on his bicep.

"It has peanuts, love," he said, making me nod and stick to the sandwiches along with some chai he had poured earlier for me.

Naina di, are you leaving too, with di and jiju?" Pari asked.

"Yes," I replied, and her face fell.

"Ooye, don’t feel sad. I’m coming back here anyway, right?" I asked. She nodded with a small smile.

"Sunu beta, we have to go shopping as well. Let me know whenever you’re free," aunty said.

"Sure, aunty. I’ll clear my schedule after 4 pm for a month and help with the preparations," I said. She nodded with a smile.

"Let me know if my presence is needed," he said, and I hummed in response.

Once we finished breakfast, everyone decided to head to the lounge for some chit-chat, and after some time, we would leave for Vashisht Mansion.

"First of all, let’s talk about the engagement we have to host," uncle said, and we all nodded in response.

"Sunu beta, tell me, how do you want your engagement to be?" uncle asked, making my eyes widen.

"Umm, I– I never really thought about it," I stammered.

"Relax, sunu," bhaiya said.

"I want to discuss this with Mr. Mehra first," I said, glancing around. Everyone had amused smiles, and he—well, he looked shocked.

"Sure, beta," aunty said, smiling.

"I just have one request: I want our marriage to be an intimate affair. No useless business tycoons, no random friends, just loved ones," I said, looking at him. He blinked in assurance, making me sigh in relief.

"We have no problem, beta. It’s your day, everything will be the way you want," uncle said, and I gave him a genuine smile.

"We’ll have the outfits designed by ma’s team. I’ll talk to them, and we can go there tomorrow itself. It’ll take time for the dresses to arrive," bhabhi said, and we all agreed.

"Okay, I think Adi and Sunu should discuss this and let us know by tonight. We’ll have to contact the event organizers too," aunty said, making both of us nod.

"Okay, I guess we should leave," Bhaiya said.

"Take care, hmm," I said to Pari and Eshu, who hugged me.

"Thank you for treating me like a daughter, aunty," I said and hugged her, soaking in all her warmth.

"Thank you for the love, uncle. I’m so glad I stayed here," I said, hugging him.

"Come back soon," uncle said, patting my head.

"Very soon," aunty said, caressing my cheeks.

"I will," I said, smiling at them.

"Let’s go?" bhaiya asked, and I nodded.

"Your luggage is in Adi’s car, sunu. He’ll drive you—there’s no space in our car because of our luggage," Bhabhi said with a smile. A teasing smile to be precise.

"Okay, bhabhi," I mumbled, my cheeks heating up.

"I’ll just get my bag," I said, rushing to my room.

"Let’s go," I said as I stood in front of him with my bag.

"Chalo," he said, taking my bag and gesturing for me to move first.

"Bye, take care everyone! And girls, no late-night ice creams without me," I said as I sat in the passenger seat. Eshu and Pari giggled cutely in response, nodding.

"Put on your seatbelt, love," he said as he settled in his seat. I did so, waving goodbye to them as we drove out of the doorway.

"So," he asked after a few minutes of silence.

"So?" I asked, confused.

"How do you want our engagement and marriage to be?" he asked—oh.

"Um, I don’t know, frankly. I never thought about it. I just want colour coordinated outfits, and the rest is up to you," I said.

"Flowers?" he asked, changing the gear.

"No such preference," I said, shrugging.

"Okay, let’s do one thing—I’ll personally handle all the decorations. You can coordinate the outfits," he said, looking at me.

"Okay," I said, feeling relieved.

"Let’s go separately for the rings. I want you to see yours only on the engagement day," I said.

"Fair enough, I was about to suggest the same thing," he said.

"Okay, and for food—you can select the menu as well," I said, and he nodded in agreement.

"As you say, jaan," he said.

"There’s one more thing," I mumbled, nervous.

"What is it? You can tell me," he said softly.

"Um… a-actua… actually," I stammered.

"Say it, jaan," he said, holding my left hand in his right and resting it on his thigh.

"I don’t want Mr. and Mrs. Vashisht to do any parental rituals," I said.

"Okay," he replied, so I continued.

"I want bhaiya and bhabhi to do my kanyadaan and any other parental rituals," I said.

"Whatever my jaan says," he said.

"Thank you," I mumbled.

"Let’s talk about it together with others, okay? I’ll make sure no one denies it," he said, and I nodded with a smile.

"Itni jaldi pohonch gaye?" he whined as he parked in front of my doorway, making me laugh.

"Take care, okay? I’ll see you soon," I said, and he hugged me tightly.

"Take care, Senorita. I’ll call you after dinner," he mumbled, kissing my forehead softly.

"Let me help with the luggage," he said, stepping out and rushing to open the door for me.

"The staff will handle it," I said—I wanted to hug him properly.

"Hug me tightly once, please," I mumbled, and in the next second, I was in his arms.

"Don’t skip your meals," I mumbled, hugging him tighter.

"Remind me not to," he said, winking slightly, making me laugh and nod.

"Go now," I said, and he nodded, still hugging me tightly.

"Ooye lover boy, chhod meri behen ko," bhaiya said, coming out of nowhere.

(Hey lover boy, leave my sister.)

"Chup kar kamine, meri hone wali biwi hai," he said, not letting me go.

(Shut up idiot, she's going to be my wife.)

"Let me go," I whispered, trying to pull away.

"Never," he whispered, pulling away from the hug.

"Bas kar ja harami," bhaiya said, yanking me next to him.

(That's enough fucker.)

"Saale, tujhe baad mein dekhta hu," he said, irritated, making my brother give him an infuriating smirk.

(Idiot, I'll see you later. )

Can I disown my own brother by any chance?

"Bye," he said softly, and I nodded in response with a soft smile.