Abeer was getting ready for the office that morning, buttoning his shirt and fixing his tie, but at the same time his attention was stolen by the little princess of the house Gungun. She was sitting comfortably in her feeding chair, clapping her tiny hands and watching her father intently. Every small gesture of his seemed to fill her with joy.

She was, after all, her father’s darling girl. Nothing made her happier than being in Abeer’s presence. Just the sight of him was enough to bring a sparkle to her eyes. As he adjusted his cufflinks, he bent down slightly and began speaking to her in that playful, baby-talk tone that only fathers seem to master.

“My little one… my precious girl, my doll…” he cooed, showering her with sweet words.

Gungun received each compliment with a wide toothless grin, smiling endlessly as if she completely understood every word. Her laughter echoed softly in the room, making Abeer’s heart swell with affection.

At that very moment, Naina entered the bedroom carrying a breakfast trolley. She paused at the doorway when her eyes fell on the heartwarming scene her husband, half-dressed for work, completely absorbed in his daughter’s giggles. A tender smile curved her lips.

Naina had made it a habit to bring Abeer’s breakfast upstairs so that he never left home on an empty stomach. Aadhya had once noticed Naina’s routine but hadn’t commented. She understood perfectly what Naina was trying to do silently taking care of her husband without demanding any acknowledgment.

When Abeer finally returned to the bedroom, now holding Gungun in his arms, he noticed Naina laying out his breakfast. The sight of his wife arranging everything with quiet care brought a gentle smile to his face.

He settled down on the sofa, balancing little Gungun on his lap. Naina served him a plate and placed it in his hands. But before Abeer could take the first bite, Gungun leaned forward, her big curious eyes fixed on the colorful spread. To her, everything on that plate looked far more tempting than her usual baby food or warm milk. She reached out her tiny hands, determined to grab at least something.

Abeer chuckled and tried moving the plate just out of her reach, but his daughter was equally stubborn. She wriggled and leaned, her fingers brushing dangerously close to the dishes. Naina watched the small tug-of-war unfold and finally intervened with a laugh.

“Give her to me, or you’ll never get a chance to eat. This little madam won’t let you take a single bite. She wants everything you have,” she said, scooping Gungun into her arms.

But Gungun wasn’t pleased with this arrangement. The moment she realized her mother was complaining about her, she put on a dramatic show. Her tiny lips trembled, and within seconds, she began her fake crying loud enough to demand her father’s attention.

Abeer’s heart melted instantly. He couldn’t bear to see his little girl upset, even if it was just pretend. Gently, he took her back from Naina and cradled her against his chest.

“Don’t worry,” he reassured his wife softly, “I’ll manage. You just let me handle my princess.”

Almost magically, Gungun stopped crying and broke into a mischievous smile, as though she hadn’t been sobbing at all just a moment ago. Both parents knew they had been tricked, but Abeer didn’t mind.

He finally lifted his fork and managed to get the first bite of food, but before it could even reach his mouth, Gungun swung her little hand across the plate. In an instant, the chutney spilled over the edge, dripping onto the table.

“Oh no!” Abeer exclaimed, quickly setting the plate back onto the trolley.

Naina rushed forward immediately, catching Gungun’s messy little hand just in time. “Not in your mouth, young lady!” she scolded playfully while wiping her daughter’s sticky fingers clean. The thought of Gungun tasting the spicy chutney was enough to make her panic, but thankfully, she was quick.

Abeer could only laugh at the chaos his daughter had created. With a shake of his head, he reached for another clean plate and began serving himself breakfast again, while Naina continued cleaning Gungun’s hand.

“See?” Naina said, giving Abeer a knowing look, “Didn’t I tell you? This little one wants everything. She’s exactly like her Adira bua such a foodie!”

The moment those words slipped out of Naina’s mouth, Abeer’s hand froze in mid-air. For a second, she feared she might have said something wrong, something that might upset him. But before the silence could grow heavier, she quickly added in a gentle yet firm tone,

“Please don’t ever say that Adira is not Gungun’s bua. She is not just your sister she is also my sister-in-law and, most importantly, Gungun’s bua. Relationships don’t change just because situations change, Abeer.”

Abeer didn’t respond. His face was unreadable, his emotions carefully guarded. Without a word, he picked up his cup of tea, took a slow sip, and then placed it back on the table. He rose from his chair with the same composure, as if nothing had been said, and walked toward the door.

Just as he was about to leave, Naina’s voice stopped him.

“Wait, Abeer… there’s something else you should know. Today, Adheer’s family is coming over to meet Dad to formally talk about Adira’s alliance.”

Abeer still did not utter a single word. He simply opened the door, stepped out, and left quietly for his office. Naina watched him go, a faint sigh escaping her lips. She had known all along this was exactly how he would react. Silence was his shield, just like his father’s.

---

Meanwhile, upstairs, Rudra was preparing to leave for the temple. Draping a shawl over his shoulders, he looked every bit the dignified patriarch. Adhya entered his room with his medicines in hand. She set them down gently and asked softly,

“is it really necessary to go to the temple today? You’ve only just recovered.”

Rudra gave a slight smile, his eyes calm yet resolute.

“Yes, Adhya. I haven’t been there in many days. And now that I’m better, it’s only right to thank Mahadev. After all, without his blessings, none of us have the strength to stand on our own.”

Adhya nodded quietly but couldn’t resist adding, “Adira was telling me that Adheer is extremely nervous about meeting you. You know he’s always been a little scared of you. So please… today, try to be a bit softer with him. Don’t be too strict”

Rudra chuckled dryly as he adjusted his shawl.

“If he was so afraid, then why did he dare to love my daughter? If he truly loves her, he must have the courage to face me as well. And Adheer is not as weak as you and Adira think. He has more strength than you realize. Anyway, let me return from the temple first.”

“you’ll be back before they arrive, won’t you?” Adhya pressed, slightly anxious.

“And if I’m a little late, can’t the Sikand family wait? After all, they’re coming to ask for my daughter’s hand.”

Adhya stood speechless for a moment. She hadn’t expected him to put it so bluntly. Rudra left for the temple, and Adhya sighed deeply, murmuring to herself,

“Stubbornness runs in this family. If Abeer is headstrong, how can he be anything else? He is his father’s son, after all.”

---

Downstairs, the household was already buzzing with preparations. The house-helpers were busy with dusting and polishing, making sure every corner of the grand living room sparkled. Adhya had moved into the kitchen, instructing the staff on what to prepare for the evening snacks, crispy pakoras, fresh sandwiches, mithai and a few new dishes .

A little later, Naina entered the living room and was greeted by the sight of this whirlwind of activity. She smiled faintly and moved closer to her mother-in-law, offering her assistance. Together, they arranged flowers, checked on the crockery, and ensured that every detail was perfect for the Sikands’ arrival.

Dev, who had been quietly observing everything from a corner, finally broke his silence. With a half-smile and half-sigh, he said,

“Why all this fuss, Mom? The Sikand family has visited our house so many times before. This isn’t their first visit.”

Adhya turned to him with a serious look.

“That may be true, Dev. But this time it’s different. This time they are coming to discuss Adira and Adheer’s relationship. We must welcome them with the respect and warmth this occasion deserves.”

Dev didn’t argue further. He knew once his mother made up her mind, nothing could change it. And he also knew her heart ,Adheer was her favorite. She had always admired him, treated him almost like her own son. Now that he was going to become her son-in-law, she was glowing with happiness.

---

In another part of the mansion, Adira was standing in front of her wardrobe, holding two suits against herself, while on a video call with Adheer.

“Okay, now tell me honestly,” she demanded, twirling slightly, “should I wear this green one or this pink one? Which do you like better? Or maybe I should just go out and buy something new? What do you think?”

On the other end, Adheer sat slouched in his chair, his mind weighed down by nervous thoughts. Hiding his anxiety behind a casual smile, he replied,

“Princess, you’ll look beautiful no matter what you wear. Honestly, you’re overthinking. It’s not like my family or I am seeing you for the first time. So please, stop stressing about it. If anyone should be nervous, it’s me.”

Adira narrowed her eyes.

“What did you just say? You’re nervous? Why?”

“No, no, not nervous exactly,” he stammered, trying to downplay his feelings. “Just… a little uneasy. I mean, your dad isn’t going to ask me the usual questions, right? Like what I do, how much I earn that much he already knows. So then… What else will he ask? What will he want from me?”

Adira softened as she looked at him through the screen.

“Adheer, stop worrying. My dad isn’t going to eat you alive. He called you here to talk, that’s all. What he wants to say you’ll only know once you’re sitting in front of him. How can I tell you beforehand?”

“Fair enough,” he admitted with a nervous chuckle. “Alright then, I’ll call you before I leave.”

“And make sure you come on time, okay? If you arrive late, it will create a bad impression on Dad. You know how particular he is.”

“Yes, yes, I’ll be on time. After all, this isn’t just about my life it’s about my future.”

“Excuse me!” Adira interrupted, folding her arms dramatically. “Not just your future. It’s our future we’re talking about. Understood?”

With that, she ended the call with a playful huff.

Staring at the blank screen, Adheer muttered under his breath, shaking his head with a smile,

“Attitude… she’s definitely inherited that from Rudra Uncle.”

Adheer sat on his bed, his head buried in his hands. The pressure of the day weighed heavily on him, and though he had faced thousands of fans and countless cameras in his life, nothing compared to the nervousness he felt now.

Just then, the door creaked open and his mother Sonia and his sister Saanvika walked in. Both froze at the sight of him lying there, looking so tense and restless.

“What happened, beta? Why are you lying like this? Are you not feeling well?” Sonia asked with concern, rushing to his side.

Before Adheer could answer, Saanvika added teasingly, “Don’t tell me you suddenly caught a fever just because you have to meet Rudra Uncle today!”

She and her husband Arjun had arrived from Delhi only last night. The moment she heard about this important meeting, she insisted on being here to support her younger brother on his big day.

Adheer slowly lifted his head and gave a faint smile. “No, Di… I’m fine. Just… a little tired.”

“Tired? Of course you are,” Sonia sighed, brushing his hair lovingly. “You’ve been running around with ad shoots and concerts the entire week without taking a proper break. This boy never takes care of his health.” She shook her head with mock annoyance and added, “Let Adira come here, I’ll specially tell her to teach you how to take care of yourself.”

Saanvika chuckled at her mother’s words. “Wow, Mom! You’ve already started singing praises of your would-be daughter-in-law. Anyway, tell me how is Adira holding up? Is she as nervous as you are right now?”

Adheer sat up immediately and replied with confidence, “No, Di, why would she be nervous? She’s much stronger than I am.”

“Hmm, that’s true,” Saanvika admitted with a grin.

Trying to distract himself, Adheer pulled out a few suits from his wardrobe and spread them on the bed. “Here, tell me what I should wear? My designer sent these specially for today’s meeting.”

Saanvika’s eyes widened. “Wait, what? You had your designer arrange all these clothes just for this meeting?”

“This isn’t just any meeting, Di,” Adheer said seriously, almost defensively. “This is about my future with Adira. I have to make a good impression on Rudra Uncle today. My entire life depends on this.”

Saanvika crossed her arms and smirked. “Really? And you think he’s going to be impressed by your clothes? Very smart, Adheer.”

Her sarcastic tone immediately made him more nervous. “Oh, come on, Di! Don’t make me more anxious than I already am. Just help me pick one suit.”

Rolling her eyes dramatically, Saanvika exhaled and finally pointed to a navy blue suit. “Fine, wear this one. It will make you look sharp but not overdressed.”

As the day moved on, evening arrived faster than Adheer expected. The moment he had been dreading finally came the Sikand family was ready to leave for the Shekhawat mansion.

Inside the car, Adheer’s nervousness only grew worse. Saanvika noticed how he was constantly wiping sweat from his forehead, his hands fidgeting restlessly. She couldn’t resist teasing him again.

“Adheer, listen,” she whispered mischievously, “if Rudra Uncle gets angry, just tolerate it. Who knows he might even slap you once or twice in his temper. So be prepared.”

“What?!” Adheer looked at her in complete shock. “Why would he slap me?”

“Why not?” she replied, raising an eyebrow. “You’ve been secretly dating his daughter for years without telling him. Do you think he’ll let you off easily?”

“That’s not fair!” Adheer protested. “Adira was the one who didn’t want to tell him. I was ready to be honest from the beginning.”

“Exactly,” Saanvika said with mock sympathy, “but do you think Rudra Uncle will blame his precious daughter? Obviously, he’ll blame you. And let’s be real he doesn’t like you much already. So if he gets angry, just bear it like a good boy.”

Adheer finally realized she was teasing him, seeing the mischievous smile on her face. He groaned. “Di, are you here to help me or to make me more nervous?”

“Helping, of course,” she said sweetly, though her grin betrayed her.

At that moment, Arjun, who had been quietly watching, decided to join in. “You know, I must admit,” he said, chuckling, “I never thought I’d see the day when Adheer Sikand the popstar, the heartthrob of millions ,would be this nervous.”

Everyone in the car burst out laughing, except Adheer, who buried his face in his hands. “Jiju, not you too!” he complained.

Soon the car pulled up outside the grand gates of Shekhawat Mansion. The Sikand family stepped out one by one, and finally, Adheer emerged last.

For a moment, he stood still, staring at the familiar mansion. He had visited countless times as a child, laughing and playing here with Adira. But today was different. Today he wasn’t here as a friend, but as a man asking for the hand of the Shekhawat princess, the woman he loved. And he had to face the one man who had never truly liked him, Rudra Shekhawat.

Sensing his son’s nervousness, Sameer placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, beta. We’re all with you. Everything will be fine.”

Adheer gave him a small, grateful smile before following his family inside.

The moment they entered, they were warmly greeted by Gauri, Aadhya, Naina, Adriti, and Dev. Everyone welcomed them with polite smiles and gestures, making the Sikand family feel at home.

Adheer greeted each of them respectfully, but his heart wasn’t in the small talk. His eyes kept wandering, searching restlessly for the one person he was desperate to see. But no matter how much he scanned the room, there was no sign of Adira.

Adhya asked the helpers to serve refreshments, and soon the table was laid with an array of delicious snacks.

Sonia couldn’t help but comment, “Arre, Aadhya, why so much trouble? This isn’t our first time visiting your house.”

Aadhya smiled warmly. “That’s true, Sonia But this time, your visit is for a very special reason. That makes it different.”

The Sikand family exchanged knowing smiles. Sameer and Sonia felt a sense of relief. Seeing the Shekhawat women calm, composed, and even cheerful reassured them. They remembered the tense atmosphere in the hospital the other day when Rudra’s health had been critical, but now the family looked much more at ease.

Meanwhile, Adheer’s attention was not on the food or the conversations. His mind, his heart, his very soul everything was fixed on Adira. He hadn’t seen her yet, and the anticipation was driving him restless.

Naina and Adriti, sitting nearby, noticed his constant glances around the hall. When his eyes finally met theirs, they exchanged a mischievous look. Both smiled knowingly at him.

“She’s late,” Adriti teased.

Confused, Adheer frowned. “Late? Who?”

“The one you’re searching for with such restless eyes,” Naina replied, giggling.

At that moment, Saanvika couldn’t resist joining in. “Exactly! Adira should be here any moment now. The way my little brother is searching for her, it feels like he’ll stop breathing if she doesn’t appear soon.”

Naina, Adriti, and Saanvika burst into laughter while Adheer sat embarrassed, his ears turning red.

Finally, Naina and Adriti stood up. “Come on, let’s go bring your princess,” they said with a wink before leaving to fetch Adira.

—

Adira’s room looked calm and elegant when her sisters-in-law entered. She was already dressed in a sea-green suit that brought out the softness of her complexion. Sitting by the mirror, she appeared lost in thought, her delicate fingers playing with the dupatta draped across her lap.

“Princess, your charming prince has been searching for you since the moment he arrived,” Naina teased, her tone deliberately playful.

Adira instantly blushed, her cheeks glowing pink, and she tried to hide her smile. “Bhabhi, I only want to ask one thing… do I look fine? Am I presentable?” she asked nervously, her voice almost a whisper.

Both sisters-in-law gave her a long look from head to toe. Adriti smiled first, and then Naina shook her head in disbelief.

“Fine? No, Adira,” Naina said warmly. “You’re not just fine you look absolutely stunning. Today, Adheer won’t be able to take his eyes off you. Trust me, everything will fall into place once he gathers the courage to speak to Dad. That’s the only step left now.”

Adira sighed. “That’s exactly what worries me, Bhabhi. Adheer looks so nervous… and seeing him nervous makes me even more anxious. What if things go wrong?”

“Stop worrying,” Adriti reassured, gently placing a hand on Adira’s shoulder. “Mom will be there. You know very well how strong her bond is with Adheer. She won’t let anything go wrong.”

“Yes, absolutely,” Naina added with a grin. “After all, Mom has finally found her favorite son-in-law.”

The light-hearted teasing made Adira smile despite her nerves. Gathering her composure, she walked downstairs with her bhabhis.

The moment she stepped into the living room, the entire atmosphere shifted. All eyes turned toward her. Adira lowered her gaze immediately, feeling the weight of every glance upon her. She first greeted Sonia and Sameer respectfully, then walked forward to embrace Saanvika warmly. She offered a polite greeting to Arjun before turning her eyes briefly toward Adheer. Their gazes met for the tiniest moment, and she gave him only a shy smile before sitting beside her sisters-in-law on a sofa.

Adheer, on the other hand, was completely lost. The instant he saw her, his world stilled. His eyes refused to move away she was breathtaking, like a vision straight out of his dreams. In that sea-green suit, she looked every bit the princess he always believed her to be. That was why he often called her “my princess”because in every way, she truly embodied one.

He couldn’t stop staring. His gaze followed her every movement, and he seemed oblivious to the people around him.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps drew everyone’s attention toward the main door. Rudra was entering, freshly returned from the temple. His presence instantly commanded respect.

He greeted Sameer and Sonia politely, and then Saanvika rushed forward to touch his feet. As always, Rudra affectionately placed his hand on her head in blessing, the way he had done since her childhood.

Adheer, nervous but respectful, quickly moved forward to touch Rudra’s feet as well. Rudra’s response was brief he patted Adheer’s back lightly, offering a simple blessing. Then he went to sit on a single sofa, his posture dignified and firm.

Sameer, sensing the stiffness in the room, asked softly, “How are you feeling now, Rudy? Any better?”

Rudra gave a short reply. “Much better.” His tone, though polite, lacked the warmth it once carried. Sonia and Sameer exchanged a glance they immediately understood that Rudra was still upset with them. His clipped words and distant behavior were proof enough.

Rudra’s eyes scanned the room carefully. They settled on Adira, who was sitting with her two sisters-in-law. When their eyes met, Adira offered him a small, reassuring smile. Rudra’s stern expression softened, and he returned the smile, even if faintly.

Then, in his calm but commanding voice, Rudra spoke.

“I don’t like speaking in circles, so let me get straight to the point. As you all know though it seems I was the last one to find out Adira and Adheer have been seeing each other for years. I want to speak with Adheer directly about this. I have a few questions, and I expect honest answers.”

The Sikand family tensed instantly. They all understood the hidden meaning behind Rudra’s words. He had not yet forgiven them for knowing about Adira and Adheer’s relationship and keeping it from him. There was nothing they could say now to change that. Silence hung heavy in the room.

Rudra fixed his piercing gaze on Adheer.

“So, Adheer,” he said, voice firm, “you’ve been dating my daughter for years. From what I gather, this has always been a serious relationship. Now tell me what are your intentions with Adira?”

The question hit Adheer like a storm. His throat went dry, his palms clammy. He wanted to say the truth that he loved Adira deeply, that he wished to marry her, to make her his wife for life. But the words stuck in his throat. His mind screamed the answer, but his lips betrayed him. He could not form the words.

Sameer watched the boy’s silence with growing unease. After a long pause, he tried to step in. “Rudy, you already know what the plan is…”

“I asked him,” Rudra interrupted sharply, his eyes narrowing. “Not you. Let the boy speak for himself. Adheer, answer me. What are your future plans with my daughter?”

The room froze again. Adheer’s silence grew heavier. His voice seemed trapped somewhere deep inside, and he struggled desperately to find it. Everyone’s anxiety rose with every passing second.

Saanvika and Arjun exchanged worried glances. Why wasn’t Adheer speaking? His hesitation was only making things worse.

Adira’s heart pounded wildly. She wanted to shout, to beg him to speak up. If not now, then when? She could almost feel his nervousness vibrating in the air. Her own palms had turned sweaty, and she bit her lip anxiously.

Naina and Adriti sat stiffly beside her, their eyes darting between Adheer and Rudra. They, too, silently urged him to speak.

Adhya, who was standing right beside Rudra, noticed Adheer’s condition. His nervousness, his trembling hands, his pale face everything spoke of his inner turmoil. She tried to encourage him silently. When Adheer looked toward her, she gave him a small, firm gesture, urging him to speak, to find his courage.

Adheer drew in a shaky breath. Gathering all his strength, he finally opened his mouth.

“I… I want to marry… Adhya aunty.”

The words slipped out, and the entire room went still.

Dead silence followed. For a moment, Adira blinked rapidly, unable to process what he had just said. Her world spun.

Adhya herself slapped her forehead in disbelief, muttering under her breath. Sameer looked as though someone had pulled the ground out from under his feet he staggered slightly, and Sonia had to steady him quickly. Saanvika’s eyes widened in fury as she glared at Adheer, who still stood frozen, not fully realizing the blunder he had committed.

Everyone braced themselves for the storm that was about to hit.

And then it came. Rudra’s booming voice cut through the silence like thunder.

“What did you just say? Repeat that. Now!”

The air grew heavy with fear, and all eyes turned toward Adheer, who looked

utterly crushed under the weight of his own mistake.