113.
Aarav woke with a faint shiver.
Slowly, he opened his eyes and reached for his phone—4:00 a.m.
Too early.
He turned his head.
And there they were.
The two loves of his life.
Shaurya lay on his side, one arm wrapped securely around Aarya, who was tucked perfectly against him. Her tiny fingers were curled tightly around his sleeve, as if even in sleep she refused to let go.
Aarav's expression softened.
He shifted closer, careful not to disturb them, and gently brushed the hair away from Aarya's forehead before placing a soft kiss there.
Then he leaned forward and pressed another quiet kiss to Shaurya's temple.
Shaurya stirred.
"Is it morning yet?" he mumbled, eyes barely open.
Aarav smiled faintly. "No... still early. Go back to sleep."
Shaurya hummed softly, but instead of settling, he lifted his free hand and lazily pulled Aarav closer—just enough to press a brief, warm kiss against his lips.
"Come here," he murmured, lifting the blanket slightly.
Aarav let out a small breath of amusement and slipped in beside them, careful as he rested his head against Shaurya's arm. He wrapped one arm around Aarya, holding her gently.
Shaurya tightened his hold around both of them, pulling them closer.
"You're going to wake her up, old man," Aarav whispered sharply.
Shaurya only chuckled under his breath, eyes already closing again.
And just like that—
they drifted back to sleep, wrapped in quiet warmth.
The sun had just begun to rise, soft golden light spilling into the room.
Aarav slept peacefully, tucked securely in Shaurya's arms.
And then—
"Everybody wanna steal my girl, everybody wanna take her heart away~"
A small, loud, very off-tune voice broke through the calm.
Aarav's body jerked slightly as his eyes snapped open.
He lifted his head just enough to see—
Aarya.
Standing on the bed.
Holding a fake mic.
Performing like she was on stage.
Aarav immediately dropped his head back and pulled the blanket over his face.
Aarya only got louder.
Aarav groaned and peeked sideways at Shaurya—
Who was wide awake.
And recording her.
With a proud, amused smile.
Aarav stared at him in disbelief.
"I don't know where she got this trait from," he muttered.
Shaurya didn't even look away from the screen. "I was surprised the first time too," he said calmly. "But her vocabulary is very clear. I'm impressed."
Aarav blinked.
"You should motivate her."
"I don't give fake motivation, Shaurya," Aarav said, shaking his head. "I love her—and her talent—but this is not her thing."
Shaurya finally chuckled.
"Well, come here, missy," he said, lowering the phone and pulling Aarya into his arms mid-performance.
"No one's going to steal you from me," he murmured, kissing her cheek before pulling her into a tight cuddle.
Aarya giggled, instantly abandoning her concert.
Aarav smiled, watching them. "She's going to have a hard time," he said. "Two fathers, after all."
Shaurya leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to Aarav's head.
"Daddy, Papa!" Aarya suddenly announced, sitting up straight. "I have to go wake everyone up! It's a big day today!"
Today was their roka.
And everything was about to change.
From today onward, things would move fast.
Roka today.
Wedding in four days.
Aarav felt it settle somewhere deep in his chest.
"Fine," he said, "but get ready first. And don't disturb Dadu—he might be tired."
Aarya nodded seriously and hopped off the bed, running out of the room.
The door shut behind her.
Shaurya got up as well, grabbing a shirt and pulling it on.
Aarav headed into the bathroom.
The room fell quiet again.
Shaurya moved to the couch, sitting down just as a knock came on the door.
"Come in."
Kabir stepped inside.
"Sir," he said, handing over a file. "We found them."
Shaurya took it, his expression shifting.
"You were right," Kabir continued. "These are the shares of your brand. And... we also found your old phone. At Vaani's house."
He held it out.
"The screen's broken—but it's still working."
Shaurya took the phone, his grip tightening just slightly.
Something in the air changed.
Subtle.
But heavy.
"Thanks for these," Shaurya said, taking the files. "And be here this afternoon—with your friends."
Kabir nodded.
"Oh—and what about Hafsa?" he asked. "Bilal seems a bit crazy right now."
Shaurya's expression hardened slightly. "Make sure he stays alive. Other than that, we don't need to worry much. His son is with us."
Kabir hesitated. "Still... involving a child in all this was a stupid move."
Shaurya exhaled. "Does Aarav know the boy was involved in poisoning our men?"
Kabir shook his head. "No. But he seems... attached to the three kids."
"I don't think he needs to know," Shaurya said quietly. "Dahnish is just a child. We let that go. But keep an eye on my kids at all times. He's older than them."
Before Kabir could respond—
Bang. Bang. Bang.
A loud, urgent knock echoed through the room.
Kabir moved to the door and opened it—
Ravi stood there, looking completely worn out.
Without waiting, he walked straight in.
"Hey there," Shaurya said, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't expect you to be up this early."
"I haven't slept for two days," Ravi said flatly. "Because I didn't shit."
Kabir grimaced. "For how long?"
"Three days," Ravi replied. "Now give me the medicine."
Kabir blinked. "How are you even standing right now?"
At that moment, Aarav stepped out of the bathroom—only to freeze when he saw them.
He quickly grabbed his bathrobe and tied it, walking over.
"Wow," he said dryly, looking between them. "Kitty party this early in the morning? What's going on?"
Kabir gestured casually. "I came to return Shaurya's things—stuff Vaani probably took. He came for constipation tablets."
Aarav just stared at them, processing.
"Constipation tablets?" he repeated slowly. "Here?"
Shaurya calmly reached into his medicine box and handed Ravi a strip.
"Thanks," Ravi muttered, already turning it over in his hands.
Aarav looked back at Shaurya. "Why do you even have those?"
"The medicines I take have side effects," Shaurya replied. "I keep them just in case."
Aarav let out a long sigh. "What a great way to start the day."
Ravi pointed a finger at him, suddenly serious. "And don't you dare repeat any of this to anyone."
"Ohhh... you're scared it'll tarnish your cool image?" Aarav teased. "Relax, I won't tell your boyfriend. But you could try being a little nicer."
Ravi shot him a sharp glare—pure annoyance—before turning and walking out.
Kabir gave a small, respectful nod. "I'll take my leave as well."
The door shut behind them.
Silence settled in.
Shaurya sat down, opening the file, his expression turning focused.
"I hope it's not a big loss," Aarav said, pulling on his trousers.
"Probably not," Shaurya replied calmly. "She sold some shares, but I can buy them back next year."
Aarav nodded. "Tell me if I can help."
He paused, then added, "Actually... I've been thinking. Maybe we could do a collaboration between our brands? It was Veer's idea, years ago."
Shaurya glanced up briefly. "That's a good idea. But you should discuss it with him."
"Yeah," Aarav said, nodding.
Shaurya picked up his old phone, turning it on slowly. The cracked screen flickered to life.
For a moment, he just stared at it.
Then he opened the gallery.
Photos.
Old ones.
Mostly Aarav.
Candid shots. Some taken when Aarav clearly didn't know.
A faint smile tugged at his lips.
If the phone had stayed with him all these years... it would've been full of Aarya by now.
The thought lingered.
He exhaled quietly and moved to the messenger app.
Unread voice messages.
From Aarav.
His fingers stilled for a second before he pressed play.
"...Shaurya..."
Aarav's voice.
Softer. Younger. Breaking.
"Just answer the call... I've been dying to hear from you."
Shaurya's grip tightened around the phone.
"I'm sorry... I need you. I really do. I can't stay away from you..."
Aarav was buttoning his shirt when his hands suddenly stilled.
He looked up.
Shaurya.
Devastated.
Completely still, phone in hand, eyes fixed on the screen like the ground beneath him had just given way.
Aarav's breath hitched.
He never heard those voice messages...
Vaani took his phone too...
The realization hit hard.
Aarav moved instantly, crossing the distance to snatch the phone—but Shaurya's grip tightened.
Another message began to play.
"Shaurya... it's been four months already. Please stop being angry now?" Aarav's voice echoed through the room—soft, hopeful.
"I have some news... Eve's pregnant. Exciting, right? We're having a baby. I'm really happy... but scared at the same time."
Shaurya's jaw clenched.
"I love you. I love you so much. Come back to me, okay?"
The silence that followed felt suffocating.
Aarav's chest tightened as he watched him.
Another message.
"Our baby is here..."
Aarav's voice—shaking this time.
"It's a girl. She's beautiful. Looked like a monkey at first, but I think that's how all newborns look, right?"
A broken attempt at humor.
"She's asleep right now... in my arms. Otherwise you could've heard her. Don't worry—I'll come to you once this COVID is over. I miss you so much."
Shaurya's fingers curled tighter around the phone.
And then—
"I sent you the annulment papers, Shaurya."
The shift in tone was sharp. Painful. Final.
"You really never cared about me. You're such a fucking coward."
Aarav shut his eyes briefly.
"I hate you."
A pause.
"You'll never see me again."
The message ended.
So did the past.
The room fell into a heavy, unbearable silence.
Aarav exhaled slowly, only now realizing he had been holding his breath.
Gently this time, he took the phone from Shaurya's hand and set it aside.
Then he moved closer.
Sat in his lap.
Held his face carefully, as if he might break.
"Hey..." he murmured softly.
Shaurya's hands came to rest on Aarav's waist—light, almost absent.
He let out a quiet breath.
"I'm fine," he said.
A lie.
"I should probably take a shower."
He leaned forward, pressing a brief kiss to Aarav's head before standing up.
And just like that—
He walked away.
The bathroom door closed behind him.
Aarav stayed there for a moment, unmoving.
His chest felt heavy.
He's going to blame himself again...
Aarav ran a hand through his hair, thinking.
I need to fix this.
...............................
Yug found Eve standing alone in the backyard.
It was probably the most beautiful corner of the Shekhawat mansion—lush green gardens stretching out, peacocks wandering freely, and a few rabbits darting between the hedges.
"Hey... what are you doing out here alone?" Yug asked as he walked up to her.
Eve turned, offering him a soft smile. "Nothing much. Just getting some fresh air."
Yug nodded, slipping his hands into his pockets. "I'm glad you're back."
"Me too," Eve said lightly. "I missed you all. Aarya more than anyone, honestly."
Yug studied her for a moment before looking out at the garden.
"I don't know how you do it," he said quietly. "Giving up a child you carried... it must feel terrible."
Eve let out a small chuckle, shaking her head.
"Honestly, Yug, I don't see it that way," she said. "I had to let her go at some point, didn't I? And if things had been different... maybe I wouldn't even be around her now."
She glanced toward the house, her expression softening.
"But this?" she continued. "This is better than I ever imagined. I get to see her grow up. Maybe not as her mother—but still... I'm there. And I think I'm lucky for that."
Yug frowned slightly. "But they could've adopted—"
"I know," Eve cut in gently. "They could have. But it was their choice. Everyone wants a child of their own, right?"
She paused, then added more firmly, "And it wasn't forced. It was a mutual decision. I wanted to do this. Aarav is a very good friend of mine."
She looked back at Yug. "And he's not a jerk, right? He treats me well."
Yug exhaled, nodding a little.
"I told you," he said after a moment, "I can help you get a job here. You don't have to leave. You could stay."
Eve smiled again—but this time, there was something more thoughtful behind it.
"Aarav's been saying the same thing since I got here," Eve said with a small sigh. "But I've always had a dream, you know... to build my own designing brand someday. And Paris..." she smiled faintly, "Paris has always been the dream."
Eve gently held his bicep and rested her head against his shoulder.
"Are you okay though?" she asked softly. "Aarav's getting married."
"I don't feel that way about him anymore," Yug replied.
"Do you feel lonely?"
Yug didn't answer immediately.
Because the truth was—
He didn't.
And that... felt wrong.
He should have felt something. A gap. An emptiness.
But Ravi had somehow filled that space without even trying.
He's annoying... a creep sometimes...
But he's never made me sad.
That's... weird.
Yug let out a quiet breath. "I don't," he admitted. "It's funny. Life feels... easier right now. I didn't expect that."
Eve tilted her head slightly, studying him.
"Did you meet someone, Yug?" she asked, a hint of excitement creeping into her voice. "Someone who stole your attention?"
Yug's breath hitched.
His body went stiff.
Eve immediately straightened, eyes widening as she looked at his face.
"Oh my God—you did. I know that face!" she said, almost bouncing. "You met someone!"
"Stop shouting, woman," Yug muttered, glancing around.
"Who is it? Do I know them?" she pressed.
Yug hesitated... then nodded slowly.
I should tell her...
But how? She'll be mad...
But Ravi...
"It's... Ravi."
The words came out all at once.
Eve froze.
Completely.
For a second, she just stared at him—like her brain had stopped working.
Yug swallowed hard, panic creeping in.
"I'm really sorry," he rushed out. "I know I'm an asshole—a big one. I know you like him, and as a friend I shouldn't have—"
"Wait. Wait—what?" Eve cut him off, blinking rapidly. "I like Ravi? Who told you that?"
Yug faltered.
"...You did. You used to talk about him all the time."
Eve stared at him for another second—
And then suddenly burst out laughing.
"Oh my God, Yug," she said, holding her forehead. "That wasn't like likeee".
"Well, of course—look at him," Eve said casually. "Total Daddy material. Yeah, I had a little crush, but I never actually liked him like that."
She waved it off easily.
"And relax, I'm not mad at you or anything, okay? I might have judged you if he were my ex," she added with a shrug. "But we didn't even date, so..."
Yug didn't know how to respond to that.
He let out the breath he'd been holding and bent forward slightly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"But wait—" Eve suddenly straightened.
Her eyes widened.
"You and Ravi—YOU AND RAVI?! What the hell?"
Yug blinked. "Umm... is there something wrong with that?"
"Ravi?" she repeated, still trying to process it. "He's not your type. You always go for those lean-waist types."
She paused.
Then her eyes lit up with something far more dangerous.
"Wait... who's going to be the top—"
She slapped a hand over her own mouth.
Yug groaned. "Shut up. I didn't even say I like him."
Eve slowly lowered her hand, now fully serious.
"...Why not?"
"Because I'm confused," Yug admitted, sighing.
"My head is spinning," Eve said, pacing a little. "First explain how the hell this even happened. You two fight all the time. Half the time I feel like you'll rip each other's heads off."
Yug hesitated... then started explaining.
Everything.
From the fights.
To the weird tension.
To Ravi.
Eve listened—really listened this time—her expressions shifting with every sentence.
By the time he finished, she just stared at him.
"Okay... so let me get this straight," she said slowly. "Long story short—Ravi is completely, helplessly into you... and you're just... making his life difficult."
Yug looked down. "I know. I'm a jerk."
"All men are," Eve said flatly. "Not surprised."
Then she tilted her head, studying him again—this time with a smirk.
"But I still don't understand how you managed to pull a daddy," she added. "Like... wow."
Yug groaned again, dragging a hand down his face.
Eve laughed softly, nudging him.
Aarav snorted. "Koi tumse shaadi kyun karega?"
Veer burst out laughing. Even Anirudh let out a chuckle before quickly covering it up.
Ravi slowly lifted his head and gave Aarav a deadpan look.
"Okay, seriously," Aarav said, raising his hands, "what's wrong now? Did you guys fight again?"
"No," Ravi muttered.
Aarav sighed dramatically. "Look at me and Shaurya. We fight too, but we love each other."
He paused, then added proudly, "Like an old couple."
"A divorced one," Ravi said instantly.
"YOU—" Aarav pointed at him. "That's exactly why no one's going to marry you. Can't you behave?!"
"Truth hurts," Ravi shrugged.
"Alright, stop it, both of you!" Aarohi cut in, sliding between them.
She leaned closer to Ravi, examining his face.
"The bruise should fade before the wedding," she said thoughtfully. "Otherwise we can just use a little makeup to cover it."
"I'm not a woman," Ravi said flatly. "I'm not wearing makeup."
Aarav gasped. "You are an insult to the gay community. I wear makeup sometimes—what's wrong with that?"
"I already told you," Ravi shot back, "you are a woman."
"Ravi," Aarohi said sharply, glaring at him, "drop the gender stereotypes before I actually punch you."
Ravi raised his hands in mock surrender.
From the side, Parveen sighed dramatically. "Haaye... yeh bhi gay hai... yahan kya ladkiyon ko pasand karna paap hai kya?"
"Mamiji," Yug chimed in with a grin, "meri waali toh ladki hi hai."
"Chachi... yeh uncle uss din taar rahe the... woh gora sa bhaiya hai na... unko," Mirchi blurted out innocently.
"Mirchi..." Anirudh warned under his breath, "tu mujhse pitt jaayega. Chup."
A few suppressed laughs echoed around.
"Waise bhai kahan hai?" Veer asked, looking around.
"Puja kar rahe hain," Aarav replied casually. "Saal bhar ka paap dhone ke liye."
He turned slightly—
"...Lo, aa bhi gaye."
Shaurya walked in with Dadi.
For a moment, the room quieted.
He was dressed in a simple white dhoti, his upper body bare except for a saffron shawl draped across his shoulder. There was something calm about him... but Aarav noticed it instantly—
That quiet heaviness still lingered.
Aarav stood up without thinking and walked over to him.
"You're looking hot," he said softly.
Shaurya's lips curved just a little. He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to Aarav's forehead.
"Do I need to change again?" he asked.
"No," Aarav shook his head. "This is perfect."
"Tum dono yahan baitho," Dadi instructed. "Pandit ji, shuru kijiye."
Aarav and Shaurya sat down together.
The pandit began chanting mantras, his voice steady, filling the room with a rhythmic calm. One by one, blessings were given.
Vedansh quietly joined them.
Dadi stepped forward first.
She placed an heirloom sword in Aarav's hands.
"For the wedding day," she said firmly.
Then she turned to Shaurya, slipping a gold chain around his neck.
A silent acceptance.
A bond.
"Agar tum dono phir se jhagade," Dadi said, suddenly grabbing both their ears, "toh dono ki khair nahi."
Aarav couldn't help but chuckle.
Shaurya let out a soft breath, a faint smile appearing despite everything.
Vedansh stepped forward next.
He gently placed a hand over Shaurya's head... then Aarav's.
A quiet blessing.
"Your dad would've been happy today," Vedansh said quietly, looking at Aarav. "I'm feeling a bit... lonely. I'm the last one left, so I suppose that's normal."
Aarav's expression softened for a moment—but only for a moment.
"Well, I'm back now," he said, grinning. "To raise your blood pressure. I don't think you'll be saying that again anytime soon."
Vedansh let out a small smile, shaking his head.
Dadi stepped forward, applying tilak on both their foreheads before tying the sacred thread around their wrists.
"May you both have more children," she blessed.
"Dadi!" Aarav protested immediately, his ears turning red.
Dadi ignored him completely.
Vedansh fed Aarav a sweet, then did the same for Shaurya, blessing them both with a gentle touch.
In the middle of it all, Shaurya shifted closer—subtly, almost unconsciously—until their arms brushed.
Aarav noticed.
And then—
Shaurya's hand slid to his waist.
Aarav's breath hitched slightly.
"Dekho toh in dono ko!" Aarohi groaned dramatically. "Har waqt shuru ho jaate hain!"
"Maine kya kiya?!" Aarav shot back. "Dadi, dekhiye na—bigad gaye hain Shaurya."
"Bigadna toh abhi baaki hai," Shaurya murmured near his ear.
Aarav froze for half a second, eyes widening.
I thought he'd still be upset...
He glanced at Shaurya, a little surprised.
Dadi snapped instantly, "Shaurya! Yeh mat bhoolo hum tumse bade hain. Kaan kheenchu tumhare?"
Shaurya immediately straightened and shifted away like a scolded child.
"Aapne bachpan mein dhulai ki hoti na," Aarav added, turning to Vedansh, "toh aaj yeh aise na hote. Dono baap-bete gaay hain."
Laughter broke out across the room.
"Waise sabse zyada maar toh Aarav ne hi khaayi thi," Veer said with a grin.
"Aur nahi toh kya," Aarav scoffed. "Lagta tha sabko bada maza aata tha."
"Tu bachpan se hi bigda hua hai," Dadi added, lightly smacking his arm. "Surya ke aadhe baal toh tere wajah se hi gaye the."
Aarav just rolled his eyes.
"Chalo, ab jaldi karo. Parveen, aao yahan," Dadi called.
Parveen hurried over excitedly and applied tilak on both Aarav and Shaurya's foreheads. They bent down to touch her feet.
"Haaye, phir se pair chhoo liye!" she exclaimed dramatically.
Before Aarav could react, she stuffed an entire sweet into his mouth.
Aarav nearly choked.
"Mmff—!"
Then, without warning, Parveen reached forward and pulled Shaurya's nose.
Everyone froze.
"Mami... yeh shaadi ke din hoti hai rasam," Aarohi said, trying not to laugh.
"Ohh! Sorry, flow flow mein ho gaya," Parveen said sheepishly.
Shaurya cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed.
"Wait... where's Yug and Eve?" Aarav asked, glancing around.
"Bas aate hi honge. I called them," Aarohi replied.
Vedansh then looked at Ravi and asked him to bless Aarav since he was older.
Ravi stepped forward reluctantly.
"I hope tumhari bhi jaldi shaadi ho," Aarav said with a teasing smile.
Right on cue, Yug and Eve walked in.
Eve immediately smirked at Yug.
"Yeah... whatever," Ravi muttered. "I hope you both don't get divorced again. I'm tired taking care of him".
"Tum Shaurya se hi shaadi kyun nahi kar lete?" Aarav shot back, narrowing his eyes.
"Plan toh wahi tha," Ravi replied with a casual shrug.