Chapter 42 #2
He smiled. “Yes. This is what my mother wanted to talk to me about. She gave me this ring to propose to you.”
A rush of feelings swept over her—joy, wonder, disbelief, and the profound understanding that by offering her this ring, Aditya’s mother had given them her full blessing.
Aditya took her hand in his. “Sabrina, I think I fell in love with you that first night we spent together in Singapore. I was bowled over by your innocence, your awe, and your beauty. You walked into my life when I least expected it. You are my greatest gift. You and Ahaan both. I want to spend every day of my life showing you how much you mean to me. Sabrina Solanki, will you marry me?”
Tears blurred her vision as she nodded. “Yes. Yes, I will.”
Aditya rose, sliding the ring onto her finger. The stunning yellow diamond winked in the soft light. His lips found hers. She wrapped her hands around his neck, holding him close.
A burst of cheers shattered the quiet. Sabrina pulled back, startled, and turned.
Their friends and family stood a short distance away, clapping and laughing, their faces glowing with joy.
Ahaan clapped the loudest, bouncing on his feet.
She laughed too, taking in everyone present.
Her gaze finally caught on three familiar figures standing a little apart.
Mihir. Armaan. Vedant. Her brothers. They were here, smiling, looking so proud and happy.
Aditya squeezed her hand. “I forgot to tell you your brothers were coming.”
Her heart full, she let him lead her back to the house. Ahaan ran to her, hugging first her, and then Aditya. Their friends enveloped them in warmth and congratulations. She looked at her brothers. Taking Ahaan’s hand in hers, she led her son to them.
“Hi!” She greeted her brothers. They all smiled at her, but their attention was fixed on her son.
She drew Ahaan forward. “Ahaan, these are my brothers. Mihir, Armaan, and Vedant. They are your uncles. I couldn’t tell you about them—”
“Are they my uncles from Dubai?” Ahaan cut in, sounding excited.
“How do you know that?”
“Uncle Aditya told me earlier that you were separated from your brothers when you were very young,” Ahaan explained.
She smiled. “Yes, but we are all together now. My brothers are very important to me, Ahaan, and I love them very much.”
Ahaan looked into the faces of the three men and gave them a tentative smile.
Mihir extended a hand toward the boy. “Hi Ahaan. I’m Mihir. Your mom has told us so much about you.”
Ahaan shook his hand. Armaan was next. “Hey, buddy, I’m Armaan. Your mom says you like cricket. You know what, so do I.”
Ahaan smiled at him. Finally, Vedant came forward, pushing his spectacles up his nose. “Hello, Ahaan. My name is Vedant. We all have been waiting to meet you.”
Ahaan smiled at them. “I was in Dubai recently with Aish and Uncle Rithwik. Do you know them?”
“Not yet,” Mihir replied. “But we will meet them soon.”
“Did you enjoy Dubai?” Armaan asked.
“I loved it,” Ahaan replied, excitedly.
“Then you have to come visit us soon,” Mihir said.
Ahaan grinned. He looked at Sabrina. “Mom, can I go watch TV? India is playing Australia tonight.”
Sabrina smiled. “Sure.”
He turned to Armaan. “You said you like cricket. Do you want to come and watch the match with me? There are pizzas.”
Armaan smiled. “Sure, you go ahead, and I’ll be there soon.”
“Can we all come and watch with you?” Mihir asked.
“I’d love that!” Ahaan exclaimed, before he ran inside.
Relief and joy swelled through her as she saw Ahaan accept her brothers so easily.
“He’s such a good kid,” Vedant said, putting his arm around her. “Are you okay? You scared the life out of us.”
“I’m fine, really.”
She was more than fine, and so very happy.
“Thank God,” Armaan said, embracing her.
“We came as soon as we could,” Mihir said, kissing her forehead. He tipped his head at Aditya. “But looks like he had everything in control.”
“Thank you for your help,” Sabrina told him. “Aditya told me how your men handled everything quickly and efficiently.”
Mihir smiled. “We’d do anything for you. I hope you know that.”
“I do.” She ran a hand through her hair.
Armaan caught her hand and held it to the light, staring at her engagement ring with a critical eye. “Well, at least he got the diamond right. This is a fine one indeed.”
She gave him a naughty grin. “I’m glad you approve.”
“I approve of the diamond,” Armaan said, tipping his head behind her. “Him, I’m not so sure of yet.”
“Honestly, I can’t believe my sister is marrying him,” Vedant groaned.
Before she could reply, an arm looped around her waist, and she was pulled against Aditya’s chest. She breathed in his spicy scent, feeling at ease.
“Are they riling you about me, beautiful?” Aditya asked.
Her eyes popped, and she lifted her head to look at him. “How did you guess?”
He splayed a hand at her brothers. “I have noticed all the dark looks the three of them keep throwing my way, especially Armaan and Vedant. As if it’s my fault their girls like me.”
“They do not like you,” Mihir said sharply.
Aditya arched a brow. “Care to ask them?”
They all promptly shut up. She chuckled.
Armaan exhaled. “That apart, I am genuinely happy for you both.”
“Same here,” Vedant said. “If Aditya’s our sister’s choice, then I am happy too.”
Aditya’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Are you? Really?”
Sabrina slapped his arm playfully. “They’re extending you an olive branch; take it.”
Aditya laughed. “Oh, let me have some fun, beautiful. Riling these three is one of my most favorite things to do.”
Aditya’s grip tightened at her waist, and his face turned solemn. “Seriously, though, thank you, Mihir, for finding her for me. I don’t know what I would have done had something happened to her.”
Mihir’s expression softened. “We Oshnovs always protect what is ours. And that includes you, too, now.” He extended his hand; Aditya took it, and Mihir pulled him into a solid hug. “Welcome to the family.”
Armaan and Vedant embraced him as well.
“We are going to watch cricket with Ahaan,” Mihir said, leading his brothers away.
Sabrina watched them go. Rajiv stepped in the trio’s path, and she saw him introduce her brothers to Rithwik, Aisha, and the rest of their circle.
A feeling of utter joy spread through her as she saw her brothers laugh and mingle with her friends.
Her world had just grown bigger and fuller, and all of it was thanks to this man standing beside her.
Her heart swelled with happiness. She had found everything she had lost at one time—love, belonging, home.
For the first time in fourteen years, she felt whole, and it was all because of Aditya.
He’d shown her true happiness, real partnership, and unconditional love.
She kissed his cheek. “Have I told you I love you?”
Aditya gave her a brilliant smile. “I’m happy to hear it again.”
“I love you so much.”
“I love you too, beautiful.”
She smiled. She was finally right where she belonged.