116.
The traditional wedding was set to take place outdoors. The entire Shekhawat estate shimmered under countless fairy lights and flickering candles, giving it an almost magical glow.
Rumors had already begun spreading among reporters and curious locals. A long procession of luxury cars had been seen heading toward the Shekhawat estate, and the arrival of international guests-including members of royal families and powerful mafia dynasties-only fueled the speculation.
However, security at the estate was exceptionally tight. Guards stood at every entrance, ensuring that no one except the invited guests was allowed inside.
Ravi's family had also been invited.
The moment Yug remembered that, a wave of nervousness washed over him. After everything he had said the last time they met, he wasn't sure how they would react.
As if fate had decided to test him, Ravi's mother and sister walked into the venue.
Taking a deep breath, Yug forced a smile and walked over to greet them.
He gave them a small wave.
Both women noticed him.
Ravi's mother didn't acknowledge him. Without a word, she deliberately turned away and continued walking, leaving Yug standing there awkwardly.
Embarrassment flickered across his face.
Fatima glanced back at him with an apologetic expression.
"I'm sorry about her," she said softly. "She didn't mean to-"
"It's okay," Yug interrupted gently, keeping the faint smile on his face. "How have you been?"
"I'm good. And-"
"Fatima! Come here!"
Her mother's sharp voice cut her off.
Fatima let out a quiet sigh before giving Yug one last apologetic look and walking away.
Yug slipped his hands into the pockets of his trousers and let out a quiet sigh as he looked around the venue.
The guests had already settled into small groups, chatting over drinks while more luxury cars continued to pull into the estate. Among the new arrivals were several influential mafia families from across the world.
On the other side of the lawn, Ravi stood with Roy and Harsh, engaged in conversation.
A ripple of attention spread through the crowd as the Italian mafia family arrived, accompanied by their entourage.
They were among the most powerful syndicates in the world. Even the Shekhawats knew there was no point in measuring strength against them. If the two families ever went to war, neither side would emerge victorious.
That was precisely why they had chosen diplomacy over conflict.
Now, both organizations had formed an uneasy alliance, united by a common objective-finding Bilal.
Bilal had been quietly building an army of his own, recruiting dangerous allies from across the globe. Someone said that some of his associates were even present at the wedding.
Leading the Italian mafia with his boss, was Luca.
Known throughout the mafia world as the Diamond of Italy, Luca was admired for his sharp mind as much as for his striking appearance. He also shared a long and complicated history with Ravi-a story that had become something of a legend, or rather, the favorite gossip of the underworld.
The moment Luca stepped on the mansion grounds, eyes swept across the crowd, searching for one particular person.
There you are.
His gaze landed on Ravi.
Ravi, who had already noticed his arrival, met his eyes from across the lawn.
A grin spread across Luca's face.
Without hesitation, he made his way over.
"Ciao, ragazzi," Luca greeted with an easy smile.
Roy and Harsh looked at Luca before exchanging a brief glance with each other.
Luca was dressed in a fitted black crop top paired with sheer black trousers that gave his outfit a bold, effortless elegance.
A single gold hoop adorned one ear, catching the light as he walked.
His lean waist was left exposed, his smooth skin contrasting with the dark fabric.
Thick lashes framed warm eyes dusted with delicate freckles across his cheeks, completing the look of someone who was both undeniably beautiful and dangerously confident.
The perfect Italian charmer.
"Hey, handsome," Luca greeted with a grin before leaning in to kiss Ravi lightly on the cheek.
As he pulled away, Ravi caught the rich scent of Luca's expensive cologne.
"Hey," Ravi replied after a brief pause.
"We've got a lot to talk about, don't we?" Luca said.
"Yeah, but let's talk somewhere private," Ravi answered.
Luca's smile widened as he slipped a hand around Ravi's arm.
"I don't think you should go," Roy interrupted.
Ravi turned to look at him.
"Handle it," he said simply before walking away with Luca toward one of the private cabins.
Roy watched them disappear before muttering under his breath, "Yeh khud marega aur mujhe bhi marvaega."
He turned to Harsh-only to find him staring shamelessly at Luca's exposed waist, completely lost.
"Creepy bastard," Roy grumbled, smacking the back of Harsh's head.
Inside the cabin, Ravi quietly shut the door behind them.
"Did you bring what I asked for?" he asked without wasting a second.
"What's the rush?" Luca teased. "Talk to me first."
As he spoke, he casually draped his arms around Ravi's neck.
Ravi didn't react.
Luca pouted dramatically.
"Fine," he sighed. "Yeah, I brought it."
"Thanks." Ravi gently removed Luca's hands from around his neck. "What do you want in return?"
Luca almost never did favors for free.
Luca let out an exaggerated sigh.
"I told Boss we should ask for you in exchange," he said with a playful smile. "But he refused. Said it was a wedding gift for Shaurya."
"Okay," Ravi replied with a small nod.
Luca blinked.
Ravi simply looked at him.
Luca laughed, shaking his head.
"You're unbelievable."
He walked over to the couch and patted the empty seat beside him.
"Why are you still standing?" he asked. "Come. Sit with me for a while."
After a moment, Ravi walked over and sat down beside him.
"By the way, what happens to Bilal's properties after everything is over?" Luca asked.
"We destroy them," Ravi replied simply.
Luca frowned.
"That seems like a waste. We could just split everything."
Ravi shook his head.
"None of it comes to us. Shaurya doesn't want a single thing that belonged to that family."
He paused before adding, "If your family wants it, you can keep all of it."
"I've had my eye on that ruby of theirs," Luca admitted with a grin. "But seriously, don't you think you'll go bankrupt if you keep doing charity like this?"
A quiet chuckle escaped Ravi.
"We'll manage."
After a brief silence, Ravi looked at him.
"I actually need another favor."
"Does it have something to do with Bilal?" Luca asked.
"No. I have-"
Ravi lowered his voice and began explaining his plan.
Luca listened without interrupting. As Ravi spoke, he stood up from the couch and slowly circled around him, considering every detail.
When Ravi finally finished, Luca folded his arms.
"That's... quite risky."
"I'll make sure you have protection," Ravi assured him.
"I'm sure you will." Luca smirked. "But I still expect to be paid."
"Name your price."
A smile spread across Luca's face.
He stepped behind the couch and rested his hands lightly on Ravi's shoulders, giving them a slow, absent-minded massage.
"You already know what I want, don't you?" he murmured.
Luca then moved and sat on Ravi's lap. He held Ravi's head and leaned closer to him.
Ravi remained silent.
"It's been a long time," he said softly and tried to kiss him.
When Ravi still showed no reaction, Luca reached out and gently brushed a thumb across his lower lip and bit it slightly before letting go.
"You aren't touching me either today," Luca teased. "Are you seeing someone?"
"Yeah."
Luca raised an eyebrow.
"Who? Don't tell me you got back together with that girl... what was her name? Alizeh?"
He casually reached for Ravi's hand, intertwining their fingers.
"It's Yug Khurana," Ravi answered.
For the first time that evening, Luca's playful expression disappeared.
He stared at Ravi in disbelief.
"You're joking."
Ravi simply looked back at him.
"You mean... you're dating the son of that monster?"
"Yep."
Luca let out a slow breath, still trying to process it.
"So..." he said cautiously, "he's just a fling, then?"
"No," Ravi replied calmly. "It's not. And I do plan to have a future with him."
Luca let out a soft laugh.
"Guardati, ragazzo innamorato."
"Don't you want to kill him anymore? You used to hate him so much."
As he spoke, Luca leaned in and planted a couple of light kisses against Ravi's cheek.
"He's different," Ravi said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Interesting... in his own way."
He glanced at Luca.
"And if he caught you doing this to me right now, he'd probably kick your ass."
Luca immediately pulled a face and rolled his eyes.
"I'd like to see him try."
Still unwilling to give up, Luca reached out and casually slipped a hand beneath the hem of Ravi's shirt.
"Don't."
Ravi's voice was quiet but final.
The firmness in his tone left no room for argument.
Luca froze for a second before withdrawing his hand. He pushed himself to his feet and dusted off his trousers as if mildly offended.
"You've become boring," he muttered.
Ravi only looked at him.
After a brief silence, Luca's playful smile returned.
"I really want to meet this guy," he said, genuine curiosity replacing the teasing in his voice.
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It was finally time for Shaurya and Aarav's varmala and wedding rituals.
They exchanged garlands, their smiles growing wider with each passing moment. As they completed the phere around the sacred fire, petals rained down on them from every direction, blessing their union.
The moment the final ritual ended, fireworks exploded across the night sky, filling the estate with light and thunderous applause.
Later, everyone gathered on the open field.
Shaurya and Aarav's horses had been set free, gracefully circling the couple as if they, too, were celebrating the occasion.
The newlyweds stood facing each other.