“How many ladoos did you eat?” he asked, already knowing the answer.
Arin held up two fingers proudly.
“Two.”
Karan sighed deeply and glanced at Mishti in mock despair. But she immediately frowned at him, completely unfazed. “It’s fine. He loves them. Thankfully, my son has taken after me in this matter. He loves desserts very much, unlike his father.”
Karan caught her elbow and gently pulled her closer.
“Only that part,” he said with a smirk. “The rest of his genes are clearly mine.”
Mishti laughed softly, knowing he wasn’t entirely wrong. Arin was a perfect junior version of Karan in more ways than one. If he didn’t like something, convincing him took days. He was stubborn, opinionated, fiercely independent, and very particular about what he wanted. He had the same intense focus and the same serious little expressions when displeased.
But one trait stood out more than anything else.
Just like Karan had always loved Abhimanyu and Avni, Arin adored his siblings with the same fierce protectiveness. He was extremely possessive about Nysa, always holding her hand, always standing a little in front of her as if guarding her. He was equally attached to Avni and Rajat’s four-year-old daughter, Anaya, and especially to Daksh and Divya’s daughter, Pari, his eldest cousin sister, who was seven now.
Arin was obsessed with his three sisters. And being the only brother, all of them doted on him endlessly.
The sound of a double car horn suddenly echoed outside, and Arin jumped in excitement.
“That’s Rajat uncle’s car!” he announced happily. “Anaya is here!”
Before anyone could stop them, Nysa and Arin ran toward the door.
“Careful!” Karan called out instinctively, in concern.
Abhimanyu immediately gestured for him to relax and rushed after the kids, keeping a watchful eye on them.
Just then, Komal walked up to Karan and Mishti, deciding to tease them a bit.
“Why did you change your saree after the morning puja, Mishti?” she asked, holding her grin. “And… you showered again? Why?” she added, even more teasingly, seeing her wet hair.
Mishti froze for a second while Karan, standing right beside her, hid his smile.
Of course, Komal had knew that after the puja, Mishti had gone back to their room only to check if Karan was still caught up in business calls or had finally gone in for a shower. Mishti had stepped in with nothing more than concern on her mind. But the moment she entered the room, everything else had slipped away. One look had turned into another, one step into another, and before she could even register it, he had pulled her into the bathroom with him. That was how the moment had turned romantic, and how her saree had ended up changed again.
Komal’s eyes moved between the two of them slowly, taking in Mishti’s flushed face and Karan’s unusual smirk. Mishti, although aware Komal was just teasing, she still could not find any response.
Karan noticed and decided to enjoy her discomfort just a little.
“Oh yes, Mishti,” he said casually, tilting his head. “The pink saree you wore in the morning was really nice. Why did you change?”
Mishti shot him a glare, though it did nothing to hide the colour rising on her cheeks.
Karan, clearly enjoying himself now, continued, “And you look a little tired too. Everything okay, baby?”
He looked at Komal with mock concern. “Should Komal check if you’re fine?”
That was when Komal laughed. Even Mishti’s blush gave everything away.
Komal widened her eyes dramatically. “Oh my God… you two,” she said, shaking her head. “Still behaving like newlyweds. Next time lock the bedroom door so that the kids don’t interrupt you. I’m not going to come again to save you both.”
Mishti immediately hushed her, mortified. “No more teasing now,” she whispered. “They’re here.”
Just then, Avni and Rajat walked in along with Abhimanyu and the kids, who had gone out to welcome them. Their arms were full of gift bags. It was Raksha Bandhan today, and like every year, the entire family had gathered at Wadhwa Mansion to celebrate together.
Mishti and Komal happily hugged Avni, while Karan froze mid-step. Not only was he twinning with Abhimanyu in identical outfits, but Rajat was dressed exactly the same too.
