“Oh.”
The next moment, he wrapped his arms around Daksh’s legs in a sudden hug.
Daksh laughed despite himself, ruffling Arin’s hair. “You scare me sometimes, little boy,” he said honestly. “One second you’re ready to fight the world… the next you’re hugging me.”
He glanced at Mishti. “Typical aura of your husband. Same warning energy.”
“That’s because he’s genetically coded like me,” Karan said, just then, walking in.
He looked down at Arin with pride unmistakable in his eyes.
“He is protective,” Karan continued proudly. “Selective. And doesn’t tolerate raised voices where his mother is concerned.”
Daksh laughed, shaking his head. “God help us all.”
Mishti looked up at Karan, her heart doing that familiar flutter again.
Daksh straightened, clapping his hands once as if sealing a decision.
“Alright, little bodyguard,” he said to Arin. “Come with me. I’ve got something for you.”
Arin’s eyes lit up instantly. “What?”
“Gifts,” Daksh replied, conspiratorially. “And I’ve been waiting to show you.”
That was enough.
Arin immediately slipped his hand into Daksh’s, gripping it tight. “Okay, let’s go,” he said, already pulling him toward the door.
Daksh chuckled, letting himself be dragged along. “No rushing,” he warned lightly. “Good things deserve a little patience.”
Their laughter faded as they walked out together. Mishti watched them go before her eyes met Karan’s. He moved to her, sliding his arms around her waist and drawing her into him.
“This time, I’m with Daksh,” he said. “He’s right to scold you for doing everything yourself. Enough of checking everything personally.”
His thumb brushed her side, grounding.
“The family needs you with them. Come.”
Mishti smiled, even as she nodded. She turned once more toward the kitchen, already halfway stepping away from him.
“Maria,” she called softly, “please make sure the sweets are set out near the living room. And tell the staff to bring the puja thaal in ten minutes.”
Maria nodded immediately. Only then did Mishti let Karan guide her out, her fingers curling into his as they hurried together, back to the noise, the warmth, and the family waiting for them.
****************
Soon, it was time for the Raksha Bandhan rituals to begin.
Avni stood before her brothers with the puja thaal, her smile bright and pleased.
Karan held out his wrist first, arching a brow. “You’re enjoying this far too much, aren’t you? Tricking all the men into wearing the same outfits.”
“Completely,” Avni replied, tying the rakhi. “We don’t get to do this often. Now stop talking and let me finish the rakhis.”
As she moved to Abhimanyu, he leaned closer and nudged Karan. “She’s only this excited because of the gifts. Otherwise, there’s no real sentiment in this tradition.”
Avni laughed, tugging lightly at Abhimanyu’s cheek. “Exactly. Because my brothers always give me the best gifts.”
