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The morning air in Jaipur was fresh as Akshu and Veer landed, making their way to Abhi's magnificent palace for the engagement. The grandeur of the mansion was breathtaking, with every corner decorated for the evening celebration. As soon as they arrived, Akshu was reunited with Shyra after what felt like ages. Shyra's eyes lit up the moment she saw Akshu's baby bump.

"My cutie baby!" Shyra squealed, bending down to talk to Akshu's belly. "I'm your Maasi, your mumma's best friend. I love you so much already!" She placed a gentle hand on the bump, her excitement radiating.

Akshu giggled, feeling so much warmth in the moment. Shyra had always been dramatic and affectionate, but seeing her interact with her unborn baby was a different kind of joy.

Akshu's POV:

As I wandered through the grand halls of the mansion, my eyes scanned every detail of the engagement preparations. Everything looked perfect, but my mind was already racing, making sure not a single thing was out of place. I couldn't help but smile at how beautiful the palace looked—it felt like a dream.

But then, I felt Veer's presence close behind me. He wasn't just watching me, though—he was following me. I glanced over my shoulder, and there he was, holding a plate of fruit in one hand and a glass of milk in the other. Oh, Veer...

[The reel scene Everyone was waiting for 🙂‍↔️🤌🏻😭❤️]

"Akshu, you need to eat something," he called after me, sounding every bit like a concerned husband.

I spun around, trying to give him my best teasing look. "Later, Veer. I'm just checking everything right now. I'll eat when I'm done," I waved him off, hoping he'd let it go. But who am I kidding? This is Veeranshu Singhaniya.

I continued to move from one room to another, weaving through the decorators and staff setting up for the evening. Everything was so perfect, and I was busy admiring the setup when I realized Veer hadn't given up. He was still trailing right behind me, looking so adorably determined.

"Veer, seriously, I'll eat later," I insisted again, turning back to glance at him. But there he was, still following me, offering the plate of fruit like he had all the time in the world. His persistence was starting to make me smile, even though I didn't want to give in.

"Nope, not happening," he said, voice gentle but firm. "You've been walking around for too long, and you haven't eaten since the flight. Just a couple of bites," he coaxed.

[Tum kya dekh rahe ho?? hmm. Tum single ho beta.]

I rolled my eyes playfully, trying to ignore the growing fondness bubbling inside me. I peeked into the ballroom, mentally checking off the flowers, the lights, the seating arrangements. But I could feel Veer's eyes on me, and I knew he wasn't going to back down until I gave in.

"Veeransh, you're impossible!" I huffed, finally spinning around to face him. "I'm not a child."

He chuckled, and I couldn't help but notice how his eyes sparkled with affection. "Well, you're acting like one right now," he teased, grinning. "Now, come on. One bite of fruit, or I'll follow you around this entire palace until you do."

I pouted, trying to hold onto my stubbornness, but the sight of him standing there, so patient and sweet, melted me. He was so determined to take care of me, even if it was in the smallest way. "Fine, one bite," I muttered, grabbing a piece of fruit from the plate.

His grin widened, and I could see the victory in his eyes. As I chewed, I pretended to be annoyed, but really, I was smiling on the inside. He's impossible, but I love him for it. "Happy now?" I asked, still chewing.

"Almost," he replied, holding out the glass of milk.

I couldn't help but laugh at that. "Oh, come on!" I protested, but I took the glass anyway, sipping it slowly. I could feel his eyes on me, watching me with that soft, loving smile that always makes my heart skip a beat. He makes me feel so... cared for, in a way that's hard to describe.

As I continued walking through the mansion, with Veer still trailing behind, I suddenly noticed Abhi's dadi and his mother standing in the hallway. They both had this amused look on their faces.

"Veer beta," Abhi's dadi called out, her voice full of laughter, "Joru ke gulam ban gaye haa?"

I felt my cheeks heat up immediately, and before I could say anything, Shalini aunty joined in, shaking her head with a smile. "Look at him, chasing her around with food like a dutiful husband."

Veer didn't even hesitate. He chuckled, completely unfazed. "Yes, dadi, aunty." He said, grinning proudly before glancing at me with a playful wink. "I'm HER GULAAM. Happily, I might add."

I could feel the warmth creeping up my neck as I blushed, giving him my best mock-annoyed glare. "You're unbelievable."

"And you love it," he shot back, his grin widening.

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't hide the way my heart swelled with love. He's right, of course. I do love it. I love how he takes care of me, how he insists on being there for me even in the smallest ways. I love how lucky I am to have him by my side through everything.

As we continued walking through the mansion, Veer still holding the plate of fruit and milk, I couldn't help but feel like everything was falling into place. The preparations for the engagement, the love I felt for Veer—it all just felt perfect, like our little world was exactly how it was meant to be.

AUTHOR's POV:

As Veer finally got Akshu to finish the fruit, she caught sight of Shyra coming down the grand staircase, her face lighting up the room. Akshu's heart warmed instantly at the sight of her best friend. It had been so long since they had spent time together, and this engagement felt like the perfect reason to reconnect.

"Akshu!!" Shyra squealed, rushing over and engulfing her in a tight hug. "I've missed you so much!" she said, holding Akshu's hands, her eyes filled with excitement.

"I've missed you too!" Akshu beamed, hugging her back. "You look absolutely glowing, Shyra. You're all set to be the most beautiful bride tonight."

Shyra's gaze shifted down to Akshu's baby bump, her face softening with affection. She knelt down slightly, placing her hand gently on the bump and speaking to it as if the baby could hear every word.

"My cutie baby, I love you so much already," Shyra said, her voice full of tenderness. "I can't wait to spoil you when you arrive."

Akshu giggled, watching her best friend bond with her unborn baby. "You're going to be the most fun Maasi. The baby's already lucky to have you."

Shyra stood up, her eyes twinkling. "Lucky to have me? Look at you! You're glowing, Akshu. Motherhood suits you so well." She wrapped her arm around Akshu's shoulder, steering her toward one of the balconies where they could catch up in peace.

They leaned on the balcony railing, overlooking the lavish preparations happening below. The palace was buzzing with activity, but for a moment, it was just the two of them, like old times.

"Can you believe it? I'm getting engaged today," Shyra said, a mix of excitement and nerves in her voice. "But look at you, Akshu! You're going to be a mom soon! How do you feel about everything?"

Akshu smiled softly, her hand resting on her belly. "It feels... surreal, honestly. Some days I still can't believe I'm going to be a mom. But with Veer by my side, it's been beautiful. He's been taking care of everything, even when I throw tantrums about eating," she laughed, remembering how Veer had been chasing her around with the fruit just moments earlier.

Shyra smiled knowingly. "He really is something, Akshu. You both are so perfect together. And speaking of tantrums..." She wiggled her eyebrows. "How is he dealing with the pregnancy mood swings?"

Akshu chuckled, rolling her eyes playfully. "He's handling them better than I am, honestly. He's always so patient, and I'm just here being cranky one minute and emotional the next. I'm lucky he's as calm as he is."

Shyra giggled, nudging her. "Jiks is a keeper. And he better keep up with those mood swings—because once this baby's born, it's going to be chaos!"

They both laughed, and for a moment, the weight of their individual lives seemed lighter. It was like they were back to being the carefree girls they used to be, dreaming about their futures and the adventures that lay ahead. Now, those adventures had taken shape—one about to be married, the other about to be a mom.

"You know," Shyra said after a while, her tone a little more serious. "I'm so happy that you're here with me, Akshu. I couldn't imagine this day without you. You've been my rock from childhood."

Akshu smiled, her eyes misting slightly. "And you've been mine. No matter where life takes us, we'll always have each other."

They shared a warm hug, both feeling the depth of their friendship, knowing that even though their lives were changing, their bond would always remain the same.

Just then, Veer walked out onto the balcony, carrying yet another plate of fruit, and Shyra burst out laughing.

"You're really not giving up, are you, Jiks?" Shyra teased, shaking her head.

Veer grinned, shrugging. "Nope. Someone has to make sure she takes care of herself."

Akshu sighed dramatically. "Looks like I'm stuck with this bodyguard forever," she joked, giving him a playful glance.

Shyra giggled, watching the two of them. "You two are too cute. Seriously, Jiks, you've set the bar too high for the rest of us."

[US Shyra US😭😭🤌🏻]

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[3 days later - Abhira's Wedding day ]

VEER'S POV:

As I sat beside Akshu, watching Shyra and Abhi at the mandap, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness for them. This was their moment—something they'd both waited for so long. I glanced at Akshu, her eyes shining as she looked at her best friend, and I knew she was thinking the same.

But then, when the priest called for Shyra's father for the Kanyadaan," Yajmaan, Vadhu ke Pitaji ko kanyadan ke liye aage bulaiye!! " the air suddenly felt heavier. 

[Mister, please call the Bride's father for the Kanyadan.]

I noticed the way Akshu stiffened beside me, her expression dimming. She knew what was coming; we all did. Shyra didn't have her parents with her—they were gone, just like Akshu's. And I could feel, in that silence, how hard it was for them both.

I looked over at Shyra, standing there, trying to hold herself together. The joy on her face faltered as the weight of the moment hit her. She didn't deserve to feel this way on her wedding day, and I knew I couldn't just sit there and watch. Not when I could do something about it.

Without even thinking twice, I stood up.

"I'll do the Kanyadaan," I said, my voice steady, breaking the silence. Every eye turned to me, but the only person I was looking at was Shyra.

Her eyes met mine, wide and filled with unshed tears. She didn't expect it—hell, I don't think anyone did. But in that moment, I wasn't just her friend's husband. I was standing there as someone who cared for her like family, like a brother, like someone who could fill that empty space.

"Jiks..." Shyra's voice trembled, barely above a whisper.

I smiled at her, hoping she could see the sincerity in my eyes. I gently patted her head lovingly, "I'd be honored, Shyra. You've always been like a sister to me, and today, I'd be proud to give you away to Abhi."

[I'll never forget this moment😭🤌🏻]

The relief that washed over her face nearly broke me. I knew Akshu was watching, too—feeling every bit of Shyra's pain, because she had lived it herself. And as much as I wanted to make this day perfect for Shyra, I also wanted to ease that pain for Akshu, to show her that she was never alone, just like Shyra wasn't.

The priest nodded in approval, inviting me forward to perform the Kanyadaan. I walked over to Shyra, her hand trembling slightly as she held it out to me. Gently, I took her hand in mine, and with all the respect I could muster, I guided her to Abhi, placing her hand in his.

In that moment, as the priest recited the sacred verses, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. I wasn't just giving Shyra away to Abhi—I was standing in for the family she lost, for the love she deserved. It wasn't just about duty; it was about showing her that she had a family, a support system, even if it wasn't the one she was born into.

When I returned to my seat beside Akshu, I noticed the tear on her cheek. I reached over, gently wiping it away with my thumb.

"You okay?" I asked softly, knowing full well how much this moment meant to her, too.

Akshu nodded, her voice shaky. "Veer, Thankyou so much. It means a lot."

I smiled at her, squeezing her hand gently. "She's family, Akshu. Just like you. Always."

As the ceremony continued, I couldn't shake the feeling of warmth and fulfillment that washed over me. Today wasn't just about Shyra and Abhi—it was about family, the one we choose and the one we create. And as I sat there with Akshu, knowing the pain she carried from her own past, I made a silent vow to always be that steady presence for her.

Finally with this, I end this chapter. 🙂‍↕️

So, how was the chapter?? Did you all like it?? 

Which moment was your favorite out of all. Don't forget to comment down.

Also, Abhira's wedding is not coming anytime soon. It's just a future glimpse here. Shyra and Abhi's book : 📖LAWS OF THE HEART (ONGOING)

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Okay, enjoy reading.

Byee.

Love authorshyra❤️🌷