31.

Abhiraj’s POV

I wake up to a soft, feathery kiss on my cheek. My eyes open slowly, adjusting to the morning light, only to find my lady smiling at me. Her eyes hold warmth, the kind that melts away every worry in my heart. She looks breathtaking, as always.

A lazy smile forms on my lips as I pull her close, wrapping my arms around her waist. I bury my face in her neck, inhaling her familiar scent. It’s sweet, comforting and intoxicating—something that never fails to calm my restless mind.

“Good morning, love” she whispers softly, her voice carrying a tenderness that makes my heart skip a beat.

The way she calls me ‘love’ I could die for it. It’s my favorite thing in the world.

I press a light kiss against her collarbone, feeling her shiver under my touch. Her fingers clutch my t-shirt tightly and I smirk against her skin. I know her neck is sensitive.

“Wake up, it’s already late” she says, running her fingers through my hair gently.

But I don’t move. I just lay there, savoring this peaceful moment. After a few seconds I lift my head and look at her properly. She’s already dressed and ready for the day, yet she’s still here waiting for me to wake up.

I reach out and caress her face with my fingers, tracing the curve of her cheek. She smiles at my touch making my heart flutter.

“How was your sleep?” I ask my fingers still stroking her soft skin.

“It was peaceful and nice in your arms” she replies with a sweet smile.

My lips curl up at her words. Nothing makes me happier than knowing she feels safe and loved with me.

“Where is Zar?” I ask noticing that he’s not curled up beside her like usual.

“He’s downstairs with Jiya and Dev” she answers.

I don’t say anything for a few seconds. I just keep staring at her, taking in every little detail...the way her lips curve, the way her eyes shine, the way the morning light makes her glow.

“Now wake up, I’m hungry” she says pouting slightly. A playful smirk tugs at my lips as I meet her gaze.

“Then eat me” I say, my voice deep and teasing.

Her eyes widen and her cheeks turn a deep shade of red. My smirk only grows.

She gasps and slaps my chest lightly before getting off the bed. “Pervert” she mumbles under her breath but I hear her loud and clear.

A chuckle escapes me. “But you love this pervert” I say, winking at her.

Her entire face turns crimson and before she can say anything, we hear a low, familiar roar.

Zar.

A second later, my boy rushes inside the room and leaps onto the bed in one big jump. Even though he’s a giant beast, he still acts like he’s a small cub. My oversized, spoiled boy.

He rubs the side of his face against mine, his usual way of showing love in the mornings. I smile, running my fingers through his thick fur, before placing a kiss on his head.

Zar then turns toward Mira and without hesitation jumps into her lap, rubbing his massive body against her.

She laughs and wraps her arms around him, pressing soft kisses on his head. She always spoils him with affection.

I watch them, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. This.....this is my perfect morning view.

“Get up, Abhiraj!” Mira suddenly shouts, breaking my moment of admiration. “Look at my boy....he woke up early in the morning and here you are still lying like a lazy person!”

I blink at her in surprise before sitting up straight.

Zar looks at me with what I swear is a mischievous smile, as if he’s enjoying watching me get scolded.

My own tiger is siding with his mumma.

I stretch my arms and look at Zar. “Let’s take a bath together” I say looking at him playfully.

Zar immediately shakes his head, his ears twitching. He’s clearly not interested.

“I already gave him a bath. You go” my baby says as she gets up, ruffling Zar’s fur.

I pout slightly and lean back on the bed. “Then give me a bath too” I tease, smirking at her.

She doesn’t say a word. Instead, she picks up a pillow and throws it straight at me.

I dodge it just in time and laugh. “Missed me!” I say before quickly running into the bathroom, escaping another possible attack.

Today is the weekend. I had a meeting scheduled but it got canceled, so I slept a little longer than usual. Because of that I missed my gym session too.

I step into the shower, letting the warm water relax my muscles. Taking my time, I enjoy the peaceful moment before finally stepping out. I dry myself, wear casual trousers and a T-shirt and run my fingers through my wet hair to fix them.

When I come out of the room, I notice that Mira and Zar are gone. Maybe they went downstairs.

I head to the living room and see them sitting there with Dev and Jiya. Laughter fills the space and it’s a sight that makes my heart feel lighter. Mira is smiling, Jiya is giggling and even Dev looks genuinely happy.

Jiya notices me first. “Good morning Bhai!” she says with a bright smile.

I smile back and take a seat beside her. “Good morning”

My gaze shifts to Dev. His face is glowing in a way I haven’t seen in a long time. There’s something different about him today....he looks at peace, surrounded by love. It reminds me of the day we met for the first time eighteen years ago.

Before I can dwell too much on that memory, Jiya stands up with excitement in her eyes. “Let’s have breakfast! I have something really important to tell you all” she announces.

Curious, we all get up and move to the dining table.

As we settle down, Zar....who usually sits beside his mumma or Jiya....chooses to sit next to me instead.

I look at him confused. “What’s up with you today, buddy?”

Mira chuckles and leans in. “You told him last night that he doesn’t love you anymore. That’s why he’s showing you extra love now” she says with amusement.

I turn to look at Zar, who gives me the most innocent, loving smile. My heart melts instantly.

I can’t resist. I lean in and press a kiss on his head rubbing his fur gently. “You’re my boy” I whisper feeling his warmth.

Breakfast starts with our usual chit chat and teasing. The atmosphere is light filled with laughter.

Dev leans closer to me, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Did you enjoy last night?” he asks, his voice low.

I narrow my eyes at him and glare. “I should be the one asking you this” I whisper back.

His face turns red instantly and he looks down shyly.

I smirk. “Why are you behaving like a newlywed bride?” I tease watching his awkward expression.

Hearing my words, he clears his throat and quickly regains his usual serious demeanor.

Before we can continue, Jiya’s voice interrupts us. “What are you both talking about?”

We turn to see her looking at us suspiciously.

An evil idea pops into my head and I smirk. “He was just telling me that you snored a lot last night” I say casually, taking my long overdue revenge on Dev.

“What?!” Jiya and Dev exclaim together.

Jiya immediately turns to Dev, her eyes narrowing. “You said that I snore?” she asks crossing her arms.

Dev looks at me, then at Jiya struggling to find words. “I...I didn’t say anything like that!” he stammers his face looking genuinely innocent.

Jiya picks up her food knife and points it at him. “I’ll deal with you later” she warns before going back to her food.

I bite my lip, struggling to hold back my laughter. But then....

“Ouch!” I hiss when Dev kicks my leg under the table.

I glare at him but he just smirks before focusing on his food.

After breakfast, we all move to the living room, lounging comfortably.

Jiya suddenly gets up, her face serious. “So, I want to discuss something really important with you all” she announces.

We all sit up, listening closely.

“As everyone has already proposed for marriage, we should decide the wedding dates now” she says.

My eyes light up and I nod my head rapidly. “Yes, yes! We should decide tomorrow’s date!” I say eagerly.

My baby who’s sitting beside me, bursts into laughter and lightly smacks my back. “You’re overexcited, Mr. Rajvansh” she teases.

I pout at her. “What? I’m just saying we shouldn’t wait too long” I defend myself.

Jiya looks at Dev and me. “You both talk to Pandit Ji and ask for an auspicious date”

I exchange a glance with Dev and we both smirk mentally. We’ll make sure the wedding happens as soon as possible....maybe even tonight.

But before we can celebrate, Mira speaks up. “No, not them”

Dev and I snap our heads toward her, both of us wearing the same confused expression. “Why?” we ask in unison.

Mira crosses her arms. “Because you two will obviously choose a date that suits you both. We’ll talk to the priest instead” she says firmly.

I sigh dramatically and pout while Dev also looks disappointed.

Jiya nods. “So it’s decided. We’ll talk to the priest about the wedding date”

With that, she sits down beside Mira. But after a few seconds, she turns to her. “I want to talk to you about something. Come with me” Jiya says, taking Mira’s hand and leading her toward the garden.

Mira’s POV

I look at Jiya curiously. “What do you want to ask me?” I say waiting for her to speak.

She opens her mouth to say something, but before she can, a loud voice interrupts us.

“Catch her!” one of the guards shouts, running after something.

I turn my head and see a tiny white kitten sprinting toward us with all her might. Her small paws barely make a sound against the ground. She looks terrified.

Within seconds, the kitten reaches us and hides behind Jiya’s legs trembling slightly.

The guard stops in front of us, catching his breath. “I’m sorry ma’am. I’ll take her away” he says and steps forward to grab the kitten.

But Jiya holds up her hand, stopping him. “No. I’ll take her with me” she says firmly. “But how did she even get here?”

The guard straightens and replies “When the food truck entered the mansion this morning, she was sitting inside”

Jiya and I exchange glances before nodding in understanding.

“It’s okay. I’ll take care of her. You can go” Jiya says.

The guard nods and walks away, leaving the little kitten in our care.

“She’s so cute” I whisper, reaching out to gently stroke her tiny head. Her fur is soft under my fingers and she lets out a small, content purr.

Jiya smiles and lifts the kitten in her arms. “I’m keeping her as my pet”

I grin and give her a thumbs up. “Good choice!”

The kitten suddenly moves from Jiya’s hold and climbs onto my arms. She nuzzles her small face against my hands, rubbing against them sweetly.

I chuckle at her antics. “Let’s show her to Dev and Abhi” I say and Jiya nods excitedly.

We walk back inside the mansion and I notice how the kitten’s big eyes are wandering everywhere in awe as if she’s seeing the world for the first time.

As soon as we reach the living room, I call out “Abhi, Dev, look what we have!” Both of them turn to us.

Abhi raises an eyebrow. “A kitten?”

“Yes” I say with a smile. “She accidentally came in the food truck this morning and Jiya is keeping her”

Dev nods in approval, while Abhi glances at the kitten with mild curiosity.

I sit beside Abhi and gently place the kitten on my lap. She instantly curls up, looking up at me with innocent eyes.

“She’s so cute isn’t she?” I ask Abhi before leaning down and placing a light kiss on the kitten’s tiny head.

Abhi nods. “Yes she is” he says reaching out to stroke her fur. His fingers move gently over her head and she lets out a pleased purr.

But before we can enjoy the moment any longer......

ROAR! ROAR! ROAR!

A deep, loud roar shakes the room. My body freezes.

I snap my head toward Zar, who is standing a few feet away. His eyes.....usually so full of warmth....are now burning red with anger.

My breath catches in my throat. Why is he so angry?

Zar’s gaze flickers toward me for a split second before locking onto the kitten. His muscles tense, his large body going rigid.

And then....he takes a slow deliberate step toward us, his blue eyes never leaving the tiny creature in my lap.

ROAR!

Zar lets out another powerful roar, shaking the entire mansion. His deep thunderous voice echoes through the walls.

The tiny kitten in my lap jumps in fear and dashes away. Her little paws tap rapidly against the floor as she runs for her life.

But Zar.....he charges after her with all the speed he has.

"Zar!" I shout panic rising in my chest.

"Zar stop!" Abhi yells, already running after him. But Zar doesn’t listen. His sharp eyes are locked onto the kitten as he chases her with full force.

The poor kitten keeps running, zigzagging through the mansion, squeezing under tables, dodging furniture......doing everything she can to escape.

"Zar baby stop!" Jiya shouts but her voice doesn’t reach him.

We’re all running after him but it feels useless. He’s not stopping. He’s roaring and his blue eyes are burning with anger.

But why is he so angry?

"ZAR!" Dev shouts this time but Zar doesn’t even flinch. The kitten, on the other hand, is running as if her life depends on it. She knows that if she stops she’s gone.

She rushes toward the stairs, then swerves under a table, then darts back across the hall.....frantically trying to escape.

That’s it.

I inhale sharply before raising my voice.

"ZAR, STOP!" I yell my tone firm and sharp.

And it works.

He skids to a stop, breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling fast.

I place my hands on my hips and glare at him. "COME HERE"

Zar slowly turns his head toward me, his ears drooping slightly. His blue  eyes, now filled with guilt meet mine. He looks down and starts walking toward me like a child caught in trouble.

When he finally reaches me, he stands there, looking down at the floor avoiding my gaze.

I exhale and cross my arms "Why were you chasing her huh?" I ask. Zar hesitates for a moment before glancing up at me.

Abhi, who is now sitting on the couch, smirks and says "Because you kissed that kitten and called her cute"

I blink. "What?"

I turn to Zar in disbelief. "That’s why you were chasing her?"

Zar nods his head slowly, still not looking at me. My heart softens instantly. He was… jealous?

A small sigh escapes my lips. Now I feel bad for shouting at him.

I sit down on the couch and pat the space beside me. "Come here, baby"

Zar hesitates for a second but then slowly sits down next to me, still sulking.

I gently stroke his back. "She’s just a small kitten Zar. How could you scare her so much?" I say softly.

But he doesn’t look at me. Is he….. angry at me now?

Jiya who is holding the kitten in her lap, gently caresses its tiny head. "Zar baby, she’s lost. That’s why we took her in. Where else will she go?" she says.

Zar slowly lifts his head and looks at the kitten. His eyes, which were burning with anger just moments ago soften slightly. But only a little.

Jiya smiles and tilts her head "You won’t scare her or harm her right?"

Zar stares at the kitten for a few seconds, deep in thought. Then after what feels like forever, he slowly nods his head.

Jiya grins. "That’s my good boy" She leans forward and places a soft kiss on his forehead.

But Zar....he still doesn’t look at me.

Before I can say anything, he suddenly jumps off the couch and dashes upstairs without looking back.

"Zar!" I call after him.

But he doesn’t turn around. He doesn’t even acknowledge me. Oh no. He’s actually mad at me.

"He’s just jealous and upset. Nothing else" Abhi says, stretching his arms behind his head.

I sigh, shaking my head.

"Like father, like son" Dev adds with a smirk, looking at Abhi.

Abhi glares at him. "Shut up"

I don’t stay to listen to their banter. Instead I hurry upstairs and enter Abhi’s room.

Zar is sitting on the bed, looking down, his ears drooping slightly. He looks adorable sulking like this.

I walk toward him and sit beside him, but he doesn’t even glance at me.

I smile softly.

"Zar, Mumma is sorry" I say gently.

Still, he doesn’t look at me. Instead, he turns his face in the opposite direction ignoring me completely.

My little stubborn boy.

I sigh and reach out to stroke his fur. "Baby she’s just a kitten. You have Mumma, Dadda, Uncle, Aunty.....so many people who love you. But she has no one. She’s all alone. That’s why I kissed her" His ears twitch but he doesn’t turn yet.

I press my hand on my chest and say, "I promise, baby I won’t kiss her again." Finally, he looks at me.

I nod quickly. "Yes yes I promise!"

Then I grab his big fluffy face and pull him closer, showering him with kisses all over his head.

"Mumma is only yours" I whisper against his fur. "And Jiya Aunty will take care of the kitten not Mumma. Because Mumma already has you"

His blue eyes soften and after a moment, he rubs his face against my hand.....a silent apology.

I smile and run my fingers through his thick fur. "My smart boy. Now promise me you won’t chase her or harm her"

He hesitates for a second but then nods his head.

"That’s my boy" I whisper, placing another kiss on his forehead. "Mumma loves you so much. You are my baby and I will always love you the most" He lets out a soft huff, finally satisfied.

"Let’s go downstairs now" I say standing up.

He immediately jumps off the bed, his tail swaying happily. He walks ahead of me, shaking his tail proudly as if he just won a battle.

When we reach the living room, I sit beside Abhi and Zar.....without any hesitation.....leaps onto Abhi’s lap.

Except... he doesn’t really fit on Abhi’s lap. He’s way too big for that. But he still settles himself there acting as if he’s the perfect size.

I glance at Dev and Jiya....who are both holding the kitten in their laps.

Ah. So that’s why Zar is doing this. He’s making it clear that Abhi is his father.

Abhi chuckles, running a hand over Zar’s fur. "My good boy" he murmurs before pressing a kiss to Zar’s head.

Zar immediately snuggles into him, rubbing his face against Abhi’s chest.

"I have decided a name for her" Jiya suddenly announces, pointing at the kitten.

I raise an eyebrow. "What name?"

Jiya grins "Her name will be… Zara"

I turn to look at Zar.

Dev and Abhi both say at the same time, "I love this name!" Zar immediately glares at Abhi. I bite my lip to keep from laughing.

Jiya reaches out and gently scratches behind Zar’s ears "I thought of this name because of our baby, Zar"

I look at Zar. "Do you like the name?" I ask.

He stares at the kitten for a long moment before finally giving a small nod.

I smile "Now we have Zar and Zara both." Everyone agrees, laughing and playing with the tiny kitten.

But I can still see it....Zar isn’t happy. He’s watching Zara carefully, his blue eyes sharp.

Until now, he was the only one who got everyone’s attention. But now because of Zara, he’s getting a little less than usual.

What he doesn’t realize though... He will always be our first priority.