33.

Abhiraj's POV

The moment Mira steps out of the room, Varun enters in a hurry. His face looks tense.

"Sir, we have to go for an urgent visit to our factory. There is an emergency" he informs me quickly.

I nod, already preparing to leave but then something else comes to my mind. "What about that tweet from that girl… What was her name?" I ask, trying to recall.

"Ms. Alara" Varun supplies immediately.

I nod again. "I want every detail about her...why she is here and who her crush is" I say firmly. Mira won’t be at peace until I clear this up in front of her. She keeps worrying about it and I don’t want any doubts lingering in her mind.

Varun hesitates for a second. "S...Sir, actually… she is here for you" he finally says.

My head snaps toward him instantly. My eyes narrow. "What?" My voice drops to a cold tone.

"Yes, sir. She came here for you" Varun confirms. "She even tried to contact me to set up a private meeting with you at her hotel but I ignored her, as per your standing order that you don’t meet women at a location of their choosing"

I lean back in my chair, processing his words. So my baby was right all along. That girl is here for me. But why am I the last person to know that she has a crush on me? It seems like the entire world knew except me.

"You never pay attention to any girl. That’s why you didn’t know" Varun’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts.

I exhale sharply. He’s right. I never cared about who has a crush on me. It never mattered.

Shaking off the topic for now, I get up from my chair. "Let’s go to the factory. I’ll handle her later" I say decisively.

Zar walks ahead of me, his steps powerful and confident, just like a true king. He looks as if he owns the entire world and in a way, he does. But this so called king who commands fear and respect was nothing but shy and stunned this morning when Zara kissed him.

Honestly, his reaction was worth seeing. He was trying to impress everyone, while she was trying to impress him. Watching them was amusing. I don’t mind if they end up together.

I step into the car and Zar slides in beside me. The engine roars to life and we head toward the factory.

The driver starts the car and I pull out my phone, typing a quick message to Dev about Alara. Within seconds, he replies.

"I know everything"

I scoff, shaking my head and lock my phone. Of course, he does. Dev always keeps track of these things. I rest my arm on the window, staring outside. The sun is high...it’s noon.

My jaw tightens as I think about the issue with my factory. The government is accusing me of running an illegal business when every single document of mine is legal. This isn’t about laws or rules...it’s a cheap trick by some haters who want to create problems in my life.

They think they can challenge me?

They don’t know who I am.

I smirk, my fingers tapping against my knee. First, I will solve this mess. Then tonight we fix the wedding arrangements and all. My wedding.

The thought alone sends a shiver down my spine. I am going to get married.

Me and Mira—together as husband and wife.

How will she look in her wedding attire? Beautiful, of course. But more than that, she will look like mine. Completely mine.

We will get married. We will have kids. We will build a life together....our life. Peaceful, happy and untouchable by the world.

Another shiver runs through my body. I close my eyes for a second, controlling the strange rush inside me. Focus, Abhiraj.

The car comes to a stop.

I open my eyes and step out. Zar walks beside me, his aura just as sharp as mine.

The moment I enter my factory, I see them—the so called government officers. Standing there like they own the place. But I know who they really are. They don’t work for the government. They work for money.

Their eyes widen slightly when they see me and I notice the way their postures stiffen.

Good. They know my presence is not to be taken lightly.

I walk forward, my every step echoing in the large space. No one speaks. No one moves. My power is felt even in silence.

I sit down on the chair placed in the center, my movements slow and deliberate. My fingers tap against the armrest as I stare at them.

They stand in front of me, their hands behind their backs, their faces tense. None of them dare to sit. They don’t have the right to sit in front of me.

I lean forward slightly, my voice cold. "Bark."

I see the way the officer's face darkens with anger at my tone. His fists clench. But does he complain?

No.

Because he knows if he does, he won’t be alive to complain again.

He clears his throat, his voice steady but forced "Your factory and other businesses are illegal. If you don’t vacate this place within a week, the government will take action and destroy your property"

I don’t react. My eyes stay locked on his. I see the lie in his face. His confidence wavers under my gaze.

Without a word, I lift my hand, signaling Varun. Within seconds he places a stack of legal documents in front of them.

"Read" I order.

The officer hesitates before taking the papers. He flips through them, his forehead creasing. His expression shifts. I don’t need to see the documents to know what they say. My factory is legal. Everything is in place.

And judging by the look on his face, he knows he has nothing against me.

The officer looks at me with fake confidence and says "These are not enough to prove your factory is legal" I tilt my head slightly, my smirk deepening as I stare at him.

"How much money did they feed you?" I ask my voice calm yet sharp. Sweat forms on their foreheads. Their bodies stiffen. Guilty.

I lean back, watching them closely "I know every single one of my factories is legal" I continue. "And I also know you're doing this on someone's orders"

The officer clenches his jaw, trying to keep his composure but I’m not done yet.

"And I also know…" I pause for effect, my smirk widening. "That you have a son who is involved in drug dealing, isn't he?" His face twists with pure rage. His fingers curl into fists.

"Don't you dare bring my son into this!" he shouts his voice echoing in the factory.

Before I can even respond, the sharp click of guns fills the air. My guards react instantly, pointing their weapons straight at his head.

And then.....

ROAR!

Zar’s powerful growl rumbles through the space, making the officer flinch. His entire body shakes, his breathing turning uneven as Zar steps closer, his blue eyes burning with anger.

I smirk, watching him tremble. I reach out and stroke Zar’s thick fur calming him down "Don’t raise your voice" I say coldly. "My son doesn’t like it. Or else…" I glance at Zar who’s still glaring at the man. "He’ll show you where you belong"

The officer swallows hard. His fear is written all over his face.

"You messed with the wrong person" he finally says, trying to sound brave.

I chuckle darkly at his words. "I love messing with people like you" I reply, leaning forward. "Because I love showing them where they belong—under my feet"

His teeth grit in frustration but he says nothing. He knows he has already lost. Without another word, he turns and storms out of the factory with his men.

I scoff, shaking my head. Pathetic.

"Sir, ma’am is calling" I hear Varun’s voice.

I turn to him, confused. "Why is she calling you instead of me?"

He hesitates before handing me his phone. I take it and press the call button.

The second I put the phone to my ear, her loud voice bursts through.

"Why are you not picking up my calls?!" she yells, knowing damn well that I would answer instead of Varun.

I glance at my phone and—shit. It’s on silent.

"I'm sorry babe" I say quickly pulling it out and unlocking the screen.

She huffs. "Anyway I called to inform you that I’m going for dinner with Sahil and Jiya"

My grip on the phone tightens. My entire body stiffens.

Sahil.

Why him? Out of everyone, why does it have to be him?

I take a deep breath, controlling my emotions "Okay babe. You can go" I say, keeping my voice calm. "But be safe and come back fast, okay?"

She hums in response. "Okay bye. Love you!"

And do you think I didn’t feel an entire zoo in my stomach?

I did.

I definitely did.

"I'm yours" I say, my face burning and quickly cut the call.

I stare at the phone screen for a moment, my lips curling into a shy smile. She really has me wrapped around her finger.

"Sir, we are outside" I hear Varun’s voice....low and careful as if he’s trying not to disturb me.

I clear my throat, instantly returning to my usual cold self. My face turns blank, my posture straightens. But no matter how much I try, I still can’t stop the small smile tugging at my lips.

A soft huff of laughter reaches my ears.

I turn my head and see Zar staring at me, his eyes filled with amusement. His body shakes slightly and then...he bursts out laughing.

He’s laughing at me. I narrow my eyes. "Enjoying yourself?" I ask dryly.

Zar doesn’t stop. His tail sways and his expression screams mischief. No worries, I think smirking. I can tease him too now.

"Why did Zara kiss you in the morning?" I ask raising an eyebrow.

The moment I say it, Zar's laughter vanishes. His ears perk up his eyes widen and then—he glares at me. A cute glare.

I chuckle.

Zar huffs and turns his head away, walking straight out of the factory. I shake my head, watching him.

He’s going to be just like his uncle and father soon....completely whipped for Zara.

With a small smirk, I follow him and slide into the car. Zar sits beside me, still acting like he’s mad.

The car starts, and just as I relax, my phone rings. Unknown number.

I frown and pick up the call, pressing the phone to my ear.

"Hello, Abhiraj" a woman’s voice says. My jaw tightens. My grip on the phone turns firm.

"Who?" I say, my voice cold.

A light laugh comes from the other side. "It’s me Alara." I close my eyes for a second, feeling pure frustration.

"Who gave you the audacity to call me by my name?" I ask, my tone dropping to an icy level.

She laughs.

"This attitude of yours is the reason I fell in love with you" she says.

I feel like vomiting. I take a deep breath, my patience gone.

"I am taken. By my woman" I state, my voice firm. "Do not call me again" Without waiting for her response, I hang up.

I exhale, trying to shake off the irritation and look at Zar.

He’s sitting beside me, his chest puffed up, his posture proud. He looks like he just won something.

I chuckle at his reaction. My boy is proud of me.

Feeling a sudden warmth in my chest I reach out and pull him into a hug, tickling him.

Zar bursts into laughter, his tail wagging as he tries to escape my hold. His bright, carefree laughter fills the car making my heart swell with admiration.

I laugh with him, feeling lighter than before.

At night

I come back a little late because I had to discuss something important with Varun. The house is quiet as I step inside with Zar walking beside me.

The warm glow of the lights spreads across the living room and the first thing I see is Dev sitting on the couch, focused on his laptop.

I walk toward him and the moment he notices me, he closes his laptop and sets it aside.

"You’re late" he says.

I nod, slipping off my watch. "Had to handle some things with Varun" Dev hums in response.

"Did they come back?" I ask, referring to Mira and Jiya.

He shakes his head. "I just called them. They’re on their way"

I nod again, about to say something but stop when I hear the sound of small, quick footsteps.

A blur of white fur rushes down the stairs, her tiny paws moving at full speed.

Zara.

She sprints straight toward us, her eyes locked on one person or rather, one tiger.

Her entire focus is on Zar. She doesn’t blink, doesn’t look away. Is she in love with my boy?

I glance at Zar, expecting him to be looking back at her. But no. He looks at everything but her.

Interesting.

A chuckle escapes me.

"Zara" I call softly.

The moment I say her name, she finally looks at me, her big eyes shining. Then without hesitation she leaps onto my lap.

I catch her easily, holding her small body.

This reminds me of Zar when he was little—back when he could fit in my lap. Now he’s a giant impossible to hold but the memory makes me smile.

"Did you miss Zar?" I ask, gently stroking her head. I feel Zar’s glare on me but I ignore him.

Zara tilts her head, clearly not fully understanding my words but then she nods.

That’s it.

I burst into laughter. Zar lets out a huff. dev too starts laughing.

Zar watches the entire scene, amusement and shock clear on his face. "Zara is definitely in love with Zar" dev says, grinning.

I nod in agreement. "No doubt about it."

Zar, however, finally looks at Zara....really looks at her.

His blue eyes hold something… different. Amusement, yes. But there’s something else, something deeper.

Then, he slowly turns his gaze toward me and Dev. The look in his eyes is clear.

"I’ll deal with you guys later" I smirk. Oh, this is getting fun.

"We are home!"

I hear Jiya and Mira’s voices echo through the house as they step inside, looking happy. Their faces glow with excitement, making the whole place feel livelier.

The moment Zar hears Mira’s voice, he bolts toward her his tail wagging like a child who just saw his favorite person.

Mira giggles as she watches him jump around her, his massive paws thumping against the floor. She sits on the couch, welcoming him with open arms and the moment she places her hand on his fur, he instantly calms down.

She gently runs her fingers through his thick coat before placing a soft kiss on his head. He closes his eyes content. I smirk, shaking my head. Lucky tiger.

Still holding Zara in my arms, I look at Mira. "How was your dinner?" I ask my fingers lazily stroking Zara’s soft, fluffy fur.

"It was awesome!" Jiya chimes in before Mira can respond. I nod, my eyes shifting back to Mira. She smiles but doesn’t say much.

Then suddenly....

"What about the wedding?" Dev asks, his excitement clear in his voice. The moment he says it, I remember.

Our wedding.

Mira’s eyes meet mine and for a second, I see hesitation in them.

"We don’t know much about weddings and rituals" she admits, her voice soft almost sad.

I place Zara down and lean forward slightly. "It’s okay. We don’t know much either" I say, my voice steady. "A wedding isn’t about rituals...it’s about the bond. A pure bond connected by hearts not by traditions"

Mira listens carefully and then, a small smile tugs at her lips.

"You’re right" she whispers. "I was thinking… maybe we should just do the basic and important rituals, only with a few of our close people. What do you think?"

She looks at all of us waiting for our answer. Without hesitation, we give her a thumbs up.

"That sounds perfect" Dev agrees.

"There are only five days left and we still need to choose our outfits" Dev reminds us.

"We’ll call the designer tomorrow" I say, making a quick decision. Everyone nods.

"It’s just going to be us and the people we trust" Jiya adds. "A simple wedding. No grand functions."

I lean back, smirking. "We’ll still make an announcement" I say. "The world will see you both as Mrs. Rajvansh and Mrs. Malhotra"

Mira and Jiya exchange glances before nodding. They’re ready.

Mira tilts her head. "So, everything is already set?" We all nod.

Then....

"By the way, who’s Alara, Mira?" Dev suddenly asks, completely out of nowhere.

I snap my head toward him, narrowing my eyes. This bastard.

Dev smirks, looking at Mira. "Ask the man for whom she came here" my baby said angrily.

I pout, crossing my arms.

From the corner of my eye, I see Zar smirking at me too, clearly enjoying my embarrassment.

Fine. My time will come soon. You both just wait.

"Zara!" Jiya calls and Zara immediately jumps off my lap, her little paws making soft sounds against the floor as she rushes toward Jiya.

She hops into Jiya’s lap, settling in comfortably.

At the same time, Zar, not wanting to be left out, places his massive head on Mira’s lap.

"My jelly baby" Mira coos, running her fingers through his thick fur. Everyone chuckles at the scene. Of course, he’s spoiled by her.

After finalizing all the wedding details, we all head to our rooms.

I change into comfortable clothes and step out of the closet when suddenly....

Click!

The door to my room opens and my baby walks in, holding a shopping bag in her hands.

"I have something for both of you" she says, her voice soft yet excited.

I raise an eyebrow and walk toward her. Zar, who had been lazily lying on the bed immediately sits up, his blue eyes shining with curiosity.

Mira reaches into the bag and pulls out two small boxes. She opens one, revealing a cute bow tie with Zar written neatly on the side.

"This is for you" she says, showing it to Zar.

The moment he sees it, he jumps on the bed, his tail wagging furiously, making it very clear that he loves it. Mira giggles.

"And for me?" I ask intrigued.

She opens the second box and takes out a black tie—elegant and sleek. On one corner, in tiny, delicate letters, Abhi is embroidered.

She hands it to me.

I take the tie, running my fingers over the soft fabric, feeling the tiny embroidery.

"Did you like it?" she asks watching me closely.

I lift my eyes to hers and nod. She bought this for me. My chest feels warm.

"I love it" I say my voice sincere.

I carefully place the tie back in the box and look at my baby. She smiles at me, her eyes filled with nothing but love.

"I'm going now. I'm really sleepy" Mira says, stretching her arms with a cute yawn.

She turns to Zar first.

"Good night, baby" she coos placing a soft kiss on his head. Then she turns toward me.

"Good night" she says casually and starts walking toward the door.

Wait… what?

I blink.

Did she just forget something?

"Babe" I call out.

She stops and turns around looking at me with sleepy eyes.

"Yeah?" she asks, confused.

I fold my arms. "Don't you think you're forgetting something?" She tilts her head, thinking for a second before shaking it.

"Nope" she says casually.

I raise an eyebrow. "Think again babe. You forgot something."

She frowns slightly, deep in thought. Then she shakes her head again.

"No, Abhi, I didn’t forget anything" she says confidently. I sigh. Is she doing this on purpose?

"Just now, babe. Think again" I insist watching her closely.

"Nothing. Now let me go, I’m sleepy" she whines and turns to leave.

Oh no, I’m not letting her go just like that. I follow her, matching her steps.

"Babe, you forgot to give me that" I say, standing close behind her. She stops at the doorway and turns back to me.

"Give you what?" she asks, blinking in confusion. I sigh dramatically.

Without waiting for her to figure it out, I lean in and press a light kiss on her cheek.

"This" I say pouting slightly. Mira stares at me for a second....then bursts into laughter.

"Abhi!" she scolds playfully. She steps closer to me, her warm hands resting lightly on my arms.

"Good night" she whispers and stands on her tiptoes, pressing a soft kiss on my cheek. A slow smile spreads across my lips.

"Good night" I whisper back.

She turns and leaves and my eyes follow her retreating figure until she disappears from sight.

With a deep breath, I step back into my room. My gaze falls on the black tie resting on my bedside table.

I pick it up, running my fingers over the tiny embroidered letters. She bought this for me. A rare, genuine smile tugs at my lips.

Abhiraj, you are so damn lucky.