34.

Dev’s POV

"Okay, sir your dresses will be ready in two days" the designer said, standing up from the couch.

"Thank you" Mira replied with a soft smile.

The designer nodded and left the house. As soon as the door closed we relaxed back onto the couch. From the morning, we had been selecting our dresses and now, it is already noon.

"I'm so tired" my baby murmured, closing her eyes as she leaned back against the couch. Her voice was soft, almost sleepy.

"I'm hungry" Mira said, rubbing her stomach slightly and I agreed immediately. It is already past noon and we haven’t  eaten anything.

"Let’s have lunch first and then I need to go to the company" I said, standing up, ready to leave.

But before I could take a step, Jiya suddenly shouted "Why can't you stay at home for just one day?"

Hearing her loud voice, I quickly sat back down looking at her with amusement. I know she didn't actually want me to leave. I smirked and said "I know you can't live without me even for a single day"

The moment my words left my mouth, her cheeks turned red and she looked away, embarrassed. Abhi and Mira, who are sitting beside us chuckled at her reaction.

"My sister is just tired. That’s why she needs you to massage her feet" Abhi tease, his voice filled with humor.

As soon as he said that, Jiya nodded quickly. "True, Bhai!" she agreed a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Everyone burst into laughter while I pouted "I would love to massage my baby's feet" I said, acting dramatic as I placed a hand over my heart.

But before Jiya can reply, we suddenly hear a voice from behind.

"Sir" one of our guards called out.

All of us turned to look at him. His face is serious as he stands at the door.

"Yes?" Abhi asked, his voice calm but firm.

The guard stepped forward and started speaking. "Actually the owner of the cat has come to take her back. They said that the cat accidentally sat inside the truck and ended up here"

As soon as the words left his mouth, all of us turned to look at Zara.

Jiya frowned slightly. "They came here to take her back?" she asked her voice uncertain. The guard nodded.

"Send them in" Abhi instructed..The guard gave a small nod and turned to leave.

"Mishu!"

We suddenly heard a woman’s voice. All of us turned our heads and saw an elderly woman entering the mansion, accompanied by the guard. She looked worried but relieved as her eyes landed on Zara.

The moment the woman spoke, Zara's ears perked up and without a second of hesitation, she ran straight towards her. The lady bent down and lifted Zara into her arms.

Instantly, Zara started licking her face, rubbing her head against the woman’s cheek and showering her with love. Her tiny paws clung to the lady as if she had finally found her home.

"I'm really sorry if she disturbed you" the woman said apologetically "Three days ago she suddenly disappeared from our shop. We searched the CCTV footage and found that she had accidentally entered a truck, which brought her here"

She looked genuinely sorry but before we could say anything, Jiya shook her head and smiled "Oh don’t worry! She didn’t trouble us at all. She is actually a very well mannered cat" she said kindly.

Hearing that, the elderly woman smiled warmly. "Actually, I have a daughter who is just like you. Maybe that’s why Mishu thought you were my daughter" she explained. "And I also have a pet dog at home. Mishu is completely obsessed with him. Maybe she mistook this tiger for my dog"

As soon as she said that Abhi and I almost choked on our laughter. We both had to cover our mouths to stop ourselves from bursting out laughing on the spot.

"So all this time... Zara....I mean, Mishu thought that Zar was a dog?" I asked struggling to keep a straight face.

I pressed my lips together tightly, trying my best not to laugh like a maniac in front of everyone. Abhi was doing the same but his eyes are twinkling with amusement.

"Okay, I’m leaving now. Thank you so much for taking care of my Mishu" the lady said with gratitude. She gave Zara a final hug before turning around and walking towards the exit with zara in her arms.

The moment she stepped out of the house and disappeared from view, Abhi and I lost all control.

"Hahhahaha!!"

We both started laughing loudly, clutching our stomachs as we leaned back on the couch. Tears formed in the corners of my eyes from how hard I was laughing.

"We thought she loved Zar!" Abhi said between his laughs. "But she was actually thinking of him as someone else the whole time!"

Hearing us laugh so much, Mira frowned and suddenly shouted "Shut up both of you!"

Abhi and I immediately pressed our lips together, trying to stay quiet. But our faces had already turned red from holding in our laughter. Every time we glanced at each other another wave of laughter threatened to escape.

Meanwhile, Jiya reached out and ran her fingers through Zar’s thick fur. "It’s okay baby. She’s gone now" she said in a soft voice as if comforting him.

But to our surprise Zar didn’t look sad at all. In fact he looked happy....happier than ever. His ears were relaxed, his tail flicked lazily and there was no sign of disappointment on his face. It is as if he had been waiting for this moment.

"Let’s have lunch" Mira said, standing up. She started walking towards the dining table with Jiya and Zar following beside her.

Abhi and I looked at each other before high fiving.

Finally! This tiger had been acting too much these past few days. Now we could finally breathe in peace!

After lunch

Jiya lay comfortably on my chest, her small hands resting against my shirt. I ran my fingers gently over her back, tracing slow, soothing circles. She felt warm against me completely relaxed.

"You shouldn’t tease Zar that much" she murmured her voice soft and sleepy.

I smirked still amused by what had happened earlier. "I just couldn’t stop myself from laughing when she called Zar a dog" I admitted honestly. Just thinking about it made me want to laugh again.

Jiya lifted her head slightly and pouted. "But did you look at him. He was so sad" she said her voice full of concern.

I chuckled and shook my head. "He wasn’t sad at all" I said, rubbing her back gently. "He is happy that now he’s the center of everyone’s attention again"

She frowned slightly and looked at me with confusion. "But... he look happy when Zara was here" she argued, tilting her head.

"That’s because he was just pretending" I explained with a smirk. "He was never happy about Zara staying here in the first place. And do you know what? Zar is actually the one who called the lady here"

Jiya’s eyes widened in shock. "Zar called her? And told her to come here and take Zara away? In his tiger language?" she asked, completely serious.

I chuckled at her expression. She is too adorable. "No, baby" I said, shaking my head. "He troubled Abhi a lot about it. He kept sulking and throwing tantrums last night and Abhi was the one who ordered the guards to find out where Zara came from"

Jiya sighed and placed her head back on my chest. "But I’ll miss Zara" she whispered. "It’s not like I got attached to her… it’s just that she was with me for three days, so I got used to her being here"

I smiled and ran my fingers through her hair caressing her head gently. "Should we bring another cat for you?" I asked softly.

She immediately shook her head. "No" she said, her voice firm.

"If you do that, then be ready because Zar will throw you out of the house" Jiya said, her voice full of warning.

Hearing that, I couldn’t stop myself from laughing and she joined me. The best part? She isn’t even joking. She is saying the absolute truth. If I dared to bring another cat home, Zar would make sure I regretted it.

After a few moments, my laughter settled and I looked at her lovingly. "We’re getting married in just three days" I said softly.

As I spoke I leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on her head. She looked up at me, resting her chin on my chest her beautiful eyes searching mine.

"Are you not happy?" she asked her voice quiet, as if she is afraid of the answer.

I stared deep into her eyes....the eyes where I found my peace.

"Who said I’m not happy?" I whispered. "I’m beyond happy. I’m so excited… and scared… and nervous… everything at the same time"

She frowned slightly, confused.

I smiled and ran my fingers through her soft hair "Because in just three days, you’ll be mine forever" I explained. "That’s why"

As soon as I said that, her lips curled into a sweet smile. Then out of nowhere, she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my cheek.

My heart skipped a beat.

No matter how many times she did this the effect was always the same. My heart raced like crazy.

After a few seconds of silence, I smirked and looked at her. "We’re getting married so..." I started, dragging my words a little.

She blinked at me, confused "So…?" she asked.

"So should I buy condoms in advance?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

The second the words left my mouth her eyes widened in pure shock.

"DEV, YOU PERVERT MAN!" she yelled lifting her small fists and hitting me repeatedly.

I burst into laughter as she kept hitting me her punches small and light—like tiny feathers brushing against my skin. She really thought she is hurting me but in reality, it felt like the softest touch.

"Hahaha! Sorry sorry!" I said laughing as I grabbed her wrists gently.

Before she could attack me again, I pulled her into my arms and hugged her tightly. I held her close, feeling her warmth against me my arms wrapped securely around her small frame.

Then I pressed a soft kiss on her forehead, letting my lips linger there for a moment.

My world. My everything.

Mira’s POV

"We will come soon" I said to Jiya while sitting inside the car beside Abhi.

"We also" she replied before getting into Dev's car.

It's nighttime and we're going for a long drive. Jiya and Dev are heading to a different place, while Abhi, Zar and I are going somewhere else.

Zar jumps onto the back seat and makes himself comfortable, stretching lazily before resting his head on his paws. Abhi starts the car and smoothly drives out of the mansion.

"Where do you want to go, sweetheart?" Abhi asks.reaching for my hand. His warm fingers wrap around mine and I feel my heart flutter.

I smile at him softly. "Anywhere you take me" I say sweetly.

A small grin appears on his lips as he glances at me, then turns his focus back to the road. I steal a glance at the rearview mirror and catch Zar looking at us. His blue eyes are shining with something new.... something playful. His tail sways slowly, a clear sign that he's in a good mood.

I turn my head toward him. "Baby are you sad that Zara is gone?" I ask curiously. Zar immediately shakes his head, almost too quickly.

Abhi chuckles at his reaction, and I furrow my brows in confusion. "Why isn’t Zar sad?" I ask feeling a bit surprised.

Abhi smirks, keeping his eyes on the road. "He’s actually the happiest one that she’s gone" I turn to Zar for confirmation and to my surprise he nods his head.

"Why is he happy?" I ask Abhi, waiting for an explanation.

Abhi smirks again. "Because he thought you wouldn’t give him much attention anymore. Nor his aunty. That’s why he’s relieved now that Zara is gone"

I shake my head and look at Zar, who is still grinning like he just won a battle.

"Baby, no matter who comes into our life or goes, you will always be mine and aunty’s first priority" I say firmly. Then I glance at Abhi with a teasing smirk. "Even your dadda is second on that list. You are on the top"

As expected, Abhi pouts looking adorably offended. Meanwhile Zar flashes his sharp teeth, grinning widely in victory.

I lift our intertwined hands and gently press a soft kiss on the back of Abhi’s hand.

I love this feeling. I love the way his entire body shivers whenever I kiss him. It’s something that never fails to make my heart warm.

The car slows down and finally comes to a stop. We step out and the cold, fresh air greets us.

We are at the seaside. The night is dark but the moonlight bathes everything in a soft, silver glow. The waves move gently, their rhythmic sound filling the quiet atmosphere.

Abhi takes my hand in his again and we start walking on the soft sand our footsteps leaving imprints behind. Zar walks beside me, his tail swaying happily.

A perfect family...me, my man and my son.

"The weather is so good here" I say slowly, feeling the soft yet cold breeze gently hitting my face. It sends a shiver down my spine but it’s soothing at the same time.

"Yes, it is" Abhi replies his deep voice carrying warmth as he looks at me instead of the sea. His gaze is soft, full of something deep that always makes my heart race.

"Let’s sit" I suggest and before I can even move, Abhi signals someone.

A guard comes running toward us, holding a mat. He quickly lays it on the sand for us.

I smile at him politely and say "Thank you."

He nods before stepping away. I sit down, sinking into the soft mat and before I can say anything, Abhi immediately lies down, resting his head on my lap. At the same time, Zar sprawls across my other leg, making himself comfortable.

A soft laugh escapes my lips. Both father and son are the same.

I run my fingers through Abhi’s soft hair with one hand, while the other gently strokes Zar’s thick fur. Both of them are quiet staring at the sea as the waves crash rhythmically against the shore.

A peaceful moment. A moment I wish could last forever.

"Abhi, I was thinking of gifting something to Jiya and Dev after their wedding" I say, breaking the silence.

Abhi tilts his head slightly, looking up at me with interest. "I was thinking the same" he says a small smile forming on his lips.

I smile too. "So what should we give them?" I ask lost in thought.

A mischievous smirk appears on Abhi’s face. "Let’s give them a nephew or a niece" he says, his voice playful.

My cheeks heat up instantly. My entire face must be red.

I gasp before smacking his chest. "Abhi!" I scold but he just bursts into laughter clearly enjoying my reaction.

"What? I’m just saying the truth. You know, even Zar wants a sibling" he says grinning before turning to Zar.

I also look at Zar, expecting him to be clueless. But to my shock, he nods his head excitedly a big grin on his face.

I shake my head in disbelief. "Both father and son are the same" I mutter under my breath.

"If you......" I start to say something but stop midway when an unfamiliar feminine voice cuts through the peaceful air.

"Abhiraj" the voice calls making me turn my head toward it. My eyes widen slightly in surprise.

Standing there, just a few feet away, is Alara. She holds a bouquet in one hand and a neatly wrapped gift in the other. Her expression is unreadable but her presence alone is enough to make my mood sour.

Abhi immediately sits up from my lap and Zar jumps down from my legs, standing protectively beside me.

We both get to our feet and face her directly.

"What are you doing here?" Abhi’s voice is cold sharp like a blade. His entire demeanor changes in an instant, turning rigid and unwelcoming. His dark eyes glare at her with pure irritation.

"And I think I need to remind you not to call me by my name" he adds, his tone making it clear that he has no patience for her presence.

A sense of satisfaction fills me hearing the way my man talks to her.

Alara, however only grins completely ignoring his hostility. She steps closer her heels sinking slightly into the sand.

"Then should I call you mine instead of Abhiraj?" she says, her voice sickeningly sweet.

I almost gag.

Disgust rises in my chest at her shamelessness..Abhi lets out a dark chuckle....one that sends a shiver down even my spine.

"Then should I call you dead body instead?" Abhi’s voice is low and deadly. "Because I swear, if you call me by my name one more time, I’ll murder you with my bare hands"

A deep satisfaction fills my chest at his words. My man is ruthless when it comes to people crossing their limits.

But this shameless woman....Alara.....just chuckles, completely unfazed.

"I was just waiting to meet you" she says, her voice laced with amusement. "And finally, after five years, I get to see you face to face"

She takes a step closer and holds out the bouquet and the neatly wrapped gift.

"This is for you and my champion Zar" she adds with a sickly sweet smile.

Before Abhi or I can react, Zar moves in a flash...like lightning. He jumps up his massive paws swiping at her hand.

The gift falls to the sand with a thud.

Alara gasps, her teeth gritting in frustration. But Zar doesn’t stop there...his bright blue eyes burn with fury as he glares at her, his tail swishing aggressively.

I love my boy for this.

"You....!" She starts, her jaw clenched in anger.

But then, as if remembering something she stops. And just like that, her expression shifts back to a smile.

"I really love you, Abhiraj" she says completely ignoring what just happened. "And trust me I will make you the happiest person on this earth after we get married"

Married?

My blood boils but I hold myself back. I want Abhi to respond to this one. Abhi doesn’t even flinch. His grip on my hand tightens as he steps closer to her.

"I'm getting married to my lady soon" he says, his voice calm but sharp like a blade. "So stay away from me and erase me from your life"

His words are final, leaving no room for discussion.

"Or else" he continues, his dark eyes narrowing "I won’t think twice before showing you your place"

Alara's eyes finally shift to me. The fake sweetness disappears and pure anger takes its place. She glares at me as if I stole something from her.

"She might be a time pass" Alara sneers "but I will be permanent. Trust me"

Before I can even react, it happens.

Abhi moves so fast I barely process it.

In a blink, his hand wraps around her throat, gripping it tight.

Alara chokes, her hands flying up to his wrist, trying to pry it off but Abhi doesn't budge. His veins pop out of his neck, his jaw clenched, his entire body radiating rage.

"One more word about my lady" he growls his voice lower than ever "and I’ll forget that you’re a woman"

His red eyes burn with fury.

"Abhi, leave her" I say firmly my eyes locked on him.

Alara is on the verge of suffocating, her face turning pale under Abhi’s iron grip. He doesn’t let go immediately. His jaw is clenched, his muscles rigid, his entire body radiating pure anger.

Then he looks at me. Our eyes meet for a second and then with a sharp jerk, he releases her.

Alara stumbles back, her hands flying to her throat as she gasps for air. She takes deep, shaky breaths, her body trembling.

Abhi steps back, his eyes still filled with rage. I don’t want her to see that fury as a weakness, so I move in front of him blocking her view.

I take a step closer to her, looking her straight in the eyes.

"Stay away from him" I say, my voice slow but dangerously firm. "He is mine. In every way"

Alara’s breath is still uneven but she manages to whisper "I’ll make him mine"

Her words make me chuckle. I tilt my head slightly, watching her with amusement.

"Let me show you who he belongs to" I say, my voice filled with confidence. She glares at me but there’s a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

I turn my head toward Abhi and as expected, he is already looking at me. His dark eyes soften the moment they land on me.

I smirk.

"What’s your name?" I ask him, tilting my head slightly.

"Abhiraj Mira Singh Rajvansh" he says proudly, his deep voice filled with possession.

I smirk wider and turn back to Alara. She grits her teeth, fists clenched at her sides.

"Do you need more proof of how deeply I’ve captivated him?" I ask my smirk growing.

Her face twists in frustration but she doesn’t say anything.

"Don’t ever mess with me, Alara" I continue, my voice dropping lower my tone dripping with warning. "Or you’ll forget your entire existence"

I take a step closer, lowering my voice just for her to hear.

"And I will make sure of it"

Without waiting for her response, I turn around and start walking away my confidence radiating with each step.

Abhi follows me immediately, his presence strong beside me. Zar moves as well his massive paws pressing against the sand. Then I hear it.

A deep, dangerous roar from behind us. I don’t turn back but I know it’s Zar. A victorious smile spreads across my face.

My man and my son...both belong to me.

No one can take them.

No one can rule their hearts.

Except me.

I slide into the car and Abhi follows, sitting beside me. Zar jumps in after us making himself comfortable.

With one last satisfied breath, I lean back feeling nothing but triumph.