The washroom door opened and Suchitra stepped out with Saundarya beside her. Saundarya's brows were still furrowed in concern, and she kept muttering under her breath.

Saundarya (scolding softly): Suchii, you really don't take care of yourself. You should tell machhan right now. He'll understand..

Suchitra lowered her eyes guiltily, but her attention soon drifted elsewhere. Her gaze fixed ahead, and slowly, a tender smile tugged at her lips.

There stood Karan, a few steps away, holding a baby in his strong arms. The little one, dressed in a baby pink frock with a tiny fountain ponytail, was giggling uncontrollably as Karan lifted her up in the air.

His expression softened in a way Suchitra rarely saw in public-pure joy, unguarded warmth. He booped his nose against the baby's tiny button nose, earning squeals of laughter. Then he swayed side to side, pretending to dance with her, her laughter like little bells filling the air.



Suchitra's heart melted instantly. Her earlier discomfort, even Saundarya's scolding, faded away in that moment. She simply watched, entranced.

Saundarya (breaking her trance): Here I am, scolding you like crazy... and you're smiling?

Suchitra blinked, caught red-handed.

Suchitra (softly, still smiling): I... I wasn't smiling at you.

Saundarya followed her line of sight and rolled her eyes when she spotted Karan and the baby.

Saundarya (teasing): Of course. Why would you smile at me? Only your husband can pull that kind of smile out of you.

Before Suchitra could reply, someone called Karan from across the hall. He placed a soft kiss on the baby's cheek and handed her carefully into Meghna's arms before walking away.

Meghna noticed Suchitra staring and approached her with the baby.

Suchitra (softly, leaning closer): Aww, hello baby. What's your name, sweetheart?

Meghna (smiling warmly): Arhana. But we call her Aloo.

Suchitra (with a baby voice, eyes twinkling): Aloo? That's the cutest name ever. Aloo baby...

She gently touched the baby's tiny fist shaking it gently, and Arhana immediately responded by curling her fingers around Suchitra's. Then, with a little whine, the baby stretched her arms forward, making grabby hands at her.

Suchitra (hesitant, glancing at Meghna): Can I... can I hold her?

Meghna (surprised but smiling): Of course, take her.

Carefully, Suchitra lifted the baby into her arms. To everyone's astonishment, Arhana settled instantly against her chest, her giggles turning into soft coos as she played with Suchitra's Mangalsutra.

Saundarya (confused): What happened, di?

Meghna (eyes wide, almost shocked): This is unbelievable. She never goes to anyone so easily. She usually cries so much when someone new tries to hold her...

Saundarya (grinning, teasing Suchitra): Looks like Aloo baby has already chosen her favorite person.

Meghna (laughing softly, still surprised): Yes, it seems so. She really likes you, Suchitra.

Suchitra looked down at the baby in her arms, her heart swelling. The way Arhana clung to her felt strangely natural, as if the little one had known her forever. She smiled tenderly, rocking her gently, lost in the warmth of the moment.

...

Suchitra sat comfortably on the couch, little Arhana nestled in her lap. The baby's tiny fingers played curiously with the black and gold beads of her mangalsutra, tugging at it every now and then while babbling softly.

Karan walked over and settled beside her, his eyes instantly softening at the sight. Leaning closer, he gently nudged Arhana's chubby arm.

Karan (playfully): Hey princess, won't you look at me?

Arhana glanced at him for the briefest moment, then deliberately turned her head away and buried her face in Suchitra's shoulder.

Karan gasp dramatically. Suchitra burst into laughter at his over-the-top expression, her shoulders shaking. Arhana, hearing her laugh, joined in with an innocent giggle of her own, making the whole moment even more heart-melting.

For a second, it was hard to tell who looked happier-Karan with his theatrics, Suchitra with her laughter, or the baby caught in between their warmth.

Just then, Gurleen came closer, her eyes shining as she took in the sight.

Gurleen (fondly): Hayee, just look at this. Suchitra with a baby in her arms... it is so beautiful.

Her words made both Karan and Suchitra flush crimson. They exchanged a shy glance before quickly looking away.

From behind, Samksh couldn't resist adding his mischief.

Samksh (grinning, loud enough for all): Didn't I always say this? Suchitra Bhabhi and Karan should just have a baby of their own. Then I'll finally become Chachu Samksh of the Dhillon family!

He puffed his chest proudly, only to yelp the next second when Gurleen smacked the back of his head.

Gurleen (half scolding, half smiling): Idiot! Amrood thodi h ki toda aur de diya. Time lagta h.

The whole group chuckled, the hall echoing with warmth and teasing.

Meanwhile, Meghna and Arjun had walked up, watching silently. Their eyes softened at the scene-Arhana was now dozing off, her tiny head resting peacefully on Suchitra's shoulder, still holding onto the mangalsutra.

Arjun (gently, extending his arms): Suchi, let me take her. She must be heavy for you.

Suchitra nodded and began to shift the baby carefully. But the moment Arhana stirred in her sleep and tightened her grip on the mangalsutra, Suchitra froze. The baby made a faint whimper, unwilling to let go.

Suchitra (softly, shaking her head): It's alright, Bhaiya. Let her stay with me for a while longer. She's comfortable.

The word Bhaiya slipped out before she realized it. As soon as it left her lips, her eyes widened, and she bit her lower lip nervously.

Suchitra (apologetic, fumbling): I... I'm sorry. It just slipped ou-

Arjun's smile widened with warmth as he placed a hand on her head.

Arjun (gentle, reassuring): Why sorry, Suchitra? You can call me whatever feels right-Bhaiya, Anna, Veerji... anything. I'll be happy either way.

Suchitra's lips curved into a soft, genuine smile.

Suchitra (with warmth): Bhaiya.

The word carried an affection she hadn't realized she felt until that moment.

Arjun nodded with pride, then affectionately patted her head as though she were truly his little sister.

Everyone around watched the exchange in silence, their smiles widening. It wasn't just about words-it was about the bond being formed, slowly but surely, weaving Suchitra into the family she had stepped into.

Karan's eyes lingered on her the longest, his heart swelling with something he couldn't put into words.

....

The reception had finally come to a close. Guests were slowly trickling out of the grand hall, their laughter and chatter fading into the cool night air. The lights dimmed slightly, leaving the newlyweds in a warm, intimate glow. Gurleen stood nearby, guiding the departing relatives and friends, giving Karan and Suchitra a moment of peace together.

Karan and Suchitra found themselves standing in front of Arjun and Meghna, who were holding the now-sleeping Arhana carefully in Arjun's arms. The baby's soft breaths and tiny fists pressed against Arjun's shoulder made the moment serene.

Arjun (teasing, playful): That was an amazing party, really. But Karan... remember, you take care of her properly. Because if anything goes wrong, I won't hesitate to beat you up-and trust me, you won't be able to do anything about it.

Karan froze for a split second, his mouth twitching into a grin. Slowly, he slid his hand possessively around Suchitra's waist, pulling her slightly closer. Her cheeks instantly turned a deep crimson.

Karan (mock serious, low tone): Of course, Arjun... why wouldn't I? She's mine, after all.

Suchitra (whispering, embarrassed, glancing at Karan): Karan!

Meghna (smiling fondly, teasing): And don't forget, today was your party, but tomorrow, you two have to come to ours. It's Arjun and my fifth anniversary. I expect both of you there.

Karan (grinning, nodding): Pakkā, Bhabhi. You don't even need to ask.

Suchitra (warmly, stepping closer to Meghna, hugging her gently): Of course, Meghna Bhabhi. Congratulations... you two are perfect together.

Meghna (smiling, softly): Thank you, Suchi.

She gave Arjun a soft side-hug, her head brushing lightly against his shoulder. Karan mirrored her gestures, giving both Meghna and Arjun affectionate hugs, careful not to disturb the sleeping baby.

Karan (playful, placing a soft kiss on Arhana's cheek): Good night, little one.

Suchitra (softly, smiling, doing the same): Sweet dreams, princess.

Arjun and Meghna exchanged warm smiles, their eyes reflecting trust and happiness as they turned to leave, Arhana still peacefully sleeping in Arjun's arms.

Arjun (gentle, waving): Goodnight, you two.

Suchitra and Karan (softly, whispering): Goodnight...

Once the couple was alone, they walked together toward the car waiting outside. The cool night breeze brushed against their faces, carrying faint echoes of the celebration behind them.

Gurleen has already left to airport with Deepti to see off Ramanathan, Raghav and Anulaxmi. They are leaving to Chennai, as some work showed up.

Karan tossed his coat onto the back seat with a casual flick, the movement almost theatrical.

Karan (relaxed, stretching slightly): Finally... some peace.

Suchitra (sighing, removing her heels and flexing her toes): My feet are dying... heels are not meant for such long parties.

Karan (chuckling, glancing at her): Looks like someone's ready to collapse.

Suchitra (teasing, playful): You wait... you'll see my speed when I kick off these heels at home.

Karan (laughing, sliding into the driver's seat): Can't wait to see that.

The engine roared softly as Karan started the car. The ride began, quiet at first, filled with the gentle hum of the tires against the road and the soft rustle of the evening breeze through the slightly open windows. For a moment, they let themselves relax, enjoying the calm after the whirlwind of the reception, hands brushing occasionally, sharing smiles in the dim car light.

Gurleen has already left with Raghav, Ramanathan and Anulaxmi.

As the car came to a gentle halt in front of their home, Karan was the first to step out. He came to Suchitra's side, noticing her struggling slightly with her heels and the heavy lehenga.

Karan (concerned, teasing under his breath): Can you hold on tightly... like really hold on to something?

Suchitra (blinking, confused, but nodding): Huh... oh! Yeah... I guess.

With a swift motion, Karan guided her hands around his neck. One of his strong hand slid under her knees, lifting her effortlessly in a bridal style, With one hand, while the other hand held both his coat and her heels.



Suchitra (gasping, flustered): How can you...?

Karan (smirking, voice low and playful): So what, sweetheart... you think this body is just for show?

Suchitra (hesitant, soft): But... my weight... plus the lehenga... and besides... you're tired too.

Karan (teasing, confident, wink in his eyes): You don't know my capacity... not yet, Sweetheart.

Suchitra's mind went blank for a few seconds, her thoughts jumbled by the intensity in his gaze. She gasped again, wrapping her hands tighter around his neck, instinctively looking away.

He carried her effortlessly through the quiet hall and into their bedroom. He noticed her feet were still buried slightly under the lehenga, the heels leaving faint impressions on the floor.

Karan (playful, slightly teasing): Go freshen up. Then I'll handle... everything else.

Suchitra (nodding, cheeks slightly flushed) stepped in front of the mirror. Karan headed to the washroom, carrying his clothes inside to freshen up.

She carefully removed her heavy jewelry-jhumkas, necklaces-everything except her mangalsutra and chooda. Her movements were slow, deliberate, almost mesmerizing in the quiet of the room.

When he came back, he froze for a moment, spotting Suchitra struggling with the delicate lace of her blouse, which had somehow gotten caught in a double knot.

Her blouse.



Her small hands tugged gently at the fabric, frustration flickering across her face as she tried to loosen it without damaging the intricate embroidery.

Karan's throat went dry as his eyes fell on her bare back, the soft curve of her shoulders illuminated by the warm glow of the room. He cleared his throat softly, trying to steady himself, and stepped closer, moving deliberately slow so as not to startle her.

As he came to stand just behind her, the mirror caught her gaze. Through the reflection, she looked at him-eyes wide, lips slightly parted, a mixture of surprise and something deeper flickering in her expression.

The air between them thickened, heavy with unspoken desire, hearts beating in quiet rhythm, the world outside the room fading into nothing.

And then...