17. Ilina

YUVRAAJ SINGHANIA'S POV

I gently rock my newborn niece, Ilina, in my arms, trying to soothe her fussiness. Whereas my sister, Inayat, is busy with last-minute preparations for her engagement ceremony, which is  just a few days away.

As I sway back and forth, i  couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. I am happy for Inayat, but also nervous about the changes that were coming.

Ilina starts to calm down, making me smile as i look at her tiny face. She was so small and delicate, with a head full of dark hair and big brown eyes.

Just then, Inayat come into the room, looking frazzled. "Yuv, can you please help me with the guest list? I need to finalize it today."

I nod, carefully handing Ilyina over to her mother. "Of course, innu. I'm on it."

As i sit down at the table to work on the guest list, my mind starts to wander.

I stare blankly at the guest list, my mind wandering back to that fateful day when Inayat's world turned upside down. I remembered the fear in her eyes as she clutched her belly, her water breaking at just 7 months. I had been by her side every step of the way, praying for a miracle.

And then Ilina was born, tiny and fragile. My heart swelled with love and worry as I held her in my arms, willing her to fight.

But amidst all the chaos, one thought haunted me - Ilya, Inayat's partner and my trusted bodyguard, lay in a coma, unaware of the precious life they had created together.

I felt a pang of guilt and responsibility. It was all because of me, my bestfriend Ilya was in coma, my sister's life was hung onto a thread.

Fortunately both the mother and daughter are safe now.

Inayat's hand on my shoulder brought me back to the present. "Yuv, are you okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

I forced a smile, trying to reassure her. "I'm fine, innu. Just thinking about everything that's happened."

Flashback:

I couldn't believe my eyes when I walked into the hospital room and saw Ilya's eyes flicker open. The machines surrounding him began to beep, and the nurses rushed to his side.

"What's happening?" I asked, my heart racing with excitement.

"He's waking up!" one of the nurses exclaimed.

And then we heard it - a faint cry from the nursery. Ilyina was awake, and her tiny voice pierced through the air.

Ilya's eyes locked onto mine, and he whispered, "My daughter?"

I nodded, tears streaming down my face. "She's here, Ilya. She's been waiting for you."

As if drawn by an unseen force, Ilya's gaze turned towards the nursery. He struggled to sit up, his eyes fixed on the door.

The nurses helped him, and we wheeled him to the nursery. As we entered, Ilina's cries grew louder.

Ilya's eyes landed on his daughter, and a smile spread across his face. "My baby," he whispered, his voice trembling.

Tears streamed down Inayat's face as she placed Ilyina in Ilya's arms. He cradled her close, his eyes never leaving hers.

In that moment, something shifted. Ilya's eyes sparkled with a newfound purpose, and I knew he would move mountains to protect his family.

As Ilya held Ilina close, his eyes locked onto hers, and he whispered, "I'm here, little one. I'm here." Ilina's cries slowly subsided, replaced by gentle coos as she gazed up at her father.

Inayat's hand intertwined with Ilya's, and they shared a tender glance. I could see the relief and love radiating from them, and my heart swelled with joy.

The machines beeping around us faded into the background as we basked in the warmth of this moment. Ilya's awakening was nothing short of miraculous, and Ilina's presence had brought him back to us.

As we stood there, a sense of hope and new beginnings filled the air. We knew the road ahead would be long and challenging, but we were ready to face it together, as a family.

Ilya's eyes met mine, and he smiled weakly. "Thank you, Yuvraaj," he whispered. "Thank you for being here."

I smiled back, my voice choked with emotion. "Always, brother. Always."

Present:

I couldn't help but think about how far we'd come. I had initially opposed Ilya and Inayat's relationship, worried about their differences and the challenges they'd face. But seeing them now, so in love and devoted to each other and their daughter, I realized I had been wrong to doubt them.

As I helped Ilya with his physical therapy, I noticed the way he looked at Inayat and Ilyina - with a love and adoration that I had never seen before. And Inayat, once broken and fragile, now radiated strength and happiness.

Their love had conquered all, even my own doubts and fears. I was proud to call Ilya my brother, and I was honored to stand by their side as they prepared for their engagement.

As I worked on the guest list, I couldn't help but think about how much our family had grown and evolved. We had faced challenges and overcome them together. And now, we were celebrating a new chapter in Ilya and Inayat's journey.

Their engagement was a testament to the power of love and forgiveness, and I was grateful to be a part of it.

I am engross in finalizing the guest list for Ilya and Inayat's engagement party when Ilya himself walked into the room. He plopp down beside me on the couch, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Hey, what's up? Planning my engagement party without me?" he asks, his voice teasing.

I smile, knowing he is just trying to get a rise out of me. "Just getting started. You know, the usual - embarrassing you in front of the whole family."

Ilya chuckles, snatching my phone from my hand. "Hey, no way. I get to approve the guest list."

I raise an eyebrow, playing along. "Oh yeah? And what makes you think you get to approve anything?"

Ilya grins, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Because I'm the groom, that's why. And I don't want any surprises."

I shrug, leaning back into the couch. "Suit yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you."

As Ilya scans the list, his eyes lands on Auntie Rukmini's name. I knew that would get a reaction out of him. Sure enough, his eyes widen in mock horror. "Auntie Rukmini? You've got to be kidding me."

I burst out laughing, unable to help myself. "Hey, someone's got to keep you in line."

Ilya rolls his eyes, handing my phone back to me. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

I grin, feeling a sense of camaraderie with my brother-in-law. "Maybe just a little."

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~to be continued