29.

Dev’s POV

I feel so nervous. "She’ll accept me, right?" I ask Abhi while putting on my watch. He shakes his head, making my heart sink.

"What? She won’t accept me?" I ask looking at him sadly.

"If you keep acting like this she’ll never accept you" he replies and I scoff.

I turn to Zar. "Zar what if she doesn’t accept me?"

Zar simply nods his head as if telling me she will accept me.

I let out a deep breath. Today I’m going to propose to her. I know she’ll accept but I still can’t stop feeling nervous. She has been teasing me since the party two days ago. Honestly, I love it when she teases me. It makes my heart race in a way I can’t explain.

There are so many things I want to tell her but I am sure I’ll mess up everything.

Today is going to be special for both siblings. Mira is planning to propose to Abhiraj for marriage and I am going to propose to my baby, Jiya. Right now, they both are getting ready just like me and Abhi.

I take a deep breath and adjust my clothes one last time "Okay I’m ready. Let’s go" I say.

Abhi and Zar scoff at me before standing up from their seats.

I mutter to myself "Dev, you can do this" trying to give myself some confidence. Then, with determined steps, I walk out of the room with Abhi and Zar, heading towards the backyard of our mansion.

The place looks breathtaking. Flowers and lights are decorating every corner, making the atmosphere feel magical.

I turn to Abhi, about to say something, but he raises his palm to stop me.

"If you say even one more word before Jiya arrives, Zar and I will leave you alone here" he warns.

I quickly shut my mouth, pressing my lips together. I start pacing back and forth feeling my nerves heighten.

I was never this nervous before. But in front of her my confidence just disappears.

Zar watches me with his sharp blue eyes. I kneel down and rub his soft white fur, feeling a little comforted. He bares his teeth slightly, as if assuring me that she will accept me. My boy is always so supportive.

And then, I see her.

Jiya walks toward us and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.

She looks absolutely stunning. To be honest, she always looks beautiful, but today… today she looks even more breathtaking. Every step she takes feels elegant, making my heartbeat quicken.

She still thinks that Mira is the one proposing to Abhi. I can tell because she keeps looking back and forth between Mira and Abhi, confusion evident in her eyes.

Mira confidently walks towards Abhi, while I take slow steps toward my baby.

Mira↑

Jiya leans closer and whispers, "Why are you dressed like you’re the one going to propose?"

I smile at her, feeling my heart swell with love. She has no idea what’s about to happen.

I take a deep breath and go down on one knee in front of her. As soon as I do, her face changes. Shock, confusion and something else flicker in her eyes.

I reach into my pocket and pull out a ring, holding it up for her to see. I smile at her, my heart pounding in my chest.

She stares at me, completely frozen. "You’re joking" she whispers, still in shock.

I shake my head firmly. "I’m not joking" I say, my voice filled with sincerity.

She grips the fabric of her dress tightly in her fists, her breath uneven.

I take a deep breath and look into her eyes. "Let me tell you everything from the start" I say softly. "I have been in love with you....not for a few months but for the past five years."

A collective gasp fills the air. Everyone present is shocked.

Jiya’s eyes widen as she repeats my words. "Five years?" she whispers almost as if she can’t believe it.

I nod. "Yes, five years"

I swallow hard, my voice growing softer but firm. "The first time I saw you was in the orphanage. I lost my heart to you that very moment. But I tried my best to ignore my feelings. I thought… love wasn’t for me. I believed that women and I were two opposite things, that I could never love anyone or let anyone love me. But you…" I pause, my chest tightening "You proved me wrong."

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears as she listens.

I continue, my voice raw with emotion. "When I saw you again three months ago my feelings grew even stronger. That’s when I decided....I had to make you mine"

Tears escape her eyes, trailing down her cheeks.

"I love you, Jiya Singh Rajvansh" I say my voice unwavering. "I love you more than anything. You are the only woman I want in my life. The only one who can rule over my heart. I don’t know how to put my feelings into words. But one thing I do know is that I love you"

I take a deep breath and look deep into her teary eyes.

"Will you give me a chance to be loved by you?" I ask my heartbeat hammering inside my chest.

I tighten my grip on the ring and finally say the words that scare me the most.

"Will you marry me, Jiya Singh Rajvansh?"

My heart races as I wait for her answer. She doesn’t say anything. Her expression is unreadable....a mix of a smile and tears. She just stares at me her lips slightly parted.

A horrible thought enters my mind. Is she going to reject me?

No. I can’t even think about that. If she rejects me I swear… I will....

Before I can finish my thought, she suddenly drops to her knees in front of me. And then without warning, she throws herself into my arms.

I don’t even get a chance to react. Her sudden hug knocks me off balance and I fall backward onto the ground with her on top of me, still holding me tightly.

For a moment I am too stunned to move. Then, slowly I realize what just happened.

She didn’t reject me.

She hugged me.

And that means… she accepts me.

"Yes… yes! I’ll marry you, Dev Malhotra. I love you too" Jiya says hugging me even tighter than before.

My breath catches in my throat. Her words sink into my heart, making my chest feel warm and full. I can’t hold back my tears of happiness.

I hear Mira chuckling softly, followed by Abhiraj’s amused laugh. But right now the only thing that matters to me is the girl in my arms.

Jiya suddenly pulls back, breaking the hug. She quickly stands up, straightens her dress and wipes her tears.

Then, she looks down at me with a small smirk and extends her hand. "Propose again" she demands.

A chuckle spreads through the crowd and I can’t help but laugh too. My girl is really something.

I shake my head playfully but get up and kneel before her once more.

"Will you marry me, Jiya Singh Rajvansh?" I ask looking straight into her eyes.

She nods eagerly, her face glowing with happiness. "Yes, yes! I’ll marry you, Dev Malhotra!" Tears fall from her eyes but this time, they are tears of pure joy.

I take her delicate hand in mine and slowly slide the ring onto her finger. Then unable to resist, I lift her hand to my lips and place a soft kiss on it.

Abhi and Mira start clapping loudly, celebrating with us. Their cheers fill the air but all I can focus on is the girl standing before me—the love of my life.

I stand up and before I can say anything, Jiya throws her arms around me again, hugging me tightly. I wrap my arms around her, holding her just as close.

Then, she leans into my ear and whispers "I’ll kiss you later… not in front of Bhai and Mira"

A strange sensation flutters inside my stomach. A mix of excitement and nervousness. She’ll kiss me. My mind replays her words again and again. I should be ready.

She pulls away and before I can say anything to her, Mira and Abhi walk toward us.

"Congratulations, bro" Abhi says pulling me into a tight hug.

"Congratulations to both of you" Mira adds smiling warmly.

I glance at Jiya and she looks at me with so much love in her eyes that I feel like the luckiest man in the world.

Abhiraj’s POV

"I’m happy for both of you" I say, pulling Jiya into a soft hug.

She smiles up at me, her eyes shining with happiness. I press a gentle kiss on her forehead, my heart feeling full.

A part of me aches....I wish I had found her earlier. I wish I had seen her grow up, protected her, been there for her. But now, she’s here and that’s all that matters.

I step back, giving them space.

"Abhi…"

I hear Mira’s voice and turn around....only for my breath to catch in my throat.

My baby… she’s kneeling on the ground.

With a ring in her hand.

Am I dreaming?

My heart pounds against my ribs as I stare at her in disbelief.

Her eyes lock onto mine, filled with love and determination. Her voice is soft but her words shake my entire world.

"Abhiraj Singh Rajvansh" she begins, her voice steady but full of emotion. "I don’t know how or when I fell in love with you… but now, there’s one thing I’m sure of....I’m deeply in love with you"

I swallow hard, my body frozen in place.

"I can’t even think of a life where you’re not with me" she continues. "I know my words might not be perfect… but trust me, they’re coming straight from my heart"

She takes a shaky breath, her eyes never leaving mine.

"I want to spend my entire life with you. I want to feel your love. I want to be loved by you"

She pauses for a moment, her own emotions overwhelming her. Then, she looks straight into my soul and asks.....

"Will you marry me, Abhiraj Singh Rajvanshand make me the luckiest woman in the world?"

My chest tightens painfully. My entire body is trembling.

"Will you give me a chance to become Zar’s mother?" she whispers.

That’s it.

I can’t take it anymore.

I pull her up from the ground and crush her into my arms, hugging her as tightly as I can.

Tears pour down my face uncontrollably. My heart is racing, my entire being overwhelmed with emotions I can’t even name.

She holds me just as tightly, her hands gently running up and down my back, trying to calm me down.

"Will you marry me Abhiraj?" she whispers again, right against my heart.

I nod furiously, unable to speak.

She pulls back slightly, lifting my trembling hand. Her fingers slide the ring onto my ring finger, sealing her promise.

My hands are shaking too much but she holds them firmly, steadying me.

Then, she lifts my hand to her lips and presses a soft kiss to the ring she just placed on me.

I close my eyes, breathing deeply, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside me.

I can’t believe this is real.

"You… you really want to marry me?" I whisper my voice barely coming out.

Mira smiles softly and nods. She reaches up and gently wipes my tears away.

"Yes, I’ll marry you" she says her voice filled with warmth.

I don’t have words to describe how I feel right now. My heart is too full, my emotions too strong. Instead of speaking, I just pull her into another hug, holding her as tightly as I can.

A sudden, loud roar breaks the moment.

I pull back slightly, looking towards Zar. He’s standing there, his blue eyes fixed on Mira. His white fur shines under the lights and he shows his teeth slightly....not in aggression but in demand.

He wants her attention. I know my boy.

Mira bends down to his level, her eyes filled with love. She slowly extends her palm toward him.

"My baby… will you give me a chance to become your mumma?" she asks softly.

For a second, Zar stares at her. Then without hesitation, he lifts his paw and places it in her hand.

A deep breath escapes me.

Mira's eyes shine with unshed tears and she presses a soft kiss to Zar’s paw.

"Congratulations, bro!" Dev’s voice suddenly booms.

Before I can react, he pulls me into a tight hug. I hug him back still feeling overwhelmed.

"You… you knew about this?" I ask pulling away slightly.

Dev smirks and nods, showing his teeth like a mischievous kid caught in the act.

"I knew Mira was going to propose to you. And Mira knew I was going to propose to Jiya" he says.

I blink. That means… only Jiya and I were left in the dark.

Jiya suddenly squeals and jumps forward, grabbing Mira in a tight hug.

"I’m so happy! Now, we’ll get married on the same day, two best friends together and live in one house!" Jiya exclaims excitedly.

Mira nods her head eagerly, hugging Jiya back. Their happiness is infectious.

"Let’s go! We’ll eat now and enjoy our time!" Jiya shouts her energy never ending.

We all laugh and follow her towards a large table set in the corner of the backyard. It’s beautifully decorated, covered in flowers, glowing fairy lights and delicious foods.

We take our seats, the atmosphere filled with warmth and laughter.

Teasing Zar, getting scolded by our woman's. stealing glances at the women we love.....it all feels so perfect.

This moment, this night… it’s one of the most beautiful times of our lives.

We laugh. We talk. We tease. We celebrate.

And most of all, we step into a new beginning.....together.