[Time Skip – At the Hotel]

Jay’s POV

We had finally arrived at the hotel. None of us were ready to face their parents just yet—not until we chalked out a proper, foolproof plan. We needed to discuss how we’d talk to them, how to act natural, and especially how to dodge any suspicions. After all, if even one of them sensed something fishy, everything we’d built so far could fall apart.

But something just didn’t sit right in my head.

Why would Avani’s parents agree so easily to this marriage? From what she’s told me, they’re strict—very strict. Traditional, conventional, and highly opinionated. They wanted their daughter to marry someone well-established in India, someone respected in the business world. And me? I’m Indian, yes—but I’ve built my empire in Korea. My entire mafia network, my headquarters, my life is there. Why would they say yes to someone like me?

I sighed, rubbing my temples.

Forget it, Jay. Overthinking won’t help. Just take a nap. Recharge a bit. After that, it’s time to meet the enemies—aka, my would-be in-laws.

Knock knock.

I groaned as I sat up. Only one person could knock like that.

“Come in, sweetheart,” I called out, already smiling. “You don’t need permission to enter your fiancé’s room.”

The door opened with a creak, and there she was—Avani. Radiant as ever, pouting slightly.

“Well,” she said with folded arms, “what if you were doing something important? I didn’t want to disturb you.” I chuckled and opened my arms toward her. “Oh come here, you,” I said, patting my lap.

She blushed instantly and stepped back a little. “No, I can’t…”

But I wasn’t having that. I reached forward, caught her by the waist, and gently pulled her into my lap. She gasped softly, eyes looking anywhere but into mine. Her cheeks turned a beautiful shade of pink, and I could feel her heartbeat sync with mine.

“Why so shy?” I teased. “My fierce, savage girl getting shy around her soon-to-be husband?” She remained silent, hiding her face in my chest.

“You better get used to this, Avani. Soon, you’ll be Mrs. Oberoi… and I’m going to make sure the entire world knows you’re mine.”

[Meanwhile, in Vansh’s Room – Boys’ Time]

The rest of the boys—me, Vansh, Jatin, Siddharth, Tahir, Neil, and Harsh —had taken over Vansh’s room. It was our last free night before life changed. No more wild clubbing, no late-night bar hopping, no random plans. Once we’re married, our lives would revolve around our girls. Not that we were complaining.

Besides, the girls’ fathers weren’t exactly the type to refuse billionaire sons-in-law. We all knew deep down that some of them were more interested in our bank balances than our characters. But whatever the reason, it worked in our favor.

Neil stretched and leaned back. “Hmm… looks like someone’s lost in his own world.”, “I wasn’t thinking about anyone!” a voice snapped defensively.

Neil smirked. “I didn’t take anyone’s name, bro. Why are you reacting? Did I say Vansh ?” Jatin laughed. “He’s got a point, man. You walked right into that.”

Vansh glared. “Oh shut up, shortie. You’re always daydreaming about my sister, Naira. Don’t make me expose your late-night poetry.”

Jatin blushed. “Well… I can’t help it. She’s so adorable. And so sensitive. Every little thing affects her.”

Jay chimed in, “Then you better protect her like your life depends on it. People like her can get hurt so easily.”

Vansh nodded. “Same goes for my Trisha. She may look calm and sweet, but damn, that girl is dangerously possessive. The first few months, she came off as the quiet type. But later… whoa! The way she fights, argues, protects—it’s like she has multiple sides.”

Tahir raised an eyebrow. “And that’s a good thing?”

“It is,” Vansh replied. “Because she only shows those sides to me. She trusts me with her rawest emotions. That’s a big deal. She doesn’t let people in easily… but with me? She shares everything. That kind of bond is rare. I love her for it.”

Siddharth took a deep breath. “If we’re getting honest… then I have to say something about Rooh.”

Everyone turned to look at him.

“The first time I saw her… I don’t know why, but I felt like she was the one who could bring peace to my chaos. The one who could pull a smile out of this emotionless face. We all started this journey for revenge, but somehow, amidst the darkness, I found something… someone… who became my light. My Rooh. I’ll do anything—anything—to keep her happy.”

Harsh leaned forward. “Then it’s my turn.”

He hesitated, then spoke slowly. “The Noor you all know… that’s not the Noor I fell for. Everyone sees her as bold and fearless. But the real Noor… she’s delicate. She pretends to be strong, but inside, she’s scared—of the world, of pain, of betrayal. She only knows how to make others smile. She’s so innocent… and I’ve fallen hard for her. Now I just want to shield her from the cruelty of the world. Forever.”

Jay smiled. “Guess it’s my turn now…”

He looked at the ceiling as he spoke. “When I first saw Avani, I swear to God, everything else around me blurred. All I could see were her eyes. Sharp. Fierce. Deadly. But so damn captivating. I knew right then—this girl was going to ruin me. And recently… I learned something new. The bold Avani, the savage queen… blushes. And damn, it drives me crazy. That shy side of hers? I never saw it coming. It just makes me fall for her all over again.”

Neil grinned. “Well, we can’t be left behind now, can we? Aarohi… her smile. That’s what got me. That smile could end wars, man. When she laughs, it feels like the world becomes a better place. I don’t care if I lose everything else. I just want to spend the rest of my life keeping that smile alive.”

[Moments Later]

Jatin nudged Tahir. “Yo, Tahir. Why so quiet? Tell us something about your MRS. DIYA TAHIR RAISINGHANIA!”

Jay joined in, smirking. “Yeah bro, spill the tea. We’ve all confessed. Time for your love story.” Neil laughed. “Let’s see if you’re one of us or just the cold, heartless Tahir we used to know.”

Siddharth teased, “Honestly, I don’t think Diya could ever melt that icy heart of his.” Vansh cracked his knuckles. “Say something now, or I swear I’ll beat you with your own Gucci shoes!”

Harsh added dramatically, “Come on, man! Don’t act pricey. Just speak!”

Tahir finally sighed and leaned back.

“Fine,” he said. “You all remember that day we went to meet the girls at their college? We were sitting in the canteen… and I had a coughing fit. Diya handed me a glass of water. And in that simple moment, I felt something… something unfamiliar but warm. At first, I thought it was just irritation—I’d get angry around her for no reason. But when I looked into her eyes, my heart would race like crazy.”

He smiled faintly.

“I saw her laughing with some boys once… and I hated it. My blood boiled. I didn’t know why but I just wanted keep them apart and keep her with me telling her— she mine, mine to love, mine to touch, mine to stare at, mine to protect! Her every smile means alot to me! And her smile is only for me! SHE IS VERY SPECIAL TO ME! The one who rules over the heart of Tahir Raisinghnia.”

The Next Morning…

“Do you even realize, Avani, I’m about to meet my parents after three whole years?” Aarohi’s voice trembled with a mix of disbelief and emotion. “Please, someone slap me! I still can’t believe this is happening. I mean, just imagine—their faces when they see me after all this time... they’re going to be so happy, right?”

Little did the world know, today wasn’t just any ordinary day. Our beloved girls—the dramatic, the dreamy, the daring ones—were preparing to face something more terrifying than any villain they’d taken down: meeting their parents and in-laws. And not just meeting, but confessing their love, seeking approval, and hoping against all odds that their relationships would be accepted with open arms. Nervousness? Check. Excitement? Double check. Drama? Oh, that was just getting started…

“I don’t know, Aarohi...” Avani said, worry tugging at her words. “What if they’re not happy? What if... they get angry instead of emotional?”

“OH, shut up,” Naira snapped playfully, flicking Avani’s forehead. “Say good things, will you? I have a feeling they’ll say yes to all our relationships. I just know it.”

“May your words come true, Naira,” Rooh chimed in, knocking on wood. “But only if what you’re saying is true.”

Trisha, rolling her eyes, tossed her hair dramatically. “Seriously? Who are you girls? Grow up a little! Our parents love us. They’ll definitely understand. Don’t doubt them so easily.”

“She’s right,” Diya added firmly. “Enough of this negativity. Let’s just get into the car and go. We’re already running late.”, “Wait, where are you going?” Noor asked as Diya turned toward the hallway.

Diya sighed, annoyance coloring her tone. “To fetch your Harshvardhan and the other boys. They were the ones lecturing us to get ready on time, and now they’re the ones missing. I’m going to drag them out myself. Also—can someone explain to me this weird obsession with cars? I mean, seriously, can’t seven people sit in one car? Why does each of them need a separate vehicle like they’re in some car rally?”

Her grumbling carried her across the hallway and unknowingly, straight into a hotel room that wasn’t hers. Still talking to herself, she failed to notice the change in surroundings—or the pair of intense eyes watching her every step with deep admiration.

Tahir had been standing there quietly, mesmerized by the way her lips moved when she talked, the way her hands flew in the air with every exaggerated complaint. His heart thudded in his chest—fast, loud, uncontrollable. She looked so breathtaking even in her angry, rambling state.

Unaware, Diya kept walking forward—until she felt a strong hand slip around her waist. Her heart leapt to her throat. Before she could scream, warm breath brushed against her neck, sending goosebumps up her spine. She turned her head slowly and gasped.

Bare chest. Firm grip. Intense warmth. “T-Tahir? ” she stuttered, her wide eyes meeting his. Tahir didn’t speak at first. He just stared at her—his lips curled into a slow, teasing smirk. One hand still held her firmly by the waist, and his breath fanned her skin as he leaned closer.

“Why so nervous, Mrs. Tahir Raisinghania?” he whispered in his famously husky voice, voice dripping with mischief. “We haven’t even done anything yet… and you're already trembling. What’ll you do on the day I officially make you mine, hmm?”

Her breath hitched. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and her eyes dropped to avoid his burning gaze. They had been dating for months now, but nothing had prepared her for this closeness. This… magnetic pull between them.

Tahir’s own heartbeat pounded like a drum inside his chest. He didn’t know what came over him, but the need to feel her this close… to explore every inch of her presence… it was overpowering. He leaned in even closer, his eyes roaming across her face until they paused—on her lips.

Diya, noticing where his gaze had landed, grew even more nervous. She took a shaky breath, and in a soft, broken voice, she whispered, “W-what are y-you doing, T-Tahir ? P-please... l-let me go...”

Her stammer only deepened the wicked gleam in his eyes.

“And what if I say I don’t want to let you go?” he murmured, voice low and velvety. “What if all I want... is to hold you like this forever?” Blushing furiously, Diya looked away. “Tahir, stop it… I have to go.”

“Where do you need to go so badly?” he asked, tilting his head, clearly enjoying her flustered state.

“Oh please!” she snapped, recovering slightly. “It’s like you don’t want to marry me! That’s why you’re holding me back, right? You’re not going yourself and not letting me go either!”

That hit Tahir like a slap—not her words, but the truth behind them. A shadow passed over his features for a split second.

What was he even doing? He knew this wasn’t fair. Using her love for the sake of his revenge plan—it was cruel. It was wrong. But he had no other choice. To destroy the man who shattered his life, Tahir would do anything. Even if it meant breaking Diya’s heart. Yet, in the same breath, he knew his love for her was real. He loved her with every fiber of his being. And when the truth finally surfaced—when she learned everything—he knew she’d hate him. Maybe she’d leave. But he also knew she could never truly forget him… and she would never be able to hate him entirely.

Shaking off his storming thoughts, Tahir forced a casual tone and said, “Come on now, we’re getting late. Why are you just standing there?”

Diya glared. “Wow. Wow. Look who’s talking! You’ve been the one holding me captive here, Mr. Raisinghania. And now you’re asking me why I haven’t moved? For your information, I’m not your wife yet, so you don’t get to flirt like this whenever you please!”

Tahir chuckled, clearly amused. “What do I do, hmm? My future wife is so beautiful, I’ve run out of patience. All I want is to put vermillion in your hair, tie a nuptial thread around your neck, and make you mine—forever.”

Just then, the moment shattered with a deliberate throat-clearing.

“Ahem. If you two are done with your... romantic activities, can we leave now?” Siddharth stood at the door, eyebrows raised, trying and failing to hide his amusement. “Because if we don’t leave, there won’t be any wedding. And without a wedding... no romance either.”

Diya jumped back as if burned. “S-Siddharth Bhai ! It’s not what it looks like! I-I was just helping Tahir with something in his eye…”

“Oh yes,” Siddharth replied, smirking. “Helping. Sure. I totally believe that.”

Embarrassed beyond words, Diya bolted out of the room, her face glowing like fire. Tahir, on the other hand, burst into laughter.

Siddharth turned to him, arms crossed. “So, dear future brother-in-law, are you coming along now or should I go talk to Diya’s parents myself? Seems like you’re way too busy with their daughter to handle formalities.”

Tahir grinned, unfazed. “I can’t help it, hyung. Your sister is too gorgeous to ignore. But yes, I’ll get ready. You all go ahead.”

~~~

TO BE CONTINUE

LIKE AND COMMENT