𝐌𝐘 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍 ✔

95 . Double celebration

Author's Pov •••

The long drive home felt surreal. For the first time, they weren't returning to the palace as just Ranvijay and Rumaisa. They were returning as parents.

Rehaan stirred slightly in Rumaisa's lap, his tiny fingers flexing as if to check if she was still there. She kissed his temple softly, assuring him that she was, and always would be.

Ranvijay glanced at them from the driver's seat, his grip tightening on the wheel. He had never felt this kind of responsibility before. Kingdoms and businesses he could handle with a single command, but this this tiny child who now belonged to them, who trusted them , this was something else entirely.

As the palace gates came into view, a lump formed in Rumaisa's throat. This wasn't just their home anymore. It was Rehaan's. A place where he wouldn't have to share his bed with strangers, where he wouldn't have to earn love, where he wouldn't have to wonder if he was wanted.

He was wanted. He was theirs.

The car pulled to a smooth stop. The moment the guards opened the door, the entire household stood waiting at the entrance, their faces full of anticipation.

Kaushalya was at the front, her eyes scanning the car. The second she spotted Ruhaan curled against Rumaisa, her eyes turned glassy.

Rumaisa gently shook Ruhaan awake. "Baby, ghar aa gaya."

He blinked, his sleepy gaze darting around. His small body tensed. It was happening. He was here.

Ranvijay was out of the car in seconds, walking around to open Rumaisa's door. He reached inside, carefully taking Rehaan from her arms, holding him securely against his chest.

"Mumma bhi aa rahi hai," Ranvijay whispered to Ruhaan, sensing the way the boy's fingers curled tightly into his shirt. The need for reassurance. The fear of the unknown.

Rumaisa stepped out, smoothing Rehaan's hair, her touch gentle. "Yeh tumhara ghar hai, bachha."

Rehaan swallowed, his big brown eyes flickering from the grand entrance to the faces watching him. It was so much. Too much.

Then Kaushalya stepped forward, smiling through her tears. "Aao beta."

She lifted her hands, asking for him.

Ruhaan didn't move.

His grip on Ranvijay tightened, his small fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt as if letting go meant losing everything.

Rumaisa and Ranvijay shared a look before she whispered, "Maa, thoda waqt lagega."

Kaushalya wiped her eyes quickly, nodding in understanding. "Bilkul, beta. Jaise tumhara mann ho."

Ranvijay bent slightly, shifting Ruhaan's weight so he was standing comfortably against him. "Chalo, champ. Pehle andar chalte hain. Fir dheere dheere sabse milenge."

Rehaan hesitated, then gave a small nod.

That was enough for now.

The palace doors were pushed open, revealing the grand hall decorated with flowers and soft lights. It wasn't a lavish celebration, but rather a warm welcome-one fitting for a little prince who was finally home.

The scent of freshly made sweets and incense filled the air. Rehaan's head turned as he took everything in-the high ceilings, the chandeliers, the wide marble staircase. It was nothing like what he had known before.

Rumaisa placed a hand on his back, guiding him gently. "Yeh sirf ek bada ghar nahi hai, Rehaan. Yeh tumhara ghar hai. Tumhara apna."

His eyes flickered to hers, uncertain. "Mera?"