Chapter 18

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The Gills were staying with the Advanis, and the two families mingled so well that it felt as if they had known each other forever. Laughter and conversations filled the house, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy.

Shubman, standing in the balcony, was deeply engrossed in messaging his ICT team, his fingers flying over the keys of his phone.

Shubman, standing in the balcony, was deeply engrossed in messaging his ICT team, his fingers flying over the keys of his phone

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Suddenly, he felt a familiar warmth envelop him from behind. Kiara had hugged him tightly, resting her head on his back. "What are you doing, Shub?" she asked, her voice a soft whisper.

Shubman turned slightly, a smile playing on his lips. "I was just informing everyone about our engagement," he replied, his tone casual yet filled with excitement.

Kiara hummed softly, a sound of contentment, and Shubman put his phone away, turning fully to face her. He pulled her into a hug, wrapping his arms around her as if to never let go. "Finally, our family accepted us," Kiara murmured, her voice tinged with relief.

"Yeah, I am so happy," Shubman said, but Kiara sensed something was amiss. She pulled back slightly, looking up into his eyes.

"Shub, what's wrong? Aren't you happy with this?" she asked, her brows furrowing in concern.

"Of course, I am happy, Kiki," Shubman assured her, but the worry in his eyes betrayed his words.

Kiara cupped his face gently, her thumbs brushing over his cheeks. "I don't see that happiness in your eyes, Shub," she said softly. "What's really going on?"

Shubman sighed heavily, turning his gaze away from her. "I am scared, Kiki," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Scared that you might leave me like Ananya did."

Understanding dawned on Kiara. She pulled him closer, pressing her forehead against his. "I promise you, Shub, nothing like that will ever happen. I will be with you forever," she vowed, her voice firm and reassuring.

Shubman nodded, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. Kiara kissed his forehead tenderly and said, "Now, let's get some sleep. Tomorrow, the panditji is coming to fix the date for our engagement."

Shubman smiled and kissed her gently before heading to his room. Kiara watched him go, then looked up at the night sky, her heart full. "I know what you're feeling, Shub. After everything you've been through, it's natural to have these fears. But I promise you, you'll never be sad because of me," she whispered, her words carried away by the gentle breeze.

She changed into her pajamas and slipped into bed, a sense of peace settling over her.

The next morning, Shubman woke up feeling refreshed. He brushed his teeth and took a long, hot shower. When he stepped out, he found a deep red kurta laid out on his bed, courtesy of his sister Shahneel. He put it on, appreciating the simple yet elegant design. The matching red pants fit perfectly, and the dark-colored loafers added a modern touch to his traditional outfit.

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