Bound by Fate: A Journey of Hearts

CHAPTER 21

Once they arrived in Delhi, the group gathered their belongings and headed out of the airport. Ananya’s heart raced again at the thought of moving in with Ishaan. It was one thing to share a wedding; living together would be a whole new experience.

At the Delhi airport, before heading to their respective directions, everyone exchanged pleasantries. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and excitement, as family members shared hugs and laughter.

Niam, with his innocent curiosity, pointed towards Ishaan and exclaimed, “Fufaji!” with a big smile, his tiny face lighting up with joy. The adults around burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the bustling terminal.

“Looks like you’ve got yourself a new title, Ishaan!” Kriti Didi teased, nudging her husband Siddharth playfully.

Ishaan chuckled, bending down to ruffle Niam’s hair. “I guess I’ll have to live up to that title now, huh?”

Pragya Bhabhi smiled proudly at Niam. “You’ve done well, Niam! That’s right! He is your fufaji now!”

“Fufaji!” Niam repeated, giggling, clearly pleased with himself.

Ananya watched the interactions, a warmth spreading in her chest. The easy camaraderie among her family made her feel more at home. She leaned closer to Ishaan, her voice low but filled with affection. “Looks like you’re already a favourite.”

“Only because of the adorable kid,” Ishaan replied, giving Niam a playful wink.

As they gathered their belongings, the mood remained light. Relatives shared jokes, and Niam’s infectious laughter created a joyful ambience, momentarily easing the earlier tension from the wedding.

Before they parted ways, Ishaan found himself smiling at how easily he fit into this lively family dynamic. It was a promising start, and he felt a flicker of hope for the future.

As they loaded their luggage into the cars, Ishaan offered to help Ananya with hers. “You’ll love Manesar; it’s peaceful, and the campus is nice.”

Ananya smiled. “Yeah, I know Manesar is a great place. I've been there before, especially around the NSG campus and the surrounding Aravalli hills.”

When they reached Ishaan’s house, Ananya was greeted by a fluffy golden retriever, Jimmy, who bounded over with excitement, tail wagging furiously. She couldn’t help but laugh and bend down to pet him.

Once they settled in, Ishaan showed her around, pointing out the essentials and how everything worked. That evening, after a simple dinner with the family, they returned to the quarters. Ishaan turned to her, his expression sincere. “If you ever need anything or feel overwhelmed, just let me know. I’m here for you.”

“Thank you, Ishaan. It means a lot,” Ananya replied, feeling a connection building between them.

As they prepared for bed, Ananya took a moment to reflect on the whirlwind that had brought her here. It wasn’t the path she had envisioned, but somehow, it felt right. With Ishaan by her side, she felt a sense of hope for what was to come. Together, they would navigate this new chapter, one day at a time.