"𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 : A tale of Love & Betrayal" ( COMPLETE✅ )

Bonus Chapter One

Author's POV :

Three Months later.

The house was buzzing with its usual energy when Niharika finally emerged from the bedroom, Noorakshi in one arm and Chirag nestled against her shoulder. The scent of freshly brewed chai wafted through the air, mingling with the lively chatter from the living room. The rest of the family had clearly been awake for hours. Anushka’s unmistakable laughter echoed, followed by Aarav’s mock protests.

“Ah, the queen finally graces us with her presence!” Anushka teased as Niharika entered the room. “And with both little prince and Angel.”

Niharika rolled her eyes, settling into the couch. “Keep it up, and I might just go back to bed.”

Maanveer, sitting next to Vivaan and Jhanvi, raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching into a smirk. “Not happening, Rika. You’ve already slept half the day away.”

She shot him a look as she handed Noorakshi to him. “And yet, you didn’t wake me.”

“I figured you needed your beauty sleep,” Maanveer said, bouncing Noorakshi gently on his knee. “Besides, I had backup.”

From the kitchen, Shreya appeared with a tray of chai and snacks. “He’s telling the truth, beta. He was up early with the kids—and surprisingly, Aarav helped.”

Niharika turned her gaze toward Aarav, who was sitting across from them, looking far too relaxed. “Aarav? Helping with the twins? That’s something new.”

Aarav shot a glance at Vivaan, then shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m a multitasker. I can manage the babies while having my morning chai, You know, talent.”

“Oh please,” Anushka cut in, giggling. “You barely held Chirag for two minutes before he started crying. I think he knows when he’s in the hands of someone incompetent.”

The room erupted in laughter, and Aarav threw up his hands in mock indignation. “I don’t need this kind of abuse so early in the morning!”

Vivaan, smirking from his corner of the couch, added, “That’s because you’re not awake early enough to hear it most days.”

Jhanvi, sitting beside Vivaan, shook her head. “Leave him alone, you guys. He tried—at least until Chirag realized he wasn’t his father.”

Aarav gave her an appreciative nod, but before he could say anything, Maanveer jumped in. “The truth hurts, Aarav. Maybe Noor and chirag just prefers their dad. Better start taking notes.”

Shreya smiled at the banter, handing Niharika a cup of tea as Anand ji settled into his chair. “Aarav, beta, you’ve been given a free trial of parenting. Don’t worry, when it’s your turn, you’ll be a pro.”

“Or a mess,” Vivaan teased, earning more laughter from the group.

Aarav sighed dramatically. “When it’s my turn, I’ll hire professionals to handle all this chaos.”

Niharika laughed as she sipped her tea, watching the playful exchange. The warmth and camaraderie of the family filled the room, and she felt a deep sense of contentment. These were the moments she cherished—this sense of belonging, of love that extended beyond her immediate family and wrapped around all of them.

Maanveer glanced at her, catching her eye as if reading her thoughts. “What’s that smile for?”

She shrugged, still smiling. “Just thinking how lucky we are. All of us.”

“Lucky that Aarav’s around for entertainment?” Anushka quipped, earning another round of laughter.

But Maanveer’s gaze softened, and he leaned closer to Niharika, whispering, “Lucky that we have this. You, me, Noorakshi, Chirag… and everyone.”