Chapter 69: A Warm Welcome to Bikaner

By late afternoon, the Rathore family's cars entered the streets of Bikaner.

As they stopped outside Haji Kareem's haveli, the large wooden gates opened.

Haji Kareem himself walked out with a bright smile.

Beside him stood Shabana, eagerly waiting to welcome everyone.

Haji Kareem: "Assalamu Alaikum!"

Mahendra: "Wa Alaikum Assalam, my friend."

The two old friends embraced warmly.

Mahesh also greeted Haji respectfully.

Shabana welcomed everyone with a smile.

Shabana: "Please come inside."

Ayat and Aarhan ran straight towards Haji.

Ayat: "Abbu Jaan!"

Aarhan: "Nana!"

Haji laughed heartily as he hugged both grandchildren.

Haji Kareem: "I missed you both so much."

Shabana kissed their foreheads lovingly.

She then looked at Poornima.

Shabana: "Come, beta."

Poornima hugged her mother-in-law affectionately.

Once everyone settled in the living room, Haji looked around.

His eyes searched for someone.

Finally, he looked at Poornima.

Haji Kareem: "Beta... where is Veeresh?"

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "Abbu, he had an important investor meeting."

She continued,

Poornima: "As soon as it finishes, he'll come directly here."

Haji nodded with understanding.

Haji Kareem: "Good."

He smiled.

Haji Kareem: "Work is important."

Haji Kareem: "He'll be here before Eid."

Poornima: "Yes, Abbu."

As everyone talked, Haji quietly observed the children.

Aarav and Yash were laughing with Ayat and Aarhan.

Aadhya was sitting beside Poornima, leaning comfortably against her shoulder.

Aadhya: "Mumma, can we make sheer khurma together tomorrow?"

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: "Of course, beta."

Ayat immediately joined in.

Ayat: "Me too!"

Aarhan looked at Yash.

Aarhan: "Bhaiya, you'll help us?"

Yash smiled.

Yash: "Yes."

Aarav laughed.

Aarav: "We'll all help."

Watching the scene before him, Haji's eyes became moist.

He turned towards Mahendra.

Haji Kareem: "They're so happy together."

Mahendra looked proudly at the children.

He smiled.

Mahendra: "All because of you."

Haji shook his head.

Haji Kareem: "No."

Mahendra gently placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.

Mahendra: "Yes."

He looked at Poornima and then at the children.

Mahendra: "Thank you... for everything."

Haji smiled humbly.

Haji Kareem: "I'm just happy."

He looked at the four older children.

Yash and Aarav smiled whenever Ayat and Aarhan called them "Bhaiya."

Aadhya happily answered every time the younger two called her "Didu."

There was no hesitation.

No distance.

Only affection.

Mahesh, who had been quietly watching the children, smiled with satisfaction.

The house echoed with laughter, conversations, and the excitement of celebrating Eid together.

Only one person was still missing.

Veeresh.

And everyone looked forward to his arrival, so the family could celebrate their first Eid together under one roof.