Chapter 22 — Welcome to the Family

After the Nikah, the families gathered around Arnav and Ritika, congratulating the newly married couple.

Devraj walked toward Arnav carrying a traditional kada.

Devraj: Arnav, this is for you.

Arnav accepted it respectfully.

Arnav: Thank you.

Veeresh immediately looked at him with a teasing smile.

Veeresh: Not thank you, Uncle. Call him Papa now.

Arnav looked at Devraj for a moment.

There was a brief silence.

Then Arnav smiled faintly.

Arnav: Thank you, Papa.

Devraj's expression softened.

Devraj: God bless you, beta.

Veeresh immediately walked forward and hugged Arnav.

Veeresh: Welcome to the family, bastard.

Arnav smiled and hugged him back.

Veeresh: Now you're officially my brother-in-law.

Arnav: Unfortunately.

Veeresh laughed.

Poornima came forward with a bright smile.

Poornima: Congratulations, you both.

Ritika smiled warmly.

Ritika: Thank you, Poornima.

Aravind and Siya came next.

Aravind: Congratulations, Arnav. Welcome to the family.

Siya: We wish both of you a beautiful life together.

Arjun and Rajshree also congratulated them.

Arjun: Congratulations, brother.

Rajshree: May you both always stay happy.

Shabana hugged Ritika warmly.

Shabana: Welcome to our family, beta.

Ritika's eyes became emotional.

Ritika: Thank you, Ammi.

Abhram placed his hand affectionately on Arnav's shoulder.

Abhram: Take care of her, beta.

Arnav nodded.

Arnav: I will, Abbu.

Rehnaa smiled at the couple.

Rehnaa: May Allah keep both of you happy and give you a peaceful life together.

Rishi stood nearby, watching everything with a huge smile.

Rishi: Baba!

Arnav immediately turned toward him.

Rishi ran over and hugged his leg.

Arnav looked down at him, his expression softening.

Arnav: Come here, champ.

He gently placed his hand on Rishi's head.

Rishi smiled happily.

Around them, both families watched the scene with warmth.

The marriage had brought two families together.

And for Arnav, the word Baba coming from Rishi suddenly felt less unfamiliar than it had the day before.