Chapter 23 — Welcome Home

After the wedding celebrations, Arnav and Ritika arrived at the Qureshi mansion.

The grand entrance of the mansion had been beautifully decorated with flowers and traditional lamps. The entire family was waiting to welcome Ritika into her new home.

As Ritika stepped out of the car, Shabana came forward with a warm smile.

Shabana: Welcome home, beta.

Ritika smiled emotionally.

Ritika: Thank you, Ammi.

Shabana performed the traditional welcoming rituals for the new bride. A small prayer was offered for the couple, seeking blessings for peace, happiness and prosperity in their married life.

Rehnaa stood beside Shabana, holding a tray prepared for the ceremony.

Rehnaa: In our family, when a new daughter-in-law enters the house, we welcome her with prayers and blessings. It is our way of telling her that this is her home now.

Ritika listened with a soft smile.

Rehnaa: You are not coming here as a stranger, beta. From today, you are one of us.

Shabana gently touched Ritika's head.

Shabana: May Allah bless you and Arnav with a peaceful life together.

Ritika became emotional.

Ritika: Thank you.

The family then welcomed her inside.

Arnav stood beside Ritika, quietly watching the rituals.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

Arnav looked at the screen.

Arnav: Excuse me. I need to take this call.

Abhram: Go ahead, beta.

Arnav stepped aside and walked toward a quieter part of the mansion to speak.

Meanwhile, Shabana turned toward Rishi, who was standing close to Ritika.

Shabana: Rishi, come here, beta.

Rishi walked toward her.

Shabana smiled warmly.

Shabana: From today, you have another Dadu and Dadi.

Rishi looked at her curiously.

Shabana: I am your Dadi.

She pointed toward Abhram.

Shabana: And he is your Dadu.

Rishi smiled.

Rishi: Dadu... Dadi.

Abhram opened his arms.

Abhram: Come here, beta.

Rishi ran toward him.

Abhram hugged him warmly.

Rehnaa smiled at the sight.

Rehnaa: And don't forget me.

Rishi looked at her.

Rehnaa: I am your Phupi.

Rishi smiled shyly.

Rishi: Phupi.

Rehnaa: That's my boy.

She gently touched his cheek.

Ritika watched them with tears in her eyes.

For years, she had worried about whether her son would be accepted into another family.

But seeing Rishi surrounded by their affection made her heart feel lighter.

She looked toward the corridor where Arnav had disappeared to take his call.

For the first time, the Qureshi mansion truly felt like the beginning of a new home.