Chapter 44 — Pag Phera

Arnav, Ritika and Rishi arrived at the Singh mansion for the Pag Phera rasam.

As they entered, Ritika's face immediately softened at the sight of her family.

Ritika: Namaste, Papa.

Devraj smiled and blessed her.

Devraj: Khush raho, beta.

Rukmini hugged Ritika warmly.

Rukmini: Welcome home, beta.

Ritika smiled.

Ritika: Thank you, Maa.

Rishi ran toward Devraj.

Rishi: Dadu!

Devraj immediately opened his arms.

Devraj: Come here, champ.

Rishi hugged him tightly.

Arnav stood beside Ritika, quietly watching the warm reunion.

Veeresh came forward with his usual teasing smile.

Veeresh: Welcome, bastard.

Arnav smiled.

Arnav: Thank you.

Veeresh: Come on. Don't stand like a guest. You're family now.

Arnav nodded.

As they walked inside, Arnav noticed Poornima sitting comfortably with the newborn twins.

He looked surprised.

Arnav: Congratulations.

Poornima smiled.

Poornima: Thank you.

Veeresh proudly looked at the babies.

Veeresh: Look at them.

Arnav smiled as he saw the little boy and girl sleeping peacefully.

Arnav: They're beautiful.

Ritka stood beside Poornima and looked at the twins affectionately.

Ritka: They're adorable.

Poornima: Come, sit with me.

Everyone gathered together.

Soon, lunch was served.

The entire family sat around the dining table, talking, laughing and catching up.

Rishi happily sat between Ritika and Arnav.

Veeresh kept teasing Arnav, while Aravind, Siya, Arjun and Rajshree joined the conversation.

The atmosphere was warm and comfortable.

Arnav quietly observed Ritika.

She looked different here.

Relaxed.

Happy.

She laughed more freely with her family.

Arnav found himself smiling as he watched her.

After lunch, Devraj looked at Arnav.

Devraj: Beta, don't leave today.

Arnav looked at him.

Devraj: All three of you stay here tonight. You can leave in the morning.

Ritika looked at her father happily.

Rishi: Baba, can we stay?

Arnav looked at Rishi's excited face.

Arnav: Alright, Papa.

Devraj smiled.

Devraj: Good.

Rukmini: Then tonight we'll all spend some time together.

Veeresh: And bastard, you're not escaping.

Arnav laughed softly.

Arnav: I wasn't planning to.

Ritika looked at Arnav and smiled.

For the first time, she felt completely at ease.

She was home.

And this time, her husband was beside her.