Chapter 88 — Rishi's Wingman

One evening, the Qureshi family had gathered for dinner when Rishi arrived home.

But this time, he wasn't alone.

A young woman walked beside him.

Rishi looked slightly nervous.

Ritika immediately noticed.

Ritika: Rishi, who is this?

Rishi smiled.

Rishi: Mumma, Baba... I want you both to meet someone.

He turned toward her.

Rishi: This is Mannat.

Mannat smiled respectfully.

Mannat: Namaste, Uncle. Namaste, Aunty.

Ritika smiled warmly.

Ritika: Come, beta. Sit.

Mannat sat beside Rishi.

Arnav looked at his son for a moment, then smiled.

Arnav: So...

Rishi looked at him.

Arnav: Our son finally found his wingman.

Everyone laughed.

Rishi: Baba!

Arnav: What? You're a fighter pilot. I expected you to know how to choose your wingman.

Rishi shook his head, smiling.

Ritika looked at Mannat.

Ritika: How long have you both known each other?

Mannat glanced at Rishi.

Mannat: For some time, Aunty.

Rishi smiled.

Ritika could see the way they looked at each other.

There was comfort between them.

Arnav noticed it too.

Arnav: Rishi, are you happy?

Rishi nodded.

Rishi: Very.

Arnav looked at Mannat.

Arnav: And you?

Mannat smiled.

Mannat: Yes, Uncle.

Arnav nodded.

Arnav: Then that's enough for me.

Ritika smiled.

Ritika: For me too.

Rishi looked relieved.

Rishi: So... you both accept us?

Ritika immediately hugged Mannat.

Ritika: Of course, beta.

Arnav placed his hand on Rishi's shoulder.

Arnav: Welcome to the family, Mannat.

Mannat's eyes became emotional.

Mannat: Thank you.

Rishi smiled proudly.

Arnav looked at his son.

Arnav: First you became a fighter pilot, and now you've brought your wingman home.

Rishi laughed.

Ritika: Arnav!

Everyone at the table laughed.

Rishi looked at Mannat with a quiet smile.

For the boy who had once believed heartbreak had ended his chances of love, life had given him another beginning.

And this time, he had brought that love home to the people who mattered most.