“I was, of course, apprehensive,” her father said, looking at her. “You are one of my youngest. My most precious one. But I believed in my father, and for you… I was willing to take a chance. And someone had to show some disapproval when you made the announcement.”
Her mother stepped forward. “And then we saw you both together at Keya’s house when you announced your engagement. You both couldn’t take your eyes off each other, and that’s when your dad and I knew this was meant to be.”
She swallowed past the thickness in her throat and mouthed,Love you, to her parents. Her mom blew her a kiss, while her father simply beamed with pride. Happiness surged through her at learning how her whole family had rooted for her and Akash to be together.
And then a sudden thought struck her. She turned to her grandfather. “That night at Keya’s anniversary party, you kept calling Akash and me. You did that on purpose, right?”
Janak nodded. “Yes. I saw how you both were looking at one another. I saw you run away from him. I saw him follow you. I didn’t want you making a mistake or crossing a line before you learned of his inheritance.” He rolled his eyes. “Little did I know that line had already been crossed once before.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks as laughter and teasing broke out around her.
Akash lowered his chin. “Then I’d like to thank each and every one of you standing here tonight for being there for Shauna and me.”
He smiled, looking at Shauna. “On the night of Sheena’s reception, Kabier said some words that stayed with me, so tonight I’d like to repeat them again:love is indeed a powerful promise. And I am so happy to make that promise to you.”
Shauna smiled, her heart almost bursting with the love and happiness she felt tonight.
Janak took the mic from him. “Finally, all my grandchildren are married, and I can finally hang up my old boots.”
“Oh God, he’s using theoldword again,” Jiya groaned aloud.
“He only uses that when it’s convenient for him,” Rishi added.
Chuckles rippled around them.
Janak smiled. “Let’s all enjoy this reception and celebrate Akash and Shauna.”
He tipped his head toward the deejay, who immediately launched into a happy, playful song. Several couples began making their way to the dance floor.
Akash gave him a grateful nod before taking her hand. “Come with me.”
He quickly led her across the room to where Suveer Malhotra was standing, surrounded by his grandchildren, all of whom were wearing wide smiles.
She could hardly believe Suveer’s role in all this. All this time, he hadn’t just been an adversary… he’d been part of the plan. He’d been instrumental in pushing her and Akash together, forcing them to stand on the same side, to work against him, and in doing so… toward each other.
Reaching him, she gave him a hug. “Thank you so much.”
He patted her head. “All I want is for all you youngsters to find happiness in life.”
Akash leaned down to touch his feet. “Thank you, Uncle. What you did… it means the world.”
“We are so proud of him,” Dheer said.
Amara linked her arm through her grandfather’s. “You are quite the actor. You played your part so convincingly.”
Suveer chuckled. “Where do you think Vir gets his acting genes from?”
“Definitely from you,” Vir replied with a grin. Then, turning to Shauna and Akash, he added, “We’re getting champagne to celebrate our wily grandfathers getting the better of all of us.”
Akash smiled. “You go ahead. We’ll join you shortly. I need a moment with my wife.”
Shauna watched as the Malhotra siblings moved toward the bar with their grandfather, laughter trailing behind them.
Akash caught her by the waist and pulled her flush against his chest. “I still can’t believe they all conspired to bring us together.”
She cupped his cheek. “They believed we were meant to be together… even before we did.”
“Thank God for Janak and for our family and friends,” Akash said.
