Page 174 of Queen of Shadows and Ruin

At their approach, she stood, her eyes widening, clearly noting their state.

“What happened?” she asked as Vikram looked up.

When he saw the bundle in Rabin’s arms, he let out a choked breath.

“What did you do?” he whispered.

Rabin was quiet as he lowered Nidhi into Vikram’s arms.

“You are now the beneficiary of the Ravana fortune,” he said roughly.

“What?” Vikram asked as he accepted the bundle and hugged her tight while he rocked her.

“Father is dead. I swore I’d kill him someday, and stealing your child was the last straw.”

“And I helped,” Yasen said with a thumb pointed at his chest.

Rabin turned to give him a crooked smile. He certainly had.

Vikram blinked and then dipped his chin. “Good.”

All three men shared a grim look.

“But you are the heir,” Vikram said a moment later.

“I renounce any claim I have to the Ravana line,” Rabin said, and he felt a thousand pound weight lift from his shoulders. “Use the money to care for our mother and help the Taara Aazheri find new lives.”

Vikram nodded. “Of course.”

“Gi’ana is already making changes. I hope Daragaab will do the same,” he continued.

“Are you staying?” Vikram asked, addressing all three of them.

“No,” Rabin answered. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” He crouched onto his haunches and looked down at the child before lifting his gaze to his brother’s. “I’m sorry I left. I’m sorry you had to deal with all this alone. I live with that regret every day.”

Vikram hugged his daughter closer. “I know what he did to you. I don’t blame you anymore. And now you have Zarya, and I know you love her, and I have my beautiful girl.” He touched Nidhi’s cheek with a gentle finger and so much love in his eyes. “Had I not become Amrita’s steward, we wouldn’t have met. I fell in love with her the moment I laid eyes on her.”

Rabin exhaled a long sigh. “Maybe we can get to know one another again.”

“I’d like that. Please come back and visit.” Vikram turned to Yasen. “You, too. I’m sorry I let him hurt you. I should have been stronger. I… only ever wanted you to be happy.”

Yasen gave him a half-smile and wrapped Vikram and the baby in a hug.

“Thank you for being my friend when I had nothing,” Yasen said softly. “And I’m sorry I left you, too.”

Vikram shook his head as Yasen stepped back. “I never blamed you for that. I understand why you needed distance from this place.”

“Thank you,” Yasen said.

A look of understanding passed between them, filled with so many things: love, hope, and the chance at a different future. Then Rabin held his hand out to Zarya and pulled her close.

“Zarya,” Vikram said. “Promise me you’ll come and visit with my brother sometimes?”

She smiled. “Of course. Thank you for taking a naive girl under your wing.”

“It was my pleasure, and I’m happy for you both.”

“I hate to leave, but we need to be off,” Zarya said. “We have a wedding to attend.”