( pls vote and comment guys ) 

As Teju and Kavya entered their new flat, Kavya's eyes widened with excitement, and Teju gasped softly, taking in the beauty of the space. The flat was perfect, every corner radiating warmth, love, and thoughtfulness—Karan had truly outdone himself.

The living room was spacious, with soft cream walls and plush furniture in pastel tones. A large window overlooked the city skyline, letting in streams of golden sunlight. On one side of the room, there was a cozy corner  with a bookshelf filled with storybooks, some of Kavya's favorite ones already placed there.

Teju moved further in, her hand trailing along the polished wooden furniture, smiling to herself. The dining area had a family-friendly vibe, with a round wooden table adorned with fresh flowers in a vase. There was even a small chalkboard near the kitchen, where "Welcome Home, my Ladoo and princess " was written in Karan's handwriting, complete with a little doodle of a happy family.

Kavya squealed in delight and ran ahead, finding her own room. As soon as she entered, her excitement doubled. Her room was straight out of a fairytale—walls painted in soft lavender with cute, whimsical decals of stars, moons, and clouds. A canopy bed with pastel pink curtains stood in the center, its bedding covered with playful unicorn prints.

On one side of the room was a small desk, perfectly sized for Kavya, already set up with crayons, drawing sheets, and a globe. There were shelves filled with her favorite toys, and in one corner was a small beanbag with a stack of storybooks next to it. 

"Mumma, ye dekho....!" Kavya said, spinning around in her room. "princess room.....jaise frozen movie mai elsa aur anna ka tha...wowwww!"

Teju's heart swelled with love as she watched her daughter's joy. "It's beautiful, baby," she said, stepping in and looking around. "Papa  ne bohot pyaar se banwaya hai aapka room...haina?"

Kavya nodded, running her fingers over her new toys. "ha mumma...papa is the best..."

Teju smiled, feeling tears prickling out of happiness  at the corners of her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away....and said, " ofcourse , ur papa is the best " 

 She walked out of Kavya's room and entered her own.

Her bedroom was equally breathtaking, though in a more elegant and serene way. The walls were a soothing shade of soft blue, and the bed was large and inviting, adorned with crisp white linens and plush pillows. A beautiful vanity table sat by the window, and next to it was a small seating area with two comfortable chairs and a coffee table.

On the opposite wall, there was a framed collage of pictures of Teju and Kavya, capturing moments from their life together—birthdays, vacations, and even candid moments. Below it, a note in Karan's handwriting read: "This is just the beginning of more memories to come....Ladoo....i will make up for all our lost times and ofcourse our romances."  Teju chuckled reading the note .

Teju ran her hand across the frame, her heart full. She stepped out onto the attached balcony, which had a pair of chairs and a small table, perfect for her evening tea. The view from the balcony was spectacular, overlooking the twinkling lights of the city.

Teju turned around and leaned against the railing, taking a deep breath. She couldn't help but smile. Karan had made this flat a home—not just for Kavya, but for her as well. Everything about it reflected his love, care, and attention to detail.

Just then, Kavya ran into the room and threw herself into Teju's arms. "Mumma..pura ghar kitna acha hai.. "

Teju hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead. " aapki dream hous eki tarah na?"

kavya;s smiled faded as she said, " No mumma..mere dream house jaisa toh ye ghar hai..par mera ye house dream house tab banega jab papa bhi yaha hamare sath hamesha rahenge...aur na ki strangers ki tarah" 

teju saw her with sad smile saying, " vo din bhi jaldi aayega baby, aapke papa aur mai..sab jaldi thik kar denge.."

As the two of them stood there, bathed in the soft sunlight filtering through the windows, Teju silently thanked Karan for making their dream house come true.

teju to came kavya;s mood says holding her hand, " grahpravesh ki pooja ke liye decore nhi akrna kya?? chalo...help me"

kavya jumped in excitement saying, " yes mumma..."

after some time 

 The aroma of fresh flowers filled the air, with marigold garlands draped over the doors and windows. Kavya was excitedly running around, holding colorful ribbons and trying her best to help, though her little hands often got tangled in the decorations.

"Mumma ...papa kab aayenge?" Kavya asked for the third time, looking up at Teju with big, expectant eyes as she clutched a small diya in her hand.

Teju chuckled, adjusting a garland that Kavya had placed unevenly on a wall. "Baby, Papa 2 ghante baad aayenge," she said with a warm smile. "As a guest,  vo aapne mom dad and family ke sath aayenge na...... remember?"

Kavya pouted, crossing her arms. "par mumma...papa yaha kab rahenge?? vo mere papa haiiiii."

Teju knelt down to Kavya's level and gently pinched her cheeks. " ha betu...vo tere hi papa hai..par u know na.....hamari life thodi movie jaisi hai..so movie mai ups and downs hote hai ..so hamara abhi down phase chal raha hai....acha..now listen..yaad rakhna..papa ko uncle bolna hai aur also dadu ko bhi uncle bolna hai...."

Kavya scrunched her nose, clearly displeased. "par mai unhe uncle kyu bolu hamesha??? Papa is Papa, and Dadu is Dadu."

Teju kissed her forehead, trying not to laugh at her daughter's frustration. " i know baby...par...bas thode din ke liye na...see....imagine..tum ek secret agent ho...aur ye tumhara ek mission hai"

Kavya's eyes lit up at the idea. "Like a spy?"

Teju nodded with a smile. "Exactly! like a sy So, are you ready to complete your mission?"

Kavya giggled, standing up straight and saluting dramatically. "Yes, Agent Kavya is ready mumma..oh no..mumma nhi....um...commander....!"

Teju laughed softly and ruffled her hair before returning to the decorations. As she arranged the diyas near the altar, Kavya grabbed a basket of flowers and began scattering petals across the floor, humming a little tune.

Every now and then, Kavya glanced at the clock, clearly counting down the minutes until Karan would arrive. Teju couldn't help but smile, her heart full at seeing her daughter's excitement.

 She placed her hands on her hips and teased," Kavu...clock ko aaise ghoorne se time jaldi nhi jane wala..infact agar tum baar baar clock ko dekhogi toh time aur dheere jayega...."

Kavya pouted again but nodded, trying her best to stay patient. The two of them continued decorating the flat together, the anticipation in the air making every moment sweeter.

....................................................................................................................................................

At Karan's house, the family was bustling with activity, getting ready for the pooja at Teju's new flat. Karan, dressed in a simple yet elegant red   kurta-pajama, adjusted his sleeves in front of the mirror, his mind clearly elsewhere. 

His parents, too, were ready, with Karan's dad looking sharp in a cream kurta and his mom in a beautiful  pink silk saree. Even Harsh and Preet, Karan's nephews, were dressed adorably in matching kurta-pajamas, their excitement palpable as they ran around the living room.

"mamu, hume pooja mai sweet milenge na?" Harsh asked, tugging at Karan's sleeve while bouncing on his toes.

Preet chimed in, "aur toys bhi? khelne ke liye?"

Karan chuckled, patting their heads. "ha..sweets toh rahenge..par toys nhi...vaha pooja hai party nhi"

Just then, Reva and Shilpa walked in, their faces twisted in disapproval. Reva crossed her arms, her voice sharp as she said, "I don't understand why you all are going to Teju's house. itna sab hone ke baad bhi "

Shilpa nodded in agreement, adding, " vahi toh...uski vajah se karan ko itna sab kuch sehna pada.....aur uske baad bhi aaj hum vaha jaa rahe hai jaise ki kuch hua hi nhi hai"

Karan clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he took a deep breath to control his anger. 

karan muttered h=under his rbeath, " tum dono ko sath chalne nhi bola tha maine..khud aa rahi ho tum dono vaha" 

reva: karan........."

He was about to retort when his father stepped in, his voice firm but calm. "Reva, Shilpa,  bas karo...hum vaha teju ke liye nhi jaa rahe hai..uss choti bachi ke liye jaa rahe hai...."

Reva frowned but remained silent, while Shilpa shook her head in disbelief. " ye kya baat hui dad....ye...—"

Karan's mom interrupted gently, her voice tinged with both authority and warmth. "Kavya ne bohot pyaar se invite kiya hia hume..uss abchi ka dil kyu tode hum? jo bhi hua saalon pehele ki baat hai..aur vo bhi karan aur teju ke beech..usmai kavya kahi nhi aati hai...."

Shilpa and Reva exchanged glances but didn't argue further, clearly realizing there was no point.

Harsh and Preet, oblivious to the tension, tugged at their grandmother's saree. "nani chale? kavya wait kar rahi hogi"

Karan's dad clapped his hands, signaling it was time to go. " ha ..chalo chalo....varna pata chala pooja hi khatam hogayi..vaise bhi meri biwi ne bohot time laga diya ready hone mai"

karan;s mom glared him saying , " aaj toh aapko mai couch pe hi sulaungi.."

all laughed  

.....................................................................................................................................................

Teju was balancing on a small stool near the entrance, carefully draping a garland over the doorway. She reached high, her fingers adjusting the flowers, when suddenly her foot slipped. A gasp escaped her lips as she lost her balance.

Before she could hit the ground, strong arms caught her mid-fall, steadying her effortlessly. It was Karan. He had just arrived with his family and moved instinctively to catch her.

Their eyes locked as he held her close, his hands firm yet gentle around her waist. For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade away. Teju's breath hitched, her hands resting on his chest for support, while Karan's gaze softened, his lips curving into a faint smile.

"Careful," he murmured, his voice low and full of concern.

Teju blinked, her cheeks flushing as she realized their proximity. " t..thanks.." she stammered, though her voice betrayed her racing heartbeat.

Behind them, the sound of heels clicking against the floor broke the spell...both were lost in each other. 

( teju's outfit)

"Tejasswi! " Reva's sharp voice cut through the moment, laced with anger.

Teju quickly pulled away from Karan, stepping down from the stool and smoothing her saree, her composure faltering under their scrutinizing glares. Karan, however, stood firm, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face as he glanced at his sisters.

" sorry vo ...dhayan nhi raha ," Teju said softly, her voice calm but steady as she refused to look intimidated.

Reva and Shilpa exchanged irritated looks but said nothing further. Karan's mom, noticing the tension, cleared her throat and stepped forward, gently redirecting the conversation.

"Teju,  ghar ko bohot sundar sajaya hai tumne beta" she said kindly.

Karan turned to Teju, giving her a subtle reassuring nod, silently promising to have her back no matter what. Teju smiled faintly in return, grateful for his unwavering support as the family began to settle in for the ceremony.

soon Kavya appeared, dressed in a beautiful traditional  dress . The little girl looked like a doll with her tiny bindi, braided hair adorned with flowers, and a smile that could light up the entire house. 

She clutched a small basket of flower petals, ready for the pooja.

Her eyes lit up as they found Karan, standing near the doorway with Harsh and Preet. But her excitement faltered when she noticed both boys clinging to Karan's hands, giggling and chatting away as if they had exclusive rights to him.

Kavya's tiny lips pressed into a pout, her big, expressive eyes clouding with sadness. She instinctively turned to Teju, running toward her and wrapping her arms tightly around her mother's legs, hiding her face in Teju's saree.

Teju, who had been setting up the offerings for the pooja, looked down in surprise. "Kavya?" she asked gently, kneeling to her daughter's level. "Kya hua  baby?"

Kavya didn't say anything, but her small fingers clutched Teju's saree tightly. She peeked out, her eyes flicking toward Karan and the boys. 

Her little heart ached as she realized she couldn't run to him, call him "Papa," and demand his attention the way she wanted to. She had to keep their secret, and it was a heavy burden for a five-year-old to bear.

Teju immediately understood. She cupped Kavya's face, tilting it upward to meet her eyes. "kavu...," she said softly, brushing a stray tear from Kavya's cheek. " abhi toh harsh aur preet bhi aapke dost ho gaye hai...u know na aapoke papa unke mamu hai..jaise aap pratik ke liye ho vaise hi vo dono aapke papa ke liye hai......"

Kavya nodded hesitantly, her lower lip trembling. She looked up at her mother with trust but couldn't help sneaking another glance at Karan.

Karan, oblivious to the emotional storm brewing in his daughter's heart, suddenly glanced over and caught Kavya's gaze. His brow furrowed slightly in concern when he noticed her cling to Teju. He shot a questioning look at Teju, who shook her head subtly, signaling that everything was fine.

Harsh and Preet, still holding onto Karan's hands, chattered on, unaware of Kavya's feelings.

Teju pulled Kavya into a warm hug and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, baby.i am sure aapke papa aapke sath time spend akrne ke liye kuch kar hi lenge...."

 Kavya nodded again, her little arms wrapping around Teju tightly. Though she remained quiet, her heart was already counting the moments until she could be with her papa freely.

Karan's heart twisted painfully as he watched his little princess clinging to Teju, her usually bright face dimmed with sadness. He couldn't stand it any longer. Straightening his posture, he took a step toward her, his focus solely on comforting his daughter.

But before he could reach her, Reva and Shilpa stepped into his path, their expressions sharp and judgmental.

"karan...tum uss bachi ke pass kyu jaa rahe ho?" Reva asked, her tone clipped.

Karan's jaw tightened, his patience wearing thin. His gaze hardened as he looked at his sisters. "Jo bhi hua vo mere aur teju ke beech hua hai reva shilpa.....," he said firmly. "uss bachi ko beech mai mat lao..mai bas hi hello karne jaa raha hu"

Reva scoffed. "She's Teju's daughter," she said, her voice dripping with disdain.

Karan's expression didn't waver. "I know..vo teju ki beti hai..yaad hai muje" he said, his voice steady but tinged with quiet anger.

Without waiting for another word, Karan sidestepped his sisters and knelt down in front of Kavya, his face softening as he looked at her. "Hey, princess," he said gently, his voice full of warmth. "aaj toh aap bohot pretty lag rahe ho"

Kavya blinked at him, her little pout disappearing as a shy smile spread across her face. "Thanku, uncle," she said sweetly, before throwing her tiny arms around his neck and hugging him tightly.

Karan's heart swelled as he hugged her back, his large hands cradling her delicately. He leaned closer, his lips near her ear, and whispered softly, " Princess...aap papa ki jaan ho...bohot important ho mere liye...ye kabhi mat bhulna....aur preet and harsh se jealous mat hona....u are special for me..always "

Kavya giggled quietly at his words, her earlier sadness melting away. "Promise?" she whispered back, her voice full of hope.

"Promise," Karan said, pulling back just enough to look into her sparkling eyes. He smiled at her, his expression filled with unconditional love and reassurance.

Teju watched the scene from a distance, her heart brimming with emotion as she saw Karan comforting their daughter. Despite the obstacles, their bond as a family remained unbreakable, even in moments of secrecy and tension.

after some time 

Teju stepped into her room, scanning the shelf for the decorative lamps she needed for the pooja. The light from the window cast a soft glow across the room, and she hummed quietly to herself as she searched.

The door clicked shut behind her.

She turned quickly, startled, only to see Karan standing there, a mischievous smirk on his face. He leaned casually against the door, his hand still on the lock.

"Sunny!" she whispered, her eyes widening. "kya kar rahe ho? koi dekh lega toh....bahar sab log hai"

He grinned, stepping closer. "Koi nhi aayega," he said, his voice low and confident. " aur aaya bhi toh mai hu na..i will handle"

Teju crossed her arms, trying to look stern but failing miserably as his playful charm worked its magic. "Ye tumhara ghar nhi hai ...... Mr. Karan Kundra. Behave yourself........"

"acha?" he teased, closing the distance between them in a few strides. " true that...ye mera ghar nhi hai( pointing around...) par ye( poitning towards teju) ye mera ghar hai.....sirf mera"

"Karan..." she started, her voice trailing off as he placed his hands gently on her waist.

"Kya?" he asked, his tone innocent but his eyes dancing with mischief. " romance hi toh kar raha hu..usmai bhi problem hai kya?"

Teju rolled her eyes, but a small smile crept onto her face. " tumhara na..kuch nhi ho sakta..." she muttered, but she didn't push him away.

He tilted his head, looking at her with that familiar intensity that made her heart race. " ladoo... u are looking beautiful....." he said softly, his voice dropping to a tender whisper.

Teju felt her cheeks flush as he cupped her face, his thumb brushing gently against her skin. "You drive me crazy, you know that?" she whispered.

He chuckled, his warm breath fanning her face. "Good," he said. "Because you've been driving me crazy since the day I met you."

Before she could respond, he kissed her softly, his lips lingering on hers with a mix of passion and tenderness. Teju melted into the moment, her hands finding their way to his shoulders as she responded to the kiss.

The sound of faint voices in the distance broke the spell. Teju pulled back, her eyes wide. " aab chalo...varna koi aajayega!" she said, her voice hushed but panicked.

Karan groaned, reluctantly stepping back. "Fine, fine," he said dramatically, running a hand through his hair. "par raat mai baki ka continue......"(wink)

Teju laughed quietly, shaking her head as she shooed him toward the door. "jao aab..." she said.

As he unlocked the door, he turned back to her with a wink. " I love you,Kavya ki mumma" he said, grinning.

"i love u too kavya ke papa..." she shot back playfully, her cheeks still flushed.

With one last look, Karan slipped out of the room, leaving Teju smiling and shaking her head at his antics.

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