We lie beside each other on a cozy blanket underneath a star-studded sky as the backyard bathed in the soft glow of the moon, casting a gentle luminescence over us. Our bodies are still intertwined with the lingering traces of our passionate encounters.

The gentle breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers, creating an intoxicating ambiance around us. The grass beneath feels cool against my skin, contrasting with the heat that is still radiating between us. Our breathing synchronized, gradually returning to a steady rhythm as our bodies gradually relaxed.

As we lie there in peaceful silence, our hands brush against each other. Avni extends her hand to hold mine, and our fingers interlace as we gaze upward at the sky. I gently squeeze her hand, cherishing the moment we share.

The air feels cool and refreshing, a pleasant contrast to the warmth that is still radiated from our bodies. A symphony of crickets and distant night sounds provided a serene backdrop to our intimate moment.

My gaze shifts towards the flickering candlelight, evoking memories of the fiery passion that ignited our desires just moments ago. The dancing flames flicker and sway, casting a mesmerizing glow that mirrors the intensity of our shared passion.

Having her by my side, knowing that she understands my feelings, brings me immense joy. I feel a sense of liberation and contentment. Although she may not be ready for a committed relationship or a deeper connection at this moment, tonight marks the beginning of our journey to truly understand one another. I'm grateful that she accepts my emotions, even if she doesn't reciprocate them.

After a brief pause, I turn to face her and can't help but wear a wide grin.

"You are an enchantress, igniting a fire within me like no other," I express my admiration in a low voice. "Every moment with you feels like an eternity of bliss. How do you manage to awaken such depths of passion in my soul?"

She chuckles, her fingertips tracing delicate patterns on my skin. "In your arms, I find solace and fulfillment. It's as if we were destined to discover each other, to explore the depths of pleasure together."

She puts her leg over me as she leans down to press a kiss on my lips and I am enveloped in a rush of sensations. I tighten my arms around her and plant a kiss on her cheek as she murmurs, "With you, every touch is an invitation to a domain of intimacy and connection that I never knew existed." She whispers as she looks into my eyes.

"Mhmm," I respond, gazing into her eyes. "Do you ever feel like we know each other on some level, yet there is still so much left unexplored between us?"

She furrows her brow and expresses her discontent. "Well, now that you mentioned it, I suppose so."

"How about we seize this opportunity to engage in a more meaningful conversation and enhance our understanding of each other?" I propose, hoping she will be open to the idea.

"Is it really necessary?" she inquires, accompanied by an eye roll. "Yes, Avni, obviously!"

I chuckle at her playful behavior as she sits up and puts on my shirt. I slip into my boxers and casually run a hand through my hair.

"So, where should we begin?" she asks, taking a seat in front of me.

"We'll only proceed if you genuinely want to," I assure her, emphasizing that it's entirely her decision.

"Oh, Mr. Khanna, it is truly a marvel how you've failed to grasp the intricacies of my exceptional personality. Can it be that my aura of self-centeredness hasn't seeped into your consciousness?" She scoffs and rolls her eyes. "How could anyone, with such a keen sense of observation, fail to recognize my unwavering resolve to only engage in activities that tickle my personal fancy?"

"Very well." I chuckle. "I apologize."

"I understand that communication is essential," she remarks.

"Coming from you, it sounds unfamiliar," I playfully tease her and she slaps my arm.

"So, how do we initiate this?" she frowns. "I'm unsure about how this process works."

"I got you, my love," I reassure her, wrapping my arms around her shoulders. "I've been wanting to ask you something for a while, but I wasn't sure if you'd be open to it."

"Shoot," she says, looking at me curiously.

"I understand that you may experience feelings of anxiety or discomfort when confronted with the knowledge of being adopted. However, I am curious to know how you truly feel on a deeper, emotional level." I ask this with caution, taking care not to cause her any distress with my inquiry.

She gazes at me momentarily, her expression filled with contemplation, before releasing a deep sigh that carries a hint of concession.

"When I first discovered that I was adopted, a whirlwind of emotions swept through me. Shock washed over me, leaving me momentarily speechless. Confusion clouded my mind as I grappled with the new reality, trying to reconcile it with my previous understanding of my identity.

A mixture of curiosity and sadness welled up within me. Questions flooded my thoughts: Who are my biological parents? Why was I given up for adoption? The sense of not knowing my true origins created a void, an ache in my heart.

As I absorbed the truth, waves of insecurity and self-doubt crashed upon me. I couldn't help but wonder if my parents loved me as much as a biological child. Despite Neela Maa's reassurances, a lingering fear of rejection tugged at my core and Rose has played a part in exacerbating those feelings. "

Her gaze fixates on the distance as she directs her attention forward, her words flowing with a poignant resonance that transports her back to those very moments. The weight of her experiences is real, evident in the tremor of emotion that lingers in her voice. It's as if the wounds she bears are reopened, causing a profound ache within me, a sorrow that pierces the depths of my heart.

"Initially, I was struck by a profound sense of shock and disbelief, but Rose played a crucial role in cultivating deep-seated anger and feeling of betrayal within me. These emotions were directed towards my family, siblings, and even my biological parents for the act of giving me up.

Since then, hateful sentiments have surged forth. These negative emotions have manifested as envy towards my siblings, as they possess a strong biological connection to our parents, particularly Alice. This overwhelming envy has contributed to an intense sense of isolation as if I don't truly belong anywhere or with anyone."

To provide comfort and assurance, I gently place my hand upon hers, conveying my presence and letting her know that she is not alone. As she turns to look at me, tears glistening in her eyes, she manages a smile, and in that fleeting moment, I feel the profound connection shared between us.

"While my adoption left me with unanswered questions about my biological roots, I've come to realize that family isn't solely defined by blood. It's about the love, support, and shared experiences we have with the people who truly care for us." She affirms.

I respond with a nod and a smile, glad to see her embrace this realization, though I believe her conversation with her parents played a significant role in shaping her perspective.

"My biological mother's involvement in the mafia has added complexities, but it has also taught me resilience and the importance of protecting those we love." She pauses, taking a deep breath. "I refuse to let my biological family and their adversaries disrupt the happiness of my loved ones. I won't allow that to happen."

I gaze at her for a moment, absorbing her words, and then slowly nod in agreement.

"What about you?" she inquires. "How do you perceive your family?"

"Well, my family has always held traditional values, placing great importance on duty and responsibility," I respond. "My family has instilled in me the value of loyalty and standing by the ones we care about, and I aim to bring those principles into our relationship."

"That's... nice." She nods slowly.

I look into her eyes. "My father's belief that marriage would make me a responsible person led to our union, but it's through this journey that I've come to understand that true responsibility lies in the commitment to understanding and supporting one another," I sincerely express to her.

"Neil, it's heartening to hear your perspective on relationships has changed." She says. "As we navigate our own path together, let's remember that building a deep connection requires patience, understanding, and yeah communication too."

"Of course, I understand that," I affirm with a slow nod. "There's no rush. I am not running away from you, love, you have to if you don't want me."

"I don't mind a good chase," she jests. "I strive to be unforgettable."

"Oh, trust me, you already are," I reply as I lean in to kiss her, eliciting a delighted giggle from her.

"I'm aware that our previous relationships and experiences have played a significant role in shaping who we are as individuals. However, at this moment, we are presented with a remarkable opportunity to forge something extraordinary and exquisite between the two of us," I express, gazing into her eyes. "Let us wholeheartedly embrace this path, approaching it with empathy and openness, allowing our bond to flourish naturally."

"Wow, that was beautiful," she responds with a light-hearted chuckle.

"So, what activities or interests bring you joy and fulfillment?" she asks me.

"Well, I'm not quite sure I have a definitive answer," I reply. "I find enjoyment in maintaining physical fitness and engaging in networking and mentoring. Attending industry events, conferences, and business forums allows me to connect with fellow professionals and exchange ideas. Additionally, I have a passion for travel and exploration."

"I'll definitely rely on you to take me on exciting adventures," she says. "As for me, I've always had a deep love for fashion. Designing clothing isn't just a career for me; it's a means of self-expression. Creating unique pieces that reflect my personal style and the individuality of the wearer brings me joy. It's a way for me to connect with people and help them feel confident and beautiful."

"Your dedication to fashion is truly inspiring. It's evident that you put your heart into your designs," I say, feeling proud.

"I do. I enjoy sketching and illustrating, and I find textile exploration to be incredibly fun. Attending runway shows is always a highlight for me. Oh, and I have a particular fondness for vintage collections. Hunting down unique vintage fashion pieces and gaining inspiration from them is my favorite activity. Actually, I plan on taking Alice with me next weekend."

"That sounds wonderful," I say.

We spend hours talking about our preferences and sharing our birth dates, as well as our happiest and most embarrassing moments. Together, we laugh heartily and find reasons to tease each other. I consider this conversation a success when she doesn't get bored and continues talking.

When she starts to feel sleepy, I carry her inside, and we fall asleep together, ending the long day on a happy note... together.

☄☄☄

Avni and I enjoy a lazy morning, lounging in bed until we realize how sluggish we feel. We cuddle and exchange kisses, but eventually, we realize that one of us needs to get up to break the cycle.

"You should go take a shower," I suggest to Avni.

"No, you should go first," she responds with a yawn. "Don't you dare play the 'ladies first' card now."

"I wasn't planning to," I reply, rolling my eyes. "I actually fell asleep about fifteen minutes after you did, so you should go ahead."

"How many minutes late were you on our first date?" She demands.

"That was ages ago," I frown. "Let's not bring that up now."

"Oh, I will," she says, planting a kiss on my lips before pulling back to look at me. "Go. Take. A shower."

"Okay," I nod and rise from the bed.

She looks at me with a frown and I respond with a mischievous smirk.

"No!" she exclaims, trying to grab the blanket, but I chuckle and toss it away, scooping her up and slinging her over my shoulder.

She playfully kicks her legs in the air as she yells and I walk us to the bathroom, where I place her gently on her feet. We share passionate kisses before she kicks me out and takes a long shower while I wait drenched from our earlier antics.

Eventually, we both get ready and leave the house, deciding to grab something to eat along the way. Avni drives since she's in the mood to and she pulls into a drive-thru to pick up some food.

After we finish eating peacefully, she resumes driving.

"I went to Ruby's place last night," she informs me. "Wanted to thank her and we had a little chat."

"That's nice," I comment. "I actually met her at the office yesterday and invited her to meet me for coffee so we could talk."

"She mentioned it," Avni replies.

"I... want to tell her about the contract," I say cautiously. "Is that okay with you?"

She glances at me before responding, "You guys need to talk. I don't want to spoil that conversation for you by revealing anything."

"What do you mean by that?" I furrow my brow.

"I'm fine with it," she shrugs. "Just make sure you have a proper closure with her, Neil."

"I will," I assure her with a nod.

I decide that I'll share the news about meeting her biological father after I'd had the chance to meet him myself.

"When are we meeting Arjun to terminate the contract?" she asks as we enter the building.

Suddenly, I find immense joy in walking into the building alongside her, proudly letting people know that she is my wife. As she strolls, her commanding presence exudes a captivating combination of allure and confidence that never fails to captivate me.

We exchange nods with the employees who greet us along the way to the elevators, and I keep my hand on her lower back as we walk.

"He currently has a family emergency," I inform her once we step into the elevator. "He should join us by the weekend."

"Okay," she replies.

Rose's voice reaches our ears as we arrive on Avni's floor, "You have the charm of a cockroach in a fancy ballroom."

"Oh, thank you! I must say, being compared to a cockroach in a fancy ballroom is quite the compliment. After all, cockroaches are known for their resilience and ability to survive in any environment." Ruby retorts with sarcasm. "Clearly, my charm knows no bonds!"

It's praiseworthy to witness Rose's presence here despite the difficulties she faced yesterday. I am certain she channels her sorrow into her relentless work.

Avni laughs next to me and I can already feel my head spinning. How? How can they avoid peace and argue all the time?

I shake my head before I hug Avni. I pull back and look at her before I press my lips against hers.

"Oh, well, isn't this just an incredibly exciting moment? The couple has graced us with their presence!" I overhear Ruby saying as our kiss deepens. "How lucky are we to witness such a captivating display of affection?"

After a moment, I pull back and Avni rolls her eyes at Ruby. "Please, do carry on with your enchanting exchanges while the rest of us bask in the glory of your eternal love."

So, now they're poking fun at each other. That's progress, indeed.

"How kind of you to acknowledge the celestial spectacle of our love!" Avni remarks as she walks over to her. "Just remember, it's not every day that you get to witness a love so extraordinary, so we completely understand your inability to tear your eyes away from us."

"So you are friends with this bitch now?" Rose frowns.

"Well, I was friends with a bitch before too," Avni shrugs, smirking at her.

"Wow." Ruby raises her eyebrows and laughs.

I chuckle, proud of Avni, as I step back into the elevator and make my way to the office. I'm already running late for work, and my secretary informs me about a meeting with Mr. Grover scheduled in a few moments.

Eagerly anticipating his arrival, I arrive early at the boardroom and rise from my seat upon hearing approaching footsteps. A young man enters the room, and I acknowledge him with a nod before we shake hands firmly. It becomes apparent that he is not Mr. Grover due to his age.

"Hello, Mr. Khanna. Nathan Prescott here," he greets me. "I hope you're having a good day."

I reciprocate, "I'm doing great, thank you. And yourself?"

"I'm doing well, thank you. I'm pleased that we finally have the chance to sit down and discuss the potential deal between our companies."

"Certainly," I reply. "I've been eagerly awaiting this meeting too. I believe there is immense potential for collaboration and mutual benefit." I pause briefly. "I was expecting to meet Mr. Grover."

"He sent me as his representative," he explains. "Our companies possess complementary strengths and expertise that can generate significant value if we join forces."

"Agreed," I nod in agreement.

Sensing his sole focus on the deal, I proceed with the meeting, setting aside any other matters.

"I have reviewed the proposal you sent, and I must say, it's quite impressive. It aligns well with our strategic goals and growth plans."

"I'm glad to hear that," he responds happily, and we continue discussing various aspects of the deal.

"Perfect," I say as we conclude the meeting. "I appreciate your openness and willingness to address these concerns. Let's continue the discussion and delve deeper into the specifics."

"Mr. Khanna, I'm confident that by working together, we can establish a partnership that will yield remarkable results for both our companies," he asserts confidently, and I nod in agreement as we shake hands once again.

"As my uncle couldn't attend the meeting, he wanted me to present this gift to you." He hands me a small box. "Excuse me."

I gaze at the box in my hands as he departs. Placing it on the table, I untie the bow and unwrap the box, revealing a watch and a piece of paper.

I frown as I set the box aside momentarily to read the contents of the paper.

You better take care of my daughter or I'm going to make your life a living hell.

I wait for the fear to creep into my chest as I read it again and again but all I feel is anger. I clench my jaw and fist. I feel as if the fire ignites within me and it just gets intense.

I hate having people tell me I should take care of Avni. I can deal with Mr. Young and Aaron but him? I am not letting a total stranger threaten me as if I was some fucking piece of shit.

I feel a sense of determination and responsibility toward Avni's well-being. I value her and I want to be there for her, not because I am being threatened by some biological parent but because I genuinely care.

I storm out of the boardroom feeling the anger boiling in my chest and I go up straight to Avni's office.

I don't realize I am being harsh until I push the door open and Avni jumps at the sound of the door hitting the wall.

"What's wrong?"