The pandit ji was welcomed inside by Ranvijay and Abinash, their hands cupping bowls of cool water as they gently washed the pandit's feet, the sound of splashing water filling the air.

Prerna descended down the marble stairs, the soft rustle of her beautiful yellow saree echoing through the hallway. In her arms, she held the baby securely, his warm weight pressing against her.

Krishav, a miniature version of his mother, followed her graceful footsteps, his tiny hands clasped together in respect as he approached the priest, seeking his blessings.

The air in the house seemed to shimmer with an enchanting aura as the pandit chanted sacred mantras, their melodious vibrations wrapping around the walls.

A sense of holiness and purity permeated the space as the flames of the hawan kund leapt upwards, dancing with an ethereal glow. The smoke of the pure fire twirled and curled, carrying with it a fragrance of sacredness that wafted through the house, engulfing everyone in its embrace.

Once the Puja was complete, Pandit ji spoke, his voice filled with wisdom, "Putr ka naam 'k' akshar se rakhna subh hoga. Kripya karke balak ke pitah se kahe bache ka naam is chawal par likhe." He gestured towards the bronze plate, adorned with delicate rice grains, and the golden stick placed beside it.

Confusion clouded the faces of everyone, their eyes searching for guidance. It was Prerna who remained calm, her serene expression unchanged. "Krishav, pick up the stick and write the baby's name," she spoke softly, her words shocking everyone in the room. All eyes widened in disbelief as they watched Prerna and Krishav, their gazes locked in determination.

Pandit ji, too, was taken aback by Prerna's words. "Aap ye kya bol rahi hai? Ye toh khud ek chote balak hai," he said, motioning towards Krishav.

Krishav's small hand gripped the stick tightly, supported by the baby's tiny fingers clutching onto his other hand. Oblivious to the commotion, the baby babbled happily in his own world.

"Pandit ji, bade Bhai ko pitah ke saman mana jata hai. Mere pati iss duniya me nahi rahe, isliye unki jagah Mera beta ye rasam karega. Me maanti hu abhi ye bahut chota hai, lekin usse apni zimmedari nibhana bahut aache se aati hai," Prerna explained, her voice filled with a mix of strength and vulnerability. She gently patted Krishav, urging him forward to fulfill this symbolic role.

Pandit ji remained silent, offering an encouraging smile as he motioned Krishav to write the name.

With a golden stick in hand, Krishav delicately etched the name "Kunj" in beautiful, flowing letters.

"Now, speak the name in the baby's right ear three times," Pandit ji instructed, signaling the final ritual.

The baby was gently laid in a soft cradle, and one by one, everyone fed the baby honey and sugar. The sweet aroma filled the air, and each time the baby tasted the honey, he licked his lips in delight.

His tiny fist clutched the spoon, as if begging for more, eliciting a small laugh from the others.

"Krishu, looks like you have a brother with a sweet tooth," teased Abinash, playfully patting Krishav, who shook his head with a smile, his gaze fixed adoringly on the baby, who was eagerly reaching for a toy hanging above the cradle.

"He doesn't have teeth yet, Doctor Sahab. Seems like you were too busy flirting instead of studying," Ranvijay teased Abinash, winking mischievously before darting away, narrowly escaping Abinash's playful retaliation.

"Just you wait," Abinash threatened, giving a mock glare before chasing after Ranvijay.

The ladies shook their heads, chastising them. "They are known for their ruthlessness. Tsk, tsk, we really need to redefine the term 'ruthless.'"

Later that day,

The Ranawat mansion buzzed with guests, their conversations filled with speculation about the sudden grand celebration.

In the past year, no such joyous occasions had occurred in the Ranawat family, making this extravagant party a surprise to all.

The guests, including prominent figures from the business world, mingled together, catching the attention of the media who eagerly snapped pictures and attempted interviews.

Speculations and conspiracy theories filled the air, adding to the excitement.

Tight security was evident, with guards stationed throughout the premises, ensuring no mishaps would occur.

Suddenly, the tapping of a microphone grabbed everyone's attention.

The spotlight illuminated the center stage, revealing Ranvijay dressed impeccably in a black suit, his handsome appearance causing the wealthy ladies to swoon. Jealous glances were cast at Neha, who stood confidently in a dazzling, shimmery saree, completely unfazed by the envy directed her way.

Anjali stood next to Neha, draped in a gorgeous saree that shimmered in the light, emanating a sense of elegance.

Her husband, Abinash, stood by her side, his three-piece suit tailored to perfection, exuding a captivating charm that rivaled even Ranvijay.

As Abinash flashed his gentle smile, his admirers were entranced, blushing with a deep red hue as he playfully winked at them. The ladies, noticing their husbands' admirers, cast a sidelong glance at them.

Neha, with a dangerous glint in her eyes, fixed her gaze on Ranvijay.

Anjali, wearing a sickly sweet smile, leaned against Abinash, her high heels grazing his feet.

She spoke softly, "Hubby, It seems like you don't want to go home tonight, do you?" With those words, she moved away from Abinash, who gulped nervously, his gaze fixed on her retreating figure.

Neha stifled a laugh, observing Abinash's fearful look, as he tried to talk to Anjali, only to get royally ignored by her.

Suddenly, Ranvijay's deep voice reverberated through the vast hall, capturing everyone's attention. "May I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen," he announced.

"It is an immense honor to have all of you here tonight. There have been various speculations about the purpose of this party. Unfortunately, I won't be unveiling the mystery just yet." Ranvijay deliberately drew out his words, causing a murmur to sweep through the crowd.

"But let's not keep you waiting any longer. Please join me in welcoming the host of this event, Mrs. Prerna Ranawat Singh."

As the spotlight shifted towards the stairs, a breathtaking sight unfolded. There stood Prerna, adorned in a magnificent saree that seemed to radiate ethereal beauty.

All eyes were drawn to her as she gracefully descended the stairs, but what caught everyone's attention the most was the child held in her arms.

A young boy stood at the bottom of the stairs, exuding an air of elegance that belied his age. Though young, his presence exuded power and confidence.

With a radiant smile on her face, Prerna took the boy's hand, and together, they made their way to the center of the room. Prerna Singh Ranawat, accompanied by her two sons, Krishav Singh Ranawat and Kunj Singh Ranawat, was the embodiment of grace and poise.

The guests gathered in the lavishly decorated hall, their whispers filling the air with a mix of curiosity and judgment.

As Prerna held the baby in her hand, some onlookers couldn't help but snicker and smirk, assuming the child to be illegitimate.

Others imagined a future filled with conflict and greed, eagerly anticipating the inheritance battle between the brothers.

Meanwhile, a few cunning, power hungry individuals began plotting ways to sow discord and exploit the situation for their own gain.

Breaking the hushed murmurs, Prerna's melodious and powerful voice echoed through the hall, commanding attention.

Krishav, standing tall and exuding authority, stared at the assembled guests with piercing, hooded eyes, effortlessly deciphering their true thoughts behind their fake smiles.

"This evening, as we gather here I wanna express our gratitude to all of you  for joining us at this celebration on such short notice," Prerna graciously addressed the crowd, motioning for the others to join her.

Ranvijay and Neha, along with Viren, stood on her right side, while Abinash and Neha, accompanied by Vedika, stood on her left.

"Today is a momentous day for our family," Prerna continued, her words resonating with conviction. "This gathering is to welcome the newest addition to our family, my son, Kunj Singh Ranawat." Her announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd, confirming their earlier assumptions. Murmurs erupted once again, filling the hall with a cacophony of voices.

"Please bestow your genuine blessings upon my son and enjoy the festivities," Prerna concluded, gracefully passing the microphone to a nearby waiter.

Just then, two waiters appeared, carrying a beautifully decorated three-layered cake adorned with whimsical cartoon designs. Applause filled the room as the cake was cut.

Krishav couldn't help but release a deep, throaty laugh as the baby unexpectedly plunged his hand into the cake, bringing it to his mouth.

The child's face lit up with delight, his eyes shining brightly as he savored the sweet treat. However, his joy was short-lived as Krishav gently wiped the cream off his hand, disregarding the baby's glare.

Baby Kunj glared at his older brother, his gaze seemingly filled with both love and frustration.

Unfortunately for Kunj, Krishav brushed off his silent protest and playfully booped his nose.

Helplessly, Kunj turned to Prerna, babbling incoherently as if complaining about his mean older brother who wouldn't let him enjoy the cake.

Prerna, with a teasing tone in her voice, responded, "Are you complaining about your brother, baby?" She looked at the baby with a hint of amusement, adding an affectionate touch to her words.

Viren also joined the fun,"Big bro is really meanie naah baby. He doesn't even let us enjoy our snacks, always starting with his lecture on junk foods. " his voice filled with tenderness as he softly cooed at the baby.

Krishav shook his head and playfully hits Viren, their laughter filling the air. "It's because you only want junk food all the time," Krishav muttered, his words barely audible amidst the cheerful chatter.

Suddenly, a small commotion erupted, capturing everyone's attention. The sound of voices grew louder, drawing curious gazes. Prerna motioned for Khanna to check the charge, while Krishav and the others hurriedly made their way towards the source of the disturbance.

The commotion was caused by media personnel, their cameras flashing as they eagerly sought to capture every detail.

The room buzzed with their questions, their attempts to get closer was hindered by the vigilant guards. Prerna's once warm eyes turned cold, like shards of ice, as she glared at them. The warmth that had enveloped the room mere moments ago seemed like a fleeting mirage in the desert.

"Silence, everyone!" Prerna's voice rang out, laced with anger. The media took a step back, their voices quieting down under her intense gaze. The guests, holding juice glasses and wine, observed the unfolding drama with wide eyes.

"Well, there are many things happening, rumors floating around," Prerna continued, her tone dripping with authority. "Before anyone adds fuel to the fire, let me inform you all that this is my son, Prerna Singh Ranawat's son, Kunj Singh Ranawat." As she spoke, she held Kunj slightly above her, exposing his face to the flashing lights. The baby whimpered, his eyes shutting tightly in response.

Prerna swiftly brought Kunj closer, soothing him in her arms as she covered him with her pallu, while Krishav glared at the media, his silent anger palpable.

As Prerna made her declaration, the room erupted with the energy of the media people. The air was thick with anticipation as a barrage of questions came flying at her all at once. The sound of their voices overlapped, creating a chaotic symphony of inquiries.

The room was filled with the sight of cameras flashing, capturing every moment of this press conference. Journalists leaned forward, eager to catch Prerna's every word. The tension in the air was palpable, as if the room itself was holding its breath.

Among the barrage of questions, one journalist asked if it was true that Kunj Ranawat was Prerna's illegitimate child. Another questioned if the Ranawat family would soon have a new CEO.

"Is it true ma'am he's your illegitimate child".

"Is it true ma'am you are soon gonna remarry?"

"Is it true that Krishav Ranawat would be kicked out and your new son will get your maximum inheritance?"

"Is it true that you bought this child with a large sum of money?"

"Is it really true that to prevent the disaster of not having any heir in the future you had this baby".

"There's a rumour circulating that the Ranawat's are in a huge loss and just to save your company you eloped with a rich business man and had his child?"

"Is it your and Mr Ranvijay or Mr Abinash child?"

The questions continued to come at a rapid pace, probing into Prerna's personal life and her plans for the future.

The weight of the questions seemed to hang in the air, as if the room was suffocating under the weight of the rumors.

Prerna, however, remained composed. Her voice carried a hint of sadness as she addressed the room, remembering her late husband.

"Haha, quiet interesting rumors are going around isn't it" The sound of her laughter lacked any genuine amusement, sending shivers down the spines of those who had propagated these false stories.

Prerna's words were firm, her tone filled with determination. She spoke of the only person who held her hand for eternity, her husband Karan. The room fell silent, absorbing the gravity of her words. The journalists clutched their jaws in anger, realizing the absurdity of the rumors they had spread.

With a threatening undertone, Prerna made it clear that she would not tolerate her name being associated with anyone else. She defended her family, emphasizing that the people with whom she was falsely linked for having extra marital affairs were her pillars of support, her brothers. The room was filled with a mixture of relief and shame as Prerna's words pierced through the air.

As Prerna finished speaking, the journalists looked at her with a mix of curiosity and remorse. The atmosphere in the room had shifted, and the air seemed to carry the weight of their misguided assumptions. Prerna's words had left a lasting impact, challenging the credibility of the rumors that had swirled around her family.

"Lastly, my son Kunj Singh Ranawat, he is mine, he is the gift of God to our family, abandoned by the unlucky people he fell in our lap as the god gift and lastly he's my son Krishav's younger brother and I don't wanna see any false rumor spreading about my family otherwise consider this as a threat or warning or advice you would face the bad side Prerna Singh Ranawat and lastly to all the evil-minded people who are planning things to break my family it's my last warning to them otherwise you know better what it means to mess with our family."

Prerna ended the conversation with a threatening tone and went back to the reception area with her family, ignoring the media who stood still, too scared to speak, the tension thick in the air. The bright lights of the cameras flashed, capturing the intensity of the moment.

"Woww, Pre that was mind-blowing," Neha complimented with a bewildered look, looking at Prerna with dazzling eyes. The sound of excitement filled the room as guests whispered and discussed the fierce display of protectiveness.

"We never knew our Preu could get this angry also," Anjali said, looking at Prerna with a mix of admiration and surprise. The room buzzed with admiration and awe for Prerna's unexpected strength.

"Shut up, guys, stop teasing me," Prerna spoke with an embarrassed look as she blushed, her cheeks flushed with a mix of emotions. She could feel her heart pounding, still filled with the intensity of her words.

After this, the party went into full swing, the music filling the room with a lively beat. Laughter and conversation filled the air, creating a joyful atmosphere. The scent of delicious food wafted through the room, making everyone's mouths water.

Soon, the news of Prerna's warning spread, and none of the media channels dared to write foolish stuff regarding them. The room filled with a sense of relief as tensions eased.

As the party came to an end in the late evening, guests started to leave, their footsteps echoing in the now quieter room. Prerna and Krishav, now dressed in their comfortable night suits, prepared to go to bed. The room was filled with a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

The baby, Kunj, lay in the center of the bed, wrapped in a soft blanket, his tiny snores escaping from his puckered lips. Prerna couldn't help but be captivated by his adorable presence. She gently caressed his cheek, feeling the softness of his skin beneath her fingertips.

"He is the cutest, isn't he?" Prerna spoke, her voice filled with love and tenderness. Krishav, looking at the sleeping baby, nodded in agreement.

"He seems so tired," Krishav replied, his voice filled with concern. The room was filled with a quiet stillness, broken only by the sound of the baby's soft breaths.

"Today was very tiring for him. Plus, Kunj woke up so early, and lots of people overwhelmed him," Prerna explained softly as she lightly rubbed the baby's stomach, trying to soothe him back to sleep.

"Krishav, you should go to sleep now too," Prerna whispered, wishing him a good night. The room was filled with a sense of peace as they settled into bed.

Prerna had her eyes closed, ready to drift off to sleep when Krishav's voice broke through the silent night. His words filled the room with a profound truth.

"Mumma, Kunj meri zimmedari nahi hai, because zimmedari kai baar bojh ban jati hai aur Kunj koi bojh nahi hai, wo mera bhai hai," Krishav spoke softly, gazing lovingly at baby Kunj sleeping next to him. Prerna smiled, her heart filled with warmth and pride, but she kept quiet, cherishing the bond between her two sons.

Soon, the three of them were deep in sleep, the gentle sounds of insects chirping outside filling the night. The room was filled with a sense of tranquility as they slept peacefully, their dreams carrying them away.

                 *****************

I'm not really satisfied with this chapter, I wanted to add few more elements and dialogues but I was unable to incorporate them together. Hopefully, it's okok.

What are your thoughts about the chapter?

Any suggestions???

What are your expectations from the next chapter??

How's everyone doing??? Hope you all are doing well.

Have a good day/night.

Take care ❤️