"kya yaar! Kabhi toh comments bhi kar diya karo! So tell me how to do like this chapter!"

We arrived at the airport around 11 pm.

"I'm exhausted and just want to sleep!" Vritika uttered, stomping her feet like a child.

"You were sleeping during the entire flight," I pointed out.

"I don't know, but I'm tired and hungry!" she declared with a pout.

"Don't worry, we'll reach the old mansion soon," I consoled her.

We got into the cars and soon hit the road. "I have a question," Vritika inquired out of the blue, turning towards me.

"What is it?" I queried.

"You guys don't seem to lack anything, so why was Anisha Bhabhi working as an event manager?" she probed.

I clicked my tongue between my teeth,
as she caught on.
"It took you long to realize," I retorted sarcastically.

"Whatever!" Vritika straightened herself on the seat and folded her arms across her chest.

"Ask her!" I urged Vritika.

"Is she here?" Vritika inquired, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Yeah, she'll be in the mansion too!" I confirmed.

"Oh, so bhai will be there too?" Vritika asked, her voice laced with excitement.

"I think so!" I responded with a hint of mischief in my tone.

"Don't tell him anything!" Vritika warned, her expression turning serious.

"What shouldn't I say to him?" I pondered, my brow furrowed in confusion.

"That we're dating!" Vritika replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Why?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Because I'm saying so!" Vritika asserted, her hands on her hips.

"But why?" I pressed, my eyes locked on hers.

"He'll break your teeth!" Vritika threatened, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"He should try!" I dared, a grin spreading across my face.

"Don't you dare! I don't want to talk to you," Vritika said, pointing a finger at me and trying to intimidate me with her eyes.

"Okay, okay, fine! Happy?" I conceded, my hands raised in surrender.

"Better!" She emphasizes

"At least I can tell Ava," I questioned

" Who is she?" She queried giving me a side eye

"I mean Anisha ." I corrected myself because that's the name she knows.

"I will think" I sighed loudly and a chuckle escaped the mouth of the third person present in the car.

Just then we realised we were not alone there.

"What about sealing your mouth ?" I glared at Matteo

"I am sorry," he said and averted his gaze. I drew the partition that separates the driver's seat from the passengers so we could get some privacy.

"Who is he?" She inquired

"My secretary!" I replied

"You have a secretary?" Her eyes became round and big

"Yeah!" I said and my eyes fell on her lips

"Does it mean..." Before she could continue I pressed my lips on her grabbing her waist with one hand while her wrist from another. Her hands rested on my chest. First, she was shocked by the immediate change but then gave in...

I better change the topic or else Sorella will kill me and it's her right to spill the beans.

The car stopped and I left her lips.
She started to straighten her clothes and fixed the lipstick that I had ruined.

"You are a jerk!" She cursed.

"Just for you mio cara". And she instantly rolled her eyes

We entered the mansion only to be welcomed by the silence.

The lights were dim indicating that everyone had already gone to sleep.

"Seems like everyone dozed off," I told her..

"I could see!" She responded

"You guys are late!!" Suddenly a voice came from the stairs.

"Staying over?" I asked Ava as she descended the stairs

"Grandma insisted that we stay here for the night!" She declared, standing in front of us.

"I understand."

"Have you guys eaten something?" She inquired, directing the question more towards Vritika.

"I simply want to take a nap. I'm feeling jet-lagged," Vritika responded.

"Come on, I will take you to your room!"

I followed them before they could disappear into the galleries.

She escorted Vritika to the room opposite hers.

Everyone has their room in the old mansion, and even though we don't live here, Mom and Dad have made sure that our room remains here.

"You should go and get some rest too!" Ava advised me. I looked at Vritika, who just winked and had an innocent look on her face.

"Yeah! You must be tired too!" She said innocently. I didn't say anything to her and left from there because I didn't want to explain anything to Ava right now.

I came to my room and locked the door after getting freshed I knocked off but not before sending the text to someone...

"Just wait you little kitten.." I texted her.

and after getting fresh buried myself in the warmth of my comforters.

"Jarek!!"

"Jarek"

"Wake up you sleepyhead!!" Ava shouted trying to snatch my comforter

"Let me sleep sorella," I muttered to her pulling my comforters back.

"Wake up, right now or else!!" She warned

"Or else what ?" I mumbled huskily... rolling myself in my comfort zone.

"I am leaving!" She said...

"Just go," I retorted carelessly.. and suddenly a big rock hit my mind and I sat straight on the bed giving her my full attention

"Wait! What? Where? India?" I questioned

"Yeah!" She responded

"But why? Why are you leaving...I mean.." I lost the words to complete my sentence...

She sat at the corner of the bed.

"Because one day I had to anyways" she gave me a weak smile

"But not like this! And why so soon?" I said to her trying to stop the urge to break down in front of her. I have done it many times.

She is not just my older sister is more than just family to me; she's my rock. She has always been my protector, standing up for me whenever I got into trouble or made a mistake. I cherish her deeply. I understand that someday she may have to go her own way, but I can't even fathom the void her absence would leave in my life.

She asked with a teasing smile, tilting her head, "So, how and when?"

"Never! If he wants to live with you, he should stay here! I won't let you go!" She laughed like a maniac.

"Are you serious!!" she said, placing her hands on her stomach as her laugh grew.

"Yes, I am," I said seriously. She looked at my unwavering expression.

"Stop joking around! If you get married someday, are you going to stay at your wife's house?"

"Yeah, if she wished," I told her, and she chuckled.

"Whatever.. let's go!! Everyone is waiting at the dining table for us!!" I sighed but went to the bathroom to do my morning business and after getting ready I stepped out only to find Ava sitting at the edge of the bed.

"You are still here! Didn't you have to go!" I said sarcastically... She rolled her eyes..

"C'mon Jarek stop behaving like a kid.."

"I am a kid!" I mumbled with a pout

"No, you are not!!" She dismissed me with a wave of her hand

"Let's go everyone is waiting!" She beckoned me..

"Sorella is there isn't any other option. Did you have to leave?" I tried to persuade her

"Yeah! He has a family and now I am part of them I need to meet them too!" She replied

"So! You can come back after meeting them! " I pronounced

"Shut up! You idiota!" She glared at me turning
(Idiota= idiot)

"I am not an idiot and can't you stay Per favore " I retorted
(Please)

"Ohh! C'mon you are behaving worse than a five year old!!" She huffed

As we entered the dining hall, I couldn't help but sigh.

The brown oak double doors with glass attachments swung open, revealing the long table with nearly 20 seats.

Nonna sat at the left end of the table, while Mom sat opposite her, leaving the middle chair empty - a poignant reminder of my father's absence. The sight brought back a flood of memories from the past.

Ava placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and squeezed it gently. I let out a soft sigh, feeling a mix of emotions.

I glanced around the table, taking in the familiar faces. Adwait sat one chair away from Nonna, while Vritika sat next to Mom. Ava made her way to the empty chair between Adwait and Nonna, and I followed suit, taking the seat next to Mom. I nodded at Adwait, and he returned the gesture, his eyes filled with understanding.

"Servire," Mom uttered to the servants standing near the white walls, which were adorned with beautiful flowers and leaves painted in golden colors. The servants sprang into action, serving us food and drinks. We began to eat, but an awkward silence fell over the dining table.

(Servire= serve)

Nonna cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "So, Jarek, Ava told us that it's all thanks to you!" Everyone's eyes turned to me, and I choked on my food. Mom passed me a glass of water, and I gulped it down slowly.

"I didn't do anything!" I protested, looking at Ava, who averted her gaze.

"Yeah, no one did anything, and yet she's married," Mom remarked sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

"She claimed you did it!" Nonna declared, his voice firm.

"Wait, what?" I queried, confused.

"Yeah, Nonna, he did it! He's the reason!" Ava asserted, her eyes darting back and forth.

I looked at her, dumbfounded. Both Adwait and Vritika were staring at me too.

"How? It was your idea to go to India," I pointed out to Ava.

"But the other things were your plan," she countered, her voice firm.

"So, I didn't tell you to sit on the wedding pavilion," I uttered, my voice firm.

"You! You! You think I sat there with my consent?" she declared, her hands slamming onto the table, her eyes flashing with anger, ready to fight.

"You..." I retorted, my hands slamming onto the table as well, my voice rising. But before I could continue, Nonna interrupted.

"Stai zitto! Look at yourself, fighting like toddlers!" Nonna exclaimed, her voice stern.

(Stai zitto= shut up)

Vritika burst into laughter, and soon everyone joined in. I felt my face burn with embarrassment as I realized how childish we must have looked. Adwait and Vritika definitely weren't expecting us to fight like that.

After breakfast, I tried to compose myself. "I told you, Grandma, I did nothing. It was his and that man's fault," I said, trying to defend myself.

"What can I say about this? It's all so surreal,"
She announced, still trying to process the sudden turn of events.

"I still can't believe it," Mom burst out, her voice filled with disbelief. "Just a few days ago, she wasn't even willing to get married, and now we have a son-in-law already! What the actual fuck!" She let out a deep sigh, shaking her head in astonishment.

Nonna turned toward Adwait, her expression serious. "So, is your family ready to accept this marriage?" She inquired.

"Yeah, they're ready," Adwait responded confidently.

"Did they know everything?" Nonna probed.

Adwait hesitated before answering, "No."

Nonna raised an eyebrow. "And you think they'll still agree after learning the truth?" She queried.

Adwait became silent, his eyes cast downward. Ava bit her lips, looking anxious.

"I'll make them understand," Adwait asserted finally, his voice firm.

I looked at him, unsure of what to utter. Mom seemed to be thinking the same thing.

"Fine, then," she stated after a moment.

"Since Ava has already made up her mind, you have my blessings." Ava's and Adwait's faces lit up with joy.

"When are you guys leaving then?" Mom asked tenderly.

"Today, at night," Adwait replied.

"Why today?" I shouted, my voice sudden and loud, causing everyone to startle.

"No, I mean... we should have a chance to show our hospitality too!" I tried to urge, my words tumbling out in a rush.

"It's better to leave early!" Adwait tried to retort, his voice firm.

"It's just one day!" I countered, my tone persistent.

"If we're leaving at night, why don't we go for a trip?" Vritika suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Definitely! A great idea!" I grinned, thrilled at the prospect of spending quality time with both of them.

"Please, bhai! Please!" Vritika tried to convince her brother, her voice persuasive.

"Okh!" He replied finally, a smile spreading across his face.

"I'll arrange for it. You guys get ready!" I exclaimed, already heading out to prepare for the trip.

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

We stood outside the Milan Cathedral, the first destination on Vritika's list. "Wow, this is beautiful!" Vritika exclaimed, twirling around to take in the stunning architecture.

"It took six centuries to complete it," Ava informed us, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"Really?" Vritika asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes!" Ava replied. "And look, there's the Golden Madonnina!" She pointed upwards, towards the golden statue perched atop the cathedral.

"Who is she?" Vritika asked, her gaze following Ava's pointing finger.

"The Madonnina is a statue of the Virgin Mary," Ava explained. "Erected in 1774 and designed by Giuseppe Perego, this gold-gilded monument of the Madonna Assunta, the Assumption of Mary, is a significant religious and civic symbol for the people of Milan."

Vritika's mouth formed an "o" of wonder. We began by exploring the exterior of the Duomo, wandering across the sloping terraces of the roof. Then, it was time to venture inside. The interior did not disappoint. I was aware that the Duomo was the second-largest cathedral in Europe and the third-largest in the world, and its grandeur was awe-inspiring.

The Duomo featured a Latin cross plan. I knew that the nave was twice as wide as the two side aisles, measuring 45 meters in height. Forty pillars divided five naves. There were stunning capitals on many pillars. Stunning altars and impressive sarcophagi punctuated the building.

While numerous statues of saints and martyrs dotted the cathedral, the statue which influenced people the most was the one of the flayed Saint Bartholomew, who was depicted holding his skin as a cloak. His ribs and chest, not to mention his whole body, were so anatomically well-defined.

We moved to the legendary artist Bramante designed cupola, which is supported by four pilasters. The baptistery is a 16th century marvel, dominated by an exquisite baptismal font made of porphyry.

Then the 18th century sundial. The sun shines on the brass strip exactly at noon. It also displayed the exact time and month.

"I think we should go eat!" Ava suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Where are we going to eat?" Vritika asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Let's go!" Ava said, sliding her hands into Vritika's and guiding her towards the Piazza del Duomo. We strolled to a nearby restaurant, where Vritika ordered the Cocciuto Pizzeria, while Ava and I opted for the Pizzium Pizza. Adwait, easygoing as ever, said he was fine with anything.

As we savored our pizzas, Vritika moaned in delight, "Umm, it's delicious!"

After lunch, Ava suggested, "Let's go to Via Montenapoleone next!" Vritika gave a thumbs up, her mouth still full of pizza.

We drove to Via Montenapoleone, Vritika sitting beside me, while Ava went with Adwait. The journey took only 5-6 minutes, and I parked my car after finding a suitable spot. As I opened the door for Vritika, I waited for Adwait and Ava to join us.

But Vritika just grinned mischievously and said, "No need to wait, they aren't coming!"

"Where are they?" I questioned, looking around for Adwait and Ava.

"Uff! Why do you question so much! Let's go! I want to do some shopping!" Vritika exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She tugged me towards one of the shops, her enthusiasm infectious.

We entered the shop, and Vritika immediately began browsing through the racks of clothes. She picked out a few items and headed to the dressing room to try them on.

I waited outside, admiring the fashionable displays and wondering what Vritika would emerge wearing.

As I waited, I noticed the shop was playing some upbeat music, and the atmosphere was lively and chic.

Suddenly, Vritika emerged from the dressing room, looking stunning in a red colour off shoulder dress.

"How do I look?" she asked, striking a pose.

"You look amazing!" I replied, genuinely impressed.

Vritika beamed with pride and began to twirl around, her new outfit shimmering under the shop lights. I couldn't help but laugh at her antics, feeling happy to see her so carefree and joyful.

As we left the shop, We strolled along the street, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling shopping district.

"Let's get some gelato!" Vritika exclaimed, spotting a gelato shop across the street.

"Sounds perfect!" I replied, happy to indulge in some creamy goodness.

We crossed the street and entered the gelato shop, where Vritika promptly began sampling flavors. She settled on a delicious-sounding combination of hazelnut and pistachio, while I opted for a classic chocolate.

As we licked our gelato cones, Vritika turned to me with a mischievous grin. "Want to do something adventurous?"

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What did you have in mind?"

"Let's take a stroll along the canals!" she suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I hesitated for a moment, but Vritika's enthusiasm was contagious. "Why not?"

I agreed, and we set off towards the Naviglio Pavese, ready to explore.

As we strolled along the canals, the sun began to set, casting a warm golden light over the water.

We walked hand in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. The canal was lined with beautiful old buildings, their reflections rippling in the water.

Vritika squeezed my hand, her eyes shining with excitement. "Look!" she whispered, pointing to a gondola gliding across the canal.

We watched as the gondolier expertly navigated the boat, his voice soaring as he sang a traditional Venetian song. Vritika and I exchanged a romantic glance, the atmosphere utterly enchanting.

As the gondola disappeared around a bend, Vritika turned to me with a mischievous grin. "Want to take a ride?"

I hesitated for a moment, but Vritika's enthusiasm was contagious. "Why not?" I agreed, and we hailed a passing gondola.

As we settled into the boat, Vritika snuggled close, her head on my shoulder. The gondolier began to sing again, his voice blending with the gentle lapping of the water against the boat.

The sun dipped lower, casting a warm glow over the canal. I wrapped my arms around Vritika, feeling grateful for this magical moment together.

"It was fun!" Vritika giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I want to eat!" she pouted, her lower lip jutting out adorably. "I'm hungry!"

I couldn't resist her charming expression and leaned in to kiss her. She looked at me in astonishment, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Can't help!" I uttered, shrugging my shoulders in mock surrender.

Vritika just sat back, still pouting, but a hint of a smile played on her lips.

I drove us to Ava's penthouse, the sun setting over the horizon as we arrived. Since, I finally learned where Adwait and Ava had disappeared to.

"But why today?" I asked Ava, my voice laced with a hint of desperation as I stood in her penthouse. She closed her bag and looked back at me, her expression a mix of determination and guilt.

"Because I want to!" she replied, her tone firm but gentle."C'mon, Jarek, let me go happily. If you're going to believe like this, then for sure I will be sad for the rest of the flight. I can't be happy if you're going to be so sad." She tried to reason with me, but I was too caught up in my own emotions to listen.

I shook my head, feeling a sense of frustration wash over me. "Whatever!" I uttered abruptly, turning on my heel and leaving her room.

"Ahh, another tiring flight!" Vritika groaned with a sigh, her voice a welcome distraction from the tension that had just unfolded.

Adwait opened his mouth to say something, but before he could utter a word, the doorbell rang, cutting through the air like a shrill knife.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering who it could be, before making my way to the door.

As I opened it, I was surprised to see Vidharth Bansal standing there, a friendly smile on his face.

"I think I'm at the right address!" he muttered, his eyes sparkling with warmth.
"Can I come in?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I stepped aside, allowing Vidharth to enter.

"So, are you guys ready?" he quired, his eyes scanning the room as he entered the hall of Ava's penthouse.

"Yeah! Just waiting for Ava," Vritika responded, her voice laced with a hint of impatience.

"Okay," Vidharth mumbled, placing his suitcase near the coffee table.

Just then, the doorbell rang again. I got up to answer it, and this time, it was a delivery boy. I took the delivery and entered the hall, curious about the unexpected package.

"Did you guys order something?" I quired, holding up the paper bag.

"No," Adwait answered, his brow furrowed in confusion.

I peeked inside the bag and found a box wrapped in red wrapping paper. A name slip was attached to it, and I wondered who it could be for.

'For Subhra,' I read the name, my eyes scanning the room as I held up the package.

"It's for Ava," I declared to the curious onlookers, but my mind was racing with confusion.

Who could have sent this gift to her using this name? Even I had almost forgotten that Subhra was Ava's name.

My curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to open the box.