Author's POV

They reached the place and after handing over the car to the valet, Abhi puts Reyansh in his stroller and the three of them go inside. 

They are in the elevator when Abhi looks at Meera's hair which is tied in a pony tail and frowns. He likes her hair open. Abhi removes the scrunchie and her hair falls down her shoulders in soft curls. 

"Abhi what are you doing, give my band back", Meera says reaching out for the rubber band but Abhi stretches his hand away so its out of her reach.

"But I like you hair open", he says cutely. If someone were to see Abhimanyu Malhotra now, they wouldn't recognize him. He had become a completely different person. It was a good difference. 

"Okay, but can I tie it for now?"

"Sure if you can get the rubber band", saying this he puts it around his wrist and holds his hand height so that Meera can't reach it. She put her hand on his shoulder and tries to jump up but he just lifts his hands higher preventing her from reaching it. She huffs as they reach the floor and the elevator opens. They make their ways towards the hall.

"Its not my fault that you are so short" , Abhi says teasing her. 

" I'm not short. I'm 5'7. Its not my fault that you are so huge", Meera says defending herself. It was true , Abhi was very tall, he was easily around 6'3. 

"Aww, you guys are so cute", Alia says and that is when they realize that they have been arguing in front of them the whole time. Everyone looks amused at the couple's banter.

Meera spots her dad and goes over to hug him. Surprisingly Nandini had invited her dad, Karan and Nikhil too. Karan gets up and engulfs her in a bear hug just to spite Abhi.

"Lets make you husband dearest a little jealous", he whispers in her ear and kisses the side of her head. Meera looks at Abhi and he is staring right at them drilling a hole in the back of Karan's head. If looks could kill, Karan would have been six feet underground by now.  

"Karan, stop it", she says and steps out of his grip. Abhi is holding the handle of Reyansh's stroller so tightly that his knuckles have turned white. She places her hand over his and he relaxes his grip slightly under his touch. Everyone greets them and after that Alia pulls Meera to sit beside her. Abhi is sitting across from the her. 

"You know I'm starting my residency at M&K Hospitals from next week", Alia says happily.

"That's so amazing", Meera replies

"I know, I'm so excited. Will you be my head doctor. I hope its you."

"Uh, no. I'm not taking interns this year so it will probably someone else", Meera says and Alia's face falls.

"But I was looking forward to working with you. Do you know who I'll be working under then?"

"I'm sorry, I don't know", Meera says and Alia turns towards Karan asking him about the details. The waiters bring the food out and everyone is engrossed in eating and talking. 

Abhi has been trying to get Meera's attention subtly this entire time but someone or the other is constantly talking to her. Ma has Reyansh in her lap who's playing with a rattle. 

"Remember the time Meera dyed her hair red?", Karan asks and her dad nods. Everyone turns towards them with interest. 

"Really, bhabhi you had red hair?", Aditya asks.

"Why are you all talking about me , cant we talk about someone else", Meera groans.

"Nope, I have a picture too", Karan says scrolling through his phone.

"Karan, don't. That was so long ago"

"Nope, I want to see this ", Abhi interrupts.

"Found it", Karan exclaims.

"Karan don-", Meera begins to say but too late, the picture is already circulating around.

"It actually suits you. You look hot", Alia says. Meera takes the phone out of Alia's hand and closes it. 

"Everyone saw it, happy. This was so long ago and I had it only for a few months", she says while handing the phone back to Karan and glaring at him in warning.  

"Bhai, why are you wearing that hair tie around your wrist?", Adi asks Abhi. His face turns a little red .

"It's Meera's"

"I know that but why are you wearing it"

"Yes, Abhi why , tell us", Meera leans back in her chair smirking. For the first time Abhimanyu Malhotra doesn't have anything to say. 

He looked a little flustered for a minute but then said, "I can do or where whatever I want ", totally dismissing the topic. Everyone else knew better than to push him and went back to their food but Meera was still smirking at him. He sent her a playful glare but that dint seem to affect her.

Ranveer Singhania was just smiling at the scene in front of him. He was happy because his daughter was happy. There was a sparkle in her eyes that had been missing for the last few years.

It was around 10pm by the time they were done. Meera picked Reyansh up who held fistful of her dress and snuggles against her clearly tired. 

The moment they stepped out of the hotel, reporters swarmed them and blinding flashes. Abhi was used to this but Meera was frozen in shock. Abhi holds Meera's hand and pulls her along with him. They were constantly asking questions but Abhi ignored them and helped Meera and Rey into the passenger seat. He then got into the driver's seat and started driving.

He was furious and his knuckles were white as he was gripping the  steering wheel tightly. Meera too was shocked at what had just happened. 

"Abhi, stop the car", Meera says which brings him out of his trance and he pulls over. She places his hand over his and his grip immediately relaxes. 

"I'm sorry , I-", Abhi starts saying but Meera cuts him off.

"Why are you saying sorry its not your fault"

"I don't know it feels like its my fault. I couldn't protect both of you , I should have known this would happen. How the hell did those people know that we were there"

"You couldn't possibly have known, calm down all of us are fine", Meera says gesturing especially towards Reyansh who his sleeping in her lap. Abhi entwins his fingers with hers and takes a deep breath before saying,

" I have anger issues. Sometimes I loose it, I cant stand when someone I love gets hurt and today I was scared. I've tried so hard to shield Rey from the paparazzi and I know you hate all this attention. But this is my life and what if you dint want to be with me anymore I -"

"Abhi, stop you are rambling. I choose to be with you and this is not going to scare me away, I hate to break it to you but you're stuck with me for a while at least"

"That's the best thing I've heard in a long time. And you got one thing wrong, you're stuck with me forever don't ever leave me , you're my sanity", Abhi says kissing her hand. He looks conflicted for a second but finally says,

"I dint want to confess like this but I cant wait anymore, I love you Meera, I'm in love with you , so much that it hurts being away from you"

"Abhi", Meera whispers clearly not expecting this.

"You don't have to say it back or anything, I just want to you know how I feel", he pauses to look for her reaction. Meera just nods.

"Also, promise me you won't leave me ever , even if I'm stupid or I forget your birthday or anniversary which I assure you won't ever happen but still"

"I promise to never leave you", Meera says but Abhi doesn't look satisfied. 

"Even if you forget my birthday", she adds laughing lightly. Abhi's face lights up and he leans forward and kisses her. 

"I love you", he says again and Meera just smiles at him. "It feels so good to be able to say this", he says kissing their entwined hands.

"Lets go home", Meera says and Abhi's heart warms at that. He never thought that such simple words could make him feel so many things.

"You are my home, you and Reyansh", Abhi says and that makes Meera's heart flutter. How can someone not fall this man.

"And you're mine ", she says tightening her hold on Abhi's hand.

They are both grinning at each other as Abhi drives home.

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Here's the next chapter. I hope you liked it.

Did you read the part where Abhi confesses. Thats right. I thought it was just me . I'm so happy that it has finally happened. Yayyy.

Pls comment and vote

xoxo

Sakshi