Vikram and Rajendra were on their way home when a car stopped abruptly in front of them. Vidyunt instinctively reached for his gun, but Rajendra stopped him with a firm gesture. A man emerged from the car and approached Rajendra’s vehicle.

Rajendra rolled down his window as the man approached. Bowing his head respectfully, the man handed Rajendra a letter, saying, "Badi Rani has sent this for you and requests that the instructions be followed as soon as possible."

Rajendra took the letter, and the man bowed again before swiftly departing. After the man left, Rajendra got back into his car, and they drove off. As they traveled, Rajendra slowly opened the letter and began to read its contents.

The letter contained two main instructions. Firstly, it stated that Naina and Vikram must perform a puja at the designated auspicious time. Naina, being a newlywed bride, was also to seek blessings. They were instructed to go together as a pair.

Secondly, Badi Rani requested their immediate presence at the palace.

After reading the letter, Rajendra folded it and put it away, contemplating the urgency of the instructions.

"Vikram, we'll need to leave for the puja tomorrow morning," Rajendra informed his son as they arrived home.

"Okay, dad," Vikram replied, recalling his grandmother's morning request to meet her grandchildren, especially Naina, her eldest grandson's bride.

Upon reaching home, they spotted Naina, Vidhi, and Ved outside. The children were playing while Naina sat with a gentle smile on her face. The evening breeze played with her hair as she wore a lovely green suit, her smile adding to her charm.

Seeing this heartwarming scene, Vikram and Rajendra couldn't help but feel joyful. They approached them, and Naina noticed their arrival.

"You're here! Freshen up while I prepare some evening snacks," Naina said warmly.

Eager to spend time together, Vikram and Rajendra hurried inside, sharing a moment of happiness at being reunited with their family.

Vikram followed Naina into the kitchen, carrying what she had requested earlier that morning. He handed it to her and then headed upstairs.

Meanwhile, Rajendra watched Ved and Vidhi playing happily. Vidyunt, eager to taste the snacks prepared by his sister-in-law, swiftly changed his clothes and returned. Naina took the food plates and began setting them outside, where Vidyunt offered to help.

"It's okay, Vidyunt. You must be tired," Naina remarked as she saw him assisting, a gesture he always made despite her protests.

Just then, their father arrived and settled into a chair as Naina served him tea and snacks.

"Vidyunt, sit down and eat. I know you're hungry," Naina insisted.

Relenting, Vidyunt sat and began to enjoy the scene of Ved and Vidhi playing badminton, cheering them on enthusiastically.

Naina returned to the kitchen to fetch another plate for Vikram just as he descended from upstairs, looking refreshed after changing.

Vikram joined them at the table, and as he started eating.

Vidyunt complimented Naina, "Bhabhi, your cooking is always so delicious. I could eat it all day."

Naina smiled warmly at his words and added more food to his plate. "Eat to your heart's content. I made a little extra just for you."

Vidyunt grinned appreciatively at Naina's gesture, feeling touched by her thoughtfulness.

Then Vidhi called out excitedly, "Dad, come play badminton with me!"

Rajendra couldn't resist her invitation. He walked over to join her, realizing he didn't want to miss any more moments of their childhood. Meanwhile, Ved smiled and went over to Naina.

And so, their evening unfolded, filled with laughter and togetherness as they cherished these precious moments with their family.

---

It was nighttime, everyone had finished dinner, and Rajendra had retired to his room. Upstairs, Vikram was engrossed in his office work. Downstairs, the three siblings were gathered with Naina, making a request.

"Please bhabhi, go and ask bhaiya for us. He won't say no to you; he'll scold us if we ask," pleaded Vidhi, holding Naina's hand and making a pleading face.

Naina hesitated, concerned about the late hour. "No, Vidhi, it's already late at night. You might catch a cold, and it's not certain if Vikram will agree."

"But bhabhi, it's only 9:00, and we'll enjoy ice cream now. And I promise I won't eat too much, just one please please," Vidhi insisted, her eyes pleading.

Naina looked at the eager faces of all siblings, filled with anticipation. Uncertain how Vikram would react, she finally relented. "Okay, I'll go ask him."

With that, Naina headed upstairs to seek Vikram's permission, hoping he would agree to their late-night treat.

Vikram was finishing up his work in the office when he heard a knock at the door. Turning, he saw Naina entering, her demeanor slightly nervous as she clutched her dupatta tightly and brushed her hair behind her ear. He watched her closely as she approached.

After setting his file aside, Vikram leaned back comfortably in his chair and turned towards her. "What's up? Do you need something?"

"Um, everyone wants to go out for ice cream," Naina replied. Vikram immediately understood the situation and teased, "Ah, so they've sent you as their lawyer to convince me."

She nodded silently.

"You think I'll listen to you?" he asked, with a smirk playing on his lips.

"Nahin manenge aap," she responded softly, anticipating his playful response.

"Okay, fine. But what's in it for me? What will you give me?" Vikram teased further, his eyes locked on hers.

Naina met his gaze steadily, considering his playful challenge.

---

The scene unfolds with Vidyunt having taken the car keys, and shortly after, Naina descends the stairs. Vikram follows closely behind, coming to stand next to her.

"Ready, let's go now," Vikram declares.

The excitement is palpable as all three siblings eagerly head towards gate. Vidyunt tosses the keys to Vikram, who catches them effortlessly. They quickly settle into the back seat of the car.

Turning to Naina, Vikram prompts, "Let's go."

Naina starts moving towards the car, and Vikram closes the gate behind her. As Naina glances back and sees all three siblings settled in the back seat, Vikram leans in close to her ear, whispering, "My brother and sister are quite clever."

He opens the car door for her. Naina sits down, her dupatta slipping slightly. Vikram gently adjusts it onto her lap and closes the door. Swiftly moving to the driver's side, both buckle up their seat belts.

As Vikram starts the car and they begin their journey, Naina bites her lip nervously. Vikram notices her discomfort but seems to enjoy teasing her. He glances at her hand and extends his own, gently clasping hers.

Naina is taken aback as she suddenly feels Vikram holding her hand. She looks around, but everyone in the back seat is engrossed in their own enjoyment, paying no attention.

She tries to pull her hand away, but Vikram holds on firmly. Despite her efforts, Naina eventually relaxes her hand within his grip. Vikram feels a sense of satisfaction as he senses her tension easing.

The car moves forward, leaving their home behind, as Vikram continues to hold Naina's hand, relishing the quiet moment shared between them amidst the familial bustle in the back seat.

After some time at the ice cream parlor, they all emerged and began to enjoy their ice cream together. Vikram watched them with immense happiness, especially seeing his brothers and Vidhi bonding so closely, a transformation he credited largely to Naina.

His gaze lingered on Naina, who was playfully wiping ice cream from Ved's nose. Ved, who typically kept to himself and rarely allowed anyone close, seemed comfortable with Naina's presence. While Vidyunt and Vidhi could be playful or occasionally show their emotions, Ved usually remained stoic, his emotions hidden behind a quiet exterior. But lately, Vikram had noticed Ved opening up more, particularly around Naina. He had begun to engage in cute antics, and Vikram suspected Naina reciprocated the fondness.

Knowing Naina's capacity to love everyone equally, Vikram observed how deeply attached they had all become to her. He watched as Vidyunt and Vidhi approached Naina, sharing something that sparked laughter among them. Moved by the sight of their bond, Vikram took out his phone, captured their joy in a photo, and sent it to two people.

"Let's head back now," Vikram announced as they gathered to return home. They settled into the car, Vikram at the wheel, driving them back with a heart full of gratitude for the happiness Naina had brought into their lives.

                           ~~~~

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