Epilogue

The sun was out high in the sky, the day absolutely warm and beautiful. Khushi walked through the house, a tray in hands, and headed out to the backyard.

"Come and get these icicle pops," she called out.

It didn't even take a second for Aarav, Ahana, Shaurya, Arshi and Madhav to come running her way. They all came running to her feet, excited to get their hands on an icicle pop. Khushi couldn't help but to chuckle at the children's antics and handed them each an icicle pop, and each went running back off to play.

Khushi went over to the other Raizada ladies, giving them an icicle pop as well.

"This is so refreshing bhabi," Lavanya sighed. "It's totally perfect, isn't that right my little Lizy-boo."

Lavanya's two year-old daughter mumbled some words, drooling over the icicle pop her mother had given her a taste of.

"Exactly!"

Khushi couldn't help her chuckle. "You'll never change, will you?"

"Not a chance!"

"Good," Payal chuckled, her free hand over her baby bump. "Don't ever."

"I second that," Seema said, holding the icicle pop to her almost 3 year-old daughter, Shruthi.

"Hmm," Khushi agreed. "Oh, I better go give some to the twins before they get all fussy."

Khushi went over to Shalini and Aryan, who were holding her twin son and daughter, Karan and Kavitha. Shalini and Aryan refused to take icicle pops for themselves and shared one with the little ones, who were having fun with their grandparents.

The day went on by, lunch soon being offered to everyone and when 4 o'clock rolled around, two big cakes were brought out.

"Ahana! Aarav! It's time to cut the cake," Shalini called out.

The birthday girl and the birthday boy came running over, excited by the sight of their cake. The other children came running over as well, and the parents came around as well. All of the Raizada children were put together - Aarav, Ahana, Shaurya, Arshi, Madhav, Liza, Shruthi, Karan, and Kavitha - and photo after photo were taken by the adults.

"Ammu, no more pictures," Aarav whined.

"We want cake," Ahana pouted.

The adults chuckled and agreed. Arnav came forward and lit up the candles to Aarav's cake, while Aryan lit up the candles to Ahana's cake. Once they were all lit, everyone began singing happy birthday, and as soon as the song was done, both Aarav and Ahana blew out the six candles that sat on the top of each of their cakes. Their parents hugged them and fed them some cake, everyone taking turns to be fed or to feed the birthday boy or birthday girl.

*~*

The day went on, the party carrying on to the evening. The children remained to be very active, playing in the playroom while the adults relaxed in the den, the elders sitting out in the back.

"These kids have way too much energy," NK said, looking at the monitor, seeing how active the children were.

"Well they did just have cake," Akash said.

"That's definitely like an energy drink for them," Aman chuckled.

"I'll say," Arnav muttered.

"Oh, leave them be," Seema said to her husband. "I'm sure you were like that at their age."

"Nuh uh," NK frowned.

"Bhai, don't even," Lavanya frowned. "And neither of you two either, cause I remember a lot of things clearly, you guys were just as active and worrisome as these kids."

"Says the youngest of us all," Arnav frowned.

"Technically I'm not the youngest, Ahana is, but yes, there are still several memories from my youth, so don't even."

Both Arnav and Akash rolled their eyes.

"You tell 'em," Payal chuckled.

Akash frowned at her and Payal shrugged, sticking her tongue out at him, to which Akash chuckled. He sat down beside her and placed his hand over her bump and kissed her.

"Really," Arnav frowned.

"Hey, she's pregnant," Akash defended. "If I say one wrong thing, I'm done for."

"You're absolutely correct," Payal beamed, and she kissed him on his cheek.

"See?"

Everyone chuckled and Arnav rolled his eyes. Suddenly they could hear the sound of little feet, and Aarav, Shaurya, and Madhav came running in.

Aarav went running over to his parents. "Dad, is it okay if we play on the PlayStation? Pretty please? Ammu please?"

Arnav and Khushi looked at each other and then at their son, noticing the eager looks on the faces of their nephews from the corner of their eyes.

"As it is your birthday," Arnav began, "yes, you may play your video games."

"But only until we call you down for dinner," Khushi admonished.

"Yes! Okay, thank you," Aarav grinned, and he hugged his parents before turning back to his cousins. "Come on, let's go play!"

Both Shaurya and Madhav nodded and turned to their mothers, asking them to give them their controllers that they had brought from home, from their purse. Seema handed Shaurya his controller and Payal handed Madhav his controller as well. The two grinned and ran off with Aarav back to the playroom to play their video games.

"They're so cute," Lavanya smiled. "I can't wait to have a boy of my own."

"Fingers crossed the baby is a boy," Khushi smiled.

"I'm curious how you'll take it if it does turn out to be a boy," Seema said. "It's definitely different than raising a girl, I'll say."

"Oh don't say it like that, I'm having a girl after all," Payal said.

Seema chuckled. "My bad, I dramatized that a little. But trust me, it's not that bad, just different. I'm sure Khushi bhabi will agree with me on that."

"Oh it is," Khushi nodded. "I had Aarav always by my side, but when it came to Arshi, she wouldn't let go of Arnav no matter what."

"Hey, she's my little girl," Arnav defended, and Khushi rolled her eyes with a smile.

"And what about with the twins," Payal asked.

"Now that was very different," Khushi said. "I'm very blessed that not only did I have Arnav, Ammu, and Papa around to help, but that the two were such good babies. Well, most of the time."

"Kavitha was good, but with Karan, there were a few nights he kept us awake," Arnav said.

"But it was for a moment, that problem was quickly solved.

"I still can't believe you guys have four kids," Seema said. "Two for me is crazy as it is."

"Well it was quite the shocker when we found out I was pregnant with twins."

"And that's quite the understatement," Arnav said.

"Didn't your brother also have twins," Lavanya asked.

"Yeah, twin girls and they turn 2 next month," Khushi said. "Wow, there's a lot of children in the family now, so many birthdays to celebrate."

"Which is just perfect," Lavanya grinned.

"No kidding," everyone agreed.

*~*

Dinner time came quickly rolling by and everyone sat down in the dining room. The kids had been seated in their separate kids table, and everyone began to eat. Khushi and Arnav helped to feed the twins, Seema feeding Shruthi and Lavanya feeding Liza. Payal checked in on Madhav now and then, as well as NK on Shaurya, but the young ones were managing to eat on their own just fine.

When dinner was complete, everyone relaxed for a while before heading home. The young ones were evidently tired, as their parents carried them to the car. Once everyone said their farewells, they departed and went off their separate ways.

Khushi and Shalini tried to clean up as much as they could, Arnav, Aryan, and the workers helping out as well. They decided to leave certain things for tomorrow, taking care of everything else now. When all of that was done, they bid each other goodnight and headed off upstairs.

Both Arnav and Khushi went to the playroom, finding the kids there, Ahana already having left to go to bed. They found Aarav and Arshi playing on the play mat, while the twins were in their playpen.

"Alright everyone, its time for bed," Khushi said.

"Aw but mom, can't we get five more minutes," Aarav whined.

"No, it's time for bed," Arnav admonished.

"Please daddy," Arshi pouted.

"Now Arshi, no pouting," Khushi admonished. "It's bedtime, so both of you go to your rooms and get ready for bed. I'll be coming by in 10 minutes."

"Fine," the two young ones grumbled, and they put their toys away and left to their rooms.

Arnav and Khushi went over to the playpens and each picked up a twin. They walked over to their room, changed them into their jammies, and fed them their bottles, rocking the two to sleep. As usual, Kavitha was quick to fall asleep, so Khushi put her down in her crib.

"I'm gonna go check in on them," Khushi said.

Arnav nodded. "I'll be there in a few."

Khushi nodded and she went over to Arshi's room first. The little girl had brushed her teeth and was already in her cupcake jammies.

"Ammu, I want a birthday party too," the little one said when she saw her mother as she got in bed.

"Oh? Do you have anything special in mind," Khushi smiled as she pulled the covers over her.

"Unicorns!"

Khushi couldn't help her chuckle. "Okay, we'll do a unicorn-themed birthday party."

Arshi gasped. "Will there be a real unicorn?"

"Um... I'm not sure. But if you behave like a good girl, then maybe a unicorn will drop by."

Arshi gasped once more. "Oh my gosh! I'm going to be the best good girl in the whole wide world!"

"Is that so," Arnav said as he came in.

"Yes daddy, I'm going to be the best so that the unicorn will visit. So I have to go to sleep at my bedtime so that way I'll be a good girl," and she snuggled under the covers. "Goodnight Ammu, goodnight daddy."

Both Arnav and Khushi couldn't help their smiles and they each placed a kiss in Arshi's head and then left the room, shutting the door behind them. They walked over to Aarav's room and found him sitting in bed with his giraffe plush.

"Hey little man, did you brush your teeth," Arnav said as he went over to him.

Aarav nodded. "I did."

"Good," Khushi smiled softly. "Did you enjoy the party?"

Aarav nodded once more. "Yes, it was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to open my presents tomorrow."

"I'm surprised you didn't open them already," Arnav chuckled.

"Well Ahana said it would be better if we opened them tomorrow after school, that way we can open all of our presents that we got."

"Hmm, excited for you class birthday party tomorrow," Khushi asked.

"Yes, it's going to be so much fun!"

"Well it won't be any fun if you're tired or sleepy, so no more chit-chat, time for bed."

Aarav nodded and Arnav pulled the covers over him.

"Goodnight Aarav," both Arnav and Khushi said, placing a kiss on top of his head.

"Goodnight Ammu, goodnight dad. I love you both."

"We love you, too," Khushi smiled, and they left the room, shutting the door behind them.

Arnav and Khushi headed to their room, and as soon as they got in, both collapsed down onto the bed and let out a heavy sigh.

"Birthday parties are exhausting," Arnav huffed.

"That they are," Khushi sighed. "And it looks like we're gonna have to look for a unicorn for Arshi's birthday party."

"Great, how do I make something not real become real?"

"I'm sure I'll find something online," Khushi chuckled.

"Let me guess - a horse with a fake horn?"

"Yup."

"Gotcha," and both of them chuckled.

"Remember when children's birthday parties were the least of our worries?"

"Forget birthday parties, remember when children were the least of our worries? Those were the days...."

Arnav let out a sigh and turned to Khushi. Khushi looked at him, Arnav reaching out and caressing her cheek.

"Hi," he said softly.

"Hi," Khushi replied, her tone matching his.

"I swear when was the last time we got a moment like this?"

"Umm... kinda hard to remember when dealing with and worrying over four kids."

Arnav couldn't help his chuckle and he kissed her, Khushi holding onto his hand. For a moment, the two just looked at each other, gazing into each others' eyes. Passion began to build around them, and Arnav kissed her once more. The kiss was much more intense this time, and Khushi felt something bubble within her. She moved over Arnav and she kissed him. She brought her lips to his neck teething and teasing his flesh. Khushi felt Arnav's hands wander across her body, removing pins that held her sari in place, something that Arnav was very well at doing after having done it so many times over the years.

Arnav sat up, causing Khushi to straddle him. Their lips collided once more and while Arnav worked on removing her sari, Khushi worked on the buttons of his waistcoat and shirt, and removed them. Khushi went to move her hands to Arnav's pants, but she was immediately flipped over, her back meeting the bed. Arnav disposed every last string from her body and before Khushi could say a word, Arnav latched his mouth on to her breast, causing Khushi to cry out in pleasure. He sucked and teased her nipple before moving to the other one, keeping his eyes on her. Khushi moaned out in pleasure, her hand gripping onto his hair.

"Arnav," she moaned.

Arnav brought one hand down to her womanhood, his fingers immediately getting coated by her juices as he slid them through her folds.

Khushi bit her lip, moaning in pleasure. "I want your mouth on my pussy," she moaned.

Arnav groaned around her nipple and Khushi could feel his hard length hidden within his pants. He slightly teethed at her nipple, earning a cry from her, and moved down along her body and did as Khushi requested, bringing his mouth over her femininity. Khushi gasped and moaned the moment his mouth met her, and both of her hands buried themselves in his hair. Khushi looked down at Arnav and watched him ravish on her, his grip tightening on her thighs. His tongue did wonders to her and Khushi tossed her head back in pleasure, moaning and grinding her hips. As the feeling within her intensified, Khushi couldn't hold back any longer and exploded around him, biting down on her finger as she cried out from her release.

Her body shook and quivered as Arnav let her go, Khushi reveling from her orgasm. However the moment was quickly short, Arnav having gotten rid of pants and boxers, and thrusting his hard cock within her. Khushi let out a guttural moan, her back arching up into him as she shut her eyes. When she opened them, she found Arnav gazing down at her, and she reached up and caressed his face, and kissed him. As she did, Arnav thrusted in and out of her at a steady pace. After a draining day, this was exactly what Khushi needed, and she could feel her body rise once again. As the seconds passed and Arnav thrusted harder, Khushi came apart beneath him, Arnav muffling her cries as he kissed her.

Khushi pulled back, regaining her breath while Arnav moved slowly within her. She wrapped her arms around him, one hand diving into his hair, the other wrapping around his neck. Arnav wrapped her legs around him, and without a word, stood up. He walked them over to the secret room and laid Khushi down on white, fluffy carpet before the fireplace. He pulled out of her for just a moment, setting the fireplace up before returning to her.

"Setting up the mood, I see," Khushi teased.

"It only seemed right," and Arnav thrusted back within her.

Khushi moaned out in pleasure, not paying attention to how loud she was since nothing could be heard from this room. She felt Arnav extend her hands up and grip them down with his own, and she knew exactly what was coming next, so she wrapped her legs around Arnav tightly and Arnav pounded into her relentlessly. Khushi could not hold back any of her cries or moans, her body humming and vibrating as she felt Arnav move within her and hear his small grunts. Her body began rising once again and when she felt it explode, she bit down on Arnav's shoulder, her body arching as she found her release. Arnav let out another grunt, causing Khushi's body to shudder. She eventually released him her head rolling back as her grip on him loosened.

"Marking me again, hmm," Arnav smirked.

"It's your fault," Khushi breathed.

Arnav couldn't help his chuckle as he released her hands. He sat up, taking Khushi up with him, and Khushi wrapped her arms around Arnav's neck. She began to slowly move her hips, feeling Arnav within her. She moved nice and slow, rolling her hips, and kissed him, her hands making their way into his hair. Arnav kissed her back, keeping his hands at her waist.

Khushi slowly built up her speed, gyrating her hips. She moved her lips to Arnav's neck, teasing and teething his flesh. Arnav wrapped her hair around his and when she felt her nick him, he pulled on it, bringing her back. Khushi gasped, her body arched into him as she rode his length, her eyes shut. She felt Arnav take her nipple into his mouth, and Khushi moaned, moving a bit faster. She felt Arnav tease and nip at her flesh, Khushi moaning out in pleasure.

"Ride me baby," Khushi heard him mutter against her nipple.

Khushi let out another moan and tightened her grip. She began to move faster and looked back down at Arnav. She felt his hands urge her and guide her, supporting her. Within her, she could feel Arnav pulsate and twitch, and knew that Arnav was ready to cum, so she began to move a little faster and within a matter of seconds, both came apart, Khushi crying out as her grip tightened, her forehead against Arnav's. She felt her insides clench and milk Arnav's length, Khushi feeling the warm gush he had released within her. She slowly rode out her orgasm, her hips slowly moving until she no longer had any energy to support her.

Arnav held her to him, bringing Khushi's head over to his shoulder to let her relax. He laid them back down, still buried within her, and held her to him. Neither said anything for a moment, Khushi's eyes shut as she calmed her racing heart. Arnav simply laid beside her, holding her while running his hand over her glowing body.

The fire crackled away in the background, it being the only source if noise to fill up the room asides from their breathing. Khushi finally opened up her eyes and looked up at Arnav. He smiled down at her softly and kissed her, Khushi caressing his cheek.

Arnav pulled back first and looked into her eyes for a moment. "I believe there's something you need to tell me."

Khushi looked into his eyes and immediately understood what he meant, and a small, shy smile appeared on her face. "You're right," and she took his hand and moved it over her abdomen. "I do."

But nothing else really needed to be said, as all was understood, and Arnav kissed Khushi, both absolutely happy.

Arnav rested his forehead against Khushi's. "I love you, Khushi."

"I love you, too, Arnav. Forever and always," and she kissed him again.

And they all lived happily ever after.

THE END

Chapter Seventy One

With the news of Khushi expecting a baby girl, double celebrations were called for and the family was reunited to celebrate. Per Arnav's request, however, Lavanya agreed to keep it small so she held the party at their house, also making it easy for NK and Seema. While the elders were downstairs, everyone else stayed upstairs, the ladies hanging out in NK's and Seema's bedroom.

"How's it going for you new mama," Payal asked Seema.

"Tiring," Seema said as she collapsed down onto the bed. "Lately he's been fussy at night and stays awake, and no matter how hard we try to get Shaurya to fall asleep, he refuses."

"I'm sure it's just a phase," Khushi smiled softly.

"I hope so. The pooping and the burping I can deal with, but a non-sleepy baby while I'm sleep deprived, I cannot."

"Well if it helps, maybe try to keep him up a little longer in the day so that he sleeps more at night. And swaddling should help as well, or so I've heard Arnav say."

"Let me guess - baby book?"

"One of many," Khushi grinned, rolling her eyes.

"Same here with NK, he just won't drop it," Seema rolled her eyes.

"I might have a solution," Payal said."

I'll do anything!"

"Just have him give the books to Akash."

"Give them to Akash? But why would he-?

"Khushi's eyes widened and so did Lavanya's.

"Shut the fuck up," Lavanya grinned.

Khushi placed her hand over Payal's. "You really mean...?"

Payal nodded. "I'm pregnant."

The room erupted with squeals of joy and all of the ladies hugged Payal, Payal unable to help herself, getting emotional.

"Oh my gosh congratulations," Khushi exclaimed.

"I'm so happy for you," Seema grinned.

"Another baby is joining the family, oh fuck yeah," Lavanya exclaimed.

The others rolled their eyes at Lavanya's choice of words, but they had to agree that it was true.

"This is going to be amazing! I can't wait to get a grip on Akash Bhai-"

"You can't," Payal cried out.

Everyone looked at Payal in confusion.

"What the-? Why," Khushi asked.

"I... I haven't told him...."

"Why not," Seema asked.

"Well... I don't know. I guess I'm just nervous."

"How come," Lavanya frowned.

"Did Akash say something," Khushi asked. "As far as I know, he's been wanting a child. That even seemed to be the case when you all came over to our place last time."

"No, it's nothing like that," Payal said, shaking her head. "It's just... I don't know, I'm just so nervous myself and I'm still processing it. I mean... it's been quite some time since Akash and I got married and...."

"And what," Khushi asked softly.

Payal let out a sigh. "People started saying things," she said very softly.

"What do you mean," Lavanya frowned.

"I didn't notice it at first but... the first time I ever heard anyone say anything was at work, some time ago. Some of the ladies were wondering how come even after being married for so long that there was no news of anything. At first I didn't let it get it to me, because the truth is we weren't even trying - we were only trying to live our lives and have fun. But eventually..." Payal let out another sigh. "People were just getting more and more cruel, and we had started trying for a moment, but then we kinda stopped because of things getting hectic at work for Akash, but even then nothing had worked so.... Some women sure can be nasty."

"What did they say," Khushi asked, her jaw tense.

"What else would they say," she scoffed sarcastically. "That I couldn't get pregnant, that something was wrong with me, or something was wrong with Akash-"

"Those bitches," Lavanya scowled.

"Harpies," Seema sneered.

"Whatever they are... I slowly started to believe them. For a moment I really thought that maybe something was wrong with me-"

Payal's voice cracked and she looked down, tears coming to her eyes. Khushi reached out and held her hand Seema holding her other hand, while Lavanya placed a hand over her knee.

"Hey, don't cry," Khushi soothed. "Obviously that's not true, and they're just bitter and jealous of you, that's all, forget them."

"Yeah, they're just a bunch of jealous whores," Lavanya said.

"I second that," Seema said.

Payal couldn't help her chuckle at her sister in law's words. "They are," and she wiped a tear away that had escaped. "But... it just really sucked that Ma had to hear things from other people as well. All those aunties...."

"Fuck them, they're just villains like in TV dramas," Lavanya said, rolling her eyes, and the other ladies chuckled.

Khushi turned back to Payal. "Have you been to the doctors?"

Payal nodded. "I went earlier today. I did intend on going as soon as I could, once I saw the 5 positive pregnancy tests but... I just couldn't believe it."

"How far along are you," Seema asked.

"Six weeks."

"Oh my gosh," the three ladies gushed.

"I know and... when I heard the heartbeat I just... I still can't believe this is really happening, I just...."

Khushi squeezed her hand lightly. "Well trust me, if you don't believe it now, you sure as heck will when your tummy starts getting big and round and you're waddling around everywhere like a penguin," she teased lightly.

Payal couldn't help her laugh, a few more tears escaping. "Holy crap, this is really happening, isn't it? And why am I getting so emotional for," she tried to chuckle off as she wiped away a few more tears.

"That's pregnancy for you," Khushi shrugged with a smile.

"You're pregnant?"

All the ladies looked up in surprise at the sound of Akash's voice, finding not only him at the door, but Arnav, NK, and Aman as well. All of the men looked absolutely surprised, but Akash looked completely stunned. Payal looked back at the other ladies and they nodded, reassuring her. Feeling a bit more positive, Payal got up and went over to Akash, his eyes still wide and on her.

"I'm pregnant," she lightly laughed. "I found out last week after taking a few tests, but I couldn't believe it myself, so I finally went to the doctors this morning and it really is true. I know I should've told you earlier but I just-"

But Payal was immediately cut off as Akash caressed her cheeks and kissed her. The others cheered and whooped with joy as Akash let go of her lips and rested his forehead against hers.

"You're not mad at me," Payal asked softly.

"Not at all baby, I'm so happy," and Akash hugged her.

Lavanya began clapping. "Eep! Oh my gosh, we have to go tell the parents, they're going to be so excited!"

Without a word, Lavanya rushed out of the room and everyone followed after her. They all joined the adults downstairs, causing the elders to get curious when they saw them. But as soon as Akash and Payal announced the great news, everyone was ecstatic, especially Manorama. She showered Payal and Akash with hugs and kisses and she couldn't believe that she was actually going to become a grandmother!

"Ugh, this is all just so exciting," Lavanya gushed, gripping onto Aman's arm.

"Yeah, I don't think I can top this at all," Aman said.

Lavanya looked up at him in confusion. "What do you mean? And wait, I thought we were meeting tomorrow since I had this thing going on with the family tonight."

"Yeah but um, I was told to come since I'm a part of the family, or at least, hopefully will be."

"What do you mean?"

Aman released his arm and reached into his pocket as he bent down on one knee. Lavanya gaped at him in shock, the other members of the family also looking at them in shock.

"Aman," Lavanya gasped, but she couldn't say anything else.

"I, um... well it was quite the process to get here. Not only did I ask your father for your hand in marriage, but I went through your brothers as well..."

Lavanya looked at them, each of the men looking at her with a confident yet gentle smile.

"And they all gave me their blessing quite easily actually...."

The Raizada ladies looked at the husbands in shock, surprised that they didn't make things difficult on Aman. But then again, they had known Aman for quite some time now, so it did also make sense why they didn't.

"So since I have their blessing... Lavanya Raizada, will you marry me?"

"Are you fricking kidding me, yes," Lavanya exclaimed.

Lavanya's tears flowed free as Aman placed the ring on her finger, and as Aman stood up, he picked Lavanya up into his arms and swung her around with joy, everyone else either clapping, or clapping while shedding a few tears. They congratulated them and everyone was beyond happy! Luckily for the infants, who had been asleep, taking their nap, had decided to wake up then and join the festivities.

As the family all sat down together for dinner, Khushi couldn't help but to look around at everyone. Aman and Lavanya were wrapped up in their love bubble, absolutely happy, Lavanya admiring her ring. NK and Seema were cooing at their little one as NK fed Shaurya his bottle. Akash and Payal were very happy, however it seemed that her devar was already getting very protective, fussing about what she should eat and what she shouldn't eat. Looking at the elders, she could see that Kaki Ma was over the moon, excited for her coming grandchild, although she seemed to be on Payal's side, thinking that Akash was going way beyond protective, Bade Papa also seeming to agree with his wife. As for Choti Ma, she looked very happy, her and Chote Papa smiling at NK, Seema, and their grandson, as well as at Lavanya and their future son in-law. As for her Ammu and Papa, she saw the way they were doting over Ahana, and she couldn't be more happier for them.

"Khushi?"

Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Arnav, who had his eyebrow arched. She simply shook her head to gesture that it was nothing and sighed, looking down her bump and placing her hand over it before turning her attention to Aarav, who was having fun in his father's lap while toying with his father's phone. She couldn't help her smile and kissed the little one on his head.

Aryan picked up his glass and stood up. "I think a toast is in requirement here, we have many things to celebrate."

Everyone nodded and held their glasses up.

"To Aman and Lavanya - Aman, we've known you for quite some time now and have already considered you as part of the family, but we look forward to officially making you a part of it.

"To Nandkishore and Seema - I, like everyone else, am very proud of you two and am really happy for the bundle of joy you have brought into the universe, and I know it can be hard dealing with a newborn and there may be some points where you will feel very sleep deprived, but I know that in the end you two will do very well and raise Shaurya to be a strong, wonderful man.

"To Akash and Payal - we are all very happy for you two and thank you for not only the wonderful news, but for helping to make this family grow. I understand that society hasn't always been nice to you two, as I've heard some of the nasty things people had to say, and no one took it nicely - not any of us elders and I'm sure neither of you. But you two didn't let that bring you down and now here we are! We all look forward to meeting your little one and congratulations.

"To my son, Arnav, and my beautiful daughter Khushi - Khushi, you truly are the embodiment of happiness. Ever since you came into our lives, there has been nothing but happiness. Yes, there were those few dark moments, but you didn't let that take over, you helped to fight it. You not only fought it, but brought light in as well. You brought my light back, my Shalini back, allowing for me to experience fatherhood again. Not only did you bring Shalini back and help me get Ahana, but you've given me a wonderful grandson, and soon, a granddaughter, and I cannot wait to meet her. You truly are, not only the best thing to happen to Chote, but to all of us. Thank you."

Khushi couldn't help her tears, Arnav reaching over and giving her hand a light squeeze.

"To family!"

"To family," everyone echoed and they cheered, everyone completely in joy.

*~*

As time went on, Khushi becoming more and more heavily pregnant, her relief was somewhat relieved. As Arnav had said, he had gotten a private investigator to look into Abhay, and what Abhay had said to his parents was true. Abhay was absolutely harmless, living his life and never wanting to associate with anything his mother had to do with. It took a moment for Arnav to come terms with this, as he was very on guard and protective of his family, but he eventually relaxed and came to the terms that Abhay was never going to be a problem. Their family was safe and they no longer had any worries to trouble them....

For now.