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The party grew louder as more guests filled the mansion—lights shimmering across the chandeliers, music drifting softly through the hall, and laughter echoing from every corner. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, and the Rangers team blended into it with wide eyes and admiration.
Haniya walked beside Aarav, their arms brushing occasionally, sending small sparks of warmth through her. The hall looked even grander now—decorated with roses, crystal pieces, and warm golden lighting. Her family knew how to celebrate.
Just then—her father entered the hall.
The entire team froze.
Mr. Mehra always carried a quiet authority—tall, composed, dressed sharply in a black tuxedo. The moment he spotted Haniya, his expression softened instantly, but when his gaze shifted to her teammates, he switched back to his formal mode.
Vivaan whispered loudly, "Bro, he looks like he owns five countries."
Harsh quietly elbowed him, "Shut up, man, he's coming here!"
Haniya smiled and walked forward. "Dad."
He kissed her forehead lightly. "Having fun?"
"Yes," she replied. "Dad, this is my team—the Rangers."
The boys quickly straightened up.
Vivaan saluted.
Harsh tried to bow.
Kashvi just smiled nervously.
Her father chuckled—a rare sound. "Welcome to my home. I have heard impressive things about your performance."
Vivaan nearly tripped from happiness. "Sir—we are honored. Like HONORED."
Harsh whispered, "Why are you talking like a Disney villain?"
Vivaan shushed him quickly.
Aarav stepped forward respectfully. "Good evening, sir."
Her father's eyes softened even more—he already knew about Aarav. And he liked him. "Aarav. Congratulations on the victory."
"Thank you, sir," Aarav replied, steady and confident.
Haniya noticed her father's approving nod and smiled secretly.
They talked for a while—the team asking about the mansion, joking lightly, and Mr. Mehra smiling more than anyone had seen him do at formal events. After a few minutes, he was called away by another high-profile guest.
As soon as he left, Vivaan exhaled loudly. "Bro, I'm alive. I survived meeting the richest man I've ever seen."
Harsh added, "Same. My legs were shaking. I think I bowed to him twice."
Kashvi laughed. "Relax. He's sweet once you know him."
Vivaan looked around dramatically. "Sweet?? Haniya, your dad looks like he can buy my entire family tree."
They all burst into laughter.
But before the moment could lighten further, Aarav's parents entered the room.
Haniya saw them before Aarav did—his father tall with a calm posture and sharp eyes, and his mother graceful with a warm smile.
Aarav recognized them instantly and stepped forward. "Mom? Dad? You made it?"
His mother hugged him tightly. "Of course we did!"
His father placed a hand on his shoulder, pride showing clearly. "Well played, son."
Aarav smiled—and then, as naturally as breathing, he held Haniya's hand and brought her forward.
"Dad, Mom… this is Haniya."
There was no hesitation, no nervousness—just confidence.
Haniya felt her heart skip.
Aarav's mother's eyes lit up. "So this is the girl. My goodness, Aarav talks about you all the time."
Aarav froze. "M—Mom…"
Haniya turned red instantly. "Aunty…"
His father shook her hand firmly. "It's good to meet you, beta. We've heard a lot about you."
Aarav cleared his throat loudly. "Dad, Mom—enough."
They just laughed at his reaction.
But not everyone was laughing.
A few steps away…
Anamika watched the entire introduction, her expression stiffening. As Aarav's parents walked away, she made her move.
She approached Aarav with a too-bright smile. "Aarav! You didn't introduce me to your parents."
Aarav didn't even blink. "They already left."
"Oh," she said, pretending disappointment. "Then maybe later? I mean, it's important for them to know the people around you…"
Haniya narrowed her eyes, but before she could respond, Kashvi slid beside her.
"Oh my God," Kashvi whispered, "why is she hovering like a lost balloon?"
Haniya sighed. "Ignore her."
"No," Kashvi grinned, "I am enjoying this. Her face when Aarav introduced you to his parents? Priceless."
Haniya chuckled softly.
They walked toward the balcony for a moment of fresh air. The view from there was breathtaking—the mansion lights blending with the city skyline.
Kashvi rested her arms on the railing. "You know… everyone can see how much he cares about you. So even if Anamika is crawling all over him, it doesn't matter. You already won."
Haniya smiled—small but sincere. "I know."
Down in the hall, Vivaan and Harsh were staring at the mansion's architecture again.
"This is not a house," Harsh whispered. "This is… a kingdom."
Vivaan nodded seriously. "There are hotels smaller than this."
"I touched the wall," Harsh added, "and I swear it felt rich."
Vivaan dramatically placed a hand on his chest. "I want to marry into this family."
Kashvi heard them from afar and shouted, "Shut up both of you!"
They saluted her instantly.
Back inside the hall, music shifted to a softer, elegant tune. Guests mingled, laughter spread, and waiters passed with trays of delicate desserts.
Aarav finally returned to Haniya's side, gently brushing his fingers against hers.
"Having fun?" he asked.
"With you?" she replied softly. "Always."
He smiled—slow and warm.
Over the noise of the party, the lights, the chatter, and even Anamika's frustrated glances…
It still felt like just the two of them in the room.
And the night had only just begun.
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