Page 117 of Fixation

Mihir looked at Armaan.

“Why are you looking at me? I’m not the one always creating mischief,” Armaan grumbled. “It was Vedant.”

Mihir addressed Rajiv. “Look, we weren’t friends when I did that and she was the best person for the job.”

Rajiv’s lips pursed. “She ismysister. You put her through fear and angst because you kidnapped her and held her hostage. No wonder none of us could get in touch with her easily in those days. And don’t even fucking talk about the money. You told me you were paying the medical team a lot of money to stay and care for Vedant. She, however, never needed your fucking money, and you knew that right from the beginning.”

Armaan raised a hand up. “In his defence, he only was trying to protect Vedant, and as soon as I reached London, which was a few days later, I assured Reina that I’d get her out when she wanted to, and she decided she wanted to stay and care for Vedant. I also returned her phone to her after which you all could communicate easily with her.”

“Two right things done later doesn’t wipe out the initial wrong he did,” Rajiv said.

“Rajiv,” Sheena linked her arm with her husband’s. “It’s over. We are here, celebrating Reina and Vedant tonight, which means it all worked out in the end. And while I don’t agree with what Mihir did, don’t tell me you wouldn’t have done the same for any of your siblings!”

Rajiv stared at Mihir for a long moment. He lifted his jaw before addressing him. “Next week, you and I are meeting in the ring in my sports club, and I get five minutes of uninterrupted time without you attacking me. You’re only allowed to defend yourself.”

Fuck. Vedant knew Rajiv was a brilliant fighter. He was as good as Vedant and his brothers, if not better. Four years back—post the yacht incident—Armaan had stupidly egged Rajiv into a fight in order to get Navya’s attention. Vedant had seen first-hand how equally matched Rajiv and Armaan were. Rajiv demanding five minutes from Mihir meant that Mihir would get a solid beating from Reina’s brother for getting her kidnapped. He waited with bated breath as to how Mihir would react. Mihir never gave a time out to anyone when he was fighting, not even to Armaan and him.

Mihir lowered his chin in a nod. “Fine. But that means tonight we celebrate our siblings’ happiness, and post that fight, you and I will never discuss that again. Nor will you hold it against me in the future. Deal?”

Rajiv took Mihir’s offered hand. “Deal. Now, let’s celebrate.”

They all watched the two of them shake hands.

“Thank God, that’s over,” Armaan finally said.

Navya gave Vedant a hug. “I’m glad it all worked out. You’re good for her, and she’s good for you.”

Vedant gave her a smile.

“Welcome to our madness. You’re witnessing it live.” Sheena caught his arms and looked at Reina and then back at him. “Be kind to each other and love each other always. Oh, and I can’t wait for you to meet my kids. They will be delighted to meet you.”

“Thanks, Sheena. I can’t wait to meet them.”

Vedant watched the excited chatter all around him as Mihir popped the bottle open and served the cool champagne to everyone. Reina linked her arm to Vedant’s.

Vedant put an arm around her instead. “Thank you for agreeing to be with me, and thank you for making me a part of this…” He spread a hand out. “…this lovely family of yours and mine. It feels so good to have more people to count on as my own.”

“I love you, Vedant Oshnov—yesterday, today, and each day hence.” She pushed to her toes and kissed his lips.

He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her to him.

“Guys, some decorum, please,” Rajiv groaned. “I really don’t need to see my baby sister making out with her man.”

Reina shifted in Vedant’s arms to look at her brother. “Sure. Then that also means you need to stop kissing your wife when either of us is around.”

Navya chuckled. “Not sure that’s happening anytime soon.”

“Exactly my point,” Reina said.

Vedant laughed. His heart was happy being here in all their midst. A few months back, when he thought his life was ending, he’d never expected a brave and beautiful woman to put her own career at stake to save him. But she had, and now, thanks to her, he was going to live the best life ever.

He accepted a glass of champagne from Mihir and watched with a happy heart how everyone in their little circle toasted to Reina and him.

Life was good, and he was finally where he was always meant to be.

EPILOGUE

One week later

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