Page 122 of Right Where I Belong
Soft music and easy laughter filled the night air as Sabrina made her way through the lawns to the huge black tent in the center. She stood at the entrance, staring in awe at everything. Her team had outdone themselves tonight. They had brought her vision to life, and it was splendid. Black crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, elegant shimmer. White roses were tucked everywhere—on the tables, along the tent poles, even around the chandeliers—lending a subtle fragrance to the night. Silver candlesticks, surrounded by a bower of roses, sat on every black-clothed table. A band played lively music in the corner, and on the far side, a deejay station was set up for later.
Guests turned and smiled as she passed through; it was her wedding reception after all. Only hours earlier, Aditya and she had exchanged vows in a small ceremony surrounded by their friends and family. And now, he was finally herhusband.
She smiled, taking in the grandeur around her. The theme for the night was black. All the guests were dressed in that color. Aditya, however, was dressed in a dark grey suit with a charcoal grey shirt and tie, looking dashing as ever. She watched him in the distance, talking to his friends, and smiled.
She took in the rest of the crowd. Aisha’s mother was chatting with a few other older women. Aditya’s mother had introduced her to them, and Sabrina was aware she’d received a couple of invitations to join their kitty groups. The older woman was doing well and, as promised, she was making an effort to rebuild her relationship with Aisha and her family. She was also genuinely happy for Sabrina.
After the incident with JD, Aditya had refused to be parted from Sabrina and Ahaan and had insisted they move in with him immediately. Sabrina had happily agreed, and Ahaan had been delighted. They had even brought Maya to live with them. Even now, Maya was following her son through the crowd.
Aditya had helped her son overcome his fear of the water. Ahaan was swimming at last, and he’d even started swimming classes to better himself. Slowly and surely, Aditya had woven his way into her son’s heart, and she couldn’t be happier.
Aditya’s mother waved at her from the side, giving her an appreciative glance. She was glad to have her on her side, and Ahaan had grown to be very fond of Aditya’s mother too. It pleased her so much to see Mamta Wahi bond with Ahaan as her own.
Ahaan dashed past her in a blur, chasing a boy about his own age. He skidded to a stop, turned, and gave her a quick, appraising glance.
“You look nice, Mom,” he said matter-of-factly.
Before she could even thank him, he spun and raced after his new friend, Neil Luthra.
She’d met the Luthras and the Rajpoots a month ago at Mihir and Ananya’s wedding in Dubai. Avantika Luthra had quickly become a good friend, and her son, Neil, had bonded with Ahaan instantly. Aditya had gotten a phone for Ahaan, and Ahaan had kept in touch with Neil even after returning to Mumbai. She smiled. Those boys were whirlwinds of energy who seemed destined to be inseparable.
Neil was in Mumbai with his parents, Avantika and Dev, and the rest of their lively clan. Avantika’s brothers Shaurya, Vihaan, and Aaryan, along with their wives and children, were all here tonight, celebrating with them. Watching the boys disappear into the crowd, Sabrina felt a warm satisfaction. Her world was expanding, her circle of family and friends growing wider than she’d ever dreamed.
She walked a little distance ahead, and her eyes met Janak Sehgal’s. Smiling, she went up to him and kissed his weathered cheek.
“Thank you, Mr. Sehgal. It’s because of you that I have this happiness. I would’ve run away that day from the party had you not held my hand and forced me to be brave.”
“I only gave you a slight nudge in the right direction, my dear,” he said. “And here you are, right where youbelong.”
“I am,” she said happily.
Her gaze drifted to the right, and she squinted. “Are they fightingagain?”
Janak followed her gaze, and his eyes narrowed. “Oh, God, those two can simply not get along.”
Sabrina laughed. “Akash is so great, and Shauna is so fantastic, but together, they’re always clashing. And yet you can feel the fire simmering between them.”
Janak gave her a rueful smile. “The trouble is that they both want the very same thing. If only they’d realize that realhappiness isn’t in fighting each other but finding a way to move forward together.”
Sabrina frowned, not quite following his meaning. Catching her puzzled look, Janak gave her a small, knowing smile. “Never mind. I’d better go and see to them, before one of them ends up leaving angry.”
She gave him a nod. Her face lit up when she saw her brothers approaching, their women on their arms, all of them looking fabulous in black. She opened her arms, greeting each one of them with long, affectionate hugs.
“You look beautiful,” Ananya said, her hand resting gently on the slight curve of her belly.
Sabrina’s eyes softened. “How are you feeling?”
“Good,” Ananya replied with a glowing smile.
“Ahaan looks dapper,” Mihir said, his eyes on Ahaan. “We’re taking him bowling tomorrow. Dev, Avantika, and Neil are joining us.”
“Yes, he’s quite excited.”
She was delighted to see that Ahaan had instantly taken to his uncles and aunts, absolutely thrilled to discover the family his mother had lost.
“Navya, how are the wedding preparations coming along?” Sabrina asked.
“The wedding is still a long time away,” Armaan grumbled.
