Page 93 of The Checkmate

“Consider the tickets booked for next week. Start packing,” I declare, already imagining the romantic getaway we’re about to embark on.

She literally jumps into my arms and gives me a tight hug. I lift her off the marble countertop and put her down. That’s when Trisha and Krish enter the kitchen together. They pause, glancing at us with a mix of curiosity and amusement, wondering if they’ve walked in on an intimate moment. Krish, always the tease, wastes no time in making a playful remark.

“Get a room, guys. Not in the kitchen. It’s too open here... don’t you think?”

Trisha holds back a chuckle, clearly more at ease with Krish than before.

“You had to make it sound dirty,” I tease, joining the playful banter. “Be it the kitchen or the bedroom, the location doesn’t matter when you’re in love. Stop being jealous.”

Meher grins mischievously, seeing Krish frowning at me, and then she drops a bombshell.

“Good, both of you are here. Pack your bags. We are going to Austria next week.”

Confusion clouds everyone’s faces, but I, in particular, am taken aback.

“One second. Why would Krish and Trisha need to come with us? It’s a honeymoon, Meher,” I question, not understanding her unexpected invitation.

Meher, enjoying every bit of the suspense she’s creating, holds back a chuckle.

“So what if it’s our honeymoon? You said Trisha is my full-time bodyguard. Naturally, she has to come with us. And if Trisha is in, how can Krish possibly stay behind? I can’t have my husband pining for his bestie. I mean, when Trisha and I go shopping, you’ll need your partner in crime to sit back and enjoy bonfires and booze. The more, the merrier, and the safer we’ll all be!”

Krish and I roll our eyes, whereas Trisha tries to suppress her smile.

I look at Meher, and she’s grinning mischievously. Aah, I catch on. My wife is just having fun at my expense. Let me show her who’s the boss.

Sliding my arm around her waist, I intentionally pull her closer in the presence of Krish and Trisha.

“It’s a honeymoon. Only you and I will fly to Austria. Krish and Trisha will not come with us. And forget shopping, you won’t step out of the bedroom during our stay in Austria. The queen’s safety and pleasure both will be in the hands of the king.”

Meher blushes profusely and hits my chest, realising we have two very inquisitive ears listening to our intimate talks.

“Now, who is making this dirty?” Krish grumbles dramatically. “Damn hell, why do you get to go on a vacation every single time and not me?”

I chuckle at his outburst.

“This is not a vacation. It’s a honeymoon, Krish. You need to be married to go on a honeymoon. No one will stop you from taking a vacation if you get married. Any luck finding a partner? Or should Meher and I intervene and find a good woman for you?” I suggest in a mischievous tone.

Trisha and Krish look uncomfortable as Krish speaks up, “No, thank you. I don’t want you two to be burdened with that responsibility. I’ll find my partner myself.” He changes the subject with a sheepish grin and adds, “For now, we need to inform the team in Austria to get ready to welcome and guard the honeymoon couple.” With that, he and Trisha walk away, leaving them both alone.

Meher’s playful teasing and Krish’s comical banter bring more smiles to our faces. It feels like ages since we enjoyed such light moments. Now, this will be our new norm. Both of our families have faced numerous challenges in recent months, and the lingering darkness has finally lifted. This brief getaway for Meher and me in Austria is just what we need, marking a hopeful new beginning for us.

EPILOGUE

MEHER

Four Months Later

Devika bhabhi and Aksh bhai welcomed the arrival of a baby girl last month, and today is her naming ceremony at the Walia House. The past four months have been filled with immense joy and significant responsibilities. Even after openly acknowledging Vishnu as his son—a secret hidden for years—Dad won the elections due to his hard work, goodwill and dedicated service to the community, and he is now the Chief Minister of the state. Despite his increased responsibilities, he always makes time for the family. With the arrival of Aksh bhai’s baby, Dad is even more involved, ensuring that both the baby and Devika bhabhi have everything they need. I’ve never seen him pamper anyone except me, but I love this new side of him. He looks like the proudest grandfather whenever he talks about his grandchild to everyone.

Aksh bhai’s life has taken a complete 180-degree turn. I’ve never seen him cry, but happy tears filled his eyes when he held his daughter for the first time. In a moment of pure joy, he openly kissed Devika bhabhi in front of the entire family at the hospital—an unexpected display of affection from which he had always refrained till date. Ayaan couldn’t resist teasing him, questioning whether Aksh, who had always claimed to dislike public displays of affection, had finally changed his course. Bhai responded in good humour, playfully attributing the newfound expression of love to his brother-in-law, Ayaan. He quipped that watching our extravagant display of affection inspired and motivated him. My poor King wisely chose not to argue further, acknowledging the undeniable truth in Bhai’s words. Clearly, the baby’s arrival has significantly strengthened our family’s bonds.

Aksh bhai maintains his position within the NEP party and has already given the green light for the Mashaal project. Following this, Kailash Uncle is engrossed in overseeing the construction of a hydroelectric power plant in Kansapur with his team. Ayaan, on the other hand, is working on secret missions at GLEN, utilising the intelligence provided by Raghav. Although Ayaan hasn’t divulged many details, I’m aware that his team is relentlessly working to fight international criminals and dismantle their criminal empires. The Shergill and Walia families are moving forward, embracing the new additions and challenges that life brings.

“Meher, can you help me fasten this necklace?”

Devika bhabhi’s voice breaks my chain of thoughts as she calls me to help with her necklace. We’re in her room at the Walia House, and I happily assist her in getting ready. Guests have already gathered for the naming ceremony, and the family is entertaining them downstairs. I approach Bhabhi, who stands by the dressing mirror and help her fasten her necklace around her neck. She turns around then, all ready for the big reveal.

“Baby’s mommy looks gorgeous today,” I remark, playfully pinching her cheeks.

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