He’d chuckled at the way her jaw had dropped open, chucking her under her chin playfully.
“She agreed to that?” Aditi had questioned immediately.
“I am certain my lawyers heard every curse word in the book. But I didn’t give her a choice.” He slid his hand down to hold hers, his thumb drawing lazy circles on her warm skin. “She had to accept my conditions and stay away from us, or she would have nothing. I will no longer allow Leela Shetty to take the things I rightfully deserve. Whether that is my name, my father’s legacy, or my happiness with you.”
“So, you’re rich?”
“Yep.”
Aditi had leaned in, hesitating before asking, “Like, seafront-mansion-rich?”
“I’m afraid so.” He’d grinned at her stunned expression. “We can pick the smallest one to live in if you want.”
“You have more than one?”she’d gasped, eyes widening as the truth slowly set in.
“We do. It’s not just mine— it's ours.”
“Uh-huh. What about the school? Does this mean you don’t need to rely on investors for the school anymore?”
Rian had shrugged, drawing her into his arms.
“I still want investors. It is good to have big names involved if I want it to be accepted as a formal institute. But I am not limited by them. I can build a bigger facility, have a larger scholarship pool, pay for better instructors, and figure out a way to use the money my dad left me to do good.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Aditi’s approval of his decision had relieved him. “Between your restaurants and my earnings once I’m through specialisation, we won’t need your inheritance at all.”
Rian had nodded, saying nothing else. The truth was that there were portions of his estate that would always remain his, bound to pass from him to his children. Entailments that were substantial enough that he could spend like a madman, and still leave wealth behind for the next few generations to live in comfort.
To his amusement, Aditi still seemed to be adjusting to the idea that he was as rich as Croesus, and by default, so was she. The fact that her ideal date was still a nighttime bike ride and a plate of pav bhaji at Chandan’s stall only endeared her more to him.
Excited whispers and tittering had him breaking out of his musings. The wavering sound of flutes filled the atmosphere, an indication of the bride’s entry.
Rian stood up, running a hand down his front and nervously straightening his kurta. He blew out a quick breath, his eyes stuck at the bend around which she would arrive. The sound of anklets and the clinking of bangles accompanied the group of ladies who slowly came into view as they sang verses that spoke of two beloveds tying the knot, of the heavens witnessing their union and blessing them with untold joy. He observed them, as mesmerisedwith their coordination as the other attendees. Surrounded by her sisters and girlfriends, all swathed in various colours of rich Kanjeevaram sarees, he couldn’t catch sight of Aditi. He noted Kaya in the procession at one time, and Vera beside her, even Nina—but not the woman he was desperate to see.
Anxious and excited, he leaned slightly to the side, waiting with bated breath for that first special glimpse of his bride.
A heartfelt prayer of thanks escaped his lips when the bridesmaids parted. Aditi emerged, looking resplendent, a true goddess today. All the gold on her didn’t shine as much as her eyes did when they met his. Her radiance was unmatched when her smile widened at his besotted expression, and his heart damn near exploded with happiness.
The prickle behind his eyes increased when she accepted his hand to step up on the dais, her unwavering gaze upon him, the subtle tightening of her fingers in his palm anchoring him to her.
He’d never thought he would be here. That he would find someone to love and commit to for a lifetime, who felt the same for him. The world around him faded as he drew her closer, knowing that what he found so clearly reflected in her eyes was all her love, and the promise of forever.
It was hours before Rian and Aditi caught a moment together alone. Through every part of the ceremony, especially the vows, they had found ways to acknowledge each other silently. Their absolute incandescence was not hidden from any of the guests, and the entire atmosphere was one of revelry and jubilation.
Now, standing in the guest cottage that was serving as their temporary resting spot, they’d been afforded a brief respite tofreshen up before joining everyone once more for the post-wedding rituals.
“Our family seems happy,” Aditi said, dabbing at the edge of her eye to wipe the kohl that had smudged. She’d shed a few tears when her father had given her away. Her emotions, though mostly happy, had certainly oscillated today. “Our friends, too,” she added, accepting the bottle of water Rian held out for her.
“Hmm.”
“Kaya is glowing and Arjun was being extra annoying while checking in on her. And did you see Vera and Vihaan?” she asked, gasping when firm hands settled on her hips and pulled her back into him.
“I don’t want to talk about our friends, Sunshine,” Rian murmured against her ear, tickling it. “I want to talk about us. Our friendship.”
She laughed, shaking her head.
“What?”
“I just remembered those days when you kept saying we weren’t friends.”