“You look like a heroine straight out of Yashraj films” Sonia asks teasingly. She takes another sip of her chai while swinging gently “You are glowing naturally or brought an expensive blush?”

I shrug my shoulders trying to stay nonchalant at her words. The warm breeze that flowed felt really cold due to my damp hair sending goosebumps across my neck.

“It's because of the sun” I reply, tapping my cheek gently. Sonia looked up at the cloudy sky with squinted eyes and back at me “Yeah, I have eyes, ears and a good brain to connect dots together”

“Sonia” I warn

“Di” She says back in the same tone

I sigh, shaking my head, I know it's stupid to hide anything from a teenager whose brain is curious to know everything around.

“Like I said, Lucas and I had a minor argument that's why I did that whole thing with Kabir” I explain which is totally a lie. I can't pull her into the ‘fake dating’ drama which is caused because of her.

The same lie I told Kabir to get him to help me.

“Seriously? Aise solve hote hai couple arguments?” She asks with a cringe face “But it worked. Lucas Bhai was really fuming and stormed off while you followed him inside. After that no one saw you both” She adds, her last words filled with suspicion.

[Translation - Seriously? Is this now couples solve arguments?]

I press my lips together, my grip tightens around the chains of the swing. The flush creeps on my neck remembering the kiss again and again.

“Lucas Bhai? Yeh kab hua?” I ask, changing the topic. Sonia glances at me, keeping the empty cup down on the grass “Kyun? Jija ji bolon kya?” She teases wiggling her eyebrows at me

[Translation - Lucas Brother? When did this happen?

Why? Should I call him Brother in law?]

Yeh ladki!

[Translation - This girl!]

“Chup! Nahi, zaroorat nahi” I mutter softly. I push myself forward using my weight to swing along. “Bhai ne yeh lage ke achaa kia” I say observing the swings he ordered to construct in the palace’s garden

[Translation - Shut up! No, no need!

Veer did a good thing making these]

They are near the sitting area just like in the playground but decorated with a cushion sitting on the wooden base. Also a safety mat placed by for safety.

This was so out of the blue

“Haan, mujhe toh bahut maza aa raha hai!” She screams as she increases her speed, swinging back and forth rapidly. The sound of her laughter mingles with the wind.

[Translation - Yes, I am having so much fun!]

A smile creeps on my lips watching her enjoy the moment. When I was young papa also used to push these swings for me, he always yelled that he would push me until I could touch the sky.

I would laugh and ask him to swing me harder believing I would actually touch the sky.

I never thought that I would reach a point that I have to swing myself to touch that sky

“Di! Kya hua?” Sonia suddenly stops looking at me, noticing my drifting off expressions. I quickly shake my head and continue to swing gently “Nothing”

[Translation - Sister! What happened?]

She hums softly as she swings herself at my pace “You woke up early, yet your hair is still wet” She comments. Her words make me hyper aware of the hair strands clinging onto my neck and shoulders.

“Yeah, I didn't dry them properly” I reply, tilting my head back and shaking my head a bit to brush them away from my skin.

I lazily swing myself, closing my eyes slightly to enjoy the warm yet cloudy weather. While humming a song under my breath.

I did wake up early but that time went in making breakfast for Lucas. Since he came here, he has only been eating Indian food. For me it's like heaven to finally eat these but not for him. So I thought to make him something he usually eats back at home. That's why I didn't get time to tend my hair.

“See! You are glowing!” She exclaims pointing accusing fingers at me “And don't tell me it's Korean skincare or whatever!”

A lazy smile tugs on the corner of my lips “Its the weather” I say, it's not completely a lie though. I love this peaceful feeling.

“And these flowers, this swing and I got a nice eight hours of sleep,” I add, pushing the swing back with my toes. The soft grass touches my skin making me feel giddy.

“You sure it's not related to the certain Australian aka my future brother in law?”

The swing stilled

My cheeks flamed instantly as I turn to her, the wind blew making my almost set hair go wild again while I tried to keep the desperate act of normalcy “Stop it!”

She just giggles

Now I understand why Stella blushed at every mention of Liam

Didn't expect to experience it so soon

Am I going so fast? Like we haven't been officially for 24 hours yet I am just so happy and free and—

“You know I am remembering a song for this moment” Sonia says looking at me with a wide grin, she continued to swing while singing “Ye ishq, haay, baithe-bithaae jananath dikhae”

I groan softly, closing my eyes at her teasing. Her singing takes me back to my teenage years when I used to dance to this song full of energy.

The lyrics are definitely coming true

Suddenly she stops and hops off the swing, grabbing her teacup from the ground “Okay, time to go” She announces making me confused

She was teasing me for the past few minutes, why leave so suddenly?

“Haan? Kyun?”

[Translation - Yes? What?]

She glances at me “Aap ke Ishq aa gaye hai” She gestures forward. My eyes followed her direction to find Lucas standing near the lounging area, leaning against the pillow with a video camera in hand.

[Translation - Your love has arrived]

Recording me

He is in a soft linen shirt, a shade of pastel yellow — just like my suit I am wearing today. The lens shifted slightly, as if he is trying to capture the moment of wind toying with my hair

My eyes widens, I let my feet touch the ground making the swing stop. How long was he watching us? Watching me?

Sonia hops away and approaches Lucas and greets him a good morning. He slowly lowers his camera, a tiny smile on his lips as he returns her greeting with the same enthusiasm. As Sonia leaves, he starts walking towards me.

Calm down Jasmine!

My heart clams with every step he takes towards me. A gentle breeze fluttered my dupatta, I press my lips together before they would break into a wide smile.

The grass rustled beneath his steps. Along the breeze, the clouds faded away — bathing the garden in morning sunshine. The birds chirped from the trees above.

Is this all happening or my brain is playing games with me

He stops in front of me, gently taking my hand in his and bending lower to press a kiss against my knuckles “Good Morning, Milaya” He greets, his tone light and sweet.

This is definitely a good morning.

“Good Morning” I reply, my eyes still up at him. His tall frame casting a shadow over me, covering me from the sunlight. “I didn't mean to disturb the melody” he says, referring to my time with Sonia

I shake my head “You didn't. I was kinda…no, I was really waiting for you” I confess.

His lips break into a wide smile, almost excited “Well that's the best thing I have heard”

A chuckle escaped my mouth, his warm hand was still holding mine. I didn't mind though. “You were also recording me?”

He shrugs his shoulders, his eyes tracing the swing before meeting mine again “You looked really happy and peaceful. I just wanted to” He replies, glancing at the video camera held in his hand.

My fingers curled around the chain of the swing

The butterflies in my stomach are doing garba in daya's style

“You have quite a chemistry with your words” I comment. He gently nudged the swing gently pushing me forward “I have chemistry with you, I already mentioned it before. But you said you would drown me in H2O”

I clench my eyes close at the memory. It was when I didn't like him, the misunderstandings and the constant arguments.

“No please don't”

He chuckles at my plea. Releasing my hand, he walked to stand behind the swing. Holding the chains he pushes the swing forward “Alright and I liked the breakfast you made”

“How did you know?” I ask in surprise, I just made the breakfast and sent it through the staff. Did they tell him?

“Well I don't think the chef here would know I don't like tomatoes in my sandwich, no sugar black coffee. And the omelet with minimum chilly”

I lower my head trying to cover my face with the hair. He leaned in a little, brushing the damp hair strand behind her ear “You are always this beautiful in morning?”

I blinked  up at him, my heart suddenly full and racing. I turn my head to face him a bit, he clenched the chains trying to keep me close “Why? You never noticed?” I tease.

“I have, I am just getting the chance to tell you that out loud”

I couldn't help but smile as he continued to swing me. “Well you have been just eating Indian food so I thought—”

He cuts me off “I appreciate your thought and the gesture too. I really enjoyed the breakfast, especially after realizing it's made by you. But that doesn't mean you will ignore yourself” all his words made me proud until the last line. He caressed my hair a bit when the swing came near him.

“Come on, my hair will dry naturally. Dryer makes them frizzy anyways and it's summer. It's not like I will catch a cold—” Before I could complete my sentence, a sneeze escaped me.

Oh the perfect timing

“What were you saying?” Lucas asks, his words a bit stressing. I could feel him glaring at me. I brush my hair back off my shoulders “God forbid a girl having a weak immune system” I say dramatically to let this off my back but Lucas isn't planning on that.

He holds the swing still, he steps forward extending his hand to me “Let's first get your hair dried and continue”

I look at him to maybe negotiate but he has this determined expressions “If you let this go, I will give you the second brownie point”

His eyes narrows slightly “You mean the third brownie point? I deserve one after that mouse incident and oh, also after bearing that horse yesterday”

Oh

I totally forgot about those

But he wouldn't

I would have corrected him to call Kabir by his name but if i do, I am sure he will actually make Kabir a horse and leave him in a stable

“Okay fine, you have three brownie points” I mutter in defeat. Taking his hand in mine, I help myself to my feet. He grins in victory, his eyes sparkles with pride like he accomplished winning over a whole Kingdom.

“You know, you can earn your fourth brownie point” I say carefully gawking at his reaction. And as I thought he looked interested.  “Tomorrow we are doing outfit selection for the ceremonies. They are ready made but we can send them for alterations”

His eyebrows furrow together “There's no need for me. I can accompany you but I have already brought a few tuxedos and suits” He rejects although his tone is polite I am kinda offended.

“Suits won't work for an Indian royal wedding. You are wearing Indian attires only” I declare looking straight in his eyes, daring him to argue. He blinks in surprise “It's that important?”

I nod “Of course, it's my brother's wedding, the first in our generation. And now that I have a boyfriend I wanna have a full experience—”

Just as the word boyfriend escapes my mouth, Lucas is smiling like a lovesick guy.

“Yes my dear boyfriend. You will select and wear those outfits and get more brownie points” I say brushing his shoulder gently. He just nods without any problem “Yes, Milaya”

Oh I love how he says that

Milaya is a Russian word yet it sounds so hot in his Australian accent.

“You are so cute” I murmur before tip-toeing on my feet and pecking his cheek. His eyes widen at my sudden display of affection “That's a good way to start my morning” He replies leaning closer to me. His ears are getting flustered like last night.

The world falls quite — just his eyes. He smelled of warm cinnamon and sandalwood, like warmth around the firewood. Earthy and comforting but sharp enough to leave me breathless.

I close my eyes anticipating a kiss only to be ruined by a sudden splash.

Instinctively, I step back from him and look over to the fountain where the sound came from.

“Aare! Sambhal kar!” I yell, spotting a kid near the edge of the fountain. He was leaning dangerously trying to grab something from the water.

[Translation - Hey! Careful!]

His hand clenched at the edge and the other stretched forward. I quickly dash forward barefoot towards him. “Jasmine!” Lucas called behind me but I didn't stop

My heart thundered with the thought of him falling

“Bacha careful!” I shout softly trying not to scare him. He looks at me with wide eyes surprised by my appearance. His hand slipped almost dipping into the water, I lurched forward and grabbed him. Pulling his tiny frame back against me.

[Translation - Kid Careful!]

“Are you alright?” Lucas came beside me holding my arm. He looks at the kid with a confused gaze. The boy sniffled rubbing his eyes “My dino” He mumbles

Lucas turns to the fountain and spots a gree coloured dinosaur toy in the water. He easily reaches out for the toy and shakes it gently to let the water out “Here, safe and sound” He says returning the toy back to the boy.

The boy beamed at him “Thank you, uncle!”

Lucas nods with a small smile “Your welcome, little man”

I sigh softly in relief and lower him to the ground and crouch in front of him “Aapko aise nahi karna chahiye. Woh dangerous hai na? Koi bade ki madad lete” I explained to him. He just clenched his toy with his eyes downcast.

[Translation - You shouldn't do that. It's dangerous right? You should have taken an elder's help]

The fountain isn't deep enough to drown him but the hard surface could hurt him if he slipped inside. Either way it's not safe and the kid looks around four or five.

None of my close relatives have such a young kid and no one is coming this early.

I wipe the water off his cheeks with the edge of my dupatta. His soft cheeks and innocent smile makes my heart melt. He had a bit of curls in the end of his hair and those brown eyes with a hint of golden hue present—

My eyes squinted to observe more carefully. Almost like I have seen this kid or someone like this kid before

“Beta, aapka naam kya hai?” I ask softly, trying not to scare him more than he is. He looks at me — his hair a bit ruffled and clothes caught on some dirty maybe from playing around.

[Translation - Kid, what's your name?]

Before the boy could answer, a voice called out from behind — deep and anxious “Aryan!”

The boy instantly brightened up looking over my shoulder. “Papa!” he squealed. Before I could even process his name, he was already running.

Right into Veer's arms

Veer knelt down and scooped him effortlessly, he pressed a kiss against the boy's head. Veer mutters something to the boy, checking up on his face and body making sure he isn't heart.

Papa?

Did that boy call veer papa?

I open my mouth but nothing came out yet. Lucas stepped closer to me sensing my distress. He reaches out to hold my arm “Jasmine, breath” He reminds softly.

I slowly detach his grip from my arm and shake my head. Noticing my actions, Lucas steps back giving me space.

Her fingers curled into my palm

I stand frozen in my place looking at Veer smiling at the boy, he cradled him gently in his arms.

From that eyes, from that nose to that smile.

Veer notices me, all the fatherly warmth in his vanishes. Veer calls one of his guards and sends Aryan away with him. I approach him steadily despite the fear forming inside me.

Lucas steps away from us. Understanding that I need some privacy with my brother and his another secret

I stand in front of Veer, crossing my arms “Who's kid is that Veer?” I ask

Veer's jaw tightens, his broad and composed shoulders look tense now “Mira's son. My son” He reveals. I understood that boy was mira's son but the way Veer says ‘my son’ is enough to make out the situation.

But that's not the answer I am looking for.

“You are adopting him” it's not a question. My voice comes out a bit sharper than intended. I don't wanna sound unwelcoming “You are marrying Mira and adopting Aryan?” I ask for confirmation.

“Yes, I am,” He replies. His words are short and controlled but not cold.

My eyebrow furrow “Since when? You didn't mention it to anyone. Does anyone even know that—” I stop myself from saying anything wrong. I don't know anything about Mira's personal life so I couldn't judge her or comment about her son.

But when Mira comes to our family, Aryan will also be our family.

I take a deep breath and nod “Alright, it's your life and you are starting a new family. However, I would have appreciated you telling me atleast. Again, another secret”

His expression cracks slightly, guilt coming through his voice “I know. But you know what kind of drama would have happened if others know, especially our uncle”

I nod, I know that more than anyone. Veer marrying the woman of his choice was already a dagger in our uncle's chest. Knowing that he is adopting Mira's son would have given him a whole new reason to defame us.

“Bhai, who is the biologically father?” I ask, my voice trembled slightly. “His face is so similar to—”

“That's not your place to ask!” He snaps out, his eyes sharp and angry. My eyes widens at his tone, never has Veer yelled at me like that. His expressions drops at the realization “I am so sorry, I didn't mean to snap like that but it's personal matters” He apologises, his tone calmer than before

I shouldn't have asked that

But I can't help it

My suspicions grows

“Veer” I mutter, taking his name in a serious tone. “I am sorry for asking. I am sorry for trying to know and understand my brother. But I need this truth, I know you are hiding many things from me but right now my suspicion will stress me too much!”

He takes a deep breath, his shoulders hunching down. We both see the similarities, he have read my thoughts. If my guess is right then this is going to some different level of drama.

“Bhai! Please! Yes or no?”

“Yes, you are thinking right. He is Kunal's son”

And I feel my world gets blurry.“L-Lucas!” I force his name to come out before I lose myself.

Kunal's son

Kunal, our cousin brother

Aryan is Kunal's son. Mira and Kunal were together

Mira is marrying Veer

Does Kunal knows?

“Jasmine?” Lucas is beside me within a few seconds. My breathing gets heavy as I look at him, I feel like fainting now. I try to answer him but slurp out some random words.

His face scrunches in worry, he says something but I couldn't hear him properly. I feel Veer coming behind me to

o trying to coax me out.

Even if I faint then I would definitely faint in his arms

Not letting this moment go

Before I could reply, my vision goes black and I fall against Lucas. The last thing I remember is his arms eloping me, lifting me up in his arms while calling my name.

A very good morning