[13 Years Later]

"....... After Rey's operation, your Mom suggested that we settle here instead of going back to Mumbai. And yeah... We made it until now and now we're celebrating your brother's 18th birthday.", Kabir smiled at his over enthusiastic daughter. At the age of 46, his charm and mannerisms are still the same. The years had definitely worked their magic, and made him more attractive. His face more prominent, features more sharp. As if, he was ageing backwards and not the opposite. Although over the years he had lost little weight, but that just made him look young rather than tired and old.

"Wow!", The young girl grinned, her amber eyes twinkling in joy. She resembles her mother, the same oval face and pointed nose. Not only in physical appearance, but she is one little spitfire when it comes to shower lectures on any of the family member. But unlike her mother, she's one gossip queen. Her way of talking, her style, the way she carries herself screams grace, class and elite. Since day one, until now when she's thirteen, she's one drama queen that never takes no as an answer. Her mother entitles her to be spoilt while father proudly calls her his princess that deserves the world if not universe.

She shifted on her spot, turning to face her brother and held a pretend mic on his face. "So Mr. Reyansh Raichand Verma, how does it feel to have a sister who was your saviour?", She smirked at him. He had always pulled countless pranks on her, belittled her, claimed that she's adopted and was found in dustbin. Now that she has an upper hand, it's her turn to belittle him.

"I feel sad for you.", His gorgeous face morphed into a pitiful smile, but the gleam in his onyx eyes ensured how fictitious it was.

"Why?", Her amber eyes narrowed.

"The reason of your entire existence is me.", He smirked and her eyes spaded arrows of hard glares on his sinfully gorgeous face.

Rivaah laughed and received an offended look from her daughter.

"I can't believe you're laughing at my miseries!", She snorted.

"Exactly! How dare you laugh at my precious princess, Rivaah!", Kabir snapped playfully.

"C'mon, dad! We all know she was born for me. Nothing else.", Reyansh shrugged and received harsh blows of soft pillows on his shoulder. He scooted away but she followed and continued hitting him.

"Somebody stop her before she kills me!", Reyansh screeched as he attempted to get up but she grabbed his ankle and he kept hopping like a kangaroo on one leg, struggling to get free from her claws.

"Kabir!", Taila called out and Kabir turned his attention to her. "The cake is ready. Come!", She said and he nodded before getting up from the rocking chair. Smiling at his two precious kids, he followed Taila inside kitchen.

Even though Kabir wanted to throw a grand birthday party for his son's eighteenth birthday, but the birthday boy was against it. The way he had celebrated his birthday until now, he wants to keep the same tradition alive. It was always Kabir's duty to prepare cake for his kids on their birthdays and this year must be no different was Reyansh's claim.

"Where are the strawberries, aunt Taila!?", The thirteen year old demanded as she stomped inside kitchen.

"Your tone, Barkha!", Rivaah reprimanded her in a strict voice.

"Oof, Mom! I was just asking.", Barkha shrugged, self -justifying herself.

It was Rivaah's adamant wish that their daughter must be named Barkha. She remembers the girl who once showed her the positive side of life so optimistically at the ripe age of seven, since then, her name was stuck in Rivaah's mind. And when she saw the tender face of her new born, she decided the name. She hopes for her daughter to be like that girl, brave, mature and responsible.

"Dad, I told you I want strawberry flavour. I even told Aunt Taila to prepare the icing and decorations! How could you make it chocolate! You know I don't like it!", She complained, coming to her father's side and snatching the spackle tool away from his hands. But to her misfortune, the cake was already covered with chocolate and he was just making it even and smooth.

"Because it's my birthday. Not yours!", Reyansh reminded her.

"But you don't even eat cake. Dad!", She looked up at her father with her amber eyes, wide and innocent.

"Barkha, it's enough. Learn to ask and stop demanding things!", Rivaah chided.

"Dad...", She mumbled, knowing very well that her father melts within seconds hearing her whine.

"I'm sorry. He said he wanted chocolate cake, so I made it. But don't worry, after it's done, I'll start the preparation for strawberry flavoured cake. Just for my little girl.", He kissed her forehead and she grinned wide.

"Kabir-"

"It's fine, Rivaah. I've no problem.", Kabir cut in, assuring her with his eyes.

Rivaah sighed and left the kitchen. She had told him many times that he is spoiling her but Kabir listened no one and laddened her with all the demands she asked for. It was no surprise that he loves his daughter to no extent, but Kabir considers Barkha his lucky charm. When he started his own business after over coming all the struggles and family disagreements, he saw nothing but complete failure in first few months. And a man who had always seen a rising curve of success was new to this. Failure like this was big blow to his inner strength and he lost all hope to create something remarkable on his own. But the moment his daughter let out her first cry, opportunities came knocking on his door. He earned a huge deal and received his first big break. Ever since then, all that ReyKha brand witnessed is enormous fame among other world class brands. Within a span of five years Kabir expanded his business in ten different developed countries with annual net revenue reaching as far as 190 Billion US Dollars. ReyKha Cosmetics turned into ReyKha group of Industries and knew no going back as it built pinnacles of success, claiming a spot on top defeating Raichands as well.

Since last ten years, ReyKha is ruling the business world, while Raichand Industries maintained their spot below.

ReyKha has marked their strong presence in common households as well as in world of comfort and luxuries. From cosmetics to textiles, construction, pharmaceutical, automobiles, shipping and electronics. Kabir left no stone unturned to work day and night and push his business towards sky and beyond.

But it was never a defeat for Vihaan. When Kabir announced his decision, he was apprehensive about the idea of starting everything new altogether. But now when he reads news articles and blogs about his son's remarkable success, his chest swells with pride.

"Stop whining around him like an irritating bee, Barkha.", Reyansh said rolling his eyes.

She glared at him before huffing and ignoring him.

"Barkha! Your friends are here!", Her Mom's loud call caught her attention and she dashed out.

"Did you talk to chachu?", Kabir asked sparing his son a glance.

"Yup. He said they'll reach in half hour.", Reyansh replied before picking apple from fruit basket and eating a chunk out of it.

"Reyansh, wash it before you eat, kid!", Taila instructed him.

"Okay okay!", He held his hands up before walking over to wash basin and rinsing out his half eaten apple under tap water. "Happy?", He asked and she nodded.

He strolled out lazily while eating his apple when his eyes halted on the sight of newly arrived guest.

"Hey!", Her eyes found him and she came rushing to him. "This is for you. Happy Birthday.", She smiled, holding out a paper wrapped gift box.

His dark onyx eyes zeroed on the gift she held before they raised up and met her brown ones. They shone and he scoffed internally. The beaming smile on her face irked him to core.

"Rey?", She called out meekly. Her innocent eyes staring at him hopefully.

"Jahanvi-", Dev's arrival saved him from unwanted conversation and he sighed. "Dev!", Reyansh called out before looking apologetically at her. "Excuse me!", He mumbled before jogging past her.

The fourteen year old lowered the unevenly wrapped gift down and bit on her bottom lip before sighing. "Jahnavi!", A voice called out and she looked up.

"Hey, Barkha.", She greeted and the latter came rushing to her.

"C'mon, let's go to my room!", Barkha grabbed her wrist and pulled her upstairs. "The other girls are already here.", She added with an exciting smile.

"Oh wow! Let's go then!", Jahnavi added trying to sound equally excited.

"Dude, where are the others?", Reyansh demanded.

"They'll be here.", Dev smiled. "Happy Birthday, by the way!", He wished and they did a fist bump.

"I'm so exited. Dad said I'll finally get the bike. Fuck! I can't wait until evening!", He chortled, sounding thrilled.

"Mind your words, young man!", A strict voice said and both boys stood straight.

"Sorry, Uncle Karthik.", Reyansh mumbled bashfully.

"It's fine.", Karthik chuckled. "Hey, Ranvijay!", He called out before walking past them to greet the couple enjoying conversation with Rivaah.

Reyansh tensed and Dev noticed it.

"Let's go upstairs to your room.", He patted the latter's back.

"Mom, once my friends arrive, send them to my room.", Reyansh said before dragging his best friend upstairs.

Soon his friends arrived and they stayed in the room, playing Xbox on his personally installed TV and sound system.

"Damnit!", Reyansh groaned throwing his gaming console on bed behind.

"At least there's something we can beat you in!", Armaan, one of his classmate teased.

"Well said, Armaan!", Shayan, his other friend agreed.

"Will you guys tone your volume down!", A stern, young voice said and Reyansh lazily looked at the intruder. His eyes hardening at the sight of the girl that stood behind his sister.

"Did no one ever teach you to knock?", He bit back and Barkha looked at him in an admonishing way.

"I can't believe this! Look, Bhai, we girls are trying to talk. So stop screaming like ill mannered street dogs whenever one of you wins!", She snapped.

"Barkha!", Jahnavi held her elbow, tugging at it to remind her of her choice of words.

"Get out!", Reyansh waved his hand dismissively before he grabbed his console. "C'mon, guys, don't pay attention to them.", He said and focused back on TV screen.

"Fine! I'm calling Dad!", She threatened but her brother simply scoffed.

"It's fine. Let's go.", Jahnavi said tenderly.

His jaw clenched hearing her voice and he glared at the paused game on screen.

"We'll be careful of our voice, Barkha. I'm really sorry for disturbing you.", Dev smiled apologetically.

"Thanks, Dev.", Jahnavi said gratefully as her friend was still busy shooting daggers at Reyansh who paid no heed. "Let's go now!", She whisper shouted and dragged her back.

"I'll not forget this! I'm gonna tell this to Dad!", Barkha screamed before she was pulled inside her room and Jahnavi closed the door.

"I don't know why you still like that brute!", She growled before stomping back to her bed and joining the other girls.

"Even I don't know why.", Jahnavi murmured to herself before joining her friends.

Rest of the family arrived before the sun went down.

"Always in the kitchen!", Aarav commented as he announced his presence to his brother.

"Damn! Come here!", Kabir opened his arms and both the brothers hugged each other for couple of seconds before pulling apart.

"Where's your wife?", Kabir asked as he did the finishing to his son's birthday cake and washed his hands.

"Where do you think? With the ladies!", He chuckled.

"And Rohan?"

"With his mother!", Aarav replied, distracted by the frosting on cake.

"Aarav-", Kabir turned and halted as he spotted his brother trying to lick some frosting with his finger. "Stop!", He admonished and Aarav backed out bashfully. "So I was saying, don't you think there's some dispute between these brothers?", He asked.

"Between whom?", Aarav frowned.

"Reyansh and Rohan!", Kabir deadpanned.

"Oh. I don't think so.", Aarav responded as he leaned against kitchen counter.

"Well I think there is. I've never seen those two spending time with each other. They always maintain a distance.", Kabir spoke.

"C'mon, Bhai! Rey used to adore Rohan when he was child. And I think the differences must be because of age. Reyansh is eighteen, and kids of his age tend to form their own friend circle. Our Rohan is roughly thirteen. Of course he won't do well in Reyansh's circle.", Aarav shrugged.

Even though Pooja wanted to wait and Aarav promised that he can until eternity, the two couldn't keep their hands off each other and got married within a month. In next two weeks she was pregnant because of every night exercise and Rohan was born roughly five months later after Barkha. So there's not much age difference between them.

"I still feel-"

"My handsome son!", Anaya came rushing in to grab her favorite son in a fierce hug.

"How are you, Mom?", Kabir patted her back.

"I'm fine. How are you. You look so thin. Does she not feed you well?", She asked as she examined his arms and cheekbones.

"Feed? I starve him.", Rivaah remarked as she entered kitchen.

"Shut up, Rivaah. And no, Mom. I'm all healthy.", He smiled and the skin under her eyes wrinkled as she responded with the same. She was clearly ageing, but is still able to maintain her natural beauty. At this age, her experience and modesty makes her look more stunning.

"Where's my grandson?", She asked as she turned to her daughter in law.

"In his room.", Rivaah answered.

"I'll just go and meet him.", Anaya mumbled and walked out.

"Kabir, I came to inform you that guests have started to arrive. You should get ready now.", She said and he nodded as he removed his apron.

"See you later.", He patted on his brother's shoulder before walking out.

"Mamu! A voice squealed before a little girl hugged Kabir's legs. He laughed and picked her up, placing her on his hips and kissing her cheeks feverishly. She giggled.

"How are you my darling?", He asked nudging her cheeks with his knuckles.

"I'm fine.", She yawned before resting her head on his shoulder.

"Aw, you're tired.", Kabir cooed.

"Hmm.", She hummed.

"Must be because of long flight.", Ahana came as she took her daughter back and rubbed her back.

"How was your trip to Venice?", Kabir asked.

"Great! But this little volcano did gave her father a run for his money.", She chuckled.

"I don't mind when it comes to my Avni!", Aaryan joined as he wrapped his arms around Ahana and pulled her close. "Where's the birthday boy?", He asked glancing around.

"In his room.", Kabir answered.

"Finally the most awaited family has arrived.", Aarav mocked playfully as he walked out of kitchen.

"I'll leave. I've to get ready!", Kabir said before skipping upstairs.

It took him hardly fifteen minutes to get ready. A simple black suit and he was done. Because the party is not that grand, and only few family friends are invited, he didn't feel the need to wear tux or anything classy. Although he's planning to throw a luxurious party later, because he can't offend other business mates. And also, his son deserves much more magnificent than this.

When he came out, his eyes stopped on his wife who was busy in wearing earrings. She failed to notice his intense gaze on her. Her curvaceous body cladded in silk pink saree made him restless to do sinful things to her. After this party, he'll definitely act on his fantasies.

He marched closer and she felt the shift in air. Looking up, she saw her husband through mirror and her eyes shied away. His arms encircled her waist and pulled her flush against his hard chest. His lips parted and he trailed them up to her neck from her shoulder. She arched her head back, giving him more room to continue the sweet torture.

"Later.", He whispered in her ear, before taking the stubborn jhumka in his teeth and giving it a tug.

"Dad! Everyone is asking for you and Mom!", Barkha knocked on their door.

The couple reluctantly pulled away and Rivaah bent to grab her mangalsutra while her husband went to open the door.

"You look gorgeous, my princess!", He admired his daughter in purple gown.

"Don't I!?", She giggled twirling around.

"Okay, let's head to backyard. Reyansh must be irritated now.", Rivaah butted in and dragged her husband and daughter down.

Reyansh was already the center of attention. The satin white shirt clinged to his body, and under the dim lights of garden it illuminated. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, his strong and muscular arms reason of many girls dreamy sighs. His facial features more prominent now. High cheekbones, thick and arched eyebrows, long eyelashes and pink full lips. Puberty indeed hit him hard, changing his looks from an average looking guy to an eyecandy.

After the cake cutting, everyone lounged around. Music, Food and drinks accompanying them.

"Look at how the girls are buzzing like bees hungry for nectar around my son!", Rivaah hissed as she stabbed on the cake in her plate.

"Calm down!", Kabir laughed. "What problem do you have?"

"I just- nothing!", She sighed. She knows Jahnavi's infatuation towards her son. However, her son has eyes for everyone but that sweet little girl. Like a typical mother, she would really like it if her son gets married to her best friend's daughter. Then she and Jiya will be in-laws. Friendship goals!

"This feels unreal.", Kabir mumbled and she turned with a frown.

"What?"

"This! A family. Wife, kids, home. I never thought a man like me will be blessed with something so beautiful.", He murmured as his eyes adored the sight of his two kids. He then looked at his wife and smiled. "You made it possible."

"No!", She straightened before keeping the plate down and locking her arm around his.

"We made it possible.", She looked up with all the love and respect she has for this man. Her husband. The father to her kids. But most importantly, the man who made her believe in love once again. The man she trusts with her life.