The air was buzzing with anticipation as Amar paced the living room, stealing quick glances toward the front windows. The Oberoi family would be arriving soon, and he could already feel his nerves bubbling up.

Outside, Suha Vedant was bustling around the backyard, setting up for the barbecue. With her usual over-the-top excitement, she darted from one setup station to another, adjusting tables and setting out colourful plates.

Suha, practically glowing with enthusiasm, called out,

"Amar! Have you checked if the Oberois have landed yet? Oh, this is so exciting! Imagine having all of them over here!"

"Yes, Mom, they landed just a bit ago. Zada, Zahir, and Zian went to pick them up and they have a stop by to freshen up after the long journey." Amar chuckled at his mom's energy.

"Perfect!" Suha clapped her hands, her gaze already scanning the backyard. "We have the best setup! Dhruv is handling the grill, Astha's setting up the drinks station, and I have already got everyone's favourite snacks ready! Amar, they are going to love this!"

Just then, Khushi, Neha, and Vansh walked in, laughing and chatting among themselves. They were each carrying something: Khushi had a basket full of chips packets, Vansh was lugging a cooler, and Neha had some drinks with her.

"Hey, Amar!" Khushi greeted him with a big smile. "Everything is looking great out back. Are you ready for this?"

"As ready as I'll ever be, I guess." Amar let out a long breath, grinning.

"You have got this, Vedu bhai. Besides, you have got us here to help ease any awkwardness, right?" Neha gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder as she winked.

"And don't forget, Mom has gone all out. If anyone can win over Zada's dad, it's her." Astha bounded over from the drink station with a grin.

Dhruv appeared from the backyard with a spatula in hand.

"We are almost all set out there! Suha has us doing her best 'Ultimate Family BBQ' night," he said with a laugh. "Amar, you did say these folks were alright with some hearty barbecue, right?"

"Definitely, Dad. If anything can set a good tone, it's the Suha-and-Dhruv barbecue charm." Amar laughed, feeling his nerves begin to ease with his family and friends rallying around him.

The Vedant family gathered at the front door, watching as a convoy of SUVs rolled into the driveway. Suha stood with an excited grin, while Dhruv, embodying his usual calm and collected demeanour, waited at the front step, ready to welcome their guests.

As the Oberoi family emerged from the cars, the sight was quite a spectacle—Omkara, Gauri, and their children led the way, with Shivaay and Anika on one side, Rudra and Bhavya on the other. Zaif and Anya were already bickering over who would hold Zera's hand, while the little girl looked around in awe, her eyes lighting up at the new place.

Dhruv stepped forward, smiling warmly.

"Dhruv Vedant" He introduced himself. "Welcome to our home," he said, his deep voice carrying easily through the crowd. He extended a hand to Omkara, Shivaay and Rudra. "It's wonderful to finally meet all of you."

Omkara, a tall, imposing figure, shook Dhruv's hand with a firm grip.

"Thank you for having us," he replied, nodding politely. "It's a pleasure."

They guided the Oberoi family into the house and helped them settle.

Amar, who had been hanging back, took a steadying breath and approached the group, his hands at his sides.

"Mr. Oberoi," he began, his voice steady but his heart hammering, "I am Amar. Zahir and Zian's college friend... and, uh...Mir- uh- Zada's boyfriend."

Omkara's sharp eyes settled on him immediately, narrowing ever so slightly.

"So, you are the one my daughter has been spending time with?" He asked, a hint of challenge in his tone.

Amar swallowed, feeling the weight of Omkara's gaze.

"Yes, sir," he said. "I... well, I care a lot about Zada, and I wanted to meet you all properly."

Shivaay, who had been observing silently from Omkara's left, took a step forward, his eyes equally piercing.

"And how long exactly have you and my niece been seeing each other, Amar?" Shivaay's voice was even, but Amar could feel the protective undertone.

"About six months, sir," Amar replied, his tone respectful. He was hyper-aware of the laser-focused stares from both men, feeling like he was under an interrogation spotlight.

"Six months, you say?" Rudra chimed in from the right, a casual but equally calculating smile on his face. "So you have had plenty of time to get to know her. And what made you think you could... date our Zada, of all people?"

Amar stammered slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected question.

"Uh, well... she is an amazing person. Zada is—she is kind, smart, and... strong. I have never met anyone like her." He paused, realising he was sounding a bit too earnest under the intense scrutiny.

Dhruv, sensing Amar's nerves, stepped in smoothly.

"The Oberoi family is quite impressive," he said, directing a kind look at Omkara and his brothers. "I think Amar is fortunate to have found someone like your daughter."

Gauri stepped up beside Omkara, smiling warmly.

"Suha, your home is beautiful," she said, cutting through the tension a little. She cast a knowing, approving glance toward Amar, clearly finding his nerves endearing. "It's lovely to meet all of you."

Suha beamed and quickly stepped forward to greet the family, her excitement spilling over.

"Thank you! And please, make yourselves at home," she said. "I will be sure to introduce everyone, especially my husband, Dhruv, and our daughter Astha." She glanced back at Amar with a wink. "And of course, you all know Amar. He has been talking about this day for weeks!"

Shivaay raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

"Good to know our niece is worth some preparation," he said dryly, though a faint, approving smile crossed his face as he glanced at Amar.

Zaif and Anya exchanged curious looks, whispering to each other about the 'boyfriend meeting' and how serious everyone looked.

"Papa, is Amar bhai my jeeju now? Anya di said Amar bhai is jeeju." Zera, noticing the atmosphere, tugged on Omkara's pant leg and gave him an innocent look.

"We will think about it, darling." Omkara said and picked little Zera in his arms.

The sight was one to watch. Someone as big as Omkara holding little Zera so preciously.

"Aww! What a cute sight this is.." Suha cooed, as she looked at Omkara and Zera in aww.

"Thank you, Mrs Vedant."

"By the way, Mr Oberoi, what shampoo and conditioner do you use?"

A/N

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SF❤️