Mafia's Heartbeat

chapter 27

The sun had just crept over the horizon, bathing the haveli in a soft golden light. The scent of sandalwood lingered faintly in the air as Aarav stood in the kitchen, focused on flipping parathas while the rest of the family enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. His brows furrowed slightly as he glanced at the wall clock again. It was already past ten.

Nikhil didn’t even eat before leaving… Aarav thought, concern tightening in his chest. Did he even drink water?

Anjali, ever observant, noticed the quiet worry in Aarav’s eyes. Setting down her tea cup, she walked over and gently touched his shoulder.

“Beta,” she said softly, “you’re missing him, aren’t you?”

Aarav blushed and didn’t reply. Anjali smiled and cupped his cheek.

“Then why don’t you take brunch to him? Nikhil must be in his office with Nishant by now. Tanuj will be happy too. Take him along.”

Aarav’s eyes lit up. “Can I? Really?”

Anjali chuckled. “Of course. Pack up the food. Rahul’s driver will take you.”

By the time they reached the massive glass building that housed the Rathore Empire’s headquarters, Aarav was wide-eyed. He stepped out of the car, holding the small tiffin carefully while glancing around at the elegant, modern structure. The clean curves of the architecture, the luxury cars parked outside, and the sleek revolving doors—it all screamed wealth and power.

Tanuj, in his pastel dungarees and soft socks, clung to Aarav’s arm as they walked in. The receptionist, a sharply dressed woman with crimson lipstick and a harsh gaze, narrowed her eyes as they approached.

“Excuse me,” Aarav said softly. “Can you tell me where Mr. Nishant’s office is—?”

The woman didn’t even let him finish.

“Oh, God. Not again,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Another fanboy? Sweetheart, listen, just because you saw the wedding pictures online doesn’t mean you can walk in pretending to be the boss’s husband. We have cameras here. Leave now or I’ll call security.”

Tanuj flinched, clinging tighter to Aarav and letting out a small whimper. The receptionist sneered at the sound.

“Seriously? Why do you people act like children? It’s pathetic.”

Her words were loud enough to attract stares. A few staff members paused, whispering behind their hands, some laughing cruelly.

Tears welled up in Tanuj’s eyes as he tried to hide behind Aarav. Aarav’s heart pounded in panic. He was about to stammer something when—

“Nishant bhaiya—!!”

The sharp sound of leather shoes striking marble echoed before Aarav could even look behind. A cold gust of fury swept into the lobby like a storm. Nishant stormed in, his eyes narrowed, jaw clenched, power radiating from every movement. Nikhil followed closely, more controlled but equally furious.

“What the hell is going on?” Nishant snapped.

The receptionist stepped back. “Sir, this—this boy—he was claiming to be your—”

“He is.” Nishant’s voice dropped into a dangerous calm. “That’s my Tanuj. My husband. And you? You tried to humiliate him?”

The air froze.

“If it weren’t for Nikhil,” Nishant hissed, stepping forward with a storm in his eyes, “I’d have you crawling in the basement within minutes.”

“Nishant.” Nikhil placed a firm hand on his brother’s arm. “Arav and Tanuj are here. Don’t let blood dirty their visit. Tanuj’s scared.”

Nishant looked at Tanuj, who was trembling, his face buried in Aarav’s chest. With a deep breath, Nishant stepped back.

“But she’ll be dealt with tonight,” Nikhil added quietly—too quietly for Aarav or Tanuj to hear.

“Come on,” Nishant said, gentler now. “Let’s get you to our office.”

Once they reached the private suite on the top floor, both brothers transformed instantly. Nikhil pulled Aarav into the cozy couch and made him sit.

“You brought brunch?” he asked with a soft smile.

Aarav nodded. “I made it.”

Nikhil cupped Aarav’s cheek, a tender gleam in his eyes. “Feed me?”

Aarav blinked. “Huh?”

“I missed breakfast. And your cooking.” He leaned in, whispering, “Plus, I like it from your hands.”

Blushing, Aarav giggled and gently started feeding him spoonfuls. Nikhil hummed with each bite, his fingers occasionally brushing Aarav’s wrist.

Across the room, Nishant had pulled Tanuj into his lap. Tanuj clapped his hands softly as he pointed at the large smart screen on the wall.

“So big TV, hubby,” he whispered.

Nishant kissed his temple. “Yes, baby. Want me to put on cartoons after brunch?”

Tanuj nodded, resting his cheek on Nishant’s chest. He looked so small, cradled in his husband’s arms. Nishant fed him little bites, careful not to disturb his injured foot.

The four of them sat together, sharing brunch in the quiet warmth of the office, far from the eyes of gossip and malice. The receptionist would be gone by nightfall. And in this space—this little bubble—they could be husbands, lovers, protectors, and family.

For now, that was enough.
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Arav shyly feeds Nikhil spoonfuls of the home-cooked brunch as the two sit on a plush sofa in the office lounge. Tanuj, still in his soft pajama set and hoodie with tiny clouds on it, sits on Nishant’s lap, legs curled close to his chest, clinging like a koala. The towering windows of the office let in warm golden light, casting a soft glow over their peaceful moment.

Meanwhile, Nikhil brushes his fingers along Arav’s cheek and smiles.
“Thank you for coming all the way here just to feed me,” he murmurs.
Arav lowers his gaze, mumbling, “You forgot breakfast… I was worried…”

Nikhil chuckles softly, wrapping an arm around Arav’s waist and pulling him closer. “You're too precious, meri jaan. If I’d known you’d show up like this, I’d skip breakfast every day.”

On the other side, Nishant gently strokes Tanuj’s back as he feeds him a piece of sweet. “You’re not scared anymore, na?” he whispers.

Tanuj peeks up from Nishant’s chest with big eyes, mumbling in his baby voice, “Not when hubby’s here…”
“Good,” Nishant kisses his forehead. “Ignore everyone. They don’t matter.”

Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door. Raj peeks in, cheerful as ever, followed by Kai, who holds a stack of documents.

“Sorry to interrupt the cuddle-fest,” Raj grins, “But someone didn’t check the campaign layout files.”

Nikhil groans lightly. “Can’t I get five minutes of peace with my husband?”

Kai chuckles softly but keeps his eyes on Raj for a moment longer than needed. “Let’s say… five minutes, plus brunch.”

Arav quickly straightens up. “I-I made some extra food. Do you want some?”
Before Raj can answer, Nikhil pulls Arav back down beside him. “Arav made it. That means I’m not sharing.”

Raj dramatically flops onto the other couch. “You’re so possessive now!”
Tanuj, still cuddled into Nishant, points at Raj with a tiny pout. “No fighting… fighting bad…”

Everyone chuckles.

Kai, trying to stay composed, gives Raj a small smile. “You always say the wrong thing at the wrong time, Raj.”
Raj winks. “But you still smile every time.”

Even Tanuj lets out a sleepy giggle.

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