Raghav’s private jet stood gleaming under the evening lights, its sleek frame waiting to carry them across borders. Akira’s eyes lit up in sheer excitement, her tiny hands clapping as though the jet itself was a magical toy. It was Aanya’s first time stepping into Raghav’s world in such an intimate way, and for a moment she found herself simply staring at the aircraft in awe.

Before they climbed the stairs, Raghav gently took Akira from Aanya’s arms.

“It’ll be easier for you this way,” he said softly, making it feel less like an order and more like care.

The pilot and crew members stood lined up, greeting Raghav with respectful bows and Aanya with polite smiles. Once everyone was settled, the jet rolled down the runway and lifted into the night sky.

At take-off, Aanya instinctively tensed. The ground pulling away beneath them, the sudden rush upward—it unsettled her. She pressed her lips together, holding her breath as if that would steady the storm in her chest. Raghav noticed instantly. Passing Akira—already asleep—to the nanny, he shifted closer and placed his hand over hers.

“Easy,” he murmured. “You’re safe here.”

Aanya’s fingers clutched his hand tightly, refusing to let go. It was only after the jet leveled in the air that she slowly exhaled and leaned back, her shoulders relaxing.

Dinner was served soon after, but halfway through, Raghav noticed the way Aanya’s eyes grew heavier, her body swaying slightly with fatigue. Smiling faintly, he rose, took Akira back from the nanny’s care, and looked at Aanya.

“Come,” he said, in a tone that was more invitation than command.

She followed him to the back of the jet where a quiet cabin awaited. To Aanya’s surprise, it wasn’t just a seat—it was an entire private room with a soft bed neatly laid out.

“You should rest,” Raghav told her, lowering Akira gently beside her. “We’ll reach by morning.”

She looked at him with a trace of hesitation. “And you?”

“I’ve got some work to finish before landing,” he said calmly. “But I’ll be here.”

Something in his assurance made her nod. As she lay down with Akira nestled close, her eyes fluttered shut, comforted by the unspoken presence of the man who, unknowingly, was becoming her anchor.

Aanya stirred in her sleep at the soft tapping on her cheek. Slowly opening her eyes, she found Akira leaning over her, tiny fingers patting as though urging her awake. A giggle escaped the little one when Aanya finally blinked fully awake.

“Ohh, princess is up,” Aanya whispered, pulling her daughter into an embrace. Akira laughed again, her sweet voice filling the quiet cabin.

Carrying her, Aanya walked to the restroom to freshen her up, brushing her hair back neatly before doing the same for herself. When they returned, the cabin door opened into the main lounge, where Raghav sat at a table with his secretary, papers spread before him and his gaze sharp with focus.

The moment he saw them, his expression softened. “Good. I was about to call you,” he said.

Aanya simply nodded, taking a seat across from him. Akira’s eyes lit up at the sight of her father, her little hands stretching toward him. But Aanya gently pulled her back, whispering, “Aaku, Papa’s working, na? Let him finish. We’ll play.” She kissed her daughter’s cheek, distracting her with a small toy until Raghav closed his files.

He glanced at Aanya, catching the way she handled the situation, and gave her a look of quiet gratitude. Within minutes, his secretary gathered the papers and stepped away, leaving Raghav free. At once, he reached out and scooped Akira into his lap, her giggles echoing as she clutched at his shirt.

Turning his attention to Aanya, he asked, “Did you sleep peacefully?”

She nodded lightly. “Yes.”

Before anything more could be said, the pilot’s voice came over the intercom, announcing their descent into Italy.

The jet touched down just as dawn painted the Italian sky in hues of pale pink and soft gold. From the window, Aanya caught her first glimpse of Milan—the endless stretch of city lights slowly dimming against the rise of morning. It felt surreal.

Outside the airport, the crisp air greeted them as they stepped down. Three sleek black cars were already waiting, a quiet entourage that instantly drew attention. Crew members bowed slightly as Raghav descended first with Akira in his arms, Aanya following close behind. Even in her sleep-creased pajamas, Akira’s wide eyes darted everywhere, taking in the newness—the huge glass terminal, the shining cars, the foreign voices echoing in the air.

“Princess likes it here, hmm?” Raghav murmured to her, smiling at the way she twisted her neck to see everything at once.

Soon, they slid into one of the cars and set off through the city. The roads stretched wide, lined with historic buildings and bustling cafés just beginning to open for the day. Aanya sat quietly by the window, overwhelmed by the grandeur outside, but what amazed her more was the seamless way the world seemed to move around Raghav—chauffeurs, staff, everyone aware of him, respectful, discreet.

When they arrived at one of Milan’s most prestigious hotels, the manager himself was waiting at the entrance. His warm smile and the way he greeted Raghav made it clear they were not just business partners but old friends. The staff hurried to assist, and though Aanya tried to keep a composed expression, inside she was surprised—no, stunned—by the treatment they were receiving. It wasn’t just hospitality; it was honor.

The suite prepared for them was nothing short of breathtaking. As the door opened, Aanya paused for a moment, almost afraid it was a dream. High ceilings, modern décor with touches of elegance, and a vast window overlooking the Milan skyline—all of it seemed unreal. From their window, the city stretched out like a painting, alive yet serene.

Akira was the happiest of them all. The moment she was set down, she toddled toward the window, pressing her tiny palms to the glass, eyes sparkling at the sight of cars moving like toy pieces far below. She squealed in delight, babbling words only she understood, as though she were narrating her own adventure.

Watching her, Aanya couldn’t help but smile, her heart swelling with a warmth that no luxury could equal. Raghav, standing just behind, took in the sight quietly—the city outside, the child at the window, and the woman who had brought a new light into his life.