But that was before everything had changed. Before betrayal had ripped apart the love they once shared. The joy of those moments vanished, replaced by a hollow ache in his chest. The woman he had trusted, the one he had once thought was his forever, had turned her back on him.
Rivaan noticed Aisha lost in thought, her mood visibly off, and decided to lighten it. "Baby, would you love to dance with this boyfriend of yours?" he teased with a smirk. Veer rolled his eyes.
Aisha, unfazed, replied bluntly, "I'll dance, but not with you," making Rivaan scowl while Veer chuckled.
A sly smile crossed Aisha's lips as an idea struck her. Without another word, she moved toward Rajendra. Rivaan and Veer exchanged knowing smiles, realizing her intent. 
Standing before Rajendra, Aisha extended her hand in a playful, British manner. "Would you like to dance with your princess, handsome?"
Rajendra chuckled at her charm and placed his hand in hers. "Why not, princess?"
She led him to the dance floor, and they began to sway to the music. Slowly, others gathered around, watching with admiration. The Oberoi brothers, in particular, were struck by the sight of their father, radiating happiness after so long.
"You're a pro at dancing, Uncle," Aisha said with a bright smile.
Rajendra softened, leaning down to kiss her forehead. Somewhere deep in his heart, he couldn't help but see her as his own. How could he not, when her eyes mirrored those of his father and son, her kindness reminiscent of his once-beloved wife, and her loyalty undeniably Oberoi?
Aisha, basking in the warmth of the moment she'd always yearned for, felt a fleeting sense of belonging. For her even Rajendra wasn't her father, but he was no less. 
Yet, her smile quickly faded, her face paling as her gaze locked onto someone approaching them.
Rajendra, noticing her shift, turned. His expression darkened as his eyes recognized the figure.
"Would I have my daughter to myself now?"
Aisha's grip on Rajendra tightened instinctively, her fingers trembling slightly. Rajendra, sensing her unease, glanced down at her before lifting a sharp glare toward Mr. Joshi, whose expression held nothing but cold authority.
Mr. Joshi's gaze flickered to Aisha, then back to Rajendra. "Mr. Oberoi, let her father have her," he said, his tone laced with subtle menace. His warning glare made Aisha tense even more, and she quickly stepped back, her posture rigid, knowing what he was capable of.
Rajendra hesitated, reluctant to leave her side, but finally stepped away from the dance floor, his jaw tightening in silent frustration. Across the room, the Oberoi brothers had noticed the interaction. 
Arjun reached his father first, concern etched on his face. "What happened, Dad?"
Rajendra exhaled heavily. "He wants his daughter." 
The distaste in his voice was unmistakable, and Arjun's eyes narrowed in understanding. It was clear Rajendra didn't agree with the way Joshi claimed her.
Meanwhile, Mr. Joshi pulled Aisha onto the dance floor. Her demeanor shifted instantly, masking her emotions with a cold, unreadable expression. 
He leaned closer as they swayed to the music, his voice low and sneering. "I see someone enjoys running away from home," he taunted.
Aisha turned her head, refusing to meet his gaze, her jaw clenched tightly.
His smirk widened. "I know Meet helped you. Consider this your warning-behave yourself tonight, or I'll ship her to boarding school for the rest of her life and strip her of the Joshi name entirely."