The house was unusually quiet when aviraj stepped inside no movement, no distant voices no glow spilling from under any door, just silence as expected during midnight

He loosened his tie slowly shoulders heavy with the kind of exhaustion that clung after ending a long day

Midnight had passed somewhere between files, calls. He hadn’t even checked the time

The corridor light was dim, shadows stretching along the walls as his footsteps echoed softly

His coat slung over his arm, shirt sleeves rolled up exhaustion sitting heavy in his bone

His mind drifting toward the only place that felt like rest – their room and her in his arms

As he moved towards their room and stepped forward opening the door

He felt something soft falling on his cheek

And suddenly flowers rained down on him the world around him exploded into colours

Petals rained down from above

For a split second he froze instinctively taking a step back as soft petals scattered over his hair, shoulders and feet

The air filled with the scent of roses and marigolds, colours exploding against the muted world

Before he could even process what was happening, he heard a familiar slightly off-key soft voice rang out

“happy birthday aviii

Happy birthday mere aviii,

happy birthday to youuu”

His eyes lifted

And there she was- kaashvi stood on a small stool near the door, barefoot in her cartoon pjs, holding a box hands full of flower petals that she kept tossing over him with the unfiltered joy, her face showing a big smile, eyes brightening like it was her own birthday

Her smile was wide, eyes shining like she has been waiting all night for this moment

For a moment he simply stared at her

Then realization dawned on him- his birthday

He had entirely forgotten the day

He looked at her who was more excited and here he who forgot it

Just a small gesture but it hit him so deep

The corner of his lips curved slowly, something soft breaking through his exhaustion

The kind of smile that didn’t come from anything but warmth

She finished the song with a dramatic ending, bowing slightly on the stool

“Surprise neta jiii” she grinned

Before she could say anything else he stepped towards her in hurried strides

“noor-“

was all he managed to say before he wrapped his arms around her waist

She squeaked and gasped in surprise, laughter bubbling out as he lifted her off the stool effortlessly

His hand slid around her waist firmly, fingers pressing into the soft cotton of her top and in one smooth motion he lifted her off the stool

She clutched his shoulders at first then her arms naturally found their way around his neck, forearms crossing behind it as she looked down at him laughter spilling out

Her bare feet dangled a few inches above the floor, petals slipping from her hands and drifting around them like slow rain

He stood grounded beneath her, solid and steady

Her knees brushed his sides as she leaned closer her face slightly up looking down at him

Her laughter softened, hair strands falling forward, brushing his cheek and jaw

For a second world narrowed to just that space between them

Her chest rose and fell close to his

“aviii” she protested in his arms though there was no real resistance

He spun her around once, twice carefully

Flowers slipped from her hands falling over both of them now, tangling in her hair, sticking to his shirt

Their laughter filled the room, breaking the silence completely

They stumbled toward the bed together, still holding onto each other tightly until both fell back onto the mattress with a soft thud

The impact of falling and laughing took a breath from her and she lay there smiling up at him chest rising and falling quickly

He hovered over her for a second close enough to feel her warmth, close enough to see her cheeks lifted when she smiled

Petals were everywhere on the sheets, in her hair, caught in his shirt

Their faces inches apart now

The laughter faded into something quieter

His hand rested beside her head

Petals clung to her lashes to the curve of her cheek, tangled in her hair like she had stepped out of a dream

Aviraj lifted his hand slowly, his fingers brushed the rose petal from her temple softly, then another from her cheek

Her was careful like she was something fragile his fingers softly brushing her cheek

Kaashvi lay beneath him breath still uneven from laughter eyes shining as she watched him

Her hand rose, fingertips slowly grazing his jaw then her hands cupped his cheek

“happy birthday baby”

she whispered voice softer looking at him

Something in his chest tightened

He didn’t move for a second didn’t speak

Something inside him shifted – the way she called him baby so softly

He had attended party’s worth crores, seen room full of people, even received gifts

But this?

This girl forgot logic, forgot everything just to make sure his birthday didn’t begin quietly

She was more excited than he was, more invested than he has ever been

‘I forgot my own birthday’ he realised slowly

‘and she waited for midnight like it was a festival’

He had spent life being responsible but today she made it personal

Like today mattered only because he existed

He leaned in until their foreheads met, his breath mingling with hers

His thumb brushed along her cheekbone lingering there

“thankyou”

he murmured voice low almost rough like it wasn’t just for birthday but everything she was to him

She smiled softly her nose brushing his as she shifted closer, closing the space between them

“this day” she said quietly

“is yours avi”

She said like she hadn’t just remembered his birthday but

She had waited for it

He stayed their forehead still resting against hers

 Her words lingered in the small space between their breaths

‘the day is yours’

No one had ever said that to him before not like this

No expectations, no agendas

Just wrapped in petals and bare feet and cartoon pajamas

His grip tightened at her waist

“I stopped counting birthdays a long time ago”

She tilted her head slightly her thumb resting against his cheek

“why?”

He exhaled through his nose a faint smile tugging at his lips

“because they were always loud, even though I have family and friends it used to feel…incomplete like something forced”

Then his eyes lifted to hers again

“now I know what it feels like to be completed”

Her expression changed as she smiled

“well” she said gently brushing her nose against his

“abb yaad rakhna padega”

“because I am not letting you forget, ever”

He pulled her closer her body fitting against him

He buried his face into the curve of her neck, breathing her in like it was instinct now like his body knew where it belonged before his mind ever caught up

His arms came fully around her, one hand pressing between her shoulder blades the other cradling the back of her head fingers tangling gently her hair

For a second he didn’t speak he just held her

His voice finally came out low, muffled against her neck rough in a way that betrayed him

“pata nahi tumhari aadat lag rahi hai…”

He exhaled slowly, resting against her collarbone now thumb rubbing slow circles at her waist as if grounding himself

“..yaa phir latt”

She felt the weight behind those words before he even finished them

He lifted his head just enough to rest his cheek against her temple his lips brushing the side of her neck not a kiss but just presence

“magar tumhare bina”

he continued quietly, honestly 

“sirf saansein hoti hai….zindagi nahi”

Her breath hitched she didn’t reply immediately she didn’t need to

Instead, her arms tightened around him one hand slipping up to his nape fingers curling there

She leaned into him fully now forehead resting against his shoulder voice soft but sure

“acchi aadat honi chahiye insaan mei” she replied softly

“deal with it”

He huffed a quiet laugh his chest moving like a slow heavy breath

He leaned back looking at her he kissed the top of her head then gentle and unhurried

For a moment neither of them moved

The room felt smaller now- quiet, warm wrapped in the soft fall of petals on the floor

Her breath was shallow now, his slower but deeper chest rising against her where he still held her close

Her hand slid up his chest, fingers curling lightly into his shirt as if to steady herself

“avi..” she breathed voice barely there

He lifted his hand to her jaw thumb tracing the line beneath her ear like he was memorizing her

Their noses slowly brushed

She tilted her head without thinking instinct pulling her closer

Her lips parted just slightly, breath catching slightly when she felt his- so close now she could feel the warmth of it

He leaned in slowly- so slowly it felt deliberate like he was giving the moment time to breath

His thumb lifted slowly brushed over her lower lip, not pressing just softly grazing

A feather light touch that sent a quiet shiver through her

Her breath stuttered at the contact, chest rising sharply as her fists curled tighter in his shirt, knuckles brushing his collarbone

Their lips hovered a breath apart- not quite touching yet

So close that he could feel the warmth of her mouth, faint tremble in her exhale

His eyes looked into her, then-

His gaze dropped slowly to her lips, soft and waiting, a little pink with her lip balm

Hers eyes did the same lashes lowering attention pulled helplessly to his mouth

He tilted his head just tightly

Slowly, their lips softly brushed- not a kiss just a whisper of one

A soft, feather like accidental graze enough to make her inhale sharply, enough to make his jaw tighten as he held himself back

The soft graze was enough to make and ruin them

He slowly pulled back, both of their eyes were closed his forehead rested against hers again, noses brushing breath tangled and uneven like they were doing something sacred stuck in between crossing the line and restraining themselves

“avii..” she whispered again this time slower need threaded with restraint

He didn’t answer

His hand slid from her jaw to the back of her neck fingers resting there like he was holding moment in place, refusing to rush it, refusing to cheapen it

“agar abhi choo liya…” he said slowly

“phir khud ko rok paunga yaa nahi pata nahi….tum meri aadat nahi zarurat ban rahi ho”

He swallowed once the words settling heavy between them

Her eyes opened slowly

For a second she didn’t move then her fingers tightened at the back of his neck

“avi” she said again this time softer, steadier

“mai aapko rokna nahi chahti”

His breath hitched, he closed his eyes briefly pressing his forehead to hers harder like grounding himself

“isliye toh dar lagta hai noor” he murmured

“tum rukne ke liye kahogi hi nahi”

His thumb brushed once more against her lower lip thinking what could happen and then he forced his hand away resting it flat against her back instead

An intentional distance barely an inch but felt so big

She let out a small shaky laugh, half relief, half ache and rested her forehead against his chest instead right over his heart

“aap humesha itna control mei kaise rehte ho?” she asked quietly

He exhaled one arm tightening around her shoulders holding her close but safe

“tumhare liye seekh raha hu” he said honestly

“warna meri fitrat control se zyada qabza karne ki hai”

Her arm slid around his waist now, hugging him fully

As they laid there together a sharp knock cut through the warmth like a crack of thunder making both of them froze

They looked at each other

Kaashvi was the first one to react

Her lips curved into a slow knowing smile- soft, amused while aviraj let out a low groan his fore head dropping against hers in surrender as if someone personally betrayed him by coming at this time

“tum jagah batao hum abhi bhaag rahe hai plot dekhte hai or gehu ki hi kheti kar lenge”

he muttered remembering her words from 2 days before eyes still closed like the universe was personally against him

She laughed softly at that the sound warm and breathy her forehead still touching his as she looked at him arms circling around his neck

“gehu hi kyu?” she whispered back playing along eyes sparkling

“chawal bhi yaa phir sabse best ek momo ka thela bhaut paisa hoga avi” she added thoughtfully

“aur haa ek chota sa ghar, aur bahar tulsi ka paudha, momo tikki ke liye Jhoola, or aapke mere liye…humara toh bedroom se chal jayega kaam”

she teased

Aviraj’s lips twitched despite himself a soft huff of laughter leaving him as he finally opened his eyes

He looked at her properly now- arms around his neck, face tilted up, eyes full of mischief and comfort like she had already planned their whole new world

“momo ka thela?” he repeated slowly like he was seriously considering it

“politician se siddha momo wala meri izzat ka kya hoga noor?”

She shrugged lightly forehead brushing his

“izzat se pet kaha bharega” she said like it was a matter of fact

“aur waise bhi socho avi aap momo bechoge toh aadhe vote toh aapke paas hi honge”

That earned a real laugh from his- low, warm the kind that shook his chest against hers, the kind only she can get out of him.

His hand slid up her back closer grounding

“aur Jhoola?” he asked tone teasing now

“woh baccho ke liye yaa tumhare liye madam”

“dono” she replied instantly

“mai Jhoola jhulungi momo tikki side mei baithe honge or aap dhakka dena piche se”

He shook his head, amused eyes softening as he imagined it despite himself

No matter how much he says they’re not ready for kids or something like that for now much imagining and talking about all this was giving a different kind of peace

A small house, her laughter filling the air, two kids running around with kaashvi while he followed them

“waise” she said mischief glinting in eyes leaning closer to his ear now

“mujhe jhulaane ke liye toh bedroom mei aap….”

She said softly voice teasing 

Her words landed softly- but the effect was clear

Aviraj froze

For a split second his mind went completely blank

Then everything rushed in at once- the warmth of her breath near his ear, the deliberate pause in her sentence, the way her voice dipped and her words- of course her words that were anything but innocent

He swallowed not able to say anything for a second

Slowly very slowly a faint flush crept up his neck as he realised her words and exactly what they meant

He straightened a little looking at anything but at her

“noor-“

he started voice firm trying to sound stern but his tone betraying him cracking halfway

The moment he looked at her she was already watching him- eyes shining, lips pressed together like she was holding back laughter badly

She knows what effect she has on him when she deliberately do things like this and he knows how much he is affected by such flirt and not so innocent talks of her still it affects him the same every time showing completely opposite aviraj singh

“not fuuny”

he said trying again lowering his voice

His brows drew together trying to look serious

She tilted her head innocently

“but I didn’t say anything”

she said blinking her lashes innocently

“aapne toh pura sentence khud hi complete kar diya apne dimag mei”

“waise..”

her voice dipped, teasing and intimate leaning closer deliberately closing the space just enough for him to feel it

“kya kya imagine kiya aapne jaan?”

she said deliberately using the word

The word landed like a spark on dry ground

The way she calls him all these names so casually not actually knowing the effect they leave on him the word hit him before he could prepare it

“Jaan” so soft so casual

He didn’t react immediately on outside his face barely change on inside it was chaos

Jaan…

Not avi

Not neta jii

Not even baby

This was different

Aviraj singh, who negotiated boardroom without hesitation, who stared without flinching, he felt something inside him shift

His grip tightened just a little

He had been many things- son, brother, friend, businessman, politician even husband by circumstances

But this?

Just one word from her felt like everything

And most unsettling part? He felt good like; he liked being called as hers

He liked it

Way too much

His breath hitched, jaw tightened the flush on him deepened now

He looked away for half a second

When he looked back, she was closer nor too close, eyes curious, daring, teasing, challenging at once

“you enjoy pushing me?” he said quietly

She shrugged lightly lips curving

“aapko nahi pasand?”

That was it

In one swift motion everything changed the tables turned

His hand shot out catching her wrists and lifting him gently above her pinning them against the mattress.

His body followed closing the distance until there was nowhere for her to retreat

The air changed

She lay back against the bed, her both hands pinned above her head, body slightly arched, his fingers laced around her wrists

Aviraj was over her; one arm braced beside her head his body aligned with hers, his knee pressed into the mattress between her legs not touching her directly

Their faces inches apart

Close enough that her breath brushed his jaw

Close enough that she could see the slight tension in his neck that way his control showed in the tight line of his mouth

She looked at him eyes wide lashes fluttering once before holding his gaze

He looked at her- hovering, controlling dominant not by force but by presence

Like he was one decision away from crossing a line and continuing what was left earlier

Gone was the amused softness

He was always soft for her, always listening, doing as she said but here- here it was aviraj singh- who controlled and claimed

The man who ruled himself with discipline and others with control and presence

Her breath stuttered- she remembered the day she saw this same him- in the hospital when she punctured his car and he saved her but pulled her closer

His face inches from hers, eyes darkened unreadable voice low controlled in a way far more dangerous

“should I show you,”

he murmured leaning in just enough for his words to brush her skin

“what all I imagined?”

Her confidence faltered

Just slightly but he noticed

Her fingers curled against his grip, eyes widening, confidence and teasing slightly leaving her teasing smile disappeared replaced by nervousness

He tilted his head watching her closely now

“kya hua?” he asked softly almost gently but the dominance was unmistakable

“are we nervous now jaan?”

His thumb pressed lightly into her wrist,

She swallowed breath uneven but she won’t give up not so easily

“bolte ho bass karna kuch hai nahi aapne”

her words were defiant, but her body betrayed her

The way her breath stuttered, the way her shoulders pressed back into the mattress, the way she swallowed her eyes avoiding his

Aviraj didn’t miss any of it

A low chuckle left his chest, not loud or amused but dark and controlled. The kind that warned instead of teased as he slowly shook his head

He loosened his grip just a fraction enough to make her think it was all over she won but no

They were impossible close

Before she could think or fully register the shift in him, aviraj adjusted his hold

His hand that was holding her waist slowly moves down to her hips and then slid back to her thighs, his palm slowly caressing there as if learning every curve of her

For a moment her eyes widened and she knew it- this wasn’t over and she has gone too far to wake up the man who is not so soft she thinks he is

Slowly he lifted her thighs wrapping her legs around his waist her other leg instinctively wrapped around him making her gasp

Her legs were now wrapped around his waist as she laid under his

His one hand caressed her thigh slowly not in an uncomfortable way but enough to make her realise who she belongs to and what he can do, his other hand held her wrists above her head

He leaned in slowly until his lips were just beside her ear grazing her skin softly

His voice dropped lower than before his hand never stopped caressing her thighs

“you want to know what I imagined?”

he said quietly each word unhurried

“holding you like this, so close.. not letting anyone interrupt us”

His hand slowly slid up from her thighs, fingers slowly moving to her waist before she could react or take his words-

His fingers slipped beneath the hem of her top slowly, deliberately no rush, no hunger just heat and control

His palm rested at her waist firm, warm against her skin, his fingers slowly teasing, thumb tracing the curve of her bare skin like he was learning it by memory rather than touch

Kaashvi gasped her body solely arching into him her hands gripping his wrists that were holding hers firmly

The contact was intimate but measured and grounding like he was reminding both of them where the line was and how easily he could stand right beside it without crossing

His thumb gently pressed at her waist

“I imagined taking my time”

he continued his tone calm but loaded like he was trying to hold himself together

“Learning every inch of you that will make you forget you are fearless”

His breath brushed her skin as he spoke not rushing just silently claiming and confessing

“I imagined making you feel safe first” he murmured

“Before anything else, safe enough to make you stop performing and just feel”

He paused there just long enough for the words to sink in

“I imagined kissing you slowly” he added softer now

“to pull you against me not to take but remind you…”

he said slowly loosening his grip on her hands

He moved his hand then, slowly not rushing the movement

Gently he guided one of her hands down from where it had been held fingers loosening completely

His touch was soft, not claiming now but inviting

He placed her palm firm against his chest right over his heart

There, she felt it the steady thump beneath her hand

His breath hitched slightly as with other hand she intertwined her fingers with his slowly but firmly

“this”

he said quietly voice stripped of dominance

“Belongs to you”

His one hand held hers tightly while other move again a slow sweep along her waist fingers spreading lightly 

Her one hand stayed right over his heart other holding his

His forehead dipped to hers, nose brushing, eyes locked on her face

“and then” he finished quietly

“I imagined stopping myself because….

Wanting you doesn’t mean owning you”

He pulled back just enough to look at her face eyes dark, steady

“that’s when I imagine” he said

“Everything else can wait”

For kaashvi everything slowed she was in no state to say anything

Like the world has given her time to feel this side of his

His hand on her thighs didn’t startle her, it surprised her first

His firm grip, certain but didn’t feel invasive

Like he wasn’t testing limits like he already knew where they were

Her legs wrapped around his waist almost without permission from her brain, just instinct, balance and trust

Right not all she could think was how secure it felt, being there with him, he didn’t rush her, didn’t demand anything back

Her breath hitched not because she was scared but because her body reacted faster than her mind

His hands on her waist made something warm coil low in her stomach not because where he touched her but because, where he didn’t

His restraint and control were louder

Her heart racing

‘He is not proving power’ she realized

‘He can do a lot but he doesn’t she is showing control’

And that somehow made her feel safer

Before she could say something, he moved suddenly

His hand slid back to her thighs with a quiet strength he lifted her and instincts took over her, her legs wrapped around him

One smooth motion and she was lifted, he lifted her and himself on the bed

He sat on bed on his knees while her legs instinctively tightening around his waist for balance

“avii” she gasped

The movement pulled her flushed against him, chest to chest the space between them vanishing

Surprise flushed across her face

His arm came around her back firm and secure

His other hand brought her hand hooking them around his neck

He sat there both arms now around her waist holding her there while her legs wrapped around his waist and arms around his neck

They were impossibly close

He adjusted his hold

One arm stayed firm at her lower back supporting her weight while other hand slipped under the hem of her top

She stiffened for a second

His forehead dipped to her shoulders

“relax” he murmured not an order just reassurance

His hand on her waist moved in the faintest arc

He straightened lifting her just enough that her hold around him tightened her body perfectly aligning with his

“avii” she murmured slowly

His lips traced the line of her jaw not kissing just overing enough to make her skin prickle

“You think my control means I don’t desire you?”

His forehead brushed her temple

“I control myself” he continued quietly

“Because if I don’t…. tumhare liye bhi mushkil ho jayega”

Her breath hitched properly this time firstly their position and then his words

His lips slowly brushed her ear

“bolna or karna dono aata hai” he said softly near her ear

“bass farq itna hai mai wahi karta hoon jo tum abhi sambhaal sako warna chahat toh bhaut kuch ki hai”

She was quiet now

His forehead rested briefly against her breath warm grounding

The message was clear without being spoken

‘I want you but I respect you more’

And somehow that restraint made the air between them heavier than any touch ever could

As they sat there a second knock echoed firmer this time cutting through the charged heaviness like reality barging in

Kaashvi flinched softly

The flush on her cheeks hadn’t faded, her gaze dropped instantly lashes lowering as if even his gaze felt too loud right now

Her fingers loosened against him suddenly very aware of how close they were

Aviraj noticed

He shifted just enough to hold her chin between his fingers softly tilting her face up until she had to look at him

Her eyes met his, nervous warm

His expression immediately softened looking at her nervous and shy like this although her being bold and all teasing was his favourite but her like this, cheeks flushed, eyes lowered, the shyness in her expression was something else only

Without a word he leaned in and pressed a slow gentle kiss to her forehead lingering there a second longer than necessary

It wasn’t rushed or heated

It was comforting and grounding like silently saying ‘I am here’

He adjusted then carefully easing them lower in the bed while still holding her securely making sure she was comfortable his movements unhurried and respectful.

Even now even like this he was in control and attentive

She swallowed breath finally evening out and then because she was still in his arms, she murmured softly almost shy

“avi…position acchi hai..”

She paused for a second then quieter

“par niche utaar dijiye kyuki aap control mei reh sakte ho meri guarantee nahi”

For half a second, he froze

Then a low chuckle escaped him warm and helpless his forehead dropping briefly to her shoulder as if surrendering his defeat to her existence

“tum” he said shaking his head amusement clear in his voice

“kabhi sundhrogi nahi na?”

She smiled then- small, flushed, unapologetic

“tension matt lo aapki izzat safe hai for now” she said

aviraj made kaashvi stand properly looking at her like he was still stuck in the moment they had been dragged out of 

Aviraj straightened first

Gently he helped her stand properly his hands lingering at her waist before he forced himself to step back

His eyes stayed on her dark, unreadable

Kaashvi on the other hand was flushed- cheeks warm, lips slightly parted from uneven breathing

She focused very hard on smoothening her top, adjusting the waistband of her pajama bottoms, tucking a strand of hair behind her hair avoiding his gaze

Her moments were calm but he noticed the faint tremor in her fingers

His gaze stayed on her

Just minutes ago, she was pressed against him like she belonged there

A slow knowing smile curved his lips as he leaned in a fraction

“abhi bhi bhaagne ka plan hai?”

he murmured teasing softly voice low enough to belong only to them

She shot him a look half embarrassed half warning but said nothing instead trying to fix a strand of her hair

He noticed the slight tremble in her

Before she could, his hand gently lifted, fingers brushing her temple as he tucked a strand with careful precision, he straightened her collar, smoothened the fabric at her waist his movements deliberate bust respectful

“relax and deep breathe”

he added knowing her nervous self

She finally looked up at him caught between flustered, shyness and annoyed cheeks warming even more.

“bass kariye abb”

she muttered pushing at his chest not hard just enough to move him

He chuckled looking at her

She grabbed his wrist and dragged him toward the door

“abb kholiye” she said under her breath

“warna sach mei galat sochenge sab”

He chuckled softly for a moment he paused at the door as if world outside could wait more

His gaze softened when it fell on her flushed cheeks, still warm still giving her away

A small smile tugged at his lips something fond and helpless

He lifted his hands and gently cupped her face thumbs brushing the faint heat there like he couldn’t help himself

“kyu ho itni pyaari tum” he murmured

Before she could protest, he leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her one cheek, light and fleeting

Then slowly to her other cheek and in between a soft playful bite nipping softly that was more teasing than anything else, enough to make her gasp and push at his chest immediately

“avi!!” she hissed mortified cheeks burning even brighter as she nudged him away

“bass bhi kijiye sab bahar hai-“

He laughed quietly, hands lifting in mock surrender clearly pleased at her reaction, the sight of her flustered, eyes wide and lips pressed together did something unfairly soft to him

She shot him one last warning look, straightened herself again steadying her breath

“waise paas nahi aate or aaj aaiye bhi toh meri hi bolti band kardi” she thought

Only then did he finally turn the hand and open the door letting the noise laughter and the waiting family spill in

Outside everyone stood waiting the corridor was anything but quiet

Aviraj’s mother stood beside his chachi arms loosely folded brows slightly knit as she looked at the door for the third time

“lagta hai soo gaye dono?” she wondered

Advik leaning against the wall with one shoulder let out a dramatic sleepy yawn stretching his arms over his head

“maa newly weds hai” he said lazily eyes half closed

“abhi thodi soyenge”

Before his word could even settle dhruv smacked

His hand landed clean on the back of advik’s head

“oye” dhruv hissed lowering his voice sharply eyes flickering towards their parents

“bade khade hai saamne”

Advik rubbed the back of his head with a scoff completely unapologetic

“toh?” he shot back

“unhe nahi pata couple kya karte hai?” then with a wicked grin he added

“waise bhi konsa sab single hai”

Everyone rolled their eyes at his remarks

Ayra pinched the bridge of her nose already tired of the drama

“bass kar tu” she sighed then glanced at the door again frowning slightly

“bhaiya office se aaye bhi hai? Or he forgot his own birthday?”

Almost then

The sound came

The door handle moved

The door opened

Everyone straightened instinctively as if they hadn’t just stood there guessing what was going on

The door swung open all at once, the quiet of the room breaking into warm chaos

“rajjjj bhaiyaaa!!!”

Ayra was the first one to enter practically bouncing a chocolate truffle cake balanced carefully in her hand, candles already lit her excitement clear making aviraj also smile

Behind her came everyone else advik with that lazy grin

“bhaiyaaaa” he screamed

 dhruv beside him shaking his head at their antics and active selves

aviraj’s mother came smiling softly his father composed but present, chacha chachi following with gentle laughter and blessings spelling out before they even fully stepped inside

as they came advik let out a long-exaggerated whistle

“ooohhoooo” he said slowly eyes travelling from flower covered floor to bed then back to kaashvi and aviraj

“abb samaj aaya itna time kyu laga darwaaza kholne mei”

Dhruv snorted

“waise itna rangeen aajtak nahi laga hoga raj ka kamra”

Kaashvi ears turned slightly red

“aise nahi-“ she tried to say being flustered

“aree Bhabhi aapke face se pata chalra kaisa kaisa hai”

Aviraj shot him a warning look

“advik”

“theek hai theek hai jub miya biwi raazi toh kya bole kaazi” advik said casually shrugging raising his hands but smiling teasingly 

ayra just stopped everyone and started singing loudly dramatically off key dragging everyone along while advik followed her lead

“happy birthday raj bhaiyaaa

Happy birthday to you

May god bless you with lots of children

May god bless you”

they sang excitedly making everyone laugh and shake their heads

Kaashvi looked at them smiling herself clapping slowly with their song

 Aviraj stood there looking at them his hands tucked in his pocket

The room was no longer quiet

Laughter bounced off the walls, ayra advik’s voice unapologetic in its enthusiasm, advik clapping dramatically, dhruv smiling at them, his mother soft smile, his father observed but his eyes also warm

Chacha chachi also smiling at them

This, the familiar chaos

Aviraj felt his lips curved into a small genuine smile after a long time he felt like something had shifted the day and felt genuinely special

And then his eyes shifted to her

She stood just beside him clapping along with ayra, smiling openly, laughing at advik’s lyrics shaking her head fondly

She was simply settled like she always belonged there

Something tight and quite loosened in his chest

‘She didn’t just change my life’ he thought

‘she made my family as her home too’

“accha bass bass abb cake cut karo” dhruv interrupted once the song finally ended clapping his hands once

“warna raat bhar mei ye tere baccho ki shaadi bhi kara denge gaane mei”

Advik immediately protested

“aree aap chachu banne toh do maine hi toh unhe sab seekhana hai” he said

Ayra rolled her eyes

“kya ladkiyo se bezti karana?”

Advik about to say something was stopped by chachi

“bass karo usse cake toh kaatne do khud shuru ho gaye jungliyo jaise”

Ayra stepped forward holding the cake putting it on the side of the bed

“ye lo” she said

Aviraj about to lean forward breath already drawn in then stopped the candle flames flickering soft across his face

Then he stopped

Ayra noticed first

“kya hua bhaiya?” she whispered

Aviraj didn’t answer instead he turned his head slowly, and looked at kaashvi standing beside him looking at him softly

“saath mei?”

he asked quietly extending his hand toward her

Kaashvi blinked caught off guard

“par aapka birthday-“

Before she could finish, he gently caught her hand fingers interlacing without hesitation pulling her just a little closer until she was right beside him her shoulder brushing his arm

He looked at her eyes soft but certain

“mai bhi toh tumhara hu”

he said low enough that only she could hear

The words weren’t dramatic they weren’t loud

but made her feel softly hit

kaashvi’s throat tightened for a second she forgot everyone else there was just him looking at her holding her hand

ayra squealed somewhere from behind

“arree romance baad mei karna just blow the candles you two”

Advik grinned teasingly at them

“oo bhai historical moment ho raha hai shaanti rakho”

Aviraj didn’t break eyes contact with her, leaning slightly closer guiding her hand so their fingers were intertwined properly

Kaashvi’s cheeks warmed instantly but she didn’t pull away instead she nodded smiling standing beside him

Together they leaned in

As he was about to blow the candles kaashvi’s hand lifted slowly and rested against his wrist stopping him

“Rukiye” she said softly

He turned to her brows lifting

“pehle wish”

A corner of his mouth curved that familiar quiet smile touching his lips as he looked at her

“meri saari duaein toh mere sath khadi hai”

he said voice calmly voice low but certain

He glanced at her

“abb isse keemti kuch nahi hai”

Her breath caught for a second

Colour rushed to her cheeks, her eyes lowering

She closed her eyes aviraj watched her face soften, the soft light glowing at her face

“kanha jii khush rakhiyega mere avi ko humesha”

she wished

“har kamyaabi inke kadamo mei ho”

“aur humara sath yuhi banaye rakhna” her heart added quietly

Then he closed his eyes too

“uske saare raaste aasan karna, jitne sapne usne dekhe hai sab pure ho”

“uski ye muskaan kabhi naa khoye”

“aur Zindagi agar kisi ke sath jeeni ho toh sirf meri noor ke sath”

They opened their eyes at the same time

A brief look passed between them, unspoken, shared, heavy with meaning

Together they leaned in blowing the candles softly

Applause broke again, louder everyone looked at them whistles and claps filling the room

“cake kaato” ayra demanded

Aviraj picked up the knife with kaashvi’s hand over his fingers wrapped around his

They cut the piece together

As he lifted it before he could offer it to anyone himself kaashvi gently redirected his hand herself

“pehla” she said softly guiding the piece forward with his hand

“unke liye jinki wajah se hume aap mile”

She held the piece out toward his mother

“maa” she said

For a moment the room went still everyone admiring her silently

Aviraj too froze for half a second then looked at her

There was no drama in her face no performance just truth, simple and deeply felt

His mother’s eyes shimmered instantly looking at them

She took a step forward covering kaashvi’s hand as she took the bite then she hugged both of them together both on either side of her shoulder

“jeete raho dono humesha aise hi sath rehna”

she murmured her voice unsteady but warm

Kaashvi smiled

“aapke iss adiyal bete ko jhelega bhi kon mere alawa maa”

she said making everyone laugh and his mother smile

As she pulled back, she looked at his mother smiling softly

His mother fed both of them a small bite smiling through the reaction

Aviraj’s gaze never left kaashvi something softening in him

No matter how many times he thinks she can’t give him more reasons to feel deeply she proves him wrong just by being herself

After that kaashvi didn’t step back

Instead she quietly picked up another piece of cake

The room was still buzzing, ayra smiling, advik eyeing the cake but kaashvi moved with a calm intention making everyone notice her

She walked past aviraj, past his mother

And stopped infront of his father

For a second room stilled

This wasn’t usual

She knew aviraj and his father doesn’t have usual father son relationship she knew they have complicated relation but she also knew they both cared his father might be conserved man but he wasn’t heartless

Aviraj noticed it the way his father straightened almost unconsciously the way even advik shut up for half a second

Kaashvi held the piece out gently not rushed not hesitant

“papa” she said softly, steady and respect full

“aap apni bahu ke haanth se nahi khayenge?”

Aviraj’s breath caught

His father looked at her, really looked

Not like a politician not like a man weighing words or consequences

Just a father

Something in his eyes softened, his gaze dropped to the cake then back to her face lingering with unmistakable warmth

Everyone caught their breath for a moment looking at them

Slowly he lifted his hand his fingers moved to her head

He rested his palm there firm, protective

“bahu nahi” he said voice low but clear

“beti”

The word landed heavy as everyone looked at them smiling

Kaashvi shimmered her lips parting slightly emotion threatening but she held herself together

“toh beti ke haanth se” she said

He smiled softly the rare genuine smile of his

He leaned forward and took the bite

“woahh Bhabhi toh jaadugar nikli”

ayra said seeing the man everyone feared smiling at her softly even though he was always soft to ayra also being the daughter but seeing him like this was surprising for everyone

“Bhabhi ko sath le jaunga abb se date par kya pata ladki khud hi impress ho jaaye”

advik said as if seriously thinking

Dhruv rolled his eyes smacking his head

“haa bade papa or ladkiyo mei difference toh hai hi nahi na?”

As they talked, aviraj just stood there watching her laughing and smiling with his father something

She stood there infront of him the same quiet confidence she carried everywhere

For a second his instinctive reaction was tense

Because the space between him and his father have always been fragile, formal, heavy

Filled with emotions never said, he had learned long ago to not expect any kind of softness, respect yes approval measured but affection very rare

And then he heard her

His chest tightened not because it was natural but she hadn’t calculate the moment she simply stepped

His father’s reaction stunned him

The way his eyes softened aviraj has seen that expression a handful of times mostly when its about his mother

Aviraj felt it hit places inside him he didn’t even know existed

Years of silent effort years of being ‘enough’ but never openly embraced

And she without even realizing bridged a little of that gap

Not by force just by belonging

Something inside him settled

A quiet certainty

This woman- who showered him with flowers at midnight, who remembered his birthday when he forgot himself. Who fed his parents before him

She was his girl, she was his permanence

For the first time he didn’t feel like he was holding everything alone

He glanced at her- soft smile, eyes shining

“mine”

he thought not with possession but gratitude

Just then advik barged in

“basssss”

advik jumped dramatically sliding to the cake

“bhaii meri bhi baari lao”

He pointed accusingly at the cake

“cake mai laaya tha agar aap log bhool gaye ho toh”

The tension broke instantly

“chup kar nautanki”

dhruv said

Laughter filled the room

Kaashvi laughed too as she made everyone eat the cake

Laughter spilled easily after that

The heaviness dissolved, everyone smiled, laughed

Aviraj’s mother wiped the corner of her eyes smiling looking at kaashvi, advik and ayra fighting for cake

 Chachaji chuckling as he shook his head, chachi teasing aviraj, dhruv leaned against the table relaxed for once watching the chaos like it was exactly how it was supposed

“alag si khushiyan aa gayi hai kaashvi ke aane se”

dhruv said quietly standing beside aviraj

Aviraj didn’t reply immediately

His gaze was solely on her

Kaashvi was near the bed slightly on her toes, trying to take a piece of cake from advik’s hand while ayra recorded them phone held up “cheeno cheeno Bhabhi iss gadhe se” under her breath

Kaashvi laughed scolding advik for lifting plate higher just to irritate her completely unaware she was being watched

Aviraj’s lips curved faint but genuine

“hmm” hu hummed voice low

Dhruv glanced at him sideways then as if debating whether to say it or nor he added

“waise mujhe batana nahi chahiye shayad par..”

Aviraj turned slightly

“kya?”

Dhruv smiled teasingly

“tere birthday ke liye itna excited tu Zindagi mei kabhi nahi hua hoga jitna woh sirf 2 din mei hui hai”

For a moment aviraj stilled

Dhruv continued

“idhar se udhar bhaagna sabse poochna ‘unko kya pasand hai’ kuch khud karna, kuch kisi aur se confirm karna, pata nahi kya kya plan banaye hai usne”

He paused for a moment

“jaise sirf celebration nahi” dhruv added softer now

“tujhe khush dekhna important hai”

Something inside aviraj shifted

For the first time aviraj felt the weight he carried inside loosen, easing something inside him

Like someone was really seeing him and doing things just for him to feel and be happy like someone had reached into a space he didn’t realize was locked and said ‘you don’t have to do this alone anymore’

He exhaled slowly

“you know” he said to dhruv voice quieter

“I was never so much affected by birthdays”

Dhruv nodded

“pata hai”

Aviraj didn’t answer immediately

Kaashvi finally looked up, eyes meeting his across the room she smiled at him soft, unguarded as if that belonged to him only

“aur abb” he said simply

“har saal iss din ka intezaar rahega kyuki usse farq padta hai”

Dhruv didn’t tease him he just smiled knowingly

On the other side kaashvi was smiling when suddenly

Squish, cold cream smeared across her cheek she felt the coldness across her face

For a moment she froze

And then she screamed

“dholkiiiii”

Advik was already moving backward laughing like a criminal caught red handed fingers still coated in chocolate cream

“Bhabhi pati ka birthday hai aapka birthday bomb lena toh banta hai” he yelled

She glared at him kaashvi stared at her reflection in the mirror

“bhaiyaaa bachaoooo” he yelled dramatically ducking behind dhruv

“oye rukkk” she grabbed a chunk of cake from plate eyes blacing with mock fury

“aaj tu gaya” she said and lunged

Advil yelped and bolted across the room moving from bed to couch nearly tripping over chair as ayra recorded them

“bhaago bhabhi” ayra cheered “banado aaj iss joker ko langoor”

Kaashvi ran behind him advik tried to dodge but she was faster she caught his sleeve and smeared cake all across his jaw and nose

“aaya maza” she laughed breathlessly

“abb bol”

Advik stared at her stunned then slowly grinned

“ohh game on Bhabhi”

Before she could react, he scooped more cake and flung it

“avii bachao” she screamed running jumping on him

And then the cake hits dhruv instead

For a moment there was dead silence

Dhruv looked down at his cream covered shirt

Very slowly he lifted his head

Advik’s smile faltered

“uhh bhai—”

But too late

Dhruv grabbed the cake and smeared it straight into advik’s hair

The room exploded

Ayra laughing, kaashvi going smearing more cake on advik helping dhruv elders looking at them chachaji laughing clapped like its free entertainment, chachi tried to scold but laughing too hard

In the middle of flying cake teasing voices and unfiltered joy aviraj stood looking at his siblings and then at her laughing freely

Finally, aviraj’s mother was first to regain control

“bass karo mauka mila nahi jungli suar se bhi battar ban jaate ho tum”

she said half stern half amused

“enough now khatam aaj ka circus”

Advik immediately straightened

“bacha liya aapne maa warna inn sabko toh mai hi milta hu atyaachar karne ke liye”

She shot him a look twisting his ear gently

“harkatein bhi tu hi start karta hai”

One by one everyone started moving out still laughing and teasing, chachaji pulled advik by shoulder, ayra leaving with dhruv beside her

“happy birthday raj”

his father said quietly firm but warm

Aviraj looked at him and nodded muttering a small

‘thankyou’

His mother hugged him pressing her palm to his cheek

Ayra grinned

“Bhabhi room lock kar-“ as she was about to say

“ayraaaa” everyone shouted together

Laughter followed them into the corridor and the door closed

Silence settled again kaashvi stood there for a second, watching him

Cake smudged on her cheeks, eyes bright, hair messed up

Then she walked to him slowly

She stood infront of him arms slid around his neck

His hand came to her waist pulling her closer

She leaned in slowly standing on her tip toes

Slowly brushing he cheek with his

Then with a pause she pressed her cheek against his face dragging it just enough to smear the leftover cake from her skin to his

Her lips followed soft, warm right against his cheek

“happy birthday” she whispered

Aviraj didn’t move for a beat he just looked at her

The look of half amused, half affection

He shook his head slowly a helpless smile breaking through

“you are impossible”

She grinned looking at him about to pull back but too late

He leaned in and deliberately rubbed his cheek against her face, smearing the cake right back onto her skin, his stubble tickling her face

“aviii!” she laughed trying to escape

He didn’t let her

With an easy notion he lifted her into his arms

She squealed clutching his shoulders, laughter spilling out as he spun her just a little

She laughed harder forehead dropping against his

“you are terrible”

“only with you” he replied

They stayed like that for a moment laughing, breathing uneven, cake on their faces

She finally managed to still him, palms pressing lightly to his chest as she laughed, breathless

“bas” she said smiling up at him cheeks flushed

“abb jao change kariye its already very late”

He looked down at her for a second longer as if memorizing the way she looked, happy, carefree, unguarded and his

Then he reluctantly sets her down hands lingering at her waist just a moment before letting go

“as you say” he said

She straightened his shirt reflexively, smoothening it and nudged him toward the bathroom, he shook his head with a small smile and walked door closing behind him

The moment he was gone kaashvi quickly wiped he face clean her expression changed, excitement bubbling inside her instantly

She turned toward the cupboard almost bouncing on her feet as if she can’t wait for him to come

She opened it carefully and adjusted a few things inside grinning to herself like she was holding a secret too big for her chest

When the bathroom door opened again aviraj stepped out freshen up, hair slightly damp, his shirt loose but his biceps clearly visible.

He barely had time to register her standing there, eyes shining before she grabbed his wrist

“iadhar aaiye” she said taking his hand tugging toward the bed

Before he could question it she pushed him down gently by his shoulders until he was sitting on bed

“close your eyes”

He frowned slightly looking at her not knowing what she was planning

“noor-“

“avi” she whined dragging the word out like a child pouting just enough to make him sigh

He exhaled suspicious but amused and closed his eyes

She moved quickly then- soft rustle of fabric, faint sound of boxes being placed properly

One by one she pulled things out of cupboard- small boxes, medium few small ones wrapped neatly

She arranged them on bed lining them up adjusting everything perfectly

‘okay” she said finally as if excited , voice lighter now

“abb kholo”

He opened his eyes, his eyes looking at her and then he gazed down

The bed filled with boxes wrapped neatly

For a second he didn’t react at all not being used to something like this

The bed infront of them was covered- neatly arranged boxes of different sizes, some simple some carefully wrapped.

He looked from gifts to her

She came and sat beside him cross legged hands folded in her lap face showing her excitement more than his while she watched his face

“noor” he said solely genuinely taken a back and confused

“ye sab..?”

She grinned

“ye sab aapke liye”

He blinked

“abb har roz kisi ka pati 31 ka toh hota nahi jawaani jaa rahi hai aapki”

she said softly her voice teasing

“jitne saal aapko iss dharti par hue, toh samaj lijiye har saal ke liye ek gift”

That did it

Something in his chest tightened unexpectedly he was used to gift, people wishing but this? This was entirely different and special

He didn’t smile, didn’t tease he just stared at the boxes, then back at her like his mind was struggling to catch up emotions quietly flooding in

“noor” he said voice lower now steadier than he felt

“ye sab, iss sabki zarurat nahi thi tumhe itna kharcha karne ki---”

She leaned in before he could finish pressing her finger gently against his lips

“shh”

Her face was close now eyes unwavering

“apne pati par nahi toh kya”

she said calmly a hint of mischief in her gaze

“bahar ke mardon par kharcha karu?

Avi mai ek serious pati vrata patni hu aapke alaawa kiski ko dekhna toh kya sochna bhi mere liye paap hai”

For a second, he just looked at her eyes never leaving hers

Then without another though he pulled her into him

Firm, close, protective

His arms wrapped around her like he needed it, like words wouldn’t work right now

She melted into him instantly smiling against his shoulder as he leaned into her hiding his face in the curve of her neck like it was only place that cane ground him

Her hands sliding up to his neck fingers rubbing there gently soothing without trying

He exhaled against her hair unable to say anything without giving himself away

She pulled back just enough to look at him still smiling softer now

“I meant it” she said quietly

“jub maine kaha….this day is yours avi”

Her thumb brushed his jaw

“and I will make sure” she said leaning just a little closer

“you feel every second of it”

She smiled again

“my special one”

He looked at her for a long moment

Like the room had faded and all that remained was her sitting infront of him eyes bright, cheeks flushed from laughter and everything unsaid between them

His hand came up slowly cupping her face his thumbs brushed her cheeks with a tenderness that didn’t match the man people outside this room knew his as

“thank you” he said quietly

She smiled at the softness in his voice and before he could pull his and away she leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss into his palms

“jaisa mere neta jii chahe”

she said softly teasing making him look at her being amused a small smile coming to his face

“accha” she said immediately business like now eyes sparkling

“abb gifts kholo jaldi”

He let out a small huff of laugh and as he was about to reach for the nearest box -

“areee nahi nahi time pause time pause” she said quickly grabbing his wrist

“pehle haanth do”

He paused confused again then slowly held his hand out to her

She looked around and from one smaller box she pulled out a ring, simple yet elegant unmistakably chosen with intent

She held in between her fingers for a second

Then took a deep breath as if about to do something big and looked up at him

His breath hitched looking at her for a moment

Her voice shifted- soft, ceremonial as if about to give a speech but still very her

“kya aap”

she began trying to sound serious but failing just a little

“aviraj kaashvi singh…”

Something inside him stilled at that as he looked at her

“…apni puri Zindagi hanste khelte aankh dikhate hue apni pyari talented sabse acchi biwi kaashvi aviraj singh ko, jhelte hue bitane ke liye taiyaar hai?”

He looked at her, his smile came slow warm and certain

He looked at her like the answer had never needed a question

“Zindagi ke baad bhi” he said softly eyes never leaving hers

“agar koi jagah hai waha bhi, humesha”

Her breath caught for a second

She didn’t say anything just smiled, eyes suddenly little shiny as she slid the ring into his finger adjusting it carefully like the small act itself mattered

She lifted his hand slowly placing a soft kiss on his knuckles

“avii humari engagement ho gayii”

she said making him shake his head as he looked at her

The moment the ring settled in his hand it hit him not like excitement but grounding

This wasn’t about jewellery

Hearing his name tied to hers like that –

Aviraj kaashvi singh

And her calling herself kaashvi aviraj singh

It did something irreversible inside him

This made his chest ache in a way he didn’t want to protect himself

She wasn’t asking him to promise her perfection

She was asking just his presence just for him to stay

He closed his fingers slowly, feeling the ring reached for her again pulling her closer forehead resting against hers

For the first time he didn’t feel like a man holding his world together

He felt like a man who had finally found where he belonged like someone can hold him too

Kaashvi pulled back slightly

“accha abb kholiye” she said

One by one boxes opened

She sat close to him on the bed legs folded under her practically vibrating excitement

Every time he picked something she leaned like a child waiting for approval explaining everything

“that one yes pehle woh kholiye” she said nudging a box toward him

He chuckled softly shaking his head as he opened it

Inside were two sleek key chains- simple, solid, elegant the kind that suited him

She clapped her hand once unable to hold it

“for you car keys” she said quickly

“I saw aapki keys mei nahi thi and I know kitna unhealthy obsession hai aapko unse so I thought…”

She shrugged suddenly shy

“it deserved something too”

He turned the key chains in his and slowly thumb brushing over the metal

His gaze lifted not to the gift but to her

“you notice everything don’t you?” he said quietly

She smiled proudly

“sirf aapko”

He reached the next box this one was thinner

“a diary” she said softly

“see the first page”

He opened it

On the very first page written neatly in her handwriting were their name

Kaashvi and aviraj enclosed inside a red heart a tiny smiley drawn beside it like a school student writing their crush’s name

Something inside his chest tightened as he brushed the heart and tehri names softly with his thumb

“aap likhte nahi ho” she continued voice gentler now 

“par sochte bhaut ho or bolte nahi toh shayad yaha likh sako, for things you don’t say out loud”

He closed the diary solely holding it like it was something fragile

His mind is just flooding with emotions realising how much she knows and notices him and sees him for who he is and still chooses him

Then a small box

A small key chain simpler than the first but special because of the words engraved on it

“together remember”

She watched his face carefully this time

“ye dono ke liye hai” she said

“ek aapke ek mere jub bhi mushkilein aaye ye dekhna”

He didn’t say anything looked at it and nodded too lost in his own emotions to react

Then came a slightly larger box

As soon as he opened it a subtle fragrance filled the air

She straightened

“ye perfume…maine khud banaya hai”

He looked at her surprised

“ek work shop thi hospital ke paas waha kara rahe thae I thought to go”

“it smells like you” she said smiling

“like how I feel when you are around, strong, calm, thoda sa dangerous” she said eyes flickering up mischievously

“but safe”

He looked at her and inhaled it again bringing it closer as if memorizing it

Next was a pen sleek and heavy engraved simply with his initial

“meetings” she said “signature. Decisions”

Then there was a photo frame

The moment he saw it something inside him softened his breath hitched

A picture of him, advik, ayra and dhruv as kids laughing, messy, unguarded a time before responsibility hardened his shoulders

“I found it in maa’s old album” she said softly

“you look so happy here” she said admiring him

He stared at it longer than he realized

“advik used to run around stealing ayra’s dolls” he said softly as if remembering their childhood

Kaashvi looked at him listening intently with a small smile

“me and dhruv used to run behind him when she cried phir dono sath ho jaate aur hume hi pareshaan karte” he said a soft chuckle escaping his lips his face showing different kinds of emotions

She caressed his hand slowly and then as if coming out of it he took another box from her hands as she forwarded

A coffee mug but the letters on it made him laugh

Bold letters screamed across it

“BEST POLITICIAN AND HUSBAND EVERRRRR”

With small cute dolphins printed on it 

He actually laughed at it

“aree itna accha hai aap hans rahe ho” she said as if offended

He shook his head looking at her

“nahi bass kuch yaad aa gaya” he said

She looked at him confused but smiling

“kya kya?”

He looked at her and then said

“the night…” he paused for a moment

“the night we were in that temple you wore cartoon dolphin printed bottoms"  

She froze for half a second

Then she looked down at the mug again at the dolphins and then back at him

“aapko yaad hai?” she asked softly almost unsure taken aback

There was something fragile In her voice now she hadn’t expected him to remember this small thing

He didn’t smile immediately

His gaze stayed on her

“woh raat bhool hi nahi sakta”

She swallowed looking at him but shook her head a little as if steadying herself from being emotional

“bass abhi ye sab nahi aapka birthday hai rulaoge kya” she said

He looked at her smiling

One by one they opened the gifts

Shirts, cufflinks, small things but useful and thoughtful showing how much effort she has put

And then at last

There was a white envelope

Plain white his name on it with her handwriting

He picked it up instinctively

She stopped him immediately her hand closing over his

“nahi” she said softly but firmly

“ye abhi nahi”

He looked at her

“kasam hai aapko” she continued eyes steady now

He looked at her being confused

“ye tab kholna…jab kabhi mai saath nahi hoon, jub aapko meri yaad aaye jub door hoke bhi hum nazdeek ho”

Something unspoken passed between them

He looked at her and then at the letter

He nodded slowly carefully placing the letter inside the diary

“kasam tumhari” he said looking at her

She smiled then softly

As he looked at bed scattered with gifts he realized

Every box carried a message

I see you

I choose you

I remember

Suddenly she went quiet for a moment

Too quiet

She shifted slightly fingers fidgeting in her lap her excitement giving way to something else, nervousness

“avi” she started then stopped

He looked up at her

“kya hua noor?” he asked seeing her looking down

She stayed silent then taking a deep breath she said

“kuch aur bhi hai” she said softly

“aur?” he asked brows knitted

She didn’t reach for a box this time

Instead she moved closer, so close her knee brushed his thigh

Slowly deliberately she turned her left hand, lifting her sleeves a little and held out her inner wrist toward him

He looked at her and then down at her wrist

For a second his brain didn’t process it his world went blank

Then he saw it

A small delicate engraving

Just one letter- his initial with a small heart

“A”

His breath caught sharply it almost hurt

For a full second, he went completely still not saying anything

No smile, no words just staring

His mind flashed uninvited to his own wrist

Her name engraved on his hand with a small moon but what caught his mind was the pain he remembers how much it pains the needle settling in the skin

She hadn’t marked herself with feelings

She had marked herself with him

His fingers lifted slowly almost hesitantly brushing over the letter, his thumb traced it once, then again

“noor..” his voice came out rough “yeh-“

He swallowed hard

“tum pagal ho”

he said finally his mind and words betraying him

The day he saw her in the bathroom with tears almost kneeled, throwing up he knew he could not bear to see her in any kind of pain even the smallest one but here she did such a big thing and he couldn't even imagine her going through this pain

She shrugged lightly trying to act casual even though her eyes were watching his face

“aapne bhi toh kiya tha na” she said simply

“toh mai kyu nahi?”

That was it

Whatever restraint he had left broke

He pulled her toward him in owe swift motion lifting her easily and settling her onto his lap, his arms wrapped around her tight, protective and consuming like her needed her to breathe again

His forehead dropped to her shoulder his voice muffled against her skin

“kitna dard hua hoga meri jaan ko”

he whispered as if to himself  

She smiled against his neck arms looping around him

“zyada nahi” she said lightly

“bass do teen baar aatma shareer chordke bhaagne wali thi baaki toh aap jaante hi ho mai kitni strong hu

Or advik se puch lena uske hi haanth ko nocha hua tha maine pakadke”

Despite himself a breath of slow chuckle escaped him, his voice heavy with emotions half disbelief half emotion

He pulled her even closer hand cradling the back of her head

“kaise batau” he murmured voice low and unsteady now

“kya ho tum mere liye..”

She slid her fingers into his hair. Thumb brushing the side of his neck grounding him

“nahi” she said softly

“aaj nahi”

He lifted his head looking at her

She smiled gently

“aaj sirf mere pati ka din hai”

That was when it him him

It wasn’t the gift the ring or the engraving

It was the ease, the trust with which she gave herself without fear, without drama without conditions

She didn’t feel loudly

She feels him deeply, where it mattered

People had always wanted things from him

Power, protection, stability

But she?

She chose him

He tightened his arm around her just a little more breathing her in anchoring himself

For the first time he realised

He wasn’t strong anymore because he carried his world

He was strong because she trusted him enough-

Enough to carve his name into her skin- and smile like it was the most natural thing

 Kaashvi stayed still in his lap, her legs on side arms loose around his shoulder

She felt it

The way his body had gone rigid

The way his breath had changed when he saw the engraving

The way his arm tightened around her like something precious might slip away

From where she sat, she could feel his heartbeat

And suddenly her own chest full

She hadn’t done any of this to impress him

Not the gifts or engraving

She had done it because staying with him she had realized something very clearly

He had spent his whole life giving

Being responsible

Not expecting anything

Being composed

Being the one everyone leaned on

So she planned it all

Running around asking ayra for ideas, arguing with advik over sizes, hiding boxes like secrets

Writing diary late at night when he was asleep rewriting the first page three times because handwriting didn’t feel right

Standing at perfume counted closing her eyes again and again trying to find a smell that felt like him

And the engraving

It had hurt she knew it would

But something inside her wanted to do it

And looking at him now face buried against her shoulder his hand cradling her head like a baby she knew if required she would do it again without hesitation

‘bass yahi toh chaha tha’ she thought

‘ki aap mehsoos kare ki aap akele nahi ho’

She leaned back just enough to look at him

His eyes lowered, jaw tight like he was holding himself together with sheer control just overwhelmed in a way he wasn’t used to being

Her heart twisted affection flooding every corner of her chest

She reaches up thumb brushing his cheek gently

‘itna sab sambhalte hai’ she thought with a quiet smile

‘or itni choti chizon se hil gaye’

And maybe that was the point

She rested her forehead against his voice barely above a breath

“i just want you to know” she murmured

“ki …aap bhi kisi ke liye special, kisi ki jaan ban gaye ho”

She felt his arm tighten around her

She had him

And tonight she had made sure he felt it too

His breath shuddered against her temple when she said that

For a moment he didn’t speak

He simply pulled her closer his arms locking around her properly now, one hand slid up to the back of her head fingers threading into her hair pressing her gently but firmly into his chest like he needed to feel her heartbeat match his to believe it was real

“special..”

he repeated under his breath the word unfamiliar on his tongue

He had been called a lot of things

Powerful

Important

Necessary

But special?

This was new

He tilted his head lips brushing her hair, her forehead, her temple- sloe, grounding touches

Each kiss lingered like he was memorising her presence

“you have no idea” he said finally voice rougher stripped out of its usual control

“what it does to a man when someone chooses him like this…without asking for anything in return”

He pulled back just enough to look at her

Her eyes were soft nor expectations no demand just warmth and certainty

That almost undid him

His thumb brushed under her eye, then along her cheek tracing her face with fondness

“humesha sabke liye khade rehte ho” she said

“aaj mere liye kuch pal apne liye nikalke baitho jao”

The words landed like permission he never knew he needed

Something in hic chest loosened

He inhaled slowly then exhaled against her forehead his eyes losing for a second

“humesha khud ko itna sambhaala hai kabhi socha hi nahi koi…” he paused as if thinking before saying

Always being the emotionally guarded one he never expected someone to understand him or do something like this for

“…humesha samaj lungi”

she completed as if knowing what he was thinking and wanted to say

He opened his eyes again and looked at her

The way she sat in his lap like she belonged there

The way she wasn’t trying to fix him or praise him or pull him apart

Just letting him be and staying with him

And that was everything

His hand slid from her cheek to her waist resting there

“tumne bina bole samaj liya ki mai bhi thak sakta hu”

he said

The admission tasted unfamiliar, vulnerable and honest and something new to him

He leaned his forehead against hers again breathing her in

“if I ever forget who I am” he murmured

“ye duniya jub bhaari ho jaaye…”

His hand slid down fingers curling around her wrist right where engraving was

“…toh mujhe yeh yaad dila dena” he finished

“ki mai sirf aviraj singh nahi hoon”

His gaze shifted steady and devastatingly sincere

“mai apni noor ka avi hoon”

Kaashvi didn’t answer with words

She leaned in and kissed his cheek, slow and warm

And aviraj closed his eyes for the first time he didn’t need to be strong

He was already home

She stayed curled against him for a while her head rested just below his shoulder

Her fingers moved without thinking, slow, absent strokes on his hand just beside his finger on the side

Her name written

She traced it gently, the pads of her fingers following each curve of letters

Aviraj looked down

The way her touch softened there just quiet affection

His other hand slipped to her wrist almost unconsciously thumb resting over her skin

And then he saw it again

The small delicate “A” engraved on her inner wrist

His gaze lingered there longer that he meant to

The contrast hit him every time her name on his skin, his on her skin

Permanent in ways neither of them spoke out loud

She felt his eyes on it and smiled to herself

Suddenly she straightened up like she thought something

“avi!” she said brightly excitement bubbling back in her voice

“haath do”

He blinked pulled out of his thoughts, a little confused but obedient

He extended his hand toward her

She grabbed it immediately fingers warm and sure then leaned forward to pick up her phone from the bedside table

She positioned their hands together his ringed finger beside hers

She adjusted once, twice brows knitted slightly in concentration

“perfect” she muttered

She took another from a different style

She leaned closer framing it tighter almost crawling into his space again without realizing

Aviraj just watched her quietly

She intertwined their hands in such a way her wrist showed his initial and his hand showed her name

He looked at her the way her brows furrowed in focus

The small satisfied smile when she liked a hot

She switched phones, grabbing his from bedside

“abb aapke phone mei” she declared

He nodded looking at her she was already repeating the process same hands, rings shining, tattoos showing

She finally leaned back pleased with herself scrolling through the photos

“done” she announced proudly

Only then did she look up

He was watching her

Not smiling fully just that soft quiet look he got when something settled deep inside him

His head tilted slightly eyes warm, unguarded

“kya?” she asked suddenly self-conscious feeling his gaze

He shook his head faintly a corner of his mouth lifting

“kuch nahi” he said

She rolled her eyes lightly, but her cheeks warmed anyway. She scooted closer again, shoulder brushing his chest holding the phone between them

“yeh wali acchi hai na” she said pointing at one photo

He glanced at it then back at her

“haan” he agreed quietly

“bhaut”

As they sat there for some more minutes her excitement slowly began to melt into tiredness

She yawned eyes squeezing shut for a moment keeping phone aside she leaned sideways curling into him her forehead resting against his chest

Aviraj felt it immediately

Weight of her head

The way her body relaxed

A small smile tugged at his lips as his fingers slid into her hair slowly caressing

“neend aa rahi hai?” he asked softly voice low

She nodded against him cheek brushing his shirt

“hmm” he hummed

“soo jaate hai”

Then as if remembering something important even in haze of sleep she lifted her head slightly eyes half open

“hmm kal ke liye bhaut kuch karna hai” she said her voice was sleepy

But still excited, still plotting

But exhausted

He chuckled under his breath amused at her

At how after everything she had already done her mind was still racing ahead for him

He slowly shifted her onto the bed laying beside her she tugged his arm around her waist in her sleep her head settled into the crook of his shoulder

Aviraj lay back beside her careful not to move too much

He adjusted the pillow and tucked a strand of hair away from her face

She melted into his arms just natural

His arms tightened around her waist palm warm and steady against her back as he pulled her closer until there was no space left between them

Her forehead slid back into his chest

He watched her sleep

The faint pout on her lips

The relaxed lines on her face

Her hand resting lightly on his chest

His fingers brushed over her knuckles once slow and protective

“my baby” he said quietly

“avi” she said sound barely there

“aap bhi soo jaiye..”

He smiled at that

“hmm” he hummed softly even though he didn’t close his eyes yet

His fingers kept moving through her hair slow unhurried strokes memorizing the way she fit against him

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, lingering there breathing her in like this was the most comforting place

She shifted slightly adjusting herself more comfortably

One leg hooking over his, her cheek nestling closer to his heartbeat

Within minutes her breathing changed

Deeper and slower

Aviraj stayed still letting sleep claim her completely

“thankyou for being in my life” he murmured looking at her

“for choosing me”

His thumb brushed over her shoulder once

He looked at her holding her watching the woman who had somehow made his world feel complete fall asleep in his arms  

Eventually he rested his cheek against her hair eyes closing at last

She was here and for him that was enough   

________