The scooty slowed as kaashvi eased off the main road, her hands steady on the handle, movements familiar and sure

Aviraj sat behind her, one arm loosely around her waist, trusting her rhythm even if he didn’t know the destination

She stopped,

They stood in front of an old iron gate, freshly painted worn at the edges, a modest board hung above it, simple letters, greenery can be seen around,

Inside the faint sounds drifted out; children laughing, someone calling out, the clatter of utensils, people talking and laughing

Kaashvi parked the scooty and switched off the engine

Aviraj being confused, before he could ask, she had already reached up unbuckling her helmet her hair falling loose around her face, aviraj did the same pulling it off

He got down instinctively, steadying the scooty, then moved around her side, holding it firm as she stepped off, his hand placed near her elbow protective without thinking, as she stepped off the scooty

She smiled, looking up at him eyes bright

“aa gaye hum”

He followed her gaze to the gate and then back to her, confusion knitting her brows

“ngo?” he asked slowly, confused

She smiled, small like she wasn’t sure how he would take it

“bhaut socha” she admitted fidgeting with her pallu

“aapko kaha le jau jo alag ho, kya karu, kyuki aap har jagah gaye hoge restaurant, yaa picnic wo bhaut common ho jaata”

He watched her silent now

“mera buddhu dimag chalna band ho gaya tha, phir maine socha” she continued her voice gentle but sure, eyes resting on the gate

“ki aap logo ke liye kaam karte ho, jub aaj aapka din hai, hum khush hai…toh unko bhi thodi Khushi de dein jo roz khush nahi ho paate”

He looked at her, his chest tightened at her thoughtfulness

She turned back to him, sincerity written all over her face

“isliye hum yaha aaye hai” she sai d

“unn baccho se milne jinhe maa-papa ka sukh nahi mila”

“and unn maa baap se milne jinke bacche unhe wo sukh nahi de paaye

The words weren’t dramatic; they didn’t to be

They were simply her

Aviraj didn’t reply immediately

He just stood there, looking at her, the way her mind worked, at the softness that co-existed naturally with her fire

The woman who could curse someone wrong without blinking and still think of people who had nothing to do with her

Admiration settled deep and heavy in his chest, pride followed it

She felt the silence before she understood it

Aviraj hadn’t said anything, no immediate response

He was just standing there looking at her

And suddenly her confidence and certainty she had been holding onto wavered

Her fingers tightened around her pallu

“um..” she started her voice losing confidence

She looked down avoiding his eyes

“if you don’t like it, we can go somewhere else"

She pressed her lips

“I know it's not extravagant or anything, I just thought…”

She didn’t get to finish

His hand closed gently around her wrist, stopping her midsentence, firm enough to ground her

His eyes never leaving her face
“noor” he said quietly

She looked up

In one swift motion he pulled her closer, close enough that the space between them disappeared, close enough that she could feel his breath steady and warm

His other hand came up to her face, thumb brushing along her cheek with tenderness

“just when I think I cannot be more, proud…” he says eyes locked onto hers

“you go and do something like this”

Her breath hitched

“kaise soch leti ho tum ye sab” he continued voice low and sincere

“the way you think, the way you choose softness…” he said

His thumb lingered against her cheek, his gaze wasn’t intense in a consuming way, it was steady, like he was seeing her for the first time and the hundredth time all at once

“most people spend their lives trying to be seen” he continued voice calm but heavy with meaning

“you spend yours trying to make others feel seen”

She swallowed her fingers curling onto the fabric of his shirt

“this isn’t small” he said leaning his forehead gently against hers

“this is who you are… my noor and that is rare”

“jahan tum jao” he murmured almost like a vow,

“mai tumhare peeche chalunga, kyuki tum…

….tum sukoon ho mera”

He paused a faint smile touching his lips

“phir chahe jagah koi bhi ho”

Something inside her broke free

Kaashvi wrapped her arms around him tightly, burying her face against his chest

“aapko…accha laga?” she spoke softly, voice muffled almost shy

He didn’t hesitate even for a second

“mujhe tumhara kabhi kuch bura nahi lag sakta” he replied one arm around her back, the other resting protectively at her head

She pulled back just enough to look at him, lips curving into a small relieved smile

“very few people know how to show why a day matters"

he said

“and you chose meaning rather than something flashy” his gaze softened further

“I don’t need extravagance” he murmured

“I need you, and for me that’s enough”

“if this is how you choose to celebrate my day… then there’s nowhere I’d rather be”

She let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her

“sach?”

he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead

“sach”

Then he straightened, intertwining his fingers with hers

“now” he said nodding toward the entrance eyes warm and steady

“take me inside”

As she looked at him, he couldn’t help but feel the warmth and pride in him

She could have taken him anywhere, but she…she chose meaning, efforts, something that would feel right

She gives without announcing

She understands without showcasing

He thought of her shouting at a biker, so fearless and unapologetic

Her smiling and laughing care freely

Her teasing him, grounding him, calming him

And now, this

She could burn the world for him, and still lighten someone’s world she doesn’t even know

He thought not because she was too much…but for him she was everything

Nothing had ever made him feel this steady, this proud

‘if anyone asks me why I chose her’ he thought

‘I wont talk about emotions or feelings’

‘I will talk about who she is’

‘my noor’

As they walked, she suddenly stopped

“waise” she said casually

“ek baat bolni thi”

Aviraj glanced at her sideways already suspicious by her tone

“maine kisi ko rishwat-wishwat yaa kuch galat nahi diya haa” she clarified lifting her hand quickly, as if taking an oath

“kasam se, no paise, no pressure”

He stopped walking looked at her confused, turned fully toward her now

“matlab?” he asked his brows lifting slightly, amusement already creeping in

She shrugged eyes sparkling with mischief

“bass maine aapka thoda sa promotion kiya tha”

He looked at her, laughed under his breath

“kaisa promotion?”

She leaned closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret

“zyada kuch nahi” she said lightly

“bass sabko already aapke baare mei pata tha, maine thoda aur bol diya”

She tilted her head as if pleased and proud of herself

“thoda aapka kaam, aapki mehnat, aapka dimaag, sab kuch”

He just stood there for a second, looking at her like he was trying hard to decide whether to say something, laugh or pull her into a hug and never let go

She just hurried on, hands moving animatedly as she told him

“maine kuch extra ordinary nahi kiya”

“bass jub woh puch rahe thae maine bataya …” she glanced up at him and then smiled wider

“mere pati hai, acche toh honge hi” she said simply

He huffed out a quiet laugh, shaking his head

“that’s your idea of thoda?” he asked

She shrugged innocently

“abb sach zyada ho toh meri kya galti mere pati hai hi ek dum pyaare se”

He looked at her for a long moment, not teasing not mischief just her

The way she says things like this so casually, so possessively leaving the impact on him she has no idea of

“and isse kya hua madam?” he asked

She blinked at him smiling

“aree socho na avi” she said like she had solved some major problem, her face lit up

“sab already impressed thae, abb aur ho gaye

…abb aapko votes ki tension nahi hogi na”

A soft laugh escaped him before he could stop it, he looked at her half amused, half helpless

For a moment he didn’t even know what to do

“kya karu mai tumhara?” he murmured half amused half undone more to himself than to her

“suhaagraat Manalo jaaneman” she said sweetly, blinking at him

He groaned, shaking his head, rolling his eyes

Stepping closer and sliding an arm around her shoulder pulling her gently to his side

“tum na” he said exhaling through a smile

“sabki political theories bigaad dogi”

She laughed, intertwining her fingers with the hand resting on her shoulder,

“hehehe dekh rahe ho mera kamaal mai bhi neta toh ban hi sakti hu” she said lifting her chin

“madam” he continued mock serious now tilting his head to look at her

“zara bataiye aapko politics ke baare mei kya kya pata hai, mujhe bhi knowledge dijiye”

She looked at him gasped dramatically, and placed a hand on her chest

“aviii meri capabilities par shak?”

He chuckled low and helpless watching her act

“ye silaah diya aapne meri mehnat ka, mai toh lut gayiii” she said placing a hand dramatically on her head

She went on eyes wide, voice theatrical

She swayed a little placing a hand on her head

Before she could add another tragic line, he tightened his arm tightened around her shoulder and tugged her closer

“aur kuch bano na bano” he said amusement thick in his voice

“draamebaaz acchi banogi tum” then softer, fonder

“meri biwi”

She looked up at him instantly

“matlab” she said grinning

“minister nahi toh entertainment minister toh pakka?”

He shook his head, laughing now leaning down slightly

“my baby” he murmured words slipping out instinctively

Before she could react, he gently bit her cheek, the habit he has been obsessed with now, then pressed a soft kiss there

“aye!” she protested, swatting his arm lightly,

“mere gaal.. kya hai aapne gubara bana dene hai already aise hai”  

He stopped, his thumb came up instinctively brushing over her cheek, the same one his had bitten slow, soft like checking something precious

His gaze dropped to her face, warmer

Even though for him everything about her was perfect, the way she thinks, the way she is, but her, eyes they always shine differently, her cheeks always expressing everything she thinks

“pyaare hai” he said quietly

“bhaut”

He pressed his palm lightly against her cheek now, cupping it, his thumb absentmindedly tracing the curve, clearly too fond for his own good

“bass” she said

“aap na mere gaalon ka haal behaal kar doge” she said narrowing her eyes

“gande aadmi”

He smiled, slow

“meri biwi ke gaal hai” he replied calmly

“toh mai dekhunga, choounga…bigaadunga”

She gasped dramatically, instantly bringing both hand ups to her face, covering her cheeks as if protecting them

“haw kaisi baatein kar rahe ho” she said walking faster now

He kept his arm still firm around her shoulder voice lazy with amusement

“jaisi meri biwi ko pasand hai” he said shrugging

She looked at him sideways lips twitching

“accha jii abb aapko seduce karne ke liye laal gaal karke aaungi”

She tilted her head eyes glinting with mischief, clearly enjoying how easily she could poke at his composure

“socho” she said thoughtfully pretending to consider it

“laal gaal aise” she demonstrated by puffing her cheeks a little

“phir aapke saamne sharmaate hue bolungi

‘suunte hai kaise lage aapko mere gaal’

She bit back a laugh watching him carefully

He glanced at her,

“tum na…besharam” he muttered rubbing his forehead lightly his lips twitching despite himself

She leaned closer, whispering dramatically

“abhi toh shuru hi nahi kia kuch”

He looked at her now

“tum saamne khadi bhi ho jao” he said

“mere liye baaki sab wahi khatam ho jaata hai”

She froze mid step

Just for a second

Her ears warmed instantly,

“bade filmy ho rahe ho” she said nudging him lightly with her elbow

But her voice is softer now

A slow smile tugged at his lips

“personal drama company sath leke ghumta hu” he said

She looked away quickly rolling her eyes, huffing, pretending to be offended

Together they walked, his arm around her shoulder as they talked, smiled and laughed

The iron gate creaked softly as aviraj pushed it open and they stepped inside, walking beside each other

Before either of them could move further, small feet came running, barely controlled excitement, laughter echoing through the courtyard

“didiiiiiii”

Kaashvi barely had time to react before two children ran straight to her

Small feet came running from different corners of the courtyard, laughter echoing before aviraj could even register, what was happening two children had already wrapped themselves around kaashvi’s legs

“aree Dheere Dheere” she scolded softly

“gir jaoge tum”

She laughed instinctively, bending down arms opening without thought

She lifted one child easily into her arms, settling the child against her hip

“aap aa gaye” the little boy said eyes bright

“yess” kaashvi replied warmly brushing a hand through the child’s hair

“aur aaj toh bhaut special din hai”

The children gathered closer now, being curious

She turned slightly, angling herself so they could see behind her

“dekho mai kisse laayi hu”

Their eyes shifted, to aviraj

He stood there, hands relaxed by his sides, posture straight as always, quiet and observant unintentionally intimidating in the way authority is sometimes, his face held his usual calm, unreadable expression  

For a moment he didn’t move, all this it was new for him

Children stared up at him, big eyes, no fear, no hesitation just honest curiosity

He shifted his weight slightly unsure, he knew kaashvi was the carefree one she can talk, laugh make anyone comfortable but for him being among these little kids was different, he was confused what to say, how to react

Kaashvi knowing, looked up at him eyes soft

She leaned in just enough to whisper playful and soft

“its okay” she murmured

“they don’t bite, smile thoda sa and talk to them khud sab sahi lagega” she says as if silently comforting him

He looked down at her when she whispered that

The way her eyes softened when she spoke to him, the way her voice dropped enough to comfort him as if she knew exactly where his hesitation came from... no fear or discomfort just unfamiliar ground

Something in his chest loosened

He watched her talk to children

The way she knelt, and listened to every word

The children didn’t cling to her out of habit, but because her presence made them feel that way

He exhaled quietly, and the tight line of his shoulders eased a fraction

His lips curved, not a full smile but a small one

He nodded once, subtle like he was telling her he would try

“so” he said slowly crouching just a little so he wasn’t towering over them

He noticed children staring curiously at him

“aap sab mujhe aise kyu dekh rahe ho?”  he said brows furrowed

One boy immediately said

“aap serious lagte ho”

Another voice followed instantly, smaller but just as honest

“thode… darawne bhi”

Kaashvi bit her lip to stop herself from laughing

Aviraj blinked once then let out a soft breath though his nose and glanced at her sideways, unimpressed

“tumhe mai monster lagta hu?” he asked quietly

She shrugged lightly lips twitching

“mujhe toh meri jaan lagte ho” she whispered so only he could hear

He froze not dramatically but enough to be noticeable if someone was watching closely

For a second he could only hear her words

The words slipped into him quietly, and stayed there settling somewhere deep in him

His eyes widened just a fraction before he caught himself

His gaze flickered instinctively around checking the circle of curious faces, making sure no one heard whisper meant only for him

They hadn’t

They were too busy talking, staring,

Only then did he look back at her, his cheeks warm

Kaashvi noticed, her smile turned slow knowing, pleased

“bacche hai bagal mei” he whispered to her

She leaned in just enough again voice light now teasing

“toh? Pati ke sath romance karna mana hai kya jaaneman?” she said

He just looked at her

“abhi aise hi rahoge na” she murmured eyes sparkling

“toh baccho ko monster hi lagoge”

He stared at her

For a moment he genuinely didn’t know what to say

This woman… she could dismantle him in public without touching, without raising her voice, just by being there

A small boy tugged at his pants again eyes wide now

“aap monster ho sachi wale?”

Aviraj looked back at the child then back at kaashvi with the look that said “its your fault”

“nahi” he said finally

“monster nahi hu”

He paused then added quieter softer eyes flicking to her

“kyuki monster ko koi jaan nahi kehta” he whispered only for her to hear

Kaashvi’s teasing grin faltered, her cheeks warming

The children exchanged looks, being confused and excited

“toh aap kaun ho?”

“mai aapki didi ka pati hu” he said voice steady

There were collective gasps every child looked at him and then at her

“matlab aap didi ke gharwale ho gaye?” a small girl asked

For a heartbeat both of them stilled

The word landed softer, warmer

Kaashvi let out a small laugh, surprised and fond all at once

Aviraj blinked, then something unguarded crossed his face, amusement, and strange, tenderness

He glanced at her who was looking at him only

Before he could think too much, a boy asked

“aap didi ke sath hi rehte ho?”

That did it

Aviraj bent down, without much effort lifted the boy up his arms, the child smiled, giggling clinging to his shoulder

“haan” aviraj said voice lighter now

“mai inke ghar mei rehta hu, inka gharwala”

Then turning his head slightly, he nodded towards kaashvi

“aur ye” he added calmly with unmistakable pride

“meri gharwali hai”

Kaashvi froze

Not dramatically just enough for her breath to catch

He said it so causally

Not ‘mera ghar’

‘inka ghar’

Her eyes lifted to him slowly, he was still holding the child, talking to them freely now, his expression wasn’t performative, he hadn’t realised what he said

That was what undid her

The way he says such things so casually

The way belonging came to him without hesitation

Like he knows he was hers

Something warm spread in her, her man was one who spoke power, responsibility, with precision who weighed every, meeting

Yet he so casually speaks he is hers, claiming her quietly

She smiled a little, her gaze kept drifting back to him

The way he had softened for children, the way his shoulder no longer had a rigid line

“iska matlab aap hanste ho?” a kid said

Aviraj’s lips curved properly this time

“kabhi kabhi”

“abhi hanso” another kid demanded boldly

He glanced at kaashvi again, she was watching him with a soft encouraging smile, eyes warm

Then he looked back at the children

“mujhe toh sirf aapki didi hansa sakti hai”

There was a beat of stunned silence, and curious eyes

Then..

“aww” several voices said together

Kaashvi’s head snapped toward him, and he just smiled seeing the children’s reaction

Her eyes widened just a fraction, lips parting with surprise

“avi” she muttered under her breath

He just shrugged looking at her whispering to her

“patni ke sath romance karna mana hai kya?”

She bit the inside of her cheek to stop smiling despite herself rolling her eyes

One boy pointed at kaashvi dramatically

“toh didi boss hai hmm” he said thinking

Aviraj nodded

“bilkul”

“jhoote ye kisi ki nahi suunte baccho,” kaashvi said defensively voice mock serious eyes squinting at aviraj  

One child giggled looking at them

“didi aapko daanti hai?”

Kaashvi opened her mouth to protest, already done with his narrative, but before she could say a word

Aviraj signed deeply and made a sad face

“bhaut zyada”

He nodded solemnly like confessing a life long struggle

“avi!!!” kaashvi snapped pointing at him now

“hadd hai ye aadmi toh apne baccho ke saamne bhi mujhe badnaam kar denge” she thought glaring at him

He looked at her eyes warm, amused, openly fond then turned back to children lowering his voice just a little like he was sharing a secret

“par..” he said thoughtfully

“mujhe aapki didi ki daant suuna pasand hai”

The children burst into giggles

Kaashvi stood there, shaking her head cheeks warm, stunned

“par didi aapne hume shaadi mei kyu nahi bualaya” another child asked

Kaashvi looked at aviraj pointedly

She rolled her eyes dramatically, lips pursed in mock accusation  

“beta” she said completely serious

“mujhe khud apni shaadi ke golgappe khaane ko nahi mile”

“haww kyuu?” the child said

Aviraj shut his eyes for half a second, done with her “marriage” taunts

He looked at her, expression flat, then leaned slightly toward her and muttered under his breath so only she could hear

“haa kyuki tumhe hi P.T. usha banke bhaagna tha aur bano stunt woman”

“ruk jaati toh pura chaat ka stall khaali milta sabko”

Kaashvi snapped her head toward him

She squinted her eyes, glare sharp

“bhaut nahi bol rahe aap mr. singh?” she asked her voice flat

He shrugged lightly lips twitching

“Learning from the best mrs.singh”

Her mouth fell open slightly, she stared at him offended, stunned

‘ye aadmi meri acchi aadatein toh nahi seekhte” she thought and huffed lightly

The children around them looked at them, softly giggling and talking

He adjusted the child in his arms, bent down and talked to everyone, smiling now, answering their question, listening as they talked over each other, nodding like everything mattered

Kaashvi watched him from a step back

This man, who ruled rooms with silence, who intimidates just by his presence, stood there laughing, smiling with the children, eyes warm smile easy

Her chest tightened softly

She didn’t interrupt and didn’t move

Just stood there, quietly admiring him lost in the realization this was her husband even more beautiful in moments like these

She didn’t realize when she stopped hearing voices

Her world narrowed just to him

“this is him, my avi” she thought

His smile was unguarded, easy, almost boyish

His eyes softened every time a child spoke, he listened, responded with patience

When a child mispronounced something he, caressed their head, correcting them gently

He laughed with them

A sudden thought bloomed in her mind

Our children’ she thought

The image came uninvited, vivid

A small version of him, same sharp eyes, but with her softness

A child in his arms, so small

She imagined him holding their baby for the first time,

She pictured late evenings, them pacing in the room with a crying infant

“avi momo chup nahi ho raha”

“ruko”

He would get up instantly

No complaints, no hesitation

She imagines him pacing the room, slow measured steps, their baby tucked against his chest

His voice is low and steady

She imagined them sitting in bed together, her sitting beside him, holding their child

“hmm aakhein aapki jaisi hai” she would say

“gaal tumhare” he would say rubbing her cheeks and she would scold him

Another thought came, their child running to him after falling, and aviraj without a word would carry him, pressing a kiss to their hair the way he did to her cheeks

“rote nahi hai bacha” he would say the same way he calms her

Her chest tightened

Her would be the kind of man who would be strong, for the world but melted entirely for his family

Her throat tightened

She hadn’t planned to think this fae

Things scared her too, what if it wasn’t like she thought it would be, what if everything would be like she has seen in her home

“no don’t” she thought shaking the thought away

She looked away for a second grounding herself

As she looked back, her gaze softened

Aviraj noticed it then, the way she had gone quiet

Her eyes weren’t on anyone but him

He stood up, sifted lightly lowering his voice

“what happened?” he asked gently

Kaashvi blinked as of pulled back into the moment

She shook her head, brushing it away with a smile

“nothing” she said softly

After a few moments aviraj gently set the children down, kaashvi stepped forward clapping her hands lightly

“accha abb aap sab jao khelo” she said warmly

“hum thodi der mei aate hai sabke paas okay?”

“pakka?” one of them asked

“pakka” she promised

The children ran and scattered instantly, laughter trailing behind them as they went and played

As the space finally cleared kaashvi reached for aviraj’s hand, lacing her fingers with his naturally

She looked up at him, eye soft voice sure

“avii” she said walking with him hands in his

“hmm” he hummed intertwining his fingers with hers

“aap bhaut acche papa banoge, our momo and tikki will be so lucky” she said simply

The words hit him without warning, he stopped walking

Not abruptly just enough to notice

Aviraj looked at her, genuinely taken aback, for a second he didn’t immediately respond

His brows knitted slightly, surprise flickering across his face,

He has been appreciated, praised for a lot of things but this?

It was different but somehow it made him feel something quieter, deeper

The word ‘papa’ echoed in his head,

She leaned sideways into him her shoulder brushing his arm

His gaze dropped briefly to their joined hands,

For a brief second the same images flashed in his mind

A girl with her eyes and smile, tiny hands, laughter, a home that felt full

He swallowed heat creeping up his neck despite himself

“i..” he started then stopped exhaling softly

“I don’t know” he admitted honestly, voice lower now

“how are you so sure about this”

She didn’t hesitate as if the answer was obvious

“I know you” she said like it was the simplest truth in the world

She squeezed his hand once, reassuring, and then still holding him, stepped in front of him, turning to face him while walking backward

Her familiar spark returning, her free hand lifted animatedly, as her eyes lit up

“socho” she said almost lost in her imagination inviting him in it

“aap aur mai” she continued smiling, pulling him into the image

“humare beech mei momo” she laughed softly

She placed one hand on her stomach dramatically caressing it gently and playfully, the other still holding his

“mai pregnant aise khadi houngi” she said seriously, then broke into a grin

“aapka haanth pakadke..”

She paused as if thinking

“aap momo ko pakadna, Chhota sa”

He stared at her, his breath stilled

She kept going, voice dreamy now, teasing but sincere

“and hum” she continued dreamily

“saath ghoomenge, khelenge, street food khaayenge aur..”

“mai aur momo aapko pareshaan bhi karenge”

She laughed softly at her own thought, eyes shining

He didn’t answer, he couldn’t

He didn’t interrupt, he just walked slowly, holding her hand, watching her paint there future so vividly, it felt real

His grip tightened slightly, eyes fixed on her imagining it despite himself, the curve of her belly, her laughter, a small child tugging at his finger

Her leaning into him, him holding something so small, so precious and knowing it was their part, knowing it came from her

The moment she spoke, the images turned into something real in his head

He saw it all

Her pregnant, not cinematic or exaggerated just her

The glow on her face, softer and warmer, one hand on her belly, other in his like it always had been

He saw himself beside her, slower, more careful, his palm spread over her stomach, the life growing in her, a part of hers and his, feeling a small kick beneath his hand and freezing heart stuttering, breath caught in his throat

“avii baby kicked”

kaashvi would say excitedly keeping her hand over his

And he would just feel it

The image didn’t stop there

It grew, without him realising

A tiny girl, wrapped in a soft cotton, her fists barely bigger than his fingers, dark lashes, stubborn like her mother’s, cheeks round, expressive just like kaashvi’s

He saw himself holding her for the first time

His arms used to weight, authority, responsibility suddenly unsure with something so fragile

And then.. that moment

The baby looking at him, her fingers curling into his

Something in him breaking

He saw himself bending closer without realising and then

“pa..pa” she would say in her soft voice,

His breath would leave him, he realised it

He could already feel it, the way his throat would tighten, the way he would look away quickly, pretending to adjust his hands so no one saw his eyes shine

“my little princess”

he heard himself say in his head

He saw it all

Her tiny head rested against his chest,

He imagined her first steps

Kaashvi crouched a little distance away encouraging her

“papa ke paas jao baby, dekho he is waiting” she would say

The baby would try, wobbling, falling, laughing

And him kneeling instantly, heart racing faster, holding her

“its okay” he would say softly scooping her up

“papa hai na”

He saw her first cry, the pain due to some wound

And he knew that would destroy him

‘our child’

The thought landed heavy

His entire world would revolve around them

It felt full, complete in a way he hadn’t known he was missing

But then…

The image cracked…another picture pushed in

Kaashvi in pain

Her face tightening breath breaking,

The thought of her body straining, hurting, tearing itself apart

Something in him seized

He knew he cannot tolerate her even in slightest of pain and this was something so big

His chest tightened sharply

He looked at her who was smiling, still saying everything like a dream

But he felt it, the same helplessness he felt every time she was hurt, magnified a thousand times

The truth hit him brutally

She was strong he knows, stronger than him she would endure it, push through it, but he?

He wouldn’t survive it

Her knew it with terrifying clarity

“tum jhel sakti ho noor, magar mai toot jaunga tumhe dard mei dekh ke” he thought

Even the smallest of her pain or sadness unsettled him

The idea of her screaming, hurting, bleeding

It broke something in him

His fingers tightened around her, he looked at her

The woman imagining their future she believed in, the dreams she carried so lightly, the certainty in her eyes. That even the pain was worth embracing

He understood being with her didn’t just mean wanting her happiness

It meant being willing to be broken by it too,

The thought sat heavy in his chest, as he watched her smiling,

Even though she didn’t realise it but for him, it was clear he cannot imagine this life without her now

Kaashvi noticed it, the way his grip tightened on her hand, the way his gaze had gone distant

She slowed her steps,

“avi” she said softly, caressing his fingers

“bolo na, kaha kho gaye”

He blinked, the weight of his thoughts pulling back just enough for him to breathe

He didn’t answer, not with words

Instead, he stopped suddenly,

Before she could register, his arms came around her, firm and sure, pulling her straight into his chest, not rushed, not desperate just tight, like he needed it

Kaashvi froze for half a second, brows knitting

“avi?” she murmured against his chest her voice muffled by his shirt

“kya hua?”

He didn’t reply

He just lowered his head, pressing his forehead into her hair, breathing her in slowly, deeply like he was grounding himself

One hand slid up to cradle the back of her head, fingers threading gently into her hair, the other settled between her shoulder blades holding her there as if the world could fall apart and he just wanted her near

“kuch nahi” he finally said voice low almost rough

“bass…aise hi raho, thodi der”

That was all

But it was everything he couldn’t say, the images, the fear, the helplessness he didn’t know how to admit

The way his mind betrayed him by feeling too deeply, the future that came with pain he didn’t know how to survive... hers

So he held her

As if her warmth could overwrite every thought

Kaashvi’s confusion almost melted instantly

She didn’t pull away, didn’t ask again

She just softened

Her arms came up around his waist naturally, fitting there

She lifted her one hand to the back of his neck, rubbing slow, the comfort she always gave

“its okay” she whispered not sure what she was reassuring about but knowing he needed it

“I am here baby” she said slowly

Her breathing slowed deliberately inviting his to follow

And it worked, the tightness in him

The fear loosened its grip

All that remained was her

He pressed a soft kiss into her hair, for a few moments they stayed like that

“aap..”

“tum..”

They both said at the exact same moment and stopped

Looked at each other and smiled remembering the memory

He let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head looking at her

“pehle tum” he said

She rolled her eyes, amused but her smile stayed

“pehle aap” she insisted softly

For a second the old memory flickered

Unspoken but shared

Them in the car, late at night, the night that changed everything

Them inside the car, tied to each other now,

The same stubborn back and forth of “pehle aap” “pehle tum”

Seemed like Nothing had changed, but a lot have

He chuckled under his breath, looking down, about to say something his tone shifting more serious, thoughtful

“About kids...”

She looked at him, her expression already understanding

“I know” she said gently cutting him off before he could finish

“I know aap kya soch rahe ho, and kya kehne wale ho”

Her voice softened further

“we are not ready yet, of course we are not” she said honestly

“abhi meri umar hi kya hai” she said dramatically trying to make him smile

“par someday na..”

He stepped closer, finger brushing under her chin, just steadying her

“we will learn each other first, and experience everything together” he said quietly

“I meant it”

She held her breath

“when I said life with you is worth not rushing jaan” he continued eyes never leaving hers

“lets live it fully, har pal, bina bhaage, bina pressure ke, saath mei”

She looked at her, eyed soft

She swallowed voice softer, a little vulnerable

“door toh nahi jaoge na?” she asked

The question is small but carrying the fears and insecurities

He didn’t smile, didn’t tease

Just answered

“tumhare bina hai hi kya mera?” he said gently, thumb brushing her knuckles

“kaha jaunga apni noor ke bina hmm?”

He leaned his forehead lightly against hers, voice dropping even more

“tum mera ghar ho, mera sukoon, aur meri zidd bhi”

Her lips curved into a small smile

She nodded once, leaning into him

And as they started walking again, slower now, closer, no rush left between

They walked further in, past the walls painted by children, past low benches and the plants

Aviraj glanced at her sideways

“tum pehle bhi aayi ho yaha?”

She nodded easily

“haa, ayra se pucha tha ek din ngo ke baare mei, phir khud thoda pata kiya”

She smiled to herself

“ek din aayi thi, sabke sath baithi, baatein ki”

He looked at her, something unspoken shifting in hic chest

She hadn’t told him this, she hadn’t announced it, didn’t need the credit for it

They had just reached the inner courtyard when a woman in her late forties looked up and stood up the moment, she saw them

She was the ngo’s coordinator, kind eyes, warm smile  

“kaashvi” she said warmly walking to her

“you are back”

Then her gaze shifted to him, standing beside her

“aviraj jii, I didn’t realize you would be coming today”

“namaste” she said warmly

Aviraj nodded politely, instinctively stepping into his composed public self

“namaste” he replied

She smiled at them

“sab saaman aa gaya tha na aunty?” kaashvi asked the lady

“haa jo cheezein aap dono ne bheji thi, ration, medicines, clothes everything reached this morning only, everyone was actually happy”

Kaashvi’s smiled softened hearing it as she nodded

Aviraj paused for half a second

The words echoed louder in his mind ‘you both’

He turned his head slowly toward kaashvi, their fingers still laced together, her thumb resting against his knuckled

His gaze lingered on her, calm, gentle

He hadn’t known all this, she did all this by herself, planned everything herself

His grip on her hand tightened just a little

Aviraj’s eyes softened looking at her  

“thankyou” the woman continued sincerely

“its an honour truly” she said looking at aviraj

“I don’t think we ever thanked you properly last year aviraj jii”

Aviraj looked at her, slightly surprised but maintaining his calm and authority

“last year?” he asked

She smiled nodding

“for pushing the sanitation drive through when everyone else backed out, the mobile clinics, the funding for children’s health camps. Because of that so many lives changed not just number on paper…but real lives”

She gestured around, the children laughing, the elderly women sitting peacefully

“you didn’t just sign files, for us it means a lot”

He inclined his head slightly nodding, accepting the praise politely

“that’s what we work for” he said

Kaashvi stood beside him silent now, listening quietly

Her eyes never left his face, not the politician not the public figure, but the man standing beside her, polite yet in his calm and seriousness

Her lips curved into a small proud smile

The coordinator than turned to kaashvi

“and you kaashvi” she said warmly

“thankyou so much, for the supplied, calling again and again to check everything”

“you don’t just help beta, you check, you follow up, very few people do that”

Her voice grew heavier with emotion

Kaashvi looked at her eyes softening keeping her hand in hers

“aap ye sab bolke abb paraya banayengi hume? They are family, whenever you need, we are here”

Aviraj looked at her then something deep settled in his chest

This is who she was, his wife, no grand gestures, just kindness and consistent care

“we are lucky to have you” she said sincerely

“all of us”

Kaashvi glanced sideways at aviraj then, her eyes met his

Her hand lightly squeezed hers, the look he gave her said everything

That he saw her, he is proud of her

“chaliye sab aaj aapka wait kar rahe hai” she gestured toward the inner hall where the faint sound of chatter and laughter drifted out

“chalein?” kaashvi asked aviraj

He nodded walking with her

As they walked ahead, the noise growing closer, kaashvi slowed her steps lightly

“it makes me feel good” she said quietly almost to herself

Aviraj looked at her

“what?”

She looked around, the children, everything in there, the space filled with quiet hope, then looked back at him

“to be called yours” she said simply

“I am proud of you, not for who you are….but for what you do”

She stopped walking

Aviraj stopped too, as she turned fully toward him

Kaashvi lifted her hand, fingers gentle as the brushed against his cheek, her touch was soft and grounding

“I know” she said voice was steady but warm

“a lot of people must have told you this before, speeches, applause…”

Her thumb traced his skin lightly

“but I am so, so proud of you jaan” she whispered

“for the choices you make, for the kind of power you choose to use”

She stayed there close enough that the noise around them blurred

Her fingers are still on his cheek

“for the man you are” she continued softly

“not aviraj singh the politician or businessman …not the name people clap for”

A faint smiled curved her lip

“but my avi, the one who listens, the one who never forgets, the one who worries”

Her thumb brushed his jaw, affectionate

“mere serious se hero” she murmured fondly

“thode ziddi, akdu but bohot bohot acche insaan”

Something tightened in his chest

He had stood in front of many people, listened to appreciations

But this ..

This was different from all

For a moment he forgot where they were, his eyes just on her

Slowly he lifted his hand and covered where it rested on his cheek

His thumb traced over her knuckled

He swallowed, emotions flickering across his face

“I have listened to a lot of things” he said quietly voice lower now, rougher

He paused thumb pressing gently against her skin

“but aaj, laga jaise pehli baar koi sach keh raha ho”

“aapki sabse badi cheer leader toh mai hi hu jaaneman aise kaise apne pati ki tareef naa karu” she said with a soft smile, eyes shining

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes searching his

“my strong, stubborn, impossible, endlessly decent man”

He stepped closer, reducing the last inch of distance between them

His other hand came up, resting at her waist

“I should be the proud one here,” he added his voice sincere forehead lowering slowly until it touched hers

“because I am dr. kaashvi’s husband”

She smiled at that, they closed their eyes

“the way you care, the way you see people…that’s real work”

“I am so, so proud of you jaan”

Kaashvi smiled

They stood there, there was only quiet press of his forehead against hers, her fingers still on his cheek, his hand holding her

On the other side of the city

The house had been buzzing with chatter, and preparations, different kind of energy spreading around

“aarav or meher kaha gaye” dhruv asked looking around

“aare woh thodi der rest kar rahe hai, waise bhi bhaiya Bhabhi achanak se aa gaye to surprise kharab ho jayega toh woh andar room mei hai” advik said

As everyone talked, a black car stopped outside at the gate

The driver stepped out first, opening the door with practised ease

Vivaan stepped out

Tall, well dressed in his shirt and tailored pants, his black shades on as he looked at the house,

There was a natural confidence in the way he carried himself, calm and charming at the same time, his hair properly set

He paused for a second after stepping out, adjusting his sleeves

He looked composed,

His build was lean but solid, showing discipline, broad shoulders, straight posture

His shirt fit him perfectly, sleeves rolled up, watch in his hand glinting

There was a sharpness yet a charm in him that makes everyone look at him twice, someone who didn’t raise voice to be noticed

Charm and confidence came to him naturally, the ease in his movements showed confidence without arrogance

The faint smugness, that never left his expression, his expression showed seriousness too not cold just observant

Behind him stepped his parents

Neeti and Piyush

His father calm, gracious, dignifies a man whose presence commands respect without demanding his face showing experience and confidence of the politician he is

His mother, warm and elegant, her smile was easy and genuine eyes already lighting up at the familiar house

“kitna accha lag raha hai kitne din baad sabse milenge” she said looking at her husband

“hmm bhaut din baad mil rahe hai sab sath” his father said nodding

Vivaan just stayed silent looking around

He looked at the house again, aviraj’s home, once his too. Countless memories, them running around in their childhood, to late night parties, to laughter of them,

His jaw tightened

For a moment something flickered across his face

Vivaan removed his shades slowly, revealing his eyes that were sharp, expressive and guarded, eyes that had learned how to hide too much

“nothing has changed yet everything seems different” he thought

He ran a hand through his hair once

The moment they entered the living room everyone stopped, Priya and malini that were preparing a few things looked at them, the atmosphere suddenly lifted

“arey! Vivaan” Priya said walking to them her face lighting up

“aa gaye aap log” malini said warmly stepping closer

The greeted and hugged them hands folded, greetings exchanged, soft hug exchanged, laughter and smiles spilling easily, the kind of welcome that didn’t need words only familiarity

Soft laughter and familiar affection

Vivaan bent down to touch her feet and she blessed him hand resting on his head and hugged him

“kitni der kardi aur kitne time baad aa raha hai bhool hi gaya tu hume” Priya scolded affectionately looking at him her eyes warm

Vivaan smiled

“aap sabko kaise bhool sakta hu aunty, inn politicians ke bich aap hi toh hai pyari si hoor ki apsara” vivaan continued smoothly, a faint smile tugging at his lips

Priya laughed, lightly smacked his arm

“badmaash!” she scolded shaking her head eyes warm

“bilkul nahi badla”

Vivaan chuckled softly
“kya kare aunty abhi neta banne ki practise hui nahi na acche se” he said

Everyone around smiled, or rolled their eyes at his theatrics

Malini who had been watching them with fond amusement crossed her arms dramatically

“haa haa aunty ko hi makhan lagale party badaldi na tune? Yaad hai tum sab baccho ko mai hi daant se bachata thi sabki”

Vivaan’s smile softened. He stepped forward bent down to touch her feet

“kaise bhool sakta hu chachi” he said gently then straightened and hugged her

“aap nahi hoti toh hum sab toh aaj bhi pitte hote”

Malini laughed patting his back

“tum hi bigaadti thi inn sabko malini isliye itne shararti thae” neeti said shaking her head

“yaad hai kaise ek baar chhupke sabne pure ghar mei paani paani kar diya tha” Priya said remembering their childhood days

”aree haa” neeti added laughing softly

“mai poora ghar smabhaal rahi thi aur ye log-“Priya said pointing at vivaan shaking her head

“swimming pool bana rahe thae”

Vivaan lifted his hands in mock surrender

“aree sabki collective planning thi” he said innocently

“accha jii aur mastermind kon tha hmm?” malini said arching her brow

Vivaan coughed lightly looking around dodging the topic

“abb details mei kya jaana purani baat hai”

Everyone laughed shaking their heads

“bass baatein ghumana seekhlo isse” Priya said amused

Just then footsteps approached  

Vivek and kshitij entered the living room together

Vivaan straightened, the causal ease shifting into something more grounding

He moved forward and touched their feet with sincere respect

“namaste uncle”

“khush raho, bohot accha laga tumhe dekh ke beta” aviraj’s father said voice calm and warming his hand resting on vivaan’s shoulder

“itne din baad”

Vivaan nodded a genuine smile appearing

“mujhe bhi uncle”

Chachaji looked at him pretending to frown

“matlab abb tum bacche log humari post par aa rahe ho toh hume hi bhool gaye?”

Vivaan laughed as chachajii pulled him into a hug

“aree chachu, hum abhi bhi waise hi hai” he said lightly then added with a smug tilt of his head

“bass baaki sab bhondu reh gaye…mai handsome ho gaya”

Laughter rippled through the room

Just then-

“abe oo” a familiar voice cut in loud and unapologetic

“bhondu hoga tera sasur, saste Hrithik”

Vivaan and everyone turned

Kabir stood there, arms crossed, smirk firmly placed

Beside him dhruv shook his head lightly, like he knew what familiar and chaos was about to unfold

For a second everything felt the same

Old friendships and fun… Kabir, dhruv, vivaan but the absence of aviraj hung there

Kabir stepped forward and hugged vivaan

“waise” Kabir added casually

“tera bachpan ka pyaar abhi ghar par hai nahi”

Everyone shook their head laughing

Vivaan pulled back instantly glaring at him

“aur teri delhi nahi aa rahi” vivaan said low enough for only him to hear

Kabir’s smirk widened

“bete kismat chamak gayi meri”

Vivaan raised a brow, genuinely surprised but happy for him

“saale mujhe nahi bataya” he whispered

“baad mei bataunga sab, raj ko aane de saath baithenge aaj” Kabir said lightly

For a second vivaan’s expression changed but he nodded

Dhruv stepped in hugging vivaan

“chal tu aaya toh hume laga ready hote hote bhool hi jayega tere dost bhi hai”

Vivaan rolled his eyes

“itni aasani se kaha mai chala gaya toh tumhe mera sundar chehra kaise milega live dekhne ko” he said making everyone roll their eyes and chuckle  

“bass tera baap ki bhi aisi hi harkatein thi jawaani mei” vivek said looking at his old friend

“abb konsa buddha hu bhai jawaani abhi bhi hai meri” piyush scoffed puffing his chest lightly

Kshitij looking at them chuckled, shaking his head

“isliye rally mei khade khade teri haddiya jawab de deti hai” he said

Vivek burst out laughing, clapping his hand on piyush’s shoulder

“abb maanle buddhapa aa gaya hai” he said

“aree shareer badla hai hum toh abhi bhi wahi hai” Piyush corrected smoothly

The three men stood there for a moment, shoulders close, laughter easy, the comfort of decades between them

Old friendships had a rhythm of their own

Then-

“gale toh aise mil rahe ho jaise pata nahi kitne janmo ke bichde ho”

Advik entered grinning

“aur aap Kabir and dhruv bhaiya” he added dramatically

“raj bhai ke sautan mat bano vivaan bhaiya raj bhai ke hai”

The room burst into laughter

For just a moment vivaan’s smile faltered

Not much but still

Kabir and dhruv saw it, a knowing look passing between them

Advik lunged forward and wrapped his arms around vivaan, practically hanging off him, a wide grin plastered on his face

Vivaan laughed and hugged him easily, ruffling his hair  

“bhaiyaaaa!! Aapko yaad naa meri aayi kisi se abb kya kehna” advik said dramatically

Vivaan raised an eyebrow, amused his eyes softening

“kaisa hai chintu” vivaan said instantly eyes lighting up

“areey!” advik protested pulling back, being offended as of deeply betrayed

“hatto aapko pyaar dikhane ka fayda nahi” he said vivaan pulled him sideways smiling

Vivaan laughed grabbed his arm and pulled him back to his side

“drama band kar bata kaisa hai” he asked fondly

“badiya bass aapse zyada fan following hai abb” advik said smugly

Vivana gave him a slow dangerous smile

“accha?” he said lightly

“bhool gaya ho toh teri 12th wali pehli date sabko yaad diladu” vivaan said lightly making advik look at him in horror

Advik froze

His eyes widened, colour draining from his face as he stared at vivaan

“aree mai toh mazak kar raha tha aap guru hai mai shishya” advik said hand coming together instantly

He bent slightly, overacting his suurender

Vivaan chuckled standing beside him

Kabir smirked looking at him

“aur teri date ka kya yaad hai jub tu restaurant ke washroom se kudke bhaaga tha” he added lazily a wicked on his grin face as he looked at vivaan

Vivaan turned sharply to Kabir

“saale kis baat ka dost hai tu harami” he said

Advik smirked looking at vivaan

A slow smirk crept onto his face

“accha jii Saada kutta kutta twada kutta tommy, sirf meri date yaad hai apne haadso ka granth toh kholo”

Kabir and dhruv laughed

“bhai uske baad teen din tak ye college nahi gaya tha, bolta bhai mai commitment ke liye bana hi nahi shayad” dhruv said  

Vivaan looked at them being done

“haa iski baat batau? Kaise meh—” vivaan was about to say but Kabir looked at him in horror and raised brows pinching his hand

“aree bass ho gaya kyu sabki baatein bolni sab dates ke naam par nithalle hai yaha mana liya” Kabir said dodging the topic

Vivaan looked at him with a smirk clearly saying “abb bol bete”

And Kabir sighed making sure no one heard anything

From the side the elders watched them with soft smiles, the familiar chaos, voices, the teasing

Just then-

“vivaaaannn bhaiyaa”

Ayra came running from the other side, after her practise, and collided straight into vivaan hugging him tightly

Vivaan’s entire posture changed instantly

He instantly melted in warmth and softness and he hugged her ruffling her hair

“kaisi hai meri mini monjulika”

Ayra pulled back, offended hand on her hips

“excuse me?”

Then she smiled anyways

“bhaut buri, aapse matlab… aap toh bhool hi gaye hume”

Vivaan raised an eyebrow, being amused

“accha jaise tu toh roz kabutar ke paas chithiya bhejti hain a mujhe”

Ayra scoffed

“arre dm toh karti hu”

“haa dekhe hai tere dm maine apni tarah naachte hue cartoon bhejti hai”

Ayra looked at him nudging him but smile advik leaned in smacked ayra’s head lightly

“haa haa pure din Instagram par hi padi milegi ye”

Ayra whipped around glaring at him

“chup kar chintu”

Vivaan immediately slid an arm around ayra’s shoulder in a brotherly way looking at advik in with a mock stern expression

“oye chintu pareshaan mat kar usse”

Advik stared at him being done

“waah sab uski side le lo chudail kahi ki”

Ayra stuck her tongue at him hugging vivana from side

“bhakk suar chintu”

Laughter erupted around the room, everyone smiled

“kitne din baad” malini said quietly smiling as she watched them

“bilkul pehle jaisa lag raha hai”

Vivek laughed nostalgia heavy in his voice

“waise bhai jo bhi bolo din toh humare thae kya kya maze kiye hai humne”

Neeti looked at him smirking then glancing at malini

“haa haa yaad kyu nahi hoga vivek bhaiya kaise malini ke peeche peeche hi milte thae aap toh”

Malini raised an eyebrow slowly, lips curling into a smile with faint blush

Vivek coughed suddenly, ears turning red but then straightened his shoulders

“haa lekin aapki dost ne bhi kam bhaav nahi khaaye hai” he said

Everyone burst out laughing remembering their own days

Priya joined in, pointing teasingly at piyush

“waise piyush bhaiya ne bhi kum papad nahi bele yaad nahi? Hostel ke bahar aa gaye thae aadhi raat ko”

piyush puffed his chest proudly

“aaya mai tha par plan toh aapke pati ka tha Bhabhi”

Priya slowly turned toward kshitij one eyebrow raised, amused and suspicious

Kshitij always being serious and calm looked at her looking innocently

“maine bass idea diya tha” he said innocently

“kara sab inhone tha”

The room echoed with laughter again, past and present overlapping, old friendships, new bonds, and the warmth of family making It feel whole again

Malini folded her arms, eyes glinting

“accha sabka bata diya apna kon batayega Bhabhi” malini said teasingly

The room went quiet, Priya froze mid smile

Slowly colour crept up her cheeks, as she tried to wave it off being flustered

“aree humara kuch—”

Kshitij glanced at her, the corner of his lips twitching, soft, fond, the kind of smile only she ever got from him

Malini leaned forward

“yaad hai college wala protest?” she said eyes lighting up

“jaha pehli baar mile thae dono”

Vivek burst out laughing instantly

“mile nahi thae… takkar hui thi bhai”

“hume laga protest ka pata nahi, jung zarur ho jaayegi dono ki, pura college khada tha”

Priya looked at them, covering her face softly groaning

“kuch bhi bol rahe ho”

Kshitij finally spoke calm as ever but his eyes were on her

“ye humse bina kuch suune ladne aayi thi”

“ladne?” Priya shot him a look half embarrassed half amused

“tumne kya bola tha yaad hai? Ki ‘abb school ke bacche karenge protest’

Laughter exploded again

Kshitij looked at her fondly

“mujhe kya pata tha uss bacchi se meri shaadi ho jaayegi” he said making her roll her eyes her cheeks warming

Neeti looked at them

“aur woh din—” she added

“jab Priya ko uss harsh ne propose kiya tha kitna bada panga hua tha”

Kshitij’s jaw tightened just a fraction and Priya just sighed smiling

piyush meanwhile groaned dramatically

“yaad matt dilao bhai”

He shook his head, pointing at kshitij

“kaise beeti thi who raat jail mei, iski aashqui ke chakkar mei”

“jail!?” advik blurted out

“aap log jail gaye thae?” ayra exclaimed eyes wide

Priya finally looked at them being done

“Misunderstanding thi woh bass”

Vivek snorted

“Misunderstanding? Bhabhi aapke paas raakhi leke aaya tha wo agle din aur kiski wajah se wo toh sabko pata hai—” vivek said looking at kshitij with a knowing smile

Kshitij cleared his throat, trying to regain his calmness

“mai sirf baat karne gaya tha” he said

“haa haanth mei bat leke” piyush shot back

The room erupted into laughter again

Priya looked at kshitij then years faded in that moment, the chaos, arguments, stubbornness, the fire that had once made the whole college stop and stare

He met her gaze softer

For a second teasing faded

The younger ones exchanged stunned looks being surprised and amused hearing the elder’s story they haven’t even thought about

Kabir muttered

“hum toh sudhre hue hai” he said innocently

“haa humne kabhi aisa kuch nahi kiya” vivaan added

“bilkul hum toh seedhe se hai” dhruv said

Advik scoffed looking at them

“aap chaaro ke kaand aaye nahi hai bahar abhi”

And amidst the laughter, the teasing and the memories the house felt fuller, warmer alive with the stories   

“bhai jo bhi bolo uncle yaa toh aunty ke sath aise smile karte hai yaa tere papa ke sath” Kabir said looking at aviraj’s father talking to piyush and vivek, his usually composed face softened by a rare easy smile

Dhruv huffed a laugh

“true bade papa ke soft spots kum hai but jo bhi hai yaha wo serious nahi rehte”

Advik meanwhile jumped in, grinning

“aree bhaiya legacy samjo”

He gestured dramatically between the elders

“mummy ki sautan piyush uncle”

Then he added

“waise hi kaashvi Bhabhi ki sautan vivaan bhaiya”

The younger ones burst out laughing

Kabir and ayra laughed

Dhruv shook his head, lightly smacking advik’s head

“ye bina pite nahi maanega”

Vivaan too looked at them but didn’t say anything his jaw tightened

The name, surfaced, memories rushing in his mind

A bond that once felt unbreakable, now sat somewhere unfinished

Dhruv noticed

Without making it obvious he stepped forward

“lets go, sab baithte hai”

He smiled casually, voice light but deliberate

Everyone began settling down, conversations overlapping, energy shifting back to warmth and noise

Neeti glanced around the living room once more, her smile soft but curious

“waise..” she said gently

“raj kaha hai? Jiska birthday hai woh toh dikh hi nahi raha”

“aur kaashvi? Jisne itne pyaar se bulaya hai, hume bhi bahu se milna hai”

Dhruv answered first easy and casual

“dono bahar gaye hai aunty”

He smiled

“Surprise dena hai raj ko toh, kaashvi ne plan kiya sab”

Vivaan’s parents exchanged a fond look

“accha hai” his mother said warmly

“Newlyweds, they should spend time together”

But vivaan—

The change in him was subtle, almost invisible,

The easy charm stayed on his face, the smile still there

But his eyes shifted jaw tightening

Kabir and dhruv noticed

Kabir leaned slightly toward him

“birthday hai yaar aaj uska” he said tone light watching him closely

Vivaan shrugged careless on the surface

“toh?” he replied

“paida hua tha, birthday to aayega hi”

There it was

Dhruv let out a slow breath shaking his head

Kabir looked at him and sighed

Kabir and dhurv exchanged a look

They knew it, the distance between them, the silent fight

And they knew it was that casual for vivaan too, he cared, aviraj did too

“when will this thing change” Kabir whispered

Dhruv looked at vivaan

“jub tak ye dono apni zidd naa chord de”

“aunty aviraj bhaiya ka bass chale toh woh Bhabhi ke sath hi baithe rahe” advik said  

Advik’s comment hung in the air for half a second before it dissolved into amused reactions

“hmm baat toh sahi hai” ayra added immediately

“waise raj bhaiya sakht aadmi hai” she said

“par kaashvi ke sath woh pighal jaate hai”

Priya smiled, the kind that comes seeing you child happy

“he wasn’t like this before” she said softly

“kaashvi ke aane se he has started living differently”

Malini hummed in agreement

“there’s a different softness in his eyes”

“warna pehle sirf, zimmedaari, control, kaam aur abb seekh raha hai suuna, rukna”

Piyush listening everything looked genuinely surprised

“ye apne raj ki hi baat ho rahi hai na?”

The room chuckled

“haa lekin” vivek said

“alag sirf kaashvi ke liye hai”

Neeti laughed

“haa we saw it”

“dekha hai kaise usse dekhta hai woh”

“jaise puri duniya wahi khatam ho jaati ho”

“Bhabhi bhi toh kum nahi hai aunty” advik added

“ye sab unhone toh kiya hai raj bhai ke liye”

Kabir smiled

“uski noor ki ek awaaz par who sab chordne ko taiyar rehta hai aap sabne Dehradun mei nahi dekha usse jub usne kaashvi ko dekha tha—

Uska haanth pakde reh gaya tha yaad dilana pada tha haanth chord de”

Everyone looked surprised hearing it chuckling imagining their whipped son

“noor?” vivaan’s mother asked softly

Priya’s eyes lit up

“raj usse noor bulata hai”

“uske liye kaashvi uski Zindagi mei andhere mei chamakte ujaale jaisi hi hai” dhruv said

For a moment the room grew quieter

Vivaan hadn’t said a word

He sat back, face composed, unreadable

But inside him something shifted

Words he never expected to hear about his friend

He listened as they spoke about, aviraj waiting for kaashvi, remembering small things,

Somewhere deep inside, he was happy…happy for his friend who has finally found someone who can make him smile, walk with him through it all

Ayra sitting with her chin propped on her palm suddenly said

“arey” she said

“mandira bhi toh aane wali thi”

The effect was instant

The warmth, the chatter, everything dipped into a sudden pause

Meanwhile vivaan who was silent till now looked

His head snapped up, sharp, reflexive

“mannu?” he thought

“mandira” the name left his mouth before he could stop it

For a fraction of a second something unguarded crossed his face

He remembered those eyes, the seriousness she carried, her small smile

Their banter, her getting irritated

A flicker of excitement, curiosity, happiness, something tight and restless settling in his chest all at once

His eyes now brighter, jaw relaxed

Shoulders subtly straightening

Everyone looked at him

Priya blinked confused

Malini tilted her head

Neeti exchanged a quick confused glance with Piyush

Dhruv’s brows lifted slightly

Kabir’s smile faltered

Vivaan realised it the moment the room went silent

He cleared his throat, too quickly looking around

“aap aise uchal rahe ho jaise aapki mele se bichdi behen aa rahi hai” advik said raising his brows

Vivaan just glared at him

“pagal hai kya!” he said instantly

Making everyone more suspicious now

“matlab—” he said again hic expression back into something casual

“bohot time se mile nahi bass isliye”

He shrugged like it was nothing

Like his heartbeat didn’t just quicken just with her name

“accha hai aa rahi hai” he added

The room breathed again nodding

“haa sab mil lenge sath bhaut time baad” Priya said

Conversation again picked, the moment seemingly forgotten

But—

Kabir didn’t take his eyes off vivaan

Dhruv too leaning slightly toward him, voice low

“notice kiya?”

Kabir hummed eyes narrowed suspiciously at vivaan

“bhaut acche se”

Advik inched closer to both of them

“kya aap bhi wahi soch rahe ho jo mai soch raha hu?”

Kabir’s lips curled

“hmm iss popat ne kuch toh chhupaaya hai humse”

Dhruv nodded slowly his gaze fixed on vivaan

“kuch zyada hi excited ho raha tha”

The three of them exchanged a look

“yaa toh vivaan bhaiya bhaut shaatir hai yaa aap teeno ke dimag ghutne mei hai” advik said

Across the room vivaan suddenly looked around everything except them

He shifted his eyes, adjusted his sleeve, looked anywhere but at them

A practised calmness settling

Because this was something no one knew… not even his best friends

“Finally, again mannu it wasn’t the end, it never will be” he thought thinking about her