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The evening air was cool, the faint hum of the garden blending with the distant chatter of children playing. Krishiv sat on the wooden bench, his elbows resting on his knees, his face clouded with deep thought. He watched Bulbul running around, laughing as she played with her friends, but his mind was far from the peaceful scene before him. He had always thought of this place as a haven, a spot where he could seek clarity, but today, the usual serenity eluded him.

Across from him, Kavya sat beside him, her gaze following Bulbul's every move. She could see the tension in Krishiv's posture, the way his fingers tapped nervously on the armrest. She tilted her head, concerned by his unusually quiet demeanor.

"Any problem?" she asked gently, her voice carrying the weight of care.

Krishiv's gaze shifted from Bulbul to Kavya, a faint frown settling on his face. "Huh?" he asked, his voice distracted.

"You're looking so tensed," Kavya observed, her brows knitting together with concern.

He exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair, clearly unsettled. "Ahmm... actually, yes," he admitted, his voice laced with uncertainty. "I'm so confused, Bulbul ki mummy."

Kavya's gaze softened, her attention now fully on him. "About what?" she asked, her voice quieter, as though bracing for something important.

Krishiv hesitated for a moment, his thoughts jumbling together. "About Alya," he said, glancing at her before looking away. "Actually, Vishakha aunty wants me to marry her... I mean, give her a chance. But I don't know what to do."

The words hung in the air for a moment, and Kavya's heart clenched at the depth of his confusion. She knew how important this decision was for him, how much Krishiv valued the bond with Vishakha, but she also saw the way his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil. Kavya had always seen Krishiv as someone confident, decisive-but right now, he looked like he was drowning in uncertainty.

She turned her body slightly toward him, her voice gentle but filled with understanding. "I'm sure Vishakha aunty has her reasons," she said. "She's always cared for you like a son. She wants what's best for you. But, you can't let anyone else decide this for you. You need to listen to your heart."

Krishiv looked at her, his expression still tense. He appreciated her support but struggled to find clarity in his own heart. "I don't even know where to begin," he muttered, the weight of his decision pressing against him. "I don't want to disappoint anyone, especially Vishakha aunty, she loved me like her own son, but... I don't know if I can do this. What if we're not compatible? What if this isn't right?"

Kavya looked at Krishiv with a gentle smile. "Do what your heart says," she advised, her voice soft and reassuring, but with a hint of wisdom in it.

Krishiv turned toward her, his gaze filled with uncertainty. "How do I know what my heart is saying?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration. The tension that had been clouding his thoughts all evening hadn't completely lifted. He wanted clarity, but it seemed just out of reach.

Kavya's smile grew, and she leaned in slightly, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I heard that if you close your eyes, you'll see the image of the person you want to spend your life with," she said, her voice light, as though she were sharing a secret. There was a playful glint in her eyes, as though she were offering him a way to find his own truth.

Krishiv raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Should we try?" he asked, his voice soft, though there was still a touch of skepticism.

Kavya nodded eagerly, closing her eyes in anticipation. Krishiv hesitated for a moment before following suit. The garden around them fell silent, as if the world was waiting for them to discover something profound.

For Kavya, the moment was filled with soft images of Krishiv, moments with him and Bulbul-small, fleeting scenes of laughter, love, and light. She saw the way Krishiv interacted with Bulbul, his affection for her, his protectiveness. In those images, she could sense how deeply he cared. It was a heartwarming sight, one that brought a smile to her lips.

But when Krishiv opened his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief, Kavya did the same, her smile faltering for just a moment.

"This won't work! Huh? Aise thodi hota hai," Krishiv muttered, shaking his head and frowning at the absurdity of it all. He had hoped for some moment of clarity, but instead, he had only found confusion.

Kavya couldn't help but laugh softly at his frustration. "Why?" she asked, curious despite herself.

"Arre, I saw Bulbul's face na," Krishiv said, his voice tinged with both amusement and realization. His words made Kavya's heart flutter with unexpected warmth. He had said it so casually, as though it was an obvious thing to him.

Kavya's eyes softened as she processed his words. It was strange, but hearing him talk about Bulbul with such affection made her feel something she hadn't expected-happiness, mixed with a little sadness. But there was no doubt about it. Krishiv's love for Bulbul was as deep as it was unwavering.

Krishiv chuckled, his tone light and somewhat embarrassed. "You know, that day I met someone who told me about love, and even then, I saw Bulbul's face. And he advised me to marry-" He rubbed his neck sheepishly, realizing what he had just said.

He quickly cleared his throat and stood up, looking a little flustered. "Sorry, jyada hi bolne lagta hun," he muttered, almost apologizing for his earlier words. He looked at Kavya and gave her an embarrassed grin. "Accha, I should leave now. Kaam bhi hai. Bye," he said, his tone a little lighter, though the weight of his thoughts still lingered.

Kavya, after watching Krishiv walk away, was still lost in her thoughts, when a soft, almost imperceptible sound broke her reverie. She turned and saw Bulbul standing by the garden gate, her little face streaked with tears. The sight of the young girl, standing so still, her hands clutching her dress, broke Kavya's heart. Without a second thought, Kavya walked over to her and crouched down to meet her at eye level, her tone soft and warm.

"What happened? Kisine kuch kaha?" Kavya asked, her voice filled with concern, her hand gently brushing the stray strands of hair away from Bulbul's face. Bulbul simply shook her head, but her eyes were wide, filled with so many unsaid emotions.

Kavya's heart tightened, sensing that something deeper was troubling her. "Toh? Chot lagi?" she asked, her voice gentle yet insistent, hoping for some kind of explanation, but once again, Bulbul shook her head. The little girl was struggling to find the words, her lip trembling as if she was trying to hold back her tears.

Bulbul's silence only deepened Kavya's worry. Kneeling down in front of her, Kavya gently cupped Bulbul's face in her hands, her thumbs wiping away the fresh tears. "He is going to marry someone else?" Kavya asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. She wasn't sure why she asked, but the question had escaped her lips before she could stop herself.

Bulbul's eyes dropped to the ground, and with a heavy, almost sorrowful sigh, she nodded. "What? Haan maybe... toh?" Kavya's voice was filled with disbelief, but there was something in Bulbul's expression that confirmed her worst fear.

The next words that came from Bulbul's mouth shattered Kavya's heart. "I... I thought he will marry you... and we will be a family," she said, her voice so small and broken that it felt like the wind itself had carried the sadness in her words. The simple, innocent wish of a little girl echoed deeply in Kavya's chest.

Kavya's eyes widened, unable to comprehend the depth of Bulbul's feelings. She instinctively reached out to gently touch Bulbul's shoulders, trying to find the right words, but it was hard. It was so hard to think of how to explain to this innocent little soul that her vision of a family, of togetherness, wasn't going to come true.

"What are you saying, Bulbul?" Kavya whispered, her voice thick with emotion. It felt like the words were stuck in her throat, but she had to say them. She had to make her understand.

"I wanted him as our family," Bulbul sobbed, her small body shaking with the weight of her words. She reached up, clinging to Kavya for comfort, her tears soaking into Kavya's top as she cried.

"No, baccha!" Kavya whispered urgently, her voice shaking with the love and sadness that filled her heart. She bent down even closer to Bulbul, trying to make her understand, to protect her from the harshness of the reality. "He can't be our family. He has his own life too, and he will be happy with Alya."

Her words were gentle, but firm. Kavya had to be the voice of reason for Bulbul, even if it meant shattering the young girl's dream. But she knew that, as much as she wished it were different, Krishiv had made his choices. And it was time for Bulbul to accept that truth, no matter how painful.

"And maine kya bataya tha aapko?" Kavya continued, her voice softening as she tried to calm Bulbul down. "Our happiness should lie in others' happiness." She smiled sadly, trying to hold onto the belief that even though this was painful, Bulbul needed to learn the importance of letting go for the sake of another person's joy.

Bulbul sniffled, her small body trembling as she processed the words. She nodded slowly, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "So you want him happy na?" Kavya asked softly, gazing into Bulbul's eyes. She needed to be sure that Bulbul understood this part-this act of love was not about holding onto something that wasn't meant to be, but about releasing it for the other person's well-being.

Bulbul nodded, tears still shining in her eyes, but there was a small shift in her expression.

"Toh there will be no body for us?" Bulbul asked, her voice quivering, her large eyes filled with uncertainty and pain. She looked at Kavya as if searching for an answer to a question no child should ever have to ask. Her little face, so full of hope just moments ago, now looked lost, as if trying to understand why the dream of a family wasn't going to come true.

She cupped Bulbul's face gently, her thumbs brushing away the stray tears on her cheeks. The weight of her words had to be more than just comforting; they had to give Bulbul hope in the face of her disappointment.

"Hain na, you are for me and I am for you. We are enough," Kavya said softly, her voice steady but filled with warmth. She smiled through her own tears, holding Bulbul tighter, as if to reaffirm that they were not alone, that they would always have each other.

Bulbul hiccupped, sniffling once more, and then her lips trembled as she sobbed again. Her tiny hands clutched Kavya's shirt, and her face buried itself into Kavya's chest, as if finding solace in the safety of her mother's embrace. "But... I thought..." she started, but her words got lost in the sobs, the hurt still so fresh in her heart.

"Stop crying na," Kavya whispered, her voice thick with emotion but gentle. "Ice cream khane chalen?" she asked, trying to change the mood, offering the same sweet treat she knew could bring joy even on the hardest of days. She tilted her head down, a small, playful smile tugging at her lips. "Chalo, I will take my Bulbul for an ice cream treat," she said, her voice laced with affection, trying to coax a smile out of the little girl.

Bulbul sniffled once more, her eyes looking up at Kavya, her cheeks still streaked with tears but the faintest of smiles tugging at her lips. She wiped her nose with her hand and nodded, her teary eyes sparkling with a little bit of hope once again.

She scooped Bulbul up, holding her close against her chest, and the tiny girl wrapped her arms around Kavya's neck, snuggling into her warmth.

The apartment buzzed with Amrit's excitement as she prepared for Akshat's birthday surprise. She had been planning this all afternoon, ensuring every detail was perfect. The living room, usually elegant and minimalistic, was now filled with colorful balloons, fairy lights draped across the walls, and a large "Happy Birthday" banner that she had spent half an hour straightening to perfection.

But amidst all the careful planning and decorating, there was one person who was turning the whole place into a playground rather than a celebration zone-Nikhil.

She glanced at him from across the room, irritation flashing in her eyes. Instead of helping her put up the decorations, he was busy tossing balloons in the air, popping some just for fun, and laughing like a child. Amrit folded her arms, narrowing her eyes as she stomped toward him.

She smacked him lightly on the head. "Tereko yahan khelne ke liye bulaya hai kya??" she scolded, her voice exasperated.

Nikhil turned to her with an exaggerated offended expression, rubbing the spot where she hit him. "Excuse me? I have decorated the room more than you!" he argued, pointing at the wall, where a few crooked ribbons hung, barely taped.

Amrit rolled her eyes, unimpressed. "Haan, bada kaam kiya hai tune!" she taunted, hands on her hips.

Nikhil smirked, crossing his arms. "Aur zyada akhad mat! Abhi Akshat sir ko phone karke sab bata dunga! Phir rakh lena apna surprise apne paas," he said, wiggling his phone in front of her threateningly.

Amrit gasped dramatically. "Kamina!" she muttered under her breath, glaring at him.

Nikhil's smirk widened, and he leaned in slightly. "Kutti!" he shot back without hesitation.

Her mouth fell open in shock. "Kya?? How dare you curse me??" she shrieked, pointing a finger at him.

He raised an eyebrow, pretending to be innocent. "Haan? Aur aapke muh se toh ab tak phool jhar rahe the jaise?" he retorted sarcastically, making her scowl deeper.

Amrit huffed, crossing her arms. "Chal chal, jaa ke kaam kar! Warna tujhe decoration ki jagah deewar pe chipka dungi!" she threatened, trying to suppress her smile.

As the night deepened, Amrit and Nikhil found themselves standing in the kitchen, hunched over her phone screen, watching a YouTube tutorial on how to bake a cake. The warm glow of the kitchen lights illuminated the space, but the real fire hazard was Amrit's determination to make everything herself.

"I want everything to be perfect! Maine soch liya hai, har cheez khud banaungi!" she declared, tying her hair into a messy bun, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Nikhil, sitting on the counter with his arms crossed, eyed her skeptically. "Haan, tabhi main yahan hoon, warna tu akeli kitchen uda degi," he muttered, rolling his eyes.

She ignored his remark and focused on the bowl in front of her, where she was supposed to start preparing badaam halwa-Akshat's favorite.

Amrit grabbed a handful of almonds and dumped them into a bowl of water. "Bas? Ho gaya!" she said proudly.

Nikhil snorted. "Genius, tujhe badam gholna nahi hai, sirf bhigona hai! Wait, let me boil them."

He took over, placing the almonds in hot water for a few minutes before quickly peeling them.

Amrit dumped the almonds into the blender and turned it on at full speed, but the machine made a horrible noise, struggling to blend the dry nuts.

"Madam, paani daalna hota hai!" Nikhil groaned, smacking her head lightly.

She winced and glared at him before adding a random amount of milk, accidentally pouring too much, making the mixture too runny.

"Arey yaar!" Nikhil groaned, pulling the blender away. "Yeh halwa hai ya shake bana rahi hai?"

Amrit pouted. "Itna toh chal hi sakta hai!"

Ignoring her, he adjusted the consistency before handing it back to her.

Amrit heated a pan and enthusiastically poured an entire bottle of ghee into it. Nikhil's eyes widened in horror.

"Bas kar! Akshat sir ko halwa dena hai, heart attack nahi!" He grabbed the bottle from her.

Amrit giggled, but as she stirred the paste in, she suddenly realized she had no idea how much sugar to add. She took a handful and threw it in.

"Aye bhagwan!" Nikhil facepalmed. "Jab Akshat sir ek spoon sugar lete hain, tu poora kilo daal rahi hai?!"

She stuck her tongue out at him and continued stirring, but in her excitement, she stirred too vigorously, and a huge splash of hot mixture landed on the counter.

"Aaa!" she yelped, jumping back.

"Tujhse na ho payega!" Nikhil shook his head, taking over the stirring.

While he fixed the halwa, Amrit turned to the cake, following another tutorial. She cracked eggs so hard that shells fell into the batter, poured flour without measuring, and somehow managed to spill cocoa powder all over the counter.

"Are you baking a cake or recreating a volcanic explosion?" Nikhil groaned.

Ignoring him, Amrit turned on the mixer at full speed, causing the batter to splatter everywhere-including on her face and Nikhil's shirt.

"Amrit!" he yelled.

She burst into laughter, wiping batter off her cheek, while Nikhil looked at his ruined shirt in disbelief. He gave her a pointed glare before bending down and grabbing a handful of flour, smacking it onto her head.

"Aaa! Nikhil!" she shrieked, grabbing more flour to throw at him.

Soon, what was supposed to be a calm cooking session turned into a full-blown food fight, with flour, sugar, and cocoa powder flying in every direction. By the time the cake was finally in the oven and the halwa was saved (thanks to Nikhil), the kitchen looked like a tornado had hit it.

Both of them stood panting, covered in batter and flour.

"Hahahaha tujhe dekh ke lag raha hai tu cake ban gayi hai," Nikhil teased.

After finishing the last bit of preparation, Amrit took a deep breath, surveying the chaos she had managed to contain. The kitchen still held remnants of her earlier battle with flour and cocoa powder, but at least the food was ready. She had wisely decided to order the rest from outside-she figured Akshat would appreciate a celebration without the added risk of food poisoning.

She wiped her hands on a napkin and stretched, only to see Nikhil slipping his shoes on near the door.

"Oyee! Tu kahan ja raha hai?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Nikhil looked caught off guard for a second but quickly recovered. "Oh, woh... mera ek dost hai na, uska bhi birthday hai aaj. Toh usne bulaya hai."

She watched him leave, shaking her head. "Weird banda hai," she muttered under her breath before turning her attention back to the clock on the wall.

Her eyes widened. "Arre yaar! 12:30 ho gaye? Ready bhi hona tha!"

Panic surged through her as she rushed to her closet, flinging the doors open. She had planned everything so meticulously, but she had completely forgotten about her own outfit. Her fingers skimmed over the handful of clothes she owned before stopping at the only two sarees in her collection.

She pulled them out, draping one over her shoulder, trying to imagine how she would look. But the problem was, she had absolutely no clue how to wear one.

"Main agar saree pehni toh mujhe pehle hi happy birthday wish karna padega, kyunki Akshat aate hi mujhe dekhke behosh ho jayega," she huffed, shoving the sarees back.

Her eyes then landed on a sleek black short dress tucked in the corner of her wardrobe. It was simple yet elegant, hugging the curves of her body just right. She grabbed it, running her fingers over the fabric.

"This will have to do," she whispered to herself, quickly changing into it.

Once she was dressed, she checked herself in the mirror, smoothing down the fabric and adjusting her hair.

Akshat sighed heavily as he pushed open the back door, exhaustion weighing down his every step. His shoulders ached from the long hours at work, and all he wanted now was to collapse onto his bed and get some rest. But as he reached his room, his brows furrowed in confusion-Amrit wasn't there.

"Amrit?" he called out, his voice laced with fatigue, but there was no response.

He walked toward the washroom, knocking lightly before pushing the door open when he realized it wasn't locked. Empty.

"Kahan gayi ye ladki?" he muttered under his breath.

Something felt off. It was late, and she wasn't the type to wander out at this hour. His concern grew as he stepped out of the room, his eyes adjusting to the darkness of the living room. Not a single light was on, making the space eerily silent.

"Itna dark kyun hai? Amrit? Kahan ho tum?" he called again, his worry increasing with each passing second.

And then-

Click.

A warm glow flickered to life.

Hundreds of tiny fairy lights illuminated the space, cascading like a waterfall from the ceiling, draped elegantly around the walls. The entire room was bathed in a golden luminescence, twinkling like stars, their soft glow reflecting off the glass surfaces. Candles, carefully arranged in a semi-circle on the center table, flickered with a gentle flame, casting elongated shadows that danced across the room.

His gaze swept over the decorations-silver and gold balloons hovering near the ceiling, some tied with satin ribbons that dangled playfully. The floor was dotted with rose petals, forming a delicate path leading toward the center. A small table stood in the middle, holding a beautifully decorated cake, with "Happy Birthday Akshat" written in elegant icing.

Before he could process it all, a soft, melodic voice filled the air.

"Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday, Akshatt!!"

His heart skipped a beat at the familiar, honeyed voice.

And then she stepped into the glowing lights.

Amrit stood in front of him, her lips curved into the most radiant smile, a single red rose in her hand.

His breath hitched.

She wore a black short dress-elegant, yet simple. The silky fabric clung to her slender figure, highlighting her curves in just the right places. The dress had a sweetheart neckline, exposing the graceful slope of her collarbones, and the sleeves were sheer, made of delicate net fabric that shimmered subtly under the soft lights. The hem of the dress ended mid-thigh.

Her dusky skin gleamed under the golden fairy lights, the warm glow accentuating her natural beauty. Her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, a few loose strands framing her face perfectly. She had kept her makeup minimal-just a touch of kohl lining her expressive eyes, a soft nude shade on her lips, and a slight blush dusting her cheeks.

Amrit took a small step forward, extending the rose toward him with a playful glint in her eyes. With a bright smile, she extended the rose toward him, and he took it, his fingers brushing lightly against hers. His grip on the delicate flower tightened slightly, still speechless at the sheer thoughtfulness behind it all.

Before he could say anything, she suddenly stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him into a warm, tight hug. He stiffened for a fraction of a second before his body instinctively relaxed, his arms slowly snaking around her waist, holding her close.

"Happy birthday, Akshat," she whispered softly, her breath warm against his skin before she placed a gentle, lingering kiss on his cheek.

A deep exhale left his lips as he whispered back, "Thank you... but itna sab karne ki zarurat nahi thi. A single wish from you was enough."

Amrit pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his eyes, her expression turning into a cute pout. "You deserve more than this... but merese itna hi hua," she said, her voice laced with a hint of regret as if she wished she could have done even more.

A soft chuckle rumbled through his chest, his lips curving into a small but genuine smile. "It's perfect," he murmured, his gaze softening as he looked at her.

She beamed at his words before suddenly breaking the hug, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Chaliye! Cut the cake!" she chirped, grabbing his hand without warning and dragging him toward the beautifully decorated table in the center of the room.

Akshat let out a small huff of amusement at her enthusiasm, allowing her to pull him along. As they reached the table, his eyes landed on the cake-a slightly uneven, slightly lopsided cake with an overenthusiastic amount of frosting, but still looking presentable.

Amrit grabbed a knife and handed it to him with a proud smile. "Cut it!" she instructed, bouncing on her feet slightly.

He took the knife but hesitated for a moment before turning to her with a curious glint in his eyes. "Ye tumne banaya?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in mild surprise.

She blinked at him, caught off guard. "Aapko kaise pata?" she asked, her head tilting slightly.

Akshat bit back a grin, his gaze flickering toward the cake before returning to her. "Dekh ke hi pata chal gaya," he remarked, a teasing lilt in his voice.

Amrit huffed in frustration as she snatched the cake from the table. "Nahi cut karna hai toh mat kariye!" she snapped, her voice laced with annoyance. Holding the cake close to her chest, she turned on her heels, fully intending to walk away with it.

But before she could take even a single step, she suddenly felt a firm yet gentle grip around her waist. Akshat's warm hand wrapped around her, pulling her back against his chest in one swift motion. A surprised gasp escaped her lips as her back collided with his broad frame, her body tensing instantly at the sudden proximity.

A rush of warmth spread through her, and a swarm of butterflies erupted in her stomach as his breath fanned against her ear. A shiver ran down her spine when his deep voice, laced with amusement, whispered softly, "Sorry... mazak kar raha tha."

Before she could process his words, she felt the soft press of his lips against her cheek, a lingering kiss that sent a flood of warmth through her veins. Her breath hitched, and within seconds, her cheeks burned with a deep blush. She shut her eyes for a brief moment, biting her lip to suppress the ridiculous smile that threatened to break out.

Akshat smirked, noticing her reaction, thoroughly enjoying the effect he had on her.

Gathering herself, Amrit quickly turned around, her eyes narrowed into a playful glare, though the pink on her cheeks betrayed her flustered state. Without saying a word, she placed the cake back on the table, picked up the knife, and shoved it into his hand.

"Cut the cake," she demanded, still slightly breathless.

Akshat chuckled but took the knife without protest. However, before he could proceed, Amrit's eyes suddenly lit up with excitement. "Can I blow off the candle?" she asked, her voice filled with childlike enthusiasm. "Mujhe maza aata hai!"

Akshat let out a soft laugh, shaking his head at her antics. "Pagal ladki," he muttered fondly before stepping aside slightly and gesturing toward the candle.

Amrit's face broke into a bright smile as she leaned forward and blew out the candle with a gleeful clap. "Happy Birthday!!" she cheered, her eyes sparkling. "Ab cut the cake!"

Akshat, however, had something else in mind. Instead of cutting the cake alone, he gently reached for her hand, his fingers curling around hers. Surprised, Amrit looked up at him, her brows slightly raised in confusion.

Without a word, he guided her hand, wrapping it around his own so that they held the knife together. His grip was warm and firm, and Amrit's heart stuttered at the unexpected intimacy of the moment.

A soft, knowing smile tugged at his lips as he looked down at her. "Together?" he asked, his voice low, deep, and filled with an emotion she couldn't quite place.

Amrit felt her chest tighten with an unfamiliar warmth. She blinked at him before nodding with a wide, heartfelt smile. "Together," she echoed softly.

And just like that, with their hands entwined, they cut the cake together.

Amrit carefully picked up a small piece of cake and lifted it toward Akshat, her eyes brimming with anticipation. The cake wasn't perfect-the frosting was uneven, and the texture wasn't as smooth as a bakery-made one-but none of that mattered. What mattered was that she had made it for him, with her own hands, with all her heart.

Akshat took the bite, his lips curling into a soft smile as he chewed. It wasn't the best cake he had ever eaten, yet somehow, it was the most delicious one. It carried warmth, effort, and a sweetness that had nothing to do with sugar.

Without a word, he broke off a piece and held it out to her. Amrit leaned forward, taking a bite from his fingers, savoring the moment more than the taste.

"Itna accha nahi bana," she muttered, her lips turning into a pout, clearly dissatisfied with the outcome.

Before she could dwell on her supposed failure, she suddenly felt his arms snake around her from behind. A gasp left her lips as he pulled her against him, her breath hitching at the unexpected embrace. His warmth surrounded her, his presence overpowering in the most intoxicating way.

"Cake never tasted this perfect before," he murmured against her ear, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine.

Her heart raced, her cheeks heating up instantly, but a radiant smile made its way to her lips. She bit the inside of her cheek to suppress it, yet failed miserably.

After a few moments, he finally let go, and they sat down together, sharing the small cake between them.

Just as Akshat was about to lean back, satisfied, Amrit suddenly shot up from her seat. "Ek minute!" she exclaimed, rushing toward the kitchen before he could even ask what she was up to.

Akshat watched in amusement as she came running back moments later, holding a bowl in her hands. She placed it carefully in front of him, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"I have prepared badaam halwa for you," she announced proudly, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Akshat's eyes widened in disbelief. "Tumne??" he asked, stunned. His first instinct wasn't to taste it but to check if she had hurt herself in the process. Without thinking, he gently took her hands in his, turning them over, his sharp eyes scanning for any burns or cuts.

"Jalaya toh nahi khud ko?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Arre! Itni bhi nikkami nahi hoon!" she huffed, rolling her eyes. "And Nikhil was with me, toh aapka kitchen bhi blast nahi hua," she added, giggling.

He looked at her, still unconvinced. "Phir bhi, Amrit... jal sakti thi na," he said softly, his thumb unconsciously grazing the back of her hand. "Itna vaise hi kafi tha."

She sighed dramatically. "Haan toh? Aapke liye hota, toh it would be worth it" she stated, her voice sincere, her eyes holding a depth of emotion she wasn't even fully aware of.

Akshat stilled, his gaze locking onto hers, something unspoken passing between them. His chest tightened at her words, a strange warmth spreading within him. How did she do this? How did she manage to say the simplest things and yet make them feel so... profound?

"Taste toh kariye!" she urged, breaking the moment, her face lighting up with excitement.

Akshat chuckled, shaking his head slightly before picking up the spoon. With one last glance at her eager expression, he took a bite. The second the warm halwa melted on his tongue, his eyes slightly widened in surprise. It was... good. Not perfect, but genuinely good.

Amrit watched him intently, biting her lower lip, waiting for his verdict. "Kaisa hai?" she asked, unable to contain herself.

Akshat gently guided Amrit to sit beside him on the chair, his hand resting on her shoulder as he placed the bowl of warm badaam halwa in front of her. His own spoon followed shortly after, and they shared the moment, the room filled with the quiet rhythm of their movements. Amrit's smile softened as she watched him, her heart swelling with affection. The soft golden light from the room's lamps made everything seem more intimate, every word they spoke and every glance exchanged wrapped in comfort.

She took another spoonful of the halwa, savoring it, but couldn't hide the small trace of guilt in her expression. "Ho gaya?" Akshat asked, his voice breaking the silence.

"Arre, abhi gift toh baaki hai na," she replied, her eyes gleaming with mischief. She couldn't contain the excitement bubbling inside her-this was the moment she had been waiting for.

Akshat raised his eyebrows, genuinely curious but not expecting anything too extravagant. "Gift? Amrit, yeh kya hai?" he asked, his voice teasing but soft.

She grinned widely at him. "Wait!" she exclaimed, rushing toward the other room, the soft swish of her footsteps fading into the distance.

Akshat leaned back in the chair, momentarily allowing himself to relax, but his eyes followed her every movement. The anticipation in the air was palpable. A few moments later, Amrit returned, her hands clutching a large bag. She set it down on the table between them with a flourish, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Ye jyada hi bada gift nahi hai?" Akshat asked, an amused smirk dancing on his lips. The bag seemed to be far too big for whatever he had imagined the gift might be.

"Rukiye toh!" she shot back playfully, her hands rummaging through the bag. With a dramatic pause, she pulled out a small, neatly wrapped bag from within. Amrit carefully handed it to him, her eyes dancing with anticipation.

Akshat eyed the small bag, the curiosity thick in his gaze. He unwrapped it slowly, his fingers brushing over the soft fabric as he opened it to reveal a small scarf, delicately woven and printed with the word "Akshat" on it. His eyes widened in surprise. He looked up at her, trying to process the depth of the gesture. "Ye... tumne khud banaya?" he asked, his voice filled with both disbelief and admiration.

Amrit's grin grew wider. "Last month se start karte karte ab bana. First time kuch banaya," she confessed, her voice tinged with pride.

Akshat couldn't speak for a moment. His fingers traced the fabric gently, his gaze lingering on the stitching that spelled out his name. The scarf was simple, but it was crafted with so much care and thought. The effort and time she had put into this-just for him-left him speechless. The emotions swirling inside him were overwhelming. He held the scarf up to his face, taking in the scent, the softness of the fabric, the love that had been woven into every thread.

His heart swelled, and without thinking, he pressed a soft kiss to the fabric, closing his eyes for a brief moment. "It's so beautiful," he whispered, his voice barely audible as he looked at the scarf again. The corner of his eyes glistened with the hint of tears, a rawness to his emotions that he could not contain.

Amrit's excitement was infectious as she looked at Akshat, her smile widening even more when she noticed the look of utter disbelief on his face. She sensed that he was overwhelmed by the earlier gift, so she quickly brought his attention back to the presents, knowing that he would never be prepared for the avalanche of surprises she had planned.

"Arre, ye toh pehla gift hai... there are more," she teased, her voice lighthearted as she reached into the large bag she had placed on the table. Akshat blinked in surprise, his eyebrows raising as he watched her begin pulling out one gift after another, each one thoughtfully chosen, yet nothing too extravagant. Despite their modesty, they were incredibly meaningful, and each one seemed to hold a special place in her heart for him.

She pulled out the first item-a bottle of his favorite perfume, the one he had once mentioned in passing months ago. "Aapka favorite fragrance, Akshat," she said, her voice soft, and he smiled at the thoughtfulness. His heart fluttered as he inhaled the scent, instantly transported to the memory of their first long conversation. He didn't even realize she had remembered such a small detail.

Next, she handed him a sleek watch, the face shining under the soft light of the room. "I thought it would be perfect for you," she said, placing it in his palm. He ran his fingers over the smooth surface, feeling a surge of warmth towards her. Each gift, though not expensive, carried with it so much meaning that he could feel it in every breath he took.

Amrit didn't stop there. One by one, she pulled out twenty-five more gifts, each one making his heart swell a little more. A leather wallet with an engraving of his initials. A stylish keychain shaped like a car, which she knew he had been eyeing for months. A soft, warm scarf that she had chosen because it reminded her of the ones he wore during chilly evenings. Then there was a set of cufflinks that would match his suits perfectly and a framed photo of the two of them at a picnic, laughing together under the warm sun.

Each gift was carefully selected, wrapped with love, and displayed before him like a collection of memories. Akshat couldn't believe his eyes. He was still stunned by how much effort she had put into every single thing, and it made him feel more cherished than words could ever express.

The gifts continued to come-an elegant pen that slid effortlessly into his palm, a pocket-sized notebook for his thoughts and ideas, a beautiful brooch she had picked out from a small boutique. As she handed over the pen, she remarked with a grin, "Whenever you feel to write again, use this pen."

Finally, after all the gifts had been unwrapped, she reached into the bag and pulled out something special-a men's bracelet, crafted from leather and steel, simple yet elegant. "This one," she said softly, holding it out to him, "I thought it would suit you perfectly."

Akshat looked at the bracelet, then back at her, his expression filled with awe. "You want me to wear it?" he asked, already knowing the answer. She nodded eagerly, and he slipped it on, the gesture solidifying the deep bond between them.

"Paise khatam ho gaye the," Amrit said sheepishly, her cheeks turning pink as she glanced at the last item she pulled out-a chocolate bar. It was small, but she smiled widely, her eyes glinting mischievously as she handed it over.

Akshat chuckled, the weight of the moment not lost on him. "Amrit... itne sare gifts?" He was completely stunned, his heart full. He had never expected anything like this, let alone so much.

"Aap 30 saal ke huye na iss saal? And I have missed your 29 birthdays, toh har saal ka gift ek sath hi de diya," she said, shrugging playfully, her voice warm and teasing as she explained her reasoning.

"But aaj subah hi I checked the account, kuch kaam tha isliye... but you haven't spent that much money from the account. Toh ye paise?" He asked, his brow furrowed in concern, and Amrit could see the wheels turning in his head. Her heart skipped a beat as the weight of the question sunk in.

She bit her lip, clearly unsure of how to answer. Her gaze dropped for a moment before she gathered the courage to speak. "Wo... these money were from my savings, I was collecting since class 12th." Her voice faltered slightly, her honesty ringing clear in her words.

Akshat's eyes widened in disbelief as he processed her response. "Amrit... why did you do that? It was your savings, tumhare future ke liye hoga wo," he asked, his voice a mix of shock and concern. He had never imagined that she had put aside so much money over the years, not for herself, but for him-only for this moment.

Amrit didn't flinch under his gaze. Instead, she reached up and gently cupped his face, her touch tender and reassuring. Her eyes were warm, filled with the kind of love that could quiet any storm, any doubt. "Mere future toh aap hain na?" she said softly, her words carrying the weight of everything she felt for him. It was as if she was telling him that no future, no goal, no dream could ever be complete without him in it.

Her declaration hit him like a wave, overwhelming him with emotion. For the first time in his life, he felt truly special-not because of grand gestures, but because someone had placed their entire trust, their future, in his hands. In that moment, nothing else mattered.

Without a word, Akshat wrapped his arms around her tightly, pulling her close. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling the scent of her presence, and whispered, "Thank you so much... this is so special." His voice was thick with emotion, and Amrit could feel the weight of his gratitude seep through him. This wasn't just about the gifts; it was about the love, the thoughtfulness, the pure heart that had given so much of herself to him.

Akshat looked at her, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ab?" he asked, his tone light and teasing. He had no idea what else she might surprise him with, but the warmth in her eyes told him it was going to be something special.

Amrit, still glowing with excitement, didn't skip a beat. Her hand extended toward him, fingers outstretched in a gesture so simple, yet so meaningful. "Dance?" she asked, her voice full of hope and a little excitement, the same way she had asked for his company in all the little moments that had made up their life together so far.

Akshat couldn't resist her invitation. He smiled, his heart swelling with affection for the woman who had become his everything. His hand found hers, their fingers lacing together naturally, as though they had always been meant to hold each other in this way.

"Jab koi baat bigad jaye

Jab koi mushkil pada jaaye

Tum dena sath mera o humnawaz"

Akshat held her waist tenderly, his hand slipping to intertwine their fingers as they danced slowly, each step purposeful and full of meaning. Every part of his body seemed to resonate with the song's words, as if the lyrics were written for him, speaking his heart out. He couldn't imagine a life without Amrit anymore. The thought of her not being by his side was impossible to fathom. She was his everything, and in that moment, he realized just how deeply he had fallen for her, how completely she had become a part of his world. Her presence was a comfort, a stability he never thought he would find. She had become the one person he could count on, the one person whose love he could never live without. He held her closer, drawing her in, his heart swelling with feelings he had never quite been able to express.

"Na koi hai, na koi tha

Zindagi mein tumhare siwa

Tum dena sath mera o humnawaz

Tum dena sath mera o humnawaz"

In that moment, the world seemed to shrink to just the two of them. Akshat twirled Amrit around gently, the rhythm of the song guiding their movements. She laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with joy, and he couldn't help but smile in return. The sound of her laughter filled him with warmth, making him feel lighter than he had ever felt before. He was lost in her, lost in the magic of the moment, the connection between them so strong that nothing else seemed to matter. He wanted this, wanted her, forever. He wanted to be the one who was always there for her, to stand by her side no matter what challenges life threw their way.

"Ho chandni jab tak raat

Deta hai har koi sath

Tum magar andheron mein

Na chhodna mera hath"

The song spoke of how some things in life, like the moon in the night sky, would always be there, constant and unwavering. Just like how Akshat felt for her now. He never wanted to let her go, never wanted to feel the distance between them. His hand gently held hers, their fingers laced together, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He needed her, needed to hold her in his arms like this forever, to keep her close and never let go.

"Jab koi baat bigad jaye

Jab koi mushkil pada jaaye

Tum dena sath mera o humnawaz"

With each turn, Akshat's heart swelled with affection for her.

"Wafadaari ki woh rasmein

Nibhaayenge hum-tum to kasmein

Ek bhi saans zindagi ki

Jab tak ho apne bas mein"

As the lyrics of the song spoke of loyalty, of promises to keep, Amrit leaned in, her lips softly brushing against Akshat's palm as she kissed it gently. It was her way of telling him, without words, that she was there for him, that she would stand by him through everything, just as he had promised her. She had made her own vow, a vow to never leave him, to always be by his side, no matter what.

"Jab koi baat bigad jaye

Jab koi mushkil pada jaaye

Tum dena sath mera o humnawaz"

As the soft music continued to play in the background, Amrit wrapped her arms around Akshat's neck, pulling him closer. With a gentle touch, Amrit's fingers began tracing the contours of his face, starting from his forehead, moving down to his eyes, nose, cheeks, and finally, his lips. Each caress was tender, slow, as if she wanted to memorize every detail of him, imprint him onto her soul.

Akshat closed his eyes, savoring the feel of her fingertips against his skin. There was something so intimate, so deeply personal about this moment. It wasn't just about the touch it was about the way she was looking at him, the way she was loving him in that small moment. He could feel his heart beating faster, his chest swelling with emotions he could hardly understand, yet knew were all for her. She was everything , he felt it in his very core.

"What are you doing?" Akshat whispered, his voice barely above a breath, as he finally opened his eyes to meet hers.

She smiled softly, her eyes filled with warmth, and whispered back, "Just memorizing you, Akshat... like you're etched in my soul."

She took a deep breath, and the air around them seemed to hold its breath as well.

"Will it be too early to say that..." she began, her voice barely a whisper, but filled with such emotion, that Akshat found himself leaning in closer, needing to hear the words that were about to follow.

"That?" he asked, his voice catching slightly, as his heart raced, not knowing where this was going, but knowing he wanted to hear it.

"That... I am in love with you, Akshat," she said, her words spilling out like a confession she had been holding in for far too long. There was no hesitation now, no second-guessing. It was as if, in that one moment, everything she had felt for him, every emotion, every thought, every hidden longing was finally set free.

He knew she loved him, but hearing her speak those words so clearly, so openly, sent a rush of emotions through him. His heart swelled with warmth, and he felt a tear threaten to escape the corner of his eye. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he simply held her tighter, his chest against hers, feeling the steady beat of her heart.

"I don't know when it started, Akshat," she said softly, her eyes searching his. "It wasn't some grand moment, no lightning strike or sudden realization. It just... happened. Slowly, like the sun rising and taking its time to warm the world. I guess I never noticed when you became the center of my universe. But now, I can't imagine my life without you. You're the breath I take every morning, the smile that lights up my day. You're like the stars, something I can't touch, but something that gives me light when I'm lost in the dark."

She paused for a moment, her fingers gently tracing his arm, as if she were trying to convey her feelings through every touch. She smiled softly before continuing, "I never knew what it was like to have someone who made me feel whole. But with you, Akshat... I am whole. You are that star which my mother used to tell me, my safe place, and my heart's home. Without you, I'm just a body walking through the motions, but with you... I am alive. You've become everything I never knew I needed, everything I never knew I wanted."

Akshat's heart thudded in his chest as he absorbed her words, each one sinking into him like a promise.

Amrit held Akshat's gaze, her heart pounding in her chest, every inch of her body aware of him. His hands were still around her waist, warm and protective, but the air around them felt charged, alive with something more. Something deeper.

He opened his mouth, trying to find the right words, but the weight of the moment left him stumbling, his voice faltering. "I..." Akshat started, but his words caught in his throat, his heart racing.

Amrit, sensing his internal struggle, smiled softly, her lips curling in a reassuring gesture. She raised a finger to his lips, silencing him gently as she leaned in a little closer. "Shh!!" she whispered, her voice low and filled with affection. "I said na, I am giving you my whole life." Her words lingered in the space between them, carrying an unspoken promise, a lifetime of love, of support, of everything she was.

His heart swelled with emotion as he looked into her eyes, seeing the sincerity there, feeling the raw honesty in her words. He caressed her cheek, the tenderness of the gesture a silent confession of the love that he, too, felt but had yet to fully express.

But as their eyes lingered on one another, Akshat's gaze flickered downward, his eyes falling on her lips. He couldn't help it. The temptation was overwhelming. His breath hitched slightly, and he felt a flutter of nervousness stir in his chest. Her eyes followed his, and she saw the shift in his expression.

Butterflies crept into her stomach, her heart skipping a beat. She wasn't sure if it was the softness of his gaze or the warmth of his touch, but something inside her stirred. She felt it. He felt it too.

Akshat couldn't stop himself. His hand moved to her face, cupping her jaw gently, his thumb grazing her lower lip. He felt the softness of her skin beneath his touch, and his heart pounded louder in his chest. He leaned in slowly, his breath mingling with hers as the space between them disappeared. His voice, barely above a whisper, escaped his lips. "Amrit," he breathed, the sound of her name sending a thrill through her body. His voice was husky, raw with emotion, and it sent shivers down her spine.

"Hmmm?" she murmured, her voice trembling slightly as she waited for him to speak, feeling the heat of his breath against her skin. Her eyes never left his, her heartbeat now synchronized with his, echoing through her chest.

"Do you want me to fulfill that dream of yours?" he asked, his words soft but filled with an intensity that mirrored the emotions running through both of them. He knew exactly what he was referring to, the moment when she had shyly confessed that one of her wishes was to kiss him.

She smiled softly, her breath hitching as she nodded. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible but brimming with honesty.

Akshat's eyes darkened, a smile tugging at his lips as he took a step closer. But there was still a flicker of doubt in his eyes, as if he needed to be sure. "Are you sure?" he asked again, his tone serious but gentle, wanting to make sure that this wasn't a moment she would regret. He needed her to be certain, to know that this was what she wanted.

Amrit met his gaze, her eyes shining with an unwavering confidence she hadn't known she had until now. She stepped closer, pressing her forehead against his, her hands gently resting on his chest. "I've never been this sure before," she whispered, the words carrying the weight of all the love she had been holding back, now free to spill into the open.

Akshat's hand slowly moved up to her face, cupping it gently as though he feared she might disappear if he didn't hold onto her. His touch was tender, like he was memorizing every curve of her face, every inch of her skin. The space between their lips was so small, so tantalizingly close, that both of them could feel each other's breath. He leaned in, his heart racing, his mind a blur of emotions, and just as their lips were about to meet, a harsh ring broke the silence. The sound shattered the spell.

Amrit's eyes fluttered open, pulling away slightly, her heart sinking with the interruption. Before she could take a step back, Akshat, without missing a beat, pulled his phone from his pocket, swiped the screen, and threw the device onto the sofa. The phone hit the cushions with a soft thud.

In a heartbeat, his lips crashed against hers without any warning, the suddenness taking her breath away. The surprise made her gasp, but it was quickly replaced by something deeper-something more powerful. Butterflies erupted in her stomach, their wings fluttering wildly.

There was a pause-a heartbeat where they simply existed in each other's presence, each waiting for the other to make the move, but neither of them daring to break the stillness.

The kiss was slow at first, like the first rays of sunlight breaking through the darkness, gentle and unhurried. His lips moved against hers with soft, deliberate strokes, each movement full of emotion and care. Amrit's lips were soft, tender, yielding to his as if she had been waiting for this moment all her life. She felt his lips part slightly, and her own responded in kind, the kiss deepening ever so slowly, the intensity of the connection building with every second.

Akshat's hand moved from her cheek to the back of her head, threading through her hair as he held her closer. He could feel the softness of her hair beneath his fingers, the heat of her body against his, and it made his heart swell. He couldn't get enough of her. His lips traced the outline of her mouth before he gently sucked on her lower lip, pulling it into his mouth with a tenderness that took Amrit by surprise. She let out a soft moan, her own lips following the rhythm he set, and before she knew it, she too was sucking on his lips, matching his passion with her own.

Slowly, with the kiss growing deeper and more intense, Akshat began to guide Amrit backward, his body pressing against hers as they moved until her back was pressed against the wall. But even then, he kept his hand behind her head, just enough so that she was comfortable, ensuring that there was no discomfort between them.

Akshat's hand moved to her waist, his fingers curling around the soft fabric of her dress, pulling her even closer, until they were pressed against each other, feeling the heat of each other's bodies. Amrit's hand slid up into his hair, her fingers digging into the nape of his neck, holding him there as if she couldn't bear the thought of ever pulling away.

As they pulled away from each other, both of them were gasping for breath, their chests rising and falling as their hearts pounded in their ears. The kiss had been everything they both needed, but now their bodies cried out for oxygen, for a moment of respite from the overwhelming sensation that had taken over them. Akshat's eyes lingered on Amrit's lips, which were swollen and glistening from their kiss, and there was something in the way she looked at him that sent a new wave of desire coursing through his veins.

Without a word, Akshat leaned in again, his lips capturing hers once more, but this time, there was no hesitation, no uncertainty. It was as if something inside him had shifted, as if he had finally given in to the feelings he had been trying so hard to suppress. His lips were more demanding this time, not in a forceful way, but in a way that conveyed just how much he wanted her. He was no longer the man who had been haunted by the fear of closeness, of vulnerability. With her, he felt safe, like he had finally found a place where he could just be himself-no masks, no pretenses.

Akshat's lips moved against hers with a fervor he had never known before, his tongue brushing against her bottom lip, asking for entry. She parted her lips slightly, allowing him in, and his tongue slid into her mouth, slow at first, testing the waters, before it deepened, coaxing hers to respond.

Amrit's hands moved down to his back, tracing the lines of his muscles, feeling the way his body responded to her touch, to the way she made him feel. Her lips left his for a brief second, but only to trail down to his jaw, planting soft kisses along his skin, before returning to his mouth with renewed urgency. Akshat's breath caught in his throat as her lips moved over his, sucking gently on his lower lip before tugging at it with a tenderness that sent a shiver through him. He responded in kind, his lips capturing hers again, this time with an intensity that seemed to speak of the depth of his feelings for her.

As they slowly pulled apart from each other, the silence between them was filled with the echoes of their racing heartbeats. Akshat could still feel the warmth of her lips on his, and the feeling of being so close to her, in her embrace, was something he had never imagined would feel so right.

"Amrit..." His voice was barely above a whisper, as if the words had to be spoken with reverence, as if they were fragile and precious. "You are actually Amrit for me."

Amrit's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink, and her lips parted slightly in surprise, her breath catching in her throat.

She closed her eyes again, savoring the moment, and the next thing she knew, she felt his lips gently press against the tip of her nose.

After some time, they both changed into their nightclothes. Akshat, dressed in his usual nightwear, settled onto the bed, leaning back against the pillows with a deep sigh of relaxation. His eyes instinctively searched for Amrit, and he found her already inside the blanket, curled up and completely covered, leaving no part of her visible. A small chuckle escaped his lips at the sight-she looked like a tightly wrapped cocoon, as if she was trying to disappear into the fabric.

His brows furrowed in amusement as he shifted closer, tilting his head to look at her still form. "So gayi?" he asked, his voice laced with playful curiosity.

From inside the blanket, he saw the slight movement, and after a second, she shook her head, indicating a no. His lips curled into a smirk as he continued watching her.

"So why are you covering yourself like a mummy?" he questioned, unable to hide his amusement.

Still, there was no verbal response from her. He could only see the slight shifting of the blanket as she remained hidden beneath it, unwilling to come out.

"Amrit?" he called again, waiting for her reaction.

This time, she finally moved, but only slightly. Slowly, she peeled the blanket down just enough to reveal her face, stopping right at her nose, leaving only her wide, expressive eyes visible.

And then it clicked.

A slow, knowing smile spread across Akshat's face as he propped himself up on one elbow, shifting closer to her. His fingers reached out gently, tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear as he gazed at her with pure adoration.

"Are you feeling shy?" he asked, his voice carrying a teasing warmth.

Her eyes blinked, and after a second, she gave a tiny nod, her cheeks burning with a soft shade of pink.

Without another word, he reached forward and gently pulled her into his embrace. She let out a tiny sound of surprise before surrendering to his warmth, her body fitting perfectly against his as she snuggled closer. She buried her face against his chest, hiding the deep blush that refused to fade. His arms wrapped around her securely, his hands resting protectively on her back, as if holding her close would somehow freeze this moment forever.

A small smile played on Amrit's lips as she slowly tilted her head, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against his cheek. The warmth of her lips against his skin sent a shiver down his spine, and he instinctively tightened his hold on her.

She sighed contentedly, closing her eyes, letting herself get lost in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. The peaceful silence was only broken by the sound of steady breathing, the warmth of two entwined souls wrapped in a cocoon of comfort.

Akshat's eyes fluttered open, his lashes blinking away the remnants of sleep as his vision adjusted. The first thing he saw was Amrit, lying beside him with her chin resting on her hand, her elbow propped against his chest. She was staring at him with a soft, unreadable expression, her lips curled into the faintest of smiles.

His brows furrowed slightly, a sleepy confusion flickering in his dark eyes. "Tum kya kar rahi ho?" he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.

Amrit's smile widened. She leaned forward, her face coming impossibly close, and before he could register what was happening, she pressed a feather-light kiss to his cheek.

"Happy Birthday," she whispered against his skin.

A slow smile crept onto Akshat's lips as he looked at her, warmth spreading in his chest. The way she said those words, so simple yet filled with so much affection, made his heart stutter for a brief second.

"Kitni baar bologi?" he asked, amusement lacing his groggy tone.

She grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Jitni baar bolna chahti hoon," she replied, playfully tapping his nose before attempting to sit up.

But before she could move an inch, strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against him in one swift motion. A surprised gasp left her lips as she found herself trapped in his hold, her body snugly pressed against his.

"Akshat!" she protested, laughing softly.

He simply hummed in response, burying his face against her shoulder as he closed his eyes again. "Mat jao," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. His grip on her tightened slightly, as if letting go would mean losing this warmth.

Amrit sighed, shaking her head. "Akshat, uth jaiye na... Har baar toh mujhse pehle uth jate hain," she pointed out, trying to wiggle free.

"Thodi der aur," he said stubbornly, his deep voice laced with sleepiness.

"Accha, mujhe toh jaane do," she tried again, attempting to pry his arms away.

But instead of letting her go, he only pulled her closer, his face nuzzling into the crook of her neck. His leg moved lazily, resting over her in a way that made it impossible for her to move.

"Akshat!" she huffed, her voice filled with exasperated fondness.

"Ruk jao," he mumbled, his lips grazing the soft skin of her shoulder as he spoke.

Amrit stilled, her heart skipping a beat at the sudden intimacy of the moment. She felt his warm breath tickling her skin, his embrace so safe, so incredibly tender. A smile found its way to her lips as she relaxed in his hold, surrendering to this quiet moment of warmth.

She could feel it-this shift in him.

Yes, Akshat had always been free around her, but there was something different now. There was a newfound ease, a deeper comfort in the way he held her, as if he had finally allowed himself to stop overthinking and just be.

Amrit huffed, her patience thinning as she pushed Akshat lightly, attempting to break free from his hold.

"Ab uthiye," she commanded, her voice firm, but he barely stirred, tightening his grip as if refusing to let go of the warmth he had cocooned himself in.

"Akshat, agar aapne abhi chhoda nahi na, toh mai kitchen mein jaa kar aaj ka lunch banane lagungi," she warned, her tone carrying an unmistakable teasing lilt.

And just like that, his arms loosened their hold in an instant. With a defeated groan, he buried his face into the pillow, clearly sulking. Amrit couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips at his reaction. She leaned down, ruffling his hair affectionately before stepping away, shaking her head as she made her way towards the washroom.

The warmth of their shared morning lingered in the air as time passed. Akshat finally dragged himself out of bed and freshened up, stepping out of the washroom with his hair damp, the droplets sliding down his sharp jawline. He adjusted the towel around his neck as he walked towards the living room, only to find Amrit returning from the temple, the soft chime of her anklets filling the air.

In her hands, she held a thali with aarti and prashad, her face serene, a certain glow adorning her features. As soon as she saw him, her lips curved into a soft smile.

"Aarti le lijiye... prashad bhi," she said, extending the thali towards him.

Akshat, however, leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, his expression impassive. "Mujhe nahi chahiye," he stated nonchalantly.

Amrit narrowed her eyes at him. "Akshat, isko mana nahi karte hain... kya aap bhi?" she chided gently.

When he made no move to comply, she sighed, and before he could protest, she softly blew the aarti's blessings towards him, the flickering flame of the diya casting a golden hue on his face. Then, without waiting for his permission, she pinched a small piece of prashad and lifted it to his lips. He hesitated but ultimately let her feed him.

"Aap naastik ho bilkul," she remarked, shaking her head as she turned to place the thali on the table.

Akshat followed her, his brows furrowing slightly. "Maine kab kaha aisa?"

She turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "Haan toh jo bhagwan mein nahi maante unhe kya bolte hain?"

Akshat inhaled sharply, his gaze flickering with something unreadable-something raw, unspoken. For a moment, he simply stared at her, as if weighing his words carefully.

"Who said I don't believe in God?" His voice was quiet, almost hesitant. His eyes darkened as he added, softer this time, "I do believe in Him."

The last part came out as a whisper, laced with an ache so deep that it made Amrit still.

His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say more, but something heavy lodged in his throat. He looked away, his fingers curling into a fist before he spoke again, his voice carrying the weight of years of disappointment.

"I am just... upset with Him." His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. "Because I had faith in Him. I believed with all my heart... and still, it shattered into nothing." A bitter chuckle left his lips, one devoid of humor. "And you only keep hoping until you're tired. Until there's nothing left to hope for."

Amrit felt a pang in her chest at his words, at the sheer pain buried beneath them. She had never seen Akshat like this-so bare, so vulnerable in his anguish.

"But why don't you be grateful for what He has given you?" she asked softly, her voice careful, gentle.

Akshat let out a slow breath, his jaw tightening. His eyes lifted to meet hers, and for the first time, she saw it-the storm he always hid behind his silences.

"Because..." His voice wavered slightly, his eyes distant as he spoke, "having someone is beautiful, Amrit. It gives you warmth, love, and a reason to keep going." He looked down for a moment before exhaling deeply. "But sometimes... you can't get over what life snatched from you."

Amrit felt her heart clench at the way his voice cracked on the last word. He blinked, as if trying to push away the emotions threatening to consume him.

Akshat turned away, his head tilting up slightly, as if seeking answers from the heavens he was so angry with. His fingers curled by his sides before he whispered, almost to himself, "I wasn't asking for much... just wished him not to make my life worse. But maybe that was too much for Him."

Akshat let out a shaky breath and finally looked at Amrit, his eyes searching hers as if silently asking if she understood-even a little-what he had been through.

"That's why I'm angry," he admitted, his voice quieter now but still filled with so much pain. "Not because I don't believe in God... but because I did. And He let me down."

Amrit didn't say anything at first. She simply stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him, holding him as if she could shield him from the pain that had settled deep within his soul. She didn't try to argue with his emotions, didn't try to offer false reassurances. She just held him, letting her warmth seep into him, letting her presence remind him that he wasn't alone.

Akshat closed his eyes, inhaling deeply as his arms tightened around her. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head, lingering for a second as he whispered, "You don't have to worry about all this, Amrit. I've learned to live with it... and I don't want you to carry the weight of my past."

She pulled back slightly, looking up at him, her eyes filled with so much tenderness that for a moment, he forgot why he had ever believed he was alone. But before the moment could grow too heavy, he cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair, glancing toward the kitchen.

"Anyway, I have to prepare breakfast," he said, his voice lighter now, though his eyes still held traces of emotion. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her toward the kitchen. "And you, my dear wife, are in charge of making tea."

Amrit was stirring the tea, her hands steady despite the flutter of nervousness in her chest, when she suddenly felt a presence behind her. She didn't have to turn around to know it was him-she could feel the warmth of his body, his presence so close to her that it almost felt like an invisible pull drawing her in. The air between them seemed to thicken with a tension that was both unfamiliar and intoxicating.

Before she could even process the feeling, his arms came around her, his left hand resting on the kitchen counter beside her, trapping her in the smallest but most intimate of spaces. She instinctively tightened her grip around the sugar container, her knuckles turning white as she fought to control the fluttering in her stomach. Every inch of her body was acutely aware of his closeness, and yet, she couldn't help but feel a quiet excitement building within her.

Her breath hitched as she turned her head just slightly, meeting his gaze. His eyes-intense and unwavering-locked onto hers, and for a moment, everything else faded away. The soft hum of the kitchen, the steam rising from the tea, the rustling of the pan-it all seemed distant, drowned out by the raw magnetism between them.

His fingers brushed lightly against hers, and her heart skipped a beat. She could feel the warmth of his touch, gentle yet firm, and she found herself holding her breath, unsure of what was going to happen next. His presence was overwhelming, suffocating in the most electrifying way. She was almost afraid to move, afraid that any shift in the atmosphere might shatter the spell that had wrapped itself around them.

But just as the air seemed to thicken with anticipation, as if he was about to close the small gap between them, Akshat's hand moved, not toward her lips or her face, but to the salt container on the counter.

"Ye chahiye tha," he said casually, holding it up like nothing had happened, stepping back as if their entire exchange had been just another trivial moment in their day.

Amrit blinked, her heart still racing, but she was momentarily stunned, her face flushing in confusion. She couldn't understand what had just happened-was it a game? A tease? Why did she feel like her entire body had just been pulled into something deeper, something that left her breathless and yearning?

"What happened?? Tumhe kya laga?" Akshat's voice broke through her daze, his tone innocent, but there was a mischievous gleam in his eyes that only made the situation more complicated.

Amrit's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink, and she immediately shot him a glare, trying to hide the embarrassment that was creeping up on her. "Kuch nahi!!" she snapped, though her voice was laced with the faintest trace of laughter, unable to fully mask the blush that was spreading across her face.

"Bataiye na, Mrs. Singhania? His voice was low, teasing, as he broke the stillness of the moment.

Slowly, with a deliberate grace, Akshat walked toward her, his steps unhurried but full of intent.

Without giving her a chance to pull away, he gently tugged her closer, and his breath whispered against the back of her neck, the proximity sending a wave of heat rushing through her. Her pulse quickened, and before she could process the rush of emotions, his lips brushed against her ear as he whispered, "Aapko kiss karne vala hun... toh aapko bilkul..." He stopped suddenly, pulling back just enough to meet her wide eyes, his face mere inches from hers.

"Sahi laga Mrs Singhania."

Then, in one swift movement, he tilted her chin up, just enough to meet her lips with his. At first, the kiss was soft, gentle, as if he was testing the waters. His lips molded to hers, his touch more tender than she could have expected, coaxing her to relax into him. The warmth of his mouth was overwhelming, filling her with an indescribable comfort. His breath mingled with hers, slow and steady, drawing her further into the moment.

But then, as if a dam had broken, Akshat's kiss deepened. His lips pressed harder, with more urgency, and he pulled her closer, his hands moving to cup her face gently. He tilted his head, deepening the kiss even further, and this time, it was anything but gentle. His lips parted slightly, and he caught her bottom lip between his, sucking it softly at first, then harder, as if he couldn't get enough of her. Amrit gasped against his mouth, her fingers instinctively gripping his shirt, as he deepened the kiss even further, his tongue sweeping over her lips, demanding entrance.

She gasped against his mouth, her body trembling from the intensity of it all. He held her even tighter, his fingers threading through her hair, tilting her head back to give him better access. Every part of him was consumed by the kiss, his lips capturing hers in a passionate, almost desperate way, as though this was the only thing that mattered in the world.

Before giving her a chance to respond he pulled back and grinned at her, his expression utterly mischievous as he leaned back, looking at her with that same familiar warmth.

"Chalo chai pe focus karo," he said, his voice light and teasing, as he placed his chin gently on her shoulder, his arms wrapping around her from behind.

She turned her head slightly, glancing at him with a teasing smile. "Aap aaj jyada hi romantic nahi ho gaye ho?" she asked, amused by his sudden shift in behavior.

He smiled widely, almost shyly, and began to trace delicate patterns on her shoulder with his fingers, his touch light and soothing. There was something tender about his actions, as if he was savoring the moment. "You confessed na," he said with a grin, his voice laced with shyness.

She raised an eyebrow at him, not sure whether to laugh or tease him back. "Toh?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Akshat shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, his grin never fading. "Toh, I am happy," he said, the simplicity of his words leaving Amrit speechless for a moment. His voice was so genuine, so full of contentment that it made her heart flutter. This was the Akshat she had known for so long, but now, he was different-softer, more open, more real.

She laughed softly at his reaction, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "You know, agar mujhse kuch months pehle koi ye kehta ki Akshat sir will act like this with me... mai toh usko mental hospital me chhor ke aati," she teased, her voice light and full of affection as she turned slightly to face him.

Akshat's smile faltered for a brief moment, but then it returned, this time with an even greater sense of sincerity. "Mai bhi... the Akshat you knew forgot that he could be happy too... but this Akshat has found his happiness," he said, his words surprisingly deep.

"Your poha," she said suddenly, pointing toward the stove, her voice slightly teasing as she tried to shift the mood from the emotional to something more lighthearted. Akshat's eyes widened in surprise.

"My poha?" he asked, sounding almost like a child who had forgotten about his breakfast. His eyes flickered over to the stove, and for a brief moment, he seemed genuinely worried that it might be burning.

Akshat rushed to the stove, his eyes widening in mock horror as he looked at the poha, now sizzling a little too aggressively. He glared at Amrit playfully, shaking his head. "Tumhari wajah se jal jata," he said, his voice laced with exaggerated frustration, though his eyes sparkled with amusement.

Amrit gasped dramatically, her hand flying to her chest. "Mujhe? Kaisi baat kar rahe ho aap!" she said, trying to look offended, though her lips betrayed her, curling into a mischievous smile. The playful tension between them was undeniable, and Amrit loved every second of it.

"Ban gaya... chai nikalo, I will serve it," Akshat said, his tone shifting to one of light authority, as if he were the king of the kitchen. Amrit just shook her head, smiling at his antics as she grabbed the teapot and began pouring the tea.

Akshat, still grinning like a child who had just gotten away with something, hummed a tune as he made his way to the dining table. His steps were light, his expression carefree-like he was the happiest person on Earth in that very moment. It was such a simple thing, just breakfast, but in his eyes, it was a moment of joy, a moment of peace. He didn't care about the poha being slightly overcooked, or the small mess in the kitchen. All he cared about was this moment with Amrit, the one person who had made him realize that happiness wasn't as distant as he once thought.

As he set the plates on the table, his grin widened. "Jaldi aao Amrit" he said, still beaming as he pulled out a chair, waiting for Amrit to join him. She walked over, shaking her head with a fond smile, her heart light with affection.

The atmosphere in the room was tense. Vedant, Anika, and Krishiv sat with blank faces, while Preeti, Vikram, and Vihaan looked at each other with serious expressions. The weight of unspoken words filled the space, making the silence feel suffocating.

Vedant finally broke the stillness, his voice laced with frustration. "Kya hua aap log? Ham log ko bula kar kabse baithe hue hain aur ek dusre ki shakal dekh rahe hain?"

"Haan, kya baat hai? Bataiye toh," Krishiv added, his patience wearing thin.

Anika, her brows furrowed, leaned forward. "Acha hi hua aap log ne hame yahan bula liya. Ham log ko bhi aap log ko kuch batana tha."

Preeti let out a sharp breath, shaking her head. "Wo... hamne aaj jo dekha... yakeen nahi ho raha." Disappointment was evident in her voice.

Krishiv frowned. "Kya hua? Bataiye?"

Vikram exchanged glances with Vihaan before hesitating. "Tum log ko kya batana tha waise?"

Vedant, narrowing his eyes, shot back. "Aap log batao pehle."

Preeti crossed her arms. "Nahi, tum log batao."

Vedant's expression darkened. "Pehle aap log."

Preeti shook her head. "Nahi, tum log pehle."

Krishiv, now annoyed, pressed. "Aap log pehle."

Vikram, visibly frustrated, countered. "Arre, tum log pehle."

This back-and-forth continued, each side refusing to speak first, tension rising with every passing second. Finally, in a sudden outburst, both sides spoke together-

"Akshat-Amrit ka affair chal raha hai!"

A stunned silence fell over the group. Their words hung in the air, heavy with implications. Slowly, their gazes shifted from one another, eyes widening in realization.

Vihaan, his voice cold, asked, "Aap teeno ko pata hai?"

Vedant's jaw clenched as he nodded. "Haan, hamne notice kiya tha." His voice was tight with anger. "Uss din jab ham shopping pe gaye the, maine dekha ki Amrit ne Nikhil ki pasand ko deny kar diya. Tab laga ki normal hai, lekin phir maine dekha Akshat bhaiya ek pillar ke peeche khade the aur Amrit ko ishare kar rahe the. Aur jaise hi Akshat ne signal diya, Amrit ne unki pasand ka suit uthaya."

Anika, arms crossed tightly against her chest, added, "Aur phir jab hum movie dekhne gaye the, tab Bulbul ke bahane Akshat khud Amrit ke bagal mein baith gaye. Dono ek dusre ka haath pakad rahe the, chupke se has rahe the, ek dusre ko pareshan kar rahe the-ye sab dosti nahi lag rahi thi!" Her voice was sharp with disappointment.

Krishiv's hands curled into fists as he spoke. "Haan, sabse pehle toh maine dekha tha. Us din jab hum yahan pe the aur jab nikalne lage the, Akshat ne kaha tha ki use kaam hai aur wo dus minute pehle hi chala gaya tha. Tab mujhe laga ki normal hai, lekin jab mai Bulbul ke liye chocolate lene gaya, tabhi mujhe Amrit ke room se Akshat ki awaaz sunayi di." His face hardened. "Maine jhaank ke dekha toh dono ekdum couple jaisa behave kar rahe the."

Vihaan's eyes darkened. "Couple jaisa?"

Krishiv nodded stiffly. "Haan. Pehle laga ki maybe they are best friends aur Akshat bhaiya shy hai, isliye nahi bata rahe honge. Par jab Anika ne mujhe bola ki usne bhi kuch notice kiya hai, tab mera shaq yakeen me badal gaya."

Vedant let out a deep, angered sigh. "Mujhe toh Krishiv ne bataya tha, par mai maanne ko ready hi nahi tha. Lekin phir jab maine apni aankhon se dekha..." He paused, clenching his jaw. "Nikhil shopping bags lekar aage chal raha tha, aur Amrit-Akshat peeche. Jaise hi Nikhil peeche dekh raha tha, dono haath chhod de rahe the!" His voice was filled with pure disbelief.

Anika's expression twisted in disappointment. "Aur jab room me aaye, toh Nikhil ko chai ya nashta banane ke liye bhej diya! Uske baad Amrit uska head massage kar rahi thi, aur dono bilkul couple ki tarah behave kar rahe the."

Vikram's gaze was hard as he asked, "Aap log ko kaise pata chala?"

Preeti let out a humorless chuckle. "Wo actually kal hamne unhe mall me dekha tha. Pehle laga ki shayad bas mil gaye honge. Par jab hamne dekha ki dono ek dusre ke liye kapde select kar rahe the, tab doubt hone laga."

Vikram's jaw tightened. "Phir hamne aur notice kiya. Akshat Amrit ke bills pay kar raha tha. Aur uske baad dono ek restaurant gaye... aur hamne unka peecha kiya."

Vihaan's voice was sharp. "Aur jab hamne unki baatein suni, tab toh sab confirm ho gaya!"

Everyone's eyes narrowed. "Kaisi baatein?" Krishiv asked grimly.

Vihaan's expression turned into one of pure disbelief. "Amrit keh rahi thi-'Nikhil makhi aur kabab me haddi lagta hai. Jabse aaya hai, ham dono sath me haath bhi nahi pakad paate!'"

A heavy silence fell over them. The tension was suffocating.

Vedant exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. "Ye log humse chhupa kyun rahe hain? Ye koi normal dosti nahi hai. Agar kuch nahi tha toh itna chupane ki kya zaroorat thi?"

Vikram's voice was edged with disappointment. "Mujhe ab samajh nahi aa raha ki kya sochna chahiye. Jo ham samajh rahe hain, wo sahi hai na?"

Anika's expression hardened. "Agar sab kuch sach hai, toh ye galat hai. Amrit Nikhil ke saath hai, toh phir Akshat ke saath ye sab kyun? Humse bata nahi sakti thi?"

Vihaan clenched his fists. "Mujhe lagta hai ki hame unse directly baat karni chahiye. Ab chup rehne ka koi matlab nahi hai."

Krishiv exhaled sharply. "Agar hamne aur wait kiya, toh ye log hame aur bewakoof banayenge."

Vedant, his voice firm, looked at them all. "Bas. Ab Akshat aur Amrit se sach sunne ka waqt aa gaya hai."

The group exchanged determined glances, their disappointment and anger evident. It was clear-they wouldn't rest until they confronted Akshat and Amrit.

The room remained tense, heavy with disappointment and disbelief. No one had imagined they would ever be discussing something like this-especially about Amrit, whom they had always seen as an innocent, sweet girl.

Preeti let out a frustrated sigh, shaking her head in disbelief. "Mujhe kabhi ummeed nahi thi ki Amrit jaise masoom ladki se aisi koi cheez sunne ko milegi," she said, her voice carrying both hurt and disappointment.

Anika, who had been quiet for a while, suddenly scoffed. "Haan, wahi toh! Wo ek shaadi-shuda ladki hai, phir bhi apne professor ke saath extra-marital affair?" Her tone was sharp, full of judgment. "Ye toh sochna bhi ajeeb lag raha hai."

Krishiv leaned back, arms crossed, an incredulous expression on his face. "Aur Akshat?" he muttered. "Bande ko ek shaadi-shuda ladki hi mili thi kya?" His tone had a mix of sarcasm and disappointment. "Duniya me aur koi ladki nahi mili thi jo seedha Amrit ke peeche pad gaya?"

Vihaan exhaled sharply, rubbing his forehead. "Dekho, Amrit chhoti hai, maan lo usse infatuation ho gaya," he reasoned, though even he sounded unconvinced. "Maan lo Akshat bhaiya achhe dikhte hain, toh ek attraction ho sakti hai, par bhaiya ka dimaag kahaan tha?" His voice hardened with the last words. "Unhone aisa karne se pehle socha bhi nahi ki iska kya impact hoga?"

Vedant, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up, his voice heavier than before. "Aur sirf yahi nahi," he added, his jaw clenching. "Kritika ka affair tha kisi aur mard ke saath, usne Akshat bhaiya ko dhokha diya tha, aur jo dard unhone saha, wo sirf wo hi jaante hain." His fists tightened. "Toh phir, jab unhe pata hai ki dhoka milne ka dukh kya hota hai, toh wahi cheez wo khud kaise kar sakte hain?!"

A heavy silence followed his words. Everyone knew how much Akshat had suffered in the past. Kritika's betrayal had broken him completely, and he had taken so long to recover. And now... he was walking down the same path himself?

Vedant continued, his voice softer yet filled with frustration. "Aur ye sab karne se pehle ek baar bhi Nikhil ke baare me nahi socha?" His eyes darkened. "Us bechare pe kya beetegi? Uska kya kasoor hai? Kya uski jagah khud hote toh ye sab bardasht kar pate?"

No one had an answer to that.

Vikram finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "Ye sab band karvana padega," he declared. "Akshat ko koi samjha sakta hai toh bas Vishakha didi hi samjha sakti hain." He looked around at everyone. "Hume pehle unhe ye sab batana hoga."

A new tension filled the air. Telling Vishakha was no small thing. She was the eldest and the most respected among them, but her anger... was something no one wanted to face.

Anika hesitated. "Par unhe batayega kaun?" she asked, looking uncertain.

Preeti immediately raised her hands. "Pata nahi, par mai toh nahi bata rahi! Unka gussa mai nahi jhel sakti," she said, shaking her head vigorously. "Mujhe nahi marna!"

Vedant sighed. "Ham sab saath chalte hain."

Preeti made a face. "Theek hai, par bolna Vihaan."

Vihaan, who had been silent till now, instantly straightened, his eyes wide with horror. "K...kya? Mai? Nahi, nahi! Main nahi bolne wala!" He raised his hands in protest.

Vedant narrowed his eyes. "Tum dono ek hi ghar me rehte ho to tune notice Kiya hai jo sab wo batana na ki Akshat raat ko Ghar nhi aata uske kapde se ladies perfume ki khushbu ye sab."

Krishiv gulped. "Mujhe shauq nahi hai aise khatarnak baatein batane ka?"

"Arey, pehle tu start karega, phir hum sab sequence-wise batayenge. Tujhe akela thodi bolna hai." Vedant said shaking his head.

Vihaan nodded in agreement. "Haan, ekdum systematic tarike se baat karenge."

Preeti exhaled. "Theek hai... toh shaam ko chalte hain."

Just then, Vikram raised a hand. "Mai nahi aa paunga," he said casually. "Office ka kaam hai."

Vihaan waved it off. "Haan, koi nahi. Aapne jo dekha, wahi hamne bhi dekha hai. Hum bata denge."

The decision was made. They would confront Vishakha in the evening. But as they all sat there, the weight of what they were about to do settled heavily on their shoulders. No one knew how Vishakha would react, but one thing was certain-after tonight, nothing would be the same again.

Evening - Singhania Mansion

The atmosphere was casual when Krishiv, Preeti, and Vedant arrived at the grand Singhania mansion. The mansion was as lavish as ever, but today, there was an unusual nervousness among the visitors.

As they stepped inside, Rakshit, who was casually scrolling through his phone, looked up and raised an eyebrow. "Arey, tum sab ek saath yahan kaise? Koi special occasion hai kya?" he asked, intrigued.

Preeti gave an awkward smile and quickly responded, "Haan woh... bina bataye aa gaye. Sorry!" She then plopped down on the sofa, trying to act normal.

Vedant and Krishiv exchanged glances, while Rakshit eyed them suspiciously. Before he could question them further, Anika and Vihaan entered the living room from one of the rooms.

"Tum log kab aaye?" Anika asked, walking towards them.

"Bas abhi abhi," Krishiv replied, his tone casual, but the nervousness in his body language was evident.

They all sat down, trying to talk about random things to delay the real discussion.

"Aaj mausam kaafi badhiya hai, hai na?" Vedant commented.

"Haan, mujhe lag raha tha baarish hogi, par ab tak nahi hui," Preeti added.

"Sach me! Aur barish ho toh chai aur pakode ka maza hi kuch aur hota hai," Anika said, getting comfortable.

Vihaan, who had been silent till now, took a deep breath and finally decided to get to the point. He glanced at Vishakha, who had just walked into the room.

"Mummy, aapko ek important baat batani hai," Vihaan said hesitantly.

Vishakha, who was about to sit down, paused and looked at him. "Haan bol, kya baat hai?"

Vihaan exchanged glances with Krishiv and Preeti, then cleared his throat. "Woh... mummy... actually... Akshat bhai ka affair chal raha hai."

A brief silence filled the room.

"Kya?" Vishakha's expression turned slightly shocked, but before she could say anything else, Rakshit suddenly jumped up in excitement.

"Kyaaa? Akshat ka affair!!" he repeated, his eyes lighting up. "Tum log ne pehle kyun nahi bataya? Hey bhagwan, itni jaldi shaadi ki tayyari kaise karenge... pandit ji ko bulana hai, date fix karni hai, roke ki!"

The entire room fell silent, and everyone just blinked at him. Vihaan, Preeti, and Krishiv looked dumbfounded, while Vedant simply stared. Vishakha, however, shot Rakshit an unamused look.

"Rukenge thoda," she said firmly, making Rakshit sit back down. Then, she turned back to Vihaan, her expression serious. "Kis se? Uski college ki koi professor hai kya?" she asked, trying to understand the situation.

Before Vihaan could answer, Rakshit enthusiastically said, "Pandit ji ko bulata hoon!" and reached for his phone.

Vishakha glared at him, making him freeze.

Vihaan nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "Professor nahi hai."

Vishakha narrowed her eyes. "Toh student hai?"

Rakshit, completely unfazed, repeated again, "Pandit ji ko bulata hoon!"

This time, Vishakha shot him an even deadlier glare.

Vihaan took a deep breath. "Haan, student hi hai."

Hearing this, Vishakha's expression softened slightly. "Ohhh, par ye toh khushi ki baat hai! Mujhe laga tha Akshat ne apne dil ke darwaze band kar liye hain, par finally koi ladki usse pasand aayi." She smiled. "Matlab wo apne past se aage badh raha hai!"

Rakshit nodded enthusiastically. "Hai na? Uss kritika ke jaane ke baad toh jaise uska pyaar aur shaadi se bharosa hi uth gaya tha... ab sab sahi ho jayega!"

Vishakha sighed in relief. "Ladki zyada chhoti toh nahi hai na?" she asked, just to be sure.

"Haan, bas ladki ki age thik honi chahiye," Rakshit chimed in again. "Pandit ko bulata hoon!"

Vihaan glanced at Vedant and muttered, "Inka excitement level thoda zyada hi nahi hai?"

Vedant suppressed a chuckle. "Bas naam bata de ab tu."

Vishakha raised an eyebrow. "Haan, batao. Naam kya hai uska?"

Vihaan gulped and slowly said, "Amrit."

Rakshit, about to say "Pandit ko bulata hoon!" again, suddenly froze. His face lost all its excitement as the name registered in his mind.

"K... kon Amrit?" Vishakha asked, her tone now serious, her eyes narrowing at Vihaan.

Vihaan, feeling the tension increase, hesitated before answering. "W... woh... Amrit... Komal aunty ki beti."

The room fell eerily silent. No one moved.

Then, before Vihaan could react, a sharp slap landed on his cheek.

"THAPP!!"

Vihaan's head slightly turned from the impact, his eyes widening in shock.

Preeti, Vedant, Anika, and Krishiv gulped simultaneously, taking a small step back, terrified by Vishakha's reaction.

A tense silence filled the room after Vihaan's revelation. The name "Amrit" had struck like a thunderbolt, and Vishakha's sharp slap had only amplified the shock. Vihaan was still holding his cheek, stunned by the unexpected reaction, when Vishakha's voice rang out, filled with anger and disbelief.

"Sharam nahi aati, Vihaan?" she scolded, her voice sharp and unwavering. "Bhaiya hai wo tera! Apne bade bhai ke baare me itni ghatiya baatein bolte hue ek baar bhi socha? Dimag kaha hai tera?"

Vihaan gulped, trying to find words, but before he could speak, she continued, her voice growing harsher.

"Aur Akshat apni married student ke saath affair karega? Ye bakwas sochne se pehle ek baar bhi nahi socha ki wo kaun hai? Wo kaisa hai? Wo jo itni izzatdaar family se hai, jo khud itne bade dhokhe se guzar chuka hai, wo kisi aur ke ghar ka todne wala banega? Sharam nahi aayi tujhe?!"

Vihaan opened his mouth to explain, "Par Mummy, maine-"

Vishakha cut him off immediately, "Bas! Ek shabd aur nahi sunna mujhe!" She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but the anger in her eyes remained.

"Aur Amrit?" Vishakha scoffed, shaking her head. "Bechari itni seedhi ladki hai, itni sanskari, aur tu keh raha hai ki wo apni shadi ke baad kisi aur se affair karegi? Wo bhi apne professor ke saath? Tujhe sharam nahi aayi ye sochte hue bhi?"

Vihaan clenched his fists. "Maa, aap samajh nahi rahi, maine khud dekha-"

"Bas, Vihaan!" Vishakha snapped, stepping closer. "Sirf dikhne se sachai nahi badal jati! Kya pata dono ki bonding sirf achi ho gayi ho? College me bhi milte hai, ghar par bhi aksar aana-jana hai, to kya matlab nikal liya tum sabne? Ki wo ek doosre ke saath affair chala rahe hai? Yeh tumhari soch hai?!"

Vihaan shifted uncomfortably. "Maa, hamne-"

Before he could say anything else, Rakshit, who had been sitting silently in shock, suddenly stood up. His face was a mixture of disappointment and fury.

"Wahi toh!" Rakshit thundered. "Vihaan, tune soch bhi kaise liya ki hamara Akshat kisi married ladki ke saath affair karega?"

Vihaan looked at his uncle hesitantly, but Rakshit wasn't done.

"Wo bechara khud ek bade dhokhe se guzar chuka hai. Tu bhool gaya kya Arpita ne uske saath kya kiya tha? Akshat ab tak uss dhokhe se pura recover bhi nahi hua hai, aur tu keh raha hai ki wo Nikhil ke saath wahi karega? Tujhe sach me lagta hai ki wo kisi aur ki shaadi todne ki soch bhi sakta hai?"

Vihaan's face fell, but he still tried one last time. "Lekin maine jo dekha-"

"Bas, Vihaan!" Rakshit interrupted, his tone final. "Tere paas koi proof hai? Koi solid baat hai? Ya sirf apni mann ki bakwas soch raha hai?"

Vihaan's lips parted, but nothing came out.

Feeling cornered, Vihaan quickly turned towards Preeti, his last hope. "Preeti maasi, aap kuch bolo!" he pleaded.

Preeti, who had been standing quietly with a conflicted expression, finally spoke, "K... kya bolun mai, Vihaan?" she sighed, shaking her head. "Sharam nahi aayi tujhe? Apne hi bhai ke baare me itni gandi soch rakhne ki?"

Vihaan's eyes widened in shock. He had expected her to support him, not scold him. His face visibly fell, and his expression turned betrayed.

Just when he thought at least his Krishiv would stand by him, he heard another voice.

"Haan, wahi toh!" Krishiv muttered, gulping nervously. "Main apne dost ke baare me aisi baatein sun bhi nahi sakta!"

Vihaan's jaw dropped slightly as he turned to Krishiv. "Tu bhi?!" he whispered in disbelief.

Krishiv avoided eye contact, shifting uncomfortably in his place. "Vihaan, ye jo tu keh raha hai na... wo bas ek misunderstanding hai. Mujhe nahi lagta Akshat bhai aisa kar sakte hai."

Vishakha exhaled deeply, rubbing her temples in frustration. She looked at Vihaan, her gaze piercing.

"Ab jaa!" she ordered. "Aur mujhe apni shakal mat dikhana aaj ke baad!"

Vihaan blinked. "Maa?!" he whispered, taken aback by her words.

Vishakha's voice was unwavering. "Tu jis tarah ki baatein kar raha hai, usse sunne ka bhi mann nahi hai mujhe. Jab tujhe thoda akal aa jaye, tab lautna."

Sensing the tension, Anika quickly stepped in. "Maa, calm down," she said gently. "Ho sakta hai Vihaan ko koi misunderstanding ho gayi ho... sabko shaant ho kar baat karni chahiye."

"Misunderstanding....Anika tum bhi." Vihaan felt betrayed.

Vishakha didn't even glance at her. "Apne pati ko bolo thoda dimaag lekar aaye kahin se."

Rakshit, too, shook his head. "Aur Vihaan, dobara yeh shabd muh se mat nikalna samjha?" he warned, his voice dangerously low.

Vihaan looked around at everyone, Preeti, Krishiv, Anika, Vedant. They had promised they would support him, but they had all backed off.

It was late in the evening, and the air was still thick with the tension from the explosive argument inside the house. Everyone had finally stepped out, ready to leave, their minds occupied with what had just happened.

Just as they reached their cars, Vihaan suddenly appeared from behind, his arms crossed, his expression sulky. He walked up to them, his brows furrowed in frustration.

"Dhokhebaaz hain aap log!" he burst out, glaring at each of them. "Baat nahi karunga!"

The group turned to look at him, startled by his sudden outburst.

Krishiv, who had been nervously scratching his head, quickly stepped forward, raising his hands in defense. "Arre sorry yaar! Hum aunty ko dekh ke dar gaye the!" he admitted sheepishly.

Vihaan scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Haan, aur unka poora gussa akele mujh par nikal gaya! Matlab tum logon ne pehle mujhe idea diya, mujhe aage kar diya, aur jab maar padne lagi tab sab bhag gaye?" he said, throwing his hands in the air.

Vedant smirked, leaning against the car. "To kya hua? Tu beta hai unka, itna toh chalta hai!" he said with a grin.

Vihaan turned to him, narrowing his eyes. "Haan jab ek padti apni biwi ke samne tab samjh aata."

Vihaan huffed. "Biwi ka kya hi bolun! Usne bhi dhokha de diya! Aap sab bahot gande ho!" he declared dramatically.

Anika stepped forward, patting Vihaan's shoulder lightly. "Sorry na, Vihaan! Maa ka gussa itna tha ki hume laga ki hum sabko ek ek pad jayegi! Tu to sirf ek ka shikaar bana, hum sab ek saath pitti to soch!"

Vihaan gave her a deadpan look. "Oh wow, to mujhe shaheed banane ka plan tha tumhara?"

Preeti, who had been quiet, now spoke up hesitantly. "Par ab didi ko batayenge kaise?" she asked, her brows furrowed in concern.

Everyone fell silent for a moment, realizing that they hadn't thought that far.

Suddenly, Vedant's eyes lit up as he snapped his fingers. "Ek idea hai suno, Akshat ka birthday aane wala hai, hai na?"

Vihaan and Krishiv exchanged glances before nodding. "Haan, to?" Krishiv asked.

Vedant smirked. "To wahi par Amrit aur Akshat koi aisi harkat zaroor karenge hame bas unpe nazar rakhni hai jisse Masi ko khud lage ki un dono ke beech kuch chal raha hai!"

Krishiv grinned, rubbing his hands together. "Mast idea hai!"

With that, the group exchanged glances, their minds already planning how to execute their next move.

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SOO??🌚🌚

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