chapter 38

After that night, something undeniable changed between Jiva and Abhir. Their relationship, once defined by a contract, began to transform into something real, something filled with tenderness and understanding. The small moments that had once hinted at a connection between them now became the foundation of their lives together.Abhir, who had always been emotionally guarded, found himself opening up to Jiva in ways he hadn’t with anyone else. He started sharing stories from his childhood, his ambitions, and the weight of expectations his family had placed on him for so long. Jiva listened, offering support without judgment, her quiet presence a source of comfort. She, too, shared her own dreams—of rebuilding her life, finding her purpose, and feeling truly free from her traumatic past. Abhir encouraged her at every turn, offering his resources and connections, but more importantly, his unwavering belief in her abilities.Their life, though busy and filled with responsibilities, became a delicate balance of work and togetherness. They made time for each other, whether it was having dinner together after long days or spending weekends exploring the city. The house that had once felt cold and empty to Jiva now felt like a true home, filled with warmth, laughter, and a growing sense of love.One afternoon, Abhir’s parents invited them to a family gathering—a formal event where business associates and extended family members would be present. It was meant to celebrate Abhir’s marriage, a belated acknowledgment of the union. Jiva was nervous about attending, worried about being judged or feeling out of place among the elite crowd. But Abhir, sensing her unease, promised he would be by her side the entire evening. At the event, Abhir kept his word. His hand never left hers, and he introduced her to everyone with pride, speaking highly of her resilience and strength. Jiva felt empowered, her confidence bolstered by his unwavering support. By the end of the evening, she realized that the opinions of others no longer mattered as much. What mattered was the bond she shared with Abhir, a bond that had been built on trust and mutual respect.After the event, as they returned home, Abhir turned to Jiva. "I want to ask you something," he said, his voice soft but serious.Jiva looked at him, curious. "What is it?"He took a deep breath, then smiled. "We started this as a contract, but I want to make it real in every way. No more conditions, no more pretense. I want this to be a marriage built on love, not obligation." He paused, his eyes searching hers. "Jiva, will you stay with me, not because of our agreement, but because you want to?"Jiva’s heart swelled. She had never imagined finding someone who would care for her like this, someone who saw her as more than just a means to an end. "Yes," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "I want to be with you, not because of the contract, but because I love you."Abhir pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. In that embrace, all the uncertainty, all the pain of their pasts seemed to melt away. They had found something rare and beautiful in each other—a love that had grown quietly, steadily, and naturally.As the months passed, their lives continued to blossom. Jiva began working with a nonprofit organization that helped women who had experienced abuse, using her own story as a source of strength and inspiration. She found purpose in helping others heal, just as she had.Abhir, too, found a new sense of fulfillment. His relationship with his family, once strained, began to improve as they saw the positive impact Jiva had on his life. His parents, though initially focused on societal expectations, came to respect Jiva for the woman she was, seeing how deeply she and Abhir cared for each other.The house that had once been a symbol of loneliness for both of them now became a place of joy. They hosted friends, celebrated milestones, and eventually talked about starting a family of their own. Their love continued to deepen, built on the foundation of mutual respect, trust, and the understanding that they had both chosen each other, freely and wholeheartedly.In the end, Jiva and Abhir’s life together was far more than either of them had expected when they first entered into their arrangement. It was a life filled with love, partnership, and the quiet, everyday moments that made their bond unbreakable. Their story, which had begun with a contract, had turned into a journey of healing, growth, and a love that would stand the test of time.They were no longer just two people trying to survive in a world that had been cruel to them. They were a team, a family, and most importantly, they were happy—together.