How do I forget a feeling
that refuses to loosen its grip?
I try—God, I try—
yet my tears do not listen.
They fall as if they have a memory of their own,
as if they know something I am still denying.

Why do I dream of a life
that was never meant to be mine?
Why does my heart rehearse a future
the world has already erased?

And why you, Shankar—
why did your name learn the language of my pulse,
why did it stay
when everything else knew how to leave?

Some feelings are not forgotten.
They are only carried—
quietly,
like a wound that learns to breathe.

BAI MANSION

SHANGHAI, CHINA

Kashi's hands instinctively went to her belly - a big trembling smile crept on her lips, as her eyes filled.

Was this true?

She could see it so clearly—the gentle curve of her stomach, a tiny life growing inside her.

And then... the kick.

The way it kicked. It couldn't be a just a dream right?

 It felt too vivid, too warm, too real.

Despite all the pain she had carried for so long, this feeling wrapped around her heart and refused to let go.
Oh God... was this really happening?

But.... then it was gone.

Her eyes flew open - warmth she felt was gone - like it was never even there. She was once again - in the cold bed. 

Their bedroom.

The one she lay in alone every night.

Reality hit her like icy water thrown straight at her chest.

This was a dream. Of course it was.

She wasn't pregnant. Of course how could she be pregnant?

Yet it felt so real. 

Her hands trembled as they returned to her belly, pressing against the flatness, searching desperately for something that had never existed. As if her body might betray reality and give her back what it had promised only moments ago.

And before she even realised - she was crying. How can it be not real?

How can it feel so real and then not be real?

She pulled a hand over her face - then tears fell nonstop, they didn't stop. They burned hot as they traced her cheeks, slipped past her jaw, soaked into her neck. Her chest ached with each broken breath.

She felt silly. Completely foolish.

How could anyone cry over something they never had?

Something that was not even real?

It was just a dream. Wasn't it?

Then why it felt so real to Kashi? Why did she want it to be real so badly?

Her voice - cracking and trembling broke the silence, barely more than a whisper.

"Hey, Shankar... why do you show me such dreams? Her eyes searched the empty room, desperate, hollow.
"Why give me hopes  of something we both know I can never have?"

She looked around desperately, hoping the room would give her something—anything—but silence answered instead, loud enough to break her, sharp enough to kill her inch by inch.

Until yesterday, she had allowed herself to believe that one day she would have children.

But the way he had blamed her—so easily, so cruelly—broke something deep inside her. Something fragile. Something sacred. And she didn't think anything, or anyone, could ever fix that part of her again.

How was she supposed to imagine a future with a man she loved more than anything, when he didn't trust her? When he could look at her and accuse her of something she wouldn't have imagined even in her wildest dreams?She felt utterly broken.

She had no hope now.
Not anymore.

A happy marriage.
Children.
A loving family.

They existed only in dreams now—
dreams that haunted her.
Dreams she wanted to be real so badly...

but never would be.

KNOCK.......KNOCK........KNOCK

Kashi froze at the sound that tore her out of her misery.Her gaze snapped to the door, heart pounding just a little too fast.

Was it him?

The thought of facing him after what had happened yesterday was too much to handle. And yet, she couldn't ignore the way her heart still raced at the thought of him. Even after everything, her heart knew only him.

She scrambled out of bed, tangling in her saree, nearly losing her balance as she stumbled forward.

''Bhabhi?''

''Are you there?'' 

Yunji's voice reached her, and relief washed over her. At least it wasn't him. She drew in a few deep breaths, running a hand over her face, forcing her voice to stay steady as she whispered.

''Yes Yunji, I am here.''

"Bhabhi, taiyaar hokar niche aa jaiye. Gigi ne kaha hai—today we'll do aarti," Yunji said in her usual cheerful tone. 

TRANSLATION - ''SISTER IN LAW COME DOWN PLEASE. GIGI IS CALLING - WE WILL DO AARTI TOGETHER.''

Then footsteps retreating.

And then it hit her.

Today was the day they were supposed to leave for India.

She should have been happy. She had been—until yesterday.

She was going home—to her mother and to everyone she hadn't seen in a year. There should have been happiness in that thought. Her family. Her best friends. Her siblings.

But now?

The thought of facing him churned her stomach. She still couldn't accept that he had accused her of poisoning him—because even if it could give her a new life, she would never do something like that.

Once again, tears slipped down her cheeks. The reality was still too hard to accept.
How could he blame her?

Poisoning him?

That she would poison him?

And then Kashi remembered the moments from last night. He had been fine—when she gave him water. Fine when she asked if he wanted dinner.

But the moment the food was placed in front of him - something flickered in his eyes. Maybe it was vulnerability—an almost imperceptible fear he had hidden too well.

That too his favourites she had made - he loved more than anything. She hadn't paid attention then, not with the outburst that followed.

But she knew... deep down, something had triggered that reaction inside him. And she knew she had to find out.

He had eaten breakfast that morning—with everyone.

So why dinner?

Why then?

Questions crowded her mind, spiraling into one undeniable truth. She would have to dig into the past to understand what had gone wrong—to uncover what had made him react that way.

Was that why he rarely spoke?
Why he hid his feelings so carefully?

Kashi let out a slow breath.

But now wasn't the time.

She walked to the closet, pulled out a blue saree, and disappeared into the washroom.

She had to bathe.

She had to pull herself together.

MINSHENG'S STUDY

Minsheng stood in the washroom - leaning against the mirror. Last night memories kept replaying in his mind.Again and again like some haunted nightmare he couldn't escape.

 What had he done?

He had blamed a soul for something she would never—even in her worst nightmares—do. How could he have been capable of that?

And yet, the fear buried deep inside him refused to die.
What if she was like them?
What if she was pretending—wearing the mask of a saint while hiding something darker beneath?

But then it flashed in front of him image of her crying - looking at him in disbelief kept replaying in his mind. The way she stared at him with those tears - all she had done was cooked his favourites.

It should have been a night of beginnings.
Instead, it became the worst night of his life.

Minsheng felt sick looking at himself in the mirror.

What kind of man was he?

Did he even deserve to be called one—when he had made his own wife cry?

He was a bastard.
A complete monster.

He had no idea - how he would ever face her again. He didn't have guts. After what he had done acussing her for something so vile - something she would never do. She had been so happy - so full of life until yesterday and now it was all gone.

ALL BECAUSE OF HIM.

Because of a jerk like him.

Would she even want to go to India with him? 

A bitter scoff escaped him as he ran a hand through his hair. And now, only one question echoed relentlessly in his mind.

Would she leave him?

In this one year of marriage, he had given her nothing but pain. It wouldn't be surprising if she chose to walk away—start a new life.

Away from him.

But even the thought of her leaving—without him apologising, without her knowing the truth—made every part of his body scream,

Don't let her go.

"Shit... shit... shit..."

From downstairs came distant whispers—the pooja thali being prepared, his siblings' giggles echoing through the house. But none of it reached him the way it should have.

That wasn't what he wanted to hear.

He wanted her.

Her voice.

The same voice he had known for barely two days, and yet whenever she smiled, something inside him eased—something broken found momentary peace.

And now it was gone.

All because of him.

Then— a crack.

Minsheng slammed his fist into the wall beside the mirror. The surface fractured, his knuckles splitting open, blood seeping through—but he didn't care.

It was the least of his worries.

"Why..." his voice broke.
"Why did I do that?"
"Why did I even say those things?"

But there was no point asking now.

The damage had already been done.

And no matter how desperately he wished otherwise, there was nothing he could do to undo it.

THEIR BEDROOM

Kashi stood in front of the vanity - hair wet from the bath dressed only in her bra and Petticoat. She gently picked up a color corrector brushed it with her brush on her bare shoulder. 

Hiding the bruises.

Hiding the meaning they carried.

Yet she had no regret because these bruises were a proud feeling for her. 

They were painful but she was proud.

And no one would ever know that because - when KASHI BAI MINSHENG fell in love. She didn't just fell - she ruined herself in it.

She repeated the process over the rest of her body, layering colour corrector and then concealer until every mark disappeared.

Picking the saree - she wrapped it around herself. A thing she knew very well - a routine one could say.

 Once done, she tied her blouse around her chest with practiced ease. Picking up the saree, she wrapped it around herself, movements instinctive, almost ritualistic. She loved sarees more than anything; they made her feel safe, in a way nothing else ever could.

The soft fabric always seemed to calm her - and the way it felt against her skin was so soothing.

"Bhabhi, niche aa jaiye," Jun's voice called out from the hallway, probably calling her for the aarti.

TRANSLATION - ''BHABHI, COME DOWN.''

Kashi stilled.

Going downstairs meant facing him—meeting those eyes again. The thought made her stomach twist. She couldn't do it. Not after he had accused her of something so vile, something she would never, ever be capable of. And yet, she knew she couldn't avoid it. Some things were impossible to escape, no matter how much you wished otherwise.

Like him.
Like their strained marriage.

And deep down, she knew—she didn't want to.

Kashi walks downstairs, pausing midway to take a steadying breath. The silk of her saree rustles softly between her legs, grounding her in the moment. She lifts her chin and pastes on the smile she has perfected over the years—the polite, practiced one. The smile that convinces the world she is fine. Happy. Whole.

Even though, deep down, she aches for someone—just one person—to look past it. To really see her.

The real her. The pain she carries.

Downstairs, as Kashi's foot touches the last step she takes a a another steading breath.

''You can do this, Kashi. Just be calm.'' 

The eyes turn - Vishakha and Yansong with blooming smile and adoration they carry for her while Jun and Yunji as usual begin hyping their bhabhi with soft whistles and teasing admiration.

But then—

There are those eyes.

His eyes.

And the world stops - for a moment it really does. Nothing else exists all she can see is him. 

Minsheng looks up from his phone. He stills he just can't seem to look away how beautiful she looks and he can also see dark circles beneath her eyes -  he notices it—the faint darkness beneath her eyes. Shadows that no makeup has fully hidden.

She didn't sleep.

Neither did he.

Memories clash into them - merciless and sharp - like a knife being carved into their skin.

His accusations, flung like knives - right into her heart.

Her stunned silence. The way she had run away, heart shattered, and how he had stood there... doing nothing.

She had waited for him.

Waited for him to take his words back.

She had hoped he would.

And when he didn't—

That was what broke her the most.

''Bhai bhabhi kahi chali nahi jaa rahi .'' Jun whispers and then with a grin leaning towards Minsheng. ''You can look away, you know Bhai.''

TRANSLATION - ''BHAI BHABHI ISN'T GOING ANYWHERE.''

The spell shatters - the moment is gone. 

Minsheng finally snaps out from his own thoughts looking away from her. He can't even bring himself to meet her gaze anymore—and yet, the truth claws at him.

She is beautiful.

He hates that he cannot deny it.

"Come on," Vishakha says softly, already moving toward the aarti hall, the thali balanced in her hands. "Aarti karte hain. Phir sab ready ho jao—we're leaving in three hours."

TRANSLATION - ''COME ON LET'S DO AARTI THEN EVERYONE GET READY.''

Kashi follows - her steps quiet yet strong - meaning only one thing ''she refuses to give up'' 

 She settles beside Vishakha, lighting the diya and carefully pouring ghee to keep the flame steady.

But inside, she is unraveling.

Her hands tremble as she brings them together in prayer.

Shankar... please sab theek kar dena, she pleads silently. Please mujhe madad kijiye. Bataiye maine kya galat kiya? Kya tha jo unhe kal itna gussa aa gaya?

Fix this.

Fix whatever broke between us.

Minsheng stands rigid beside his grandfather, arms crossed, expression carved from stone.

He doesn't pray.

Not anymore. Not since this god broke him when he believed in him the most.

Not since this same god had watched silently while his mother died. Not since faith had failed her—failed him—when she had done nothing wrong.

Why should he bow his head now?

His lips curl in a bitter, internal scoff as he stares straight ahead, eyes sharp, cold, unreadable.

"Bullshit."

Three hours later

Kashi finally sat in the living room, dressed in brown pants and a white sleeveless top—comfortable, practical, meant for travelling. The house was quiet. She found herself alone, the others probably upstairs, gathering their belongings before coming down.

Her mind, however, refused to be quiet.

She replayed everything that had happened, every word, every look. And in the end, only one question kept echoing in her head—

What was my fault?
What did I do wrong?

She rubs her temples with a sign. She hadn't slept much not after what happened last night - sleep was the last thing she would do and now it was affecting her.

Of course it was.

She rubbed her temples with a sigh. She hadn't slept much—not after last night. Sleep had been the last thing she could bring herself to do, and now it was catching up to her.

Of course it was.

"Bhabhi, are you okay?"

Yunji's voice carried a mix of concern and worry. Kashi looked up to see her standing there in blue pants and a crop top, a denim jacket thrown over her shoulders, a sling bag hanging loosely at her side.

"I'm okay, bacha. Don't worry," Kashi said, reassuring her with that familiar smile—the one she always wore.

"Bhabhi, your head hurts."

It wasn't a question. It was a statement. Yunji knew her too well. The dark circles beneath Kashi's eyes were impossible to miss, silent proof of a sleepless night.

Kashi sighed, meeting the look that clearly said I know—and you can't hide it. She gave in with another deep breath and nodded.
"Yes, bacha. It does hurt. But don't worry, I'll sleep on the flight."

"I'm getting you medicine."

Before Kashi could even respond, Yunji was already walking away, her head held high, determined.

Kashi watched her go, a sad smile tugging at her lips. She shook her head lightly, chuckling under her breath.
"This girl..."

Footsteps approached.

Naturally, she assumed it was Yunji—who else could it be?

"Yunji, you didn't have to, bacha," Kashi murmured.

But instead of Yunji's soft voice, a deep one reached her ears.

"Aapki dawai."

Kashi froze.

Her body went rigid, her breath hitching as his presence settled around her. That scent—she knew it instantly. She would recognize it anywhere.

It was him.

She didn't dare turn around. Even looking at him felt unbearable now. Every time she did, she remembered what he thought of her. What he had accused her of. What she had become in his eyes.

That pain cut deeper than anything else ever could.

Minsheng moved closer, crossing the distance quickly. He placed the medicine on the table, his voice dropping into a low, almost rough whisper.

"Kha lijiyega. You need it."

And then—

 then—

He was gone.

She stood there, too numb to react—too numb even to think. Everything inside her felt suspended, caught between seconds. All she could register was one simple truth.

He came.

He really came.

He brought her medicine.

And those words—you need it.

It would be the biggest lie if she said they didn't mean something. If she pretended they weren't the best thing she had heard since last night.

Because they were.

And coming from him—

They felt like pure heaven.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Kashi sat on the plane beside Yunji, staring out of the window, still trying to take in everything that had happened.

Why did he care?

Why did he come just to give her medicine?

Why?

Yunji's soft voice broke the silence.
"I'm sorry, bhabhi... gigi called me, so I gave bhai the medicine," she whispered apologetically.

Kashi smiled at her.
"It's okay, bacha. I understand. And I took the medicine," she whispered back, gently patting Yunji's cheek.

Yunji immediately leaned into her touch, resting her head against Kashi's shoulder.

Kashi sighed deeply and leaned back into her seat. The announcement began—the air hostess explaining emergency procedures, her voice calm and practiced. And then, finally, the engine roared to life.

She closed her eyes.

Letting her body rest. Letting her mind try to rest—though she knew that was nearly impossible with everything swirling inside her.

Still, she forced herself to relax.

Because she knew she needed to.

Minsheng settled into his seat, staring out of the window, his expression neutral—almost numb.

With every passing minute, his guilt deepened.
The woman who should have been happy today—excited to see her family—was instead battling a headache, all because of his own fucking fear. His insecurity.

"Fuck... Minsheng, what did you do?"

He was caught in a whirlpool of emotions.

On one side, he told himself he had done the right thing—that it was necessary, a defense mechanism.
Because, in his mind, why wouldn't she want revenge? Why wouldn't she want to hurt him the same way he had hurt her?

But then her tears surfaced in his memory.

The way her eyes reflected pure hurt.
The disbelief that stared back at him.

And just like that, Minsheng knew the answer.

He simply wasn't ready to accept it.

"A little over six hours later, the plane descended toward Mumbai."

Kashi stepped down as the stairs were set, but her leg suddenly gave way—and for a moment, she thought she was going to fall.

She shut her eyes instinctively, bracing for the impact.

But it never came.

She almost hears Yunji's worried tone from behind. Vishakha's gasp and shocked gaze from people around.

But then.

A pause.

A hand wrapped around her arm—firm yet gentle, holding tight. Before Kashi could even turn back, she was yanked toward him, spun around effortlessly.

She collided with a solid chest.

Her hands instinctively fisted his suit jacket, curling into the fabric as if that was the only thing keeping her upright.

She froze, barely able to breathe under the sudden intimacy. God, this was too much to take.

And once again her heart was beating a little too fast. then there it is - those unreadable eyes looking down at her. She can almost feel her breath hovering over her face. 

His cold, rough, calloused hands slid beneath the fabric of her saree, pulling her even closer—closer than she had ever been.

So close - that it felt like heaven. Something close to healing.

Never in her life had Kashi imagined she would be this close to Minsheng.

Especially not after yesterday.

But of course—nothing in her life ever happened the way she wanted.

Her dramatic Shankar wrote her life like some Indian soap opera.

And there it was again—her breath hitching at the depth of his voice, at his scent surrounding her.

God, this was too much.

She tried. She really did.

Then another voice cut through the silence.

"Sir, you have to keep moving. Other passengers are waiting."

The air hostess spoke hesitantly—carefully—as if even addressing him required courage.

As if fear came naturally when standing this close to a man like him.

Of course it did.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

DEEWAN MANSION

MUMBAI

Kalyani stood at the foot of the main door, a thali steady in her hands, waiting for her daughter's arrival. She hadn't felt this kind of happiness in years. And why wouldn't she?

Her daughter was coming home.

Kashi—the light of their lives. The girl who carried laughter in her veins, who could never see anyone cry without trying to fix it, who somehow possessed the strange superpower of turning tears into smiles.

Typical Kashi.

Kalyani chuckled softly, memories flooding her mind—countless moments spent with her daughter. And yet, for the past year, she hadn't even seen her girl.

People said it was just a year.

But to a mother, 365 days without her child felt nothing short of torture. Only a mother could ever understand that ache.

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall. Whisper from a maid

"Mrs. Deewan... Mr. Deewan... he isn't feeling well."

Kalyani froze.

He isn't feeling well?

Panic surged through her veins despite her best efforts to remain nonchalant. Even now—after everything—the thought of something happening to him still terrified her.

She placed the thali aside and rushed upstairs.Bursting into the room, she found Ansh sitting at the edge of the bed, his head buried in his hands.

The moment he sensed her presence, he looked up.

The pallor on his face made her heart tighten.

With a quiet sigh, she reached into the nightstand drawer and pulled out the blood pressure monitor. Ansh extended his arm instinctively—out of habit, out of years of familiarity.

"Apne dawai nahi khayi kya?" she asked, even as she wrapped the cuff around his arm.

He sighed, turning his face away, avoiding her gaze—the unmistakable I'm guilty expression.

"Kyu nahi khayi aapne dawai?" she pressed gently, one hand firm on his arm to keep him still as the machine began recording.

"Kashi ke aane par itna khush ho gaya..." Ansh murmured, almost sheepishly. "Dawai dimaag se hi nikal gayi."

His voice carried guilt—guilt for worrying Kalyani, for being weak at the wrong moment.

And beneath it all, something deeper stirred.

His daughter was coming back.

God, he hadn't seen her in a year.

There was a time she followed him everywhere, tugging at his kurta, looking up at him with those wide eyes—
"Baba, mujhe woh chahiye."
"Baba, main wahan jaungi."

And now she was grown. Independent. Strong enough to stay away for an entire year.

It should have made him proud.

It did.

And yet, it broke him all the same—because he would never have his little princess back.

She didn't need her daddy anymore.

That realization alone felt unbearable.

"Aapka blood pressure badha hua hai, Ansh," Kalyani said quietly, studying the reading.

He barely heard her.

"Uh... don't worry," he muttered, reaching for distance the way he always did when he felt weak. "Main dawai le lunga. Aap neeche jaaiye."

Kalyani nodded, though her heart ached.

She turned and walked out.

Leaving behind a father sitting alone—lost in memories, caught between pride and loss, quietly confronting the truth of aging.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

RAJPUT'S MANOR

Edward stepped in just as the massive doors of Rajput Manot flung open. The guards bowed respectfully, offering warm smiles to Inaayat beside him. She waved back enthusiastically, utterly delighted.

Then there was it - 

Shanaya.

 Standing just few feet far away from him in a saree and it was not just any saree. It was the same one he had gifted her their wedding night.

Did she even realize what it did to him—seeing her in it even now?

His chest tightened. Maybe she didn't. Maybe it was just a saree to her.

She always wore it when she needed comfort. Said it made her feel safe.

Maybe—just maybe—she needed that comfort today too.

Old habits die hard. That's what he told himself. Mostly to convince his own heart.

Inaayat suddenly broke free, giggling as she ran toward Shanaya, throwing her tiny arms around her mother's neck.

"Mummaa, I missed you," she murmured, burying her face against Shanaya's neck, a tiny pout forming on her lips.

God, she was adorable.

Just a little girl who missed her mumma more than anything else in the world.

Shanaya lifted Inaayat into her arms, settling her against her chest. Almost instantly, the child's fingers reached for the saree blouse, fiddling with it absentmindedly—a habit she'd developed over the years.

Mrinali and Viraj descended the stairs, their faces lighting up at the sight of their granddaughter.

Inaayat wriggled out of Shanaya's hold and ran straight into Mrinali's arms, nearly knocking her back with the force of her jump. Mrinali laughed, slightly losing her balance, until Viraj steadied her with an arm around her waist.

"Nani, I missed you," Inaayat complained, her pout deepening as she looked up with wide, innocent eyes before showering her grandmother's face with kisses.

Edward and Shanaya watched their daughter, identical smiles forming on their faces.

Nothing else mattered when that little girl smiled.

She held their hearts—completely, unquestionably.

And what more could parents ask for?

Shanaya turned back toward Edward, her lips curving softly. Her gaze flickered to his face—those freckles beneath his eyes.

The same one she used to kiss everynight.

What the fuck was wrong with her? What was she even thinking?

She shakes her head firmly. And still she couldn't ignore the way her hearr raced little too much against her will.

But on the other side - Edward was already smirking it was no lie he knew her better than anyone

Because he knew.

He always did.

''I know baby freckles are calling you out'' He smirks whispering confidently crossing his arms over his chest leaning against a wall. ''Aren't they.''

Shanaya froze for a moment then acting non - chalant she avoids his eyes. 

''Shut up.''

But she can't deny - way her heart beats little too fast

"And for your information," she added sharply, glaring at him, "I am not your baby."

Edward stepped closer, his gaze locking onto her defiant eyes—and the way her nose scrunched when she was irritated.

God, she was cute.

"Oh," he said softly, one arm slipping around her waist and tugging her closer, "you are my baby."

 Something flickers in his eyes raw, unmistakable. - he doesn't hide it. He never does, not from her.

Because he wants her to know - he feels it still and he knows she knows it.

A soft kiss brushed the corner of her mouth as he whispered against her skin, "You'll always be my baby."

Then, just like that, he pulled away, adjusting his collar as if he hadn't just unraveled her completely.

He started to walk off, pausing only to murmur—

"And yeah... little Aadhya Malhotra is safe."

And just like that, he made her heart flutter again.

Exactly the way he always had.

Nisha stood in the living room, gently bouncing little Inaayat in her arms, coaxing soft giggles out of her.

Just then, the door creaked open.

Her breath hitched.

There he was.

Isaac.

It had been a year ago - she saw him at Kashi's wedding and now he was back. God, he looked handsome.

 Her eyes betrayed her, lingering on the sharp cut of his Armani suit, the way his muscles strained just slightly beneath the fabric. Why was he so... effortless?

She watched him greet Viraj and Mrinali, respectful and warm. Then, of course, he hugged Shanaya.

Something twisted painfully in her chest.

For a fleeting, shameful second, she wondered what it would feel like if he ever hugged her.

God—what would it feel like?

But then reality hit.

He has someone in his life. Someone he hugged. Kissed. Chose.

And it wasn't her. It never would be here.

Oh god she wished. But it was something she could only dream of. In dreams she had her own life with him. A life where he loved her. Adored her.

And she wished she never woke up from that dream. But she had to. Because dreams never last long.

Do they?

A sad chuckle - almost —dry, almost humourless—escapes her lips and it doesn't go unnoticed by little Inaayat even though she doesn't understand it - but her little mind can sense the sadness in her Mausi's eyes.

"Mausi?" Inaayat whispered, tightening her tiny arms around Nisha's neck.

Nisha smiled instantly, caressing her hair—though the smile never quite reached her eyes.

"Mausi, you sad?" Inaayat's bottom lip trembled as she looked up with wide, earnest eyes.

Damn it.

If that didn't melt her heart all over again.

"Don't be sad, Mausi. You have me."

Nisha froze. Such simple words. And yet—they landed straight in her chest. Had she really made it that obvious?

"I won't tell anyone," Inaayat whispered conspiratorially into her ear, as if sharing the world's biggest secret. "And Isaac uncle isn't even that handsome."

Nisha laughed—genuinely this time.

Her heart felt a little lighter.

Just then, Mrinali's voice rang out.

"Nisha, come here beta."

She gently set Inaayat down and walked over, smoothing her kurti nervously. 

Then there he was standing beside 

That gentle smile—soft, sincere—the one that always made her heart forget how to beat properly.

God, why was he so handsome?

"Beta, go and show Isaac his room," Mrinali said warmly, unaware of the storm raging inside Nisha.

Nisha froze.

Viraj placed a gentle, fatherly hand on her shoulder. "Nisha beta, tu theek hai?" His eyes searched hers with quiet concern. A kind of concern only a father shows. Of course he is no less than a father since her parents died Viraj and Mrinali have always been there for her.

They walked away without another question. Leaving her alone with him. They didn't doubt a bit not the hitching of her breath and way her eyes kept lingering Isaac's face when she wasn't looking.

Nisha looked up, forcing a polite smile—pretending this was just another normal interaction.

"Uh... hi," Isaac said softly, dimples appearing.

Of course those dimples. Those dimples were going to be the death of her.

She sucked in a sharp breath trying not to stare at those dimples. God, she tried - she really did.

"Hi," she replied, steadying herself. "Aaiye, main aapko room dikhaati hoon."

She turned and walked, expecting him to follow.

He did. Hands clasped behind his back—every inch the gentleman.He didn't catch the way she was so different - he didn't even know her much. So how would he know what she is really like.

They reached the room at the end of the hallway. Nisha pushed the door open.

A cloud of dust burst forth. Isaac coughed. Nisha winced and then looks back at him guilty

"Sorry," she muttered.

He laughed it off. "It's okay."

She froze. Did he laugh? Oh my god, did he just laugh because of her. She can't help but feel warmth spreading through her chest. He laughed.

He actually laughed because of her.

And then—

The rat.

Her sworn enemy.

A scream escaped her before she could stop herself as she stumbled backward.

Straight into a solid chest.

Oh no.

He was still there.

Isaac's arm wrapped around her waist instinctively, steadying her before she could fall. "Dariye mat," he murmured firmly near her ear. "Woh kuch nahi karega."

But Nisha wasn't listening.She wasn't thinking.He was touching her.Actually touching her.

God, it felt like heaven.

For him, it was nothing—just protection.

For her?

It was everything.

Her back pressed against his chest, his arm around her waist—not holding her improperly, not crossing a line, just there.

And yet she could feel the warmth.

The safety.The unbearable tenderness of it. She closed her eyes feeling the touch that wouldn't last long.

For a brief, dangerous second, every ache she'd ever carried felt quieter.

Because it was simple.

Just his touch—and she felt healed.

And then reality crashed back in.

No. No. She shouldn't be this close to him.

She noticed then—his touch wasn't romantic. It was careful. Respectful.Protective.

Of course it was.Why would it be anything else? He had a girlfriend.

Snapping out of it, Nisha turned quickly, stepping back until there was a respectful distance between them.

"I—I'll call someone to clean this," she whispered.

And before Isaac could say anything, she fled. Isaac stood there for a moment—confused, unaware of the storm he'd just walked through.

Then he turned and headed downstairs.

Not realizing how deeply he affected the woman he'd just left behind.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

DEEWAN MANSION

The line of limousines finally came to a halt outside the Deewan Mansion—sleek black silhouettes standing in perfect formation. One by one, guards stepped out, fanning around the cars with practiced precision, forming a silent wall of protection, fierce and unyielding like a lioness guarding her pride.

The air seemed to still.

Yansong and Vishakha were the first to step out, smiles soft but assured, carrying the quiet confidence of people who knew exactly where they belonged. They were followed by Bai Minghao, his expression stern and unreadable as ever—cold composure carved into his very features.

Behind him came Jun and Yunji, already bickering under their breath about how much more lavish the mansion looked compared to the last time they had seen it.

And then—

Minsheng and Kashi.

They walked side by side, yet miles apart, their eyes carefully avoiding each other. The tension clung to them, thick and unspoken. They both felt it. They both knew it.

How could they look at each other?

After everything that had happened.

Still, Minsheng stayed close—too close. His body remained subtly alert, instinctively positioning himself beside her, shielding her from the world. From everything.

From everyone.

Even himself.

The heavy doors of the Deewan Mansion flung open.

They stepped inside.

At the entrance stood Kalyani—radiant in her green saree, her smile warm and unwavering. Beside her was Ansh, hands tucked casually into the pockets of his green Armani suit, perfectly matching his wife, pride and affection shining quietly in his eyes.

Kashi's vision blurred instantly.

Her parents.

All she wanted was to run—to throw herself into their arms and never let go. But she stilled herself, knowing her mother wouldn't allow it until the aarti was done.

So she waited.

Like a little girl, standing on her toes, waiting for her turn to be loved.

Kalyani performed the aarti, placing tilak on each forehead, one by one. And the moment it was done—

Kashi broke.

She rushed forward as if her life depended on it, throwing herself into her mother's arms. Her hands clutched at Kalyani's neck as the tears she had been holding back finally spilled—full, broken sobs she could no longer contain.

This was where she crumbled.

Because everything she was—she was because of this woman. And she hadn't seen her in a year. She had missed her more than words could ever explain.

"Maa," she whispered almost as a half sob, the word breaking apart as she buried her face in Kalyani's neck.

Kalyani only held her tighter - her own eyes blurring with unstoppable tears. 

No one dared to interrupt. Everyone knew how deeply she had missed her mother.

Everyone—except Minsheng—stood frozen.

Watching. He saw it then. What he had done.

He had hurt a woman who didn't deserve it.

How could he have even thought she would poison him? A woman who smiled at the smallest things, who placed everyone else before herself.

How could he?

Disgust curled in his stomach, sharp and unforgiving. Shame followed close behind. What had he done?

Still, he forced himself to remain composed. Not here. Not now. Not in front of everyone.

His gaze shifted to Ansh. Minsheng stepped forward and bowed, touching his father-in-law's feet with reverence.

Ansh stiffened in surprise. He hadn't expected that—not from Minsheng. He placed a firm hand on the young man's shoulders, lifting him up.

"That is not where you belong, young man," Ansh said softly, meeting his eyes with a gentle smile. "You belong here."

And before Minsheng could react, Ansh pulled him into a hug.

Minsheng swallowed hard.

When was the last time someone had hugged him like this?

His own father hadn't done so in years.

For a moment, he let himself lean into it, quietly soaking in the warmth.

When they pulled apart, Minsheng's eyes landed on Aksh standing behind Ansh—grinning widely.

"Yo, there's my handsome boy," Aksh said, arms already open.

Minsheng didn't resist. He stepped forward, sinking into his brother-in-law's embrace.

God, he had missed this. This was Someone who knew him. The real him. The one who didn't need to pretend.

Kashi finally pulled back from her mother, staring at her face as if committing every detail to memory.

"Oh come on," Ansh blurted suddenly. "I exist too."

Laughter rippled through the room.

Kashi smiled through her tears and rushed into her father's arms, burying her face in his chest like she used to when she was little.

"I missed you, Baba," she whispered. Ansh tightened his hold. His ladoo was home. 

He didn't speak but the way his arms tightened around his daughter said everything his mouth couldn't whisper.

Vishakha and Yansong moved forward to greet Naresh Deewan, followed by Kalyani and Ansh as they touched the elders' feet and received their blessings.

Spotting Jun and Yunji standing awkwardly to the side, Kashi hurried over, grabbing their hands and pulling them forward. Their heart lightened at their bhabhi not leaving them behind

Then she turned to Aksh. There had been a time when she wouldn't let go of his hand. Now, after a year apart, she held him again—and despite everything that had changed, one thing remained the same.

Their love.

She was still a sister who would defend him still today if it meant going against whole world and he was a brother who would kill for her.

"Bhai, where's Ekaksh?" she asked softly.

"He stepped out for some work," Aksh replied, ruffling her hair. "He'll be back soon."

She nodded, smiling even though little sad her brother wasn't here but still

For the first time in twenty-four hours—

She smiled for real.

Her heart felt light.

She was where she belonged.

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆

BY INKANDIVORYWRITESS