Author pov....

Since the day Ishani realised she had fallen in love with Rahul, something had changed in her.

Every time she came in front of him, her cheeks would turn bright red. She would blush like a teenage girl, smiling shyly without any reason.

Rahul noticed all this but couldn't understand what was happening.

Still, he felt happy seeing her like this.

Ishani looked brighter these days, and even her health had improved a lot.

One evening, Ishani walked into the kitchen where Rahul was standing.

"Rahul, let me help you make dinner today," she said softly, her voice full of warmth.

Rahul turned to her with a gentle smile. "No, Ishani. You go and sit. Relax. I'll make everything."

But Ishani shook her head. "Please, Rahul. I want to cook with you."

Rahul looked at her hopeful eyes and sighed. "Okay. You chop the vegetables, and I'll knead the dough for rotis. Fair enough?"

Ishani smiled brightly. "Okay!"

She started chopping the vegetables, but her eyes kept drifting towards Rahul.

She couldn't stop stealing glances at him his focused expression, the way his hands moved, everything made her heart flutter.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't realise when the knife slipped.

"Ahh!" A small cry escaped her lips as blood started oozing from her finger.

Rahul's eyes widened in panic. He immediately dropped everything, rushed to her side, and gently took her injured hand in his.

Without thinking, he put her finger in his mouth to stop the bleeding.

"Ishani! I told you to be careful, na? Where was your mind?" he said, his voice filled with worry and a little anger.

He kept sucking on her finger gently, his eyes full of concern.

Ishani just stood there, blushing even harder, a soft smile playing on her lips as she looked at him.

Rahul noticed her smile and frowned. "You're smiling? Ishani, your blood is flowing and you're smiling!"

Ishani giggled lightly. "It's nothing, Rahul. Bas thoda sa blood hai. You're reacting as if I'm going to die or something."

Rahul's face became serious. He slowly took her finger out of his mouth and looked straight into her eyes.

"Don't say that, Ishani Please. I don't like it when you talk about dying, even as a joke."His voice was soft but heavy with emotion.

For a moment, Ishani saw real fear in his eyes. She felt a warm pull in her heart.

"Okay... I won't say it again," she whispered, lowering her gaze. "Now leave my hand. I'll finish chopping the vegetables."

"No," Rahul said firmly.

He quickly brought the first-aid box, cleaned her wound with care, and tied a neat bandage around her finger.

Then he made her sit on the chair nearby."You are not doing any more work. Sit here and relax. I'll finish everything."

"But Rahul, I can still-" Ishani said.

"Ishani," he interrupted gently but strongly, "please. Let me take care of you."

Ishani looked at him for a few seconds, then smiled softly and nodded. "Okay."

While Rahul continued cooking, Ishani sat there quietly, watching him with loving eyes.

Her heart felt full. Just then, her phone buzzed.

It was a message from Divya.

Divya: Tu kya bol rahi thi mujhe? Bata na mujhe.

Ishani quickly typed back with one hand.

Ishani: Nothing yaar. Kuch nahi.

She kept her phone aside and went back to watching Rahul, a secret smile touching her lips.

Just then, her phone buzzed. It was Divya.

Divya: Ishani, ab mere se baat chhupayegi tu? Bata jaldi!

Ishani felt irritated.

When she didn't reply, Divya called.

Ishani cut the call.

The phone rang again.

"Ishani, someone is calling you. Pick it up," Rahul said from the kitchen.

Ishani sighed. "Haan... I'm picking it up."

She went into the bedroom and closed the door before answering."What is it, Divya? Can't I have even one minute of peace? You won't even let me look at Rahul properly!" she whispered angrily.

Divya paused, then asked mischievously, "Why were you looking at Rahul?"

Ishani froze as she realised what she had said.

"Nothing," she muttered.

Divya laughed. "Accha? You were staring at your own husband and now you're lying to me? Fine, our friendship ends today!"

Ishani sighed deeply. "Okay... yes, I was looking at Rahul. Happy now?"

"Why were you looking at him?" Divya asked excitedly. "Don't tell me you've fallen in love with your own husband?"

Ishani's heart started beating fast. A shy, beautiful smile spread across her face.

"Yes," she whispered. "I have fallen in love with him, Divya."

"OMG!" Divya squealed. "You're telling the truth? When are you going to tell Rahul? Or have you already told him and hidden it from me?"

"No, I haven't told him yet," Ishani said softly. "I'm scared, Divya. What if I say something and-"

"You're completely crazy," Divya said lovingly. "Rahul will be overjoyed when he finds out his wife loves him."

Just then, Rahul's voice came from outside the door. "Ishani, Ishaan is calling you."

"Haan, I'm coming!" Ishani called back.

Then she quickly whispered into the phone, "Okay, bye Divya. We'll talk later."

Divya was still talking excitedly, but Ishani ended the call with a hopeful smile.

Her heart was racing with nervousness and sweet excitement.

A few days passed.

Inspired by Divya's constant encouragement, Ishani finally gathered the courage to prepare a special surprise for Rahul.

She wanted to confess her love in a beautiful way.

That evening, while Rahul was still at work, Ishani turned their bedroom into a romantic haven.

Red balloons floated everywhere tied to the bedposts, scattered across the floor, and hanging from the ceiling.

Soft fairy lights twinkled gently, filling the room with a warm, loving glow.

Ishaan sat on the bed, watching his mother with curious eyes as she arranged everything with care.

"Mumma, what are you doing?" he asked innocently, tilting his head.

Ishani smiled warmly and walked over to him. She sat on the edge of the bed and gently pulled him into her lap.

"Today, Mumma is going to tell your Papa how much she loves him," she said softly, her voice filled with excitement and nervousness. "I'm going to propose to him."

Ishaan blinked. "So... when we love someone, we decorate the room like this to tell them?"

Ishani laughed lightly, her heart melting at his sweet question.

She hugged him closer and kissed his forehead."Not always, baby. But sometimes, doing something special makes the moment more beautiful. It helps us show our feelings from the heart. Just like how I tell you every day that I love you so much... today, I want to tell Papa the same thing."

Ishaan nodded slowly, understanding in his own little way. "Okay, Mumma."

Ishani smiled, her eyes shining with love. "Shall we bake a cake for Papa now? So when he comes home, he gets a sweet surprise too?"

"Yes!" Ishaan exclaimed happily.

Both mother and son went into the kitchen. Ishani guided him patiently, and Ishaan brought her whatever she asked for flour, sugar, and chocolate.

Together they baked a simple but beautiful chocolate cake, filling the house with its warm, delicious aroma.

Ishani's heart danced with joy and anxious anticipation as she worked.

Few hours later her phone rang. It was Divya.

"Are you ready?" Divya asked excitedly. "Today's the day you're telling Rahul everything?"

Ishani took a deep breath. "Yes, Divya. I'm ready... or at least trying to be."

"Good! Wear something western and nice," Divya suggested.

Ishani glanced at her wardrobe and sighed. "I don't have any western clothes right now. I'll just wear a saree."

"Listen," Divya said, "remember the sky-blue saree I gave you during Deeksha's engagement? Wear that one."

Ishani paused. "Yes, I have it. Why?"

Divya hesitated for a moment, then revealed softly, "Rahul had bought that saree. He asked me to give it to you and not tell you it was from him."

Ishani's heart skipped a beat. She stood frozen in shock. "What? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"Rahul strictly told me not to. But today, wear that saree. When he sees you in it, he'll be really happy."Divya said.

A wave of emotions washed over Ishani surprise, love, and a deeper understanding of Rahul's quiet care.

She smiled tenderly, her eyes becoming moist.

"Okay... I'll wear it," she whispered.

"All the best, Ishani. Go confess your love. He's going to be over the moon," Divya said warmly.

"Thank you, Divya. Bye."Ishani ended the call and stood quietly for a moment, holding the sky-blue saree in her hands.

Her heart was beating fast with a beautiful mix of fear and hope.

Rahul returned home from the police station, exhausted after a long day.

As he stepped inside, he noticed the entire house was shrouded in darkness.

A flicker of confusion crossed his face.

He switched on the living room light and was about to call out for Ishani when she suddenly appeared in front of him.

Rahul froze.

His eyes traveled slowly from her face down to her feet and back up again.

She was wearing the beautiful sky-blue saree, her hair softly falling over her shoulder, a gentle glow on her face. His heart skipped a beat.

For a moment, he forgot how to breathe.

"Ishani... are you going somewhere?" he asked, his voice slightly unsteady.

Ishani smiled shyly, her cheeks turning a soft pink. "No, Rahul. I'm not going anywhere. I... I have something to tell you."

Rahul nodded slowly. "Haan, bolo."

Instead of speaking, Ishani stepped closer and gently took his hand in hers.

Her touch was warm and slightly trembling.

She led him towards bedroom without saying a word. Rahul followed, his curiosity growing with every step.

"Should I turn on the light?" he asked as they entered the dark room.

"Yes," Ishani whispered.

The moment Rahul switched on the lights, he stood completely stunned.

The room had been transformed red balloons floated everywhere, fairy lights twinkled like stars, and the soft glow created a romantic atmosphere he had never seen before.

His eyes widened in shock."Ishani... why have you decorated the room like this?" he asked, turning to look at her.

Ishani took a deep breath, her heart pounding wildly. She held his hand tighter and looked straight into his eyes, her voice soft but full of emotion.

"Rahul... I have something important to say to you."She paused for a second, gathering all her courage.

"I love you, Rahul," she said, her voice trembling with sincerity. "I love you so much. You have done so much for me... for us. I was foolish. I couldn't see your love earlier. But now I understand everything. I want to take this relationship forward. I want to be your wife... not just by name, but with my whole heart."

She smiled through her nervousness, her eyes shining with excitement and hope. "Rahul... are you listening?"

Rahul stood there, his face completely blank, as if her words had frozen him in place.

He didn't move, didn't speak.

"Rahul?" Ishani gently shook his arm. "Where have you gone? Say something..."

Rahul blinked, still looking dazed. "I... I didn't hear what you said."

Ishani's smile faltered slightly, but she repeated herself, her voice full of love and a hint of desperation."I said... I love you, Rahul. I love you so much."

Rahul stared at her for a long moment. Then, without saying a single word, he pulled his hand away, turned around, and walked out of the room.

Ishani heard the main door open and close with a heavy thud.

"Rahul...?" she called out, her voice breaking. She stood there in shock, her heart sinking rapidly.

Tears welled up in her eyes as the beautiful moment she had planned so lovingly shattered in front of her.

She ran after him, calling his name again and again, but Rahul was nowhere to be seen.

Ishani stood frozen and tears blurred her vision as she quickly grabbed her phone with trembling hands and dialled Rahul's number again and again.

"Rahul... pick up, please," she whispered desperately. The phone rang endlessly but he didn't answer.

Every unanswered ring made her mind spiral. Did I say something wrong? Did I rush too much? Or... has he stopped loving me? Hundreds of painful thoughts flooded her mind.

She kept calling, her sobs growing louder with every passing second.

Meanwhile, Rahul walked aimlessly down the empty road, completely lost in his thoughts.

Ishani's soft, sincere voice kept echoing in his head: "I love you, Rahul... I love you so much."

A strange mix of happiness and disbelief filled his chest.

He smiled for a moment, then shook his head.

How is this possible? Ishani... loving me? She loved Abhay. Our marriage was nothing. How can she love me now?

He was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't notice the sky darkening.

Suddenly, heavy rain poured down.

Within minutes, Rahul was completely drenched, but he kept walking, barely feeling the cold drops.

His phone started ringing again. This time, something inside him stirred. He stopped under a dimly lit streetlight, pulled out his phone, and saw Ishani's name flashing.

Taking a deep breath, he finally answered.

"Rahul! Where did you go?" Ishani's voice broke the moment he picked it up. She was crying. "Did I say something wrong? I'm really sorry... please come back."

Hearing her tears, Rahul's heart clenched painfully. "Ishani... why are you crying?"

"Because you don't love me, do you?" she sobbed. "That's why you ran away."

Rahul stood speechless in the rain, water dripping down his face. He still couldn't believe what was happening.

"You... you really love me, Ishani?" he asked, his voice hoarse with emotion.

"Yes, Rahul," she replied without hesitation, her voice thick with tears but full of sincerity. "I love you. I truly love you."

There was a long silence. Rahul closed his eyes, letting her words sink in.

"Ishani... I have loved you since the day I realised what love is," he said softly. "I have only loved you. No one else."

Ishani let out a teary laugh of relief. "Then why did you run away from home like that, you idiot?"

"I... I just couldn't believe it," Rahul admitted, sounding nervous. "It felt like a dream. I got scared and ran."

"Come home, please," Ishani whispered, her voice full of longing. "I need you here."

"Okay... I'm coming," he said gently.

"And don't you dare cut the call," she added quickly. "I want to talk to you."

Rahul smiled despite being soaked. "Okay."

As he started walking back, Ishani poured her heart out over the phone.

She told him how deeply she had fallen for him, how she couldn't imagine her life without him anymore, and how much she wanted to move forward in their relationship with all her heart.

Rahul listened quietly, his heart swelling with every word. He still found it hard to believe, but the pure joy on his face was undeniable.

A short while later, Rahul reached home.

The moment he stepped inside, dripping wet, Ishani, who had been waiting anxiously, kept her phone aside and ran straight into his arms.

She hugged him tightly, burying her face in his chest.

Rahul stood shocked for a second, his arms hovering awkwardly in the air.

"You are completely crazy," Ishani murmured against his wet shirt, half laughing, half crying. "Running away like that... don't ever do that again."

Rahul stood there silently, still processing everything that had just happened.

His arms felt heavy, and words refused to come out.

Ishani slowly pulled back from the hug, her eyes searching his face with a mix of love and worry. She noticed his soaked clothes and gently touched his arm.

"Say something, Rahul... why are you just standing like this? Look at you you're completely drenched. You'll catch a cold," she said softly, concern lacing her voice.

Rahul blinked and gave a small nod. "Hmm. I'll go change. You should change too. Your saree got wet from hugging me."

Ishani glanced down at the damp patch on her sky-blue saree and smiled shyly. "Hmm, okay."

Both went to change. Rahul returned first, wearing a simple t-shirt and track pants.

Ishani followed shortly after, dressed in a comfortable cream-coloured salwar suit.

As soon as Rahul sat down on the couch, he sneezed loudly.

"See?" Ishani said, a mix of scolding and affection in her tone. "What was the need to run away like that in the rain? Now you've caught a cold. Wait, I'll make some kadha for you."

Rahul made a face. "No, Ishani. I'll take medicine. I don't like kadha."

"It works faster than medicine," she insisted gently. "Just sit here. I'll be back in a minute."

Rahul wanted to refuse, but seeing the caring look in her eyes, he couldn't say no.

He simply nodded and waited. A short while later, Ishani returned with a steaming cup of kadha and handed it to him.

"Drink it while it's warm." Rahul took the cup with a reluctant expression, but drank it slowly under her watchful gaze.

The bitter taste made him wince, but he finished it without complaint.

For a few minutes, they both sat in comfortable silence.

Ishani kept stealing glances at him, her heart still racing from everything that had unfolded tonight. Finally, she couldn't hold back anymore.

"Say something, Rahul," she whispered. "Anything."

Rahul looked at her, his eyes soft and full of unspoken emotions. "What should I say?"

Ishani shifted closer, her voice gentle but earnest. "I poured my heart out to you today... and you've been so quiet. Tell me, Rahul what are you feeling right now?"

A warm, genuine smile finally broke across Rahul's face. He reached out and gently held her hand.

"I'm feeling... incredibly good, Ishani. I don't think any day in my life could ever be better than today," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Hearing you say that you love me... it still feels like a beautiful dream."

Ishani's face lit up with a shy, radiant smile.

She squeezed his hand. "Wait here. I'll bring the cake. Ishaan and I baked it together this evening, but he fell asleep. We can cut it just the two of us."

Rahul nodded, his eyes never leaving her face. "Okay."

Ishani returned from the kitchen carrying the chocolate cake they had baked together.

She placed it on the table with a soft, loving smile. They cut the cake together, each feeding a piece to the other.

Their eyes met again and again, filled with shy smiles and unspoken happiness.

After finishing the cake, Ishani stood up. "I'll bring dinner. You must be hungry."

"Yes," Rahul replied gently.She brought the food and set it on the table.

When Rahul noticed she had only brought one plate, he asked, "You haven't eaten yet?

"Ishani shook her head with a small smile. "No."

"Then why didn't you bring your plate?" he asked, slightly confused.

"We'll eat from the same plate," she said softly. "Na, Rahul?"

Rahul's cheeks turned a deep shade of red.

He looked down, feeling a wave of warmth rush through him.

"O-okay," he murmured.

They sat close together and ate from one plate, stealing glances at each other.

Ishani kept smiling quietly, while Rahul felt a sweet nervousness he couldn't hide.

After dinner, Rahul insisted on washing the dishes despite Ishani's protests.

Once everything was done, he turned to her.

"Shall we sleep?" he asked.

Ishani nodded. "Yes."

They walked towards the bedroom, but when Rahul headed towards the guest room, Ishani stopped him.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"To sleep," Rahul replied, a little surprised.

Ishani looked at him with soft, expectant eyes. "Aren't you going to sleep with me now?"

Rahul froze. "But... how can we sleep together like this? I mean... won't you feel uncomfortable?"

Ishani stepped closer, her voice warm and sincere. "Why would I feel uncomfortable? You are my husband. Of course I'll sleep with you."

Rahul remained silent, unsure what to say. Ishani smiled gently and asked, "What are you thinking?"

"Nothing," he whispered.

"Then stop overthinking," she said lovingly.

She took his hand and gently pulled him towards their bedroom.

Rahul's heartbeat quickened with every step.

His mind was racing. Ishani closed the door, turned off the lights, and climbed into bed.

"Come, lie down," she said softly.

Rahul lay down on the far edge of the bed, keeping a respectful distance, his body tense with nervousness.

But Ishani quietly moved closer, gently placed her head on his chest, and took his hand, wrapping it around her waist.

Rahul's entire body stiffened. His face turned completely red in the darkness.

What is happening? he thought, his heart pounding wildly. This felt too good to be true.

Ishani snuggled closer, her voice a soft whisper in the quiet room. "Good night, Rahul."

"G-good night," Rahul stammered, his voice barely audible.

Ishani smiled against his chest and soon drifted off into peaceful sleep, feeling safe and loved in his arms.

But sleep was far away for Rahul. He lay awake the entire night, staring at the ceiling, unable to believe that Ishani the woman he had loved silently for so long was now lying so close to him, trusting him completely.

A constant, gentle smile played on his lips.

He didn't even realise when the night passed and morning arrived.

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