Author pov....

Rahul stepped out of the washroom, his hair damp from the shower.

As he walked into the room, his breath hitched.

Ishani stood before the mirror, draped in a saree that looked stunning on her.

A slow, warm smile spread across his face.

He didn't say a word he simply walked up behind her and wrapped his arms firmly around her waist, pulling her back against his chest.

"You look absolutely beautiful in this," he murmured, his voice low and laced with raw affection.

Ishani caught his reflection in the mirror, her cheeks immediately flushing a deep crimson. She let out a soft, shy laugh, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

"Stop it, Rahul," she whispered, pretending to be annoyed. "We're getting late."

Rahul pulled back slightly, his face dropping into a playful, pouty expression. "Don't say 'stop it' like that. You know I don't like it when you do that."

Watching his childish, pouty face, Ishani's heart melted.

She turned around to face him and reached up to pinch his cheeks affectionately. "Why do you always start acting like a little kid?"

Rahul kept his expression fixed, staring at her with those puppy-dog eyes. "How do I act?"

Ishani playfully mimicked his pout, scrunching her face up to imitate him.

Rahul couldn't hold back his laughter his expression softened into pure adoration. "Because I love you, that's why."

Ishani giggled at his confession. "Oh, so you turn into a little baby just like Ishaan when you're with me?"

Rahul simply nodded, looking at her with such intensity that she couldn't help but blush deeper.

"Okay, okay," she said, her voice gentle. "Go get ready now, we're really getting late."

Even though he hated to let go, Rahul reluctantly pulled away to get into his uniform.

Once he was dressed, he headed out to wake Ishaan up and lay out his clothes for school.

A few minutes later, Rahul walked into the kitchen to find Ishani busy with breakfast.

Ishani couldn't stop blushing as she worked, feeling Rahul's gaze fixed on her heavy, loving, and entirely focused on her.

Ishani finishes preparing breakfast, and the three of them eat together.

The three of them leave in the car, with Rahul driving.

After a while, they drop Ishaan off at school with warm smiles.

Ishaan waves goodbye and walks inside. Rahul then starts driving again.

As Rahul drives, he slides his hand onto Ishani's thigh, his palm firm against the soft fabric of her saree.

Ishani nudges him, her voice low and playful. "Rahul, eyes on the road, please."

Rahul pulls his hand away, his gaze fixed ahead. "Let's just head back home. Skip college today."

Ishani shakes her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It's only my second day, Rahul. What will the students think? If a professor doesn't show up on her second day, it won't look good."

Rahul falls silent. The air in the car grows heavy.

"What happened?" Ishani asks, sensing his mood shift.

Rahul remains quiet, his jaw tight.

"Rahul, tell me," she insists, softening her tone. She leans toward him, peering into his profile. "What's wrong with my baby?"

A bashful smile breaks across Rahul's face, though he keeps his eyes stubbornly on the road.

"Is my baby upset with me?" she teases, her voice dripping with affection.

Rahul's face flushes a deep shade of crimson. "Ishani, be quiet. You're going to get us into an accident!"

Ishani laughs, the sound light and melodic. She reaches out, gently cupping his jaw, turning his face toward her just enough to press a quick, tender kiss to his lips.

"You really need a clean shave," she whispers against his skin. "This stubble... it's a bit too much for me."

Rahul blushes even harder, his voice dropping to a shy murmur. "I don't even have that much hair."

Ishani playfully runs her fingers over his chin, her eyes darkening with a sudden, intimate intensity. "It's enough to graze my chest when you're down there, suckling my boobs like a little baby."

Rahul abruptly pulls his face away from her hand, his cheeks burning bright red, his embarrassment visible in the way he grips the steering wheel.

"You shouldn't say things like that," he mumbles.

Ishani lets out a soft, knowing laugh, leaning back in her seat. "And how should I say it, then?"

Rahul glances at her for a fleeting second, his eyes brimming with a mix of shyness and desire.

"Not like that," he manages to say, his voice barely a whisper.

Ishani smiles at his bashfulness, her eyes softening as she runs a thumb over his cheek one last time.

"Alright, I won't say it again," she whispers, her voice playful but firm. "But you're still getting that shave. Deal?"

Rahul simply nods, unable to meet her gaze fully, his ears still burning with embarrassment.

They drive in a comfortable silence for a while until the familiar gates of the college come into view.

As the car slows to a halt, Ishani gathers her things. She leans over, pressing a quick, lingering kiss to his cheek before she opens the door. "Bye, Rahul."

She steps out, her saree rustling as she walks toward the entrance with an elegant grace.

Rahul stays parked for a moment, his eyes locked on her retreating figure, watching until she disappears into the busy corridors of the campus.

He lets out a long, slow breath, his pulse finally beginning to settle.

Putting the car into gear, he pulls away from the curb, his expression shifting from soft intimacy to the sharp, focused look of a man heading into the chaos of his day at the police station.

Ishani somehow drags herself through the day at college, her mind constantly drifting back to Rahul.

Every time she glances at her phone, her anticipation grows. When the final bell finally rings, she practically rushes to the college gates, expecting to see his car waiting for her.

But the spot is empty.

Her heart sinks. She looks around, scanning the street, refusing to believe he wouldn't come.

Disappointment turns into a sharp prickle of anxiety. She pulls out her phone and calls him.

Ring... ring... ring...

No answer.

She tries again, her fingers trembling slightly. She keeps calling, over and over, until finally, someone picks up.

"Rahul? Where are you? Are you okay? Why didn't you come to pick me up?" Ishani blurts out, her voice tight with worry.

"Ma'am, this is Pandey," a grave voice answers from the other side. "Sir... sir has been shot. He's been admitted to the hospital."

The world stops for Ishani. The sounds of the college campus the chatter of students, the distant honking all fade into a dull hum.

She freezes, her phone slipping slightly in her sweaty grip.

"Where is he?" she whispers, her voice barely audible. "Which hospital? Tell me!"

Pandey gives her the location, his voice strained. Without another word, Ishani spots an auto-rickshaw and rushes toward it, her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird.

All she can think about is Rahul, and the agonizing silence that now fills her world.

Ishani sprinted through the hospital corridors, her breath hitching in her throat.

She barely registered the receptionist's directions, her mind only occupied by one name: Rahul.

As she reached the ward and pushed the door open, she heard his voice sharp, strained, and unmistakably angry.

"Why did you tell her, Pandey?" Rahul was shouting. "I told you specifically not to pick up the phone! You knew she'd panic. Why don't you ever listen?"

Ishani froze at the threshold. Rahul was propped up against the pillows, his arm encased in a heavy plaster and slung against his neck.

His face was pale, his features drawn with pain, but his eyes were blazing with frustration at his subordinate.

"And why shouldn't he have told me?" Ishani's voice cut through the room, with a mix of fury and relief.

She walked toward the bed, her eyes swimming with tears. "If something happened to you, were you just going to let me stay in the dark? What have you done to yourself, Rahul?"

Pandey, sensing the gravity of the moment, quietly slipped out of the room.

Rahul turned his head, his expression softening as he saw her. "Ishani, it's nothing. It was just a graze the bullet's out, I'm fine. I didn't pick up the phone exactly because I didn't want you to panic like this."

Ishani ignored him, reaching the bedside. She looked at the bandages, her hand hovering over his arm, terrified to touch him yet unable to pull away. "Where exactly did it hit? Does it hurt a lot?"

"I told you, I'm fine," Rahul insisted, trying to reach for her with his good hand. "Please, stop crying. You're making it worse."

Ishani didn't listen. She grabbed his face with both hands, pulling him toward her, and pressed a series of desperate, messy kisses all over his mouth and cheeks.

"I hate you!" she sobbed, her voice breaking. "I hate that you keep things from me. Do you really think I'd be less worried if I didn't know? Not telling me only makes it a thousand times worse!"

Rahul stayed silent, leaning into her touch. He watched her with a softened, guilty gaze as she poured her frustration out.

"How can you be so reckless?" she cried, her voice rising in the small room. "You're in the police force, Rahul, not a movie! Do you plan on getting shot every other day? Have you lost your mind?"

Rahul just stared at her, taking the brunt of her anger with a quiet, solemn patience.

After a while, the doctor stepped in to finalize the discharge papers. He gave Ishani strict instructions regarding the bandages and the medication, emphasizing that

Rahul's arm needed absolute rest to avoid further damage.

Ishani listened intently, memorizing every detail, the relief finally washing away the cold fear that had gripped her heart since the call.

As the doctor left, Rahul began to struggle into his police uniform with his one good arm.

He stood up, wincing slightly as the movement tugged at his bandages. "Let's go, Ishani," he said, his voice clipped but determined.

Ishani nodded, clutching the heavy bag of medicines to her chest. But when they reached the hospital exit, she stopped him. "Rahul, wait. You're in no condition to drive. Call Pandey let him take us home."

Rahul shook his head, his jaw set. "Pandey's already at the station. He's interrogating the man who did this."

Ishani looked at the car, then back at his pale, strained face. "Then who is driving? You can't."

"I'll manage, Ishani. Get in."Rahul said.

"No!" she insisted, her voice sharp with protectiveness. "It will hurt. You're going to be in agony."

Rahul paused, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "Can you drive? You take the wheel."

The moment the words left his mouth, Ishani's hands began to tremble violently.

It had been a long time since she had emerged from her coma and she hadn't touched the steering wheel since. She stood there, her hands shaking visibly.

Rahul noticed her distress instantly.

The frustration in his eyes vanished, replaced by an aching tenderness. He stepped away from the driver's side and gently took her hand.

"It's okay," he whispered. "Forget I asked. We'll take an auto, alright?"

"But the car..." she stammered, still breathless.

"Pandey will come by later to get it," he reassured her, his voice low and steady.

Ishani nodded, her breathing slowly evening out. They walked to the curb and hailed an auto-rickshaw.

As they settled into the narrow seat, the motion of the city passing by triggered another wave of anxiety.

Her heart skipped a beat as the reality of their chaotic life hit her.

"Rahul... Ishaan," she whispered, her voice frantic again. "Where is he?"

Rahul reached over with his uninjured hand, cupping her cheek and forcing her to look at him."Deepak already picked him up. He's home, and he's safe. Everything is going to be okay."

Ishani let out a long, shaky breath, her eyes brimming with fresh tears of relief.

She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, letting the rhythmic swaying of the auto slowly soothe her frayed nerves as they finally headed home.

When they finally reached home, the silence of the house felt like a sanctuary after the chaos of the hospital.

Ishani helped Rahul settle onto the bed, propping the pillows carefully behind his back to ensure his injured arm didn't strain.

"Sit still," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "I'll get something for you to eat, and then you're taking your medication."

Rahul simply nodded, too exhausted to protest. Ishani hurried to the kitchen, her mind a whirlwind of relief and lingering anger. She prepared a light meal and brought it back to the bedroom.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she began to feed him, spoon by spoon.

Rahul watched her every movement, a faint, contented smile playing on his lips.

Ishani caught the look, her eyebrows arching slightly. "What? Why are you smiling like that?"

"Nothing," he murmured, his eyes full of warmth.

"Well, wipe that smile off," she retorted, though her hands remained tender as she held the spoon to his lips. "I'm still very much angry with you. You kept the truth from me, Rahul."

Rahul's expression shifted, his face dropping into a classic, sheepish pout the look of a child caught in mischief.

But Ishani wasn't melting today. She remained stoic, determined to show him that his recklessness had real consequences.

She finished feeding him, then

delicately wiped the corner of his mouth with the edge of her pallu.

After handing him the medicine with a glass of water, she waited until he had swallowed it.

"Now, rest," she instructed, smoothing the blanket over him. "I'm going to get Ishaan. Don't try to move or do anything stupid while I'm gone."

Rahul looked up at her, his eyes heavy with sleepiness now that the pain was being dulled by the meds.

He gave a small, obedient nod, and Ishani turned to leave, finally.

Ishani returned with Ishaan, Deeksha, Rajni, and Mannat were already there, their faces pale with worry.

They hovered around the bed, looking at Rahul, who was deep in a sleep induced by his medication.

Rajni's voice trembled as she spoke, her eyes wet. "These two... Deepak and Rahul... they are going to be the death of me someday. I live in constant fear because of their jobs. I pray to God every single day to keep them safe, but this..." She gestured helplessly toward Rahul's bandaged arm.

Deeksha nodded, her own voice thick with emotion. "I'm scared too, Ma. Seeing Rahul like this... it makes it all feel so real."

Ishani stood silently in the corner, her heart heavy, listening to their fears.

She didn't have the words to comfort them because she was fighting the same battle within herself.

Ishaan, however, remained glued to his spot. He climbed onto the side of the bed, his small eyes fixed on his father.

Seeing his papa, lying there hurt and

helpless made his heart ache.

He simply sat there, a silent, tiny sentinel, waiting for his father to wake up.

Deeksha and Rajni eventually left with Mannat, but Ishaan didn't budge.

Finally, the movement in the room and the soft murmurs of Ishani's voice stirred Rahul.

He groaned softly and opened his eyes, his gaze landing on his wife and son.

"Are you... are you okay, Papa?" Ishaan asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Rahul felt a surge of warmth in his chest. He managed a weak, tired smile. "I'm fine, Champ. I'm a tough guy, remember? Nothing can keep me down for long."

Seeing that smile brought an immediate, visible relief to Ishaan's face.

The little boy leaned in, his eyes wide with curiosity. "How did you get hurt, Papa?"

Rahul chuckled softly, though it strained his chest. "I was catching a bad man, Ishaan. He tried to get away, but even with this little scratch, I made sure he didn't escape."

Ishaan's eyes lit up with wonder. "Wow! You're just like a superhero!"

Ishani, who had been watching them with a heavy heart, couldn't help but let a small, genuine smile touch her lips at her son's innocence.

Rahul laughed, a low, rasping sound. "Yeah, I guess I am a bit of a superhero, aren't I?"

Ishaan beamed, his earlier fear was replaced by pride.

Seeing the moment of joy, Ishani stepped forward. "Okay, my little superhero-in-training, that's enough for tonight. It's way past your bedtime, and you have school tomorrow."

Ishaan nodded reluctantly. He looked at Rahul one last time.

"Papa is okay now, so you should go rest," Ishani added softly.

Ishaan slid down from the bed and

stood tall. "Good night, Papa. Good night, Mumma."

"Good night, Champ, Good night" they both whispered in unison.

With one last look, Ishaan turned and trotted off toward his room, leaving the parents.

Ishani walked over to the wardrobe and pulled out a fresh set of clothes.

She turned back, her voice firm. "Take

these off and put on something clean."

Rahul gave a weak nod, but as he reached for his shirt, he winced, his movements stiff and painful.

Ishani watched him for a moment before stepping in. She reached for his shirt buttons, her fingers working with practiced ease.

When she moved to his pant, Rahul shifted uncomfortably. "I can do that, Ishani. Let me."

She shot him a sharp, warning glare. "Don't argue with me, Rahul. Just be still."

Rahul fell silent, watching her as she finished undressing him.

"I feel so gross," he admitted, his voice raspy. "I'm covered in sweat and dried blood. I need a bath."

"Stay right there," she said, already walking toward the washroom. "I'll bring some water."

She returned with a bowl of warm water and a splash of antiseptic, a clean cloth in her hand.

She sat on the edge of the bed and began to gently wipe his skin, careful to avoid the bandages.

Rahul looked up at her, his eyes full of regret. "I am really sorry, Ishani. From now on, I'll tell you everything. Please, just forgive me this once?"

Ishani didn't look up, focusing intently on cleaning the grime from his shoulder.

Rahul reached out with his good hand, sliding it around her waist and pulling her slightly closer, his expression pleading like a child's. "I'm sorry, na? Please?"

Ishani's resolve cracked, and a soft, reluctant smile touched her lips.

"Okay," she whispered.

Rahul grinned, clearly relieved.

"But listen to me," she added, her tone hardening again. "If you ever hide anything like this from me again, I'm leaving, Rahul. I mean it. You can live alone."

The playful light vanished from

Rahul's eyes the thought of her leaving him made his chest tighten. "I promise, I won't hide a single thing. Never again."

"Good," she said, shifting to wipe his legs.

"Ishani, stop, you don't have to do my feet. I can manage that much."Rahul said.

"Hush," she commanded, not letting him finish. "Just be quiet and let me take care of you."

Rahul obeyed, falling into a comfortable silence as she wiped his skin and helped him into a pair of fresh, loose-fitting clothes.

After setting the washbasin aside and washing her own hands, she went to the kitchen and returned with a tray of food.

"Did you eat?" Rahul asked, watching her intently.

"Yes, I ate with Ishaan," she replied, sitting beside him. "He wouldn't leave your side, so I fed him while I ate as well."

She began to feed him, spoonful by spoonful, and he ate every bite, appreciative of the care she was pouring into him.

Once the meal was finished, she gave him his medication. By now, the exhaustion of the day was finally catching up with her.

Ishani stood up and went to the wardrobe, changing out of her heavy saree into a comfortable oversized t-shirt and pajamas.

She crawled onto the bed next to him, letting out a long, weary sigh.

Rahul couldn't stop looking at her.

Ishani noticed."Aren't you going to sleep?"

"I'm not sleepy." Rahul said

"Well, I am."ishani said

"You sleep."Rahul said

"What will you do?" Ishani asked

Rahul smiled."I'll watch you."

Ishani rolled her eyes. "Okay. Then keep watching."

She turned to her side and closed her eyes.

Rahul smiled to himself.

Within minutes, exhausted from the

entire day, Ishani fell asleep.

Rahul simply lay there, quietly watching her peaceful face, grateful that she was beside him.

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains as Ishani stirred awake, a sharp sting blooming near her breasts.

She blinked, her gaze drifting downward, and there was Rahul still fast asleep, his lips latched around one of her nipples, suckling gently even in his dreams.

A deep, conflicted sigh escaped her.

His injured arm lay limp at his side, vulnerable, while one of his legs was tangled possessively between hers.

Is he really just a wounded child? she wondered, her heart twisting with tenderness and something darker, more primal.

How did he even pull my breast out from under my t-shirt like that?

Carefully, she tried to ease herself away, her fingers brushing his hair.

The moment her nipple slipped from his mouth with a wet pop, it throbbed swollen, sore, and flushed a deep, angry red.

Rahul stirred instantly, his eyes fluttering open. He looked up at her with that hazy, needy gaze as she sat up.

"Ishani... where are you going?" His voice was rough with sleep and longing.

She paused, turning back to him. "It's morning, Rahul. I need to bathe."

"Please..." he whispered, reaching for her with his good arm. "Stay with me a little longer."

Something in his voice pulled at her. Ishani relented, sliding back down beside him.

She cupped his face gently, her thumb tracing his cheek. "How's your hand? Does it still hurt?"

"No," he murmured, already nuzzling closer. Before she could stop him, his mouth sought her breast again, tugging the fabric aside with insistent hunger.

"You're such a little boy," she teased softly, though her voice trembled with reluctant affection.

A small smile curved her lips despite herself.

Rahul hummed in agreement and latched on even more eagerly. When she winced at the soreness, she threaded her fingers through his hair. "The other one... take the other. This one's too sore now."

He obeyed instantly, switching to her other breast with a low, satisfied groan, drawing it deep into his mouth.

His good arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her body flush against him. Ishani's breath hitched as his hand boldly slipped downward, fingers dipping beneath the waistband of her panties.

"Rahul you're hurt," she protested weakly, catching his wrist.

"Not here," he breathed against her damp skin. "Please... Ishani, please."

The raw need in his voice broke her resistance. Her grip loosened. His fingers slid further, finding her already slick folds.

He stroked her slowly at first, then deeper, plunging two fingers into her heat while his mouth continued its relentless suckling.

Ishani moaned, the sound low and involuntary, her body arching into him.

He thrust his fingers harder, curling them, searching for that spot that made her tremble.

A third finger joined, stretching her, pumping with an urgent rhythm. Ishani's eyes rolled back, her hips bucking desperately against his hand.

Her lips parted in silent cries as pleasure coiled tighter inside her.

One hand clutched his hair, the other fisting the sheets. Her eyelids fluttered half-closed, lost in the raw, intimate storm he was creating between her thighs.

The knot of pleasure that had been tightening inside Ishani finally snapped.

Her body arched sharply as release crashed over her in heavy, shuddering waves. She gasped for air, breathing fast and ragged, her chest rising and falling.

Rahul slowly withdrew his fingers, glistening with her arousal, and looked up at her with dark, satisfied eyes. He leaned in and kissed her deeply on the lips, tasting her moans.

"Ishani... are you okay?" he whispered against her mouth.

She nodded weakly, still catching her breath. "What have you done so early in the morning, Rahul? Now I'll be distracted by this the entire day."

Rahul smiled and kissed her again, slower this time, his tongue teasing hers. "That's exactly why I did it... so you'll miss my touch all day."

Ishani glared at him, a mix of irritation and lingering desire flashing in her eyes.

She punched his chest lightly and sat up. Her gaze dropped to his hard cock, straining obviously beneath the fabric.

Rahul watched her intently as she moved closer.

"Now you'll remember me all day too," she said, her voice low and husky.

"I already remember you every moment," he replied, voice thick with need.

"Oh?" Ishani murmured. Without warning, she freed his throbbing length from his clothes and wrapped her fingers around it.

Rahul groaned deeply, his hips jerking at her touch.

She lowered her head, bringing her lips close, her warm breath teasing him.

His eyes widened in shock."Ishani... don't... leave it... please-"

She didn't listen. Her soft, wet mouth enveloped him, taking him in slowly.

Rahul's head fell back, eyes squeezing shut as a raw moan tore from his throat. Ishani sucked him with deliberately sensual strokes her tongue swirling, her lips tight and warm around his sensitive skin.

She moved with a rhythm that drove him wild, her hand working what her mouth couldn't take.

When she felt him throbbing harder, his body tensing, the telltale signs of his climax approaching, she pulled away abruptly.

She rose from the bed with a mischievous smile and walked toward the washroom, leaving him aching and unfinished.

Rahul stared after her in disbelief, breathing heavily. "Ishani! Please come back... what did you just do? Ishani, are you listening?"

She ignored him, stepping into the shower with a soft laugh. Frustrated and desperate, Rahul wrapped his own hand around his cock and began stroking furiously, chasing the release she had denied him.

He spilled soon after with a guttural groan, his body shuddering in relief.

Yet even as the pleasure faded, he could still feel the phantom heat of Ishani's lips wrapped tightly around him, the memory burning into his skin.

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