Author pov....

The moment Rahul, Ishani, and little Ishaan stepped into Banaras, a wave of happiness spread through the family.

After so many years, seeing them together felt almost unreal.

Divya's eyes filled with tears. Malini smiled warmly. Devnath stood silently, his face glowing with relief.

Even Dhruv and Veer couldn't hide their excitement.

And in the middle of it all stood Vaibhav.

His eyes remained fixed on Ishani, as if he still couldn't believe his sister had finally come home.

"Ishani, come with me," Vaibhav said immediately, taking a step forward. "You're coming home."

Before Ishani could reply, Rani crossed her arms.

She said firmly. "She is my daughter-in-law. She'll come to my house with my son."

Vaibhav turned toward her in disbelief."Maa, she's my sister."

"And she's my daughter-in-law."Rani said.

"Maa, she came back after so many years!"Vaibhav replied

"And after so many years, my son and daughter-in-law are together too!"Rani said.

For a moment, everyone fell silent.

No one had ever seen this before.

Vaibhav and Rani never fought.

Not once.

They were usually the first people to agree with each other, but today they stood on opposite sides, refusing to back down.

Dhruv glanced at Veer.

Even little Ishaan blinked in confusion, looking from one person to the other.

The argument continued.

"She's my sister!"

"She's my daughter-in-law!"

"She's coming with me!"

"No, she's coming with me!"

Divya covered her smile while Malini tried hard not to laugh.

Finally, Ishani stepped forward.

"Bhaiya.."

Vaibhav immediately stopped speaking.

His expression softened.

Ishani smiled gently."I'll go with Rani Aunty."

The words hit Vaibhav like a betrayal.

His smile disappeared.

For a few seconds, he simply stared at her.

"Because..." Ishani continued softly, "...that is my sasural."

Vaibhav looked away.

A wounded smile appeared on his face."Okay."

Just one word.

Nothing more.

Then he turned around and walked inside his house.

Everyone watched him leave.

Even Rani's heart softened.

She sighed heavily.

"Arre..."

Looking toward the door where

Vaibhav had disappeared, she shook her head."I can't see him upset like this."

Then she looked at Ishani.

"Fine. You can stay there with Ishaan."

Ishani's face brightened instantly.

"Really?"

"Hmm."Rani said.

A smile spread across Ishani's face.

"Thank you, Aunty."

She takes Ishaan finger and hurried inside.

Rahul quietly followed behind them.

But before he could take more than two steps, a hand grabbed his wrist.

He froze.

Rani.

Slowly, Rahul turned around.

Rani narrowed her eyes at him.

"And where exactly do you think you're going?"

Rahul gave an awkward smile.

"Inside?"

"No."Rani said

The single word made everyone suppress a laugh.

"Let them go. You come with me."Rani said.

Rahul kept looking at Ishani and softly said, " Mummy"

"Don't 'Mummy' me."Her eyes suddenly filled with tears."You remember when you last came to Banaras?"

Rahul's smile faded.

Rani's voice trembled."The last time you came was when your grandmother passed away."

Silence.

The happiness on everyone's faces slowly disappeared.

"You stayed away for years, Rahul."

Tears rolled down Rani's cheeks.

"And every festival... every birthday... every family gathering..."

Her voice broke."I kept waiting."

Rahul lowered his head guilt settled heavily in his chest.

Rani wiped her tears angrily.

Then she grabbed his hand firmly.

Her voice was still emotional, but filled with motherly authority.

"Come inside."

Rahul looked at her for a moment.

Then, like a little boy being scolded by his mother, he quietly nodded.

"Okay, Mummy."

Rani pulled him toward the house while the rest of the family followed behind.

Rani practically dragged Rahul to the dining table and pushed him into a chair."Sit."

Rahul laughed softly and obeyed.

Devnath came and sat beside him, adjusting his glasses.

Meanwhile, Rani was completely focused on only one person.

Her son.

As if nobody else existed.

She hurried to the kitchen and returned with dishes she had personally cooked.

Without asking anything, she started filling Rahul's plate.

More rice.

More vegetables.

More curry.

And then some more.

"Mummy.." Rahul laughed. "The plate is already full."

Rani ignored him."You're too thin."

"Mummy, I am not thin."

"You are."

Rahul smiled and simply watched her.

After ten years...

He was sitting here again.

Watching his mother fuss over him.

Watching her scold him.

Watching her care for him.

Something he had missed far more than he had ever admitted.

Finally, Rani placed the last bowl on the table."Eat."

Rahul nodded.

"Hmm."

He picked up a bite and started eating.

The moment the familiar taste touched his tongue, something tightened painfully in his chest.

Home.

This was home.

Beside him, Devnath looked at the mountain of food on Rahul's plate and then at his own plate."Hmm."

Rani didn't hear him.

"Hmm."Devanth said

Still nothing.

Finally, Devnath cleared his throat dramatically."Will I also receive something in this plate today?"

Rani looked at him."The food is there. Take it yourself."

Devnath placed a hand on his heart.

"Ah, of course."

He nodded sadly."Why would I matter now? Your son has returned, Rani ji."

Rani shot him a glare.

Devnath immediately looked away.

Rahul burst out laughing.

Rani and Rahul and immediately started talking.

And talking.

And talking.

As if she was trying to fit ten years of conversations into one evening.

"You know the old sweet shop near the ghat?"

Rahul nodded.

"It closed."

"What?"

"Then a bigger one opened."

"What?"

"And Sharma ji's grandson got married."

"When?"

"Three years ago."

"What?!"

"And the old banyan tree near the temple finally fell during a storm."

Rahul stared.

Rani continued without stopping.

"The neighborhood has changed."

"The market has changed."

"The roads have changed."

"The houses have changed."

"Even the paint on this house has

changed twice."

Rahul listened quietly.

Every small detail felt precious.

Every story felt like a piece of the life he had missed.

Then Rani's voice softened."But one thing never changed."

Rahul looked at her.

She smiled sadly."Your room."

His fingers froze around the spoon.

Rani looked down at the table.

"It is exactly the same."

Rahul's throat tightened.

"I never changed anything."

Silence filled the room.

"The books are where you left them."

"The cricket bat is still there."

"Your old photographs are still on the wall."

"Even your broken table lamp is there."

Rahul lowered his eyes.

His chest felt heavier with every word.

Rani continued quietly."I never allowed anyone to stay there. Not even Divya."

Devnath nodded."Your mother would practically fight anyone who entered that room."

A small laugh escaped Rahul.

But his eyes had become moist.

Rani smiled sadly."I kept thinking..."

Her voice trembled."What if Rahul comes home tomorrow?"

The smile disappeared from Rahul's face."What if he comes next week?"

Her eyes filled with tears."What if he comes next year?"

Rahul looked away.

A painful guilt settled inside him.

For ten years...

His parents had waited.

His home had waited.

Banaras had waited.

And he had stayed away.

For Ishani.

For the life he had chosen.

Looking around the house, Rahul suddenly realized how much he had left behind.

His mother's love.

His father's quiet support.

The city that had raised him.

The room that still carried his memories.

And despite everything...

They had preserved his place as if he had never left.

Rahul blinked back the tears threatening to fall.

Then he reached across the table and held Rani's hand."I'm sorry, Maa."

The dining room fell silent.

Rani looked at him for a moment.

Then she squeezed his hand tightly.

"No. Don't say sorry "

A tear rolled down her cheek, but she smiled."You're home now."

Inside the house, Ishani followed

Vaibhav like a guilty little sister.

Vaibhav walked ahead with his arms crossed, pretending not to look at her.

"Bhaiya..." Ishani called softly.

No response.

"Bhaiya, I'm really sorry."

Still nothing.

Ishani hurried in front of him and stopped him."Please don't be angry."

Vaibhav looked away dramatically.

Ishani sighed."Rani Aunty is older than me, and she's also my mother-in-law. How could I refuse her? That's why I said I would go with her."

She folded her hands."Please, Bhaiya. Sorry."

Vaibhav remained silent for a few more seconds.

Watching her nervous face.

Watching her pout.

Watching her struggle to make him smile.

Finally, he sighed."Okay."

Instantly, Ishani's face lit up.

"Really?!"

Before he could say anything, she threw her arms around him.

"You are the best brother in the world!"

Vaibhav laughed."Oh, now you remember your brother?"

He gently pulled her ear.

"Ouch!"Ishani winced

"And when it comes to buttering me up, nobody is better than you."Vaibhav said

Ishani made a caught-red-handed face."Okay, you caught me."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Malini shook her head affectionately.

"Enough, you two."

She smiled warmly."Now eat something and get some rest. Ishani must be exhausted."

Ishani immediately nodded."Hmm, Maa. I'm really tired."

Malini's eyes softened."My poor daughter. Sit down. I'll bring the food."

Before she could move, Dhruv and Veer had already raced to the dining table."Bua!" "Ishaan bhaiya!"

"Come here!"

Ishani and Ishaan looked at the excited twins and smiled.

Ishaan immediately ran toward them.

The three boys squeezed together on one side of the table while Ishani walked over laughing.

As soon as she reached them, she bent down and kissed both twins on their foreheads."My sweet boys."

Veer grinned proudly while dhruv smiled shyly.

"I'm sorry, you know."Ishani said.

The twins looked confused."Why?"

"I never properly got to meet you both."Ishani said.

Dhruv and Veer exchanged a glance.

Then both smiled."But we met you, Bua."

Ishani blinked."When?"

Dhruv nodded enthusiastically.

"Papa always took us to meet you. When you were in a coma."

The smile slowly disappeared from Ishani's face.

She stared at them."You used to come see me?"

Veer nodded."Every time. We would sit beside you. Papa would tell us stories about you. And he would always say our Bua would wake up one day."

Ishani felt tears gathering in her eyes.

A lump formed in her throat.

For years she had been unconscious.

Completely unaware.

Yet these little boys had known her.

Visited her.

Waited for her.

Believed in her.

"Really?" she whispered.

Dhruv nodded."Haan."

A tear escaped Ishani's eye.

But this time it was a happy one.

She smiled and pulled both boys into a tight hug."Thank you."

The twins hugged her back

immediately.

At that moment, Vaibhav and Divya entered the dining room.

"Everyone sitting without us?" Vaibhav complained."How rude."

The twins laughed.

Ishani wiped her eyes quickly and sat down.

Vaibhav sat beside her.

Meanwhile, Divya walked into the kitchen to help Malini.

Malini shook her head."Divya, leave it. I'll do it."

Divya smiled."No.You sit. I'll help."

Malini laughed."You've been working all day. Go sit with everyone."

Divya grinned mischievously."At least let me work today."

Then she deliberately raised her voice so the entire dining room could hear.

"Otherwise my nanad will think her bhabhi doesn't do any work at all!"

The words echoed through the house.

Ishani immediately looked toward the kitchen.

Vaibhav looked up too.

For a second, both siblings stared at each other.

Then they burst out laughing.

"See?" Ishani shouted back."I was already thinking that!.My bhabhi makes my mother do all the household work."

"ISHANI!"Divya yelled from the kitchen.

The entire family erupted into laughter.

Malini sat beside Ishaan, watching him carefully Usually, crowded places and too many people made him

uncomfortable.But today was different.Very different. For the first time, Ishaan felt... safe.

Comfortable.

Accepted.

No one was staring at him.

No one was treating him differently.

Everyone simply loved him.

A gentle smile appeared on his face.

Malini noticed immediately.

Her eyes softened."My handsome boy is smiling."

She lovingly picked up a piece of food and held it toward him."Open your mouth."

Ishaan obeyed without protest.

Everyone smiled.

Malini continued feeding him with all the affection of a grandmother who felt she had missed too many years.

And Ishaan, for once, allowed himself to enjoy it.

Across the table, Vaibhav was busy doing something similar."Ishani."

"Hmm?"

"Eat properly."

"I am eating."

"No, you're talking."

Ishani laughed.

Before she could argue further,

Vaibhav placed another bite in front of her."Open your mouth."

The entire table laughed.

"Bhaiya!" Ishani said

Open.

For a moment, she wasn't a grown woman.

Wasn't someone's wife.

Wasn't someone's mother.

She became the same little girl she used to be years ago.

The little sister who spent every waking moment behind her brother.

The memories appeared so clearly in both their minds.

"Bhaiya! My toy broke!"

"Hmm, give it here."

"Bhaiya! Maa is scolding me!"

"Because you deserve it."

"Bhaiya! Please save me!"

"Come here, drama queen."

"Bhaiya, can you help me?"

"Yes, Ishani."

"Bhaiya, look at this!"

"Yes, Ishani."

"Bhaiya, listen to me!"

"I'm listening, Ishani."

"Bhaiya, Bhaiya, Bhaiya..."

And every single time, no matter how busy he was, Vaibhav's answer remained the same.

"Hmm, Ishani."

"I'm doing it, Ishani."

"Okay, Ishani."

"I said I'll handle it, Ishani."

The memory made both of them smile.

Vaibhav looked at her."You haven't changed at all."

Ishani laughed."And you still treat me like I'm ten years old."

"Because sometimes you act like you're ten years old."Vaibhav said

For a few moments, everyone simply sat there, eating and talking.

No tension.

No sadness.

No distance.

Just family.

Ishani looked around the table.

At Malini feeding Ishaan with love.

At Dhruv and Veer arguing over who got the bigger sweet.

At Divya laughing.

At Vaibhav sitting beside her.

At the home she had missed for so long.

A warmth spread through her chest.

The kind of warmth that only family could give.

And as Vaibhav quietly placed another bite of food onto her plate, she smiled to herself.

Some relationships don't change with time.

No matter how many years pass.

A sister remains her brother's little girl.

And a brother never truly stops taking care of his sister.

After dinner, Divya gently took Ishani and Ishaan upstairs.

"Come on," she said with a smile. "Let me show you something."

Curious, Ishani followed her down the familiar hallway.

When Divya stopped in front of a room and pushed the door open,

Ishani froze.

Her room.

The same room she had left years ago.

For a moment, she couldn't move.

Slowly, she stepped inside with Ishaan beside her.

Everything was exactly where she remembered it.

The curtains.

The bookshelf.

The photographs.

The old decorations.

Even the tiny things she had forgotten about.

Nothing had changed.

Divya leaned against the door and

smiled."See?"

Ishani looked around silently.

"Your brother cleaned this room every single day."Divya said.

Her eyes widened."What?"

Divya nodded."Every morning. He would come here, dust everything, arrange everything, and leave."

Ishani looked around again.

Suddenly, every corner of the room

felt different.

Not abandoned.

Loved.

Protected.

Waited for.

Divya continued softly.

"He never let anyone change anything. Not even a little."

Ishani's eyes became glassy.

Her fingers brushed against the study table.

Everything was exactly where she had left it.

As if Vaibhav had refused to let time touch this room.

As if a part of him had always

believed she would return one day.

A small smile appeared on her face.

Then around the room once more.

"Bhaiya missed me a lot, didn't he?"

Divya laughed softly."A lot?"

She shook her head."That's an understatement."

Ishani smiled.

Meanwhile, Ishaan was already examining everything in the room curiously.

Divya folded her arms dramatically.

"You know, sometimes I'm jealous."

Ishani turned toward her."Jealous?"

"Yes."Divya pointed downstairs."Your brother loves you more than he loves me."

Ishani walked over and wrapped an arm around Divya's shoulders."He loves you too."

Divya narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"Too?"

Ishani grinned mischievously.

"Okay, maybe he loves me just a tiny bit more."

Divya's jaw dropped."I KNEW IT!"

Ishani burst into laughter.

Divya crossed her arms and made the most offended face possible.

"Wow. After all I've done for you. After welcoming you. After bringing you here."This is how you repay me?"

Ishani was laughing so hard she could barely stand."Sorry, Bhabhi."

"No."Divya turned away dramatically.

"Our relationship is over."

That only made Ishani laugh even

harder.

After a few moments, Divya smiled.

"Anyway, I'll go now."

"Okay."Ishani said

"If you need anything, call your brother."Divya said dramatically

Divya pointed downstairs."He'll come running in two seconds."

Ishani laughed.

Divya shook her head fondly."I'm going to spend some time with my brother now."

Ishani smiled."Okay, go."

Divya started walking toward the door, then paused.

She looked back at Ishani standing in her old room.

For a second, emotion flashed through her eyes."I'm really happy you're back."

The smile on Ishani's face softened.

"So am I."

Divya nodded and quietly left.

The door closed behind her.

Silence settled over the room.

Ishani slowly looked around once again.

At the room her brother had protected for years.

At the memories waiting for her return.

And standing there, with Ishaan beside her. Like no matter how far she had gone, there had always been a place waiting for her to come home.

Night had fallen. After a long, tiring day of playing with Dhruv and Veer, Ishaan had finally drifted off to sleep.

But Ishani? Sleep was miles away from her.

Her mind was a chaotic mess, stuck on one person: Rahul.

Driven by an restless urge, she picked up her phone and typed out a message. "Are you awake, or have you fallen asleep?"

She watched the screen, waiting. The notification popped up Rahul had read it. But he didn't reply. Minutes ticked by, feeling like hours.

Frustrated, she sent another one. "At least have the decency to reply!"

Rahul saw the second message too.

Still, silence.

Ishani's grip tightened on her phone.

Anger simmered in her chest, a mix of hurt and annoyance.

She shoved the phone aside and flopped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.

She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to force sleep to take over, even though her heart was far too restless to rest.

Suddenly, she felt a subtle movement beside her.

It felt like someone was gently shaking her.

She snapped her eyes open, and her breath hitched.

Rahul was standing right there.

Before she could let out a gasp of surprise, he leaned in and pressed a finger to her lips, his expression intense.

"Ishaan is sleeping," he whispered, his voice low and firm. "Stay quiet."

Ishani nodded, her heart hammering against her ribs. Without another word, he scooped her up into his arms.

He carried her out of the room and up to the terrace. As he set her down,

Ishani's confusion turned into the earlier annoyance.

"Why did you bring me here?" she demanded, her voice barely a whisper. "And why were you ignoring my messages?"

Rahul turned to look at her, his eyes dark with a mix of pain and longing. "Did you even look back at me once when you left for your house today? You just walked away. You've forgotten me, haven't you?"

A soft, knowing smile spread across Ishani's face, and she chuckled despite the tension. "How could I ever forget you, you idiot?"

Rahul didn't smile back. "Come with me. To my room."

Ishani's eyes widened. "Now? In the middle of the night?"

"Yes, now."Rahul said

"But... I'll come tomorrow, Rahul," she reasoned.

"No," he insisted. "Right now."

"How is that even possible?" she asked, gesturing toward the ledge. "You want me to climb over that wall?"

"Please," he pleaded, his gaze softening.

He leaned in and pressed a quick, lingering peck to her lips.

As he pulled away, Ishani froze. The sharp, distinct scent of a cigarette clung to him, cutting through the night air.

The warmth of the kiss evaporated, replaced by a sharp, stinging anger.

She pulled back, her eyes narrowing as she glared at him.

"You've been smoking again?" she snapped, her voice trembling with indignation.

Rahul's face paled as he realized she had caught him. "No, Ishani, it's not what you think!" he stammered, his confidence crumbling.

"Don't you dare lie to me, Rahul," she shot back, her voice cold as she turned to walk away.

Panic surged through him. He didn't think he just acted.

He reached out and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her into a tight, desperate hug. "Sorry, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to, I swear. I went into the room and found an old pack... I just smoked one. That's it. I haven't touched a cigarette in months, I promise. Please, Ishani, I'm sorry!"

Ishani stood stiff in his arms, her anger still burning bright. "Why do you even feel the need to do it? It's not just wrong, Rahul, it's poison for your health. Why don't you understand that?"

Rahul buried his face in the crook of her neck, his voice muffled and pleading. "I know, I know. You're right. I'm really sorry... I promise, I will never, ever do it again. Please, forgive me?"

He began planting soft, apologetic kisses on her cheeks, whispering 'sorry' between every kiss. "I'm so sorry, Ishani. Please."

Ishani felt her resolve weakening, but she still held onto her stance.

She placed her hands on his, trying to pry his arms away from her waist. "Let go, Rahul. Just leave me alone."

Rahul didn't budge he only held her tighter, refusing to let her walk away. "Ishani, listen to me. It was just this one time. Look at me ever since you asked me to stop, I haven't touched a drop of alcohol or a single cigarette. You know I only do what you tell me to do. Don't push me away like this."

"Fine, let me go," Ishani sighed, finally relenting. "I've forgiven you."

Rahul's grip loosened, but he didn't pull away entirely. He looked at her, searching her face. "You're really not angry anymore?"

"No, I'm not," she replied shortly, her expression still unreadable.

Rahul finally let go, a relieved smile breaking across his face. But Ishani didn't smile back.

She turned to leave, her voice firm. "Go away now, Rahul. I'm going back to my room."

Before she could take a step, he caught her hand, his voice dropping to a desperate plea. "Please, don't go. Stay a little longer."

He paused, then added, "Okay, if you don't want to come to my room, then just stay here with me. Let's sit on the terrace for a while."

Ishani hesitated, looking at him, then let out a soft breath and nodded. "Fine."

They settled down on the cool floor of the terrace, the night air quiet around them.

After a moment of silence, Ishani looked over at him, her tone slightly awkward. "So, we're sitting here now... but what exactly are we supposed to do?"

Rahul chuckled softly, his eyes fixed on her. "I'll just watch you, and you can watch me."

Ishani rolled her eyes, though there was a hint of playfulness in her tone. "Your face isn't exactly a masterpiece, Rahul. What am I supposed to look at?"

Rahul didn't miss a beat. "Doesn't matter. I'll look at you. You're the beautiful one, after all."

A faint tremor touched the corners of

Ishani's lips a smile threatening to break through but she held it back, maintaining her composure. Rahul watched her, his expression softening as he drifted into thought.

"You know," he murmured, his voice laced with wonder, "for the longest time, I used to imagine nights exactly like this. Just us, sitting together under the stars, talking about everything and nothing. But now that we're actually married... sometimes I have to pinch myself. I still can't believe how much has changed for us in these last ten years."

Ishani sat quietly, listening to the sincerity in his voice. She studied his profile for a moment before tilting her head slightly.

"Is that so?" she asked, her voice dropping to a softer, more curious register. "So, tell me... what else did you dream of doing with me?"

Rahul looked at her, his eyes shining with a deep, earnest light. "I wanted to take you all over Banaras on my bike. I wanted to fulfill every single one of your wishes, to see you happy every day, and most of all... I wanted you to love me, just as much as I love you."

Hearing this, Ishani couldn't hold back anymore. A genuine, soft smile bloomed on her face.

She looked at him, her heart softening completely. "Well, everything you said is finally coming true, isn't it? And as for Banaras, we don't need to wait. We can head out tomorrow, just the two of us."

Rahul's face lit up, but then a thought struck him, and he hesitated. "I'm not even sure if the bike is in working condition. It's been sitting there for so long, I haven't even checked on it lately."

Ishani waved her hand dismissively, her eyes bright with excitement. "It doesn't matter. Even if the bike isn't working, we'll find another way. We can just wander the streets together, just like that."

Rahul looked at her, surprised and touched by her simplicity. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, completely," she promised, her smile deepening.

Rahul felt a wave of relief and joy wash over him. A wide, boyish grin spread across his face. "Okay then. It's a plan. We go tomorrow."

"Okay," Ishani replied, sealing the promise with a gentle nod.

They sat in silence for a while, just looking at each other. The moonlight washed over them, but the weight of the past seemed to hang between them.

Rahul finally spoke, his voice barely a whisper, thick with memories. "Do you remember the times you used to come up here to the terrace when you were stressed? I used to watch you from my room window. Every single time."

Ishani looked at him, surprised, as he continued."I'd watch your expressions, trying to read what was wrong. I spent so many nights just wondering how I could fix whatever was bothering you, how I could make sure you stayed happy. But you know me I was always such a shy, awkward introvert. Even if I wanted to run up to you, I could barely stand next to you without my heart racing or forgetting how to speak."

He offered her a sheepish, self-deprecating smile. "I was always standing just far enough away that you never even noticed I was there, looking out for you."

Ishani listened to every word, her heart swelling with a mix of surprise and warmth.

She had never realized how deeply Rahul had been observing her all those years. A wave of emotions washed over her, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

"I'm so sorry, Rahul," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I was so blind... I never understood your love back then. I didn't see what was right in front of me. I am truly sorry."

Rahul's expression softened instantly. Seeing the tears spill over, he reached out and gently wiped them away with his thumb, his touch lingering on her cheek.

"Hey, don't cry, Ishani," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Please, don't. I wasn't telling you this to make you feel guilty. I just... I just wanted to share what was in my heart, that's all. The past is the past."

Overcome by the depth of his unspoken devotion, Ishani couldn't hold back anymore.

She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest as she sobbed softly.

Rahul held her close, one hand stroking her hair soothingly while the other rubbed her back in rhythmic, comforting circles.

He didn't rush her; he just held her securely, letting her let out all the years of unspoken words in the quiet of the night.

Ishani slowly quieted down, but she didn't pull away. She kept her arms wrapped tightly around him, finding peace in the safety of his embrace.

After a long moment of silence, she whispered, "Rahul... there's something I need to tell you."

Rahul rested his chin on her hair, his voice gentle. "Hmm? Tell me, I'm listening."

Ishani hesitated, the words caught in her throat. She stayed quiet for a long beat before finally murmuring, "Not now. I'll tell you tomorrow."

"Okay," Rahul replied softly, respecting her pace. "Whenever you're ready."

As the cool night air lulled them into a deep sense of comfort, the tension of the day faded away.

Ishani didn't even realize when her eyes grew heavy and she drifted off to sleep, curled securely in his arms.

Rahul, feeling the steady rhythm of her breathing, soon followed her into a peaceful slumber.

The morning sun crept over the

terrace, waking the world with its golden light.

Divya walked up the stairs, carrying a basket of wet clothes, only to freeze in her tracks.

Her jaw dropped as she spotted them Ishani and Rahul fast asleep, cuddled together on the terrace floor.

A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes, and she let out a teasing, melodious laugh.

"Oh, Nanad ji!" she chirped loudly.

Before they could even blink, Divya began aggressively shaking out the wet clothes.

A spray of cold water droplets flew through the air, landing squarely on their faces.

"Time to wake up, lovebirds!" she teased, as she started snapping the clothes onto the drying rope with a sharp thwack.

Startled, Ishani and Rahul jolted awake. Confused and disoriented, they sat up quickly, blinking at the bright morning light and looking around in a daze, trying to make sense of where they were.

Divya continued hanging the clothes on the rope humming a tune as she teased them. "I know you two are inseparable, but couldn't you have found a bed in a room? Sleeping on the terrace floor like this?"

Ishani and Rahul both scrambled to their feet, instinctively pulling away from each other.

Their faces were flushed a deep shade of crimson, and they stood there, looking everywhere but at each other.

Divya burst into laughter at the sight of their bashfulness. "Oh, stop acting like strangers! You're husband and wife, for heaven's sake. Why the sudden shyness?"

Mortified, Ishani couldn't face the teasing anymore.

She turned on her heel and bolted toward the stairs, disappearing into the house as fast as she could.

Rahul, feeling equally flustered and desperate to escape Divya's sharp gaze, rushed toward the terrace wall.

He didn't even think twice before throwing his leg over it, preparing to climb back to his own side.

"Hey! You know you can just walk down the stairs like a normal person," Divya called out, giggling as she watched his frantic exit.

Rahul didn't even look back or acknowledge her he simply vaulted over the wall and vanished.

Divya stayed there for a long time, shaking her head and laughing to herself, watching the empty space where they had been huddled together just moments before.

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