That night, as soon as Mahi reached home from the office, she went straight to her room. Dropping her bag to the side, she let herself fall onto the bed, completely drained. Yet somewhere deep inside, a soft warmth lingered—an unfamiliar comfort. For the first time, she felt like there was someone out there who genuinely cared for her.
At the same time, Vedant had just returned home as well. He casually placed his coat on the chair, removed his watch, and lay down on his bed. The moment he closed his eyes, one image flashed across his mind—Mahi, eating like an innocent child. A faint smile curved on his lips. And just like that, miles apart, without a single call or even a simple goodnight text, both of them drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Mahi woke up still feeling the weight of yesterday’s exhaustion in her body, but her mind felt lighter somehow. She got out of bed, freshened up, and dressed comfortably before heading downstairs. In the living area, her father, Arvind, was watching the news, his tea resting on the table. As soon as Mahi stepped down, his eyes settled on her, observing her silently for a few seconds.
She walked over and sat beside him. “What happened, Dad? Why are you looking at me like that?”
He placed the remote aside and said calmly, “We thought… maybe you wouldn’t be able to handle it.”
Mahi’s expression turned serious. “What do you mean?”
He gently placed his hand on her head. “But the three of you proved us wrong. You showed us that business runs in your blood.”
She listened quietly, her eyes fixed on him.
“I’m proud of you.”
A soft smile appeared on her face. “We did manage it… but now I’ll have to work twice as hard.”
“Why?” he asked.
“My artwork is getting delayed. Exhibitions are pending, designs aren’t getting completed. Balancing both business and art… it’s getting difficult.”
Her father simply smiled. “It’s always hard in the beginning. Slowly, you’ll learn to manage everything. We believe in you.”
Mahi looked into his eyes. There was no pressure there—only trust. She leaned her head gently on his shoulder. “Thanks, Dad.”
“We just wanted to see if you would try. You not only tried… you proved yourself.”
Just then, Alka’s voice came from the kitchen, “Breakfast is ready!”
Arvind stood up and teased lightly, “Come on, businesswoman.”
Mahi laughed softly, “Dad…” and the two of them walked toward the dining table together. Today, there was a new confidence within her.
Meanwhile, at Vani’s house, the state of the bed told its own story—it was obvious no one had slept peacefully. Vani was sprawled across the bed, blanket tangled around her legs, one hand above her head, the other hanging loosely. Aryan, however, was not on the bed. He was lying on the floor.
Suddenly, Aryan woke up, confused for a moment before realizing where he was. The cold floor beneath him made him sigh. “Seriously…” he muttered, looking up at the bed where Vani slept peacefully like the most innocent person in the world.
He stood up, stretching his back. “Kicked me off the bed in the middle of the night… and here she is, sleeping like a queen.”
Walking closer, he paused for a moment, just watching her. Then gently, he fixed her tangled blanket, adjusted her arm, and moved the strands of hair away from her face. Vani murmured slightly but didn’t wake up. Leaning down, Aryan kissed her forehead softly. “Pagal…” he whispered before quietly leaving the room.
In the kitchen, Aryan started preparing breakfast himself—completely focused, as if handling an important deal. Soon, everything was set neatly on the dining table.
A sleepy voice echoed from the room, “Janaaa… janaaa…”
Vani walked out, half asleep, her hair messy, eyes barely open. Aryan immediately walked toward her. “Yeah, I’m here.”
The moment she reached him, she leaned into his chest without even looking and, within seconds, fell asleep again in his arms. Aryan held her carefully. “My baby…” he murmured, lifting her and placing her gently on the sofa, letting her rest on his lap. Her head rested against his chest as he softly rubbed her back.
After a while, he leaned closer to her ear. “Vani… wake up.”
“Hmmm…”
“Get up, breakfast is ready.”
“I don’t want to eat,” she mumbled like a child.
“Then what do you want?”
“You…”
Aryan paused, then chuckled softly. “Even in your sleep, you want me? My silly girl.”
He teased her gently, but then added, “But I’m hungry. You made me work so much yesterday—cleaning, laundry, everything. At home I live like a king, and here you turn me into a servant.”
Without opening her eyes, Vani replied lazily, “Then become a horse instead.”
A mischievous spark lit up Aryan’s eyes. “If I become a horse, you won’t be able to handle me.”
Her eyes snapped open instantly, and she smacked his cheek lightly. “You and your nonsense!”
A little later, they were sitting at the dining table. Aryan was quietly eating while Vani kept staring at him.
“What happened? Why are you so quiet?” she asked.
“I don’t feel like talking.”
“Why?”
“Because you hit me.”
She pouted cutely. “Aww… my baby… sorry.”
Aryan looked at her. “Not like this. First, feed me milk.”
Without arguing, Vani got up, brought a glass of milk from the kitchen, and placed it in front of him. “Here, drink.”
He glanced at it. “Not this one.”
Her expression changed immediately. “We’re not even married yet.”
“Sooner or later, we will be.”
“So you won’t listen?”
“Nope.”
She glared at him. “And then you complain that I hit you.”
Aryan quickly changed the topic. “By the way, your presentation yesterday was really good. I’m impressed.”
Vani narrowed her eyes. “Is that how you impressed me back then?”
He smirked, then added casually, “You were smiling a bit too much at Ayush yesterday.”
“Jealous?” she teased.
“Yes. Just like you were because of Rasmi.”
“That’s different.”
“How?”
“Because she’s a girl… and Ayush is a boy.”
Aryan couldn’t help but laugh. “What logic is that?”
Then looking at her, he said softly, “From now on, don’t smile at anyone else. All your smiles are mine.”
“Oh hello, boss,” she shot back. “Give orders in the office, not here.”
“Fine. Then I’ll order you to feed me milk in the office.”
“Shameless,” she muttered.
After breakfast, they moved to the sofa. Aryan went to the room and returned with a small gift box, placing it in her hands. Curious, Vani opened it—and her eyes lit up instantly. Inside were delicate, colorful glass bangles that shimmered beautifully in the light.
“Jana… these are so pretty!” she exclaimed, jumping in excitement.
Aryan smiled at her happiness. “Come, let’s put them on.”
She sat down, extending her hand toward him. “No wait… pink after green. No—yellow first, then pink, then green.”
“Alright,” he said patiently.
One by one, he slipped the bangles onto her wrists. The soft sound of glass clinking filled the silence between them, creating a quiet, beautiful moment.
When both her hands were adorned, Vani looked at them with sparkling eyes. “Wow… they’re so pretty.”
Without thinking, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. Aryan tilted his head slightly. “This side feels jealous.”
She laughed and kissed his other cheek too.
He gently brushed his fingers through her hair. “I bought these at the mall that day… but you were upset, so I couldn’t give them to you.”
After a pause, he added softly, “Don’t stay mad at me… my day doesn’t feel complete without talking to you.”
This time, Vani looked at him seriously. “I won’t do that again.”
Aryan smiled warmly. “That’s the Vani I like.”
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