|| 3 Years 6 months ago ||
|| Udaipur ||

The first rays of the morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm golden glow over the room. The soft hum of a gentle breeze ruffled the leaves of the potted plants by the window, their shadows dancing lightly across the walls. The room felt alive with a quiet, tranquil energy, a perfect reflection of the love that had unfolded the night before.

Abhira stirred first, her eyes fluttering open as she stretched lazily, her body still encased in the comforting warmth of Armaan's embrace. His arm was draped protectively over her waist, his breath steady and warm against the nape of her neck. She turned slightly, her gaze softening as she took in the sight of him.

His face was peaceful in sleep, his usually intense features relaxed. His hair was slightly tousled, and a faint smile graced his lips as if he was lost in a dream. Abhira couldn't help but smile herself, a sense of profound contentment washing over her.

Careful not to wake him, she shifted slightly, propping herself up on one elbow to watch him. She reached out and gently traced a finger along his jawline, marveling at the man who had become her everything.

As if sensing her gaze, Armaan stirred, his eyes slowly opening. They met hers, and a slow, sleepy grin spread across his face. "Good morning Biwi," he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.

Abhira chuckled softly, her cheeks warming. "Good morning, Mr. Unromantic." she teased, brushing a lock of hair away from his forehead.

Armaan groaned playfully, pulling her closer. "Are we starting this again already?" he asked, burying his face in her neck. "I thought last night proved just how romantic I can be."

Her laughter echoed softly in the room as she pushed at his chest half-heartedly. "Fine, fine, you win-for now," she conceded, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to his forehead.

The two lay there for a while, wrapped in the cocoon of their love, the world outside forgotten. The soft chirping of birds and the occasional rustling of the breeze provided a serene soundtrack to their morning.

Eventually, Abhira sighed and began to sit up. "As much as I'd love to stay here all day, we have responsibilities to get to," she said, her voice tinged with reluctance.

Armaan groaned dramatically, reaching out to pull her back down. "Responsibilities can wait. This is more important," he insisted, his tone playful but his eyes serious.

Abhira smiled, cupping his face in her hands. "And I love you for that, but we still need to adult today," she replied, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before slipping out of bed.

She padded over to the window, pushing the curtains aside to let more light flood the room. The view outside was breathtaking, the city just beginning to stir as the sun climbed higher into the sky.

Behind her, Armaan propped himself up on his elbows, his gaze following her. "You know," he began, his voice thoughtful, "mornings like this make me realize how lucky I am."

Abhira turned back to him, her heart swelling at his words. "We both are," she said softly, walking back to sit beside him on the bed.

They shared a lingering moment of silence, their hands entwined as they simply enjoyed each other's presence. Finally, Armaan broke the quiet with a teasing grin. "So, what's for breakfast, Mrs. Khadusmaan"

Abhira rolled her eyes, laughing as she got up to head toward the kitchen. "Looks like you're making it, Mr. Khadusmaan" she called over her shoulder, her laughter filling the room as she disappeared into the washroom.

Armaan shook his head fondly, throwing the covers off and following her, determined to make the morning as memorable as the night they had just shared.

The soft clink of utensils and the sizzle of something cooking greeted Abhira as she emerged from their bedroom, now transformed into the poised and professional lawyer she needed to be for the day. Dressed in a crisp white blouse tucked neatly into tailored black trousers, her hair pinned into a sleek ponytail, she exuded confidence and grace. Yet, as she stepped into the open living area, her professional demeanor faltered slightly at the sight awaiting her.

There he was-her husband, her shamelessly endearing Armaan-standing by the stove in nothing but his low-slung track pants. His toned back was turned to her, muscles flexing subtly as he flipped something in the pan. The golden light of the morning sun streaming through the kitchen window highlighted his tousled hair and the faint red nail marks on his skin. He looked every bit the domestic god, completely at ease and blissfully unaware of the effect he was having on her.

Abhira leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Don't you think the chef should be appropriately dressed before serving his guests?" she quipped, her voice laced with mock sternness.

Armaan turned, spatula in hand, and shot her a lopsided grin. "I didn't realize this was a formal restaurant, ma'am," he replied smoothly, his eyes flicking over her polished appearance. "Though you look like you've walked straight out of a power-suit commercial."

She rolled her eyes, stepping into the kitchen, the click of her heels echoing on the tiled floor. Her gaze fell to the counter, where breakfast was taking shape. A stack of imperfectly round yet golden-brown pancakes sat beside a bowl of freshly chopped bananas arranged with meticulous care. A small pot of honey and a jar of Nutella waited alongside two steaming cups of chai.

Her lips parted slightly in surprise. "Armaan... did you-?"

"Make all this?" he finished for her, leaning casually against the counter, still holding the spatula. "Of course. It's called husband points, Mrs. Sharma."

Abhira chuckled, shaking her head as she reached out to pluck a strawberry from the bowl. But before she could, Armaan's hand darted out, catching hers mid-air.

"Not so fast," he teased, tugging her closer. She stumbled slightly, her free hand landing on his bare chest for balance. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly averted her gaze, though the faint smirk on his face told her he had noticed.

"Armaan," she began, trying to sound reproachful but failing as her voice wavered.

"Yes, Abhira?" he murmured, his tone teasing as his fingers lingered over hers.

She took a steadying breath, slipping her hand free and stepping back, though the warmth of his touch lingered. "We're going to be late if you keep distracting me," she managed, grabbing the strawberry and popping it into her mouth defiantly.

Armaan laughed, his deep, rich voice filling the space. "You're the one who got distracted," he pointed out, turning back to the stove to plate the final pancake.

"Let's just eat," Abhira said, brushing past him to sit at the small dining table.

He joined her moments later, placing the plates down with a flourish. "Pancakes à la Khadusmaan," he announced, pulling out the chair beside her.

They began to eat, the clink of cutlery mingling with the occasional hum of appreciation. Abhira drizzled honey over her pancake, her movements slow and deliberate as she spoke about the day ahead.

"What are your plans for today?" she asked as her mind reminded her of a topic she was carefully avoiding-Manish Goenka.

Armaan poured more juice into his glass. "Dev has a meeting to attend, hopefully he will be able to manage and lock in a new client. It's a big account."

Abhira smiled, lifting her cup of chai. "And you?" she said sincerely, her eyes meeting his over the rim.

Armaan's gaze softened, his playful demeanor giving way to something deeper. "You Remember, Mr. Kapoor ?"

"Your Client from Poddar firm, he had illegal land acquisition case right?" Abhira asked as she studied his features.

"They messed two hearing of his case, so he approached me 3 day's back asking if i can take up his case" he said, his voice quiet but firm.

"And what did you say?" Abhira dropped her fork on the plate, her focus solely on Armaan.

"I am Representing him today at the high court." Armaan spoke as his eyes held a sense of pride for himself.

Abhira immediately leaned over to pull him into a tight embrance, "You make me so so so proud Khadusmaan." She pulled back from the embrace to kiss his cheeks making him smile.

The intimacy of the moment lingered as they continued their meal, the soft hum of the morning settling around them like a warm embrace. As Abhira reached for another piece of fruit, Armaan's hand brushed against hers once more.

This time, neither pulled away.

The gentle hum of their shared morning lingered as they finished breakfast, the atmosphere thick with unspoken affection. Abhira wiped her hands with a napkin and rose to clear the plates, but Armaan stopped her mid-motion, catching her wrist.

"Leave it," he said, his voice low and steady. "We will take care of it later. You'll be late."

She tilted her head, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Look at you, husband turning all domestic. Should I be worried?"

Armaan smirked, rising from his seat and stepping closer to her. "Worried? About what, Mrs. Sharma?" he asked, his voice dipping into a playful challenge as he boxed her in against the dining table.

Abhira's breath hitched as she looked up at him, his proximity making her heart flutter. "About you replacing me in the kitchen, obviously," she quipped, her voice soft but laced with humor.

Armaan chuckled, leaning closer, his nose brushing lightly against hers. "Trust me, Abhira, no one could replace you. Not in the kitchen, and definitely not in my life."

Her teasing expression melted into one of tenderness as her gaze locked with his. She felt his fingers trail up her arm, leaving a path of warmth in their wake. "Armaan..." she whispered, her voice faltering.

"Yes?" he murmured, his lips a mere breath away from hers.

She smiled faintly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're going to make us late."

Armaan groaned softly, leaning his forehead against hers. "You and your timekeeping," he muttered, though the smile tugging at his lips betrayed his annoyance.

Abhira giggled, slipping out from under his arm. "Exactly. Now go get dressed. I'll wait."

But as she turned toward the door, Armaan caught her hand, spinning her back into his arms. She gasped softly, her hands landing on his bare chest.

"Not so fast," he said, his voice a deep murmur. "You're forgetting something."

Her brows furrowed in confusion. "What?"

"This."

Before she could react, his lips captured hers in a kiss that stole her breath. It started gentle, a tender brush of warmth, but quickly deepened into something more intense. His hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer, and she melted into him, her fingers curling into his hair.

The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them wrapped in the moment. It was a kiss that spoke of love, longing, and the promise of always being each other's anchor.

When they finally broke apart, Abhira's cheeks were flushed, her breathing uneven. "Armaan," she scolded half-heartedly, her voice shaky. "We're really going to be late now."

Armaan grinned, his own breathing slightly labored. "Worth it," he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. "Go. Get dressed," she said, giving him a playful shove.

As they stood near the kitchen counter preparing to clean, Abhira glanced at Armaan's figure and casually said, "Oh, by the way, make sure to tie an extra button on your shirt today."

Armaan frowned, confused by the random instruction. "What? Why?"

Abhira simply smirked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Just do it. Trust me."

He narrowed his eyes, suspicious but didn't press further. "Fine," he muttered as he walked back to their room to get dressed.

A few minutes later, as he stood before the mirror buttoning up his crisp white shirt, he paused. His fingers froze mid-motion as he caught sight of something in the reflection.

A dark purple mark stood out vividly against his skin, right on the shoulder-neck junction, just where the collar of his shirt rested. His eyes widened as he leaned closer, inspecting the evidence of their passionate night. It was unmistakable-a love bite.

Armaan groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Abhira!" he called out, his tone half-annoyed, half-amused.

She appeared at the doorway, looking entirely too innocent for his liking. "Yes, Mr. Poddar?" she asked sweetly.

He gestured toward his neck, his lips twitching in a mix of irritation and amusement. "You couldn't have warned me about this earlier?"

Her eyes danced with mischief as she leaned casually against the doorframe. "I did. I told you to button up properly, didn't I?"

Armaan sighed, shaking his head. "You knew exactly what you were doing, didn't you?"

Abhira stepped closer, her lips curving into a playful smile. "Maybe. But you deserved it after all that teasing last night."

Armaan stared at her, his exasperation melting into a grin. "You're impossible."

"And you love me for it," she quipped, standing on her toes to peck his cheek before stepping back. "Now, come on, or we'll both be late."

Armaan chuckled, shaking his head as he fastened the extra button, hiding the mark from view. As they left the house, he made a mental note to get back at her for this little stunt-but only when the time was right.

By the time he returned, dressed in a sharp navy-blue suit, she was by the door, tapping her foot impatiently.

"Happy now?" he asked, grabbing his keys.

Abhira looked him over, her lips curving into a soft smile. "Very," she said, stepping closer to adjust his blazer.

As they left the house together, the warmth of the morning lingered between them, a silent promise that no matter how chaotic their days might get, they'd always find their way back to moments like these.

_________

The afternoon sun filtered through the tall windows, casting soft beams onto the marble floors of the courthouse. Abhira stood near the bench outside her courtroom, a pile of case files clutched tightly in her hand. She was ready to head to head home when she spotted Manish Goenka standing a few steps away, his face etched with frustration and desperation.

"Abhira beta," he called, his voice faltering but resolute.

Abhira stopped, her expression neutral but firm. She knew why he was there, and her answer hadn't changed since their last encounter. "Yes Mr. Goenka," she acknowledged, her tone polite but distant.

Manish approached her, his hands folded almost in a plea. "Please, listen to me once more. You're the only one who can help me. I've consulted every lawyer I could trust, and none of them is ready to fight against Sanjay Bansal. This case-it's about my home, my family's legacy. If I lose, everything I've built will crumble."

Abhira took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering. "Mr. Goenka, I understand your predicament, but I've already explained why I can't take this case. My plate is full, and I have other commitments. Plus this is kot just professional but also Personal. I'm sorry."

Manish's shoulders sagged, but he refused to back down. "You don't understand. The other party-they're ruthless. They've already started using unfair means to tilt the case in their favor. I know you and how you fight for justice, no matter how difficult the odds. I know you preech your Mumma's teaching to fight for justice. If anyone can win this case, it's you."

Abhira's grip on her files tightened. She sympathized with his plight, but there were reasons she didn't want to involve herself in this matter-reasons were simple, the relation with Poddars and Ruhi. "I appreciate your confidence in me, but I have to decline. My decision is final."

Manish's desperation turned into anguish. "Please, don't refuse me. I'm running out of time. If I lose this house..." His voice broke, and he paused, trying to gather his composure. "It's not just a house. It's my mother's memory, my children's childhood, their life-it's everything."

Abhira's resolve wavered for a moment, but she steeled herself. "Mr. Goenka, I am truly sorry. I can recommend some excellent lawyers who can handle this matter."

Abhira turned on her heel, guilt simmering in her chest, but she didn't stop. Her decision had been made. She was not risking her and Armaan's this phase of life.

Abhira was about to leave when she was approached by a fellow lawyer for some help. The conversation took about half an hour and she was outside the court waiting for an auto when she heard commotion near the parking. Her instincts kicked in as she turned to see a group of men cornering Manish Goenka. One of them shoved him roughly against the wall.

"Sign the papers!" one of them barked. "Or we'll make sure you regret it."

Manish struggled against the grip of another man, his voice shaky but defiant. "I won't sign anything! You're not taking my house!"

Abhira's blood boiled. She dropped her files onto a nearby bench and marched toward the scene. "Hey! Stop this right now!"

The men turned to see Abhira, her eyes blazing with fury. One of them laughed mockingly. "Stay out of this, lady. It's none of your business."

Abhira stepped closer, her voice sharp. "This is a courthouse, and what you're doing is illegal. If you don't back off, I'll make it my business to ensure you're behind bars before the day ends."

The men hesitated, sensing her authority, but one of them sneered. "Let's go," he muttered to the others. "We'll deal with him later."

As they left, Abhira turned to Manish, who was shaken but unharmed. "Are you all right?" she asked.

He nodded weakly. "Yes... Thank you. If you hadn't stepped in..."

Abhira sighed, running a hand through her hair. Her conscience weighed heavily on her. "Mr. Goenka, do you face this kind of harassment regularly?"

He looked away, ashamed. "More often than I'd like to admit. They've been trying to intimidate me into giving up my claim, few weeks back they had barged into our house and broken things, Armaan had bought a stay order then but it all has again started since a few days."

Abhira stared at him, her mind racing. She thought about the values she stood for, about justice and standing up for those who couldn't fight for themselves.

After a long pause, she said, "Fine. I'll take your case."

Manish's eyes lit up with hope. "You will?"

Abhira nodded, her tone firm. "But on one condition-you need to trust me completely. No withholding information, no hesitation to act when I advise you to. And no interuptions from Ruhi."

"I swear," he said, his voice brimming with gratitude. "Thank you, Abhira Beta. Thank you so much."

As they walked toward her office to discuss the case, Abhira couldn't shake the feeling that this case would challenge her in ways she hadn't anticipated-but she was ready.

As Abhira leaned back in the auto, the cool evening breeze brushed against her face, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of thoughts in her mind. She stared out at the bustling streets of Udaipur, illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights, but her focus was elsewhere.

Manish Goenka's desperate pleas and the incident at the courthouse replayed in her head. She clenched her hands, resting them on her lap, and let out a sigh. This wasn't a decision she could hide from Armaan-not when their relationship thrived on trust and honesty.

Pulling out her phone, she opened her notes app, quickly typing a reminder: "Talk to Armaan about taking Manish Goenka's case."

Closing her eyes briefly, she muttered to herself, "I need to tell him everything. No secrets."

The auto came to a halt outside their home. Abhira paid the driver, steeling herself as she walked toward the front door. The sooner she told him, the better.

_________

I

t was late evening when the door bell drew abhira to the door. As she creaked open the door to unlocked it, revealing a weary yet composed Armaan. His bag hung loosely from one hand, his shirt slightly wrinkled after the long day. But before he could say a word, Abhira threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"Hey," he murmured softly, surprised but instinctively wrapping his arms around her. "What happened?"

She didn't answer immediately, burying her face into his chest as if drawing strength from his presence. Armaan could feel the tension radiating from her body, her frame stiff and her breath uneven. He stroked her back gently, trying to soothe her.

"Abhira?" he coaxed, his voice laced with concern but abhira didn't let go of him.

After a moment, she pulled back slightly, her arms still wrapped around his waist, her gaze searching his face. "Come inside," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Armaan let her lead him to the couch in the living room, where she sank into his lap, tucking her legs to the side and resting her head on his shoulder. It was a familiar position, one that always made her feel safe, but tonight, her grip on his shirt was tighter than usual.

"Abhira," he began gently, his hand cupping her cheek, "tell me what's wrong."

She took a deep breath, as if gathering her thoughts. "Armaan vo i have to tell you something," she admitted, her voice tinged with hesitation.

Armaan adjusted Abhira in his lap, his hands resting securely around her waist as she played with the buttons of his shirt. Her hesitation was palpable, and he could tell she was struggling to find the right words.

"Abhira," he said softly, tipping her chin so she would look at him. "You're not someone who gets worked up easily. What's really going on?"

She sighed, her fingers stilling on his shirt. "I took on a case today," she started cautiously.

"That's not unusual," he pointed out with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood. "You're the best emerging lawyer in town, after all."

She smiled briefly at the compliment but then bit her lip nervously. "It's Mr. Goenka's case."

The mention of the name made Armaan freeze, his body immediately tensing. He leaned back slightly, studying her face. "You mean Manish Goenka?" he repeated, his tone sharper. "The property dispute case that i was handling before leaving Poddar firm?"

"Yes," she confirmed, holding his gaze.

Armaan ran a hand through his hair, visibly agitated. "Abhira, do you have any idea what you've walked into? That case is a disaster waiting to happen. The opposing party-"

"-is ruthless, I know," she interrupted. "I've read the file, Armaan. I've done my research."

"That's not enough!" he exclaimed, his worry bubbling to the surface. "The people you're going up against aren't just playing dirty-they're dangerous. They have connections, resources, and absolutely no moral compass. This isn't just a legal battle; it's a fight for survival."

Abhira placed her hands on either side of his face, forcing him to look at her. "Armaan, listen to me. I know the risks, and I'm not walking into this blind. But Mr. Goke.. Parnanu needed help. No one else would take his case because they're afraid, and I couldn't stand by and do nothing. That's not who I am."

Armaan pulled back slightly, narrowing his eyes as he studied Abhira's face. "Who's the opposing lawyer?" he asked, his tone calm but laced with curiosity.

Abhira stiffened in his lap, her gaze darting away for a brief second. "Does it matter?" she hedged, trying to keep her tone light.

"Of course, it matters," he replied firmly, his hands tightening their hold on her waist. "You're walking into a fight with some seriously dangerous people. I need to know who you're up against."

She bit her lip, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "It's... it's Sanjay Bansal," she said hesitantly, the words barely above a whisper.

For a moment, silence hung heavy between them. Then, Armaan's expression darkened, and his jaw clenched. "Fufa Sa?" he repeated, his voice sharp. "You knwo it Abhira Sanjay Bansal is conniving, he is an unethical excuse for a lawyer?"

"Armaan, please don't-"

"Don't what, Abhira?" he cut her off, his agitation growing. "Don't point out that this man has made it his life's mission to humiliate you? That he's Dadi sa's lackey and will do whatever it takes to make your life miserable?"

She sighed, placing a calming hand on his chest. "I know who he is, Armaan. I'm not naive. But this isn't about him-it's about Parnanu's home. I can't let personal grievances cloud my judgment."

"But he will," Armaan snapped, his frustration evident. "Fufa Sa isn't just any lawyer. He's vindictive, manipulative, and thrives on making things personal. He'll dig up anything he can to undermine you."

Abhira leaned forward, resting her forehead against his. "I know you're worried," she said softly. "And I appreciate it more than you know. But this isn't the first time I've faced someone like him. I can handle it."

"Handling it doesn't mean you should have to," he muttered, his hands moving to cradle her face. "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?"

"Because I knew you'd react like this," she admitted, her voice tinged with guilt. "I didn't want to upset you or make you worry more than you already do."

He sighed deeply, his thumbs brushing over her cheeks. "You know I can't help it, right? You're my wife, Abhira. I'm supposed to protect you."

"And you do," she assured him, pressing a kiss to his palm. "But I need you to trust me on this. Sanjay might play dirty, but I won't let him win. I'm good at what I do, Armaan. You know that."

He stared at her for a long moment, his eyes searching hers. "I do," he admitted grudgingly.
He sighed heavily, his hands gripping her waist tighter as if trying to anchor himself. "You always have to be the hero, don't you?" he muttered, a mix of admiration and frustration in his tone.

"It's not about being a hero," she said gently. "It's about doing what's right. This is why I became a lawyer-to fight for people who can't fight for themselves."

"But at what cost, Abhira?" he asked, his voice cracking slightly. "Your safety? Your peace of mind? I can't-" He paused, swallowing hard. "I can't lose you."

Her heart clenched at the vulnerability in his voice. She cupped his face, brushing her thumbs over his cheekbones. "You won't lose me, Armaan. I promise. I've taken precautions. I'll be vigilant, and I'll keep you updated on everything."

He shook his head, his eyes searching hers. "You say that now, but these people don't fight fair, Abhira. They'll dig into your life, your past, your relationships. They'll use anything they can to break you."

"And they won't succeed," she said firmly. "Because I have you by my side. You're my strength, Armaan. With you, I know I can face anything."

He sighed, his forehead resting against hers. "You make it impossible to argue with you, you know that?"

She smiled softly, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. "That's because you know I'm right."

He chuckled despite himself, but his worry didn't fade entirely. "Just... promise me one thing."

"Anything," she said instantly.

"If things get too dangerous, you'll step back," he said, his tone serious. "And you'll let me help you. I don't care what it takes-I'll protect you, Abhira."

She nodded, her eyes misting over. "I promise."

For a moment, they simply held each other, the gravity of the conversation settling over them. Then Armaan broke the silence with a wry smile. Abhira was nestled into his arms, her fingers absently playing with the buttons of his shirt. "You know," he began, his voice soft, "I almost forgot. I have something for you."

"Mhm," she hummed lazily, her eyes closed as she pressed herself closer to him, a small pout forming on her lips. "You can give it to me later. I'm too comfortable right now."

Armaan chuckled, though a small groan escaped him as he caught sight of her teasing pout. Leaning down, he brushed his lips against hers, murmuring against her mouth, "Don't do that, Abhira. You'll drive me crazy."

Before she could respond, he pulled away and reached for his bag, placing it on the floor beside the couch. He turned back to her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Stay right here," he said, lifting her effortlessly and settling her back onto the couch.

"What are you up to now?" she asked, raising an eyebrow but smiling nonetheless.

"You'll see," he replied, bending down as he gently placed her feet on his knee.

From his bag, he retrieved a small velvet box. Opening it, he revealed a pair of simple yet elegant silver anklets. The delicate chains shimmered in the warm glow of the room.

Abhira's breath hitched. "Armaan..."

"Shh," he murmured, taking her left foot in his hand and carefully clasping the anklet around her ankle. "Let me do this."

As he moved to her other foot, he spoke casually, as though the gesture wasn't making her heart swell with emotion. "The Kapoor hearing went well today," he said, snapping the second anklet into place. "In fact, Mr. Kapoor is so impressed that he wants to join our firm on a long-term contract."

"That's amazing," Abhira said, her voice trembling slightly as she gazed at the anklets adorning her feet.

When he was done, Armaan looked up at her, his hands resting gently on her knees. He leaned forward, cradling her face in his palms, and kissed her forehead tenderly. "You like them?"

Abhira smiled, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I love them," she whispered.

"There's more," he said softly. "Mr. Kapoor transferred his fee for today's hearing to my account today. It's like my first paycheck since we moved out of the Poddar house."

She gasped softly, her hand flying to her mouth.

"I wanted to use it to buy you something special," Armaan continued, his voice thick with emotion. "I know these aren't the fanciest anklets, but-"

Abhira cut him off, placing her fingers on his lips. "But they're from you," she said firmly. "That makes them priceless to me. I will cherish them forever."

Armaan's eyes softened as he pulled her into his arms. They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's embrace, their hearts full.

"I'm so proud of you," she murmured into his chest.

"And I'm proud of us," he replied, pressing a kiss to her temple.

In that quiet, tender moment, they found solace in each other, their love a beacon of strength amidst all the chaos.

*..*..*..*..*

I AM BACK !! HOW WAS THIS ONE ??

This set of flashbacks will last for a few chapters 4 to 5 max. And then we shift back to the future. This set of flashbacks in mostly about them finding the balance of life together until they have on tragedy stricking them because of the Poddar family and they decide to leave.

Next update will be tomorrow around this same time.

~TheLostSoul