The afternoon around Udaipur district court was alive with its usual blend of chaos and order. The sun hung high in the pale blue sky, casting golden rays on the bustling courtyard. Vendors lined the pavement with carts laden with steaming chai and savory snacks, their voices blending with the murmurs of advocates and their clients discussing cases. The occasional rattle of an auto-rickshaw added to the symphony of urban life. Despite the mid-November chill in the air, the energy surrounding the court was warm and vibrant.

The courtroom doors swung open, and out came Abhira, her steps light and filled with triumph. A radiant smile adorned her face, and in a rare display of unchecked joy, she did a tiny jump, clutching her file close to her chest. The victory was hers, a hard-fought and well-deserved one. She had been in a tight spot with this case – a complicated dispute fraught with challenges that had tested her legal acumen and resilience.

The final arguments had been intense, every word carefully chosen, every point fiercely debated. There had been moments when the opposition’s strategy had made her heart race, but Abhira had held her ground, methodically dismantling each claim with precision. The judge's final ruling in her favor had been the culmination of weeks of relentless effort and sleepless nights.

As she stood at the edge of the bustling court compound, Abhira took a moment to soak in the magnitude of what she'd achieved. This case had pushed her limits, but it had also reaffirmed her belief in her abilities. Her reputation was steadily growing in the legal fraternity, and whispers about her skill and tenacity were circulating among her peers. She was carving her path, one case at a time, and she knew she had to keep the momentum going. 

She tilted her face upward, letting the sun warm her cheeks, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “One more step forward,” she murmured to herself, the satisfaction in her voice clear.

For a moment, she imagined Armaan’s reaction when she would share the news with him. His pride in her accomplishments had always been her greatest reward. With that thought fueling her excitement, Abhira straightened her shoulders, ready to move on to the next challenge, knowing she was one step closer to the lawyer she had always aspired to become.

Abhira chuckled to herself as she moved away from the court’s main building, her heels clicking against the paved path. With the bustling crowd behind her, she found a quieter spot under a large banyan tree that provided some shade from the afternoon sun. Pulling out her phone, she scrolled to Armaan’s contact, the triumphant smile never leaving her face. “Aapne khadoosness ke pitare ke saath yeh news toh share karni banti hai,” she murmured, her fingers already tapping the video call button. 

As the phone rang, Abhira closed her eyes, her radiant grin widening. When the call finally connected, she let out a loud and dramatic, “Khadusmaaaaannnnnnnnnnnn!” 

But instead of Armaan’s familiar voice, a sarcastic yet amused tone greeted her. 
“Aap jis vyakti se sampark karne ki koshish kar rahi hain, unka phone mere saath exchange ho gaya hai.” 

Abhira froze, biting her lower lip as she hesitantly opened one eye to confirm her suspicion. Sure enough, the face on her screen wasn’t Armaan’s. It was Dev’s, and he was grinning from ear to ear. 

“Agli baar aapne pati ko aise ajeeb naamo se sambhodhit karne se pehle kripya dekh lenge ki phone uthaya kisne hai,” Dev teased, his tone full of mock authority. 

Abhira groaned, covering her face with one hand. “Hawww, Dev Sir!” she exclaimed, peeking through her fingers. “Dusron ka phone uthana is not good! VBM!” 

“VBM?” Dev repeated, his brow raised in amusement. 

“Very bad manners, Dev Sir,” Abhira clarified with a playful glare, wagging her finger at him. 

Dev leaned back in his chair, feigning innocence. “Right? Bad manners? And what about calling someone.. no not someone but your husband khadoosmaan that to in public specially at a place where ur husband is repected” 

Abhira gasped dramatically. “Oh, so now you want to defened khadoosmaan? Sorry, Dev Sir, but uss position ke liye vo ek hi candidate with all qualities qualify karta hai.” 

“Why do i have to always stick to being the sensible one in this dynamic,” Dev replied with a smirk, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Vaise bhi, you two need supervision. Public displays of affection, cheesy nicknames, and now yelling at innocent people on video calls? You’re giving me a full-time job.” 

Abhira crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “Full-time job? You wish. We’re like those stars in the sky, unattainable. You? You’re just our audience.” 

“Stars, huh?” Dev mocked, leaning closer to the camera. “You both are More like a drama serial I can’t stop watching. Do me a favor and keep the episodes coming.” 

Abhira laughed, shaking her head. “Fine, Sir. Next episode will air tomorrow. Now will you please give Armaan his phone back before I make you the villain of this serial.” 

Exactly this moment Armaan entered Dev’s cabin, "Dev, Have you seen my Phone.." He began but then paused immediately on seeing the site of his wife, laughing so casually with Dev on a video call.

Dev noticed Armaan and finally handed the phone to Him, still laughing. “Your wife’s in a mood today,” he said as he passed it over. 

Armaan’s face appeared on the screen, his brows furrowing playfully. “What did you do to Dev this time?” 

“Nothing!” Abhira chirped. “We were just casually chatting.” 

As Armaan saw Dev’s smirking face, he frowned and asked, his voice dripping with annoyance, “Dev, what were you doing on a video call with my wife? Making another mockery out of me?” 

Dev raised his hands defensively, leaning back in his chair. “Relax, Armaan! You took my phone, remember? I didn’t realize this was yours when it rang.” 

Armaan narrowed his eyes. “Oh really? You didn’t realize? And when you did figure out it was my phone, you could’ve ended the call, right? But no! You thought, ‘Hey, why not pull my leg while talking to my wife—on my phone!’” 

A mischievous glint appeared in Dev’s eyes. He leaned forward, his lips twitching into a sly smile. “It’s all your fault, Khadu... I mean Armaan.” 

Armaan folded his arms, his voice rising slightly. “My fault? Oh, this I have to hear. Please, do elaborate!” 

Dev couldn’t resist the opportunity. “Well, it’s simple. Given the kind of clingy couple the two of you are, I expected you to have saved Abhira’s number a little different, I was genuinely shocked to see you’ve saved her number as just ‘Abhira.’” 

“What’s wrong with that?” Armaan retorted, already sensing trouble. 

Dev feigned disbelief, placing a hand on his chest as if Armaan had deeply offended him. “What’s wrong? Everything’s wrong! Where’s the romance, Armaan? Where’s the passion? Her name should be something like Baby, Jaan, Darling. You know, like Gen Z couples do.” 

Abhira, who had been quietly enjoying the show, burst out laughing on the other end of the call. “Well That’s a good point! I mean, Armaan, seriously? Just Abhira? How unromantic and boring!” 

Armaan’s scowl deepened. “Oh, so now you’re joining him? I see how it is. First, he steals my phone, and now he steals my wife’s loyalty.” 

“Loyalty?!” Abhira giggled. “It’s not stealing loyalty, Mr. Dada Ji—it’s called exposing the truth. You’re so old-school!” 

“Dada Ji?!” Armaan exclaimed, incredulous. “You’re siding with him over this nonsense?!” 

Dev chimed in with mock wisdom, stroking an imaginary beard. “See, Abhira, this is the problem. These ‘old souls’—they think love is about actions, not words. But where’s the effort, Armaan? Where are the cute nicknames? The mushy texts? The Instagram-worthy couple moments?” 

Armaan groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Why am I even having this conversation with you two? I don’t need to prove my love with ridiculous nicknames or hashtags.” 

“Hashtags!” Abhira laughed, leaning closer to the camera. “Oh, come on, Armaan! You’d make an adorable Instagram husband. #KhadusPyaar.” 

Dev clapped his hands, delighted. “Oh, that’s a good one.” 

Armaan glared at Dev. “You’re enjoying this way too much, aren’t you?” 

“Absolutely,” Dev admitted shamelessly. “This is better than any courtroom drama.” 

“Fine,” Armaan said, turning back to Abhira with a mock-stern expression. “You want a nickname? How about the one you already have Hulk ki Mameri Behan? Or Stationary ki dukaan. Or Troublemaker?” 

Abhira gasped, pretending to be offended. “Troublemaker?! That’s what you think of me?!” 

Dev nodded sagely. “Accurate. She does stir up a lot of trouble, mostly for you.” 

Armaan rolled his eyes, though a small smile tugged at his lips. “You’re both impossible. And for the record, I don’t need silly nicknames to show my love. My actions speak louder than words.” 

Abhira softened, her playful tone giving way to affection. “Fine, Mr. Action Man. But don’t be surprised if I start saving your number as ‘Dada Ji’ from now on.” 

Dev burst into laughter again, shaking his head. “You know what? I’m keeping this phone switch thing in mind. Next time, I’ll make sure to pick up more calls from your wife. This is gold!” 

“Over my dead body,” Armaan muttered, though the banter left him smirking. He knew better than to let Dev and Abhira’s teasing get to him—much.

Armaan exited Dev’s cabin, his lips set in a grim line, still on the video call with Abhira. “You love teasing me, don’t you?” he asked, narrowing his eyes at her. 

Abhira, clearly enjoying his grumpy state, giggled. “Awww, mere cuteness ki dukaan!” she cooed, blowing a playful kiss through the screen. 

Armaan arched a brow, but a faint smirk betrayed his amusement. “Cuteness ki dukaan, huh? And what else did you say? Boring, unromantic—and me of all people?” 

Abhira, unabashed, nodded enthusiastically. “Haan toh! Galat kya bola maine? Tum ho thode, you know, boring, khadus, akdu.” 

Armaan stopped mid-step, letting out an exaggerated gasp. “Boring? Khadus? Akdu? Tum ghar pe milo, Abhira Sharma. Tumhe main dikhata hoon unromantic kaun hai.” His tone was low and teasing, carrying a promise that made Abhira blush despite her bravado. 

She giggled nervously, biting her lip. But then, her reason for calling him came flooding back. “Oh, wait, I almost forgot why I called!” 

“Oh? So this wasn’t just to gang up with Dev and roast me?” he quipped, his grumpiness replaced by curiosity. 

Abhira shook her head, her face lighting up with excitement. “I won the case, Armaan!” 

For a moment, Armaan didn’t react, blinking as her words registered. Then, a wide grin spread across his face. “You won?” 

“Yup!” she said, her voice practically bouncing with joy. “It was tough, and honestly, I thought I was going to lose at one point, but somehow, everything fell into place. The arguments worked, and the judge ruled in our favor!” 

Armaan’s chest swelled with pride as he looked at her glowing face. “That’s amazing, Abhira! I knew you’d do it.” 

Abhira’s smile grew, her heart swelling at his unwavering support. “You really believed in me, didn’t you?” 

“Always,” he said softly. “And now you’ve proved me right. You’re incredible, you know that?” 

Her cheeks flushed under his gaze. “Stop it, or I might start crying right here in front of everyone.” 

“Let them see,” he said with a teasing grin. “They should know they’re in the presence of a star lawyer.” 

She laughed, rolling her eyes. “Armaan Poddar, you’re impossible.” 

“And you’re unstoppable,” he shot back. “Now, when are you coming home? We need to celebrate properly.” 

“Properly, huh? I think I know what you mean,” she teased, raising a brow. 

He leaned closer to the camera, his smirk turning mischievous. “Just get home, Mrs. Poddar. You’ll see exactly what I mean.” 

Abhira laughed again, feeling like the happiest person alive. “Fine, fine, I’ll be home soon. But don’t burn the kitchen down if you decide to cook, okay?” 

“Only if you promise to call me romantic after tonight,” he retorted with a wink. 

“Deal,” she said with a grin, blowing another kiss his way before ending the call.

Abhira walked briskly down the corridor to make her way to the exit gate, the sound of her heels echoing against the marble floors of the Udaipur District Court. The day’s hearings were done, but she still had a client meeting scheduled to prepare for an upcoming case. As she neared the court entrance, the sight of two familiar figures locked in a heated argument made her stop in her tracks. Her stomach churned in irritation. 

It was Manish Goenka and Sanjay Bansal. 

Abhira’s jaw tightened at the sight of Sanjay. She didn’t need any reminders of his underhanded tactics or his constant attempts to undermine Armaan. But what surprised her was the presence of Manish Goenka. Ever since Ruhi had resurfaced in conversations, anything remotely connected to her had been grating on Abhira’s nerves—including Manish. 

Her initial instinct was to cast them both a withering glance and walk away, refusing to get entangled in their drama. But just as she was about to step past them, Sanjay shoved Manish hard in a fit of rage. 

The older man stumbled backward, heading straight for a wooden bench. Without thinking, Abhira darted forward, catching Manish by the arm and steadying him before he could hit the edge of the bench. 

“Careful Par.. Mr. Goenka!” she said firmly, her voice laced with concern despite her irritation. 

Manish straightened, brushing himself off as he looked at Abhira with a mix of sadness and gratitude. “Abhira Beta, Thank you. I didn’t expect to see you here.” 

“Well, I didn’t expect to find you being shoved around like this,” she said, her tone sharp. Her eyes flicked to Sanjay, who was standing a few steps away, his face red with anger. 

Manish sighed, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. “It’s nothing. Just a disagreement that got out of hand.” 

Abhira’s brows furrowed. “Disagreement or not, this is no place for physical altercations, Mr. Goenka. You should know better.” 

Manish offered a small nod, his expression apologetic but also sad over the title Abhira has been using for him. “You’re right Beta. I let my emotions get the better of me.” 

Abhira crossed her arms, her gaze narrowing at Sanjay. “And what about you, Mr. Bansal? Have you forgotten that this is a court, not a wrestling ring?” 

Sanjay scoffed, his voice dripping with condescension. “This is none of your concern, Abhira. Stay out of it.” 

Abhira stepped forward, her eyes blazing with fury. “None of my concern? I just stopped someone from getting hurt because of your juvenile tantrum, and you think I should stay out of it? Maybe you’ve forgotten, but physical assault in a court corridor could get you in serious trouble.” 

Sanjay’s smirk faltered, but he tried to save face. “This was a private matter—” 

Abhira cut him off, her voice sharp as a whip. “Private? In the middle of a public corridor? You’re lucky I stepped in before this turned into a full-blown scene.” 

She turned to Manish, her tone softening just a fraction. “Are you okay?” 

Manish nodded, adjusting his coat. “Yes, I’m fine now. Thank you, Abhira Beta.” 

Her eyes flicked back to Sanjay. “Next time you think about throwing your weight around, remember this moment. Because if I ever see you pulling a stunt like this again, I won’t just step in—I’ll make sure you face the consequences, legally and otherwise.” 

Sanjay glared at her but didn’t respond, his lips pressed into a thin line. 

Abhira’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Good. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have more important things to do than babysit grown men.” 

She turned on her heel, leaving the corridor behind, her heart still pounding with adrenaline. She hated Sanjay Bansal and since the press conference was waitinf for one chnace to show him his place whixh she did today without any remourse.

Manish watched Abhira walk away, her confident strides reflecting her determination. He had always admired her sharp mind and fiery spirit, qualities he had heard much about in legal circles. Ever since he had begun looking for a lawyer to handle his property dispute—a long, exhausting battle over the ownership of his ancestral home—her name had come up repeatedly. 

Today’s interaction only solidified his respect for her. Gathering his resolve, Manish decided it was time to ask for her help. He knew this decision of his would mean trouble but with Sanjay Bansal Representing the other side he knew he would need somebody like Abhira to handle the case. He quickened his pace to catch up with her as she walked toward the main gates. 

“Abhira!” he called out, his voice steady yet laced with urgency. 

She paused and turned, her expression neutral as she waited for him to approach. “Yes, Mr. Goenka?” 

Manish stopped a few steps away, slightly out of breath. “I need to speak with you Beta. It’s important.” 

Abhira folded her arms, raising an eyebrow. “If this is about what just happened, I think I’ve said everything I needed to.” 

“No, it’s not about that,” he replied quickly, then hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “It’s about a case I need help with.” 

Her brows furrowed in surprise. “You want me to represent you?” 

“Yes,” Manish said earnestly. “It’s a property dispute over my ancestral home. The case has been dragging on for a few months, and I need someone who can turn the tide in my favor. It was Armaan who was handling it earlier but..." Manish paused immediately seeing Abhira’s face hence he decided to divert, "After seeing your skills in court and hearing so much about you, I’m convinced you’re the one who can do it.” 

Abhira looked at him skeptically. “Mr. Goenka, I’m flattered, but I’m not sure I’m the right fit for this. I already have a full caseload, and property disputes can be… complicated.”  She paused debating on weather to add the next bit but nevertheless she did, " And I believe your granddaughter would not approve of me to be anywhere around you."

Manish’s shoulders sagged slightly, but he pressed on. “I understand Abhira, but this house isn’t just a property—it’s a part of my family’s legacy. I’ve tried everything, but nothing has worked. You’re my last hope, Abhira.” 

Her expression softened, but she remained cautious. “I’m sure there are other capable lawyers who could handle this for you. Why me?” 

Manish looked down for a moment, then met her eyes. “Because I believe in you. I’ve seen how you fight for what’s right, how you don’t back down even in the toughest situations. You’re not just a lawyer—you care about the people you represent. That’s rare.” 

Abhira bit her lip, conflicted. She had always respected Manish, even if her current irritation with him clouded her judgment. His words struck a chord, and the pleading look in his eyes was hard to ignore. 

“Mr. Goenka,” she began cautiously, “taking on this case means committing a lot of time and energy. I don’t want to overpromise—” 

“I understand,” he interrupted, his voice firm but desperate. “But I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this work. Please, Abhira. I wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t important.” 

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. She had a soft corner for him, despite her annoyance. And deep down, she knew she couldn’t turn her back on someone who genuinely needed her help. 

“Mr. Goenka” she said finally, her tone resolute. “I’ll need sometime” 

Manish’s face lit up with relief and gratitude. “Thank you for being considerate Abhira Beta.” 

“But,” she added, raising a finger, “If i agree you’ll need to follow my lead completely. No impulsive decisions, no unnecessary drama. Understood?” 

He nodded quickly. “Absolutely. Whatever you say.” 

Abhira gave him a small smile, “I will get back to you.” 

Manish extended his hand to bless her, butAbhira stepped back almost immediately. As he walked away, a sense of purpose settled over her. It wasn’t just another case—it was an opportunity to prove herself once again, not just to others, but to herself. But then there was Armaan, she had to talk to him before she makes a decision.

Sanjay Bansal stood at a distance, determined to make this opportunity work in his favour. He would settle scores now, not only with Abhira but also Armaan.

________

The heavy mahogany doors of the Poddar Mansion's study creaked slightly as Sanjay pushed them open. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from a lamp on the large desk where Kaveri sat, her sharp eyes scanning over some documents. She looked up when Sanjay entered, her expression cold and expectant. 

“What beings you here Jamai Sa?” she asked, her tone clipped. 

Sanjay closed the door behind him and walked toward her, his usual smugness laced with a hint of irritation. “I just returned from the court,” he began, pouring himself a glass of water from the crystal decanter on the side table. 

“And?” Kaveri prompted, setting her papers aside. 

“Abhira,” he said, practically spitting her name, “managed to play the hero yet again.” 

Kaveri raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. “Go on.” 

“She stepped in during an argument between Manish Goenka and me. The man had the audacity to show up at the court and involve himself in matters he doesn’t understand. And Abhira, being the righteous little crusader she thinks she is, supported him.” 

Kaveri leaned back in her chair, steepling her fingers. “So? What does this have to do with us?” 

Sanjay smirked, setting his glass down. “The court is already buzzing about her. People are calling her one of the sharpest lawyers of her generation. It’s only a matter of time before she becomes a real threat—not just to me, but to the Poddar legacy you’ve worked so hard to uphold.” 

Kaveri’s eyes narrowed. “And you think this incident can be used against her?” 

“Precisely,” Sanjay said, his voice low and conspiratorial. “Manish Goenka has a reputation for getting involved in messy disputes. If we can spin this situation the right way, we can make it look like she’s aligning herself with problematic individuals. It won’t just tarnish her reputation—it’ll cast doubts on her integrity as a lawyer.” 

Kaveri considered this, her mind already racing with possibilities. “And Manish Ji’s case?” 

Sanjay smiled, a glint of malice in his eyes. “She has not taken it up yet but she will taken it up. That makes it even better. We can use the case to tie her name to his controversies. If we play our cards right, we’ll have the entire legal fraternity questioning her judgment.” 

Kaveri tapped her fingers on the desk, her expression unreadable. “And how do you plan to execute this? Details, Sanjay. I need details.” 

“We’ll start with whispers,” he said confidently. “Spread rumors that Abhira’s success comes from questionable alliances. Then, once the case picks up steam, we’ll ensure it faces public scrutiny. Any misstep on her part will be amplified. And if she wins, we’ll claim she used underhanded tactics. If she loses, well, that’ll speak for itself.” 

Kaveri smirked, a cruel satisfaction settling on her face. “Good. But make sure you don’t get sloppy. Abhira is sharp—she won’t fall for obvious traps.” 

“Don’t worry,” Sanjay assured her. “I’ll handle it carefully. By the time we’re done, her rising star will come crashing down.” 

Kaveri stood, walking over to him. “Do what needs to be done. But remember, this isn’t just about her. It’s about protecting the Poddar name. She and Armaan have defied us for too long. It’s time they learned the consequences of crossing me.” 

Sanjay nodded, a twisted grin spreading across his face. “Consider it done.” 

As he left the study, Kaveri returned to her seat, her mind already spinning more schemes. For her, this wasn’t just a battle—it was a war, and she intended to win at any cost.

As the heavy study door clicked shut behind Sanjay, Kaveri leaned back in her chair, a sinister smile playing on her lips. She reached for the delicate cup of tea on her desk, taking a measured sip, savoring the quiet satisfaction of the moment. Setting the cup down, she gazed at the flickering flame of the lamp, her thoughts dark and calculating. 

“Abhira Sharma,” she murmured to herself, her voice cold and edged with contempt. “You’re clever, I’ll give you that. But cleverness has its limits. It’s good that my dear jamai sa will keep you occupied for now. By the time you escape his clutches—if you even manage that—I’ll have something far more intricate and devastating waiting for you.” 

Kaveri chuckled softly, a chilling sound in the silence of the room. She turned toward her desk, picking up her phone and dialing a number. 

“Hello,” she said, her tone sharp and commanding. “I need you to start digging into something for me.” She paused, listening intently. 

“Yes, Abhira Sharma. I want everything—her cases, her clients, her connections, her vulnerabilities. No detail is too small. I want the full report on my desk as soon as possible.” 

She ended the call and leaned back in her chair, a satisfied glint in her eyes. “The higher you climb, Abhira, the harder you’ll fall. And I’ll make sure your descent is as public and humiliating as possible.” 

She picked up the pen on her desk and began jotting down notes, her plans becoming more elaborate with each stroke. Kaveri Poddar was a woman who thrived on control, and she wasn’t about to let anyone, least of all Abhira, disrupt her dominion.

________

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the Udaipur skyline in shades of orange and purple, Abhira finally returned home. Her feet ached, her mind buzzed with exhaustion, and all she craved was a quiet moment to unwind. The meeting with client had stretched far longer than she had anticipated, and the weight of the day hung heavy on her shoulders, and adding to her trouble was Manish Goenkas Offer.

She unlocked the door, expecting to find the dimly lit, quiet house she’d left in the morning. Instead, a warm, inviting glow greeted her. Her steps faltered as her eyes scanned the scene before her. 

The modest living room had been transformed into a cozy haven. The lights were dimmed, replaced by the soft flicker of candles scattered across the room. Fairy lights twinkled along the edges of the walls, casting a golden hue that made the space feel almost magical. The coffee table was adorned with a simple bouquet of roses in a glass vase, their fragrance subtly perfuming the air. 

A small table for two had been set up near the window, overlooking the twinkling city lights outside. A crisp white tablecloth covered it, and two plates with neatly folded napkins sat on either side, accompanied by their modest dinner—steaming bowls of pasta and a side of garlic bread. A bottle of coke, chilled and ready, sat in the center of the table, alongside two glasses. 

On the couch, a soft throw blanket and a few cushions had been arranged, and a playlist of gentle, romantic tunes played softly in the background. 

Abhira’s heart skipped a beat as she took it all in. She placed her bag on the nearby chair and stepped further inside, a small, tired smile tugging at her lips. “Armaan?” she called out softly, her voice betraying a mix of surprise and delight. 

From the kitchen emerged Armaan, dressed casually in a fitted black T-shirt and trousers, his hair slightly tousled. He held a tray with two mugs of steaming chai. His expression softened as he saw her, and he broke into a lopsided smile. 

“Finally, the lady of the house graces us with her presence,” he teased, walking toward her. “I was starting to think I’d have to eat this pasta alone.” 

Abhira chuckled, the fatigue in her body melting away at the sight of him and his thoughtful effort. “What’s all this?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she gestured to the setup. 

Armaan set the tray down and took her hands in his, guiding her to the couch. “Just something to cheer up my hardworking wife and also to show her that her husband is not unromantic, sadu aur akdu.” 

Abhira’s eyes shimmered with gratitude as she looked around. “You did all this? For me?” 

Armaan shrugged, a hint of shyness creeping into his demeanor. “Well, I didn’t make the pasta—it’s store-bought—but I did warm it up,” he joked, earning a soft laugh from her. 

Abhira squeezed his hand. “It’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.” 

“Then come, Mrs. Khadusmaan,” he said, helping her out of her heels. “Let’s make this evening all about unwinding and forgetting the world for a while.” 

Abhira leaned into him, her exhaustion replaced by a warmth that only Armaan could bring. Together, they moved toward the table, ready to enjoy the night he had so lovingly planned.

As the soft tunes played in the background, Abhira twirled a forkful of pasta and took a bite, savoring the creamy flavors. Across the table, Armaan watched her with a small smile, his chin resting on his hand. 

“You’re staring,” Abhira said with a playful raise of her brow, though her cheeks flushed faintly. 

“Am I not allowed to admire my beautiful wife?” Armaan teased, leaning back in his chair. 

Abhira rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her smile. “So, tell me, Mr. Poddar. How was your day?” 

Armaan let out a low chuckle. “Exhausting, but worth it. Dev and I managed to snag a new client for the firm today. It wasn’t easy; they had a long list of demands and quite a few reservations about switching legal representation. But Dev worked his charm, and I backed it up with strategy.” 

Abhira’s eyes lit up. “That’s amazing! Who’s the client?” 

“Aggarwal Industries. They’re big in manufacturing. If this goes well, it could open up a lot of doors for us,” Armaan said, his voice tinged with pride. 

“That’s such a huge win for you two,” Abhira said genuinely. “I’m sure you’ll handle it brilliantly.” 

Armaan smirked. “Well, Dev was already celebrating, saying I owe him dinner for pulling this off. But honestly, it’s teamwork that made it happen.” 

Abhira nodded approvingly, taking another bite of her pasta. “Teamwork really does make the dream work,” she said, her words laced with a teasing undertone. 

“And what about you?” Armaan asked, leaning forward slightly. “How was your day in the courtroom? Judging by that smile you had earlier in the day, I’m guessing it went well.” 

Abhira hesitated for a brief moment but quickly masked it with a casual shrug. “Oh, it was good. The meeting stretched longer than I expected, but everything fell into place eventually.” 

“What case was it for?” he pressed, curiosity in his tone. 

“Just some defermation and money laundering case” Abhira replied nonchalantly, carefully avoiding the mention of Manish Goenka. “You know how it is—long hours, endless documents, and a lot of patience. But it’s moving in the right direction.” 

Armaan nodded, taking a sip of sparkling water. “Sounds like you handled it like a pro. Honestly, it’s incredible seeing how you’re carving out your own space in this field.” 

Abhira looked at him, her heart swelling at his words. “You really think so?” 

“Of course, Abhira. Your name is already making rounds in the fraternity. People are noticing you, because you’re brilliant at what you do,” Armaan said sincerely. 

Abhira smiled, feeling her fatigue dissipate under his praise. “That means a lot coming from you, Mr. Poddar.” 

“Well, it’s the truth,” Armaan said, his voice soft but firm.

As the last forkful of pasta was set aside, the music softly transitioned to a romantic melody, filling the cozy living space. Abhira walked to the center of the hall, “Care for a dance, Mr. Poddar?” she asked, her voice soft but teasing. 

Armaan smirked as he stood, accepting her hand. “How could I refuse?” 

He pulled her gently into his arms, their bodies swaying naturally to the rhythm. Abhira rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. Armaan’s hands slid to her waist, holding her close as they moved in perfect sync. 

“This feels perfect,” Abhira murmured, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. 

“It’s because you’re here,” Armaan replied, his voice low and intimate. “You make everything feel perfect.” 

Abhira smiled, her cheeks flushing at his words. The warmth of his gaze, the security of his arms—it all felt like a dream she didn’t want to wake up from. 

As the song shifted to a slower, more soulful tune, Armaan tightened his hold, his fingers brushing lightly along her back. The mood grew heavier, the romantic atmosphere turning into something more intense. Abhira’s breath hitched as Armaan’s lips brushed against her forehead, then trailed down to her temple. 

“Abhira,” he whispered, his voice filled with an urgency that sent shivers down her spine. 

She looked up at him, her hands resting on his chest. “Yes?” 

Instead of replying, Armaan cupped her face, his thumb grazing her cheek as he leaned in. Their lips met in a kiss that was slow at first but quickly deepened, the world around them fading into nothingness. 

Abhira’s fingers curled into his shirt as the kiss grew more passionate, her knees weakening under the intensity. Armaan, sensing her falter, swept her off her feet in one swift motion, carrying her toward their bedroom without breaking the kiss. 

The soft glow of candlelight followed them into the room as Armaan set her down gently on the bed. His hands moved with reverence, caressing her hair and brushing her cheek as he gazed into her eyes. 

“You’re everything to me,” he murmured, his voice hoarse with emotion. 

Abhira’s heart swelled, her hands reaching up to cup his face. “And you’re my world, Armaan.” 

Their words melted into kisses, the air around them charged with love and desire. They let the night envelop them, their passion speaking volumes where words were no longer needed. 

His fingers lightly traced the contours of her face, starting from her forehead, moving over her temple, and brushing against her jawline. "You have no idea how beautiful you are," he murmured, his voice low and filled with adoration. 

Abhira’s breath hitched as she felt the warmth of his hand travel down her neck. Her hands instinctively found their way to his shoulders, pulling him closer as her own feelings mirrored his. "And you have no idea what you do to me," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly but no less confident. 

Armaan dipped his head, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that started gentle but grew deeper, more fervent. His hands slid down to her waist, pulling her flush against him as he explored her lips with a hunger he couldn’t suppress. Abhira responded with equal passion, her fingers tangling in his hair, tugging gently as she kissed him back with abandon. 

Abhira let out a soft sigh as he pressed a trail of kisses along her collarbone, his hands slipping beneath the fabric of her top, caressing the soft skin of her waist. 

She arched into his touch, her own hands beginning to explore his back, feeling the taut muscles beneath his shirt. Her nails grazed his skin lightly, eliciting a soft groan from him that sent a wave of heat coursing through her. 

As the night stretched on, they lay tangled in each other’s arms, their breaths mingling as they basked in the afterglow of their shared passion. Armaan pressed a gentle kiss to Abhira’s forehead, whispering, "I love you, biwi." 

Abhira smiled, her eyes fluttering closed as she nestled closer to him. "I love you more," she replied softly, her voice heavy with contentment. 

Wrapped in each other’s embrace, they drifted off to sleep, the love they shared filling the room with a warmth that would linger long after the night had passed. 

__________

Longer Update than usual but can't help my wild mind.

The last part of the Crossed Hearts will take sometime. I have a lot to figure out in that part.

Till the end of this month or probably till the end of first week of December, updates will be rare, like very rare for I have certain commitments to meet and they need undivided attention at the moment.

~TheLostSoul