Third person's pov!

There was a crisp freshness in the air as the following morning broke. Given how worn out he normally was these days, it was surprising to see Dhruv rise before Shraddha.

As he hummed gently while filling a wicker basket with a variety of treats he had Sai deliver that morning, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the home.

Still drowsy, Shraddha entered the kitchen with her cheeks flushed and her hair dishevelled. When she noticed him lining up sandwiches in tidy rows, she blinked in amazement.

"Good morning. You are right on time." When Dhruv saw her, his face brightened.

"For what purpose?" She asked, grabbing a mug of coffee he had already prepared, suppressing a yawn.

"For our day out," he said, and put the final sandwich in the basket. "Did I not promise you? No interruptions, no meetings. Only us."

The sight of him making such an effort warmed Shraddha's heart. She put down her drink and approached him, taking a quick look inside the basket.

"Sandwiches? Cookies? Fruits? Dhruv, are we going on a picnic?" Shraddha asked, excitement seeping into her voice.

"You guessed it!"

"Where did you get these sandwiches from?" She asked curiously.

"Sai just dropped them and left.." Dhruv said.

"Oh Dhruv. Don't tell me you had that poor man buy sandwiches at ungodly hours in the morning." Shraddha said and Dhruv grinned.

"He is my man Friday for a reason, babe." Dhruv said and Shraddha shot an exasperated look at him.

"And I even packed your favourite mangoes from our own backyard." His grin widened, as he took out the ripe mangoes from the basket, which he had plucked just a while ago.

"This sounds perfect. Where are we going?" Shraddha laughed, her earlier frustrations melting away.

"You will see," he said with a wink. "Now, go get ready. Wear something comfortable."

An hour later, they were driving out through the outskirts of Bangalore, the car filled with soft music and light-hearted conversation. Shraddha felt a sense of freedom she hadn't felt in weeks, the cityscape giving way to rolling green fields and winding roads. After staying in for so long, this feels like heaven.

Dhruv pulled the car into a clearing near a small lake surrounded by tall, swaying trees. The spot was secluded yet inviting, with the gentle sound of water lapping at the shore and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.

"Wow," Shraddha whispered as she stepped out of the car. "This is beautiful."

Dhruv smiled as he opened the trunk, pulling out the picnic basket and a large chequered blanket.

"I thought you'd like it. Sai found this place after quite a long research." Dhruv said, looking around the place appreciatively.

"So, basically Sai did all the work and you are simply taking credit for the picnic?" Shraddha asked, rolling her eyes.

"I am paying him to make my life easier, darling." Dhruv said, grinning at her.

"Wow! Just wow! You should have sent him with me for the picnic instead of coming yourself, Dhruv. That would have been easier for you." Shraddha said sarcastically and Dhruv scowled.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her flush against him.

Her spine tingled as Dhruv's frown grew more intense and his dark eyes met hers with such intensity. He anchored her in place by gently but firmly placing his fingers into the curve of her waist.

"Shraddha," he whispered in a quiet, authoritative voice. "Do you really think I would let someone else take my place beside you? Even as a silly joke?"

His lips found hers with a ferocity that surprised her before she could react. He claimed her as his own with a possessive kiss, as if he were making a whispered vow that no one else could ever be close to her. As he deepened the kiss, his fingers tangled in her hair as his hand moved up to hold the back of her head.

Shraddha's astonishment evolved into a fierce reaction. Her heart pounded as her hands automatically went for the lapels of his shirt, drawing him closer. The soft sounds of nature receded into the distance, and the surroundings appeared to blur.

Finally, both of them gasping for air, he pulled away, pressing his forehead against hers. She was rendered speechless by the deep emotion that burned in his dark eyes.

"You are mine, Shraddha," He declared, in a raspy yet uncompromising voice. "You get that? Just mine. I am the only one who can make you laugh, have a picnic with you, and be this near to you."

Shraddha struggled to steady her breathing and blinked up at him, her chest rising and falling. She should have been indignant by the possessiveness in his tone, but instead she felt a weird thrill.

"You are being ridiculous." She said in a tremulous but loving murmur.

"Maybe I am." He said with a smile on his lips. "I would do anything to keep you by my side. Shraddha, you are mine. My wife. My world."

"And I will remind you repeatedly in case you ever forget that." His eyes softened as his thumb touched her lower lip, which was still swollen from his kiss.

"How could I ever forget when you are so determined to prove it?" Shraddha's lips curved into a shy smile, her cheeks flushing.

"All right. I will ensure that you never do." He chuckled, the sound deep and rich, before leaning down to press another lingering kiss to her forehead.

"Now, you don't mention Sai or anyone else replacing me, alright?" His smile became cheeky as he withdrew.

Feeling lighter than she had in weeks, Shraddha let out a quiet laugh.

"I got it. However, I do believe Sai should be credited for finding this place."

"All right, let me give him a bonus. However, only because you desire it." Dhruv rolled his eyes and let out a loud groan.

"Generous as always." She taunted, with a playful tone.

With her in one hand and the picnic basket in the other, he smiled.

"Mrs. Bhatra, please. Let's create more cherished memories together." Dhruv said and Shraddha smiled. He had casually mentioned a few days ago that he was going to take his father's name after all these years.

They spread the blanket together under a tree's shade. With her toes digging into the soft grass, Shraddha made her way to the lake while Dhruv laid out the food. As the river shimmered in the sunlight, she felt a sense of peace that she could not understand.

"Hey," Dhruv shouted out, while holding a sandwich. "Will you return, or must I eat everything by myself?"

He was sitting cross-legged on the blanket with his sleeves rolled up and his hair slightly tousled when she turned around and chuckled.The sight of him so relaxed and carefree made her heart skip a beat.

"I am coming!" She called, jogging back to him. She plopped down beside him, her laughter echoing in the quiet surroundings.

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, occasionally exchanging smiles and teasing remarks.

After they had eaten, Dhruv leaned back on his elbows, watching her as she lay on her stomach, her fingers tracing patterns on the blanket.

"You seem happy," he said softly.

"I am. This... this is exactly what I needed. Thank you, Dhruv." Shraddha looked up, her eyes meeting his.

"I am glad. I am sorry for the last few days. I will be careful from now on." His gaze softened as he reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Dhruv..."

"You are my home, Shraddha. Don't ever think you mean anything less than that for me.."

A/N

Who all are ready for the Agnihotris to enter the scene? If you guys want an update tomorrow, please give me 300 votes for this chapter... Else, as per the schedule, the next update will be on Monday itself..

Love,

SF❤️