The sun was warm overhead as I stood beside Anjana Aunty, watching her inspect the fresh vegetables with the practiced eye of someone who had been doing this for years.

The colony market was buzzing with activity, vendors calling out their prices, and the sound of bartering filled the air.

I was focused, trying to learn how to pick the best of everything—crisp okra, tender spinach, and plump tomatoes.

Anjana Aunty was mid-sentence, showing me how to check the freshness of green beans when I overheard a conversation that made my stomach churn.

"Who's she? I’ve never seen her around," a woman whispered not too far away, her voice loud enough to carry.

"I think she lives in that pilot's house. What was his name? Aditya... right?"

My hand paused over a bundle of coriander, and I felt a tightening in my chest as their words registered.

I wanted to ignore them, but their conversation was quickly becoming impossible to tune out.

"Beta? What's your name?" One of the aunties turned to me with a curious, probing look.

"..Yes?...Zoya..." I replied with a brief eye contact and continued with the vegetables.

"You live with Aditya, Right?..Are you his wife?...We didn't know that he got married."

Caught off guard, I fumbled for an answer, glancing quickly at Anjana Aunty, who was on a call a few feet away.

"No... I'm not," I replied, forcing a polite smile, though I could feel my discomfort growing.

The auntie’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she exchanged a look with the woman next to her.

"Living without marriage?" she said, her tone carrying a hint of disapproval. "These kids these days... Mrs. Mukwani, weren’t you trying to get that pilot's hand in marriage for your daughter? Looks like he already has a Muslim girlfriend living with him....."

My heart pounded in my chest as the weight of their judgment pressed down on me.

I took a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm.

They were elders, and the last thing I wanted was to create a scene.

"Aunty, I'm sorry, but I think you're getting too inquisitive about my private life," I said, trying to keep my tone respectful but firm.

The woman’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "But isn’t it disallowed in you people to even touch a man before marriage?" another auntie chimed in, her words laced with condescension.

I bit down on my tongue, resisting the urge to snap back.

Their ignorance was infuriating, but I didn’t want to lose my temper.

Before I could think of a response, Anjana Aunty, who had just ended her call, stepped forward with a commanding presence that immediately silenced the murmuring women.

"Excuse me," Aunty said, her voive was sharp, yet calm. "Is there a problem here?"

The aunties, who had been so bold a moment ago, suddenly looked hesitant. "We were just... concerned.... talking to ... This girl, Zoya." one of them muttered, trying to soften her earlier tone.

"Concerned about what?" Anjana Aunty asked, raising an eyebrow. "About who my son lives with? Who he chooses to be with?" She looked directly at the woman who had made the comment about religion. "Zoya is a part of our family. and the last time I checked.... We don't need unsolicited opinions of strangers... Maybe you should try and mind your own business."

The women shifted uncomfortably, realizing they had overstepped. "We didn’t mean any harm.... We were just... surprised, that’s all," one of them mumbled.

"Surprise is understandable," Anjana Aunty replied, her tone softening slightly but still firm. "But judgment.. is unnecessary. Who my son lives with is not for anyone else to approve of."

My eyes stung with tears I hadn’t realized were forming. I looked at Anjana Aunty, my heart swelling with gratitude.

She had always been kind, but this was the first time I felt her true protective warmth, as if she were defending her own daughter.

The aunties quickly excused themselves, mumbling awkward apologies before retreating to another stall.

Anjana Aunty turned to me with a gentle smile. "Don’t let them get to you, Zoya," she said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.

"Thank you, Aunty," I whispered, feeling a rush of relief and appreciation for her support.

"Come on," she said patting my cheek as we walked back.

I found something.

Later in the evening, Aditya was standing in front of the mirror, toweling off after his football game, his hair still damp and beads of sweat clinging to his skin.

He looked every bit the rugged athlete—broad shoulders, defined muscles, and that familiar grin.

I couldn’t resist.

Without a word, I walked up behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist, pressing my face into his back.

“Shortcake… I must be stinking,” he chuckled, though his tone was light, playful.

But I didn’t care.

My hug only tightened around him, and as he turned around, sensing something was off, I felt the tears welling up in my eyes.

The moment he faced me, his playful smile faltered, replaced with concern.

He cupped my face gently, wiping away the tears that had escaped.

“Zoya, what’s wrong?” His voice was soft, laced with worry, but all I could do was shake my head.

I tried to speak, but the words caught in my throat.

I wanted to tell him everything—how for the first time in years, I felt like I belonged somewhere.

Like I wasn’t just drifting through life, but... anchored, protected.

Anjana aunty’s words at the market earlier had stirred something deep within me, something I hadn’t allowed myself to feel in a long time.

“I… I just wanted to say thank you, Adi.” My voice was barely above a whisper, but the intensity of my emotions carried it through.

“For what?” he asked, his thumb brushing away the lingering tears.

“For making me a part of your family,” I managed, my voice trembling. “For giving me a place where I feel safe, where I feel… loved.....For so long, I’ve been on my own. After my parents… after they were gone, I didn’t think I’d ever feel like I had a family again. But with you, with your mom, with everyone… I ...feel like I’m home.”

His eyes softened, and I could see the understanding in them.

He pulled me closer, wrapping me in the warmth of his embrace.

I buried my face in his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat grounding me, soothing the ache in my heart.

“You are home, Zoya,” he murmured against my hair, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “You’ll always be safe with me....with us. You’re never alone, okay? Not anymore.”

I nodded, letting the comfort of his words wash over me, sinking into the security of his arms.

"But baby.... what happened?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

I tried to find the words, but they caught in my throat.

How could I explain the hurt and confusion that those women had stirred up inside me?

It wasn’t just about their words; it was about everything I’d been carrying for so long, about my place in this world, in this family, and in his life.

Finally, I managed to speak.

"Adi, I went to the market with Anjana aunty today… to pick out some vegetables. I wanted to learn how to do things.... the way your family does them, to feel like I belong here.... But while we were there, some women started talking...they knew you... They asked me if I lived with you, if I was your wife.... And when I said no… they didn’t hold back, Adi.... They judged me, us… our relationship. They said things about how it’s not allowed for me to be with a man before marriage because I was a muslim... I know I'd have been judged the same way if I was practicing any other religion...but ...it made it easier for them to instantly hate me...They made me feel.... Like how… like how I don’t belong."

His face darkened as I spoke, his jaw tightening. But I wasn’t finished.

"I didn’t know what to say....I hate feeling so weak Adi....I felt so small, like I didn’t have the right to be here, to be with you. And....when they brought up how your religion and mine are different… it just made me feel even more out of place. Like I’m doing something wrong by loving you, by living with you."

I paused, taking a shaky breath.

"When...Anjana aunty stepped in, Adi. She defended me... us. She told them it was none of their business, and she made it clear that I’m part of this family now, whether they like it or not. And...I felt like.... Like I had a guardian, someone who was looking out for me....But it also reminded me that I’m not really used to that feeling, not since my parents…"

The tears started falling freely now, and Aditya pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly. I felt safe there, but the fear and doubt lingered.

"Adi, I don’t want to be a problem for you or your family. I don’t want people talking behind your back because of me."

He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes, his gaze intense and unwavering. "Zoya, listen to me. You’re not a problem, okay? You’re my life, and you belong here with me. I don’t care what anyone says or thinks.....I love you...and that is all I care about. The only people you should worry about are my parents....and they like you the way you are..."

I wanted to believe him, to let his words erase the doubts in my mind. But those women’s voices still echoed in my head. "But Adi, what if—"

"No 'what ifs,' Zoya," he interrupted, his voice firm but gentle.

I nodded, trying to absorb his reassurance.

But deep down, the fear lingered.

Would we really be able to face everything together?

Aditya must have sensed the unease in my silence.

His gaze softened as he turned to me, concern etched on his face.

Gently cupping my cheeks, he pulled me closer until our foreheads touched, his warmth soothing my frayed nerves.

"You know something, Zoya?" he began, his voice low and reassuring. "When I first told Maa about you, she said something I'll never forget." He paused, letting the words sink in, and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. "She said you don’t have to be my wife for them to love you. I love you, and that’s enough for them, Zoya."

A lump formed in my throat, my heart swelling with emotion.

He brushed a stray tear from my cheek, his thumb lingering there, a silent promise in his touch.

"It’s surreal how much they want you in this family, just the way you are. No expectations, no conditions..... You’re already part of them, Zoya. That’s the only thing that matters."

His words washed over me like a balm, easing the worry that had lodged itself in my chest since the encounter with those women.

"But... what if they’re right, Adi?" I whispered, voicing the fear I’d been trying to suppress. "What if living together without marriage... What if it’s wrong?"

Aditya’s expression didn’t falter; instead, it grew even more resolute.

"Zoya, the only people whose opinions matter are the ones who genuinely care about us. And our family—the family we’re building—has accepted you wholeheartedly. You don’t have to worry about those aunties or their gossip. They’re not our people. Our people are the ones who see you, who love you, and who want you with us, no matter what."

His words, filled with conviction, wrapped around me like a protective shield.

The doubts, the fears—they began to melt away, replaced by the unwavering truth of what we shared.

I leaned into him, allowing myself to be held, to be loved.

Because in that moment, I realized Aditya was right.

The only ones who mattered were the people who loved us, who wanted us to be happy.

And in this family, I’d found a place where I truly belonged.

I was sitting with Anjana aunty in the living room, sipping on the chai she had made for me.

Aditya was in the shower, and for a moment, I felt at peace—content and grateful for everything in my life.

Anjana aunty and I chatted about our day, the mundane things that felt more comforting than they should have.

Her presence in my life was a blessing I couldn’t quite put into words.

She had accepted me with open arms, making me feel like a part of this family from the very beginning.

As we spoke, the conversation gradually turned toward Aditya, and just hearing his name made my heart swell.

“Did he ever tell you about how he called me after your first date?” Anjana aunty asked, a teasing glint in her eyes.

My ears perked up, curiosity piqued. “No, what did he say?”

She chuckled softly, setting her cup down. “He was so flustered, you wouldn’t believe it. He called me late that night—out of the blue—and the first thing he said was, ‘Maa, I think I’m in love.’ I could hear it in his voice, how much he meant it.”

I blinked, absorbing her words as my heart skipped a beat. Aditya had called his mother after our first date? And said that? I could barely contain the flutter of emotions swirling inside me.

“He really said that?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Aunty nodded, her expression softening. “Yes, he did. And I knew right then that you were someone special. My Adi doesn’t fall easily....and when he did... it's with his whole heart."

I felt my chest tighten with overwhelming affection.

Aditya, my Adi, had been so sure of his feelings from the start.

It was one thing to know he loved me, but to hear it from his mother like this—well, it made me feel cherished in a way I hadn’t realized I needed.

Aunty continued, her voice filled with warmth. “He’s always been someone who takes his time, who doesn’t rush into things. But with you, Zoya… he just knew. And I could tell that night that his life had changed..."

As Aditya stepped into the living room, I could see the moment he realized what we were talking about.

His confident stride faltered slightly, and a sheepish grin spread across his face. The tips of his ears turned pink, and I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing.

"Oh, God, Mom," he groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Are you really telling her everything?"

Anjana Aunty looked at him with mock innocence, a playful smile on her lips. "Why not, Adi? It’s not like you have anything to hide, right?"

He glanced at me, clearly embarrassed, and I couldn’t help but find it absolutely adorable.

Seeing the suave Captain Aditya Hooda, squirming like a teenager was a rare sight—one that I intended to fully enjoy.

"Mom, come on," he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation. "There’s no need to tell her everything."

Aunty wasn’t having it.

"But why, Adi? I think Zoya should know how deeply you’ve always cared for her. Besides," she added with a mischievous glint in her eye, "it’s nice for me to finally get some payback for all the times you embarrassed me in front of others."

Aditya’s eyes widened in mock horror, and he looked at me as if seeking rescue.

"Zoya, help me out here," he said, but his voice lacked the usual commanding tone. I just gave him a sweet, innocent smile.

"Why would I do that?" I teased, leaning back and crossing my arms. "I’m quite enjoying this, actually."

He narrowed his eyes at me, realizing he was hopelessly outnumbered.

"You two are ganging up on me," he declared, throwing his hands up in defeat. "This is so unfair."

I giggled, unable to resist his adorable pout. "Well, you did call her right after our first date, didn’t you?"

Aditya groaned again, covering his face with his hands.

"You weren’t supposed to know that!"

Aunty laughed heartily, clearly delighted by the whole situation. "Oh, Cheeku... stop being so dramatic."

He shook his head, but there was a smile tugging at his lips. "I don’t want to hear you betraying me like that, Maa." he grumbled, rolling his eyes as he started to walk away.

I watched, amused, as he made a quick retreat.

"I’m going to our room," he announced, as if it was a dignified escape.

But the moment he turned away, I saw the faint blush creeping up his neck.

He was definitely embarrassed, and I found it utterly endearing.

As soon as he was out of sight, I couldn’t hold back my laughter. Aunty joined in.

I loved seeing this side of Aditya—the vulnerable, boyish side that only surfaced when he was with family.

It made me feel even closer to him, knowing I was part of the world where he could let his guard down.

After dinner, I made my way upstairs, eager to see Aditya again.

As I opened the door to our bedroom, I found him sitting on the edge of the bed, scrolling through his phone.

The second he saw me, he put it down and looked up with that boyish grin I adored so much.

His expression was a mix of anticipation and slight embarrassment.

I couldn't resist teasing him. “You know, Adi, I never imagined you could be this smitten....The way you blushed when Aunty was talking about our first date…”

I let my voice trail off, enjoying how his cheeks turned a little pink at the mention.

Aditya rolled his eyes but smiled, a playful glint in them.

“Smitten, huh? I think you’re confusing me with someone else,” he shot back, trying to play it cool, but I could tell he was just as embarrassed as before.

I  laughed and walked over to him, standing between his knees. “Oh, I’m definitely talking about you,” I said, running my fingers through his hair. “My sexy Adi, getting all flustered because his mom shared a few secrets with me.”

He reached out, tugging me closer by the waist.

“Well, if we’re talking about secrets, let’s talk about yours...Like why are you suddenly wearing suits nowadays,” he teased, his hands sliding to rest on my hips. “Is it because my parents are here, or were you just trying to make me lose my mind?”

looked down at him, pretending to consider his question. “Hmm, maybe a little bit of both? But honestly...I like finding reasons to be a bit traditional..."

He scoffed, leaning back to get a better look at me. “Traditional? You look like a dream, shortcake.... And for the record, I also don’t get why you don’t wear suits more often, especially when you look this goddamn beautiful in them.”

Before I could reply, he suddenly lifted me into his arms, catching me off guard

“Adi!” I squealed, laughing as he swung me around.

He chuckled, clearly enjoying my surprise.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, unable to stop smiling. "I don't understand you sometimes...”

He only laughed.

"How are you the same guy who gets shy around his parents?"

His eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Shy? That’s not how I remember it. I think I was being pretty smooth until you decided to gang up on me with Mom.”

I bit my lip, trying to hold back a laugh.

“Smooth, huh? Sure, keep telling yourself that.”

He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against my ear.

“Well, I can be a lot smoother when it’s just the two of us,” he whispered, sending a shiver down my spine.

I pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze with a teasing smile. “We’ll see about that."

"But for now, why don’t you help me out of this suit since you’re so obsessed with it?"

Aditya’s playful smirk turned downright devilish as he leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear.

“Gladly… but remember, nothing more than that. I promised Mom to be discreet, and I’m a good boy, okay? We cannot have you screaming my name.”

My eyes widened in shock and I playfully swatted his chest.... “Adi! That is not what I was suggesting!” I protested, feeling my cheeks heat up as he chuckled at my reaction.

“Sure, sure,” he teased... “But just so we’re clear, I’m totally on board with helping you out of this....okay?”  I could tell he was enjoying every second of my flustered state.

I rolled my eyes, trying to keep my voice steady. “I was just talking about getting comfortable, Aditya. Comfortable as in changing into something more relaxed, not—”

“Not?” he interrupted, raising an eyebrow with a grin that made my heart race.

I huffed, trying to hide my smile. “You know exactly what I meant. We’ve got your parents just down the hall, remember? This isn’t exactly the time to be… well, you know.”

“Oh, really?” he teased, arching a brow as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear.....“Because I distinctly remember you saying something about getting out of that suit....And if I remember correctly, the last time I helped you out of something, it didn’t end with us being ‘discreet.’”

“All I’m saying is that I can be very discreet,” he whispered, his lips ghosting over my cheek. “No one’s not going to hear a thing. But if you want to keep it innocent…” He paused, giving me a look that was anything but innocent.

I bit my lip, trying to fight off the grin threatening to break through.

"Well....I’m not the one who’s been given the ‘good boy’ label by his mother.”

He feigned a gasp.... “Are you questioning my integrity? I am a very good boy, thank you very much.”

I raised an eyebrow, matching his playful tone.

“Oh really? Because the way you’re looking at me right now doesn’t exactly scream ‘good boy’ to me.”

"I somehow hate ..but love how you enjoy teasing me..."

For a moment, the teasing melted away, leaving only the tender connection between us.

I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips, savoring the warmth and comfort that always came with being close to him.

He smiled against my mouth, pulling me just a little bit close. "Aren't you amazing...!?"

"Aren't you incredible!" I giggled as he made me sit on the bed and helped the bangles off my wrist.

~~~

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