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This chap is affectionately dedicated to CrimsonCurse007 -
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"What's meant for you will always feel natural, calm and clear, not forced, chaotic and confusing........................."

The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the apartment. Vatsal was already up, quietly getting ready for work. He moved with a practiced efficiency, not wanting to disturb Shubhita, who was still sound asleep on the mattress.

The routine of his mornings had always been solitary and rushed, but today, he found himself moving more quietly, aware of her presence.

He was just about to take a sip of his coffee when he heard the soft rustle of sheets and the quiet steps of Shubhita emerging from the inner room. She looked sleepy, her hair slightly tousled, and her eyes still heavy with sleep. She noticed the scant breakfast on the table—just coffee and two slices of plain bread—and frowned.

"Is this all you're having for breakfast?" she asked, her voice a mix of concern and disapproval.

Vatsal looked up, a bit surprised by her question. “Yeah, it’s what I usually have,” He said, shrugging. “Quick and easy.”

She frowned, looking dissatisfied. “That’s not enough. You need something more than just coffee and bread.”

“I’ve been managing with this for years,” he said, trying to reassure her.

Shubhita’s frown deepened. “Just give me ten minutes,” she said, already heading towards the kitchen.

Before he could protest, she moved to the kitchen. He watched her, amusement and curiosity mingling in his gaze as she moved with a determined purpose. She rummaged through the fridge, pulling out the leftover potato sabzi from last night’s dinner. With swift and practiced movements, she began stuffing the sabzi into the bread, creating makeshift sandwiches. She placed the warm, golden sandwiches in front of him within minutes.

"Here, try these. Much better than plain bread," she said, a hint of pride in her voice. “You need something more substantial to start your day.”

He looked at her, touched by her thoughtfulness. “You didn’t have to go through the trouble.”

“It’s no trouble,” she replied with a smile. “I want you to have a good breakfast.”

Vatsal took a bite, savouring the rich flavours. "These are really good. Thank you," he said, genuinely appreciating her effort. Her simple act of care brought a warmth to his morning that he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Vatsal finished the last bite of his sandwich, savoring the warmth and care that Shubhita had put into it. He stood up, straightening his shirt as he prepared to leave.

“Be careful with the door,” he said, his tone serious but gentle. “You know what I mean... Don’t open it for strangers.”

Shubhita found his concern endearing and couldn’t help but smile. She nodded her head exaggeratedly, mimicking a child receiving important instructions. “Yes, sir! I won’t open the door for strangers,” she said, her antics making him chuckle despite his initial worry.

“Good,” he said, his expression softening. “I’ll be back around 7 or so. And don’t forget, we’re invited to Ojas and Leher’s place for dinner tonight. Be ready, we’ll go together.”

“Alright,” she replied, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

As Vatsal headed down the stairs, Shubhita followed him to the landing. Suddenly, she stumbled slightly, almost tripping over her own feet. Vatsal instinctively reached out, catching her arm just in time.

“Whoa, careful there! Still sleepy, Sleepy Head?” he said, shaking his head at her.

“Thanks,” she said, looking around. “Guess I’m still getting used to this place.”

He let go of her arm, steadying her. “It’s okay. Just try not to break anything, okay?”

“Noted,” she replied with a making a face. As he turned to leave, she waved her hand at him. “Bye-bye!”

He turned, surprised. Instead of waving back, he signalled her to get inside the apartment. “Fine. Go on now, get inside.”

“I’ll, after you’ll leave”, she muttered tapping her fingers on the wall.

“I won’t leave until you close the door.” He crossed his arms and looked at her squarely.

She pouted playfully. “Fine. Spare a glance at the window before starting your bike.”

Vatsal turned to give her an are-you-serious look, shaking his head in mock exasperation. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” she said, crossing her arms this time.

“Fine, fine.” He rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile at her when she noticed her closing the door with a thud.

He stood there until and unless she didn’t lock the door from inside, and then headed down the stairs. At the bottom, he turned back and looked up at the window. Sure enough, Shubhita was there, her smile bright and genuine, waving at him.

He shook his head, smiling. “You’re something else, you know that?” He whispered that to himself, cause he couldn’t to her due to the distance.

She just beamed, almost screaming, waving more enthusiastically. “Bye! Drive safely!”

He waved back, feeling a warmth in his chest. This small, new ritual felt comforting in a way he hadn’t expected. No one had ever done this for him before. At home, no one used to come after him. Waving a hand was a far-off thing.

As he looked at her, a mixture of emotions started swirling in his eyes. He was worried about leaving her alone in an unfamiliar place but also comforted by her presence. She had adapted so quickly, showing resilience and warmth that eased his concerns, if only a little.

As he started his bike, he looked up at the window one last time. Seeing her there, her smile bright and genuine, he couldn’t help but smile back. This small, new ritual felt comforting in a way he hadn’t expected, filling a void he hadn’t realized was there.

He rode off, feeling a mix of hope and warmth, knowing that at the end of the day, someone would be waiting for him with that same bright smile.

_

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_

As the door clicked shut, Shubhita stood there for a moment, feeling a mixture of emotions. Waving at Vatsal from the window had been a simple act, yet it filled her with a sense of belonging and warmth. She had never thought she would find comfort in such small rituals. She smiled to herself, touched by how natural it felt to care for someone, to be a part of their daily life.

Behind the closed door, the apartment felt both familiar and new. It was small, yes, but it was peaceful and quiet. It was their space, and that thought made her heart swell with a sense of purpose. She was determined to make it a home, no matter how modest.

Taking a deep breath, Shubhita looked around and began to tackle the mess. She started by cleaning the kitchen, wiping down the counters and putting away the dishes. She moved to the living room, dusting the furniture and organizing the scattered belongings. As she worked, she felt a growing sense of satisfaction, as if each act of tidying up was bringing a bit more order and warmth into their home.

Next, she unpacked her suitcases, carefully arranging her clothes in the small wardrobe beside Vatsal’s belongings. She smiled at the thought of their lives intermingling, each item a testament to their shared space. She found places for her books, her knick-knacks, and a few other things. She even took the time to neatly fold and organize Vatsal’s scattered clothes, feeling a surprising joy in taking care of the little things which belonged to him.

After hours of cleaning and organizing, the apartment started to look and feel more like a home. Satisfied with her work, she decided to take a quick shower. The warm water was refreshing, washing away the morning’s exertions and leaving her feeling rejuvenated.

Dressed in fresh clothes, Shubhita made herself a cup of tea and that same sandwich and sat down on the chair, in front of the window, feeling a sense of accomplishment. She picked up her phone and dialled her younger brother, Shubh, for a video call. His cheerful face filled the screen, and she felt an immediate lift in her spirits.

“Hey, Idiot! How’s the new place?” Shubh asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“Oh, hi, Stupid! It’s... small, but cozy,” she replied with a smile. “I’ve been cleaning and organizing all morning. Want a tour?”

“Of course! Show me around!” he said eagerly.

She walked him through the apartment, pointing out the little details she had added to make it feel more homely. Shubh’s banter was light-hearted and full of jokes, making her laugh and forget the weight of the recent changes.

“So, how’s Vatsal Jiju? Taking good care of my sister?” Shubh teased.

“Yeah, he’s good. He’s trying his best,” she said, smiling softly. “He’s at work right now.”

Soon Shubh transferred his phone in the hands of his parents. Their faces filled the screen, concern and curiosity evident in their eyes. Shubhita reassured them, showing them the apartment and telling them about her morning.

“It’s not much, but we’re making it work,” she said, her voice steady.

Her mother nodded, her eyes softening. “As long as you’re happy, beta. That’s all that matters.”

Her father added, “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. We’re always here for you.”

Shubhita felt a wave of gratitude for their unwavering support. “I know, Papa. Thank you.”

After a few minutes of casual conversation, her father’s expression turned more serious. “Beta, tell me one thing very honestly... is Vatsal good to you?”

Shubhita paused for a moment, her thoughts turning to the little moments they had shared. She smiled, a soft, thoughtful smile. “Papa, same question again? Didn’t I answer to this that day too?” She sighed smiling more, “So now I’m copy-pasting the same answer – I don’t know if he’s good. But one thing I’m sure of is that he isn’t bad to me. He’s trying, and I appreciate that.”

Her father nodded, seeming to digest her words. “I’m glad to hear that again. Shubhi, you know, it’s important to be patient and give each other time to adjust. But always do remember that there’s a limit to everything. You’re my star, keep your shine intact always.”

Shubhita smiled with tears of joy in her eyes. “I understand, Papa. I love you and miss you a lot.”

“We too, beta.” She heard her mother scream that from the kitchen. Both she and her father laughed at that.

Her father then shifted the topic to something that had been on his mind. “What about your career plans now, Shubhi? Have you thought about how you’re going to find a job there? And when do you plan to start?”

Shubhita took a deep breath, considering her response. “Actually, Papa, I’ve already started working on it. Yesterday, I mailed my resume to some good schools and even to two coaching centres here in Noida. And now, I’m just waiting for an interview call from those places.”

Her father’s eyes lit up with approval. “That’s wonderful, beta. I’m proud of you for being proactive. I’m sure you’ll find something soon.”

Her mother chimed in, her voice filled with concern and encouragement. “Take your time, beta. Don’t rush into anything. We just want you to be happy and secure.”

“I will, Mumma,” Shubhita reassured her. “I’m taking it one step at a time.”

After a few more words of encouragement and advice from her parents, the call ended. Shubhita felt a renewed sense of determination. She too felt a deep sense of connection to her family despite the distance. The day had started with uncertainty, but now, surrounded by the little touches she had added to their home, she felt a growing sense of optimism.

She and Vatsal were starting from scratch, but they were doing it together, and that made all the difference. She knew that building a life in this new place would take effort, but she was ready for the challenge. Their small apartment, which had felt like a temporary shelter in the morning, now began to feel like a space filled with possibilities.

She spent the rest of the day adding more personal touches to the apartment. By the time she was done, the apartment looked much more inviting and homely.

The kitchen, which had been the first area she tackled, now gleamed with cleanliness. She prepared a light lunch for herself, savouring the calm and quiet of the afternoon. As she ate, she thought about the job hunt that lay ahead. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she felt more prepared knowing she would anyhow make it.

Later, she tidied up the living room and organized the bathroom, making sure everything was in its place. She found comfort in these small tasks, each one a step towards making the apartment feel like their own.

By the time evening rolled around, she was tired but content. She took a moment to sit back and admire her work. The apartment, though small, now had a warmth and charm that hadn’t been there before. She felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing she had played a big part in creating this new home.

As the hours slipped by, Shubhita found herself stealing glances at the clock more frequently than she'd care to admit. Each tick of the second-hand felt like an eternity as her mind got preoccupied with thoughts of Vatsal's return.

When the knock finally echoed through the room, her heart leaped with anticipation. She rushed to the door, a smile already spreading across her face. Opening it, she found Vatsal standing there, his tired eyes lighting up at the sight of her.

"Hey," he said softly, stepping inside with a gentle smile. Shubhita couldn't suppress her own grin as she closed the door behind him.

"Hey yourself," she replied playfully, feeling a surge of warmth as they stood together in their cozy space. They exchanged a brief but meaningful glance, wordlessly sharing the comfort of being together again after a day apart.

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This is it for now. Hope you liked it. I am sorry for the mistakes.

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