In the bustling airport, Shree stands on the precipice of a new chapter, the departure gate to London beckoning her forward. Her heart races with anticipation, and the weight of the unknown future hangs in the air. For a fleeting moment, she scans the crowd, yearning for a glimpse of Madhav, a silent hope that he might defy the odds and appear at the last moment.

A sigh escapes her lips as the reality of his absence settles in. Shree resigns herself to the inevitable, preparing to step into the departure gate that will carry her away from the familiar and towards the uncertainties of a foreign land.

Yet, just as she takes that step, a familiar voice breaks through the airport's cacophony. "Stop!" Madhav's desperate plea resonates in the bustling terminal, cutting through the ambient noise. Shree freezes in her tracks, a mixture of surprise and disbelief painted across her face.

As the crowd momentarily parts, Madhav emerges, running towards her with an urgency that mirrors the intensity of their shared emotions. Shree's eyes well up with tears, mirroring the storm of feelings surging within her. Their eyes lock, and in that charged moment, time seems to slow.

Without uttering a word, they bridge the distance between them in a swift hug. Shree clings to Madhav as if she's afraid he might slip away again. The tears that cascade down her cheeks are a blend of relief, joy, and the lingering pain of weeks spent wondering if he'd ever come back.

He brushes his fingers through her hair, his touch a soothing balm to the wounds of their strained connection. Shree's sobs become softer, her face pressed against his chest, overwhelmed by the reality that he's there, holding her. Madhav's kisses rain down on her cheeks.

In that tender moment of reunion, Shree clings to Madhav unwilling to let go. Her tears are a mixture of joy, relief, and the bittersweet realization of the impending separation. "You came," she murmurs against his shoulder, her voice a delicate blend of gratitude and emotion.

Madhav nods, his arms wrapped securely around her. "How could I let my beloved wife go without saying goodbye, especially when she's carrying our child?"

Shree's smile broadens, appreciating the transparency in Madhav's admission. "I'm glad you know," she says, her tone carrying a sense of relief.

"I'll take the next flight to London. I won't let you go through this alone. I'll stay with you until our baby arrives."

They share a passionate kiss, an affirmation of their rekindled connection. The airport's hustle and bustle fade away, leaving only the two of them locked in this intimate exchange.

Shree, still teary-eyed but with newfound strength, nods. She gives him a final, lingering hug, committing the contours of his embrace to memory. Turning towards the departure gate, she wipes away the remaining tears

As they reluctantly pull away, Madhav brushes away the lingering tears on Shree's cheeks. "Go," he whispers. "Board the flight, and I'll be with you soon. I love you, Shree. No matter what, we'll face this journey together."

Shree looks up at him, her eyes reflecting a renewed sense of hope. With a nod, she utters, "I love you too, Madhav!"

Madhav keeps his promise, standing by Shree's side as she goes through the beautiful yet demanding phases of pregnancy. From doctor appointments to late-night cravings, they face it all together, forging a path toward a shared future.

* * * * *

In the hushed aftermath of her dream, Shree's eyes flutter open to the reality. It was 3:00 AM.

The remnants of her dream cling to her consciousness like fragile threads, and for a moment, she's suspended between the fleeting warmth of an illusion and the harsh embrace of reality. With a deep breath, she confronts the truth – Madhav is not coming and he doesn't care for her anymore. His absence speaks volumes about where they stand.

As the memories of her dream fade into the recesses of her mind, she repeats the mantra she's forged for herself – Madhav is not coming; he doesn't care. Each repetition is a protective layer, shielding her vulnerable heart from the echoes of a love that once seemed unbreakable.

The bittersweet memories of their shared moments flash before her eyes, and a lone tear traces its path down her cheek. She blinks back the tears with her t-shirt.

A rustle from beside her brings her attention to Sharan, who stirs from his sleep, his eyes expressing concern. "What happened?" His voice, filled with a blend of sleepiness and genuine care, reaches her ears.

Shree turns to face him, the unshed tears lingering in her eyes. "Did you dream about... you know, Madhav?" Sharan inquires gently, recognizing the emotional weight in her eyes.

A soft nod is her response. Sharan, without a word, reaches over and tenderly wipes away the traces of tears from her cheeks. His touch is a comforting reassurance, a silent promise that he's there for her.

"I'm here," he whispers softly, his words carrying the weight of understanding and support.

Sharan, without probing further, wraps his arm around her, offering solace in his comforting embrace.

As Shree drifts into a peaceful slumber nestled in Sharan's arms, he gazes at her with a tenderness that reflects the depth of his affection. Her serene countenance in sleep captivates him, and a gentle smile graces his lips as he presses a soft kiss upon her forehead. The quietude of the moment envelopes them in a cocoon of tranquility, where the world outside ceases to matter.

Hours pass, and the warmth of the morning sun gradually filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow upon the room. Shree stirs from her sleep, her eyes fluttering open to the dawning day. She finds herself cocooned in a quiet serenity, though she notices the absence of Sharan beside her.

With a gentle stretch, Shree rises from the bed, feeling the soft embrace of the morning light upon her skin, and decides to take a shower.

Emerging from the shower, draped in a towel, she feels a sense of anticipation tingling in the air. Drops of water bead on her shoulders, creating a mesmerizing play of light on her dew-kissed skin. The scent of her shower gel lingers, a subtle fragrance that intertwines with the steam lingering in the air.

Her eyes fall upon a bright yellow frock resting delicately upon the bed, a sight that fills her with a flush of warmth and affection. Blushing at the thoughtful gesture, she embraces the moment, relishing the simple yet heartfelt gesture from Sharan.

With a smile adorning her lips, Shree delicately slips into the frock.

Shree rushes into the kitchen with a beaming smile, gratitude sparkling in her eyes. Sharan stands at the stove, skillfully preparing pancakes, his casual attire accentuating the ease with which he navigates the kitchen. She wraps her arms around him, expressing her thanks for the thoughtful gesture of the bright yellow frock.

"Thank you for the lovely frock, Sharan. It's beautiful."

Sharan, turned to face her with a warm smile. "I'm glad you liked it. It looks even more beautiful on you."

He leans down and places a quick and gentle kiss on her lips. 

"Have a seat, my dear. Pancakes are on the way."

"You're spoiling me today, Sharan. Can't wait for those pancakes!"

"Sit back, relax, and enjoy," he insists, pouring the pancake batter onto the sizzling pan.

As Shree settles at the table, her eyes linger on Sharan, admiration evident in her gaze, her thoughts momentarily wandering to the softness of his kisses.

As Sharan continues flipping pancakes, he becomes aware of her gaze. He glances back at her with a playful smirk.

Sharan continues to craft the pancakes, the sizzle of the batter on the pan filling the kitchen with a tempting aroma.

Shree smiles playfully. "I must say, you look quite dashing in those sweatpants and the sleeveless tee."

"Why, thank you. Casual lounging attire, you know."

He flips a pancake skillfully, and the kitchen fills with the aroma of freshly cooked pancakes.

"You're quite the chef, aren't you?" Shree asks.

Sharan chuckles.

"Well, I do try my best, especially when it's for someone special."

"I can't wait to taste these pancakes that you made."

Sharan grinned.

As he serves a stack of pancakes onto her plate, the sweet aroma fills the air. Shree takes a bite, savoring the delightful taste. "These are amazing!" she declares, a smile of contentment spreading across her face.

As they savor the delicious pancakes, Shree notices Sharan's gaze fixed upon her. A smile plays on her lips as she takes another bite. Curiosity sparkles in her eyes.

"Is everything okay?" she asks, her tone soft and inquisitive.

Sharan nods, his eyes lingering on her. "You look so beautiful," he confesses, his words wrapped in genuine admiration.

A rosy blush tints Shree's cheeks as she absorbs his compliment. "Thank you," she replies, her voice carrying a mix of bashfulness and joy.

Shree smirks, "You know, you snore."

"No way! I don't snore."

"Such a liar," Shree teases, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "I heard it last night."

Sharan chuckles, "You must be imagining things."

"Imagining?" Shree raises an eyebrow. "I have ears, you know."

With a smirk, Sharan concedes, "Alright, maybe just a little snore."

Shree laughs, "Aha! Got you."

"I could make a symphony out of your snores, you know."

Sharan grins, "Oh really?"

Shree giggles.

"Alright, alright. I admit, I snore a lot."

Shree playfully puts a finger to her lips, "Our little secret."

As the playful banter weaves its way through the kitchen, a comfortable silence settles. Sharan gazes at Shree, a warmth in his eyes. Shree notices the intensity of his gaze and smirks, "What are you thinking?"

Sharan replies, "Just admiring the beauty in front of me."

Shree blushes, "Flatterer."

Their eyes lock, a magnetic pull drawing them closer. Sharan, unable to resist, admits, "Okay, I can't help but admire you. You look stunning."

Shree's heart flutters, and she replies with a sly grin, "Well, thank you. It's all-natural, you know."

Sharan laughs, "I wouldn't want it any other way."

The flirtation takes a turn as Sharan, with a twinkle in his eye, leans in closer. "You know, I've been told I'm a fantastic kisser."

Shree raises an eyebrow, "Is that so?"

He nods, "Care to find out?"

Shree smirks, "I don't mind a demonstration."

With a mischievous gleam, Sharan closes the distance between them, and their lips meet in a playful kiss. It's a dance of shared laughter and sweet moments. They pull back, both wearing smiles that speak volumes.

Shree, still caught in the moment, says, "Well, I must say, that was impressive."

Sharan grins, "Glad you think so."

Their playful flirtation turns into genuine connection as they share more about themselves. Sharan opens up, "You know, I love the way you laugh. It's contagious."

Shree blushes, "You make me laugh."

With a contented smile, Shree says, "I never expected pancakes and banter to turn into something so special."

Sharan replies, "Sometimes, the simplest moments lead to the most meaningful connections."

Sharan pours a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup onto Shree's pancakes, a proud grin on his face. "I made it myself," he announces.

Curious, Shree takes a bite and savors the flavor. "Mmm, this is delicious," she compliments, her eyes lighting up.

Sharan's smile widens, and he leans in to gently wipe the syrup from the corner of Shree's lips. Their eyes meet, a silent exchange of warmth and affection passing between them.

Shree, feeling emboldened by the moment, shares, "You know, I can make some tasty biscuits."

Sharan's interest is piqued. "Really? We should try baking together sometime when we have the chance," he suggests, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

Shree's face lights up at the idea, and she nods enthusiastically. "That sounds like a fantastic idea."

As they continue their breakfast conversation, Sharan proposes, "Hey, why don't you stay back for lunch? I'm planning to make biriyani."

Shree's eyes widen with excitement at the mention of biriyani. "I'd love to! I haven't had homemade biriyani in ages," she exclaims, her anticipation evident in her voice.

To be continued....