Jai drove the car silently. His lips curved into a wide smile. Srishti sat besides him , looking outside the car window. Struggling hard not to smile. She felt like flying in the air. Never she'd imagined that she would open up her feelings in such a way. The thing that he's loving her back is already making her weak in her knees.

Jai turned his head to look at Srishti. She was glowing with happiness. Water droplets clung to her damp hairs and he couldn’t help but to think how mesmerizing she looked in that moment.

It was hard to believe that they had finally confessed their feelings to each other, and it had unfolded in the most beautiful way possible. He recalled the warmth of their embrace, the way their hearts had raced in unison, pounding with the intensity of their love.

As he watched her, a wave of regret washed over him. He felt foolish for having misunderstood her feelings for so long. If only he had taken the time to communicate. To truly listen to her. He could have avoided the pain they both endured. Instead, he had hurt her unknowingly.

But now, everything felt right again. The weight of their past misunderstandings had been lifted. They had finally found their way to each other.

The whole journey was a silent one. Srishti didn't knew what to say to him. Once they had confessed their feelings. She felt picked up by him. As he hugged her tight. Her body still shivered against him. But now that they know each other's feelings. She wondered how to take this forward. Nervousness creeped inside her. Which made her restless. She didn't even look at him. Knowing very well it would be so damn hard to hide her hell flushed face.

They reached back home in few minutes. He parked the car and came outside. Followed by her. Once he handed over the keys to the watchman. He took her inside. She quietly followed him. Hugging herself as she shivered.

The door of the elevator closed as Jai pressed the button towards the upper floor. He watched srishti as she tightened the hold around herself. His lips curved into a smile. Seeing her.

"Are you okay?"he asked. Breaking the silence between them.

"Huh? Yeah. Yes. I mean. I'm fine"she said. Startled.

"You're shivering"he said, concerned.

"No it's okay. Im....fine"she said again.

The door of the elevator opened and they walked outside together. Towards their room.

"You should take a shower, Srishti. It’ll help you feel better. Let me check on Amma and see if she’s gone to sleep. She might have been worried if she had found both of us missing at this hour"

"But....you'll go like this?"she asked. He was completely drenched too. His shirt was sticking to his body. Jai looked at himself and then at her. She kept staring at his shirt. Which made him chuckle inwardly.

"Stop staring at me madam. I know I'm hot"he said. Which made her snap out of her thoughts.

"Wh....what? I didn't....stare"srishti stammered.

"Oh really?"he stepped closer to her. Which made her breath hitch. And take a step back.

"I can see that you're checking me out"he said. She gulped and shook her head.

"You didn't?"he stepped more closer. Which made her back hit the wall. As she stared at him. Leaning closer to her.

"Tell me"he brought his face closer to her. Making her loose her last amount of sense.

"I...I...will...get your...clothes"she said and rushed inside the room. Which made him laugh and follow her behind.

Srishti opened the wardrobe and hurried to take his clothes. He stepped closer to her and took his clothes. From by her shoulder. Brushing their arms. Srishti felt shivers running down her spine. By each passing second. She felt like blushing like a mess. She stood like a statue until he stepped back.

"Thanks. I'll change in the other room. You can freshen up here"he said. She nodded her head without looking at him. He smiled and walked outside the room. Leaving her alone.

Srishti rushed to close the door immediately. As soon as he left. Leaning her head to the door. Letting out a heavy breath. She closed her eyes tightly and smiled wide.

"HE. LOVES. ME"she said stressing each word.

"He loves me. Mr. Jai Prakash Raj is in love with me. With me?"she asked cupping her mouth.

The joy bubbled within her, and she felt an overwhelming urge to scream with happiness. But then she remembered it was late at night and decided to keep her excitement contained

She stepped inside the washroom and turned on the shower. The chill water ran down her body. Making her shiver and smile at the same time. Her heart was still beating. Feeling his proximity. She blushed recalling their hug. Every inch of her felt like melting. She ran fingers through her hairs. And giggled closing her eyes. In excitement.

"He loves me"she whispered again.

Jai whipped out his phone from his pocket and switched it on. He sighed and slapped his head as soon as he saw the number of missed calls from srishti. When she called him earlier. Panicking. He didn't knew what to do at that moment. The sudden confession had left her stunned. And he was worried about hurting her again. So he had to leave.

After freshening up. He walked towards his mothers room to check on her. Kumari was fast asleep in the bed when he walked in. She had some files. Piled near her feets. Jai sighed knowing that she had fallen asleep while working. He took all the papers from the bed and kept it on the table. Then he covered her properly with the duvet and gently kissed on her forehead.

"Raju?"kumari stirred from sleep. And looked at him.

"Maa. I'm right here. Go back to sleep"he patted her head. She sighed and held his hand. Falling back to sleep. Jai smiled as he watched his mother.

She had once mentioned how perfect srishti was. His mothers choice was never wrong. She could see what no one else could. He was thankful to his destiny. For making them meet.

After making sure that his mother had fallen into sleep. He switched the lights off and gently closed the door behind. Without disturbing her. When he walked back to their room. Srishti was still inside the washroom. He decided to wait outside for her. He sat back on the bed. Recalling everything that happened a hour back. He couldn't help but to smile.

His phone started buzzing. Stirring him out of his thoughts. He whipped his phone out from his pocket. To see Ganeshs call.

"Damn"he muttered under his breath and closed his eyes.

"Hello? Yes Ganesh. Tell me"he said. Attending the call.

"Hi sir. I hope I didn't disturb you. But I have your appointments rescheduled for the week. So I just wanted to know at what time. You wanna leave tomorrow?"Ganesh asked.

Jai felt like smacking himself. He scratched his nape

"Umm Ganesh. Did you inform Ashok about our change in plans?"Jai asked.

"No sir but I got in touch with his manager. He said he will be informing Ashok sir. And also the crew"ganesh said.

"Oh okay. Ganesh. I....I'm so sorry but can we just cancel the plan and go back to the Saturday schedule?"Jai asked.

"But sir. You wanted to leave tomorrow and...."

"Yeah I'm sorry about that. Something came up and...it won't be nice if I leave home now. Besides I need few days off from work. Do one thing. Connect to Ashok. I'll talk to him directly"jai said.

"No need sir. I'll call him. You don't have to worry. And I really think you should take some rest"ganesh said.

"Yeah I badly need one. Can you ask Ashok to call me tomorrow morning. I want to apologise him for the inconvenience"jai said.

"Sure sir. I will"

"Thank you so much. What would I do without you man? I love you Ganesh. Muah. Have good night. Tata"jai said excitedly as he dropped the call. Ganesh dropped the call as well and scratched his nape. Wondering what went wrong with Jai.

"Is he okay?"

Jai turned back and noticed Srishti chuckling to herself as she wiped her wet hair. Gazing at her reflection in the mirror. She had overheard his conversation with Ganesh. And felt a wave of relief wash over her. Knowing he wouldn’t be leaving soon. When she sensed his gaze on her, she quickly averted her eyes and walked toward the bed. A playful smile still lingering on her lips.

"What happened? Why are you smiling Srishti madam?"he asked. She shook her head. Trying to hide her amusement as she began arranging the bed.

Without warning, Jai grabbed her hand and pulled her close. Making her eyes widen in surprise.

"Now tell me"he said.

She managed to free herself from his hold. Her heart racing.

"Why did you cancel your plans? You were about to go tomorrow right?" she asked.

"What? You still expect me to go? Seriously, Srishti?" he replied. In disbelief as he watched her struggle to contain her smile.

"Yes, of course! You’re the one who decided to leave, and look. You even packed your suitcases" she teased.

"Oh okay. So you really want me to leave?"he asked.

"I didn’t say that" she laughed. With her cheeks flushed.

"No, no. If you don’t want me to stay, then maybe I will go"he said dramatically. Srishti continued to smile.

"What? You think I’m joking? One more call to Ganesh, and he’ll be booking my flight tickets right now"he said seriously.

She remained silent. The mischievous grin on her face. Made him sigh in mock exasperation.

"Fine. Then I'm leaving" he said, turning his back to her.

Srishti grabbed his wrist, stopping him in his tracks. Jai turned to face her, a smile creeping onto his lips that he tried to suppress.

"Please, don’t go"she said softly, her eyes locking onto his. The playful atmosphere shifted, replaced by a intense one. Jai looked into her eyes. And he could see how much she wanted him to stay.

"You really want me to stay?" he asked. His voice dropping to a whisper. Srishti nodded. Her heart racing as he stepped closer, their faces mere inches apart.

Jai gently cupped her face in his hands, his thumb brushing against her cheek. She shivered feeling his touch.

"Then I won’t leave. Not now, not ever"he said. She smiled and lowered her head to the ground. He held her hand. And made her sit on the bed. He sat next to her. Gripping her fingers. Her palms went cold. Feeling his touch.

"Srishti. I don't know from where to start. But do you know how I feel? I feel like.....I feel like I've conquered the entire world"he said. She smiled softly at him.

"I've never thought I was capable of loving someone this much. You're the best thing that has happened to me. Even though we had to go through a lot. I love you, Srishti. I seriously love you from the depths of my heart. And I always will"he said. Leaving her in tears. Her heart felt elated. Bursting with emotions.

"But right now, I know you need time. I mean. To start a life together at this point. So let's give each other some time to accept things. We will get to know each other better. There are so many things I need to complete on my to-do list. I want to finish this film. Start working on dads project. And you should focus on your career too"he paused.

"So you know what I mean? Let things fall into place for both of us. And then we'll start our life together. As husband and wife"he said. She listened to him silently.

"Are you fine with it?"he asked.

"Yes"she nodded.

"Are you sure? Please don't agree thinking that I'm forcing you"he said.

"No. You're right. We should give each other some time and I'm okay with it"she said with a smile. He smiled back.

"Okay. Great"

"Can I...can I ask you something?" Srishti said hesitantly. Her voice trembling as she approached a topic she knew would be difficult.

"Sure"Jai replied. Sensing her unease.

"Can you please....come with me to meet Arjun?" she asked. Her heart raced as she watched him go silent. Tension filled the air. And she felt a knot tighten in her stomach.

"I'm sorry if I said something wrong. But....I think he needs to know everything. After the party, I kept avoiding him. And I didn’t know how to deal with him. He’s hurt now. I don’t want him to hold onto any false hopes. I want to make him understand everything. About us. So will you....."

"Srishti"Jai interrupted gently, making her gulp and look down at the ground. Anxiety flooding her.

He lifted her chin with his finger so their eyes met.

"I’ll go with you. You don’t have to worry. I’ll be right by your side"he assured her.

Srishti felt a wave of relief wash over her.

"Are you okay with it?"she asked

"Of course. He is your best friend. And I know this is important to you, and it matters to me too. I could see how much he loved you and I think he deserves to hear it from both of us"he said. She smiled and nodded her head.

"Thank you"

"Keep the thank you aside. I want something from you"he said. She looked at him. In shock and he grinned seeing her face.

"Don't take me wrong Madam. It's just a small wish. Will you do it for me?"he asked.

"What is it?"she asked. Curiously.

"Today.. I want to hear my name. From my wife's mouth"he said making her widen her eyes

"Wh...what?"she asked.

"Yeah. You never call me by my name. And just now you had stopped calling me sir. Thank god for that. So....what do you say?"he asked.

"Um...no"she said and got up.

"Arey but why not?"

"Because....because I just can't. How can I call you by your name?"she asked.

"Really? Srishti I'm your husband and you have every right to call me by my name"he frowned.

"Before you became my husband. You were my superstar. And i really respect him so much for calling him by his name"she said.

"Darling. Even the small kids call me by my name only. This much hesitation. Ammo. What did I do in my past life to get a fangirl like you"he said. Dramatically. She rolled her eyes.

"Its late and we have to sleep. Come on"she tied her head into a bun and moved to her side of the bed.

"Are you sure that you won't say my name?"he asked for the last time. And she shook her head with a smile.

"Oh is that so? Fine then. I have my ways to make you do it"he got up and moved to his side of the bed as well.

Srishti smiled and lay on her side. While Jai dimmed the lights of the room. Her back towards him. She pulled the duvet closer. Hiding her blushing face inside. Knowing very well that today it will be hard to fall into sleep. His presence had never made her this weak. Everything had changed now. They were people in love. She could feel chills over her body. Whenever she recalled their confession.

Few minutes later. Srishti stirred awake. Feeling a warm breath brushing against her neck. Slowly she raised her head and looked back. Her breath hitched when she found Jai so close. His head resting in his palms. A playful smile on his lips. Her heart raced as she tried to inch away towards the edge of the bed.

"You will learn only when you fall down"he teased, chuckling softly.

"What....what are you doing?"she asked as she attempted to get up. To her surprise. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. Her breath quickened, and she swallowed hard. Feeling a rush of warmth into her cheeks.

Jai inched closer. His fingers gently playing with the strands of hair that fell across her face. She closed her eyes tightly. Overwhelmed by the closeness.

"Pl...please"

"Call my name and I'll go back to my side like a good boy"he said. She opened her eyes and shot him a glare, her heart pounding.

"No I won't"she replied defiantly. Though her voice trembled slightly.

"Okay then. Let's be like this the whole night"he challenged with a mischievous grin.

"Please"she pleaded. Feeling the tension between them rise.

Leaning in. He whispered in her ear. Sending shivers down her spine. His breath was warm against her neck. And she instinctively held onto his shoulder for support.

"I said...call my name"he whispered in her ear. She clutched his shoulders. Closing her eyes tightly. His voice was husky. Which made her tremble.

"Srishti?"he whispered.

"J...jai"she stammered. Biting her lower lip as she felt a rush of emotions.

"Once more"he urged. His eyes locked onto hers, filled with desire.

"Jai"she breathed, a smile breaking through her.

"Again"he said. His voice. Was like a seductive whisper.

"Jai"she repeated, her heart fluttering in her chest.

His face lit up with a radiant smile as he stared at her. His gaze softening. He leaned in closer. Brushing his lips gently against her left cheek. Srishti felt a spark ignite within her. Her breath hitching as she clutched his collar. He kissed her softly. Making her melt.

"Good night srishti"he said softly, pulling back to look into her eyes. The warmth of his smile sent her heart to racing. She felt a wave of happiness wash over her.

As he moved to his side of the bed. Srishti's heart thudded wildly in her chest. She pulled the duvet closer. Feeling a mix of excitement and contentment. Jai turned away. A satisfied smile still lingering on his lips as he happily drifted off to sleep. But sleep was far from Srishti's mind. She lay there. Her heart still racing from the closeness they had just shared, replaying the moment in her mind. The warmth of his breath. The playful banter. The sweetness of his kiss lingered in the air. Wrapping around her like a soft blanket.

In that moment, she realized that this was just the beginning of their beautiful journey together and she couldn’t wait to see where it would lead.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Precap - "lets play hide and seek"

♡ Nila ♡