Now, the next chapter after this target is completed.

Today's target -
‼️Next update on Friday‼️
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इश्क का रंग सफेद पिया
ना छल ना कपट ना भेद पिया
सौ रंग मिले तू इक्क वर्गा
फिर आतिश हो या रेत पिया रेत पिया
जिस जंग में तेरा हो रुतबा
उस जंग का मैं तो
जुनैद पिया जुनैद पिया
सोहणा सोहणा इतना भी कैसे तू सोहणा
तेरे इश्क में जोगी होना मेनू जोगी होना
मेनू जोगी होना मेनू जोगी होना
मेनू जोगी होना मेनू जोगी होना

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"Bhabhi, ye halwa bhi pack kar lijea," Kavita said as we were about to leave.

Halwa was packed in a small steel container with a warm scent in the air behind her.Kavita handed it over rather sweetly, which I accepted with a warm smile.

Sidharth ji had decided that before we reached back home-the Haveli- we could go somewhere for a while.

I stole a glance towards him. He was speaking to Shyam Kaka, calm yet firm, about our departure. The afternoon light gracefully lit up his face, accentuating the sharpness of his features.The same face that once upon a time was a stranger to me, couldn't help but now have a place inside my heart that I can't quite put into words.And then, looking at him, his words from earlier echoed in my mind.

"Aap meri zindagi ki sabse keemti, sabse zaroori, aur sabse chahi hui cheez hain."

A warmth swirled in me, stretching more and more, going deep. A slight curl of my fingers on the folds of my saree pallu was caused by my heart echoing back his words to me; the heavy measure and the profound, I was wrapped in them like a gentle embrace.

Lowering my eyes, I felt the blush creep to my face, everything around me fading for a moment: the voices, the movements, even the air itself was blurring.

I turned my face away, shy, yet unable to stop the tiny smile that tugged at my lips.

"Chale?"
(Let's go?)

At the sound of his voice, I turned-and there he was, standing just next to me, his hand out towards mine. For a momen, I simply stared at him. The way he stood, so untroubled, composed with a small smile on his lips.

I nodded with a small smile, putting my hand in his. His fingers closed around mine, warm, firm. And so we stepped to the car, step by step, the world outside us moving but somehow removed, irrelevant.

He released me only to open the door. I settled in, smoothing my pallu as he moved around the car and into the driving seat.

The engine started up, and presently, the road lay before us. Outside, the sun at late-afternoon painted everything gold. The trees stood tall, their leaves only just visible in the sunlight.

A small boy was running along the pavement, his laughter drowned by the hum of the car. The world was quiet, almost motionless.

And then, slowly, gently, I felt a hand sliping in mine, and his hand found mine again.

I didn't turn to look at him, didn't say a word. I only smiled, my fingers curling just a little in his hold.

The vehicle came to a halt after some time, but I was trapped. My gaze remained on the sight before me, where the ground went on and on, rounded by the golden light of the sun as it fell below the horizon. The hills rolled out into the distance, peaks and valleys blending into the horizon. A bit further along, past the rolling hills, was the edge of a cliff.

The sky was colored pale oranges and pinks, the sun low on the horizon, casting golden light on all things. It was still serene.

I did not go toward the door. I never had. It was a habit now-to wait, to have him come to me.

A second, and the door creaked open, and I shifted slightly. Sidharth ji was present, face calm, eyes gentle. And he was smiling. Not those tiny one ones I had seen countless times before, but something else, something genuine which only I have witnessed. The image brought a weird flutter to my chest.

He extended his hand, and before I knew it, mine was in his. His was a firm, comforting touch. Stepping out into the chill of the air, I was met with its earthy smell, full of the hills. The world I saw before me was limitless, stretching far past the boundaries of my sight.

I breathed quietly.

The sun was dropping, casting golden light across everything, tinting the clouds with gentle waves of pink and purple. The sky was beautiful, a painting, a dream. My lips opened infinitesimally as I took it all in, standing small against it all.

And then I felt it.

A touch-not on my hand, but on my waist.

Warming hands, firm and assertive, wrapping around me from behind and holding against me. My breath had caught, a tiny shiver running over my skin. He was there, beside me, his solidity solid.

I didn't move. I couldn't.

The heat of his hand on me made my mind go into a silent fog, but before I even realized it, he leaned forward. Close enough that his breath caressed my ear, making me shiver.

"Kaisa laga?"
(How's it?)

His voice was soft, low, intertwining in the evening air like a shared secret only with me.

I swallowed, my grip on the material of my pallu a notch tighter. My heart was pounding a little harder now.

"Sundar hai."
(It's beautiful)

The words escaped my lips in a soft whisper as I kept my gaze ahead. The sky was a canvas-orange blending into pink, fading into the blue deepening in the evening. The hills rolled out endlessly, laden with the golden color of the sun setting. The silence that surrounded us was serene, giving me a warmth that I could not find the words to express.

And then, I sensed it.

A soft tug. Enough to pull me closer.

My body moved into him, and I did not try to stop it. It was seamless, as if moving into something I'd known all my life. His was a presence that was rock-like, unchanging, like the world outside had been created for this moment.

I sensed his eyes on me. Even without turning toward him, I could tell. That piercing stare, watching, seeking.

Its heat seeped into my skin, rousing something warm and familiar within me. I moved slowly.

He was still staring at me when he said

"Hmm, sunder to bahut hai,"
(Yes, it's beautiful)

My lips curved upward with a gentle smile, my cheeks blushing in secret before I could stop it. There was something that felt familiar to the scene, as if I'd seen it before.

A drama, perhaps? I once saw something like this-the way the hero stared at the heroine, as if the world around them had disappeared and when they'll similar moment.

It deepened my smile.

"Aap toh bohot filmy baatein karne lage hain," I said before I could stop myself. A small smile came to my lips.

("You have started talking very filmy.")

His lips curled, a spasm of something illegible flashing across his eyes. The sunset waited in the background behind him, but I was no longer gazing at the sky.

As I listened to myself say it, I tilted my head to one side, looking back at the sun's going. The color was richer, more vivid, the firmament blacker. The light that was golden enveloped the hills, brushing earth with its last touch before it would be night.

I caught my breath, relishing the instant as it encircled us like a soft embrace. But before my heart could find its easy rhythm once more, his voice broke through the silence-warm, husky, teasing.

"Aab biwi itni khoobsurat ho toh banda filmy baatein karne lagta hai."

(If the wife is this beautiful, the man is bound to be fictional)

My breath caught.

The plain, heavy words set a flush of heat over my face. There was a stunned moment of blankness, and then my heart was tripping over its own rhythm. I couldn't even glance at him, or else I would be revealing on my own face what I knew was there.

Heat ascended the back of my neck, settling upon my skin like the very colors of the sunset I gazed at.

I swallowed hard, my fingers involuntarily closing around the rim of my pallu.

Oh, Aarth.

I pressed my lips together, willing my heartbeat to slow down. But it was no use. His words had already settled in, looping in my mind like a soft, lingering melody.

I tightened my grip on his hand, then rested my head against his shoulder. The quiet between us was not empty but warm, reassuring, like a gentle blanket engulfing us. His touch was calm and routine, and as I felt him slide his hand from my waist to my shoulder, a low heat seeped through me.

The world seemed motionless. Just him and me and the dying light.

The view and him-we-it were perfect.

The sun lingered on the horizon, golden streaks shooting across the sky as night's first shades appeared. Soft orange colors blur with the distant hills, all a sense of tranquility and unbelonging. Coolness in the air now tickled my skin, but beside me, his warmth was all that was needed to dispel it.

These three days, I knew I'd never forget.

They were flawless-better than flawless. Within hours, I had attained a level I never imagined. The ease with which I was with him, the stillness of confidence his being imparted me, and the love... the love that had developed inside me-deep and irrefutable.

I inclined my head to the side to gaze at him. My heart melted at what I saw.

My Aarth

He was staring directly ahead, his expression serene, those piercing blue eyes mirroring the sky's waning light. He seemed at peace. And to know that he could be at peace with me-it did something to my heart I couldn't even begin to explain.

I smiled gently to myself, looking back out at the sunset. But just as I was getting lost in the loveliness in front of me, I sensed him moving.

And before I could utter, his hands returned to my waist.

With one fluid motion, he picked me up as if I didn't weigh anything. A soft gasp escaped my lips, my hands automatically clutching his shoulders.

"S-Siddharth ji?" I whispered, my heart racing furiously in my chest.

He didn't respond immediately. Instead, the heart-warming smile spread across his lips-the type that seemed to make everything around us melt away. Silently, he put me down carefully on the car hood, positioning me so that I had my back to the endless expanse.

The sun was setting out before us, coloring the sky in its last flourish of hue before the night fell.

"Khade khade jaygi aap," he spoke softly, his voice as cozy as the waning sun.

(You'll get tired while standing)

I could feel his hands still at my waist for a split second longer before he left them there, his grip firm and comforting.

And in that moment, with the sky ablaze in shades of orange and gold, his body heat enveloping me, I knew-this was home.

Not the place. Him.

Author's pov-

Siddharth leaned against the car, his limbs relaxed, as if the world about them was light. The fading light of the sun cast golden shadows on his face, softening the sharp edges of his usual gravity. Beside him, Noor sat there in silence, her fingers plaiting the zari pallu of her saree-a absent-minded gesture, delicate and habitual.

The silence between them wasn't stifling-it was warm, the way the wind stroked their skin. But curiosity stirred in her heart, pushing her to speak. Turning her head just a little, she looked at him, her voice soft, almost hesitant.

"Aap nahi thakege?"

(You won't get tired?)

With the words, Sidharth turned his head, his eyes meeting hers with a teasing smile creasing his lips-one that left her heart skip a beat.

"Nahi. Mai nahi thakta," he said, his voice light, teasing, as if he had all of eternity to spend on her questioning.

(No, I don't get tired)

But his relaxed posture only added to the small furrow between her brows. Without an effort, her brows creased into a small frown as she turned more towards him, curiosity growing more insistent.

"Aap nahi thakte? Kaise?"

(You don't get tired? How?)

The question hung suspended in the air, soft and childlike-yet it drew him closer. Without a word, Sidharth shifted, his moves slow and fluid. He turned to face her fully, bridging the gap as his hands rested on either side of her. In one quiet move, he wrapped herself by his presence -a frame holding hers, a quiet possession that didn't need words.

His eyes, warm and unflinching, held hers as he spoke-his voice low, like the sharing of a secret between them alone. Leaning closer to her, which made Noor throat dry at, he whispered

"Kyunki mai aapse jyada khana khata hu."
(Because I eat more than you)

The words-so absurd, so basic-tickled the edges of her poise. Noor's frown grew deeper as confusion danced on her face. Her lashes dropped a little as she narrowed her eyes at him, a defensive tone creeping into her voice.

"Ha-ha, to aap bade hain, aapko jyada bhook lagti hai."

(Yes-yes, you are bigger than you. You have more appetite)

She spoke softly, her words carrying a quiet defiance-an attempt to hold her ground, though the warmth in her voice betrayed her. And then, without warning, his laughter burst forth. It was full, deep, and uncontrolled-the kind of laughter that spilled out into the air and made everything else seem lighter.

Throwing his head back, Sidharth laughed at her-at the simple sense in her words and the innocent challenge in her tone. And despite the still-curving frown on her lips, Noor couldn't help herself. Her eyes, still narrowed in mock-annoyance, softened. A smile-small and reluctant-slipped past her defenses.

In the fading light, with laughter still hanging between them, something warm and unspoken settled in the air. It wasn't just the playfulness or the teasing words-it was the ease of being together. The quiet comfort of knowing that even in silence, even in their smallest moments, they belonged here-with each other.

The sound of his laughter filled the air-deep, warm, and so effortlessly carefree. Noor didn't take her eyes off him. The way his head tilted back slightly, the crinkle around his eyes-it was the kind of laugh that tugged at her heart. And she liked being the reason for it.

"Aap toh hamesha mere khaane mein bolte rehte hain," she started, her voice soft but quick-almost as if she had been holding it in for too long. "Yeh khalijea, woh khalijea-Hum nahi khaungyge! Itni Thora khati hai aap!! Jitni bhookh lagegi, utna hi khaungyge na!"

("You're always commenting on my eating-eat this, eat that! I won't eat! You don't eat much! I only eat as much as I'm hungry for, okay?")

Her words came out in a rush-defensive, yes, but there was something so innocent, so her, that it only made Sidharth's laughter grow louder. He wasn't teasing to annoy her; he just couldn't help it. Watching her try to defend herself over the smallest things-like how much she ate-was a kind of joy he never wanted to lose.

"Acha, sorry, sorry! Nahi hasta," he said, straightening up, though the smile still played at his lips.

("Okay, sorry, sorry! I won't laugh.")

Noor, however, wasn't ready to forgive him just yet. She turned her face away with a small huff, the slight chill in the air brushing against her warm cheeks. But Sidharth-he had already caught the blush creeping over her skin. And it wasn't just the cold.

For a second, he just watched her-this woman who had somehow become his. His best part of the day, life.

There was something about the way she turned her face, lips pressed in a soft pout, that made his heart tighten. He leaned closer, the teasing gleam in his eyes softening into something warmer.

And before she could react, she felt the gentle scrape of his teeth against her cheek-a playful bite, followed by a soft, lingering kiss.

Her heart stuttered in her chest. "Ah!" The sound left her lips before she could stop it, her wide eyes darting around as if someone might see them.

"K-Kya kar rahe hain aap?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, laced with surprise and something else-something she couldn't quite name.

("W-What are you doing?")

But Sidharth only grinned, leaning against the car like he had all the time in the world.

"A-Aap toh besharam bante ja rahe hain..." she mumbled, still scanning their surroundings as if the night sky itself might catch them.

("You're becoming shameless, you know...")

His smile widened at her words, and without missing a beat, he leaned in again-closer this time, his warmth brushing against her skin. Noor instinctively leaned back, her heartbeat loud in her ears.

"Subha hi bola maine," he murmured, his voice a low hum that wrapped around her like the evening breeze. "Aapko dekh ke besharmo wale khayal hi aate hain ab."

("I already told you this morning-when I look at you, all I get are shameless thoughts ")

Noor's breath hitched-her face burning as his words settled in. And yet, despite the warmth flooding her cheeks, she couldn't stop the smile tugging at her lips.

He was impossible. It is absolutely impossible.

But he was hers. And maybe-just maybe-she didn't mind his shameless thoughts.

Sidharth's eyes softened as he watched Noor still look around, trying to check if anyone was there. Her jitters made him smile-a roguish, teasing smile that pulled at the corner of his mouth.

He leaned in close, his voice low and husky. "Koi nahi hai, Noor. Hum akele hain yahan."

("There's no one here, Noor. It's just us.")

But Noor, being Noor, didn't give up. Her eyes still swept the perimeter as if someone might suddenly appear. Amused, Sidharth cocked his head, moving closer-so close that his face blocked her view. He was enjoying it. Enjoying the reactions coming from her.

With that very same teasing smile, he whispered,

"Toh main thodi besharmi aur dikhaun aapko?"

("So, should I show you a little more shamelessness?")

Her brows furrowed, confusion flashing in her wide eyes. "Huh?"

But before she could make sense of his words, he cupped her face-his big hands warm against her soft skin-and without hesitation, he pressed his lips to hers.

The world around them seemed to fade. Noor's eyes widened in shock, her breath caught in her throat. His lips were firm but soft, moving against hers with ease that made her heart skip a beat. He didn't rush-he never did with her. It was slow, teasing-like he was savoring every second, every reaction.

Her hands, hesitant at first, rose slowly to grab hold of his shirt. The light scent of his cologne mixed with the cool evening air, sending her spinning in the best way. Sidharth's thumbs stroked against her cheeks, tilting her head slightly to deepen the kiss. It was as if he couldn't get enough of her-like even the space between them was too much.

When he finally let her go, Noor's breath came out in soft, uneven puffs. Her eyes-wide and slightly glossy-looked up at him with a mix of shock and something softer, warmer. She bit her lower lip without realizing it, her cheeks flushing under his unyielding gaze.

And then-because she simply couldn't help it-her eyes darted around once more to make sure that no one had seen them. Her heart skipped a beat at his bravery.

Sidharth chuckled, the sound deep and husky, and leaned against the car with all the air of someone who'd just been indulging in a wonderful joke.

"Aap hamesha itni cute kyun lagti hain jab ghabrati hain?" he wondered, his voice full of affection.

("Why do you always look so cute when you get nervous?")

Noor's frown grew deeper, her lips twisting as if she wanted to retort back at him but couldn't quite find the words. "Aap...aap toh bas-" she muttered, still refusing to look at him.

("You...you are just-")

"Bas kya, Noor?" he interrupted, his voice playful as his fingers brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

("Just what, Noor?")

Her heart pounded, her mind in chaos, but even in her shyness, she couldn't keep the satisfaction creeping onto her lips. And as much as he teased her-she knew one thing. She loved being his.

"Hatiye," she said again, softer this time, as she shifted against him, trying to climb down from the hood of the car. Her small hands pushed against his chest, but he didn't budge-not even a little.

Sidharth tilted his head, watching her every move like it was the most amusing thing he had seen all day. She was trying so hard to be mad. So hard. But those red cheeks and the way her lips jutted out in a soft pout-she wasn't doing a very good job of it.

"Acha, sorry" he said, dragging the words out like an indulgence, as if her irritation was the sweetest thing in the world.

Noor huffed again, twisting the edge of her zari pallu in her fingers-a habit he had grown used to by now. She didn't look at him, her eyes stubbornly fixed on the fading sunset, as if ignoring him would make his teasing stop.

It wouldn't.

Sidharth's smile deepened as he watched her-eyes narrowing slightly, lips curving with quiet amusement. Noor's face, still flushed pink, twisted into a soft glare as if daring him to tease her again. Cute. She was so damn cute when she tried to act tough.

He leaned toward her-just a little, just enough to make her breath hitch, to tease her again-but before he could close the distance, her eyes narrowed further. A warning.

Sidharth chuckled under his breath, lifting his hands in mock surrender.
But the smile on his face said otherwise.

Noor huffed softly, turning her face away, but the pout on her lips gave her away. She wasn't really mad-not when he looked at her like that.

Without another word, Sidharth turned back toward the horizon, resting his weight against the car. The sun was sinking lower now, casting streaks of gold and orange across the sky. Quietly, he watched it-his teasing faded into silence, but that playful smile still lingered on his face.

And even as the sun slipped beneath the horizon, he didn't move. Not yet.

Because, for once, watching the sunset wasn't as interesting as the girl beside him.

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Noor's pov-

The sky stretched out in warm hues-soft oranges melting into pinks-like a painting too beautiful to touch. I sat quietly on the hood of the car, my legs swinging gently as the breeze brushed against my skin. The world felt slower here, quieter. And somewhere between the fading warmth and the cool air, my heart felt... lighter.

Sidharth ji stood just behind me, close enough that I could feel his presence without looking. He hadn't said anything in a while, noy after teasing me that much, but I could tell-he was watching me. He always did.

I let my gaze drift toward the horizon, and without meaning to, my thoughts slipped back-back to home. Back to the window in my old room.

Evenings there felt different. Peaceful. The smell of agarbatti would float in from the temple, soft and familiar, mixing with the sound of bells echoing in the air. I used to sit by the window, hugging my cherry pillow, watching the sun disappear behind the fields. It was my favorite part of the day-a quiet kind of happiness.

The memory made my heart ache, just a little.

"Humein Cherry ki yaad aa gayi," I murmured softly, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

(I miss Cherry)

For a moment, everything stilled.

I felt him turn toward me, his attention shifting fully. When I tilted my head to meet his gaze, he was already watching-his eyes warm but curious.

"Hamara Cherry pillow... uski yaad aa gayi. Woh ghar pe akela hoga," I explained quietly, my voice softer than I meant it to be. It was just a pillow for others, but for me, he was my best friend.

(Our Cherry pillow... I miss it. It must be alone at home.)

Something changed in his face. His jaw tensed, the muscles along his neck flexing slightly, and a frown crept across his brow. I didn't understand why-but it was there, sharp and sudden.

And then-just as quickly-it was gone.

He moved closer, his hands settling on the hood of the car-one on each side of me. I froze. His arms framed me, warm and steady, and the air between us felt heavier somehow. My heart picked up speed without my permission.

"Kyun?" His voice was low, soft in a way that made my breath catch. "Uski yaad kyun aa gayi?"

(Why? Why do you miss it?)

I blinked up at him, confused by the question.

"Hum... sunset dekhte waqt usse cuddle ke baithte thi," I admitted, my words barely louder than the breeze.

(I used to hold it while watching the sunset.)

His eyes softened at my answer-but there was something else hidden there, too. Something deeper.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, and when he opened them again, they were warm-warmer than the sunset we were watching.

"Acha toh hai, ghar pe hai. Waise bhi aap usko neend mein phek deti hain," Sidharth ji said, his voice light-too light.

(It's good-it's safe at home. Anyway, you always throw it away in your sleep.)

I frowned, a soft pout forming on my lips. "Pata nahi..." I mumbled, eyes dropping to my lap.

"Aise humne mere ghar kabhi nahi kiya. Yahin aake..." I stopped, the rest of the words slipping away.

(I don't know... I never did that at my home. But after coming here...)

I never used to throw Cherry like that-never. Back home, I always woke up with it in my arms. But now, since I got married, I found it on the floor every morning. It felt... wrong."" Cherry wasn't just a pillow-it was mine. My comfort, my childhood. And yet, I kept pushing it away-like it didn't matter.

"Koi baat nahi, Noor. Yeh sab neend mein hota hai aapse," Siddharth ji's voice softened, as if he could feel the guilt curling inside me.

(It's okay, Noor. These things happen in your sleep.)

I should've felt better hearing that. I didn't. The guilt still gnawed at me. Why did I do that? Cherry had been with me through everything. I shouldn't treat it like... like it doesn't matter anymore.

His voice pulled me back. "Ek kaam karte hain," he said, almost too casually.

"Aap raat ko usko cuddle mat kariye. Jab phekti hongi, toh usko bhi bura lagta hoga."

(Let's do one thing-don't cuddle it at night. It must feel bad when you throw it away.)

I blinked at him, my chest feeling heavy again. It was a non-living thing, but still, i felt like he was right. His words still made my heart ache a little. Maybe he was right. Maybe I was being... careless.

"Waise bhi, maine kahin padha hai," he added, leaning in just a little. "Jab aap kisi cheez se juda mehsoos karte hain-chahe woh bejaan hi kyun na ho, woh bhi aapse mehsoos karne lagti hai."

(Anyway, I read somewhere-when you're attached to something, even if it's lifeless, it starts feeling attached to you too.)

"Toh isko bhi bura lagta hoga na, Noor, jab aap phek deti hongi," his voice dipped lower, softer.

(So, it must feel bad too, Noor, when you throw it away.)

I swallowed, the weight in my chest growing heavier.

Cherry had been there for me-always. Through quiet evenings by the window, through my prayers whispered under the fading sun, through every tear and every laugh. And now... I was pushing it away without even thinking.

I shouldn't do that-not to something that had been mine for so long.

A quiet sigh slipped past my lips as I looked back at him, a small, thoughtful smile blooming slowly.

"Aap sahi keh rahe hain, Siddharth ji," I admitted softly. (You're right, Siddharth ji.)

His lips curved into a slow smile-one that made my heart flutter, just a little. There was something in his gaze-something warm - something that made it harder to breathe.

And before I could think too much, he leaned closer-just enough to send a shiver down my spine. "Waise bhi, ab main hoon na aapko cuddle karne ke liye..."

(Anyway, now I'm here to cuddle you...)

His words hung in the air, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe. My heart skipped-once, twice-and a soft, shy smile tugged at my lips, warmth rising to my cheeks.

He's so blunt. The thought came quietly, making my stomach twist in ways I didn't understand.

I was still trying to find words when I felt his hand-warm and steady-shift from the hood of the car to my waist. Without a word, without a pause, he lifted me-effortlessly.

"Sidharth ji-" My breath hitched, hands finding his shoulders as our bodies brushed-too close, too warm.

His chest brushed against mine-warm and firm-just enough to make my breath catch. Before I could steady myself, I felt my back press against the car door, the cool metal burning against my skin in contrast to the heat pooling between us.

"Advance booking karni padegi aisi baat pe," Siddharth ji's voice dipped low, teasing, pulling every thought from my mind.

(You have to make an advance booking for things like this.)

I opened my mouth to speak-to ask him what he meant-but I never got the chance.

His lips crashed against mine.

A soft gasp slipped past me as he pressed closer-his body was warm and heavy against mine. My fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, clinging as if it would keep me standing. He didn't hold back-not even a little. His mouth moved against mine, slow at first, but firm, taking everything he wanted.

I tried to keep up-tried to breathe-but he wasn't letting me. His hand slid down to my waist, pulling me tighter against him, leaving no space between us. My heart pounded in my chest, the sound loud in my ears as his lips tugged at mine-warm, rough, and... hungry.

A soft whimper slipped out when his teeth caught my lower lip, sharp enough to make me shiver. My body melted against him-too warm, too weak-while he deepened the kiss, his tongue slipping past my lips, tasting me. He wasn't soft-he wasn't gentle. He kissed me like he owned me.

Like he was starving.

I tried to follow-tried to meet him-but my knees felt weak, my heart too wild. His tongue brushed against mine, slow and teasing, sending a warm ache curling deep inside my stomach. I couldn't stop the soft, breathy sound that escaped me when his teeth grazed my lip again, biting just enough to make my body tremble.

He pulled back-just for a moment-his breath warm against my lips. "Aab lifetime booking ho gyi cuddle ki aapki," he murmured, his voice rough, his forehead resting against mine.

(Now you have done lifetime booking for the cuddle)

I couldn't speak-I didn't trust my voice-so I just clung to him, my chest rising and falling against his. My lips tingled, swollen from his kiss, and yet... I wanted more.

And he knew it.

His thumb traced slow circles at my waist as he tilted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze-dark and burning. "Chale?," he said, softer now, but no less intense.

(Let's go?)

I swallowed hard, my breath still uneven. "Ha...ha" I tried, my voice weak. (Yes....Yes)

"After this one," I heard him saying, but before I could ask or say his lips were on mine again-deeper this time, pulling me under. And this time, I didn't fight it.
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The car moved quietly through the dark roads, the hum of the engine filling the silence. Sidharth ji's hand rested in my lap, his fingers gently playing with mine-soft touches, slow circles, as if he had all the time in the world. I watched him from the corner of my eye-the calm on his face, the way his focus stayed on the road, yet his touch never left me.

A soft chime pulled my attention back. My phone screen lit up. A notification. I unlocked it without much thought-until my eyes caught the date.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, we would complete one month of our marriage.

I glanced at the time-11:00 PM. In one hour, it would be exactly a month since we had become husband and wife. We had been driving for hours, still a little away from the haveli, the long route stretching because of our drive to the hills. But my thoughts no longer cared about the road. They were stuck on him-on us.

Did he remember?

I turned my head, watching his profile-the sharp lines of his jaw, the warmth hidden in his serious expression. He looked the same as always-calm, steady-but did he know?

A soft smile curled my lips as I placed my phone aside.

A month ago... I had been so unsure. About everything. About him. About us. I didn't know how to be a wife-especially to a man like him. Quiet. Distant. He had barely looked at me in those first days. I was just someone he had to marry-no feelings, no promises.

And yet now...

Now, his hand held mine as if letting go wasn't even an option.

Now, I wasn't just his wife-I was his cherry. His peace. The words he called me softly everything he can.

We had come so far. From silence to soft touches. From being strangers to this... whatever this was. And somewhere along the way, I had fallen. Fallen deep and quietly, without even realizing it. And the strangest part? It didn't scare me anymore.

Maybe I was still learning how to love him-how to understand him. But I knew one thing for sure. He was the biggest blessing in my life. And no matter how it started, I wouldn't change a thing.

Without thinking, I tightened my hold on his hand.

His thumb brushed against my fingers in response-slow and warm-like he already knew what was running through my heart.

I smiled softly to myself.

Maybe he did remember.

________________________________________

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