"I'm ready," I whispered into his ear.

Despite my hatred about the police community, I couldn't help but give him a chance to win my heart. Or maybe he already had, somewhere along the way, knowingly or unknowingly.

I came to this decision after seeing him up close-witnessing his pure love for his mother, his protectiveness and passion for me, his beautiful friendships with Veer and Mohit, and how he treats people around him at work, even managing to maintain a cold and authoritative attitude.

I had seen him communicating with his friends. He was so playful with them, like a naughty child. He tolerated their nonsense like a good friend, ordered them around like their boss, treated them like brothers, and cared for them like family. He joked and laughed with them like friends, and when needed, he was very strict with them, like a teacher. I had seen different shades of him around them.

He even cared for Priya, because she is my best friend and Veer's fiancée. I had seen him making her comfortable around him so she could talk freely, even when he was wrong, like that day outside our college. It was a good gesture from him.

I had seen and heard how he treats people at work with so much authority but still remained polite and respectful towards older people.

One night while talking with him over the phone, he was, as usual, at the police station in his personal cabin. We heard a police officer shouting at someone. Sidharth went outside to check and found an old couple crying and begging that officer to find their lost 10-year-old granddaughter, who hadn't returned home from school.

It was almost 11 at night. The old couple had tried their best to find her on their own all day but couldn't. In desperation, they had come to the police for help. But the officer wasn't ready to file a missing person complaint, saying it had not been 24 hours.

Sidharth was furious. He scolded the officer, emphasizing that finding the girl was more important than adhering to formalities and protocols. He mentioned the dangers the girl could face-kidnapping, sexual assault, child trafficking, and what not? Finally, they filed a complaint, and Sidharth promised the couple he would find her at any cost. His voice was authoritative and reassuring.

All the while, I was on the line, hearing everything. That night, he earned my respect. I didn't say much to him afterward, just a simple "Good night" before ending the call. But his actions had deeply affected me, and I couldn't sleep, thinking about him and his dedication.

Sidharth was a man of his word. Not everyone can live up to their promises, but he did. He found her and dropped her off at her house to her old grandparents.

Last night, he told me he had found the girl. She was safe and with her grandparents. He shared that she was the only family they had left after losing her parents at a young age. Hearing this, I cried, and Sidharth tried to console me over the phone. It was another sleepless night for me.

With all this, I understood that Sidharth was different from Mahesh Chawla. Sidharth was not only a good man but also a good police officer. Not everyone is like Mahesh Chawla. There are some officers who are like Sidharth Oberoi.

Sidharth is an honest officer and fights against corruption. He is someone who protects the law. Yes, he broke some rules in his personal life because of, me. But it was all for his love for me. He wants me. Or maybe, I am his need, his obsession.

I even realized why he had shot that man on the road that night. To save me. The man was a criminal. He had a gun. He was trying to escape. He could have used me as a shield. Sidharth did what was necessary in that moment.

Sidharth had told me a few days ago that, he was gathering evidence against that man, Mahesh Chawla, to ensure justice for my parents, which others had failed to provide.

I was grateful to him and planned to thank him in a special way by giving us a chance. I am sure I won't regret it. He is a good man. He loves me and will protect me at any cost. He told me that, and I trust him.

He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching for mine. "What do you mean?" His voice was filled with confusion and a hint of disbelief.

"I mean I'm ready to give us a chance," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm ready to try being in a relationship with you."

My words finally sank in, and his face lit up with joy and excitement. He stood up, lifted me off the ground, and spun me around, making me giggle and blush. People around us watched, but he didn't care. He was too happy to notice that we were in a hospital canteen.

Setting me down gently, he looked into my eyes. "You've made me the happiest man alive," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

I knew I had. All he wanted was to be with me, and I was giving him that-myself.

"Sidharth," I quickly hid my face in his chest, feeling shy as many people watched us like hawks.

"Aww! My little bunny," he cooed and hugged me tightly.

I just smiled against his chest, happy to see him happy. I wanted to keep him happy from now on. No more rudeness, no more attitude. Now he would see the real me-shy, innocent, and introverted. A nerdy girl without glasses.

"Let's go back," I said as he finally put me down on the floor. I felt extremely shy, seeing how people were looking at us.

"Mind your business," Sidharth scolded in his cold officer tone, accompanied by a hard glare. Everyone quickly got busy with their work, which made me blush even more, so I looked down at the floor out of shyness. He lifted my face by placing his index finger under my chin and made me look into his beautiful dark brown eyes. He was looking at me with softness in his eyes. "Let's go, baby," he said gently.

I smiled, thinking his gentle side was just for me and his mother. I was special to him.

"Yes," I replied meekly and he grabbed my hand. I blushed feeling shy and surprisingly he didn't tease me again.

As we walked back to his mother's room, hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. My future with Sidharth looked brighter than ever, and I was ready to face it head-on, with him by my side.

Returning to his mother's room, we found her watching us with a smile.

"Good choice," she said, her approval making the moment even more special.

In that instant, I knew that everything was going to be alright. Sidharth was right. I was a part of their family now, and I was ready to embrace this new chapter in my life with an open heart and a hopeful spirit.

**

After completing the discharge formalities and paying the hospital bill, we left for Sidharth's house. When we arrived, Sidharth asked his mother and me to wait at the entrance while he took the luggage inside. Both of us shared a look of confusion at his sudden request but shrugged it off and waited for his return.

It took him about ten to fifteen minutes to come back with a plate of Aarti. I instinctively moved aside so he could welcome his mother with the Aarti, but Sidharth held my hand and made me stand beside her.

"I will welcome both my ladies to their house," he said softly, his sweet words making me blush.

His mother looked at him with a proud smile, then glanced at me with a teasing one.

"Mom," Sidharth said sternly, his tone was enough to stop her teasing, which made me blush even more.

I bit my lips to control my smile, but I could feel his intense gaze on me. Realizing what he might be thinking, I quickly stopped.

Both of us shared a smile as he started moving the Aarti plate in front of us. I was in awe of him. It was a beautiful gesture to welcome us together.

"Welcome, my ladies," Sidharth said dramatically, making both of us giggle. He joined in our laughter.

Sidharth then took his mother to her room to rest, asking me to get comfortable on the sofa in the living room.

Taking a seat on the sofa, I looked around the room. The living room had a simple yet cozy feel. The walls were painted a clean white, which brightened the space and made it look larger. There was a wooden sofa set with cream-colored cushions arranged neatly. A matching wooden tea table stood in the center, its surface polished and gleaming.

To one side, a modest TV was mounted on the wall, flanked by small wooden cabinets that held various decorative items and family photos. A ceiling fan whirred gently above, circulating the air and adding to the room's comfort. Potted decorative trees were strategically placed in the corners, adding a touch of greenery and life to the space.

"This place has such a homely feel," I murmured to myself, appreciating the warmth of the room.

The house looked old and had some cracks on the walls, but it was still charming and welcoming. It was clear that this was a family home, filled with memories and love.

Sidharth returned to the living room and sat beside me on the sofa. "So, what do you think?" he asked, looking around the room as if seeing it through my eyes.

"It's lovely," I said with a smile. "It feels like a real home."

He nodded, pleased with my response. "It was my parents' house. It may not be fancy, but it's ours."

I reached out and squeezed his hand. "It's perfect, Sidharth."

He smiled back at me, his eyes full of warmth. "I'm glad you think so."

We sat there for a few moments, enjoying the peace and comfort of the living room. This was a new chapter in my life, and I was ready to embrace it with an open heart and a hopeful spirit.

"Let's give you a home tour," Sidharth offered.

"Okay," I agreed almost immediately making him smile.

He grabbed my hand and pulled up, and we explored his house. It was a 3BHK home, simple yet filled with warmth. After showing me the various rooms, he took me to his room at the end.

"This is my room," he said, hesitating for a moment before adding, "soon to be our room."

I blushed at his words but didn't say anything until he locked the door behind us, startling me. Being alone with him in his room felt dangerous in a thrilling way.

"Sidharth, why did you lock the door?" I asked nervously, playing with my fingers.

He took my hands, making me stop. "Don't be nervous, Bunny. I won't do anything without your permission." His words were genuine and I trusted him.

I nodded feeling relaxed. He gently dragged me to his bed and made me sit, then sat beside me. "Tell me, how is it?" he asked, referring to his room.

I looked around the room. His room was simple but had a clean, organized feel. The walls were painted white, matching the rest of the house, and the wooden door and windows added a warm touch. A king-sized bed dominated the room, flanked by a nightstand. There was an almirah for his clothes and a dressing table where his grooming essentials were neatly arranged. A door led to what I assumed was the bathroom.

In one corner, there was some gym equipment like dumbbells, a treadmill, and a cycling machine. Beside it, there was a bookshelf filled with books on law and order stood proudly, alongside a study table cluttered with more books and a laptop.

"Simple but beautiful," I said, taking it all in.

Sidharth's room reflected his personality-disciplined and organized, yet warm and welcoming. It felt like a safe haven, a place where I could see myself feeling at home.

"Do you like it?" he asked again, watching my reaction closely.

"Yes, I do. It's perfect," I replied, meeting his eyes with a smile.

His face lit up with happiness. "I'm glad you think so. But later, you can change it according to your preference, okay?"

His words were enough to melt me and make me feel special. He was considering my taste, which was a big deal for me, especially since we had just started dating today. I couldn't believe it.

"God! I can't believe we are dating," Sidharth said, as if reading my mind.

As I sat there with him, I realized how much this moment meant to both of us. It was a step towards our future together, and I was ready to embrace it wholeheartedly.

"Me too,"

"Bunny," he grabbed my hands in his. "Are you sure about us? I don't want you to regret choosing me later. I know you hate the police, but I can't leave my job. I love my job."

I gave him an assuring smile. "It's true that I hate the police," I admitted. "But not everyone is like Mahesh Chawla. You are different. You are far better than him. I can't hate all the police because of one particular person."

"Are you sure?" he asked again.

"Yes, I'm one hundred and ten percent sure about you. I know I won't regret marrying an honest police officer. And even if you can't prove him guilty, I won't hate you or leave you. Your efforts are enough for me."

He gave me a beautiful smile. "God! When did I become so lucky?" His voice was filled with disbelief.

I hugged his arm and rested my head on his shoulder. "Good things happen to good people. You are a good man, Sidharth. Believe it."

"Huh?"

"Yes."

"Then give a kiss to this good man." He laughed to make it seem like a joke, but it sounded serious to me due to his pleading voice.

I wasn't ready for that yet, but I could still make him feel special, like he made me feel all the time. So, I cupped his face and gave a lingering kiss on his forehead and then on both sides of his cheeks, making him smile goofily.

"Lucky me," he said, pointing to himself, making me giggle.

Soon after, he got a call. After talking for a while, he informed me that he had to leave for work. It was urgent. He asked me to stay with his mother until Kavita auntie arrived, which would be in about an hour.

I agreed to stay. We both left his room, and before leaving for work, Sidharth kissed my forehead sweetly. Then I went towards his mother's room.

After staying for an hour, I took my leave and went home.

Reaching home, I quickly got undressed, took a quick shower, changed into something comfortable, and got busy with Shotgun and Venus. I told them about their father, Sidharth, and that I had agreed to be his girlfriend. I blushed at the word "girlfriend" and kept talking to them until Tina came home an hour later.

Tina asked, "Why do you look so red and happy today?"

I blushed even more and informed her about the decision I had made regarding my relationship with Sidharth.

Tina became angry and said, "Stay away from him, Shehnaaz. He's a bad person. Remember what he did in the past? Stalking and other stuff?"

I protested and took a stand for him. "He is a good man, Tina. I will be with him. I will even marry him in the future if things go well between us."

Tina asked, "What happened to your hatred for the police and the system?"

I replied, "Just because one person is bad and corrupt doesn't mean everyone is the same. I can't guarantee others, but I know Sidharth is an honest police officer. He fights for what is right and against corruption."

Tina tried to argue more, but I ignored her and left for my room. Locking my door, I ran towards our babies, Shotgun and Venus, to play with them.

No one can change my mind about him now. I have seen him closely and I know he is a good man-someone I can trust and rely on with my heart, mind, and soul.

••

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