2 years later

The house was a complete mess. Nehmat struggled to manage her business deal, dealing with her two-year-old twins fighting over a toy car. She was just as surprised as everyone else when she found out she was expecting another baby, but that wasn't the main issue. What really mattered was that Nehmat's head was ready to explode from all the noise. Vamika, who had come over for a vacation, was blasting Taylor Swift songs from the guest room. The noise was so unbearable that Nehmat was seriously reconsidering whether she should let Vamika stay.

"Nehmat, where is my kit?" shouted her 31-year-old husband, acting like a big child.

Nehmat clenched her fists, trying to control her bubbling anger. She covered her ears, wanting to shut out the noise that was giving her a throbbing headache. The pressure cooker in the kitchen was about to whistle, adding to the chaos. Every sound seemed to fuel her growing frustration.

The cooker let out a loud whistle. As if on cue, Nehmat shouted, "Silence!"

All the other noise stopped immediately. She opened her eyes and looked sternly at her twins, who were staring at her with wide eyes, halting their fighting. "You two, share and play nicely, or I will take your toys and put you both in timeout," she scolded. Karan and Kabir nodded and started playing with the car together without further fuss.

She then turned to her husband. "You are responsible for your things. If you can't find your kit, miss the practice. Maybe next time you'll learn to keep track of your stuff."

Finally, she looked towards the guest room. "And you, missy, calm down the Swiftie inside you."

Vamika, peeking from the room, rolled her eyes. "Take a chill pill, Nini. Listen to Taylor, and you'll calm down."

Nehmat closed her eyes for a moment, trying to regain her composure, while her three boys stood quietly, sensing the tension. "If you play that music loudly again, I will throw out your albums and send you back home."

Vamika looked shocked and placed her hand dramatically on her heart. "You did not just say that about my mother Taylor albums!"

Nehmat, with a challenging look, said, "I did, and if you do that again, I'll call your mom and you'll be on the first flight home."

Vamika huffed and gently shut the door. She couldn't slam it, or else she'd face a barrage of scoldings. Shubman and the twins breathed a sigh of relief as the potential war subsided. The twins copied their father, not entirely sure why but aware it was to avoid their mother's anger. Nehmat was lovely and the best person ever, but when you pushed her too far, she could be as scary as the sea.

The twins, feeling down from the shouting and anger, climbed on either side of Nehmat and kissed her cheeks.

"Love you, Mumma," they chorused. Nehmat instantly melted, pulling her little boys into an embrace and kissing their dimples, inherited from their parents.

"Mumma is sorry she shouted at you guys. She's just tired," she said, resting her chin on Karan's head.

"Mumma rest," Kabir patted her cheek, making her smile tiredly.

Nehmat felt her body pulled into a side hug, instantly relaxing as she felt her temples being kissed. "Tonight, we'll go out to dinner," Shubman said, massaging her head and making her close her eyes in bliss.

"I have to go to practice. Rest and don't exert yourself," he said, placing a kiss on her forehead. She nodded, smiling tiredly as she opened her eyes.

"Boys, behave and take care of Mumma," he said, kissing his boys' foreheads.

Before leaving, he looked back. "Neh, talk to Vamika once. Love you, bye."

Nehmat nodded, picked up her boys, and walked toward Vamika's room. She switched off the gas and moved inside to see her little niece, being dramatic as usual, packing her bags.

Nehmat rolled her eyes, knowing Vanika was demanding attention.

"Vami," she called out, but there was no response. She called again but was met with silence.

"Stop with the drama. Nini is sorry," she said, halting Vamika's actions and pulling her close.

"Nini sorry," Karan and Kabir said, patting Vanika's back. She needed to ask Shubman to stop them from watching Shin-chan or these naughty boys would start enacting everyone.

"Karan, Kabir, Mumma needs to talk with Vamika. Go and play, and no chaos," she said. The twins nodded, pouting and huffing, but it was better not to argue with that tone. As she heard the door shut, she looked at Vamika, who pouted, "You don't love me anymore."

Nehmat knew exactly what to say and how to handle her drama. "Well, I guess I'll have to cancel the PS5 order and Taylor Swift's latest album."

Vamika's eyes widened. "What? No!" she shouted. "You love me, and you won't do that!"

Nehmat narrowed her eyes playfully. "I don't."

"You do," Vamika insisted, leaning closer.

Nehmat couldn't resist. As soon as she saw those brown eyes, the same as her paaji's, her answer changed. "Okay, okay, I do. Now give Nini some hugs and kisses."

Vamika's pout turned into a bright smile as she threw herself into Nehmat's arms, hugging her tightly. "I knew you loved me," she said, giggling.

Nehmat laughed, ruffling Vanika's hair. "You little drama queen. Come on, let's go see what the boys are up to."

As Nehmat walked into the living room, she saw her boys at it again, pulling each other's hair and shouting. Their toy car was the centre of the conflict.

"It's my turn, Karan!" Kabir yelled, tugging harder on his brother's hair.

"No, it's mine! You had it all morning!" Karan shouted back, not letting go of his twin's hair.

Nehmat quickly intervened, gently but firmly separating them. "Boys, boys, stop it right now!" she said, her voice calm but authoritative.

Both boys immediately stopped, their little faces scrunched up in frustration, but they let go of each other.

"Karan, Kabir, what's this fighting about?" Nehmat asked, crouching down to their level.

Karan pouted, rubbing his head. "Kabir won't share the car, Mumma."

Kabir crossed his arms, glaring at Karan. "But he had it all morning, Mumma. It's my turn now."

Nehmat sighed, taking the toy car from them. "Listen to me, both of you. This car belongs to both of you, which means you have to share it. Fighting isn't going to solve anything. Let's take turns, okay?"

Kabir started crying, his little face scrunching up in frustration. "No, I want it! You said share, but no, he had it all the time since morning!" he wailed, pointing accusingly at Karan.

Vamika, chuckling at the toddler drama, chimed in mischievously, "Let's settle this with a wrestling match, guys!"

Nehmat shot Vanika a stern look. "Vamika..."

Vamika raised her hands in surrender. "Fine, fine," she conceded with a laugh.

Nehmat sighed, trying to diffuse the situation. She knelt beside Kabir, wrapping her arms around him gently. "It's okay, Kabir. I understand you're upset. Let's try to work this out calmly, okay?"

Karan, sensing his brother's distress, looked torn between wanting the toy car and wanting to make Kabir feel better. "But Mumma, I had it first," he explained, his voice tinged with frustration.

Nehmat nodded sympathetically. "I know, Karan. And you were very good about sharing earlier. Now it's Kabir's turn. Can you let him play with it for a while?"

Karan's pout deepened, his eyes welling up with tears as he handed the toy car over to Kabir. He felt a mix of sadness and frustration, struggling to hold back his emotions. Kabir, seeing his brother upset, felt a pang of guilt and reached out, taking Karan's hand gently.

"Karan, let's play together," Kabir said softly, his voice filled with empathy. "But I will give it back to you in five minutes, okay? I promise."

Nehmat, who had been observing quietly, smiled warmly at her sons' interaction. She was proud of Kabir for his kindness and proud of Karan for his willingness to share despite his disappointment.

Nehmat took a deep breath of relief, watching her twins finally play together peacefully. "Ah, finally some peace," she murmured to herself with a smile.

Vamika, who had been watching from the side, sighed dramatically. "Ugh, I was hoping for a bit of action. You know, sibling rivalry, a little drama," she said with a mischievous grin.

Nehmat chuckled and lightly tapped Vamika on the head. "You just love to see me worked up, don't you?"

Vamika feigned innocence, batting her eyelashes. "Who, me? Never!"

Nehmat playfully stuck out her tongue at Vamika, too tired to protest as she lay down on the ground. Vamika had fashioned a makeshift bed using Nehmat's stomach, and despite the absurdity of the situation, Nehmat couldn't help but smile.

******

2 years later

With a thud, her bottle of wine hit the floor as four-year-old Kabir smacked the ball his father had thrown. The sudden noise startled all three boys, freezing them in their tracks, ready to bolt.

"Wait," Nehmat said calmly, her voice carrying a hint of sternness that was more unsettling than any raised voice could be.

Playing inside the house wasn't a great idea, especially when they had a vast outdoor space around the mansion and the pleasant weather of Switzerland to enjoy. Nehmat stood with her hands on her hips, looking around at the chaos of toys scattered indoors, and asked, "Why here?"

Shubman chuckled nervously, trying to reason with Nehmat. "Well, you know how it is with these little ones. They just wanted to play together and it started raining unexpectedly outside."

Nehmat raised an eyebrow sceptically. "It's sunny and clear outside, Shubman."

Shubman scratched his head sheepishly. "Right, well, maybe they just prefer the cosy atmosphere indoors?"

"And what about the 18k bottle right here?" Nehmat asked, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and amusement.

Shubman winced, knowing she had a point. "I... uh... well, Kabir's swing was a little wild, and things got a bit out of hand..."

Nehmat chuckled despite herself, shaking her head. "Well, that was quite the pull shot, Kabir. And Karan, what skills you've got," she said, looking at her twins with a blend of exasperation and pride.

"Oh, Mumma, my sweep shot is amazing!" Karan exclaimed proudly.

Nehmat laughed at Karan's enthusiasm before turning serious again. "Well, teach your dad some of your skills and ask him to clean this mess up. Boys, let's brush up on your cricket skills outside. Come on!"

After a while, Shubman emerged from inside, having cleaned up the spilt wine and tidied the area. Nehmat paused, bouncing a cricket ball in her hand as she looked at her sons with a smile.

"So boys, what did we learn today?" she asked, her tone gentle yet expectant.

The boys exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of how to articulate their thoughts. Shubman rolled his eyes at Nehmat's dramatics.

"Um, well, we learned that indoor games can be fun, but outdoor games are better for cricket," Karan offered tentatively, scratching his head.

"Yeah, and we should be more careful with stuff like bottles indoors," Kabir added, nodding in agreement with his brother.

Nehmat chuckled softly at their responses, appreciating their honesty. Shubman grinned, chiming in, "And we learned that Dad needs to practice his sweeping skills too, right?"

The boys giggled, nodding enthusiastically. "Yeah, Dad!" they exclaimed in unison.

Shubman took his stance at the makeshift wicket they had set up in the garden, wielding a bat with a determined look on his face. Nehmat stood several paces away, holding the cricket ball, ready to bowl. The boys, Karan and Kabir, stood on the sidelines, cheering enthusiastically for their mother.

"Go, Mumma! You can do it!" Karan shouted, clapping his hands.

"Yeah, bowl him out, Mumma!" Kabir chimed in, jumping up and down with excitement.

With his hands on his hips, Shubman interrupted the boys' cheering with a mock-serious expression. "Hey, hey, you're supposed to cheer for the real cricketer here," he teased, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Karan and Kabir exchanged mischievous glances before Karan spoke up, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. "But Mumma's going to bowl you out, Dad!" he declared confidently.

Shubman feigned surprise, narrowing his eyes dramatically at Nehmat. "Is that so?" he challenged a competitive spark lighting up his expression. "Alright then, let's see what you've got, Nehmat!"

Nehmat chuckled at Shubman's challenge, taking her bowling stance seriously. She focused on her aim and sent the ball hurtling towards Shubman, who swung his bat confidently. However, luck was not on his side this time, as the ball struck the stumps behind him.

"Yess!" Karan and Kabir cheered simultaneously, jumping into Nehmat's arms in triumph.

Shubman couldn't help but laugh as he walked back towards his family, shaking his head in mock defeat. "Well, well, your mum knows how to bowl me out," he admitted with a grin, patting Nehmat on the shoulder.

"This is the best vacation ever!" Karan and Kabir chorused happily, their voices echoing across the tranquil Swiss.

Nehmat and Shubman exchanged a knowing smile, their hearts warmed by the genuine joy in their sons' voices. They had planned this vacation as a break from their hectic lives, hoping to create lasting memories in the picturesque surroundings of Switzerland.

Nehmat wrapped her arms around Karan and Kabir, pulling them close. "I'm so glad you boys are having fun," she said softly, pressing a kiss to each of their foreheads.

Shubman nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the breathtaking landscape. "It's moments like these that remind us how important family time is," he remarked, his voice tinged with gratitude.

As the twins rushed towards the slide and swing, Nehmat and Shubman found a moment of quiet solitude on a garden bench, gazing at the majestic Alps in the distance. Shubman affectionately nuzzled his nose against Nehmat's cheek, breaking the peaceful silence.

"You know," Shubman began softly, his voice husky with desire, "it's been years since we've used the terrace."

Nehmat blushed, feeling the warmth of his breath against her skin, fully understanding the implication of his words. "After dinner, when the kids are asleep," she whispered back, her voice carrying a hint of anticipation and longing.

They exchanged a knowing glance, their hearts beating in sync with the beauty of the evening and the promise of intimate moments to come. In the quiet embrace of nature and each other, they found solace and connection, cherishing the rare moments of closeness amidst the responsibilities of parenthood.

After dinner, Nehmat carefully tucked the twins into their beds, ensuring they were settled and asleep. As she tiptoed out of their room, she felt a familiar thrill of anticipation stir within her. She quietly made her way to the terrace, drawn by the gentle patter of raindrops against the ground.

Opening the terrace door, she stepped into the cool night air, the scent of rain mingling with the earthy fragrance of the garden. There, under the soft glow of the terrace lights, stood Shubman, his black shirt already damp from the rain, emphasizing the contours of his strong, athletic physique.

Nehmat couldn't help but smile as she approached him, her heart quickening with desire. "It's been too long," she murmured, wrapping her arms around him from behind. Her hands traced the lines of his abs through the clinging fabric of his shirt.

Shubman turned to face her, his eyes filled with affection and longing. He gently cupped her face in his hands, brushing his lips against hers in a tender kiss. The rain continued to fall around them, adding to the intimacy of the moment as they stood together, their bodies pressed close.

"You drive me crazy," he whispered huskily against her ear, his breath warm against her skin.

Nehmat chuckled softly, her fingers tangling in his wet hair. "You're not so bad yourself," she teased, her voice laced with playful desire.

Shubman pulled Nehmat closer, brushing his nose against her lips with a gentle caress. His hands travelled down her back, pulling her snugly against him as they stood together on the rain-kissed terrace. The soft patter of raindrops provided a soothing backdrop to their intimate moment.

"Look at you, 33 and still looking like the 24-year-old beauty I saw for the first time," Shubman murmured, his voice filled with admiration and love.

Nehmat blushed at his compliment, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her. She leaned into him, resting her head against his chest, the steady beat of his heart calming her. "You always know the right thing to say," she whispered, her fingers tracing circles on his damp shirt.

Shubman chuckled softly, his hands moving to gently lift her chin so he could look into her eyes. "Because it's always true," he replied sincerely, his gaze soft yet intense.

Nehmat, kissing his chin affectionately, asked, "What's the plan, love?"

Shubman buried his face in her neck, placing small kisses along the curve of her shoulder. "You say," he murmured against her skin, his breath warm and inviting.

Nehmat tilted her head back slightly, enjoying the sensation of his lips against her. She smiled, a playful glint in her eyes. "Well, I think we could start with dancing in the rain," she suggested with a mischievous grin.

Shubman lifted his head, meeting her gaze with a smile of his own. "Sounds perfect," he agreed, twirling her gently under the soft glow of the terrace lights.

Shubman lifted his head, meeting Nehmat's gaze with a tender smile. The terrace was bathed in the soft glow of evening lights, creating a magical ambience around them. He gently twirled her, their movements synchronized and graceful.

Nehmat laughed softly, the sound mingling with the gentle breeze rustling through the trees. "Remember when we used to dance like this every weekend?" she reminisced, a wistful smile on her lips.

Shubman nodded, his eyes reflecting fond memories. "Those were the days, weren't they? Just you and me lost in our world."

She leaned into him, resting her head against his chest as they swayed to an imaginary melody. "Even now, amidst all the chaos and responsibilities, moments like these feel like a dream."

He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch gentle and reassuring. "You're my dream come true, Nehmat. Every moment with you is a treasure."

Nehmat looked up at him, her heart swelling with love. "And you're mine, Shubman. Always."

Her lips glistened with raindrops, each droplet a tiny reflection of the evening's gentle shower. Shubman couldn't help but notice how inviting they looked as he leaned in closer, captivated by their softness and the allure of the moment.

He paused for a breath, taking in the scent of rain on her skin, mingling with the faint fragrance of her perfume. The cool evening air whispered around them, adding a touch of freshness to the warmth between them.

"Nehmat," he murmured, his voice low and intimate, "you're even more beautiful in the rain."

She smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes as she brushed a stray rain-slicked strand of hair behind her ear. "I guess rain has its way of making everything look different," she replied softly, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of affection and desire.

Shubman gently traced the curve of her cheek with his fingertip, savouring the sensation of her skin beneath his touch. "You're my favourite kind of beautiful, no matter the weather," he confessed, his words sincere and heartfelt.

Nehmat's laughter tinkled like wind chimes in the evening breeze. "Smooth talker," she teased, leaning closer as raindrops continued to dot their surroundings.

Shubman couldn't resist the magnetic pull any longer. With rain-kissed lips and a heart racing like a river in spring thaw, he leaned in and pressed his mouth against hers. It was a kiss that felt like the first ray of dawn breaking through storm clouds, bringing warmth and clarity to a moment suspended in time.

Nehmat's response was electric, her lips tasting of summer rain and promises whispered on the wind. In that kiss, they were two souls intertwined like vines in a sunlit garden, each petal of desire unfurling in the delicate dance of their embrace.

As they lingered in the sweetness of that stolen moment, the rain continued its gentle symphony around them, a tender backdrop to the symphony of their love. Shubman held her close, feeling the rhythm of their hearts beating in sync, like a melody that had found its perfect harmony.

In the language of raindrops and whispers, they shared a timeless embrace, where every touch and every sigh spoke volumes of the love they held for each other. It was a moment etched in the fabric of their souls, where the universe paused to witness the beauty of two hearts intertwined in the gentle, relentless rain of their love.

As they parted, Shubman couldn't help but smile, his eyes closed in a moment of contentment. Suddenly, a series of sneezes from Nehmat broke the quiet, making him open his eyes with a chuckle. He watched as she wiped her nose, a playful glint in her eyes despite her sneezes.

"Maybe something more can give you warmth," Shubman teased gently, leaning in to kiss her nose.

Nehmat playfully slapped his arm, but her eyes turned mischievous in an instant. "Maybe the idea isn't so bad," she countered with a smirk.

Shubman raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her sudden change in demeanour. "Oh?" he prompted, his heart skipping a beat at the suggestion.

With a grin, Nehmat linked her arm through his. "Let's find out," she whispered, leading him back towards the cosy warmth of their retreat.

As they retreated inside, the Alps seemed to glow with a subtle luminescence under the soft veil of rain. Each drop was illuminated by the faint light, enhancing the grandeur of the towering peaks that loomed majestically around them. The rugged cliffs and valleys stood as silent sentinels, bearing witness to every facet of the couple's journey together.

From the peaks where the clouds kissed the mountains to the valleys that cradled secrets of ages past, the Alps stood firm, a backdrop to the unfolding drama of human emotions. They had seen the couple's playful banter and gentle caresses under the clear skies of day, as well as their moments of heated arguments and tender reconciliations under the veiled curtain of night.

The rain continued its gentle patter, as if to cleanse and renew, echoing the ebb and flow of emotions between Shubman and Nehmat. It painted a portrait of their love: resilient, evolving, and strengthened by the challenges they faced together.

In the glow of the alpine night, amidst the symphony of rain and the whisper of the wind through pine trees, Shubman and Nehmat found solace in each other's arms. Their silhouettes intertwined against the backdrop of the illuminated peaks, a testament to the enduring beauty and resilience mirrored in the timeless grandeur of the Alps.