4 years later

Noor huffed in frustration as she looked around at the mess both father and son had spread throughout the room. Toys were scattered everywhere, pillows overturned, and clothes tossed about. Veer was giggling uncontrollably, while Shubman sheepishly grinned from the couch, clearly having been part of the chaos.

Noor, clearly fed up, crossed her arms and scolded them both, her voice sharp with frustration. "Shubman! Veer! Look at this mess! I can’t believe you two—do you ever think of cleaning up after yourselves? This room looks like a tornado blew through it!"

Shubman, still holding back a grin, exchanged a quick glance with Veer, who looked guilty but couldn’t hide his amusement. “Sorry, Mama,” Veer mumbled, shuffling his feet.

Shubman stood up, trying to look remorseful. “Come on, champ,” he said to Veer, grabbing a few scattered toys. “Let’s clean up before your mom really loses it.”

Noor narrowed her eyes, her voice tinged with suspicion. "What do you mean, ‘loses it?’" she asked, crossing her arms again as she eyed Shubman.

Shubman froze mid-pickup, glancing nervously at Veer. “Uh... I just meant, you know... before things get serious!” he stammered, trying to sound casual.

Veer, catching the tone of his father’s response, giggled, but quickly went back to cleaning as Noor continued to glare at them both, a smirk tugging at her lips despite her best efforts to stay stern.

Noor, satisfied with their efforts, exited the room with a small, triumphant smile. She had successfully wrangled her two troublemakers back into line, at least for the moment.

As soon as she was out of sight, Veer turned to his father with an excited whisper, "Dada, what surprise are we gonna plan for Mumma's birthday?"

Shubman knelt down to Veer’s level, a conspiratorial smile creeping onto his face. “Ah, I’ve got a few ideas, but we need to keep it top secret,” he whispered back. “Think you can keep it a surprise?”

Veer nodded enthusiastically, eyes wide with anticipation. "Yes, Dada! What are we gonna do?"

Shubman's eyes lit up with a new idea. “You know what, Veer? How about we take her on a trip? She’s been working so hard lately, and a little getaway might be just what she needs.”

Veer’s face brightened with excitement. “That’s a great idea, Dada! Where should we go?”

Shubman thought for a moment. “Let’s pick somewhere she’s always wanted to visit. We can make it a special trip just for her.”

Veer nodded eagerly. “I can help pick the place and pack some things for her!”

Shubman picked up his little monster, brushing his nose against Veer’s with a playful grin. “Ah, my boy is growing up,” he said, his voice filled with pride and affection.

Veer giggled, snuggling closer to his father. “I’m big enough to help with the surprise, right, Dada?”

Shubman chuckled and nodded. “Absolutely. You’re growing up fast, and I’m so proud of you. Let’s make this birthday one Mumma will never forget.”

Veer’s constant chatter made it difficult for him to keep the secret from Noor. She had caught wind that they were planning something special, but this time, Veer was determined to keep quiet.

Even when Noor tempted him with chocolates, cuddles, and kisses, Veer remained resolute, clenching his tiny fists to prevent himself from spilling the surprise. His determination was clear as he carefully avoided giving anything away, focused on keeping their plan under wraps.

As Noor was preparing for bed on the night before her birthday, both Shubman and Veer appeared before her with cheeky smiles, holding a sunflower dress.

“You’re going to wear this tomorrow, Mumma,” Veer said excitedly, holding up the sunflower dress. “We’re going to Greece!”

Noor laughed, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. She gently patted Veer’s cheeks and said, “Nice joke, darling, but let me sleep. I’m tired.”

Veer, still grinning, insisted, “Mumma, I’m not joking. Ask Dada—he’ll tell you we have it all planned.”

Noor, shocked, looked at them both and asked, “You better not be joking.”

“We are not joking,” both Shubman and Veer said in unison, their faces full of sincerity.

Veer then pouted and added,  “Oh, my bad—actually, you two are going, not me.”

Noor looked at him, a bit confused. “What do you mean?”

Veer’s face brightened as he explained, “Dada and I planned the trip just for you. I’m going to stay here with Grandma and Grandpa.”

“But without him, it won’t be as fun,” Noor whined.

Shubman reassured her, “Don’t worry. Veer opted out himself because of school. I offered to go on vacation, but he wanted you to celebrate your birthday on the same day."

Veer nodded, looking a bit wistful but determined. “I’ll have fun here with Grandma and Grandpa, and you both can enjoy your trip.”

Noor picked up her little boy and kissed his dimpled cheeks, her eyes brimming with emotion. “Mumma loves you so much,” she said, her voice tender. She felt a wave of pride and love, realizing how big-hearted her little boy was, even at such a young age.

Veer, pulling Noor’s face gently towards him, kissed her cheeks and said, “Love you too, Mumma.”

As the clock struck midnight, Veer giggled and said, “Also, happy birthday, Mumma!”

Noor looked at him with a smile, her heart full as she realized their celebration had officially begun. She wrapped her arms around him, her love and gratitude evident as she whispered, “Thank you, my love. This is the best birthday gift I could ask for.”

Shubman, feigning a pout, announced, “Dada is feeling left out!”

Without missing a beat, both Noor and Veer chimed in together, “We don’t care."

Shubman gasped in mock shock, which only made Noor and Veer chuckle.

Noor and Veer chuckled as they pulled Shubman into a big hug, showering his cheeks with kisses.

As the night wore on and dawn began to break, Shubman and Noor boarded their private jet, heading off to Greece. Despite the excitement of their trip, they couldn’t help but feel a pang of missing their little one.

"I hope Veer is having a good time with Grandma and Grandpa,” Noor said softly.

Shubman nodded, squeezing her hand. “He will. And we’ll make sure to bring back wonderful memories and stories for him.”

Noor nodded, smiling softly, her heart warm with the thought of how much love and effort her little Veer and Shubman had put into planning the trip. She decided to fully enjoy the experience, knowing it was a gift from her boys, even if Veer couldn’t be there with them.

As soon as the jet’s doors opened, Noor rushed out, eager to breathe in the fresh Greek air. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, letting the warmth of the Mediterranean breeze wash over her. The excitement of being in a new place filled her with energy.

Shubman followed at a slower pace, watching her with a soft smile. He loved seeing her so alive and happy, her joy infectious. “Feels good, doesn’t it?” he called out as he approached her.

Noor turned to him with a bright smile. “It feels amazing! I already love it here,”

“Well, let’s go then and explore more of it,” Shubman said with a grin, pulling Noor close by the waist.

Noor clapped her hands excitedly, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Yes! Let’s see everything!” she exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious.

With Shubman's arm wrapped around her, they began their journey into Greece, eager to discover the beauty and magic waiting for them around every corner.

Their Greek adventure was nothing short of magical. The couple wandered through cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, the vibrant blue domes of Santorini contrasting against the endless horizon of the sea. They lost themselves in local markets, tasting fresh olives, feta, and baklava as they laughed and teased each other. Noor marveled at the ancient ruins, her eyes wide with wonder as Shubman playfully acted as her personal tour guide.

One sunset, they found themselves at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the Aegean. The sky blazed with shades of orange and pink, and Noor leaned into Shubman's arms, content.

As the sky began to shift from vibrant hues of orange and pink into the deep blues of night, Shubman gently turned Noor around and pulled her close by the waist. With a soft smile, he began to sway with her, their bodies moving in a quiet, unspoken rhythm beneath the open sky.

Pressing a kiss on her cheek, Shubman let his lips rest there for a moment. He whispered softly, “Did you enjoy the trip, my love?”

Noor looked up at Shubman, tears glistening in her eyes as she let out a deep breath. “With you, every moment is enjoyed for me,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Shubman wiped away her tears with tender fingers, then leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss on her lips. Noor sighed contentedly, feeling a deep sense of peace.

“My best friend, my Noori,” Shubman murmured, his voice filled with affection. “I could have never imagined, years ago, that you would be the one I would spend my life with.”

"And I always knew I wanted to spend my life with you," Noor whispered, kissing Shubman's chin softly.

They embraced, their hearts full, knowing that their journey together was the greatest adventure of all.

As they swayed gently under the twilight sky, Noor nestled closer into Shubman’s embrace, her voice soft and reflective.

Noor looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with both joy and vulnerability. “Shubman,” she began, her voice soft, “do you remember when we were just friends, talking about our dreams and hopes for the future?”

Shubman nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. “I do. We used to imagine where we’d be, what our lives would look like. I never could have guessed then that it would be like this, with you.”

Noor’s eyes filled with tears again, but they were tears of happiness. “I never thought we’d end up here either. I used to think those conversations were just dreams, but now… now I see they were just the beginning.”

Shubman gently stroked her hair, his voice tender. “You’ve made all those dreams come true. Every day with you has been more amazing than I ever imagined. You’re my rock, my love, my everything.”

Noor leaned her head on his shoulder, taking a deep breath. “And you’ve been my greatest adventure, my safe place. With you, I’ve found a love I didn’t know was possible.”

Shubman chuckled softly and whispered, “You know, seeing you, I’ve learned how it must be hard to live without a brain with so much confidence.”

Noor pushed him playfully, mock scowling. “I swear, can’t you act like a loving husband just once? Do you always have to roast me like a best friend?”

Shubman laughed, pulling her close. “You know I love you, and roasting you is just my way of showing it.

Noor pouted, and Shubman captured her lips in a gentle kiss. “Now, stop being fussy. I’m hungry. Let’s go eat.”

Noor laughed, her pout turning into a smile. “Alright, alright. Lead the way, hungry man.”

After dinner, Shubman and Noor found a quiet spot on their balcony to unwind. Noor, wearing a silk nightgown, settled comfortably onto Shubman’s lap as he relaxed in his shorts.

They sat together in peaceful silence, the soft night breeze and the distant sound of the sea creating a soothing backdrop. This moment of tranquility was a precious pause before they returned to their busy lives in the coming days.

Noor traced gentle patterns on Shubman’s chest, her voice soft and wistful. “I miss our baby boy,” she whispered, her gaze distant as she thought of Veer.

Shubman kissed her forehead, his voice soft. “I know. It’s hard not having him with us, but we’ll make it up to him with stories and adventures when we get back.”

Noor nodded, a wistful smile on her face. “Yes, we will. For now, let’s enjoy these quiet moments together and think about the joy we’ll bring him.”

Noor turned around to look into Shubman’s eyes, her fingers gently caressing his beard. “You’re turning more handsome every year, or what?” she teased, her eyes sparkling with affection.

Shubman chuckled softly, holding her gaze. “I think it’s just your love that makes everything look better,”he replied with a warm smile.

Noor laughed softly, leaning in for a tender kiss. “Well, you keep making me fall more in love with you.”

He pressed a soft kiss to Noor’s neck and whispered, “And you, the moonlight of my life.”

Noor blushed, biting her lip as she looked up at Shubman. “I swear, your words always give me butterflies,” she said, her voice soft and heartfelt.

Shubman teased with a playful grin, “Oh, really, kudiye?”

Noor laughed, swatting him lightly on the shoulder. “Yes, really! Your sweet words always get to me.”

Shubman chuckled, pulling her closer. “I’ll keep them coming, then. Anything to see that smile on your face.”

Noor tilted her head and pressed a soft kiss to Shubman’s cheek, feeling the texture of his beard beneath her lips. Shubman sighed contentedly, leaning his head back to fully enjoy the soothing effect of her kisses.

Noor continued to plant tender kisses along Shubman's cheek, her lips tracing a gentle path down to his jawline. Each kiss was a soothing balm, melting away the stresses of the day.

Shubman whispered with his eyes still closed, “Noori, I love you so much.”

Noor’s kisses continued softly, her lips brushing his skin with gentle affection. She whispered back, her voice tender and full of emotion, “I love you too, Shubman. More than words can say.”

Shubman buried his face into Noor’s neck, inhaling her comforting scent. Both of them closed their eyes, finding solace in each other's embrace. As they rested together, Shubman began to hum softly, his voice carrying a gentle melody that filled the air.

Noor smiled, feeling the soothing vibrations of his voice against her skin.

कोई दिल बेकाबू कर गया और इश्का दिल में भर गया........