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Isha's POV
I sat curled up on the balcony couch with him, the softness of the blanket around me doing little to soothe the frustration building inside. My body ached with every breath I took, and my lower body still throbbed as if it were throwing a tantrum of its own.
His lips moved kissing my neck up to the tip of my ear causing me to curl my toes at the sensation, but I sat upright with a jerk as the realization dawned on me,"Ansh! We didn't use any protection"
ohh God We were so careless, neither of us even thought about it," what if I got pregnant"
"You are saying it like we aren't married and it's some scandal" Shivansh said moving into a sitting position. I sat down from his lap, not understanding how he could be so relaxed.
"We will meet the doctor tomorrow and you can decide which contraception method is best for you"
"Ohhh but yea we are not married yet. " I didn't think about that, and I can take a pill for tonight. Thank god for a second I was so scared.
"Yea, we can wait until you are ready,"he said holding my hand,,"and I also think we should wait until you are ready for babies and then think about it"
I settled beside him, his hand behind my back moving in such motion relaxing me. I looked up at his calm face, no hesitation, no uncertainty.
"What about you?" I asked, I know I don't want children right now but I also have to know what he thinks. It's not just my decision alone.
"What About me?" He said, His other hand is moving towards my cheek, his thumb brushing against it softly.
"What do you think about children?"
"I think they are annoying," he said casually.
"Ansh!" I know he's just messing with me knowingly, "I meant our children" He smiled softly as I playfully hit his chest.
This time he looked at me sincerely his eyes filled with nothing but tenderness and pure love as he said," I'm ready whenever you feel ready" he continued "I'm ready to be a father and for the responsibilities that came with a child but I don't want you to feel burdened with such big responsibility right now, and what's the rush we have all our lives"
"you think I will not be a good mother?" I said playfully, narrowing my eyes, to which he just chuckled and pulled me against him placing his chin above my head. I told you he loves being clingy but wouldn't admit it saying he just does it for me. My soon to be husband is big and soft at heart.
"No, I just don't want to share my wife with anyone for some more years" I smiled against his chest at his words, wrapping my arms around his waist in a tight hug and closing my eyes. He's right we don't have to rush into anything, we have all the time.
I narrowed my eyes but said nothing. He smirked anyway.
He glanced around and then added, "Everyone's waiting downstairs."
My face must have stayed blank because he let out a sigh and leaned against the couch.
"Isha, we have to face them now, we didn't show them are faces since yesterday and everyone must be worried or maybe not but still it's didn't look good right. "
He looked way too amused with himself.
I rolled my eyes. "You were the one who didn't want to leave me in the morning, when I was asking you to go down stairs but you don't listen to me na and don't irritate me now."
He raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
I threw the blanket off and tried to stand, determined to show him I could move. But the moment I put pressure on my foot, a jolt of pain shot through me in my lower body and I wobbled dangerously. My heart skipped a beat-either from the pain or from the sudden rush of Shivansh catching me before I could fall.
He had pulled me out of nowhere, arms strong around me like a wall of quiet protection.
But I was too frustrated to enjoy it.
"This is ridiculous!" I snapped, cheeks flushed. "Just because I can't walk doesn't mean you'll keep catching me every time! What if you don't? Huh?! What will I say to everyone down stairs that why I am not able to walk or move. "
My voice was high-pitched, dramatic, and nowhere near as angry as I wanted it to sound.
He just smiled.
That smile. Infuriating. Gentle. Warm.
As if my tantrum was something he'd been waiting for all morning.
"Isha," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I won't leave. And no one's going to tease you. Trust me, I won't let them."
I froze, my heartbeat now dancing for an entirely different reason.
And then-without waiting for permission-he picked me up, holding me like I weighed nothing.
"Shivansh!" I squeaked, hitting his shoulder lightly.
"Relax," he chuckled. "You're safest in my arms anyway."
He carried me toward the wardrobe room and carefully placed me down on a soft, plush sofa. I looked around, almost nervously.
"Wh-What should I wear?" I asked, my voice suddenly much smaller.
"Wait," he said, already opening the wardrobe with confidence.
He ran his fingers along the clothes, mumbling to himself until he found what he wanted. He turned around holding a light blue floral dress-soft cotton, flowing, and delicate-like something you'd wear on a quiet summer morning.
"This," he said, "because the fabric is soft and you'll feel comfortable all day."
He helped me change with quiet care, his hands never lingering, never rushing. He also took out a pair of warm inner wear and pulled out a comfy slipper for me.
"You're wearing this too," he said, holding it out to me.
I looked at it, then at him, suspiciously.
"Is this your backup plan to mark territory or something?"
He laughed. "Maybe. But mostly, it's because it smells like comfort."
I pulled it on, the fabric drowning me in warmth-his warmth.
As I adjusted the hem, I looked at him again and said, half-shouting, "No one will say anything to me, right? No teasing. No questions!"
He leaned in, his voice quiet but firm.
"No one. I promise. Not while I'm next to you."
He also wear a olive color t-shirt and a blown color track pant and done, he is ready.
Then, just like that, he picked me up once again.
I didn't resist this time.
Wrapped in soft fabric and his silent promise, I let my head rest against his shoulder as we made our way downstairs, together.
Author's POV
With Isha still in his arms, Shivansh carefully walked down the grand staircase, every step echoing softly in the quiet of the palace hallway. Her fingers clutched his shirt absentmindedly, and her eyes stayed lowered, not out of shyness-but from the silent whirlwind she felt inside.
They didn't say anything to each other.
They didn't need to.
As they turned the corner toward the living room, voices and laughter reached them-clearly, the family had already gathered.
"They're in the living room," Shivansh murmured.
Isha gave a slow nod. She didn't mind-not right now. The pain in her body, the weight of everyone downstairs, and the fact that she was still in his arms was already enough to make her heart race.
When they entered the room, a few heads turned at once.
The voices stopped.
For a second, it was like someone had paused time.
Shivansh didn't hesitate. He gently walked over to the middle of the room, where one of the larger couch or chair was empty, his seat as a king and carefully made Isha sit down on it. She winced lightly as she adjusted her leg.
Then he stood tall again and looked around.
"Good evening," he greeted casually, nodding to everyone.
A few smiled, some raised brows-but nobody said a word just yet.
Isha gathered herself and offered a soft, polite, "Good evening" to the room, forcing a smile.
Then it began.
Isha brother- arjun-walked up, arms crossed, eyes narrowed playfully. "jiju... what happened to her? Why are you carrying her around like a lost princess?"
Shivansh didn't blink. "She's just frustrated."
A vague, short answer. Meant to dodge further questioning.
But the way he said it... too sharp, too calm.
Something unspoken passed through the room.
A few members of the family-especially the elder ones-shared glances. As if... they already knew.
As if he had been gone before.
As if this wasn't the first time they saw him alive.
But no one asked anything. No one dared.
Only his mother, sitting at the edge of the room with a plate in her hand, looked at him longer than necessary. Her eyes softened with something close to relief... or pain... or maybe guilt.
But she said nothing either.
It was Isha who suddenly broke the moment.
"Where are the fathers of our family, baba sa, chose papa, papa even boys are not here," she asked in confusion, her voice louder than she realized. "they're making dinner."
Shivansh dadi sa chuckled. "Fathers?"
She smiled innocently. And nodded then shivansh choti maa sa said " they are making dinner. They took charge today and we are holiday."
Even his mother raised an eyebrow and said, "shivansh if you are done here then go help them, beta."
Shivansh rolled his eyes but grinned. "Haan haan, maa sa. I'm going."
He turned toward the kitchen direction.
Isha instinctively tried to follow, but her lower body reminded her again with a sharp ache. She stayed back quietly, adjusting her posture on the sofa.
That's when her friends-Prisha and Ishika-appeared from the hallway.
They rushed to her, eyes wide.
"What happened to you?"
"Why were you being carried like a bride?"
"Did he drop you or did you fall on him on purpose?" Ishika smirked.
Isha didn't say a word.
She looked at them once and then turned her head toward the other side of the room, where Shivansh's mother was seated, now talking softly to her mother, and his dadi sa.
The language was different.
The dialect smooth, earthy, and unfamiliar.
They were speaking in Rajasthani.
Isha tilted her head, eyes narrowing. "Wait... is that Rajasthani?"
His mother looked over with a gentle smile. "Yes, beta. It's our home tongue."
Isha blinked. "Did I just understand a little bit?"
Aviyansh, who had returned to grab something from the side table, chuckled. "Did you?"
She looked at him accusingly. "Are you seriously speaking in Rajasthani behind my back?"
He smirked. "Maybe. Did you understand anything?"
"No."
His mother smiled again. "Then don't worry. It wasn't about you."
But Isha wasn't convinced.
Something about the words. The glances. The silences.
Something felt like it was about her.
Just then, Isha turned to Shivansh's mother with curiosity twinkling in her eyes. "maa sa... can you tell me something?"
His mother nodded, a soft smile on her face. "Of course, beta."
"What do you call your husband in Rajasthani?"
Everyone chuckled at the sudden question.
His mother laughed gently and replied, "Dhani."
"Dhani?" Isha repeated, trying the word on her tongue. "That sounds... royal."
"It means 'the one who holds the wealth or household,'" she explained, exchanging a quick glance with her husband. "It's a term of respect and love."
Isha smiled, letting the word settle in her mind. Dhani. She didn't know why, but it felt like a secret she shouldn't know yet.
The room returned to its gentle hum of conversation. Everyone was talking in clusters-some about last night, some about food, some about Jaipur. Shivansh had returned to the kitchen momentarily, and Isha sat back on the sofa, lost in their words and her thoughts.
Half an hour passed.
Just when the voices began to fade into a comfortable pull, Dada sa entered, clapping her hands lightly. "Chalo chalo, sab log! Come to the dining room. Dinner is served!"
A wave of excitement passed through the living room.
Isha made an attempt to stand on her own, but before she could even try properly, Shivansh was already by her side. Without a word, he bent down and picked her up again-gentle, steady, familiar now.
"Shivansh..." she murmured softly, half protesting, half smiling.
He didn't say anything. Just carried her through the hallway as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
The dining area was brightly lit. Everyone had already begun to gather. The table was long, wide, and full. The aroma of spices, ghee, and sweets filled the air.
Shivansh gently set Isha down on the chair he had clearly saved for her or not needed to save-right beside his own.
She blinked at the spread in front of her. "What did you all make?"
His father spoke up proudly from across the table. "Mixed vegetables, paneer butter Marsala, dal making, naan, salad... and for dessert-gulab jamuns and kheer, I know what my princess like all items are your favorite, beta. "
Her eyes widened, impressed. "You all really make all this for me."
Shivansh grinned and reached for her plate. "He was planning this from morning to surprise his princess. "
He filled her plate first-just the way she liked it. Not too much dal, little little both sabhi, extra salad, and two pieces of naan torn into quarters.
Then, instead of just leaving it there, he broke a bite-sized piece of roti, dipped it into the dal and vegetables, and offered it to her-with his own hand.
Her eyes darted around the table.
There friends noticed and exchanged smirks.
His grandmother smiled knowingly.
Isha hesitated... and then slowly opened her mouth and took the bite.
He took one for himself next, casually chewing like it was nothing. They both ate quietly, with him feeding her now and then in between eating his own share.
It felt strange... but good.
Comforting.
Intimate.
They finished their food slowly, in no rush-laughing, teasing, and in those quiet glances that only meant something between them.
Later, when the elders were being served desserts, Isha noticed his mother glance across the room. Her eyes lingered on Shivansh... and then on Isha.
Something in that gaze-soft and full of meaning-made Isha's heart flutter.
That's when Isha leaned closer to him and whispered, "Thank you. Dhanii.."
Shivansh looked at her, just for a second. His eyes didn't blink. He didn't say anything.
But his hand brushed gently over hers under the table-hidden from everyone else.
He didn't need to say "you're welcome jaana."
He didn't need to say anything at all.
And shivansh? he blushed.
For the first time.
Not the shy kind. The kind that warmed from his chest to his cheeks.
Even he didn't even know why listening thanking him had felt so personal. Maybe because deep down, he knew... she had been silently calling her his Dhani for a while now.
Shivansh didn't know what it was about the way she said his name, but it sent a quiet storm rippling through him.
Shivansh.
Just that-soft, simple, but full of familiarity, like it belonged to her now. It wasn't the first time she had used it, but today, in front of his family, her friends, her mother-something about it felt... intimate. As if, with one word, she had pulled him out of his shell and placed him gently into her world.
He looked down at his plate, blinking once.
The dining table was bustling. Chatter danced in the air, spoons clinked against plates, and laughter came in warm waves. Everyone around was smiling, serving each other with affection, offering more food even after plates were full. It was chaotic-but the comforting kind. The kind of chaos that comes with having people who care. The kind he never knew he wanted so much until now.
And in that moment-surrounded by so many lives blending together, seated beside her with her hand brushing his by accident and her laughter falling like music next to his silence-he thought:
This. This is the moment I've wanted in my life.
Not the palace. Not the throne. Not the perfectly scheduled meetings or formal dinners. Just this-one shared plate, her calling him by name, and their families laughing together like they'd always known one another.
After the meal, the mood shifted to something lighter, more relaxed. Dhruv suggested they all head to the courtyard for fresh air.
As everyone began getting up, Shivansh stood first and turned instinctively to Isha. She had only just begun to try standing on her own when he swooped in-gently lifting her into his arms again like it was second nature by now.
She didn't protest this time.
They stepped into the courtyard together.
The sky above was deep blue, the stars scattered softly, and the night air carried a breeze that made the trees whisper. In the center of the courtyard, a small stage had been set up with soft carpets and lights strung overhead-an impromptu resting place, perhaps intended for music or storytelling, but now perfect for a late-night gathering.
Yesterday decorations are still there, the stage and other things also.
He placed Isha down onto the stage, sitting close beside her as the rest of the group trickled in.
Soon, the stage was filled with a mix of people. Her mother, father, Prisha, Ishika, ritvik, arav, Arjun. His grandmother, grandfather, his parents, his brothers, uncles, and aunts. The courtyard glowed not just from fairy lights but from the warmth between everyone. Strangers had become family in some months.
And for once, Shivansh didn't feel like a king.
He felt like a man. Part of something bigger than himself.
As the night deepened, Isha's friends leaned on their partners with soft expressions.
"Hey, we should go now," Prisha said. "we are getting late for airport."
Isha looks at them then at shivansh "but this soon why!?"
"you have someone to look after your business babe but I have duty and from tomorrow I have a night shift also." Ishika asked, glancing toward Shivansh and then back. "what about you, you will stay here."
Isha gave a small smile. "Yes. I have someone to look after me."
Prisha chuckled under her breath, nudging Ishika, and both of them stood. "Alright, you stay here then. Message us when you're coming to Delhi. "
Isha's mother also spoke up then. "Yes, it's time for us to leave too. Our flight time is coming and we've stayed long enough."
As they began preparing to go, aviyansh joked, "What about your work, bhabhi? Who's going to manage everything if you're here being pampered?"
That's when she looked at Shivansh, eyes twinkling. "He will. From tomorrow, my duties will start transferring. He has to take care of them too."
Shivansh didn't even try to correct her. He just gave a tiny smirk and nodded, as if to say, It's already mine. Your world. Your duties. You.
The laughter that followed was light, teasing-but it carried a layer of affection. Acceptance.
Time passed gently after that. The courtyard thinned out, and conversations softened. Her family has to pack their things, ready to return to their rooms or leave altogether.
Soon, isha's family returned to the courtyard carrying small bags, signaling that they would head back to their Delhi house.
Farewells were spoken with light hugs and warm words. Promises of "We'll visit soon again" and " Miss you" filled the air. It didn't feel like a goodbye-it felt like a bookmark. Like a page would be turned tomorrow, and this story would go on.
As everyone slowly dispersed, Shivansh remained seated beside Isha. The lights twinkled above them. The night was quiet again.
And though nothing was spoken... it was in that moment he realized-
He didn't want this night to end.
The courtyard was quiet, blanketed in the mellow glow of fairy lights hanging above, gently swaying in the summer breeze. After Isha's family had taken their leave, a soft emptiness lingered behind them, like the ghost of laughter that had just been echoing moments ago. Shivansh stood silently for a second, watching Isha's silhouette until she turned the last corner inside, and then joined his family outside where large mattresses had been laid out, surrounded by cushions and light woolen throws. It was time for the last round of family time before the night folded into dreams.
Isha walked out a few minutes later, now dressed in a soft peach kurta, her face glowing despite the long day. Shivansh noticed her instantly. He didn't have to say it-his eyes always did. She slowly walked toward him, brushing her hair behind her ear, and settled beside Shivansh on the edge of the mattress. His grandmother patted the space between them, laughing softly.
"Leave some space for us oldies too, you two," Dadi teased.
Everyone chuckled, including Isha, who smiled shyly. Aviyansh and dhruv joined shortly after, followed by ranveer and the rest of the family. Everyone was cozy now, gathered close like stars forming constellations, making the courtyard feel less like a place and more like a moment they all belonged to.
The air shifted again, from playful to quietly tender. Isha rested her hand near Shivansh's, not quite touching, but close enough to feel the warmth. He noticed. He didn't move. Neither did she.
The courtyard buzzed with soft conversation. Stars blinked above them. Butler's brought warm kesar milk for everyone, and as it was passed around, Isha yawned gently.
"Thak gayi ho?" Shivansh asked, tilting his head.
"A little. But I don't want this night to end," she replied, honestly.
"Then don't sleep. Just sit," he said.
She smiled, wrapping her arms around her knees. "And you?"
"Main toh tumhein dekh ke hi jaagta hoon," he said softly, his voice barely audible over the murmurs of their families.
(I wake up just by seeing you.)
For a while, they said nothing. Just being there was enough. The laughter, the teasing, the closeness-everything felt suspended in time.
This was the night before forever.
And none of them knew how much they would need this memory in the days to come.
The courtyard echoed with soft laughter, murmurs of conversation, and the occasional clink of tea cups. Shivansh's family sat in relaxed clusters under the gentle night sky, the stars above gleaming as if they, too, were enjoying the warmth of togetherness. But amidst the joy, two figures appeared at the threshold of the courtyard, looking unusually nervous.
It was Dhruv and Avinash.
For anyone watching them from afar, their casual swagger might have seemed normal, but Isha noticed it immediately. They were hesitant, stealing glances at each other, as if gearing up for something they had rehearsed but still felt unsure about. Isha was sitting with Ranveer and shivansh on one side, quietly sipping her drink, her expressions cold and unreadable.
A soft breeze toyed with the pallu of her dupatta as if trying to comfort her, but her eyes carried a quiet ache-sharp, but buried beneath her usual fierceness.
She had forgiven many things in life.
But not betrayal. Especially not from them.
Not from Dhruv and Aviyansh.
They were her people. Her boys. Her chaos and comfort. Her brothers-not by blood, but by everything that truly mattered. The three of them had once declared war against Shivansh for her. They had protected her from cockroach pranks and cold-hearted suitors. They knew every version of her-angry, crying, laughing, and silent.
And they had left her. For a car.
"Chal na" came Dhruv's voice, sheepish and unsure, as he peeked from behind Aviyansh.
"She's here. What if she throws a sandal at ne, aap bolo na," Aviyansh muttered in front of him.
Dhruv stepped forward next, holding something carefully cupped in his palm. "If she doesn't throw it, I'll be shocked. But I'll still try."
Isha didn't look up.
Dhruv cleared his throat like a man approaching the gallows.
"Isha?" he called softly.
No answer.
"Isha... Bache," Dhruv began with a weak smile, hands tucked behind his back, almost like a schoolboy caught cheating.
She slowly turned her head, eyes narrowing. "What are you two doing here?"
"Oh great," Dhruv muttered. "She used her third tone. She's not okay."
"Hmm," came Isha's sharp, unimpressed hum.
Aviyansh took over with dramatic flair. blinked. "Your Highness. Apology delegates have arrived. Shall we start begging or directly get slapped?, Aur hamari pyari bhabhi, ek galti ki toh zindagi bhar ki sajaa dogi kya? Thoda toh maaf kar do."
(Our dear Bhabhi, will I be punished for life for one mistake? Please forgive me a little.)
Isha raised her eyebrows. "Galti? Tum logon ne mujhe beech raaste mein chhod diya. For a car. Ek rishvat ke chakkar mein tum dono mujh ko bhool gaye."
(Mistake? You guys left me in the middle of the road. For a car. In the pursuit of a bribe, you both forgot about me.)
"Humein laga sirf mazak tha, tum maan jaogi thodi der me" Dhruv said sheepishly. "Par jab tumne party mein humein ignore kiya, toh samajh mein aaya, ki asli game toh tumne kheli thi-silent treatment ka."
( I thought it was just a joke, you will understand in some time.)
( But when you ignored us at the party, I realized that the real game you had played was- the silent treatment.)
Isha, who had been calmly sitting listening to them, finally burst out. "Game?! Tum dono ne toh mujhe dhoka de diya! Mujhe laga hum ek team hain, aur tum log gaadi dekh ke bhaag gaye Shivansh ki team mein!"
( Game?! You both betrayed me! I thought we were a team, and you guys ran away to Shivansh's team after seeing the car!)
Aviyansh laughed nervously. "Yeh baat toh sahi hai, but gaadi bhi kya cheez thi, dhruv bhai! Leather seats, sunroof-"
(This is true, what a great car it was, Dhruv bhai! Leather seats, sunroof-)
"Shut up, Aviyansh!" Isha snapped, though a smile twitched at the corner of her lips.
But the smile vanished as quickly as it came. She turned serious again.
"Tum dono ne mujhe ek game mein nahi chhoda. Tumne mujhe us moment mein chhoda jab mujhe laga tha at least tum dono mere sath ho. Tum dono ne bribe accept ki, aur mujhe wahan Shivansh se chilla chilla ke baat sunni padi."
( You both did not leave me in a game. You left me at that moment when I felt that at least you both were with me. You both accepted the bribe, and there I had to listen to Shivansh's words in a loud voice.)
Dhruv folded his hands like a Bollywood hero before a goddess.
"Look, I know we messed up. We're... We're actually-okay, there's no excuse. We were stupid. No, actually we were-what's dumber than stupid?"
"Aviyansh," Isha deadpanned.
"Fair," Dhruv nodded, not even trying to argue.
Aviyansh and Dhruv's faces fell.
Just then, Isha's father aka shivansh father Baba sa said who was listening to all this since the start now snap at them "Yeh kya sun raha hoon main? Tum dono ne Isha ko chhoda bss ek car ke liye?"
( What am I hearing? You both left Isha just for a car?)
"Baba sa, woh-" Dhruv began.
But Baba sa cut him off. "Sharam aani chahiye tum dono ko. Isha ko support karne ka time tha, aur tum log gaadi ke peeche bhaag gaye. Aur ranveer, tum bhi! Tumne bhi kuch nahi bola unke decision pe?"
( You both should be ashamed. It was time to support Isha, and you guys ran behind the car. And Ranveer, you too! You also did not say anything about their decision?)
Ranveer, who had been hiding quietly behind Isha, sat straight guiltily. " I didn't know about that, jab pta chala toh Maine in dono ko data bhi tha. "
( when I found out, I even scolded both of them.)
"Ab tum sabhi ko pata chalega mazaak kya hota hai," Babasa declared, his voice firm.
( Now you all will know what a joke it is.)
Dhruv and Aviyansh hung their heads. Then, without a word, Aviyansh pulled out a key from his pocket and placed it in Shivansh's palm, followed by dhruv also.
"Yeh car ki keys hai," he said, voice low. "Humne socha humne kuch, jab Sab thik ho jayga toh hum sath me long drive pr jayenge. Humein kuch nahi chahiye ab. Sirf hamari pyaari cute se bhabhi wapas chahiye."
(We thought that when everything is fine we will go on a long drive together. We don't want anything else now. We just want our dear bhabhi back.)
Two keychains. The sleek black car key fobs-the same ones they had practically worshipped yesterday when Shivansh's gave them the luxury car as a "bribe"-now placed like fallen soldiers.
Dhruv nodded and added, " Ha humari pyaari idhar se udhra uchalne wali, humari choti se jaan Isha. "
( She is our sweetheart who jumps from here to there, our little jaan Isha.)
"We don't want it," Aviyansh said quietly. "We just want you."
Isha blinked.
"And these," Dhruv added, holding up two small chains they had secretly got made. One read "Bhaiyu ki jaan #1" and the other "Isha Ki Jaan".
"We were going to surprise you," Dhruv said. "But then we became idiots."
"No, we became villains," Avinash corrected. "For a bloody car. I mean, a really nice car. But still-just a car."
Isha watched the three of them squabble, her expression softening despite herself.
"I ignored you two on purpose," she said suddenly. "Because it hurt. You think I didn't understand the pressure you were under? But you just left. No explanation, no call. Nothing. I looked back and you were just... gone."
Dhruv's voice cracked. "We didn't know how to come back."
Aviyansh moved forward, kneeling by her side like a sulking little brother.
"Bhabhi please... humse galti ho gayi. But can you please stop ignoring us? You're the only one who actually sees us like a normal not some royal."
"I'm never doing that to you again," Dhruv added. "Even if you throw your chappal at me daily."
Isha let out a half-sigh, half-chuckle. "Don't tempt me."
There was silence for a moment. Isha looked at the two of them, her heart softening despite her anger. Ranveer, who had been quiet for a while, let out a loud exaggerated sigh.
"Chalo, ab toh maaf kar do in dono ko, isha. Main toh kal raat se in dono ko dekh dekh ke pareshaan ho gaya hoon. Har dus minute mein guilt trip lete hain."
(Come on, please forgive these two now, Isha. I am fed up of seeing them since last night. They take a guilt trip every ten minutes.)
Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere lightened up.
Finally, Isha smiled. "Ek shart pe maaf karungi. Tum dono sabke saamne maano ke I am the best."
(I will forgive you on one condition. You both should admit in front of everyone that I was the best.)
"Kya?" Dhruv widened his eyes.
( what?)
Avinash grinned. "Aye aye, captain. Tum toh Queen ho. Our Queen Isha, you are the best."
(Aye aye, captain. You are such a queen. Our Queen Isha, you are the best.)
"Bas bas, drama band karo," she said, unable to stop her laugh.
They all gathered together, pulling each other in playful hugs. Even Babasa let out a rare chuckle, shaking his head as he walked away muttering, "Nalayak sab ke sab, par dil ke saaf hain."
(All of them are worthless, but they are pure at heart.)
They laughed, that same free laughter they hadn't shared in the whole day.
Then suddenly, Aviyansh lunged forward and hugged her tightly, burying his face in her shoulder like a little kid. Dhruv quickly joined, wrapping both arms around her and mumbling, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."
She stiffened at first, then melted into the hug, her hands resting lightly on their heads.
"Don't ever do that again," she whispered. "You're mine first. Even before Shivansh. I can forgive you. But next time... I won't forget."
"Next time," Aviyansh sniffed, "we'll run over the bribe with the car."
"AFTER giving it back," Ranger clarified, slapping the back of Aviyansh's head.
That's when a voice boomed from the hallway.
"Oi! What's going on here?" Shivansh stepped into the light, arms crossed, brow raised.
"Group hug," Dhruv announced dramatically.
"Group guilt," Ranveer added.
"Group redemption," Aviyansh beamed.
But Shivansh walked straight over, gently pried the boys off Isha, and stood in front of her protectively.
"Alright, enough now," he said, smirking. "She's mine. Go hug a tree."
"Ugh, Shivansh, seriously?" Isha groaned, rolling her eyes.
"She's ours too," Dhruv retorted.
"But she chose me," Shivansh raised an eyebrow.
"I'm still voting for a re-election," Aviyansh grumbled, wiping a fake tear.
"Guys," Isha interrupted, laughing, "You're all mad."
"But we're your mad," Dhruv winked.
"And we're staying right here," Aviyansh added, flopping on the floor beside her.
"Forever," Dhruv muttered, quieter than the rest.
As the moonlight settled over the courtyard, they all sat together-brothers and sister-not by blood, but by love, loyalty, and laughter. And in that moment, Isha realized something she always knew but needed to feel again:
She wasn't alone. She never would be. No matter what misunderstandings came next.
This was her family.
And they'd always find their way back to her.
The night was settling into a calm hum, the stars lazily blinking over the courtyard. The air smelled faintly of mogra flowers, fresh tea, and something unspoken-regret perhaps, or the soft tremble of an apology.
There was silence for a second. A warm, golden silence that wrapped around all of them.
In the soft courtyard lights, surrounded by teasing and tears, apologies and memories, Isha looked around at the faces she loved most.
These were her people.
Her family-not made by blood, but built by time, trust, and madness.
And in that moment, she knew-
No palace, no title, no luxury could match what she had just reclaimed.
Her brothers.
Her world.
The courtyard had slowly emptied, one voice at a time. Laughter faded, slippers padded off into hallways, and sleepy yawns stretched across the haveli like a lullaby. Dhruv, Aviyansh, and ranveer were the last to rise from their spots near the fountain, where they had spent a good half-hour making Isha laugh with their over-the-top apologies and dramatic reenactments of "how we nearly lost our sister."
"Alright," Dhruv finally said, brushing imaginary dust off his kurta, "enough of our presence. Time for the real couple to get their screen time."
Avinash wiggled his eyebrows. "Yes, let the romantic cricket match begin."
Isha threw a cushion at him. "You're the wicket."
Ranveerchuckled, nudging them both. "Come on, let's leave the lovebirds alone."
They all stood, Dhruv walking over to Isha and gently placing his palm on her head. "You're happy now?"
She smiled at him, a little nod. "Now I am."
"Good," Aviyansh said, mock-serious. "Because we can't see you sad, not even for a minute. And now, madam, please do some romantic stuff. We're going to our room before you yell at us again."
Even elder one'shad retired for the night, nodding at the couple and saying, "Take your time. Let the stars witness your silence."
The garden was all theirs now.
Quiet.
Dimly lit with hanging lanterns.
Warm from the day's sun, but cool with the promise of night.
They sat down together on the stone bench near the old mango tree. A tree that had heard the family's secrets for generations. Tonight, it would hear the ones closest to their hearts.
Shivansh tilted his head, watching her.
"You finally forgave everyone?" he asked softly.
"I think," she replied, "they needed it. And I needed it too. Carrying it all was... heavy."
"I could see it," he said gently, reaching out to brush a lock of hair behind her ear. "In your eyes. You weren't saying it, but it was right there."
Isha didn't answer for a while.
She just leaned her head back, looked up at the sky-like it held all her unspoken questions.
"Do you ever think," she whispered, "what will we be like years from now?"
He turned toward her completely.
"I do," he said. "Almost every day."
She smiled, heart suddenly fragile.
"I don't know what tomorrow holds, but... I imagine this-us-being steady. Like a routine, but not the boring kind. The kind that makes you smile in the morning just because the other person exists."
"You want peace?" he asked, eyes searching hers.
"I want babies," she replied softly.
That one word-babies-hung between them. A word that meant more than peace. It was wholeness. Harmony. A home within a person.
Shivansh's gaze softened as if her soul had touched his own.
"You are my baby," he said.
Isha blinked, trying not to tear up.
He reached out and gently took her hand. "Tell me what you want," he said. "Everything. The future you see. I want to know it all."
She looked at their fingers, intertwined. The warmth of his hand grounding her.
"I want us to stay here for the six months," she slowly began. "Just breathe. Settle. Understand this rhythm we've built here."
He nodded. "We'll build a home here, together."
"And after that... six months in the delhi. For work, for something different. I want to keep growing. But I want to come back here too. I want calm. I want chaos."
"You want everything," he smiled.
"I do," she admitted. "But I want it with you. I don't want to build anything you're not a part of."
Shivansh was quiet for a moment. Then, as gently as the night itself, he pulled her close and rested her head against his shoulder.
"Then let's have it all," he whispered against her hair. "Let's not do a perfect life. Let's do our life."
She closed her eyes, her breath falling into rhythm with his.
"I never thought I'd fall for someone like you," she murmured.
He smirked. "Rude. I'm incredibly fall-worthy."
She giggled, her fingers playing with the edge of his sleeve. "No, I mean... I didn't expect someone who would annoy me, challenge me, confuse me-and still make me feel like I'm safe."
"I didn't expect someone who'd turn my palace into a home," he replied. "Or someone who could break down my walls by simply... existing."
There was silence for a few seconds, only the night birds singing gently in the distance.
"Do you think we'll change?" she asked.
"We'll grow," he corrected. "But not change. You'll still be bossy. I'll still be moody. But we'll be better at loving through it."
She sighed, pressing closer into him. "Promise?"
He kissed the top of her head. "Promise."
As she rested there-her cheek on his shoulder, the lanterns casting a golden glow around them-Shivansh looked down at her.
Her hair falling like a poem across her back.
Her features were so calm, like she'd made peace with the storm inside.
She was beautiful. She was on fire. She was graceful. She was home.
He admired everything in silence.
Not just her face.
But her strength.
Her kindness.
Her soul.
He admired how she could cry and still smile for others. How she could rage like a monsoon but forgive like the ocean.
She was chaotic and calm.
And she was his.
He leaned closer, whispering so softly that even the wind had to stop to listen-
"You are my now... and my always."
She smiled faintly.
And there, under a sky full of stars, the garden holding their dreams like a gentle witness, Shivansh and Isha didn't speak for a long time.
They didn't need to.
They were home.
Together.
At peace.
Ih there home.
The night air had grown colder, but Isha hadn't moved.
Shivansh glanced down again-her head still nestled into the crook of his shoulder, her fingers curled lightly against his chest, her breath now slower... softer.
She was asleep.
Soundly, deeply asleep.
The events of the day-the chaos, the emotional whirlwind, the laughs, the tears-it had all weighed on her. And now, exhaustion had taken her gently, right here, mid-conversation, mid-dream.
Shivansh didn't move. He sat still for a long moment, watching the rise and fall of her shoulders. The light from the lanterns gave her skin a honeyed glow, like she was made of some old, sacred light.
"She must be tired..." he whispered to no one in particular.
A small smile played on his lips.
Even asleep, she looked like she was thinking-her eyebrows twitching faintly, lips parted slightly.
He gently adjusted her so she wouldn't lean at an odd angle, but as he did, her hand caught his wrist, even in her sleep.
A soft sound left her lips-something between a sigh and his name.
"Hmm..ansh.."
His heart clenched.
He swallowed.
Then, slowly, as if afraid to disturb the stars themselves, he slid his arm under her knees and the other around her back.
She was warm.
Light.
He could feel the rhythm of her breathing against him.
And she fit perfectly in his arms.
As if she had always belonged there.
He stood, holding her like she was something irreplaceable.
Which she was.
He didn't want to wake her. So he walked through the silent haveli, barefoot, careful with every step. Past the empty corridors, past the closed doors where everyone had retired for the night. Past the old paintings and forgotten clocks that had seen generations.
He opened the door to her room, and it welcomed them with soft moonlight from the open balcony. The bed looked too large for her tiny frame, but tonight, it would hold the weight of a heart that had endured far too much.
He placed her gently onto the bed.
She stirred faintly, murmuring something incoherent, her hand reaching out toward the space where he had been beside her just minutes ago.
"Shhh..." he whispered, brushing his knuckles along her cheek. "I'm right here."
He pulled the comforter over her carefully, tucking it under her chin.
But instead of walking away, he sat down on the edge of the bed.
He watched her.
He didn't know for how long.
Her lashes rested like feathers on her cheeks. Her hair fanned across the pillow, tangled and beautiful. She looked small. So achingly soft. So unaware of the storm she was inside his heart.
And then, for the first time that night, he let himself speak.
Even if she wouldn't hear.
Even if she wouldn't remember.
"Isha..."
His voice cracked.
"I don't know when it happened. Maybe when you yelled at me for the first time. Or maybe when you defended me when you didn't have to. Or maybe when you just walked into my life and changed everything without permission."
He breathed out shakily, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I didn't tell you that day, not really. At the Roka. I said the words, maybe. But I didn't tell you everything."
His eyes searched her sleeping face, his heart aching with how much he meant this.
"I love you. But it's not just love, Isha. It's more."
"I adore you," he whispered. "I crave your chaos. Your voice. Your logic and your madness. I crave your silence when you're sad and the way you push people away just to see who stays. I crave your strength. Your softness. The way you always bounce back. You make me want to be good. Better. Whole."
He laughed under his breath, wiping his hand across his eyes.
"I've loved you in every version of you I've seen-and I know I'll love you in all the ones I haven't seen yet."
He paused.
Looked at her again.
And then whispered the one thing he had never said aloud until now:
"You are the great love of my life, Isha."
Not a fling. Not a phase. Not a pretty memory.
But a forever.
A name engraved on his soul.
A rhythm he would carry even in silence.
Still, she didn't stir.
And maybe it was better that way.
This love wasn't about her hearing it.
It was about him finally saying it.
Getting it out.
Letting it breathe.
He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Then, slowly, he moved to the other side of the bed, pulled off his watch, loosened the cuffs of his kurta, and lay down beside her.
Not touching her.
Not disturbing her.
Just there.
Breathing in the same rhythm.
Existing in the same quiet.
And as the clock ticked past midnight and into the deep heart of night, Shivansh closed his eyes.
A small smile on his lips.
Because for the first time in a long time, everything-his past, his present, and his future-was lying right there beside him.
Sleeping softly.
And already holding his heart.
It was well past midnight.
The stars above the haveli glittered in stillness, and every corridor inside the old palace whispered silence. The wind moved lazily, swaying the sheer curtains in their room, and the only sound was the gentle ticking of a grandfather clock outside the chamber.
Shivansh stirred, turning his head slightly.
The space beside him... was cold.
Empty.
His brows knit faintly as his hand instinctively reaches out for her.
Nothing.
"Isha?"
No response.
He blinked the sleep from his eyes and sat up slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. His heart gave a small, irrational jolt. The lights were still dimmed, the bed was rumpled where she had been sleeping... but she was gone.
Where could she have gone?
She never even wakes up like this.
The curtains fluttered, and a faint sound carried in from the far corridor. A soft click. A creak. The sound of a door closing?
He got up.
His jaw tightened slightly as his bare feet hit the cold floor. He didn't bother with slippers. He walked through the quiet hallway, past portraits of his ancestors and long shadows cast by antique lamps, until-
He saw it.
The faint golden glow from the kitchen at the end of the wing.
His eyes narrowed, and he padded silently toward it.
As he reached the door, the scene before him made him stop at the threshold.
There she was.
In her oversized t-shirt, hair messy, no slippers, standing on her toes in front of the open freezer door-eating ice cream directly from the tub with a little spoon like a five-year-old caught doing something forbidden.
She was crouched slightly, hiding behind the counter, eating with this secretive joy-half-guilt, half-glory-her eyes wide and gleaming, cheeks cold pink from the chill, and nose crinkled in delight.
Shivansh leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms.
"Midnight robbery, hmm?"
Isha froze.
Her eyes went wide. Like deer-in-headlights wide.
She turned slowly, still holding the spoon halfway to her lips.
"I-I didn't eat much," she said instantly, like a child trying to defend her stolen chocolate.
"Really?"
She nodded furiously. "I just came in. I mean, literally just opened the freezer. I didn't even-like-take three bites. Not even full ones. Just... mini ones."
He raised an eyebrow, walking in slowly. "You're shivering."
"No, no. It's just cold because-because the freezer was open!" she said quickly. "Not because I'm guilty. Or sneaking around. Or hiding. Or stealing."
"Of course not," he nodded solemnly. "Just an innocent ice cream inspector doing quality control."
"Exactly," she said with false confidence, then paused. "Wait-no!"
He chuckled and stepped closer.
She instinctively held the tub behind her back. "Don't you dare judge me."
"I wouldn't dare." He leaned forward just a bit. "But can I taste the evidence?"
"Absolutely not," she said, flustered, backing up. "This is my ice cream. My therapy. My moment."
He stepped forward again. "Midnight cravings, huh?"
"I was feeling cold," she said defiantly. "So I thought I'd eat ice cream."
"That logic makes zero sense."
"Neither does yours half the time," she shot back, licking the spoon cheekily. "But I let you exist."
He grinned. She looked ridiculous.
Beautiful.
Ridiculously beautiful.
She turned her face away, cheeks glowing pink from the cold and embarrassment.
"You know," he said gently, walking over, "you didn't have to sneak out. You could've just woken me up."
She mumbled, "You were sleeping. You looked so peaceful. I didn't want to bother you."
"And yet here you are... caught red-handed."
She narrowed her eyes. "You're not going to punish me, are you?"
A mischievous glint passed through his eyes. "Should I?"
Her breath hitched. "No."
"Maybe."
"I'll scream."
He leaned in. "You won't."
Her voice dropped. "You're very close."
"So are you."
Her eyes flicked to his lips, then away. "Fine. You want to punish me?"
He smirked. "Yes."
"Okay. Then your punishment is-you can't touch me for the rest of the night."
He blinked. "What?"
She held up a finger. "Yes. That's your punishment. You caught me sneaking, and instead of just laughing and hugging me, you want to be annoying-so now, you can't touch me. Not even my hair."
He stepped back like she had cast a spell. "That's a cruel punishment."
She lifted her chin smugly. "That's what you get."
Then she turned around, put the ice cream box back into the freezer with exaggerated grace, wiped her spoon on a napkin like royalty, and walked past him toward the hallway.
He just stood there, dazed.
But a second later, she turned slightly and peeked back at him.
"You coming?" she asked, trying to hide her smile.
"I thought I wasn't allowed to touch you."
"You're not. But you're allowed to walk beside me."
He grinned and fell into step beside her.
They walked back in silence for a few seconds before she whispered, "You really scared me, you know. When I woke up and didn't see you."
His hand brushed against hers by accident. "I could say the same."
They didn't talk much after that.
She was still cold, so he scooped her up halfway to the room, ignoring her fake protest of "You're not allowed to touch me!" with a muttered "Too bad. I revoked that rule."
Back in the room, he placed her gently on the bed and tugged the blanket up around her, brushing her hair away from her face.
She sighed.
"I'm okay," she whispered, curling up.
"I know."
He lay down beside her, close but careful, his body humming with warmth.
Then, with a tiny laugh, she moved closer-breaking her own rule-and rested her head on his chest.
He smiled in the dark.
"Back to breaking rules, are we?"
"Only mine," she whispered sleepily.
"Good," he murmured into her hair. "Because I can't go one more night without touching you."
And like that, they fell asleep again.
Wrapped in quiet, giggling warmth.
A stolen midnight memory sealed between shared whispers and leftover ice cream.
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How was the Chapter??
Aage kya hoga? Hmm?
This is the last chapter of their romance after that their trauma phase will start and who want the spoiler of their upcoming scene they can check my insta I already post the upcoming chapter spoiler.
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Love you all, bye
Ish💗