Vasu's POV
I woke up to sunlight spilling across the room.
My breath caught as I grabbed my phone—7:30 a.m.
"Damn it."
I was on my feet instantly, panic jolting through me. Today of all days—I couldn't afford to be late. I rushed into the bathroom, freshened up mechanically, my mind already racing.
A white shirt. Grey pants. No time to think, no time to feel.
As I hurried downstairs, still buttoning my cuffs, I froze.
The living room had transformed.
My father's photograph stood at the center, framed carefully, adorned with fresh flowers. The scent of incense lingered in the air. Every detail—every ritual item—was already in place.
My chest tightened.
The pooja had begun… without me.
I spotted Aakash Ji, the priest I'd once met during a case in India. He stood calmly near the altar, his assistant arranging the final offerings.
"Good morning, Aakash Ji," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.
He turned and smiled warmly. "Good morning, Vasu. You look tense."
I shoved my hands into my pockets. "When did you arrive? Why didn't you call me? How did you manage all this alone—"
He cut me off gently, tapping my shoulder.
"Relax. I know you. I came early. Everything is taken care of."
I closed my eyes and exhaled slowly.
Then I heard the soft hum of a wheelchair.
I turned to see my mother entering the living room with her caregiver. She looked composed, dignified—but I knew this day weighed heavily on her too.
As Aakash Ji discussed the final steps of the pooja with her, my gaze kept drifting toward the door.
She promised she'd be here.
I needed her.
"Where are you, sweetheart?" I whispered, checking my phone for the third time.
My mother noticed my restlessness. She reached for my hand and squeezed it gently.
"Are you okay, Vasu?"
I nodded—though I wasn't sure I was.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
My heart leapt.
"I'll get it, Ma," I said quickly.
I crossed the distance to the door in long strides and pulled it open.
There she was.
Madhu.
Relief crashed over me so hard it almost knocked the air out of my lungs. I pulled her into my arms without a second thought, holding her tightly, as if letting go might undo everything. My face found its place against her neck, breathing her in—grounding myself.
"Good morning," she whispered, her hand soothing my back.
"Good morning," I murmured. "Where have you been? I missed you."
She laughed softly.
"I'm right here," she said. "Where I'll always be."
I pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her. Her hand cupped my cheek, her thumb brushing gently against my skin.
"You look restless," she said.
"You're late," I accused, though my voice lacked any real bite.
Our eyes locked.
She smiled. "Vasu, I live next door. And it's only 8:15."
Before I could argue, she kissed my forehead.
I closed my eyes and breathed out.
"I'm sorry," she added softly.
"It's okay," I said quickly. "Come inside."
She nodded, and together we walked into the living room.
My mother's face lit up instantly. She opened her arms, and Madhu went straight to her, hugging her gently. Watching them together eased something deep inside me.
Aakash Ji cleared his throat.
"May I ask who she is? Normally, only family—"
"She is my future daughter-in-law," my mother said firmly.
I didn't hesitate.
"She's family. She's staying."
Madhu turned toward me, surprise flickering across her face. I held out my hand. She took it without question, and I pulled her close, my arm wrapping protectively around her.
She looked up at me. "Was today supposed to be only for family?"
I tightened my grip just slightly.
"It's nothing," I said quietly. "You're exactly where you need to be."
And for the first time that morning—
I believed it too.
Aakash Ji didn't argue. Instead, he nodded calmly and suggested we begin the pooja. He moved away with my mother and the caretaker, leaving Madhu and me alone in the living room for a moment that felt strangely suspended in time.
"Vasu… I need your help," Madhu said softly.
Before I could ask what she meant, she continued, "Mamma has made some arrangements for the pooja."
I frowned slightly. "What arrangements?"
She smiled, the kind that always softened something inside me.
"Sharadha Ma informed my mother about the pooja. If you can send someone, I'll go and bring the boxes."
I didn't respond with words.
Instead, I pulled her into my arms.
Her hands instinctively rested on my forearms, and she gasped, startled.
"Vasu! What are you doing? We're standing right in the living room."
I leaned my forehead against hers and sighed, the weight in my chest refusing to ease.
"You promised me you wouldn't leave me alone today, sweetheart."
She exhaled slowly, understanding instantly. One of her hands slid around my neck.
"I'm not going anywhere," she said firmly. "I'll get the boxes and come back… or we can go together."
I didn't argue.
I liked the idea far too much.
Together, we walked to her home. Karan, Malathy Ma, and her father joined us, and soon the boxes were gathered. When we returned, everyone helped arrange the items for the pooja. The house filled with quiet purpose, incense, murmured instructions, and shared glances.
As they settled into the living room, I stood near the dining area, momentarily lost in thought.
Suddenly, I felt arms slide around my waist.
I closed my eyes and released a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
Madhu leaned her head against my back and whispered near my ear, "It's time."
I turned to face her. She met my gaze steadily and said, "Let's go."
I nodded.
We sat together for the pooja—Madhu beside me the entire time. Her presence grounded me, steady and warm. The rituals lasted nearly forty-five minutes, and when they ended, we all stood and completed the final rites one by one.
As I spoke with Aakash Ji, Karan called out, "Vasu! Can you come here?"
"I'm coming," I replied.
Aakash Ji placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"You go ahead. I'll take my leave."
Madhu stepped closer and handed me an envelope.
"Ma asked me to give this to you."
I knew immediately—it was for Aakash Ji. I passed it to him, and he nodded in acknowledgment. Yet something felt… off.
His gaze lingered on Madhu longer than necessary.
Without thinking, I slid my hand around her waist and drew her closer.
Clearing my throat, I said calmly, "Thank you for today, Aakash Ji. We may need you again soon—to finalize the dates for our wedding."
The moment the words left my mouth, I felt Madhu stiffen.
Her eyes widened. Her cheeks flushed deep red.
Aakash Ji smiled politely and took his leave.
Madhu buried her face against my chest, mortified and shy all at once. I kissed her hair gently, unable to hide my smile.
"Alright," I murmured, "shall we go now?"
She lifted her head, confusion flickering across her face.
"Go where?"
I didn't answer.
I walked to my room, opened the door, and retrieved a familiar file from my study table—her certificate file. Karan had brought it earlier so we could submit her application at the NYPD office.
When I returned to the living room, my mother was still standing near my father's photograph.
I approached her and knelt beside her.
"I wish he were here with us today, beta," she said softly, tears glistening in her eyes.
I took her hand. "Me too, Ma."
After a moment, I asked gently, "Can I ask you something?"
She nodded, her gaze never leaving the photograph.
"Madhu and I need to go somewhere important. We'll be back soon."
She turned to me then—and smiled.
"Go," she said. "Carry on, son. Just promise me you'll both return soon."
"I promise, Ma," I replied.
I kissed her forehead gently.
I walked into the dining area just as Madhu was talking animatedly with her parents and Karan. She was so engrossed that she didn't notice me until I cleared my throat right behind her.
She flinched and spun around.
"You scared me!"
I smiled slowly.
"Ohhh… if you're done talking to your parents, shall we go?"
Her brows knit together instantly, and she launched into an explanation—what still needed to be done, who needed help, why she couldn't leave just yet. Words poured out of her, one after another, breathless and earnest.
I exchanged a glance with her parents and Karan and subtly motioned for them to give us space. They understood immediately and moved away, leaving us alone.
She was still talking.
"Sweetheart," I tried to cut in gently.
She didn't stop.
I exhaled, amused… and helpless.
Without warning, I slid my hand around her waist and pulled her flush against me.
She gasped.
Her hands instinctively came to rest on my arms, fingers tightening. Our faces were suddenly inches apart—close enough that I could feel her breath hitch, close enough that time seemed to slow.
"You talk too much," I murmured softly, tightening my hold just enough to make her inhale sharply.
"…sweetheart."
Her eyes widened, cheeks flushing crimson.
"Wh–what are you doing?" she stammered. "Papa… Mamma are here… Vasu, take your hands off me."
I tilted my head, smiling.
God, she was devastatingly adorable when she stuttered.
"Not anymore," I said quietly, leaning closer. "They've already left. See for yourself."
I winked.
She turned her head and realized her parents were now deep in conversation with my mother in the living room. When she looked back at me, her face was on fire.
I loosened my grip—but only enough to take her hand—and led her toward the study room.
The moment I closed the door behind us, I pulled her into my arms.
Firm. Protective. Unapologetic.
My head dipped into the crook of her neck, and I inhaled her scent like it was the only thing keeping me grounded.
"Thank you," I whispered.
She pulled back just enough to look at me, confusion softening her features.
"For what?"
Her hand came up to my cheek, thumb brushing my skin with unconscious tenderness. I leaned into her touch without thinking.
"For today," I said honestly. "For standing by me. It meant more than you know."
Her brown eyes searched mine, then softened. She smiled and wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me closer.
"You don't have to thank me," she said gently.
"You're my responsibility now—ever since you confessed. Whatever path you choose, whatever storm comes… I'll be there. Always."
Then she smiled teasingly.
"So yes—you're stuck with me forever."
Something warm spread through my chest.
I cupped her face, thumbs brushing her cheeks.
"I love you," I said softly, before pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.
We stayed like that for a few seconds longer—quiet, close, breathing each other in.
Then I straightened reluctantly, still holding her hand.
"We're getting late. We have to go."
Her brows furrowed immediately.
"Go where?"
I didn't answer.
Instead, I smiled and said, "I can't tell you. It's a surprise."
Suspicion flickered across her face.
"Vasu… I'm scared of your surprises."
I chuckled, rolling my eyes playfully.
"No need to be afraid, sweetheart. I promise—you'll be fine."
I interlocked my fingers with hers and picked up a file from the desk—her certificate file, though she didn't notice. Leading her out of the study, we walked back into the living area.
Karan spotted us and raised an eyebrow.
"Going somewhere?"
Before I could answer, Madhu spoke.
"Karan, can you or Priya stay with Sharadha Ma for a bit? I should be with her, but Vasu is taking me somewhere… and I have no idea where."
Karan didn't even hesitate.
"I'll take care of it. You go, sis."
I met his gaze and nodded.
"Thanks, buddy."
As Madhu squeezed my hand tighter, uncertainty and trust tangled in her grip, I felt it—
That quiet, electric pull of something about to change.
And she had no idea what was waiting for her next.
We stepped out of the house and walked toward the car parked in the lot. Just as I reached for the keys, Madhu stopped suddenly.
Her grip on my hand tightened.
She turned her head slowly, eyes scanning the shadows—left, then right—her body stiff, breath shallow.
I moved closer instantly.
"Madhu?" I asked softly. "What's wrong?"
She didn't answer right away. Her gaze kept searching, as if she was trying to locate something invisible. When I lifted my hand to her cheek, she clutched my wrist tightly, fingers trembling.
"No… it's nothing," she whispered, but her voice betrayed her. "I just… I feel like someone is watching me. Like we're not alone."
Fear flickered openly in her eyes.
I had seen her scared before—but never like this.
I framed her face with both hands, forcing her to look at me.
"Hey. Listen to me," I said gently but firmly. "This is our place. No outsiders. No strangers. No one can enter here without being noticed. You're safe. I promise."
She shook her head slowly, swallowing hard.
"Vasu… I felt this same way in the morning too," she confessed, her voice barely steady. "This feeling—it won't go away."
Something tightened in my chest.
I opened the passenger door and guided her inside.
"Stay here," I told her quietly. "Lock the door. Don't move."
Her eyes widened. "Vasu—"
"I'll be right back," I assured her, pressing my forehead briefly to hers. "Trust me."
I closed the door and scanned the surroundings with trained precision—behind parked cars, along the boundary walls, near the stairwell, every blind corner my instincts flagged. I checked twice. Then again.
Nothing.
No movement. No unfamiliar presence. No sign of intrusion.
Still, the unease lingered.
I returned to the car and slid into the driver's seat. Madhu turned toward me immediately, searching my face.
"It's clear," I said softly.
"I checked everything. There's no one there."
Her shoulders relaxed just a little, though her fingers still trembled in her lap.
I reached for her hand and held it firmly.
"You're safe," I repeated, slower this time. "With me."
She nodded, though uncertainty still clouded her eyes.
I started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot. As the city gave way to the open highway, I glanced at her once more—
And made a silent promise to myself.
Whatever this fear was…
Whatever shadow had brushed too close to her world—
I wouldn't let it touch her again.