Ayush woke up with a pounding headache, his temples throbbing as if someone were playing drums inside his skull.

He sat up on the bed, holding his head in his hands, trying to ease the pain.

As his blurred vision adjusted to the sunlight streaming through the window, he noticed a glass of lemon water placed on the bedside table.

Looking up, he found Tina standing there, her expression unreadable. She gestured toward the glass.

“Pee lo, sardard mein aaram milega.”

("Drink it, it will help with the headache.")

Without a word or argument, Ayush reached for the glass and gulped down the lemon water.

The sour taste mixed with the remnants of last night’s regret, but the coolness brought slight relief.

He handed the glass back to her, mumbling, “Thank you.”

Tina gave him a curt nod, turning to leave when he caught her wrist.

His eyes immediately fell on the faint red marks on her forearm.

“Yeh kaise hua?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.

("How did this happen?")

Tina pulled her wrist free from his hold, her expression carefully composed.

“Doesn’t matter,” she replied coldly.

Ayush frowned. “Maine poocha, yeh kaise hua Tina? Yeh maine kiya hai?”

("I asked, how did this happen, Tina? Did I do this?")

She sighed, her voice firm. “Doesn’t matter, Ayush. Tum nashe mein thay.”

("Doesn't matter, Ayush. You were intoxicated.")

His heart sank at her words. Guilt clawed at his chest as he ran a hand through his disheveled hair. “Hosh mein rahu ya nashe mein, yeh jo hua hai vo galat hai. I... I am really sorry. Main vaada karta hoon, aaj ke baad sharab ko haath bhi nahi lagaunga.”

("Whether I’m sober or intoxicated, what happened was wrong. I... I am really sorry. I promise, from today onwards, I won’t even touch alcohol.")

Tina let out a bitter chuckle, her lips curving into a sad smile. “Aur tum yeh kyun karoge, Ayush?”

("And why would you do this, Ayush?")

He looked at her, his guilt evident in his eyes. “Kyunki tumhe takleef hui hai.”

("Because you were hurt.")

Her laugh was soft but void of humor. “Aur tumhe kabse meri takleef ki chinta hone lagi? Yaad hai, tumhi ne kaha tha ki tum mujhe apni patni nahi maante. Toh ab yeh parwa kyun?”

("And since when did you start caring about my pain? Remember, you were the one who said you don't consider me your wife. So why this concern now?")

Her words hit him like a punch to the gut.

He opened his mouth to respond but found himself at a loss.

He didn’t have an answer.

She shook her head, her smile turning sadder. “Forget it, Ayush. Main jaanti hoon, mujhe meri galti ki saza hi mil rahi hai. Na main tumse zabardasti shaadi karti, aur na yun hum dono ko itna suffer karna padta. I get it, mistake is mine, so it’s okay. Behtar yahi hoga ki hum ajnabi hi rahein.”

("Forget it, Ayush. I know I'm just paying for my mistake. If I hadn’t forced this marriage on you, neither of us would have to suffer like this. I get it, the mistake is mine, so it’s okay. It’s better if we remain strangers.")

With that, she turned and walked out of the room.

Ayush stared after her retreating figure, his emotions a storm of guilt, confusion, and something else he couldn’t name.

He whispered to himself, “Ajnabi hi rehna chahta tha... lekin pata nahi kyun, tumhari ore khich chala jaa raha hoon. Sahi kaha tumne, sab tumhari galti hai. Na yeh shaadi hoti aur na hum aaj iss tarah hote.”

("I wanted to remain a stranger... but I don’t know why, I keep getting drawn towards you. You were right, it’s all your fault. If this marriage hadn’t happened, we wouldn’t be in this situation today.")

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he stood up to get ready for the day, the echoes of Tina’s words lingering in his mind like an unrelenting shadow.

Amay lay propped up against the pillows, feeling much better, but still not fully recovered.

He glanced over at Suman, who was standing by the doorway with a tray of breakfast in her hands.

She had strictly forbidden him from going to the office today, insisting that he rest.

He didn’t argue, knowing it was for his own good, but now, watching her bring him breakfast, he felt an overwhelming need to talk to her.

He smiled weakly as she set the tray down on the bedside table. “Tumhe school nahi jaana?” he asked, genuinely curious.

("Don't you have to go to school?")

Suman placed a glass of water on the table and looked at him with a soft expression. “Nahi, aaj main chutti lene ka soch rahi hoon,” she replied, her voice warm and caring.

("No, today I am thinking of taking a day off.")

Amay frowned slightly, his eyes narrowing in concern. “Lekin kyun? Exams chal rahe hai na school mein?”

("But why? The exams are going on in school, right?")

She smiled at his concern and sat down beside him. “Haan, lekin aapko aise chodkar jaane ka mann nahi hua.”

("Yes, but I don't feel like leaving you and going.")

Her words made his heart swell with happiness.

The love he had been suppressing for so long surged to the surface, but he tried hard to keep his emotions in check.

“Sumi, please go,” he said, his voice a little strained with the effort to maintain composure. “Main thik hoon aur vaise bhi ghar pe hoon, yaha maa hai mera dhyan rakhne ke liye. Tumhara jaana zaroori hai.”

("Sumi, please go, I'm fine and anyway, I'm at home. Maa is here to take care of me. It's important for you to go.")

Suman looked at him concernedly, her hand resting on his. “Aap dhyan rakhenge na apna?”

("You will take care of yourself, right?")

Amay nodded, his eyes softening. “Haan.” ("Yes!")

She held out her little finger, her face serious but playful. “Pinky promise?”

He chuckled at the sight of her cute pout and linked his pinky with hers, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Suman, promise. Kyunki apni biwi ke samne kisi aur ladki ka naam leta hua accha nahi lagunga.”

("Suman promise. Because it wouldn't feel right to mention another girl's name in front of my wife.")

Her face flushed crimson at his words, and she quickly looked down, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her cheeks.

Amay’s heart fluttered at the sight, knowing that her reaction was because of him.

A feeling of contentment settled over him—what he had once thought impossible was slowly becoming possible, and he was filled with happiness.

Just then, Tara entered the room, her voice full of concern. “Oh, sorry, main baad mein aati hoon.”

("Oh, sorry, I'll come later.")

Both Amay and Suman exchanged embarrassed looks, and Suman quickly waved her mother in. “Nahi, maa, please aaiye na.”

("No, mom, please come in.")

Tara raised an eyebrow playfully. “Pakka aa jaaun? Disturb toh nahi kar rahi main?”

("Are you sure I should come in? I'm not disturbing you, am I?")

Amay rolled his eyes, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “Nahi maa, aa jaaiye. Agar aapko apni hi ghar mein ghumne ki permission nahi di, toh aapke husband mujhe ghar se bahar nikal denge.”

("No, Mom, please come in. If I don't give you permission to wander around your own house, your husband will kick me out.")

Suman chuckled, her eyes sparkling at the banter.

Tara blushed, realizing her son had caught her teasing.

She shook her head and raised a finger toward him. “Bas, bas! Ab zyada bola na, toh mere husband se complain kar dungi.”

("Enough, enough! If you say any more, I'll complain to my husband.")

Amay grinned like a child caught in mischief. “Please maa, pitashree se kuch mat kehna.”

("Please, mom, don't tell dad anything.")

The three of them laughed together, a warm, familial sound filling the room.

Tara sat down next to Amay, her hand gently caressing his head.

Her voice softened with worry. “Bilkul dhyan nahi rakta apna, zyada lag jaati toh...”

("You don't take care of yourself at all, if it had gotten worse, then...")

Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke, and Amay reached up to kiss her forehead. “I’m fine, maa. Don’t worry, kuch nahi hua. Bas choti si chot hai. Thode din mein thik ho jaayegi.”

("I'm fine, maa. Don't worry, nothing happened. It's just a small injury. It will get better in a few days.")

Tara smiled lovingly at him, though there was still a trace of worry in her gaze.

She then turned to Suman. “Suman bete, tum abhi school nahi gayi?”

("Suman dear, you haven't gone to school yet?")

Suman shook her head, smiling at her mother’s concern. “Maa, vo main chutti lene ka soch rahi hoon.”

("Mom, I'm thinking of taking a day off.")

Tara’s expression softened even more. “Kyun bacche, tumhari tabiyat toh thik hai?”

("Why, my child? Is your health okay?")

Suman nodded reassuringly. “Haan maa, main thik hoon lekin yeh—” ("Yes, mom, I'm fine, but he—")

She pointed to Amay, and Amay interjected, his voice gentle but firm.

“Maa, kahiye isse ki chutti na le. It’s important for her to go.”

("Mom, tell her not to take a leave. It's important for her to go.")

Tara smiled at her son’s words. “Bacche, tum jaao. Main hoon yaha, aur jab aaogi tab apne pati ko sambhalana. Tab tak main apne bete ka khayal rakh lungi.”

("Child, you go. I’ll be here, and when you come back, you can take care of your husband. Until then, I’ll take care of my son.")

Suman smiled at her mother’s comforting words and nodded, feeling grateful for the love and care around her. “Okay maa, main jaldi aa jaaungi.”

("Okay, mom, I’ll be back soon.")

Tara nodded, her eyes soft with affection as Suman stood up to get ready for school.

The house was filled with love and laughter as the day went on, and Amay, resting comfortably, smiled contentedly, knowing that no matter what, they would always have each other.

It was 5 PM, and Amay's heart raced with excitement.

It had been a long day, and he couldn’t wait to see Suman.

He had bought a bouquet of her favorite flowers, a little surprise to brighten her day.

He placed the bouquet on the table, glancing at the clock every few seconds, eager for her arrival.

The thought of holding her close made him smile.

Meanwhile, at school, Suman was also thinking about Amay.

Her thoughts were consumed by him, and a soft smile graced her lips as she walked through the school corridors.

Her mind wandered, imagining Amay waiting for her at home.

But her peaceful thoughts were soon interrupted by the blaring fire alarm.

Her eyes widened, and her instincts kicked in.

Students were panicking, running in every direction.

Suman immediately took charge.

She called the fire brigade, instructing them to come quickly, and began organizing the students, making sure they were evacuated safely from the classrooms.

Up at Shekhawat Mansion, Amay suddenly felt restless.

He glanced at the clock—it was 5:30.

He quickly went downstairs to his parents' room, his face showing clear signs of anxiety.

“Maa, Suman aayi nahi?” he asked, his voice edged with worry.

("Mom, hasn't Suman come yet?")

Tara looked at the clock and then at Amay. “Haan, ab tak toh aa jaati hai. Main phone karti hoon.”

("Yes, she should have come by now. I'll make a call.")

Tara dialed Suman's number, but the call went straight to voicemail.

“Phone toh switched off hai,” she said, concern creeping into her voice.

("The phone is switched off.")

Amay’s worry intensified with every passing minute.

He paced around the room.

Anirudh noticed his son's panic and calmly said, “Relax, beta. Traffic mein hogi, aa jaayegi.”

("Relax, son. She must be stuck in traffic, she'll be home soon.")

But Amay couldn’t calm down.

His heart was racing with the thought of Suman being late.

Time seemed to drag on.

It was 6 PM now, and he was on the edge.

His hands trembled with impatience.

At the school, the situation was escalating.

The fire had started in the back of the school building, near the restaurant area.

Two classrooms on the upper floor were engulfed in flames.

Teachers and staff were guiding students to safety as the fire brigade and police arrived to control the fire.

Amay’s eyes darted back to the clock.

It was 6:30.

He couldn’t wait any longer. “Main Suman ko lekar aata hoon,” he declared, making a move for the door.

("I will go and bring Suman.")

Just then, his phone rang.

It was Digvijay. Amay quickly answered. “Haan, Digvijay,” he said, his voice laced with urgency.

("Yes, Digvijay.")

“Tu kahan hai?” Digvijay asked from the other end.

("Where are you?")

“Ghar pe hoon,” Amay replied, his tone tense.

("I'm at home.")

“Aur bhabhi kahan hai?” Digvijay asked him

("And where is sister-in-law?")

Amay frowned. “School gayi thi, abhi tak aayi nahi hai. Usse lene jaa raha hoon.”

("She went to school, hasn't come back yet. I'm going to pick her up.")

Digvijay’s voice became more serious. “Amay, meri baat dhyaan se sun. Bhabhi Sunflower School mein padhati hai, na?”

("Amay, listen to me carefully. Sister-in-law teaches at Sunflower School, right?")

“Haan, kyun?” Amay asked, puzzled.

("Yes, why?")

Digvijay took a deep breath. “Uss school mein aag lagi hai.”

("There's a fire in that school.")

Amay froze.

The world around him seemed to come to a standstill.

His breath caught in his chest.

“Kya?” he whispered, panic rising in his throat.

("What?")

Anirudh and Tara looked at him, their faces full of concern.

Anirudh took the phone from Amay. “Digvijay, kya ho raha hai?” he asked urgently.

("Digvijay, what's happening?")

“Uncle, please aap Amay ko sambhaliye. Main aata hoon,” Digvijay said, his voice filled with worry.

("Uncle, please take care of Amay. I'm coming.")

Anirudh nodded. “Nahi, Digvijay. Tum sidha school pahuchho, hum bhi waha ja rahe hain.”

("No, Digvijay. You go straight to the school, we are also on our way there.")

“Okay, uncle,” Digvijay said, his voice now grim. “I’ll be there.”

With that, the call ended.

Amay was frozen, his mind spinning with worry.

Anirudh looked at him firmly. “Amay, get a grip on yourself. Humein Suman ke paas jaana hai.”

("Amay, get a grip on yourself. We need to go to Suman.")

Amay nodded, but his heart was a storm of emotions.

Tara grabbed his hand, her eyes full of concern. “Please, Anirudh, meri beti ko sahi salamat laana.”

("Please, Anirudh, bring my daughter back safely.")

“I will,” Anirudh assured her, his voice calm but determined. “Stay here. Main tumhe update deta rahunga.” ("I will keep you updated.")

Amay and Anirudh rushed to the school, their hearts heavy with worry.

The smoke was thick in the air as they arrived.

Police and fire brigade personnel were everywhere, working tirelessly to control the fire.

Digvijay was already there, his expression grim.

Amay ran towards the crowd, only to be stopped by a police officer. “Sir, aap andar nahi jaa sakte,” the officer said.

("Sir, you can't go inside.")

“My wife is inside. Please let me go!” Amay shouted, panic evident in his voice.

The officer, recognizing Amay, immediately stepped aside. “Jaane do inhe,” he said, allowing Amay to pass.

("Let him go.")

Amay rushed toward the staff and teachers, his eyes desperately searching for Suman.

“Suman kahan hai?” he asked breathlessly, his voice strained.

("Where is Suman?")

No one answered.

Frustration boiled inside him.

He shouted again, “Where the hell is my wife?”

Digvijay, seeing Amay losing control, stepped in.

“Relax, Amay,” he said gently. “Bhabhi yahi hogi.”

("Sister-in-law must be here.")

Amay’s eyes darted everywhere, his heart pounding in his chest.

But his gaze suddenly shifted to a woman standing in the distance, holding a little boy in her arms.

She was gently comforting him, whispering sweet words, caressing his head.

Suman.

Without thinking, Amay rushed toward her, the world narrowing down to just her.

As he reached her, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as if afraid to ever let go.

Suman froze for a moment, surprised, but then wrapped her arms around him too, relief flooding her heart.

The little boy, who had been clinging to her, looked up at them in confusion, but Digvijay, seeing the moment, quickly took the child to his parents, leaving the couple alone.

Amay held Suman close, his heart still racing. “Suman, thank God you’re okay,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Suman looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears, and kissed his cheek softly.

“I’m okay, Amay,” she murmured, but he didn’t let go, not yet.

He held Suman close, his hands trembling as he cupped her face.

His voice cracked with emotion, "Pata hai kitna darr gaya tha main? Aisa laga jaise meri hi jaan hi nikal gayi ho."

("I was so scared. It felt like my very life had been ripped away.")

His gaze was intense, filled with the kind of vulnerability he'd never shown before. "Aur tumhara phone switched off kyun hai?"

("And why is your phone switched off?")

Suman stood frozen, her heart racing as she took in the sight of him—this man who was always calm, composed, the pillar of strength, now falling apart in front of her.

His usual steadiness was replaced by an overwhelming fear, and she could feel his breath coming out in ragged bursts, his grip on her tightening, as if she would slip away in an instant.

His hand gently traced her jawline, his fingers trembling slightly, as if he were trying to reassure himself that she was still there.

She could feel the wild thumping of his heart beneath her hand, which was now placed on his chest.

His breath was shallow, his heart racing in a way she had never witnessed.

He was losing himself in her, and she felt it—his desperation, his need for her.

Tears filled her eyes, and she whispered softly, "Main thik hoon, Amay. Aapke saamne hoon."

("I am fine, Amay. I am right here in front of you.")

But it wasn’t enough to ease his fear.

Without warning, he pulled her closer, hugging her tighter, his voice breaking as he begged, "Please... please, kabhi mujhse chod ke mat jaana. Nahi reh paaunga tumhare bina."

("Please... please, never leave me. I won't be able to live without you.")

Suman's eyes widened in surprise.

She had always known that Amay had feelings for her, but hearing him speak like this—his voice raw, desperate—revealed the depth of those emotions.

His words sank deep into her heart, and she could see the truth in his eyes—the fear, the need, the overwhelming love he had for her.

As he pulled back slightly, his lips found her forehead, her cheeks, her nose, and her chin, placing tender, frantic kisses all over her face as if to confirm that she was real and with him.

Suman couldn't help but giggle at his gentle, yet urgent kisses, her heart warming at the sound of her laughter.

Amay smiled against her skin, feeling the warmth of her presence seep through his body, the sound of her giggles filling him with a kind of peace he hadn't known before.

He pulled back just enough to look straight into her eyes, his expression serious yet filled with an intensity that was impossible to ignore. "Main tumse bahut pyar karta hoon, Suman," he whispered, his voice steady now but filled with emotion. "Tum ho toh main hoon, tum ho toh meri saansein hai, tum ho toh yeh dil hai, tum ho toh yeh dhadkane, mera sab kuch tumse hai, Suman."

("I love you so much, Suman. You are my existence, my breath, my heart, my heartbeat. Everything I am, everything I have, is because of you, Suman.")

The weight of his words settled over them like a heavy blanket, and Suman could feel her heart thundering in her chest.

She didn't need to hear more.

She had known.

She had always known, but hearing him say it now, with such rawness and honesty, made her heart soar.

Without thinking, she threw herself into his arms, her own arms wrapping tightly around his neck, holding him just as desperately.

For a moment, they both stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, as the world outside seemed to pause.

The chaos, the fear, everything faded away in the warmth of their embrace.

The feelings he had tried to suppress, the emotions he had tucked away deep within himself, the love he never intended to confess—those same feelings came rushing out in the most unexpected of moments.

He had never planned on telling her how he felt, had convinced himself that it was better left unsaid.

But in the chaos of the situation, in the terrifying fear of losing her, the truth poured out.

His love, which he had quietly harbored since the first moment their paths collided, was now laid bare.

The circumstances, the fear, and the overwhelming need to hold on to her had forced him to confront his feelings, revealing a love that had been growing quietly inside him all along.

Hello Everyone!

Do read the chapter and tell me how's it?

All your feedbacks are welcomed here.

Thank You❣️

And do follow me on Instagram