Shivansh firmly said that I’m not leaving my job, and after saying everything, his voice softened as he asked, “Kavya... do you have any more doubts...??”

I was just amazed. I mean, what a motivating monologue! I was impressed, and yes, I had regained my confidence, so I said, “No... no doubts...”

“Now, whenever anyone points out to you about your job... tell them to mind their own business... and leave the rest to me... I’ll take care of them,” he said, reassuring me.

“Okay sir ji...!!” I said, chuckling. For the first time in many days, I felt lighter—not bothered to answer anyone. But still, one thought lingered in my mind, holding me back: I don’t know what will happen if he gets attached. I don’t want my curse to ruin this family. They’re all so happy... I won’t let it happen.

“Your coffee is getting cold, princess...” he said, snapping me out of my thoughts. I hummed and started sipping my coffee. We spent some more time there, neither of us saying anything, yet I felt a kind of peace with him—something that can’t be put into words. After our coffee was over, we returned to our room.

It was around 6:30 A.M., and as always, I woke up before him and went to get freshened up. I got ready in a simple green floral-print cotton Anarkali suit. Around 7:50, when I was ready, I noticed Shivansh was still sleeping, so I went near him and said, “Good morning, Shivansh...”

“Mmm...” he mumbled, turning to the other side.

I tried waking him again, but he groaned, “Kavya... let me sleep...”

Annoyed, a mischief clicked in my mind—I decided to annoy this big man in front of me. I started poking his arm with my index finger.

After a few moments, he got annoyed, grabbed my hand, and in his sleepy, husky voice said, “Why are you poking me so hard, princess...? You’ll only get hurt, not me...”

“Why?! Is your body made of steel or what...??” I shot back, narrowing my eyes.

“Hmm, you can assume though...” he said, chuckling.

“What??!” I blurted out, eyes wide in surprise.

Before I could process what was happening, his strong arms slipped around my waist, and in one swift pull, I toppled forward—landing right on top of him.

My breath hitched, palms instinctively pressing against his chest. “W... what are you doing?” I stammered, cheeks warming.

“Oh, this... just a good morning hug with my wife... Good morning, princess...” he said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

My cheeks deepened in color. “A... Ansh... please... please leave me... I... I’ve to go help Ma...” I murmured, barely above a whisper.

Oh no—Ansh again! Why do I keep calling him that? Why does it just slip out?

“Aaghh... this... this is my melting point, princess...” he groaned softly. I blinked, lashes fluttering, and before I could speak, he pulled me closer, voice low and coaxing. “Say it again... princess...”

I tried to pull away, but he drew me closer. “Unless and until you don’t say Ansh... I won’t leave you, princess...”

I let out a shaky breath. “Ansh... please... leave me...”

He slowly loosened his grip, and I sat up. But before I could step away, his fingers curled around mine again. Shaky, I murmured, “Shivansh, please... both of us will be late for work...”

“Mhmm... I’m not Shivansh...” he murmured, a playful glint in his voice.

I lifted my gaze to meet his and murmured, “Oh really...?? Then I’m also not a princess...”

He rose from the sofa in one fluid motion, and before I could step back, his hand caught mine, pulling me gently toward him. “Yes... you are... you are my... that is, Shivansh Singhania’s princess...” he said, voice low but certain.

“Th... then... y-you are also... Shivansh...” I said, words tumbling out, broken and uneven, as if my tongue betrayed me.

He chuckled, low and warm, almost vibrating through the small space between us. “Yes... I’m Shivansh only... but only for the world... for my princess, I’m only Ansh...” My eyes widened as he added, “I like it when you call me Ansh... call me that only, princess...”

The words sank in slowly, like ripples across still water. It wasn’t just what he said—it was the way he said it, low and deliberate, as if the name belonged to us alone. I had only called him that to tease him, yet somehow, he had turned the tables on me.

I tilted my head, a mischievous smile creeping onto my lips. “Okay, I’ll call you Shivansh only...” I drew out the words just to see his reaction. Before he could tighten his hold again, I slipped out of his grip and darted toward the door, heart thudding in a rhythm I didn’t want to think about.

I came downstairs to the kitchen. Seeing Ma and Chachi Ma, I greeted, “Good morning, Ma... Chachi Ma...”

Both replied in unison, “Good morning, Shree...”

I blinked, slightly confused at the name. Chachi Ma smiled gently. “We know everyone calls you Shree... so we’ll also call you Shree from now on...”

I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips, and went on to help them with breakfast. Once everything was ready, we packed the lunch boxes for everyone, the morning sun spilling warmth into the kitchen as the aroma of fresh food filled the room.

After breakfast, Shivansh and I set out for our workplaces together, and he gave me a lift to the metro station.

---

It was around 9:45 A.M. when I reached the hospital and punched in the biometric scanner. Fifteen minutes later, a nurse came rushing in. “Ma’am, there’s an emergency... it’s an accident case...”

I grabbed the file and went to examine the patient. After examining, I asked to prepare the OT. Two hours later, after performing the surgery, I came out and informed the family that the patient was safe, then left to complete the post-op formalities.

It had been a very busy day. After a month-long leave, I had multiple surgeries lined up back-to-back. Exhaustion weighed heavily on me, but there was satisfaction in being back.

Around 7:30 P.M., my phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, I saw Shivansh’s name. Smiling, I answered, “Hi, Kavya,” his calm, familiar voice came through. “By what time will you be home?”

“I’ll be leaving soon... just came out of the OT... what about you?” I replied, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear as I leaned against the counter.

“I’ve already reached home... was planning to catch you up for dinner... so do text once you reach the previous metro station,” he said, a faint smile audible in his voice.

“Okay... bye, Ansh...” I said softly.

“Bye... Kavya,” he replied, warmth lingering in his tone even after the call ended.

Just as I was about to leave, another emergency called me back. Around 8:30 P.M., I finally left the hospital premises. By 9:30, I sent him a quick text: “I’m about to reach...”

💞💞💞💞💞💞

That morning, when Kavya got annoyed by my sleep and started poking me, I pulled her gently into my arms and teased her. I couldn’t help but notice her cheeks flushing a delicate shade of crimson.

“A... Ansh... please... please leave me... I... I’ve to go help Ma...” she stammered.

That was my weakest point. Even though it was only the second time she called me Ansh, it made my heart skip. I grinned and said, “Aaghh... this... this is my melting point, princess...”

She blinked at me, wide-eyed, lashes fluttering, clearly confused. I pulled her slightly closer and whispered, “Say it again, princess...”

Kavya tried to wriggle free, but I held her gently yet firmly. “Unless... you don’t say Ansh... I won’t let go, princess.”

Finally, with a soft sigh, she relented. “Ansh... please... leave me...” I loosened my grip, letting her think she was free, but before she could step away, I held her hand again.

“Shivansh... please... both of us will be late for work...” she said, half-exasperated, half-amused.

I smirked, keeping my teasing game alive, until she finally turned the tables on me. “Okay... I’ll call you Shivansh only...” she said, flashing a playful, exasperated look. Before I could react, she slipped from my grasp and dashed out of the room, leaving a trail of laughter and flustered energy in her wake.

I shook my head with a bemused smile. This girl... she’s going to drive me crazy with her antics, I thought, watching her dash away, laughter still echoing in the room.

I got ready for the day and went downstairs. After breakfast, Kavya and I left for work together, and I dropped her at the metro station. Our workplaces were in completely opposite directions, so it was the best way.

After a half-hour drive from the metro station, I reached my office. Once in my cabin, I said over the intercom to my assistant, “Send me those files...”

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. “Come in,” I said. My assistant placed the files on my desk and left. As I studied them, I found something interesting—just as I had suspected. This guy is a walking threat—I need to deal with it, I thought. A message popped up on my screen: “Meeting in fifteen minutes.” I exhaled and got ready for it.

It was a hectic day—as expected after a month-long leave. Pending files, back-to-back meetings... finally, around 7 P.M., after completing much of the backlog, I started back home.

Once I reached home, I called Kavya, wanting to catch up over dinner. She said she would text when she reached a nearby metro stop. As I scrolled through my phone, her message popped up: “I’m about to reach...”

I grabbed my car keys and drove to the metro station. Five minutes later, she appeared and took the passenger seat. The drive back to the Singhania mansion was silent—both of us too tired to talk. Yet, the silence wasn’t uncomfortable; it felt calm amidst the chaos of our lives.

Soon we reached the mansion. Everyone had already had dinner, so as planned, we dined together.

After dinner, we went to the terrace with our coffee—a routine we’d kept for the past fifteen days. It was our little escape from the world, our way of spending quiet, precious time together.

“How was your day?” Kavya asked, sipping her coffee.

“It was a bit hectic... after such a long break...” I said, letting out a deep breath. “And yours?” I sipped my coffee, savoring its bitter flavor.

“Ah... same... very hectic... back-to-back operations, rounds...” she said, leaning back on the couch.

I nodded. A brief silence settled, until I decided to break it. “Kavya... when is your birthday?”

She tilted her head to meet my gaze. “Mmm... my birthday is the upcoming weekend,” she said, placing her cup on the coffee table. After a pause, she asked, “And yours, Ansh?”

“It’s in November... still some time,” I replied, a faint smile tugging at my lips, careful not to reveal more than I should.

She nodded softly. We finished our coffee in comfortable silence before heading back to our room to sleep.

I was getting the couch ready for the night when Kavya stepped out of the washroom. Spotting me, she paused and asked, “What are you doing?”

“Getting ready to sleep,” I said, settling onto the couch.

She settled on the bed. “But you can sleep here too... why the couch? Isn’t it uncomfortable?”

“I’m not uncomfortable, princess... but you might be... if I sleep there,” I said, a smile tugging at my lips.

“Don’t lie, Ansh... I’ve seen you struggling to sleep. This is your room, and since I came, you’ve been making yourself uncomfortable... because of me...” she said softly.

“I’m not uncomfortable, Kavya... but you might be,” I said with a quiet chuckle.

“Ansh... if that’s the case, I’ll sleep on the couch, not you... got it?” she said gently, cutting in before I could respond.

“Okay, ma’am... if you’re not uncomfortable with me sleeping on the same bed, then I don’t mind,” I said, slowly bridging the space between us.

“Good boy... good night, Ansh,” she said, smiling.

“Good night, princess,” I replied, a smile tugging at my lips.

Sleep claimed us both almost instantly.

Around 3 A.M., I woke to the sound of her muffled sobs. Between her tears, she whispered, “No... no, Mamu... please don’t do this... please, Mamu... please...”

Confused, I asked, “What happened, Kavya? Are you okay?” My voice was calm, though urgency laced every word as I straightened beside her.

Her sobs deepened. I fetched a glass of water and offered it. She drank it in one go.

“What’s wrong, princess?” I asked gently, running my hand over her hair.

Her hands curled up, cries growing harder. “Princess... please tell me what happened?” I tried again, voice soft.

Through her sobs, she whispered, “Please... please don’t leave me...”

I stroked her back, calming her. “I’m not leaving... I’m here...”

After a few minutes, she calmed down. “How are you feeling now? Did you have a nightmare?” I asked. She nodded, still clinging to me.

“Do you want some water?” I offered; she declined. I gently wiped her tears. “Let’s sleep... we’ll discuss tomorrow,” I said. She looked at me, as if she knew I wouldn’t pry further.

“I’m sorry... because of me, your sleep got disturbed,” she murmured, guilt washing over her.

“Shh... don’t say sorry. Come, sleep now,” I said with a small smile. She nodded, laying down. After some time, she fell asleep. I pulled her closer in my arms, letting sleep finally claim me too.

💞💞💞💞💞💞

It was around 6:30 A.M. when I woke up, feeling his strong arms wrapped around my waist and his face buried in the crook of my neck. I paused for a moment, admiring how effortlessly protective he looked, before the events from last night flashed in my mind. Embarrassment crept over my cheeks. Shit! No... the worst nightmare... I can’t let him know that. If he does, I’ll lose everything. He’ll think of me the same way my parents do.

I wanted to run, but his grip held me firmly in place.

“What are you doing waking up this early?” His husky voice was still laced with sleep, and his hold on me tightened slightly.

“I... I need to get ready, Ansh... le... let me go...” The words slipped out, betraying my inner turmoil.

“It’s only 6:30, princess...” he murmured. I exhaled shakily.

“You get ready in five minutes... but I need more time, so let me go...” I pleaded. With a small groan, he loosened his grip, and I seized the opportunity to slip into the washroom.

An hour later, I was ready. I had chosen a simple orange chikankari kurti, white palazzo, and a white organza dupatta for the day. I also picked out a navy blue shirt and light grey trousers for Ansh—he had quite an impressive formal collection. After draping the dupatta over my hair, I went to wake a still-sleeping Shivansh. I really don’t understand how someone who loves his sleep this much became an IAS officer, I thought.

“Good morning, sir ji,” I said, settling on the edge of the bed.

“Good morning, princess...” he replied in a sleepy voice, fluttering his eyes open as they adjusted to the morning light.

“Wake up and get ready... you’ve to go to office,” I said with a soft smile. He nodded and stretched like a kid before heading to the washroom. I made my way downstairs.

In the kitchen, Maa and Chachi Maa were already busy preparing breakfast, with lunch boxes packed and ready. I took charge of packing all our lunch boxes and setting the table. Dad and Chachu were in charge of making tea, helping the ladies as always.

By 8:30 A.M., we all gathered for breakfast. Afterward, everyone left for work or college. Ansh and I followed our routine: he gave me a lift to the metro station before heading to his office.

The hospital day was long, and by the time I left, it was already 9 P.M. I hadn’t texted Ansh yet, but as I emerged from the station, I saw him waiting for me.

“Why did you come? I told you I’d manage... you’d already reached home. It would have been different if you were on your way...” I said, trying to sound frustrated.

“What happened at the hospital to make you so angry?” His voice was calm, but his brows furrowed in confusion—he had never seen me so mad.

“Nothing much... I got a case at the last moment, and the patient refused to open up because I’m not a senior doctor... and...” I trailed off as realization hit me. What the hell am I doing? Blabbering everything. Shit! What will he think?

“And... you’re hungry,” he said, breaking the silence and cutting through my tsunami of thoughts.

“A-and how do you know that I’m hungry?” I asked, eyes wide in amusement.

“That’s because whenever you’re hungry, you get frustrated... and feel the urge to murder someone—like now,” he said, raising his eyebrows mischievously. I glared at him.

“Sorry... sorry... I won’t say anything else, or I’ll be your target,” he said, settling back as he focused on the road. Yet, the small mischievous smile playing on his lips made me smile despite myself.

Should I be happy he notices every little detail about me, or should I hold back? I wondered. No, better to hold back—I don’t want him to be in danger because of me. But why does he notice everything, understand everything, without a word? I can’t ignore these things about him.

After a fifteen-minute ride, we reached the Singhania mansion. I got freshened up and changed into a simple yellow sleeveless kurta and white sharara pants. Dinner was quiet and comforting. Once the table was cleared and the servants had left, Ansh started preparing coffee.

“Why do you always make the coffee? Let me do it some days,” I said casually.

“Nope. I do it because I usually wake up late in the morning and can’t help like dad and Chachu do for their wives. This is my way of compensating,” he replied, adding sugar to the coffee.

“But I don’t even do 10% of what they do at home, so let me at least do something,” I argued, crossing my arms.

“Have you ever seen Ritu doing chores?” he asked, handing me a mug filled with coffee. I shook my head.

“Then... same applies to you,” he said, leaning back against the counter.

“Then why are you doing all this?” I asked, eyebrows furrowed.

“Are you not helping Maa and Chachi Maa?” he asked, standing straight. I nodded. “Then can’t I make a cup of coffee for us?” He raised an eyebrow, leaving me without a counterargument.

He gestured toward the door, and we made our way to the terrace, mugs in hand, ready to savor our evening ritual together.

Author's Note

Hey, my lovely dewdrops… Did you feel that little spark today? That teasing, that playful tug-of-war between Ansh and Kavya? 😏💫 Sometimes love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s in the stolen moments, soft glances, and shared silences that feel like home.

Tell me… which part of their morning made your heart skip a beat? 💛 Was it the sleepy cuddles, the playful pokes, or that soft coffee moment on the terrace? I want to know! 💌

Remember, my loves… even in chaos, love finds its calm. And these two? They’re just getting started… 😉