I was buzzing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was only going to be my second journey by flight. The first time, I had traveled to Chennai for a medical conference during the second year of my residency—and I hadn't even told my parents. I didn't want any drama to unfold. But today was different; this time, we had actually informed everyone about where we were heading.

A small, warm feeling settled in my chest as I thought about Ansh. At least he has the parents I always dreamed of having... and I'm lucky enough to have them in my life too, even if it's only as in-laws.

Nikhil bhai had kindly come to drop us off at the airport. After taking the elders' blessings, we left the mansion at 4 pm sharp, the golden evening sun casting long shadows on the driveway. By around 5:30 pm, we had reached the airport, breezed through the security checks, and were now making our way toward the boarding gate.

My heart raced with anticipation. I had snagged the window seat, my little personal world of clouds and sky awaiting me, while Shivansh sat on the aisle seat, calm and composed as always, that unreadable expression etched on his face.

"Why are you sitting so quietly...?" I prodded him, nudging his shoulder lightly. He was sipping his cold coffee, eyes glued to a magazine.

"What do you want me to do?" he asked, his voice calm, still with his nose buried in the pages.

Typical Shivansh... always so composed, like nothing can shake him. How does he do it? I thought, glancing at him again. Even in this crowded airport, surrounded by the hum of announcements and rolling suitcases, he exuded an effortless calm that made me feel a little... jittery.

But I was not the one to stop.

"Ansh... talk to me..." I said, snatching the magazine from him.

"Hey... give back the magazine, I was reading something important..." he protested, finally looking up at me.

"No. I won't..." I said, tossing the magazine into my bag with a defiant little grin.

"Your periods are due, right, princess...?" he asked after a brief pause, his gaze running over me from head to toe.

My eyes widened. "How the hell do you know...?" I asked, curiosity gnawing at me.

"That's none of your business, Maharani sahiba..." he replied smoothly, and before I could react, he pulled the magazine out of my bag without me noticing.

"Aghhh..." I groaned, completely flustered now, cheeks heating up in embarrassment.

He didn't say a word. Instead, he got up, walked over to the nearby coffee shop, and came back with a steaming cup.

"Here, have it... you'll feel better..." he said, handing me the hot chocolate with that calm, unreadable expression.

I took the cup, letting the warmth seep into my hands, and sipped it slowly, trying to regain my composure, while he once again immersed himself in the magazine.

How the hell does he always know what's happening with me? I wondered, swirling the chocolate in my cup. It feels like he knows me even better than I know myself... But how? And why? How does he know my due dates are near?

My whirlwind of thoughts was abruptly interrupted by the boarding announcements for our flight. I quickly finished my drink, my stomach fluttering with anticipation, and we made our way to the gate.

We settled into our respective seats, the familiar hum of the plane enveloping us. Soon, the engines roared to life, and we lifted off, soaring between the clouds, the city below shrinking into a patchwork of lights and shadows.

About two hours later, the captain's voice came over the intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be shortly landing in Mumbai."

I instinctively reached out, holding onto his arm as the plane descended. My heart thumped in my chest, both from the thrill of the flight and the strange, inexplicable connection I felt to him in that moment.

We came out of the airport after collecting our baggage from the desk. The humid Mumbai weather hit us instantly as we stepped outside, the warm air clinging to my skin. The car was already waiting, its engine humming softly. We loaded our luggage into the trunk and headed toward the hotel. Shivansh had booked a suite at The Oberoi, Mumbai.

It was around 10:30 PM when we reached the hotel. After quickly freshening up, we were ready to head for dinner. But as soon as I stepped into the washroom, I was greeted by the unwelcome reality of my periods. What the hell? They were supposed to come two days later... why now, when I'm somewhere out?

"Kavya... dinner has arrived..." I heard Ansh calling softly from outside.

"Y- yes, coming..." I murmured, but the cramps were sharp, and the worst part—I had forgotten to bring my medicines. I somehow managed to quickly change and step out.

"Everything alright...?" he asked, concern flickering across his face as he looked at my tired expression.

"What happened, princess...? Didn't you like the place...?" he asked, gently pulling me beside him on the couch.

"It's nothing like that, Ansh... the place is really nice," I said, adjusting myself on the couch, trying to mask the discomfort.

"Then what happened...? Why has your face lost its charm, which was there till we reached here...? Did I do something to you...?" he asked, lifting my chin so I could meet his eyes.

"Ansh... I got my periods, and my stomach hurts a lot... I also forgot the medicines..." I admitted, feeling strangely comfortable in his quiet presence, as if nothing needed to be hidden.

"Do you take medicines...? You know, no, they might be harmful...?" he asked, serving the dinner while I nodded quietly.

"You don't need medicines... I'll take care, okay...?" he said, offering a reassuring smile. My chest tightened, overwhelmed by the silent understanding in his gesture. I don't even know how to thank him... he understands me without me saying a word.

I nodded in gratitude, taking the plate from his hands.

"Ansh, can we go for a walk after dinner...?" I asked softly, hoping for some distraction from the cramps and the fatigue.

"Yes... if you're okay, then only..." he said, with that same calm, reassuring smile that made my heart feel lighter, even amidst the discomfort.

Once we were done with dinner, we headed out for a small walk along Marine Drive.

"Did you like the place, princess?" he asked, holding my hand in his.

"Yes..." I murmured, smiling softly, noticing a small smile tug at his lips too.

"Thank you, Ansh..." I added after a brief, comfortable silence as we walked.

"Thank you? For what?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"Because of you... I've come on a trip after the last one back in my 2nd standard..." I said, leaning lightly against him.

"What?! You never went out for a trip after 2nd standard?" he asked, stopping abruptly.

"My Nani passed away when I was in class two... and my paternal grandparents had already passed when I was too young. So... no Nani... no Nani ka Ghar... that's it..." I said, a bitter smile crossing my lips.

"What about family vacations then?" he asked, turning towards me, his voice gentle.

"Hmm... papa was always busy with work, mummy was always busy taking care of Kunal and the house... so, no scenes of family vacations for me..." I said, my voice heavy with unspoken emotions.

"Aaahhh... leave all that, no... let's just enjoy this trip. Why dwell on all that..." I murmured, as we started walking back to the hotel.

His face remained calm, almost expressionless, but his eyes betrayed a storm of questions he wanted to ask.

"Don't dive too deep, Ansh. Many times, someone's past might hurt the present they're in..." I said softly.

He nodded, remaining silent.

A quiet settled between us as we walked back to the hotel, but this silence felt different—weighty, almost intimate. It carried questions that lingered unspoken. I don't want my past to overshadow this present... I reminded myself. Because my past... it only has the power to ruin everything. That's why my parents became colder towards me. If he ever finds out... I don't know how he'll react.

Lost in this whirlwind of thoughts, we finally reached the hotel. Exhausted from traveling, we collapsed onto our beds and slept the moment our heads touched the pillows.

It was around 8:45 AM when my eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim sunlight spilling through the window. I felt his strong arms around my waist, his face buried in the crook of my neck.

I slowly turned over, careful not to disturb him.

Seeing him like that—his face calm, all the tension from yesterday seemingly gone—made my heart flutter. His hair was completely messy, a few strands falling over his forehead. I gently brushed them aside, careful not to wake him.

"Good morning, Maharani Sahiba..." he said, his voice thick and hoarse from sleep.

"Good morning, Raja ji..." I replied, turning towards him.

"Raja ji...?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in mock surprise.

"Yes. Obviously, Maharani's husband is Raja ji only..." I teased, a mischievous grin spreading across my face. A soft chuckle escaped his throat.

He pulled me closer into his embrace and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. Instantly, the butterflies in my stomach began dancing with wild abandon. Heat crept up my cheeks, even from just his gaze.

What are these feelings...? I wondered, my heart racing. I never knew something like this existed inside me...

💞💞💞💞💞💞

Raja ji? Did she really call me that?

Ah... I've completely lost my heart to her. She doesn't even realize how much she means to me. Every little thing she does—every word, every glance—somehow pulls me deeper.

"Let's go for breakfast... princess..." I said, snapping myself out of my thoughts before I got carried away again.

"I really don't feel like going anywhere..." she murmured softly, resting her head on my chest.

"Are the cramps too bad, princess?" I asked, gently lifting her chin so I could see her face.

She just nodded, her expression faint and her face a little pale from the pain. My heart twisted seeing her like that.

"Okay then... I'll order it here only," I said, brushing my fingers through her soft hair in slow, soothing strokes.

"What would you like to have, chhutki wife?" I teased, trying to lighten her mood.

"I'm not chhutki," she said instantly, her voice muffled as she buried her face back into my chest, "and yes... I don't want to have anything healthy."

A small laugh escaped me at her tone. She looked adorable even when cranky.

"Okay... as you say, Maharani Sahiba..." (My Queen) I said playfully, my voice laced with affection.

Her lips curved into a faint smile, and in that moment, even her silence felt like peace.

And then I called room dining to place our order. We had ordered cheese and avocado toast, some veg cutlets, and for dessert—her favorite, chocolate pancakes.

She isn't usually this moody, except for those two or three days of her menstrual cycle. And honestly, she deserves to rest during those days.

"Maharani Sahiba, where are you going?" (My Queen, where are you going?) I asked, as I saw her getting out of bed.

"To freshen up, it's getting too uncomfortable..." she said, walking slowly toward the bathroom.

"If you need something, tell me, okay?" I said, getting up from the bed.

She nodded faintly before going inside. Her face looked pale; all the excitement and glow she'd had yesterday—when we started this trip—seemed to have faded away.

A few minutes later, she came out, frowning slightly.
"Why did you replace my clothes...?" she asked, her brows furrowed.

I had laid out her comfortable clothes instead of the ones she'd kept aside.

"Because you need rest. We'll go out later, once you're better," I said, handing her the clothes gently.

She nodded quietly. She looked so drained that she just changed into them and sat on the couch without saying a word.

Since breakfast hadn't arrived yet, I excused myself for a quick shower.

A few minutes later, I stepped out of the washroom wearing just my shorts—I had forgotten to take my T-shirt in. A towel hung around my neck as I ran it through my damp hair.

"W... what are you doing like this, Ansh...?" she stammered, her eyes wide in horror.

"Like what, princess?" I asked, smirking teasingly.

I walked over to the couch to grab my shirt, and she immediately covered her face with her palms in embarrassment.

"Why are you hiding your face? I'm your husband," I said, leaning slightly closer to her.

"Ansh, stop it... and wear your shirt," she said, glaring at me from behind her hands.

Just then, the sound of the doorbell broke the moment.

"Wait, I'll open the door. You go and wear something!" she said quickly, stopping me in my tracks.

"Why? Don't you like my muscles?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, clearly enjoying teasing her.

"I know, you've got a very good physique, Officer Sahab, but you're not in a bodybuilding show-off contest! So here—take your shirt and go wear it," she said, throwing my T-shirt at me.

I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck as I slipped it on.

The trip was going exactly as I had planned. We were getting closer... and soon, I'd finally propose to her.

I just hope she likes it.

By the time I came out, the waiter had already served breakfast. She was sitting on the couch, scrolling through episodes of TMKOC, and finally stopped at one.

Typical her... even pain can't dull that innocence.

We started having breakfast, and she was completely immersed in the show.

"Why are you watching this show only? It's so boring..." I said, furrowing my brows.

And honestly, it was boring. I had never watched this show in my entire life.

"What?! Are you even for real...?" she gasped, staring at me as if I'd committed some kind of crime.

I looked at her, completely confused.

"Now don't tell me you didn't know about this show..." she said, looking up at me, amused.

I simply nodded in denial.

"How could you not know about this show? This is the GOATED comedy show of the Hindi industry—it's been running for the past seventeen years!" she explained, her tone full of disbelief.

Wait, what? This show has been running for seventeen years? And why would I know that? No one told me this would help me in the UPSC interview or anything...

"Oh, that's great..." I said, trying to mask my lack of enthusiasm for the so-called classic.

For her, it was entertainment. For me—it was torture.

I sighed in relief when she got busy watching again. I never knew there was this side of Kavya hiding behind the mature, composed one I always saw.

After some time, boredom started to creep in. I picked up my phone and began scrolling. A few minutes later, she switched the channel.

Now she was watching Tom and Jerry, the evergreen cartoon.

Even I liked that one, so I set my phone aside and started watching with her.

A few minutes later, I was suddenly pushed off the couch as she wanted to lie down there. I landed on the floor with a soft thud and looked up at her. She was practically on a break, but her face carried a mix of boredom and fatigue.

She's not used to sitting idle. She always keeps herself occupied—whether it's hospital work or helping others. She hates staying in one place for too long. But today was different. Today, she had to rest... and she knew it.

But one thing was certain—I couldn't stop admiring her. Not in this lifetime, at least.

"Ansh..." she called softly, her voice low and lazy.

"Hmm..." I hummed, still focused on my phone. I'd just received an important message from the Home Ministry and had to check it.

"What happened, princess...?" I asked, glancing up just as she snatched my phone from my hand.

"I'm hungry..." she said with a small pout.

"Wait, I'll order something," I said, checking the time. It was already 3 p.m.

We decided on kadhi khichdi for lunch—the breakfast had been heavy, so something light felt better.

Soon, lunch arrived, and we sat down to eat.

As we were about to finish, I asked, "Should we watch a movie?"

She simply hummed in response, passing me the remote.

After scrolling for a while—and earning quite a few frowns from her—I finally landed on Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. She agreed, though reluctantly.

A few minutes into the movie, she rested her head on my shoulder and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Her breathing softened, her face relaxed, and for the first time that day, she looked completely at peace. Her pain from the cramps must've eased a little.

And me? I just wanted time to stop. I could watch her sleep like that forever.

After a while, she stirred, shifting uncomfortably in her sitting position. I carefully scooped her up, making sure not to wake her, and laid her down on the bed.

She immediately relaxed, curling slightly as I placed a hot water bag on her lower abdomen to ease her cramps.

It was around 7 p.m. when her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim evening light that filled the room.

"How are you feeling now?" I asked with a warm smile.

"Much better... and energetic," she said, her voice still hoarse from sleep.

"Can we go out?" she asked, sitting up on the bed.

"Are you sure you want to go out?" I asked, a bit hesitant—I'd seen how drained she was earlier.

"Yes, and we've come here to explore, not to sit in the room," she said firmly, getting up from the bed.

I couldn't help but smile. That spark in her eyes was back.

After getting ready, we headed out to explore Juhu Chowpatty and the shopping streets of Mumbai. The evening breeze carried that typical mix of salt, spices, and chaos that somehow felt comforting.

We walked through the crowded market, our hands intertwined, the noise around us fading into the background. She suddenly stopped near a footwear shop and tugged me inside.

I stood there watching as she began scanning through rows of heels—heels? Seriously?

"Why are you buying such long heels?" I asked, concern lacing my voice.

She turned to me with a teasing smile. "See, even after wearing this, I barely reach your shoulder..." she said, slipping her feet into the heels and standing straight, trying to match my height.

I couldn't help but chuckle. She's impossible.

After what felt like a long debate about whether she should buy them or not, she finally decided on a pair and looked so satisfied—as if she'd just conquered a battle.

From there, we moved to a few more shops filled with colorful kurtis and dazzling earrings. She ended up buying a couple of kurtis and some earrings, her eyes lighting up with every new thing she saw.

I just stood beside her, watching her excitement—it was infectious. There was something about seeing her happy like this that made my chest feel warm.

After roaming the market for a while, we stopped at a nearby street stall to have pav bhaji and misal pav—Mumbai's famous dishes. The food was spicy, buttery, and deliciously messy. She laughed when I struggled with the spice, and I laughed at her messy hands. It was simple, but perfect.

By the time we returned to the hotel, the night had settled in, and exhaustion had caught up with us.

The next morning, we visited the Siddhivinayak Temple, the air filled with the sound of bells and chants. She closed her eyes to pray, her face calm, and I silently prayed for her happiness.

Afterwards, we visited a few more beaches, letting the waves hit our feet and the wind play with her hair. She looked so carefree in that moment—so her.

Later, she insisted on doing a bit more shopping—"for family members," as she put it. I just smiled and followed along, knowing there was no point arguing when she made that puppy face.

After a whole day of walking, shopping, and sightseeing, we were completely drained. We finally returned to the hotel for dinner, tired but content.

It had been a beautiful day—the kind you wish wouldn't end.

Today was going to be the biggest day of my life. I was finally going to confess my love to her. Finally, the day had arrived.

With those thoughts swirling in my mind, I woke up earlier than her.

"Good morning, Ansh..." she murmured, her sleepy eyes adjusting to the morning sunlight.

"Good morning, princess," I said softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Don't you want to go for breakfast?" I asked, glancing at the clock. It was already 9 a.m.

"Yes, give me a few minutes... I'll get freshened up," she replied, stretching before getting up from the bed.

Once we were both ready, we headed down for breakfast. Our luggage was already packed—we were supposed to check out by evening.

After breakfast, we decided to take a walk along Marine Drive. The sea breeze brushed against our faces as the rhythmic sound of waves filled the silence between us.

That's when we heard a band playing nearby.

"Wow! A band show!" she said, excitement sparkling in her voice.

We walked closer, and she instantly got swept up in the vibe—cheering, clapping, even dancing a little. Then, out of nowhere, she walked up to the guy playing the guitar and convinced him to let her try.

And when she started strumming... I froze.

I never knew this side of her. The way her fingers moved on the strings, the way her voice carried through the crowd—it was magic. I couldn't stop staring, and of course, I didn't miss the chance to capture it all on my phone.

When the song ended, the crowd erupted in cheers. Turns out, it was a fundraiser for the visually impaired, and Kavya had just made their evening even more special.

"You never told me you could play the guitar," I said, smiling.

She laughed. "I do, sometimes... at college events mostly."

As we started walking again, I slipped my hand into hers. "And now... I have a surprise for you."

"Surprise? What is it?" she asked curiously.

"You'll find out soon," I said with a grin.

After about fifteen minutes, we reached a secluded beach. The setting sun painted the water gold, and the only sound was the whisper of waves against the shore.

"What kind of beach is this? There's no one here except us," she asked, puzzled.

"It's a private beach," I said, smiling. "I booked it—just for us. I wanted to spend some quiet time together before we go back to our chaotic lives in Delhi."

She nodded, her expression softening.

But then I stepped forward and went down on one knee.

"Ansh... what are you doing?" she asked, startled.

"Shh..." I hushed her gently.

"I love you, Kavya," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "Kavya, meri zindagi mein aane ke liye shukriya... tumhare bina mera kya hota, ye to mai bhi nahi jaanta."
(Kavya, thank you for coming into my life. I don't even know what I'd be without you.)

She knelt down before me, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Thank you, Ansh... mujhse itni mohabbat karne ke liye," she whispered. "Par mujhe nahi lagta mai iss mohabbat ke kaabil hoon... par..."
(Thank you, Ansh, for loving me so unconditionally. But I don't think I deserve this love... but...)

"Par kya, Kavya? Kya tum mujhse pyaar nahi karti?" I asked, confusion and fear flickering in my chest.
(But what, Kavya? Don't you love me?)

She looked down, her tears falling freely.

"Mujhe pyaar ka to pata nahi... par mai aapse ek vaada karti hoon..." she said softly.
(I don't know about love... but I promise you one thing...)

"Mai aapke saath poori zindagi loyal rahungi... aur jab tak meri saanse chal rahi hai, tab tak mai Shivansh Singhania ki hi patni rahungi... aur aapki izzat pe koi aanch nahi aane dungi."
(I'll stay loyal to you all my life... and until my last breath, I'll remain Shivansh Singhania's wife... and I'll never let your honor be stained.)

Her words broke something inside me.

What was this? Why did she think she didn't deserve love? What was she hiding behind this loyalty?
Had I proposed at the wrong time?
What pain was she carrying that she couldn't let me in?

Author's Note

My dewdrops, today's chapter felt like a soft breeze carrying whispers of hearts trying to understand each other... the quiet moments, the gentle touches, the laughter hidden behind pain. I wanted you to feel the flutter of excitement with Kavyashree, the calm intensity of Shivansh, and the unspoken emotions that linger between them like fragile threads of gold.

Sometimes, love isn't just about confessions or grand gestures—it's about noticing the little things, holding someone's hand when words fail, and staying when it's easiest to run. It's messy, it's tender, and it's real. And isn't that what makes these fleeting moments so unforgettable?

So tell me, my little stars—if you were in Shivansh's shoes, would you wait patiently for her to open her heart, or would you try to chase away all her fears at once? 🌙✨

Vote below and let me know—your voice matters asmuch as the hearts in this story. 💛