Hriday heard a knock on his door again and this time, a slow smirk spread across his face before he called out.

“Come in.”

Gauri stepped inside, her voice steady but hesitant.

“Sir, can I take leave today?”

It was the first time in a week she’d spoken to him.

Hriday raised an eyebrow, amused.

“Wow! You have a tongue, Miss Gauri. I thought you were mute.”

His eyes flicked over her in a way that made her heart skip—today she wasn’t wearing her usual salwar kameez, but a red saree. His favorite color.

“Sir, I need leave for today.”

Gauri met his gaze firmly.

“Sir!”

she called again, but Hriday’s attention was locked on her face.

Breaking the silence, he asked casually,

“Why the red saree today?”

Gauri blinked, confused.

“Excuse me, sir?”

“You’re excused, Miss Gauri,”

Hriday replied with a sly edge in his voice, causing her irritation to flare.

“Sir, this is not the time for your savage comments. I need this leave and it’s urgent.”

Hriday leaned back, grinning.

“You’ve worn a red saree, lined your beautiful eyes with kajal, painted your lips pink, and jingling bangles adorn your wrists. I even heard the sound of your anklets as you walked in. So, are you going to meet someone special? Or is today something special?”

Gauri’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through her. No one had ever noticed her like this before.

“Am I right, Miss Gauri?”

Hriday teased, eyes twinkling.

Unable to meet his gaze, she looked down, trying to hide her blush and shook her head no.

Hriday softened unexpectedly,

“Gauri ji, aap sharmati hui, aur vahi khubsurat lagti hai.”

(Gauri ji, you look even more beautiful when you blush.)

Gauri’s heart fluttered as she looked at him shyly.

“Sir, may I take my leave now?”

Hriday nodded, his smirk still playing on his lips.

“Okay, take the day off.”

Without another word, Gauri turned and left, not waiting for the embarrassment to settle.

Later that day...

“Gauri beta, why are we at the temple today?”

Kishori asked curiously.

Gauri handed her mother some prasad.

“First, eat this.”

Kishori smiled and took a bite.

“Didn't you remember? It’s your birthday, my dear Maa!”

Gauri exclaimed, wrapping her arms tightly around her mother.

Kishori’s eyes glistened with tears of joy. Life had thrown many challenges her way, but her daughter was her greatest blessing.

“Why did you take leave from work? Because it’s my birthday?”

Gauri scrunched her face playfully, looking at her mother in disbelief.

“Maa, stop talking about work. Now we’re here, and you’re more important than anything—even my work. You are my life. I can’t imagine life without you.”

They both smiled as they walked toward the temple exit.

“Hey Durga Ma, please bless my child with all the happiness in the world,”

Kishori prayed, closing her eyes.

Hand in hand, they hopped into an auto and headed back home, hearts full.