"Fuck!!!"

Hriday’s voice rang through the room, startling Gauri. Her hand froze mid-motion, her heart skipping a beat. She recognized the voice instantly.

"Hriday, you! What are you doing here?" she exclaimed, rushing over.

The lights flickered on, revealing Hriday, who was holding his nose, his face contorted with a mixture of frustration and mild pain.

Gauri’s eyes widened in concern.

"What happened? Did you get hurt?"

"Yes, you pulled my nose!" he complained dramatically, still clutching his nose.

Gauri couldn’t help but chuckle at his over-the-top complaint, the tension in the air beginning to dissipate.

"Sorry, sorry! I didn’t see you there!" she apologized sincerely.

She gently helped him sit on the bed, her eyes softening with concern. Hriday grimaced, still holding his nose.

"You pulled my nose like kids pull hair!" he continued, making a playful face.

Unable to contain herself, Gauri smiled, her hands gently moving his palm away from his nose. The skin had turned a bright red from the force.

"I'm really sorry, Hriday. Let me take care of that," she murmured, bringing his face closer to inspect the injury.

Hriday’s gaze lingered on her as she examined him, and for a moment, an unspoken tension filled the room. Gauri flushed slightly under his gaze, trying to focus on the task at hand.

"Your nose is really red!" she observed, her voice softer now, full of genuine concern.

"I know," Hriday replied, his eyes still locked with hers.

Feeling the weight of the moment, Gauri applied some ointment to his nose. The sensation of her fingers lightly touching his skin created a quiet connection between them. As she worked, Hriday couldn’t help but wonder about the silence settling over them.

"Can I ask you something?" Gauri’s voice broke through the stillness.

"Yes, sweetheart," Hriday responded, a slight smirk playing on his lips, though his tone was warm and serious.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Hriday hesitated for a moment, then his voice took on a more serious tone.

"I came to talk to you about something important."

"What is that important thing?" Gauri asked, sensing the shift in his demeanor.

"That you're going to work at our company." Hriday’s words were laced with anticipation.

Gauri blinked, her mind racing as she processed the news.

"Yes, I was planning to tell you, but everything happened so quickly. I guess you already know now," she said, her voice carrying a hint of doubt.

Hriday nodded, but his next words carried a weight that caught her off guard.

"Dad told me today. He said he would appoint you to the design section."

Gauri hesitated, uncertainty clouding her thoughts.

"I don’t know, Hriday. I was an interior designer before, and now this... it feels so different. I’m not sure if I can do it."

Hriday smiled at her, his confidence unwavering.

"Gauri, I know you can do it. But I want to know something... What was your dream? Was it always to be an interior designer?"

Her eyes softened.

"Honestly? I never really knew. I just did what I needed to do. When I was in college, I needed money, so I took the job. My dream... it’s always been about being independent. I never cared much about degrees or titles. All I wanted was to give my Maa a better life."

Her voice cracked with emotion, and before she could say more, tears welled up in her eyes.

Hriday, ever supportive, gently held her hand, his voice filled with admiration.

"You're an amazing daughter, Gauri," he said softly. "Maa would be so proud of you."

Gauri collapsed into his arms, her emotions spilling over.

"I miss her so much," she whispered.

Hriday pulled her closer, his arms offering comfort as he softly stroked her back.

"Look, she's always with you. You’re the strong daughter of a strong woman. She’s watching over you, Gauri."

She nodded, wiping her tears away, feeling his words sink deep into her heart.

After a long silence, Hriday pulled back slightly, his expression growing more serious.

"I want you to promise me something."

Gauri looked up at him, her gaze uncertain.

"What is it?"

"I want you to continue your studies, Gauri. I saw your certificates. You wanted to become a researcher. Don’t give up on that dream."

Her heart skipped a beat, but hesitation crept into her mind.

"Hriday, that was five years ago. I don’t want to continue something I left behind."

Hriday stepped closer, his eyes filled with sincerity.

"Life doesn’t always give us the opportunity to fulfill our dreams, but you’re strong enough to make it happen. I want to see you follow your passion. Besides, I’d love to see my wife as a researcher."

Gauri stood still, the weight of his words sinking in. She wasn’t sure what to do, but she knew that something had shifted inside her.

The following morning, after hours of reflection, Gauri found herself walking toward the gym, seeking some clarity. Hriday was there, lifting weights as if nothing had changed.

"Hriday," Gauri called out softly.

He turned, a smile spreading across his face.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"I’ve decided... I will study. But with one condition."

Hriday paused, his interest piqued.

"What’s the condition?"

Gauri hesitated before speaking.

"I want to study on my own, without relying on your money. I need to do this for myself. Please don’t say no."

Hriday’s smile softened, his understanding clear.

"I never said you had to rely on me. I want you to do it for yourself. You’re capable of more than you think."

Gauri looked at him, a new sense of determination rising within her.

"Thank you, Hriday. You don’t know how much this means to me."

He chuckled, pulling her close and wrapping her in a warm embrace.

"You’re welcome, sweetheart. Just don’t forget... I’m always here for you, no matter what."

Later, as they went about their daily lives, there was a subtle shift in their relationship. In the midst of their ordinary moments, they found a profound connection, one that would hold them together through both the highs and lows of life.

One morning, Gauri walked into her closet to find Hriday in a state of chaos—shirt buttons missing, clothes scattered around. She raised an eyebrow, clearly frustrated.

"Why did you create this mess?" she asked, hands on her hips.

"I was looking for my coat!" Hriday exclaimed, trying to tidy up the mess he’d made.

"And why didn’t you button up your shirt?" Gauri demanded.

Hriday smiled sheepishly, stepping forward.

"I made a mistake. Help me fix it?"

Gauri rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips.

"Wear something else. And next time, no more mess!"

Hriday grinned, stepping closer and back-hugging her.

"I’m sorry, sweetheart. Please don’t be mad."

Gauri’s frustration melted as she felt his arms around her.

"Only because you're cute when you apologize," she muttered, her voice softening.

Hriday chuckled, kissing the top of her head.

"And because I know I’m lucky to have you."

Gauri smiled, the warmth of his words enveloping her like a cozy blanket. Together, they knew they could face anything that came their way—one step at a time.