The evening air was crisp and laced with the quiet hum of the city—a gentle symphony of car engines, distant laughter, and the rhythmic tap of three pairs of footsteps. Atharv, Mahi, and little Advait walked hand in hand beneath the amber glow of streetlights, their silhouettes casting long shadows along the sidewalk. Ahead of them stood a grand restaurant, its pristine glass doors gleaming beneath the light like polished crystal, and the air around it shimmered with the scent of warm spices and sophistication.

Advait’s eyes widened with childlike wonder. He tugged gently on his parents’ hands, his face a portrait of excitement and awe.

“Wow! This place looks so fancy! Can we really eat here, Mumma? Papa?”

His voice rang with delight, his gaze fixed on the tall, glittering windows and ornate lanterns hanging from the eaves. Mahi’s heart squeezed at the joy in his eyes—but her mind immediately raced to numbers, to savings and sacrifices, to every unnoticed bill waiting at home. She looked up at the elegant facade, her voice uncertain.

“I don’t know, Advait… maybe we should try somewhere else tonight.”

Her words were soft, but the weight behind them was clear. Atharv, walking just beside her, felt the tension in her hand. He gave it a reassuring squeeze and offered her a quiet smile—one that spoke of calm, of certainty.

“Mahi,” he said gently, “we’re here for a reason. Trust me.”

She turned toward him, confusion clouding her features. “What do you mean?”

Atharv paused just before the entrance, the warm lights from within casting golden reflections in his eyes.

“Remember I told you my boss was impressed with the last project? Well... tonight is his way of saying thank you. He insisted we have dinner here. It’s his treat.”

Mahi blinked in disbelief, her lips parting in surprise. Relief washed over her in a soft, invisible wave.

“Oh… Atharv, that’s so generous of him. I didn’t expect this.”

Her voice, once hesitant, was now tinged with gratitude and warmth. Atharv nodded, proud of the moment—proud to be able to give her a night without worries.

“I wanted to surprise you both,” he said, his gaze shifting to Advait. “A night where we can just… be happy.”

As they stepped inside, the city noise melted away. The soft clink of glasses, muted conversations, and gentle strains of ambient music enveloped them in a cocoon of elegance. The host greeted them with a courteous nod and ushered them toward a secluded section of the restaurant, away from the main dining area.

Mahi looked around in astonishment. “Why is this part empty? Did you... reserve the whole section?”

Atharv chuckled softly. “Yes. I wanted it to be special—for you and Advait. A little surprise.”

Her brows rose. “Atharv, this must’ve cost—”

“Shh,” he whispered, placing a finger lightly over her lips, then lowering his hand to gently squeeze hers. “It’s all taken care of. Just enjoy this. Let’s make it a night to remember.”

Mahi met his gaze and found no hesitation there, only calm and affection. She nodded slowly.

“Alright. I’ll trust you.”

The waiter approached with an elegant flourish, handing them menus embossed in gold. Mahi’s breath caught as she glanced at the prices—but she said nothing, trusting the peace she saw in Atharv’s eyes. He began ordering with ease, choosing all of Mahi’s favorites—paneer tikka, butter naan, saffron rice. For Advait, he placed a special request with the chef for a vibrant cake topped with candy sprinkles.

As they waited, Advait leaned in, excitement bubbling in his voice.

“Mumma, Papa! I made a new friend at school today. His name is Sanskrit. We played soccer and he passed me the ball three times!”

Mahi laughed, her expression glowing. “That’s amazing, Adu! I’m so glad you’re making new friends.”

Atharv smiled, leaning forward. “Sounds like a great kid. I’m proud of you, champ.”

Their table came alive with chatter—stories from school, gentle teasing, and soft laughter. The food arrived like art on platters, and Mahi’s eyes sparkled as she took her first bite.

“Atharv… this paneer tikka is incredible. You remembered it’s my favorite.”

He watched her with quiet admiration. “Of course I did. I remember everything about you.”

Advait eagerly sampled each dish, his delight infectious. But when the colorful cake arrived—topped with chocolate chips and a little sugar star—his face lit up brighter than any candle.

“Papa, this is the best cake ever! I love you!”

Atharv chuckled, ruffling his hair. “Love you too, buddy. Always.”

Mahi watched them with full eyes, her heart tender in her chest. She reached out and touched Atharv’s hand.

“Thank you, Atharv. This night… it means more than I can say.”

He looked at her, his voice low and rich with emotion.

“I’d do anything for you and Advait, Mahi. You two are everything.”

For a moment, silence settled over the table—not the kind that felt empty, but the kind that was full. Of contentment. Of unspoken truths. Of the knowledge that in each other, they had found not just love, but home.

The night unfolded like a delicate poem—each course a stanza, each smile a line of verse. And as they lingered over dessert and soft music, Mahi realized something beautiful:

It was never about how grand the place was.

It was about who she was with.

And with Atharv and Advait beside her, every moment—every breath—was priceless.

Sneak peek -Chapter 5

“Stay calm, Mahi. You’ve got this,” she whispered under her breath, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag.

Suddenly, a boy—head down, eyes glued to his phone—bumped into her.

“Watch where you’re going, behenji,” he muttered without even sparing her a glance.