It was past midnight.

The house was silent when Gauri quietly walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she picked up a glass. It slipped from her hand and fell to the floor with a sharp sound.

She quickly bent down to pick it up—

But another hand reached for the broken pieces at the same time.

Her eyes lifted.

They met Hriday's.

"H-Hriday sir..."

"What are you doing here, Gauri? Do you need something?" he asked softly.

"I came for water."

He stood up and opened the fridge.

She quickly shook her head. "No, sir. I don't drink cold water. I catch a cold easily."

He paused. "Sorry. I didn't know."

He poured normal water into a fresh glass and handed it to her.

She drank quietly while he watched her.

"You can't sleep?" he asked.

Her fingers tightened around the glass.

"Yes... I'm remembering Maa."

Her voice trembled at the last word.

He hesitated. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, sir."

"First... don't call me 'sir.'"

She looked up at him.

He gave a small laugh. "I mean, you can call me Hriday. This isn't your working hour. I'm not your boss right now. We can be friends... if you accept."

She didn't answer. Instead, she walked out toward the garden.

Hriday followed her.

"I mean... only if you want to," he added.

Gauri sat down on the grass.

"Hriday... sit here."

The way his name sounded on her lips did something to him.

He sat beside her.

"You know," she began quietly, staring ahead, "since childhood, I've been an introvert. Maa was like me too. We never hurt anyone. We had our own small, beautiful world."

Her voice cracked.

"Then why is God so cruel? Why did He take her away? I'm not feeling anything inside. It's empty... without her."

Hriday watched her carefully. The emptiness in her tone worried him more than her tears.

"The first time I saw you... at the restaurant," he said slowly, "you were the most courageous girl I had ever met."

She frowned slightly. "Restaurant?"

He looked at her and smiled faintly. "Yes... the restaurant."

She seemed confused, but before she could ask more, he continued.

"Leave that. Let me tell you something about me."

She listened quietly.

"There were four of us at home — Dadaji, Dad, Mom... and me. You've met my parents, but not Dadaji yet. I was very pampered since childhood. I was the only child."

He sighed dramatically.

"My mom always wanted a daughter. But God gave her me."

Gauri looked at him.

"But don't worry," he added with a playful pout. "She did everything she would've done with a daughter. She made two tiny ponytails on my head. Dressed me in pink frocks. Put cute hair clips in my hair."

Gauri couldn't stop a small smile.

He narrowed his eyes. "You imagined it, didn't you? I must've looked terrible."

"No," she shook her head softly. "You must've looked very cute."

"Sure? Or are you just trying to make me feel better?"

"I'm telling the truth. I like children. Every baby is beautiful and cute. You must've been cute too... and handsome."

The moment the words left her mouth, she froze.

Hriday laughed at her embarrassed expression.

She quickly stood up, trying to escape inside.

But he gently caught her wrist.

She stopped.

And slowly turned back.

"Will you marry me, Gauri?"

Her breath hitched.

"H-Hriday... how can you ask something like that?"

He stepped closer, still holding her hand.

"I know this isn't the right time or place. But I wanted to say it. Not because I feel sympathy for you. Never that."

His voice grew softer.

"You became my heartbeat without me realizing it. The moment I saw your eyes; I wanted to keep looking at them. The day you cooked for me; I wanted to eat your food for the rest of my life... till my last breath."

He stood fully in front of her now.

"The world calls this feeling love. It's new for you. Believe me... it's new for me too. I've never been in a relationship. I never wanted one. But meeting you changed my view about marriage."

His grip on her hand tightened slightly.

"I want to commit to you. To build something real. But don't answer now. I'll never forgive myself if I pressure you at this moment. I want you to choose me freely... not because you feel alone."

He rubbed her hands gently.

"Your hands are cold."

"I-I'm sleepy," she whispered.

She slowly pulled her hand away.

Without looking back at him, she walked inside the house.

Hriday remained standing there.

Staring at his hands—

The same hands that had held hers just moments ago..

It was very early morning Gauri wake up and went back to her home by herself. She doesn't want to answer Hriday's question. She doesn't know what to do. She is clueless but one thing she is feeling that Hriday is pitying her.

"Noo i don't wanted to burden on anyone. "

Gauri said cleaning her home. Then she got a call from her Subhash uncle who is now out of station for his treatment.

"How are you Gauri beta...? Did you have your breakfast??"

"No uncle i didn't had breakfast. i was just going to make something, but you called. Tell me what doctor said...?"

"Beta Doctor said it will take some time to start the operation. It may take few months for my treatment. I need to stay here. Don't worry about me. You take care of yourself. I know at this moment i should be beside you but, because of my health issue i can't. I am sorry beta."

"No uncle don't say like this."

Gauri said wiping her tears.

"I am fine here."

Gauri said.

She told him sometime and it's time for Subhash uncle's medicine time, so she cut the call.

The next morning, Hriday came downstairs for breakfast.

His eyes instinctively searched for her.

She wasn't there.

A strange uneasiness crept into his chest.

"Where is Gauri?" he asked one of the maids.

"Sir... she left early in the morning. She went back to her house."

"What?"

The word left his mouth sharply.

Without finishing breakfast, he stood up and headed straight toward the parking area.

Within minutes, he was driving toward Gauri's locality.

After asking around, he found her house and knocked on the door. A few neighbourhood ladies stared at him curiously, whispering among themselves like detectives on a mission.

He ignored them.

The door opened.

Gauri stood there — and froze.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, shocked.

"That's my question. What are you doing here? You should be at my house."

She glanced nervously at the ladies outside.

"Come inside."

She quickly pulled him in and locked the door.

"I'm still waiting for my answer," Hriday said.

"You answer first."

"Why should I? Ladies first."

She stared at him, utterly stunned. "Are you mad?"

"Yes," he replied calmly. "At you."

She exhaled sharply and turned toward the stove to make tea.

"I can't stay there anymore. I'll find a suitable job. Until then, I'll manage with my savings. You don't need to worry about me. You can leave."

Hriday stood there, hurt flashing across his face.

"Gauri... I just confessed my feelings. I never forced you to feel the same. You don't have to quit your job. I promise I won't bring it up again."

She poured tea into a cup and handed it toward him, but she didn't look up.

"Please, Hriday. We are completely different. And I... I don't feel anything. And about the job... whenever I see you, I'll remember what you said."

Her hands trembled.

The cup slipped.

Hot tea splashed over Hriday's arm and chest.

"Oh my God! Hriday!"

She panicked immediately and rushed toward him.

Without thinking, she began unbuttoning his shirt to check the burn. Hriday winced at the sudden sting.

"You're burned! I'm so sorry!"

"It's okay—"

"Wait, let me get ointment!"

He sat on a stool while she hurried inside. When she returned, she saw that he had already removed his shirt.

Red marks were visible on his chest and arm.

Guilt flooded her face.

"Here..."

She handed him the ointment.

"Relax, it's just a minor burn," he said softly, applying it to his chest while she carefully applied some to his arm.

"Let's go to the doctor," she insisted.

"No need."

"Please, Hriday. It might leave marks."

He glanced at the redness again.

He nodded.

They walked toward the door. When Gauri opened it, they saw several neighbourhood ladies gathered outside, shamelessly peeking and gossiping.

Hriday buttoned his shirt while stepping out.

The women looked at them with judgmental expressions.

"Aaj kal kya dekhna pad raha hai..." one of them muttered loudly.

(What are we seeing these days...)

Both heard it.

Gauri stiffened but tried to ignore them.

"Let's go, Hriday. We're getting late," she said quickly, holding his hand to pull him along.

"Doctor ke paas ja rahe hain... kya baat hogi..." another woman commented sarcastically.

(Going to the doctor... I wonder for what...)

Hriday stopped walking.

His jaw tightened.

He didn't like the way they were talking about her.

Not one bit.

They reached in hospital. The doctor treated Hriday.

"Thank you doctor, for treating him."

Gauri said. The doctor smiled and told her it's okay.

"It's okay it's my duty to trate my patients."

"When will the mark reduce."

Gauri asked.

"It will take a week. The burn is not much because of the shirt the skin didn't burn much."

Gauri heard the doctor carefully.

"Thanks once agian doctor."

Gauri said and they both left from hospital.

"I will go by auto. You can go back."

Gauri said.

"No i will drop you by car. Don't argue. Come sit inside car."

Hriday said starting the car. Gauri didn't protest but agreed.

The car ride was silent. The reached near Gauri's home.

They came out from car.

"Thanks for the ride. Take care and have the medicine on time."

Gauri said and turned to walk inside. Hriday looked at her back.

He felt bad, he wanted to hold Gauri. He doesn't want her to go away from him.

Gauri walked inside. He saw the aunties from earlier looked at her.

"Maa ke marne ke baad ab iss besahara larki ko kon sahara dega..?"

("Who will support this destitute girl now after Ma's death?")

"Haa sehi kaha Sakshi issi liye too iss ne apna intezam apne app hi kaar li hai..!!"

(You are talking right Sakshi. That's why she already decided what to do.)

The other lady spoke.

"What are you talking Mansi Aunty...!?"

Gauri asked being confused.

The lady glare at her before looking away from her. They all are acting like she did something very wrong.

"Sakshi aunty at least you say what happened...? What did i do that you are talking like this with me."

Gauri asked.

"Oh, now she is acting all innocent after bringing boys at her home. Looking like our society

name will get defamed due to her filthy works."

Sakshi Aunty spoke.

"A-Aunty what are talking about ...! Why will i defame our society's name...!!?"

Gauri asked her.

"At morning you brought a boy for your own needs and now you are asking us what we are

talking about. At morning you ignored us like a queen, is he a rich customer...!!"

"Aunty!!!"

Gauri said. Tears gathers inside her eyes.

"Stop showing your crocodile tears. Where are you whole night...! You didn't come home after

your mother's discrimination."

One of the ladies asked jerking Gauri's shoulder.

"Aunty. I was at my boss place. You guys are thinking wrong. At morning also, the tea falls on his chest so we went to doctor."

Gauri tried to explain them.

"You trapped the boss. Wow Gauri...!!"

Few people gathered by hearing that sound.

"Aunty please don't say this type of word. I didn't do anything. He is just helping me as a good person."

"Your boss must be that type of man who took advantage of a destitute Girl"

"No aunty don't say like this he is good human."

"Good human or good in bed.!!"

One of the aunties came forward and slap Gauri. Gauri looked at her in shock.

"We don't let her stay here...!!"

Gauri heard one of the men said.

" Uncle you know me from childhood do you think I am that type of girl?"

Gauri asked the man. The man didn't say anything.

" Aunty you know I never be friends with boy then how can you think of such ...I am not able to

speak the words you are using against me."

Gauri asked all helplessly.

Gauri's lips trembled.

Her eyes searched the faces she had known since childhood — the same people who once gave her sweets during festivals, who blessed her during exams.

But today...

They looked at her like she was dirt.

"I swear on my Maa..." her voice broke, "I have never done anything wrong."

"Bas! Stop this drama!" Sakshi shouted.

Another murmur rose in the crowd.

"She stayed whole night outside... what more proof do we need?"

Tears rolled down Gauri's cheeks.

Just then—

"Enough."

A cold, firm voice cut through the noise.

Everyone turned.

Hriday was standing there.

His jaw clenched. His eyes burning — not with embarrassment — but with anger.

He stepped forward and stood beside Gauri.

One of the uncles scoffed. "See? He came back again."

Hriday looked straight at them.

"Yes. I came back. Because she is not alone."

Gauri looked at him in shock.

"You all are questioning her character?" Hriday continued, voice dangerously calm. "When she was taking care of her dying mother, where were you?"

Silence.

"When she fainted after hearing about her mother's death, I was the one who held her. When she had nowhere to go, I gave her a safe place to stay. And today you are calling her filthy?"

The crowd shifted uncomfortably.

"She worked in my company. She is one of the sincerest employees I have ever seen. And if you dare question her dignity again..."

He stepped closer.

"I will file a defamation case against every single one of you."

The murmurs stopped instantly.

Sakshi's face turned pale.

"You people talk about society's reputation?" Hriday's voice rose slightly. "A society that humiliates an orphan girl without proof has no reputation to protect."

Gauri stared at him — tears flowing silently.

The man who once confessed love to her...

...was now fighting the whole world for her respect.

Hriday turned to Gauri.

"Pack your things."

Gauri shook her head slightly. "No... I can't—"

"Yes, you can," he said softly, but firmly. "You deserve dignity. And if this place can't give you that, then it doesn't deserve you."

One of the aunties muttered, "See, she trapped him."

Hriday looked at her sharply.

"She didn't trap me. I chose her. And even if she never accepts my love, I will still stand by her as a human being."

Complete silence.

For the first time... the society people lowered their eyes.

Gauri wiped her tears.

Hriday parked the car outside his house.

As he reached for his phone, his eyes fell on the back seat.

Gauri's bag.

He stared at it for a second.

"This girl..." he muttered under his breath.

Without thinking twice, he started the engine again.

When he reached her society, he noticed a crowd gathered near her house.

His brows furrowed.

Why were so many people standing outside?

He stepped out of the car and walked toward the commotion.

And then he saw it.

Gauri stood in the middle of the crowd — crying, helpless, surrounded.

"We don't want this girl in our society!" one of the men declared loudly.

Something inside Hriday snapped.

"Stop!!!"

His voice cut through the noise like a blade.

Everyone turned.

The aunties immediately recognized him.

"Look who's here..." one of them muttered sarcastically.

Hriday didn't spare them a glance.

His eyes were only on Gauri.

He walked straight to her and held her arms gently.

"Are you okay? Why are you crying? Why are your cheeks red?"

Gauri kept her eyes lowered.

"Look at him! How dare he touch her in front of us?" one of the aunties scoffed.

Hriday ignored them.

"Hriday... please. You go from here," Gauri whispered.

He frowned. "What happened?"

"Let's go inside," he said firmly, trying to lead her toward the house.

"See! They're going inside together!" someone shouted from behind.

He didn't care.

But Gauri pulled her hand back.

"Please leave. If you stay, they'll talk more. They'll say worse things about you."

Hriday's jaw tightened.

"Fine. Then come with me. If they're creating a scene here, we'll go to my house. I'll deal with anyone who dares to speak against you."

He turned and looked at the crowd — eyes cold, challenging.

Immediately, questions were thrown at him.

"Who are you to take her to your house? What relation do you have?"

"How can you take an unmarried girl with you at this hour?"

"She has no one, but that doesn't give you the right to take advantage of her!"

"She's not innocent! Both of them are clever!"

Every word was like poison.

Hriday listened.

Then he spoke.

Calm. Clear. Steady.

"I do have a relation with her."

The crowd quieted slightly.

"From this moment... she is my wife."

Gasps erupted around them.

Without hesitation, Hriday walked toward the small temple near the entrance of the society. He picked up a small box of vermillion kept there for puja.

He turned back.

His eyes met Gauri's.

She shook her head slowly.

"Hriday... you don't have to do this."

He stepped closer.

"I have to."

His voice softened.

He took a pinch of vermillion and gently filled the parting of her hair.

Gauri closed her eyes.

A few grains of red powder fell on her nose and cheeks.

The crowd stood frozen.

"She is my wife," Hriday declared, his voice firm and echoing in the silence. "Now no one will point a finger at her."

One by one, the aunties glared and dragged their husbands away.

The crowd slowly dispersed.

Whispers faded.

Hriday turned back to Gauri.

She stood there, trembling.

Her fingers slowly moved to her hairline.

Red.

She looked at her hand — stained with vermillion.

Her breath grew uneven.

She closed her eyes.

And suddenly her body swayed.

"Gauri!"

Hriday rushed forward and caught her before she could fall.

He held her in his arms — the red of sindoor still bright against her pale forehead.

And for the first time, he realized —

He had just changed both their lives forever.

Hriday held her before she could hit the ground.

"Gauri!"

His voice shook for the first time.

He lifted her in his arms and carried her inside her house, kicking the door shut with his foot. The crowd outside slowly dispersed, whispering like always.

He laid her gently on the bed.

"Gauri... wake up."

He tapped her cheek lightly. No response.

His heart began to pound.

He ran to the kitchen, filled a glass of water, came back, sprinkled some on her face.

After a few seconds, she stirred.

Her eyelids fluttered open.

The first thing she saw—

Red.

Sindoor.

Her fingers instinctively touched her hairline again.

Then she looked at him.

"You... what did you do...?" her voice was barely above a whisper.

Hriday sat beside her, still breathing heavily.

"I saved your dignity."

Tears welled up in her eyes.

"By tying me to you without asking me?" she asked, pain mixed with disbelief.

That hit him.

Hard.

Outside, the world might think he was heroic.

But here, in this small quiet room—

He had crossed a line.

"I..." he struggled. "They were tearing you apart. I couldn't stand it. They were questioning your character."

"I could have fought," she said, tears slipping down. "I may be alone... but I am not weak."

Silence.

The weight of what he had done slowly settled between them.

"I don't regret protecting you," he said softly. "But if you think I forced you... then I will accept whatever punishment you give."

She looked at him — really looked at him.

He wasn't proud.

He wasn't arrogant.

He was scared.

Scared of losing her. Scared of seeing her hurt.

"Marriage is not a shield, Hriday," she said. "It's a responsibility."

He nodded.

"Then let me take that responsibility. Not because society forced me. Not because I want to own you. But because I love you."

Her lips trembled.

"And if I never love you back?" she asked.

His answer came without hesitation.

"Then I will still respect you. As my wife. As a woman. As Gauri."

The room felt heavy with unspoken emotions.

Outside, the society aunties might gossip for days.

But inside—

Two broken people were standing at the edge of a life neither had planned.

Gauri slowly wiped her tears.

"Give me time."

That was all she said.

Hriday nodded.

"I'll wait."

She didn't feel judged.

She felt... chosen.

Time Skip

Hriday parked his car outside the grand banquet hall.

Soft lights decorated the entrance; flowers draped over the gate.

His eyes fell on the board outside.

"Kesar & Saksham"

A small smile appeared on his lips.

Kesar — Saksham's would-be wife. He had met her once before. A bubbly, talkative girl who could turn even a serious conversation into a comedy show.

Saksham and Kesar had been best friends in college... and somewhere between notes, fights, and canteen chai — they had fallen in love.

Hriday stepped out of the car and adjusted his coat.

From the entrance—

"Bhai!!!"

Saksham shouted dramatically, grabbing everyone's attention.

"Finally, Nawaab ko time mila!"
(So the king finally found time!)

One of Hriday's friends added loudly.

Hriday rolled his eyes and walked toward them.

Before responding, he went straight to his Maasi, who was standing with folded arms, pretending to ignore him.

"Naaraaz ho?"
(Are you upset?)

Hriday asked softly.

Mansi shook her head immediately.

"Kabhi nahi!"
(Never!)

She pulled him into a tight hug.

"Now that you're here, I'm very happy, my baccha."

She cupped his cheeks lovingly.

Hriday had always been everyone's favorite — but his Maasi? She adored him like her own son.

"Let me meet everyone first," he said warmly.

He moved around, hugging relatives one by one, touching elders' feet, exchanging smiles.

Then he reached his best friend, Mayank.

They hugged roughly.

"Saale, how are you?" Hriday grinned.

"I'm fit and fine, kamine!" Mayank shot back.

Hriday lightly punched his stomach.

"Ouch! Don't you have a wife to show your strength? Why are you testing it on me?" Mayank groaned dramatically.

"Shut up," Hriday laughed.

He then walked toward his mother.

Maithili turned and smiled the moment she saw him.

"I knew you would come, my son."

She pulled him into a side hug.

"Mom, I told you I'd be on time," Hriday replied gently.

"Come. Papaji is very excited. And your father too," she said, holding his hand and guiding him inside.

Hriday followed her — though something unreadable flickered across his face for a moment.

They approached a small group of elders.

"Papaji, look who's here!" Maithili announced happily.

Harshavardhan was speaking to an old business associate. He turned at the sound of her voice.

Hriday immediately bent down to take his blessings.

"How are you, Dadaji?"

Harshavardhan placed his hands on Hriday's head.

"Hamare potey ki jagah toh hamare seene mein hai... aao!"
(My grandson's place is in my heart... come here!)

He pulled Hriday into a tight hug.

"Dadaji, how was your trip?" Hriday asked, smiling as they separated.

"It was good, beta. But it feels better seeing you here."

The warmth of family laughter, wedding music, and lights filled the air.

Yet somewhere deep inside—

Hriday's mind wandered.

Back to a trembling girl with sindoor in her hair.

Hriday stood beside Mayank, both of them watching Saksham and Kesar on the stage.

The couple looked radiant under the lights — laughing, teasing each other, completely lost in their own world.

Mayank glanced sideways.

He didn't look at the couple.

He looked at Hriday.

And he noticed it.

That faint tension in his jaw.
That distant look in his eyes.

"Focus on the function, bro. Why are you looking worried?" Mayank asked casually.

"Who's worried?" Hriday replied immediately.

"Tu, saale."

"Your eyes are defective," Hriday shot back.

Mayank smirked.

"Mayank Rajvanshi has never failed to read Hriday's eyes. Remember — we are childhood best friends."

Hriday looked away.

"Okay, okay. Where is Isha? I didn't see her," he asked, trying to change the topic.

Mayank rolled his eyes.

"She's in America. Her dad called her for some company work."

"Ahh... that's why you're chewing my brain today."

"What? Do you even have a brain to chew?" Mayank laughed.

Hriday made an offended face.

Mayank burst out laughing louder.

For a moment, it looked normal.

But Mayank didn't miss how Hriday's gaze drifted again.

Not toward the stage.

But somewhere far.

Later that night...

They were back home.

The wedding chaos had faded into calm silence. The family now sat comfortably in the living room.

"Papaji... it's feeling like home after a long time," Maithili said softly.

Harshavardhan nodded.

"Yes, beta. Finally, all the family members are together."

Warmth filled the room.

But Hriday quietly stood up.

He was now dressed in casual clothes, car keys in hand.

"Hriday, where are you going?" Shikar asked, noticing him.

Hriday stopped mid-step and turned toward his father.

"I have some work."

"You just came back, Hriday putter... and you've already started working?" Shikar said with mild concern.

"Work can wait. You need rest," Maithili added gently.

"Mom, it's urgent. I'll be back quickly."

Shikar narrowed his eyes slightly.

"What work?"

For a split second, Hriday hesitated.

"Dad... M-Mayank has some work. I'm accompanying him."

The room went quiet for a moment.

Then Shikar relaxed.

"Go, beta. Enjoy. You both met after a long time."

"Yes, Hriday," Harshavardhan added. "Friendship time is also important."

Hriday forced a small smile.

"Okay. Bye, Dadaji. Dad. Mom."

He walked out.

The door closed behind him.

And the moment he sat inside the car—

The mask dropped.

His hands tightened around the steering wheel.

He wasn't going to Mayank.

He was going to her.

Hriday stopped his car in front of a hotel.

The bright lights of the entrance reflected in his tired eyes.

He stepped out and walked inside.

A receptionist approached him politely.

"How may I help you, sir?"

"There's a room booked under the name Mr. Hriday Singh Shekhawat."

"Yes, sir."

"Get me the spare key."

"May I ask who you are?"

"I'm Hriday Singh Shekhawat."

"Oh, of course, sir." She handed him the key card. "Is there any issue? Should I send someone to assist you?"

"No. I accidentally left my key inside."

"Alright, sir. Good night."

He nodded and walked toward the elevator.

He opened the room door.

The lights were on.

But she wasn't there.

For a second, his heart skipped.

Then he heard the faint sound of running water.

The shower.

He exhaled slowly.

She was inside.

He quietly walked in and sat on the couch, leaning back, closing his eyes.

Five minutes later—

The bathroom door opened.

Gauri stepped out in a bathrobe.

Her hair was wet. Her face pale.

She froze when she saw him sitting there.

"Take a seat," Hriday said calmly, eyes still closed.

She hesitated but sat on the opposite couch.

The bathrobe was slightly short. She awkwardly tried to pull it down to cover her legs.

Hriday noticed.

"Go change," he said gently. "You'll be more comfortable."

She nodded and went inside again.

After a few minutes, she came out wearing a soft pink kurti.

Her hair loosely dried. Her eyes swollen.

"Did you eat?" Hriday asked.

She kept looking down and shook her head.

"Okay. I'm ordering food. What do you want?"

She didn't respond.

He picked up the phone.

"Send dinner for one. Rice and dal."

He cut the call.

He looked at her.

Her washed hair framed her tired face. Her eyes were still red — from crying too much.

The doorbell rang.

Hriday stood up, took the tray from the waiter himself.

"Sir, I can place it inside."

"No need."

He shut the door and placed the food on the small table.

"Gauri. Eat."

"I'm not hungry."

"From morning you haven't eaten anything. And I'm not taking no for an answer."

She slowly picked up the plate.

Took a small bite.

Then another.

Hriday watched quietly.

Something inside him tightened.

Now she has no one... I have to take care of her.

After a few minutes, he spoke.

"Gauri, you'll stay here for one week. Then I'll take you home. Right now it's not possible. My family... they'll need time."

"No need, Hriday," she said softly. "You've already done a lot. I don't want to become a burden."

His head snapped up.

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying the truth."

She stood up and walked toward the window.

Her shoulders trembled.

Tears rolled down again.

"Gauri, you're not thinking clearly. Rest tonight. We'll talk tomorrow. Call me if you need anything. And finish your dinner."

He turned to leave.

He wasn't good with emotions.

He had been single for twenty-nine years.

And now—

He had a wife. Suddenly. Unexpectedly.

He was trying.

"Rukiye...!"
(Wait...)

He stopped.

Turned.

She was standing there, vulnerable, raw.

"Thank you... for everything you've done for me, Hriday. But I feel like I'm becoming a burden for you. This unexpected marriage... how will your family react? I always wished to marry someone who would love me..."

Her voice broke.

"Now I'm married to you and I..."

She sank to the floor, tears slipping silently, looking at him — not accusingly.

Just searching.

For reassurance.

For truth.

Hriday walked toward her slowly.

He knelt in front of her.

He didn't have all the answers.

He didn't even fully understand what he felt.

But one thing he knew—

She was not a mistake.

"Calm down, Gauri," he said quietly.

"Whatever happened between us... I take full responsibility."

He gently lifted her chin.

"And never call yourself a burden. You were your mother's princess. You are my wife. My responsibility. My partner."

She looked at him through blurred vision.

"I don't know how to comfort someone properly," he admitted honestly. "But remember this — I will always stand by you. As a friend. As a well-wisher. As your husband."

Silence filled the room.

Not awkward.

Not heavy.

Just... real.

For the first time since everything happened—

She didn't feel thrown away.

She felt... protected.