It was early morning when a car stopped in front of the Shekhawat mansion.
Shikar Singh Shekhawat stepped out, adjusting his coat. The sky was still pale; dawn had barely broken.
He walked inside quietly and placed his briefcase on the side table before sinking into the sofa.
The house was unusually silent. No servants were around yet — only the security guards were awake at this hour.
A wave of thirst hit him.
"Water..."
He stood up and headed toward the kitchen.
But just as he reached the entrance, his steps halted.
Someone was inside.
A girl.
She wasn't one of their usual helpers.
Who is she...?
Before he could think further, a glass slipped from the counter and shattered on the floor.
The girl turned immediately.
Shikar saw her clearly now.
"Sir... do you need anything?" Gauri asked politely, lowering her gaze.
"Yes. A glass of water."
She nodded and quickly poured him a glass, handing it over with both hands.
After drinking, Shikar looked at her carefully.
"What are you doing here this early in the morning?"
"I was cutting vegetables for breakfast, sir," she replied softly.
"That is not required," Shikar said in a firm tone. "Our working hours begin at 7 a.m. All staff start at that time. I hope you understand the rules."
Gauri nodded immediately. "Yes, sir."
"Good. You may go and rest."
She quietly cleaned the broken glass and arranged everything before leaving the kitchen.
As she walked out, she couldn't help but think—
He is strict.
Very strict.
Meanwhile, Shikar checked the time and sighed before walking toward his and Maithili's bedroom.
In her room—
Gauri pushed the door open gently.
And froze.
Hriday was sleeping comfortably on her bed.
"What are you doing here?" she whispered sharply.
He shifted slightly but didn't open his eyes.
"Oh, wifey... don't shout so early in the morning. Let your husband sleep."
She quickly shut the door behind her and walked toward him.
"You can't sleep here."
"Why? It's our house. I can sleep, right?"
"But this is my room."
He slowly opened one eye.
"What's yours is mine. What's mine is yours, sweetheart. So don't argue with your husband early in the morning... or you might not like how I make you quiet."
Gauri raised an eyebrow at him.
This man...
Last night she had barely slept, replaying everything — thinking she should apologize for her behavior.
And here he was... casually occupying her bed.
"Oh really? And how exactly will you—"
Before she could finish—
He pulled her.
Suddenly she landed against his chest.
Her face brushed against him.
She could hear his heartbeat.
Fast.
Steady.
Strong.
"Sleep, sweetheart," he murmured softly.
"Hriday..."
"Shhh... sleep."
His arm wrapped around her gently, not forcefully — just enough to keep her there.
For a moment she resisted.
Then...
She didn't.
Her breathing slowly matched his.
Her eyes closed.
Something unfamiliar stirred inside her — a warmth she had never felt before.
Safety.
Belonging.
Hriday smiled faintly.
He could feel her relaxing in his arms.
She was getting comfortable with him.
With his presence.
With his touch.
And he liked it.
No—
He loved it.
He loved watching her.
Loved being near her.
Loved the way she fit against him as if she had always belonged there.
Outside, the sun finally rose.
Inside, something new had begun between them.
It was lunchtime.
Today, Shikar was at home. Hriday had already left for the office, and Harshavardhan had gone out with his friends. He and his old gang often went on short trips together. Their proudly named group? "Cool Dudes."
At the dining table, Shikar took another bite of paneer and paused.
"Maithili... who made the lunch today?"
Maithili stopped eating and looked at him. "Why?"
"It doesn't taste like the usual food."
Her eyebrows lifted. "What kind of difference?"
He took another bite thoughtfully.
"It tastes... better. Especially the paneer. It's amazing."
Maithili gasped dramatically. "Wow. Shikar Singh Shekhawat can give compliments too?"
He frowned playfully. "Maithili, don't say that. Haven't I ever complimented you?"
"You have," she said, pouting slightly. "But never about my cooking."
Shikar smirked. "You never cooked, darling."
Maithili narrowed her eyes at him, clearly annoyed.
He chuckled.
"Today Gauri cooked," she said, softening. "She's a very good girl. Do you remember the cook from Kolkata?"
Shikar nodded while continuing to eat.
"She's the same one."
"Which cook Gauri?" he asked, slightly confused.
"The personal cook Hriday selected for himself."
"Oh... I remember now. But what is she doing here?"
Maithili's expression changed.
"She lost her mother. Poor girl... she has no one now. So Hriday brought her here. I felt really bad for her."
Shikar paused mid-bite.
"Hriday brought her?"
"Yes. I was surprised too," Maithili admitted. "You know, I used to worry... I thought maybe our pampering would make him insensitive. I feared he might grow up valuing money over people."
She smiled faintly.
"But seeing how concerned he is about her... I feel relieved. We didn't fail as parents."
Shikar's expression softened.
"We raised our son as a gem," he said proudly. "He is a gem. Sometimes he gets lost — like every human does. But it's our duty to guide him, no matter how old he gets."
He looked at her warmly.
"He may be a grown man... but you will always be his mother. And I will always be his father. Even if he turns fifty."
Maithili smiled emotionally.
"You're right."
After a moment, she spoke again.
"I was thinking... we should do something for Gauri."
Shikar continued eating, waiting for her to elaborate.
"But I don't know what."
Shikar wiped his hands and leaned back slightly.
"We should ask her what she wants."
Maithili looked at him.
"It's her life," he continued calmly. "Just because she lost her mother doesn't mean she lost her right to decide her future. If she wants to study, I'll talk to the best universities. If she wants to work — whether in our company or anywhere else — we'll support her."
Maithili looked at him with admiration.
"You always have better ideas than me."
He smiled warmly.
"That's because of your love, darling."
And with that, he winked.
Maithili shook her head, smiling — while somewhere in the same house, Gauri had no idea that her future was quietly being planned with care.
Mayank barged into Hriday's cabin without knocking.
"Mayank! What is this behavior?" Hriday snapped, looking up from his laptop.
"It's called a surprise, dude."
Mayank flopped dramatically onto the couch near the desk — almost lying down.
"You came here to sleep?" Hriday asked dryly.
"Yeah, last night Isha and I—"
Cough.
A very deliberate, fake cough escaped his own mouth.
He froze.
"Oh. I mean... I came here to show you something."
Hriday narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
Mayank jumped up, walked to the desk, and pulled out his phone. He opened Instagram and shoved it in front of Hriday.
"Look how Dadaji is enjoying life without us."
Hriday looked at the screen.
His grandfather was standing on a beach, sunglasses on, smiling like a teenager.
"Chandigarh mein beach kab se hai?"
(When did Chandigarh get beaches?)
Mayank blinked at him.
"Bro, are you dumb or pretending to be dumb?"
"Mayank!"
"Hriday, look properly. That's not Chandigarh. That's Goa!"
"What? I saw Dadaji last night. When did he go to Goa?"
"Read the caption," Mayank said dramatically. " 'Cool Dudes at Goa.' "
He shook his head.
"Seriously, your Dadaji is faster than us. In my twenty-nine years of life, I have never gone on a Goa trip. And this legend is living his best life."
Hriday couldn't help but chuckle.
"No worries. Tell Isha you want to go to Goa for your honeymoon."
Mayank made a face.
"That's not her dream honeymoon destination. She has... other luxury plans."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah. But I want to go to Goa with my friends."
"Before love, Isha was also your friend," Hriday pointed out.
"She still is! But it's different," Mayank groaned. "Bro, I really want to go somewhere. Let's go on a trip."
"Then go," Hriday replied calmly. "I have work. There's an important meeting in Jaipur."
"At least let's go to Jaipur together," Mayank insisted.
Hriday ignored him and continued typing.
Mayank's phone rang.
He checked the screen.
"Ugh. My PA."
He answered quickly, spoke for a minute, then cut the call.
"Hriduuuu, I have a meeting. Otherwise I wouldn't leave you so easily."
He pointed dramatically.
"This discussion is not over."
And with that, he walked out.
Hriday leaned back and smiled.
One thing was certain — Mayank made him lighter. No matter how heavy life felt, his friend had a way of pulling him back.
Mayank was sunshine.
After a moment, Hriday picked up his phone and dialed his grandfather.
"Dadaji, where are you?"
"I'm with my friends. Why, grandson?"
"I've been calling you for hours. Where is your phone?"
"Oh! It was on the table. We were dancing, so I forgot."
Hriday straightened in his chair.
"Dadaji... you were dancing?"
"Yes, grandson. Why are you so surprised? In my college days, I was a great dancer."
Hriday laughed softly. "That's new information."
"When are you coming back?"
"Before your birthday. But not this week," Harshavardhan replied.
In the background, someone shouted—
"Harsh! Come on, bro!"
"Coming, Jatin!" his grandfather yelled back.
"Dadaji—"
"Don't worry about me, Hriday. I'm perfectly fine. Now I have to go. I'll call you later."
The call disconnected.
Hriday stared at the phone for a moment.
A small, relieved smile formed on his lips.
Dadaji is happy.
And somehow—
That made him feel lighter too.
"Gauri beta i have something to talk. I hope you are not busy."
"No Madam come please."
"Look Gauri you are not a cook anymore so no need to call me Madam. You can call me Aunty."
"o-okay Aunty."
"Gauri dear i came here to talk to you something very serious. Related to your life and career. I hope you understand my point."
"Yes, i will Aunty. I know you will never think wrong about me."
"Gauri you are young girl. You need to look for your future. I want to ask where your husband is. Do you love him...?"
"Aunty my husband is not with me right now. I can't tell you about my husband. But i can tell you one thing that i respect him a lot. He is like a superhero to me."
"Okay I got my answers. "
Maithili smiled.
"Shikar was telling me is you wanted to join university for further studies. Don't worry about expense. Just tell me."
"No Aunty I wanted to do job ."
Maithili agreed with her.
" As you wish Gauri beta. I will talk to Shikar. He said he will arrange a suitable job in our company. "
" S-sir said!?"
Gauri asked in surprised.
" Yes at lunch he praised your cooking skills. He said the Paneer you make was awesome."
Gauri heard her. She felt happy at least she is doing something for them. They all are so much caring and helpful towards her without knowing her true identity.
" Okay then beta don't work yourself much. I know you are an amazing cook. But remember never force yourself to do something which you never wanted to do. So , I have to meet a friend otherwise I will stay with you more. Bye see you at dinner. And yes don't cook dinner beta you already cooked breakfast and lunch too ."
" But Aunty I loved cooking. I like how you guys like my cooked food ."
Maithili smiled and creases her hair.
" I know beta, but you need rest too. I told chef to make today's dinner. Mira will make dinner. You will cook tomorrow if you want to. Now be happy hmm bye beta."
"Okay Aunty."
Maithili walked out from Gauri's room.
No one is at home, it' evening time when Hriday came back home. He walked passed by living room.
" Sent me a coffee at my room."
He said to a maid.
" Yes, sir."
The maid nodded.
" Wait where is others? I mean Mom and Dad?"
" Maithili mam went to meet her friend. She said she will be little late. Shikar sir went to meet his friend too."
" Okay you can go . And bring the coffee immediately. I am having headache."
" Okay sir."
The maid went inside kitchen to bring coffee.
Hriday was changing his clothes when he heard a small knock.
" Come in . The door is open .Put the coffee at table."
Hriday said from inside closet.
He heard a small footstep of someone coming inside. He keeps on changing. After wearing casual clothes, he walked out to get surprised seeing his wife sitting on his bed.
" What a surprise sweetheart!"
Hriday said coming near her.
" Coffee for you."
Gauri said giving him his coffee.
" Thanks, you made it?"
Hriday took a sip. He sat on couch.
" Yup. How is it?"
Gauri asked being excited. She is till standing waiting for his reply.
" It's good just sugar is little less."
Hriday said making face. Gauri frowned. She remembers she added sugar.
" But I added sugar."
" So what am I telling lies?!"
" N-No I just -"
" Okay then check yourself!"
Hriday said forwarding the cup towards her.
" Ok"
Gauri took the coffee and looked at him before taking a sip.
" It's sweet."
She said giving him the coffee back.
" Wait let me taste."
Hriday looked at her and took a sip. He gulped the coffee his Adam apple moves making Gauri eyes stuck at there.
" Now it's sweetest coffee ever I had in my life. Thanks sweetheart. "
Hriday said and winked at her.
Gauri blushed and looked down.
" So how is going everything? "
" Everything is fine."
" You talked with everyone? How is everyone? Did you like them"
"I talked with Aunty only. And I think Sir is l-little strict."
Gauri said looking down as she thought Hriday will not like her comment on his father.
"Who? Dad?"
Hriday asked in confusion.
"Y-Yeah, I think."
"Dad is not strict sweetheart not at all. He never stopped me for anything."
"Hriday i think you are his son so he will always support you."
"Dad is not bad person."
Hriday said calmly. He needs to make her comfortable around his family.
Gauri's eyes widen as she heard the response. She doesn't mean to say anything about her father-in-law. It's just she interacts with him never. They way he said maybe she never had a conversation with any male as her father figure, like Shikar talked with her. She isn't able to form a word what she is feeling about him. She knows her in laws are very good human. It's just she needs time. To understand what father is as she doesn't have one or never had one.
"Hriday i am not saying this. Sir is very good human being. You are misunderstanding. "
"Gauri let me be very simple. I know it's very difficult for you to cope up with different culture. Different environment. But remember i will be always beside you. About Dad he is sweetheart just like you. He is humble and gentle like you. When it's comes to family, I always saw my father putting extra efforts."
"Hriday i am sorry."
Gauri said. She feels like she shouldn't come on any consequence without thinking twice.
"Gauri, please I don't want to hear this word. I know how you are feeling. I will say please don't rush in this relationship. Every relation is much thinner than thread. It's need uttermost care and very much time to understand. I am feeling like Dad will love you more than his own son, once he will understand you. And i know you will also love my parents as your own father and mother. "
Hriday said.
"Hriday, I don't know...How to handle any relationship other relation. I never had any interaction with any other family. My mother was the one who was my only family. Coming here I got Mother father, Grandfather. A full family."
Gauri breakdown into tears. Hriday looked at her helplessly. Gauri is feeling sudden marriage depression.
"Gauri please don't cry."
"No Hriday i need to make myself as a daughter in law should. But here i am failing.."
"Sweetheart we will take baby steps right."
Hriday said bringing his hands as he slightly hugged her.
"Hriday but i need to change my habit. I need to look at everyone's comfort. I am their daughter in law i should gave comfort to them."
"Your comfort is most important, Gauri. I know this path is tough. But believe me they will whole Heartly welcome you. Like you did to them right!"
Gauri nodded wiping her tears.
"Don't cry, you don't look good in tears."
Gauri wiped her tears and nodded.
"Did you eat?"
Hriday asked.
"No."
"Come let me order a tea or coffee. What you prefer?"
"I don't like both and also i don't want anything now."
Gauri said.
"What really? I never knew about this. Wait let's ask each other some questions to know each other."
Hriday said.
"What type of questions...?"
"Like how many boyfriends did you had. Before?"
Gauri looked at him. Hriday smiled softly at her face.
"Looking at my wife's face i can say you were single until we happened."
Hriday said softly. He tried to hold her hand.
"And how you knew that?"
Gauri asked.
"I know cause i noticed how my wife flinched every time i tried to touch her."
"Hmm that's not funny Hriday. By the way how may girlfriends did you had before.."
Hriday paused for a moment and act like thinking.
"It's zero."
Hriday smiled looking at her.
"I don't believe."
"I am telling true. Sweetheart, you know how much my friends have teased me being single at the age 29. But now i know all those waits are worth."
"Hriday next question. Your favorite place? "
"Once i Kedarnath at my childhood. The divine of that place still attracts me."
"Oh, i wished to go there in future too. My favorite place is m-my home."
Gauri spoke looking little lost.
"Mine too, i love my home too. Being middle of everyone i felt complete."
Hriday said.
"Ok so next your favorite street food?"
"You should ask about colors?"
"But i wanted to know about street food."
Gauri spoke in pout.
"I like Fuchka. The one from Kolkata."
"Mine favorite too."
Gauri chirped. Hriday smiled feeling her smile.
"What are you looking at?!"
Gauri asked looking at him. He is gazing at her.
" Looking at my beautiful wife laughing."
Gauri blushed and looked down.
"I-I have work i am going."
Gauri stood up to walk out from room, but a hand caught her wrist.
"Wait, I am coming too."
Hriday stood up correcting his posture. Gauri looked at him briefly. She looks timid Infront of him. She is 5 feet while he seems 6 ft.
"How tall are you?"
Gauri asked. Hriday saw his wife's curious eyes.
"6'4'', why?"
"Nothing just curious to know."
"I like your curiosity my sweetheart."
Hriday whispered bringing his face near her.
Knock
Knock
a sudden knock brought them back to world.
"Someone is knocking!"
Gauri said. Hriday's still all focus at her eyes.
"Let them wait, no one enters in my room without my permission."
Hriday said.
KNOCK
"Gauri are you there child?"
Maithili asked.
"MOM."
Hriday whispered shockingly.
"Wait, don't open the door. What will she think is about me"
" That her daughter in law brought coffee for her dear husband."
Hriday enjoyed her tensed face.
"Hriday don't joke around. Here I am panicking"
Gauri said. Hriday smiled her at.
" Wait here!"
Hriday said to her and went to open the door. Gauri stood here froze. She doesn't know what to do.
" Yes mom"
Hriday asked opening the door. Maithili looked up at him and looked away ignoring him. She walked out.
" Mom waits! Mom-"
Hriday called her but she ignored him.
" Now what happened to her!?"
Hriday said to himself. He closed the door, but he is still thinking about Maithili's acts. It seems like she is still angry over that incident.
" What Aunty said?"
" Sweetheart it's mom for you."
Hriday said cheekily.
" Hriday seriously I am not mood for jokes. I have to go from here. If someone see us together them. I-I don't want to think...bye "
Gauri walked out.
" Sweetheart wait!"
Hriday called her in urgency.
" Yes."
Gauri stood there holding the doorknob.
Looking at him, waiting for his response but Hriday just only smiled at her.
" Bye!"
Hriday said. Gauri shook her head at his childish behavior.
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