"Fuck!!!"

Hriday's voice echoed through the dark room, startling Gauri. Her hand froze mid-air. Her heart skipped a beat. She recognized that voice instantly.

"Hriday? You! What are you doing here?"

she rushed toward him.

The lights flicked on.

Hriday stood there, holding his nose, his face twisted between pain and irritation.

Gauri's eyes widened in alarm.

"What happened? Did you get hurt?"

"Yes! You pulled my nose!"

he complained dramatically.

Gauri blinked—then realization hit her.

"Oh my God... I thought it was something else! I'm so sorry!"

She helped him sit on the bed, her concern genuine.

"You pulled my nose like kids pull hair,"

he muttered, still holding it.

Gauri couldn't help smiling as she gently moved his hand away. His nose had turned bright red.

"I'm really sorry, Hriday. Let me see."

She leaned closer to inspect it. Hriday's gaze lingered on her face. For a moment, the air between them shifted—soft, heavy, charged.

"Your nose is really red,"

she whispered.

"I know,"

he replied, his eyes still locked on hers.

She applied some ointment gently. Her fingers brushed his skin, and something unspoken passed between them. Neither moved away.

After a quiet moment, Gauri broke the silence.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, sweetheart,"

he said warmly, though a teasing curve stayed on his lips.

"What were you doing here in the dark?"

Hriday's expression grew serious.

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

Gauri straightened slightly.

"What is it?"

"You're going to work at our company."

She blinked, processing it.

"I was planning to tell you. Everything happened so fast... you already know?"

"Dad told me. He wants to appoint you in the design section."

She looked unsure.

"I don't know, Hriday. I was an interior designer before... this feels different. I don't know if I can handle it."

Hriday smiled softly.

"You can. I know you can. But tell me something... what was your dream? Was it interior designing?"

Her eyes grew distant.

"Honestly? I never really had time to dream. I did what I had to. I needed money in college, so I worked. My only dream was to be independent... to give Maa a better life. That's all I ever wanted."

Her voice trembled. Tears gathered in her eyes before she could stop them.

Hriday gently held her hand.

"You're an incredible daughter, Gauri,"

he said quietly.

"She would be so proud of you."

That was enough.

She broke down and buried her face in his chest.

"I miss her so much."

He wrapped his arms around her, stroking her back slowly.

"She's always with you. You're the strong daughter of a strong woman. She's watching you... and smiling."

Gauri nodded against him, wiping her tears.

After a long silence, Hriday pulled back slightly.

"I want you to promise me something."

She looked up.

"What?"

"I want you to continue your studies. I saw your certificates. You wanted to become a researcher. Don't bury that dream."

Her heart stirred—but doubt lingered.

"That was five years ago, Hriday. I left it behind."

He stepped closer, his voice steady.

"Dreams don't expire. Life doesn't always give us perfect timing—but you're strong enough to create your own timing. I want to see you follow your passion. And honestly... I'd love to see my wife as a researcher."

She stood still, absorbing every word.

The next morning, after a sleepless night of thinking, Gauri walked to the gym.

Hriday was there, lifting weights like nothing had changed.

"Hriday."

He turned, smiling instantly.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"I've decided... I will study. But on one condition."

He lowered the weights.

"What condition?"

"I want to do it on my own. I don't want to use your money. I need to prove to myself that I can do this. Please don't refuse."

Hriday's expression softened.

"I never wanted you to depend on me. I want you to succeed for yourself. I'm just here to support you."

Her eyes shone—not with tears this time, but determination.

"Thank you. You don't know what this means to me."

He pulled her into a hug.

"I'm always here. Remember that."

Life slowly resumed its rhythm—but something between them had deepened.

One morning, Gauri walked into their closet and froze.

Clothes were scattered everywhere. Shirt buttons lay on the floor. Drawers were half-open.

In the center of the disaster stood Hriday.

"What happened here?"

she asked, hands on her hips.

"I was looking for my coat!"

"And the hurricane that passed through?"

He scratched his head sheepishly.

"I may have... oversearched."

She sighed.

"And why is your shirt unbuttoned?"

He stepped closer.

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

Gauri rolled her eyes, but a smile betrayed her.

"Wear something else. And next time, don't turn the closet upside down."

He grinned—and suddenly back-hugged her.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart. Don't be mad."

Her irritation melted instantly.

"Only because you're cute when you apologize,"

she muttered softly.

He kissed the top of her head.

"And because I know I'm lucky."

Gauri smiled.

In the quiet of their ordinary days, they found something extraordinary—
a partnership built on respect, support, teasing, and love.

Together, they knew they could face anything.

One step at a time.