The employees at Narayan's office immediately rise in respect as Hriday strides in. His presence is calm yet commanding — effortless authority in every step. He acknowledges them with a brief nod and gestures lightly.

"Please, continue your work."

They obey at once.

One employee, clearly surprised to see him at this hour, approaches cautiously.

"Sir... may I assist you with something?"

Hriday pauses, composed.
"No. I'm here to meet Mr. Mathur."

The employee nods quickly and escorts him to Narayan's cabin.

"Of course, sir. Please."

The cabin door opens. Hriday steps inside.

Narayan looks up — startled at first, then visibly pleased.

"What a pleasant surprise, sir... You here?"

Hriday scans the room subtly, his gaze searching — and not finding — the one person he came for.

"Yes. I thought I'd drop by and see how things are progressing."

Narayan beams with pride.
"Thank you, sir. Please, have a seat."

Hriday waves off the formality and settles on the couch instead of the main chair, making it clear he isn't here for ceremony.

Narayan quickly reaches for the intercom.
"Let me arrange some tea or coffee—"

"Mr. Mathur, that won't be necessary—"

Before Hriday can finish, a voice interrupts from outside.

"May I come in?"

Hriday freezes. His eyes light up instantly.

Narayan stiffens.
"No! Stay outside!"

He signals the employee to stop her. He knows Gauri's file came strongly recommended by his superior, Mr. Shikar Shekhawat — but he also knows Hriday dislikes favoritism, no matter how capable the candidate.

Hriday rises, his tone firm.

"Mr. Mathur. Ask her to come in. You may leave. I'll speak with you later."

There's no room for argument. Narayan obeys.

A moment later, Gauri walks in — unaware.

She stops abruptly when she sees him.

"H-Hriday? What are you doing here?"

He walks toward her without hesitation and gently takes her hand.

"Sweetheart, I came to see you. I missed you."

Her brows lift.
"We saw each other this morning."

He smiles, brushing a soft kiss over her hand.
"Does that mean I'm not allowed to miss you?"

Color rises to her cheeks — but then reality hits.

She glances nervously toward the door.

"Hriday, this is the office. Narayan sir is right outside. He'll hear us."

He shrugs lightly.
"Let him. I'm not hiding anything."

She gives him a pointed look.
"You are still keeping our marriage a secret, remember? I didn't even scold my PA earlier because of you. I ran here to meet you — and now you're lecturing me?"

He laughs under his breath.
"Okay, okay. Drama queen. Relax."

She smirks.
"I am not a drama queen. And sometimes, you really do take after your mother."

He chuckles — until a knock interrupts them.

His expression hardens.
"Who is it?"

The door swings open.

Mayank Rajvanshi enters with his signature playful grin — a sharp contrast to Hriday's irritation.

His eyes land on Gauri.

"Well, well... and who is this beautiful lady?"

Gauri straightens, slightly flustered.

"I'm Gauri. I joined the company today."

"And met the CEO on the same day," Mayank adds dramatically.

Hriday shoots him a warning look.
"What are you doing here, Mayank?"

Ignoring the tone, Mayank walks toward Gauri and extends his hand with exaggerated charm.

"My apologies. I'm Mayank Rajvanshi — Hriday's best friend... or, as you may prefer, your CEO's best friend."

Gauri hesitates, then shakes his hand politely.

Hriday's jaw tightens.

"Mayank. We have a group discussion in an hour. Let's go."

Mayank tilts his head, pretending innocence.

"Why so eager to drag me out? Did you come here to intimidate the new employee on her first day? I never knew you could be so cruel."

Hriday exhales sharply.
"Believe whatever you like. We're leaving."

Without waiting for a response, he grabs Mayank by the arm and pulls him toward the door.

Mayank throws Gauri one last mischievous look before disappearing.

The door closes.

Silence.

Gauri releases a long breath she hadn't realized she was holding. The tension drains from her shoulders.

She looks toward the door — wondering what chaos the next moment might bring.

At mansion

"Why did you call me here?"

Maithili's voice trembled with frustration. She had tried calling Sanjana countless times — and had been ignored. Now suddenly, Sanjana wanted to meet.

"I'm sorry, Maithili."

Those were her first words.

Maithili stayed silent, waiting.

"I know you called to apologize," Sanjana continued gently. "But I was confused at the time. My cases piled up, my routine became unbearable. Being a divorce specialist isn't easy — I deal with broken marriages every day. I couldn't manage to meet you and clear the misunderstanding between us."

She paused, studying Maithili's face. The anger was already softening. It always did.

"Our friendship isn't that fragile," Sanjana said quietly. "A fight that never even properly happened shouldn't destroy it. So here I am... apologizing to my best friend. Will you forgive me?"

Maithili sighed. Truthfully, she had forgiven her long ago. She blamed herself more than anyone.

"There's nothing to forgive, Sanjana. I was never angry with you."

Relief flickered across Sanjana's face.

"And one more thing," she added carefully. "Bhaiya and Disha have forgiven that incident too. They told me to tell you. Hriday is growing up now. He knows what's right for him — and who he wants to spend his life with. We can't force him."

"You're right," Maithili admitted. Then her voice lowered. "But I think... Hriday is seeing someone."

Sanjana's eyes sharpened with interest.
"Oh? Did he introduce you to her?"

"No. But I've noticed him smiling at his phone. He gets lost in thought. Sometimes he even blushes." She smiled faintly. "His eyes give him away. I think he's in love."

Sanjana's lips curved.

"So... you'd accept the girl as your daughter-in-law?"

She caught herself quickly.
"I mean — you'd accept her, right?"

"Of course I would," Maithili said without hesitation. "I've wanted a daughter-in-law for so long. I'm tired of living in a house full of men. A home needs women... and children."

Sanjana smiled softly.
"I know you."

"Come home for dinner sometime," Maithili said warmly.

"I will. My schedule's hectic right now, but I'll be free next week."

"And I want to apologize to Mr. Ranawat and Disha too."

"No need," Sanjana laughed. "I'll bring them along. Not for forgiveness — just for your delicious food."

"Sir, your schedule for today is complete. You may head home."

Vivek stood respectfully in front of Hriday's desk.

"You can leave," Hriday replied, glancing at his watch. "I'll stay a few minutes."

"Sir, you've been wanting to go home early these past few days. I adjusted today's schedule so you could."

Hriday leaned back slightly.

"I appreciate it, Vivek. But from now on, I'll leave when my employees leave. This position gives me power — and responsibility. I should carry both."

"Yes, sir. I'll restructure accordingly."

Vivek turned to leave when—

"Wait."

"Yes, sir?"

"How's your wife?"

A smile spread across Vivek's face.
"She's good. My mother-in-law came from Kolkata to take care of her. They wanted her to deliver the baby at their house... but I refused. I can't stay away from her that long. Without her, the house feels empty."

"You love her very much," Hriday observed.

"I do, sir. We've been together ten years — even before marriage. I know everything about her. She's... my world."

Vivek excused himself.

Hriday sat in silence.

Could he have that kind of relationship with Gauri?

Their marriage had happened unexpectedly. He loved her — he knew that. But did she feel the same? He wanted something simple and real... like his parents. Like Vivek. Like Mayank and Isha.

Why are you hiding us, Gauri?
What's the real reason?

The office floor was nearly empty when Hriday stepped out.

He spotted Narayan Mathur near the elevators.

"Sir, you're still here?" Narayan asked.

"I was waiting for... Dad."

"Oh! Should I stay and keep you company?"

"No, Mr. Mathur. You'll get late."

"One day won't hurt, sir."

Narayan began praising his project ideas. Hriday gave dry replies until—

"Hriday?"

He turned. His father, Mr. Shikar Shekhawat, was approaching.

"You were waiting for me?"

"Yeah, Dad. Let's go home together."

Narayan quickly added, "Hriday sir was waiting for about ten minutes."

"Oh! I would've come sooner," Shikar said warmly.

"It's fine," Hriday replied, then turned to Narayan. "You can head home now."

After Narayan left, Shikar opened the passenger door.

"You're not getting in?"

"Actually... Gauri joined today. It's late, and she's new to Chandigarh. We should take her."

Shikar nodded.
"Good idea. Where is she?"

"I'll check."

The building was nearly empty.

"Did you see a girl in a pink churidar?" Hriday asked the guard.

"Yes, sir. She went toward the restroom."

Hriday hurried there and knocked.

"Gauri? Are you inside?"

Silence.

He knocked again, louder.
"Sweetheart?"

A muffled voice answered. "Yes."

He pushed the door open cautiously.

She was standing near the sink, visibly uncomfortable.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she said quickly, stepping back.

"You don't look fine."

"Please go outside," she whispered urgently. "If anyone sees you here—"

"No one's here," he said gently. "It's just us."

She checked her watch and gasped.
"How did it get so late?"

"Time flies," he replied softly. "But I'm not leaving you alone."

She hesitated, then finally said in a low voice—

"I got my period... and I stained my clothes."

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment.

Hriday's expression didn't change. No shock. No awkwardness.

Just concern.

"Is that all?" he said softly. "You scared me."

He removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

"Here. Wear this."

She slipped it on.

"Better?"

She nodded.
"Thank you."

He smiled gently.

"Don't thank me. I'm your husband. I'm supposed to be your safe place."

And for the first time that evening, her eyes softened completely.

After a brief silence, Hriday and Gauri stepped out of the office building together. The night air was cool, and the city had begun to slow down. The noise of the day had softened into a quiet calm.

As they walked toward the parking lot, Hriday noticed his father, Shikar Shekhawat, sitting patiently inside the car.

"You take too much time, Hriday!" Shikar called out, raising his eyebrows playfully.

Gauri stopped mid-step.
"Your dad was waiting for us!?"

Hriday nodded casually. "Yeah."

"You should've told me earlier. I would have come faster!" she said, guilt creeping into her voice.

"It's nothing. He won't mind. Come on, sweetheart — let's not keep him waiting," Hriday replied gently.

There was still a slight hesitation in Gauri's steps.

As they approached the car, Shikar rolled down the window.

"Hello, Gauri! How are you?"

"I'm good, thank you, sir... and I'm sorry for keeping you waiting," she replied politely.

"No, no, child. You just joined today. How are you finding everything so far?"

Gauri glanced at Hriday for a split second before answering.

"It's been good, sir. I'm still adjusting, but everyone has been very welcoming."

"That's nice to hear," Shikar said warmly. "We're like a family here. You'll settle in soon."

Hriday opened the back door for her.

"You sit at the back, Gauri. I'll sit in front."

She nodded and got in quietly.

The car started, and for a few minutes, silence filled the space. Gauri stared out of the window, lost in thought. Hriday kept stealing glances at her reflection in the mirror.

Was she still uncomfortable? Was she in pain?

Shikar broke the silence.

"So, Gauri, tell me about yourself."

"There's nothing special about me, sir," she replied softly. "I'm just a simple girl, now working in your big company. You and Aunty are very kind people. May God bless you both with prosperity."

Shikar laughed lightly.
"No, dear. You just have a pure heart. People call me cruel sometimes — but my wife is the real darling."

Gauri smiled.

Sensing the emotional air getting heavy, Hriday changed the topic.

"So, Dad, what did you think about the project we discussed?"

Shikar raised an eyebrow.
"You always bring up work. Take a break, son."

Hriday smiled. "Just curious."

"You're heading in the right direction," Shikar said. "Just don't overwork yourself."

For once, Hriday allowed himself to relax. Driving through the quiet streets of Chandigarh, with his father and Gauri beside him, he felt something rare — peace.

Hriday sat at his desk, replaying the evening in his mind. Especially the moment in the washroom.

His phone buzzed.

It was Vivek.

Sir, tomorrow's meeting is set. Everything will be ready.

Hriday replied quickly.
Thanks, Vivek. I'll be there.

After finishing a few files, he walked toward Gauri's room and knocked softly.

"Come in."

He entered — and paused.

She was wearing a simple red churidar.

"You're glowing, sweetheart," he said honestly.

"In this simple churidar?" she asked, surprised.

He nodded like an eager child and walked closer.

Wrapping his arms gently around her, he asked softly—

"How's the pain?"

"Huh?"

"Your cramps."

"Oh... that," she smiled faintly. "It's not much. I'm fine."

"I was planning to pamper you with a massage."

"You still can," she said quietly.

She sat on the bed and turned her back toward him.

"My back hurts a little."

She moved her hair to one side.

"Give me a back massage."

Hriday swallowed slightly — not because of desire, but because he was trying to stay composed. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable.

"I really like this churidar," he said softly, placing his hands on her back and starting to massage gently.

She relaxed under his touch.

"Oh, Hriday... your hands work like magic."

He smiled.

"I deserve at least one kiss for this."

"I will," she murmured lazily.

His hands continued moving gently, careful and steady.

A few minutes later—

He heard a soft snore.

He stopped and smiled.

She had fallen asleep.

Carefully, he adjusted her pillow, pulled the blanket over her, and kissed her forehead.

"Goodnight, sweetheart."