The next morning, Rushali made up her mind—she had to leave as soon as possible. A notification from her office had arrived, urging her to report back immediately, or risk losing her position.

"Rushali beta, stay a few more days," Maithili said gently.

In such a short time, an unexpected bond had formed between them, and Maithili had grown deeply fond of her.

Rushali smiled apologetically. "No, Aunty, I really can't. My next project is about to begin, and I'll have to travel to Thailand for it."

Maithili sighed but nodded. "Whenever you find time, come back. This house will always be open for you."

"I will," Rushali promised softly.

She then turned to Gauri, her expression sincere. "I'm sorry... for judging you without truly knowing you. If you can, please forgive me."

Gauri shook her head quickly. "No, no, it's alright. You don't need to apologize." She hesitated, then added, "Just... visit whenever you're free. Aunty has become very attached to you. She'll miss you."

"I'll come," Rushali assured her. "Take care of yourself, hmm?"

Gauri nodded, her eyes warm.

"And Dadaji," Rushali continued, turning to him, "thank you for bringing me here. Otherwise, I would have missed all this love and warmth. Aunty is so kind, Gauri is sweet, you're cheerful, Shikar uncle is humble... and Hriday is very... g-good."

A soft smile spread across Maithili's face.

"Bye, Aunty. Take care," Rushali said before leaving for the airport with the driver.

After she left, Papaji called out, "Maithili beta, could you ask the maid to prepare my special tea?"

"Yes, Papaji," she replied, walking inside.

Later that evening, Hriday and Mayank headed out for dinner, as Mayank had promised.

"Where are we going?" Hriday asked as the car stopped in front of a restaurant.

"Remember I owed you an Italian dinner?" Mayank grinned. "This is it."

They stepped inside and were guided to a private table.

As they settled in, Hriday's gaze drifted outside. "Isn't that Mr. Jindal?" he said, spotting a familiar figure with a woman and a young boy.

"Looks like it," Mayank replied. "Probably with his family. Let's not disturb him."

Then, with a hint of excitement, Mayank leaned forward. "By the way, your gift worked. Isha's father called—they're coming to India next week to fix our wedding date."

Hriday's face lit up. "Really? Then I'm going to dance my heart out at your baraat!"

Mayank laughed. "You better. And I'll be right there with you."

Hriday smiled, genuinely happy for his friend.

Elsewhere, Sanjana sat poised in her chair as a woman stood before her, speaking in hushed tones.

"Madam, I'm telling you... there's something going on between Gauri and Hriday sir."

Sanjana's eyes sharpened. "What exactly?"

"I saw them... very close. Intimately close," the woman said.

A slow smile crept onto Sanjana's lips. She handed over a bundle of cash. "Good. Bring me proof, and you'll be rewarded even more."

The woman's eyes gleamed. "I won't disappoint you, Madam."

Once she left, Dhiraj entered the room.

"Sanjana, who was that?" he asked.

"An informant."

He frowned. "Are you really going through with this? Have you forgotten how Maithili once trusted you... called you her closest friend?"

Sanjana's expression hardened. "And have you forgotten how that woman ruined my life?"

"You know it wasn't her fault," Dhiraj insisted. "Hriday sees you as his mother. You've always loved him like your own son."

"That was the past," she said coldly. "Now I want revenge. I want her to cry the way I did. I want Maithili to feel the pain of watching her son suffer."

Dhiraj shook his head. "I can't support this. Maithili is like a sister to me."

"I don't need your support," Sanjana replied sharply. "Just don't interfere."

He paused, then spoke firmly. "Then keep my daughter out of it. If Hriday loves someone else, forcing this marriage will only ruin lives. I won't let Disha suffer."

Without another word, he walked out, leaving Sanjana alone with her thoughts.

Days passed, and soon three months had gone by since Gauri and Hriday's marriage.

Life had grown busier. Gauri was immersed in her studies, her exams just a week away. Hriday, meanwhile, was buried in work, juggling deadlines and responsibilities.

They rarely found time for each other, but when they did, those moments felt precious—like a quiet refuge from the chaos of their lives. At night, in each other's arms, they found comfort, warmth... and belonging.

That was their world.

That evening, Hriday returned home late. Shikar arrived shortly after. Maithili was waiting at the dining table, concern evident on her face.

"Freshen up quickly—I'll heat the food," she called.

"Mom, you don't have to wait for us," Hriday said, heading toward his room.

"And you shouldn't stay up this late," Shikar added, wrapping his arms around her. "You'll fall sick."

Maithili laughed softly. "Go freshen up. Let me do this much for my husband and son."

When Hriday returned, he noticed Gauri setting the table.

He frowned slightly and walked over. "What are you doing up so late?"

Gauri glanced nervously toward the kitchen. "Hriday! Mom is inside. She might come out any second. Let me go."

Before he could reply, Shikar entered.

"Well, well... Gauri, you're still awake?"

She stepped back quickly. "Sir, actually—"

"She came down for water and saw me working," Maithili interrupted, stepping out of the kitchen. "She insisted on helping."

"Thank you, Gauri," Shikar said warmly.

They all sat down. As Maithili served Shikar, Gauri quietly served Hriday.

"You've eaten, right?" Shikar asked Maithili.

She hesitated.

"You haven't?" he exclaimed. "This is not acceptable, Maithili."

"Mom, Dad's right," Hriday added gently.

Reluctantly, Maithili sat down, and Shikar served her.

Gauri watched silently, understanding where Hriday's caring nature came from.

Under the table, Hriday suddenly reached for her hand, giving it a light squeeze.

Gauri stiffened, shooting him a warning look. "Hriday..." she whispered, pretending to pass him water. "Leave me!"

He simply smiled, continuing to eat.

"Gauri beta, why are you standing? Come sit," Maithili called.

"Yes, aunty," she replied, quickly moving to sit farther away from Hriday.

Later that night, Hriday entered their room with a tray of food.

"I know you didn't eat," he said softly.

Gauri looked up, surprised.

"How many more days?" he asked, his voice gentle but filled with longing. "I can't keep hiding this... us."

"Just a few more days," she replied softly. "After my exams, we'll tell everyone."

His face lit up instantly. "Really?"

He pulled her into a hug, unable to contain his excitement. "I can't wait."

Gauri smiled, wrapping her arms around him.

For a moment, everything felt perfect.

They were so close—just a few steps away—from finally living their truth, together.

"Sorry, sweetheart... I couldn't come to pick you up today."

Hriday's voice carried a trace of regret.

Gauri smiled faintly, trying to ease his guilt. "It's okay. I'll just take a rickshaw. It's not a big deal."

"No," he said immediately, his tone firm despite the distance between them. "I'm sending the driver. I don't want you traveling alone today."

"Hriday, really, it's fine. I can manage. I know the routes well now," she insisted gently.

He let out a soft sigh, stubborn as ever. "I know you do. But still... let me do this much for you. The driver will come."

Gauri paused. She knew this side of him—quietly protective, even over the smallest things.

"Alright... if you insist," she agreed, a soft smile touching her lips.

There was a brief silence before Hriday spoke again, his voice lower this time.

"Sweetheart... I don't know why, but I'm feeling a little uneasy today."

Gauri's expression changed instantly. "What happened? Is everything okay?"

He exhaled slowly. "The clients are coming in today to sign the project. I've worked for this for so long, but... I don't know. I'm nervous. I want everything to go perfectly."

Gauri's voice softened, steady and reassuring. "It will go perfectly. I know you, Hriday. You've worked too hard for this to go wrong. My husband is going to impress everyone and close that deal."

A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Oh really? So much faith in your husband, Mrs. Shekhawat?"

Gauri chuckled softly. "Yes, Mr. Shekhawat. You're the best. And I know you'll prove it today."

Something in her certainty calmed him. It always did.

"Alright... I guess I can't argue with you," he said, his tone lighter now. "Your confidence in me is kind of addictive."

"You've got this," she said warmly. "Just breathe. I'm rooting for you."

"Thank you, Gauri," he murmured, his heart softening. "I'll make you proud."

A small pause followed before he added suddenly, "Oh—and all the best for your exam today."

Gauri smiled, warmth spreading through her chest. "Thank you. I'll do my best... no pressure, right?"

He laughed softly. "No pressure. Just go and ace it like you always do."

"Deal. And you go conquer your project, Mr. Shekhawat. I'll be waiting to hear the good news."

"I'll call you as soon as I can."

When the call ended, both of them felt lighter—held together by an invisible thread of trust and love.

A few hours later, Gauri stepped out of the examination hall, exhaustion and relief mingling in her expression.

She scanned the road, looking for the driver.

Glancing at her wristwatch, she frowned. Five already... where is he?

"Where is the driver?" she muttered under her breath.

Most of the students had already left. The campus was growing quieter with every passing minute.

As she looked around, her gaze suddenly landed on a small roadside stall.

Her eyes lit up instantly.

"Fuchka!"

The word slipped out in pure delight.

Without a second thought, she walked toward it.

"Bhaiya, one plate," she said eagerly.

There was something special about Kolkata fuchka—something you simply couldn't find anywhere else. The tangy water, the burst of flavors... it felt like home in every bite.

Completely absorbed in the moment, she forgot one crucial thing—

her phone battery had died.

Meanwhile, the driver arrived at the university gate, scanning the area.

But Gauri was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is Gauri beti?" he murmured, confused.

He approached the security guard, who informed him that most students had already left.

Worried, the driver immediately called Hriday.

At that moment, Hriday sat in the conference room, fully immersed in the meeting.

The soft hum of the air conditioner filled the room as papers shuffled lightly across the polished table. His fingers tapped faintly against the surface—a subtle sign of his tension.

"So, Mr. Shekhawat," Mr. Jones said, leaning forward slightly, "we would require you to travel to London for this project. A significant part of the work needs to be conducted there."

Hriday nodded, maintaining his composed expression. "Of course, Mr. Jones."

Even as he spoke, his mind was already racing ahead, calculating schedules, responsibilities... possibilities.

Mr. Jones continued, his tone now carrying approval. "I must say, I'm very impressed with your presentation. Your ideas align perfectly with what we're looking for."

A genuine smile appeared on Hriday's face. "Thank you. That means a lot. My team has worked very hard on this."

Beside him, Shikar, who had been observing quietly, spoke up.

"If you don't mind, Mr. Jones, you're welcome to join us for dinner tonight. It would be a good opportunity to continue discussions in a more relaxed setting."

Mr. Jones smiled warmly. "I would be delighted. Informal conversations often lead to the best ideas."

The atmosphere in the room shifted—less rigid, more personal.

The deal was falling into place.

Everything Hriday had worked for was finally within reach.

And yet... somewhere, at the back of his mind, a faint unease lingered.

Vivek stepped into the meeting room, holding his phone tightly.

"Sir... it's urgent."

Hriday's eyes flickered toward the screen. The call was from his driver.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," he said, rising from his chair.

He walked a few steps away before answering.

"Yes...
Okay...
Did you check around properly?
...Alright. I'm coming."

His tone shifted with every word—calm to sharp, then urgent.

He cut the call and turned toward Mayank. Their eyes met. Mayank gave a slight nod—he understood.

"Something urgent has come up, Mr. Jones," Hriday said, composed but distant. "I'll have to take my leave. I'll see you at dinner."

Mr. Jones nodded in understanding.

Shikar glanced at his son, wanting to ask—but stopped. Whatever it was, it didn't seem like something to question here.

Hriday strode out of the building, Vivek rushing behind him.

"Sir, are you okay?" Vivek asked, noticing how Hriday was already trying to make another call.

"Vivek, get the car ready. And contact the commissioner—I want police assistance immediately."

Vivek froze for a second, then quickly dialed.

Inside the car, tension thickened the air.

"Sir... who are we searching for?" Vivek asked cautiously.

Hriday's jaw tightened.

"Gauri."

"What—sir?" Vivek blinked, unsure if he had heard correctly.

"I said Gauri!" Hriday snapped, his voice sharp with panic.

"Sorry, sir—we'll find her," Vivek replied quickly.

But Hriday wasn't listening anymore.

His gaze was fixed outside the window, his thoughts spiraling.

She's new here... what if something happened... what if she's in trouble...

"Did the police reach?" he asked abruptly.

"Yes, sir. They've started searching," Vivek replied, checking his iPad.

"Did you tell them to track her phone?"

"Yes, sir. It's showing near the university."

The car screeched to a halt outside the campus.

A police jeep was already stationed there.

Hriday stepped out immediately and walked up to the inspector.

"Any news?"

"Yes, sir," the inspector replied. "We've found her."

Relief hit him like a wave. "Where is she?"

The inspector pointed toward a nearby stall. "Over there."

Hriday followed his gaze—

—and there she was.

Sitting on a small bench, surrounded by constables, looking anxious.

For a moment, everything stilled.

Then he walked toward her.

Gauri looked up.

The moment their eyes met, she stood—and ran straight into him, wrapping her arms tightly around him without a second thought.

"Sweetheart..." Hriday whispered, holding her close.

The officers quietly stepped away, giving them space.

"Are you okay?" he asked, pressing a kiss to her hair.

"Yes... I got so scared," she murmured, still clinging to him.

"I'm here now. You don't need to be scared anymore."

She tightened her hold.

"I was eating fuchka... and then I got distracted talking... and suddenly the police came..."

Hriday pulled back slightly, staring at her.

All that panic. All that fear.

And she had been... eating fuchka.

Gauri read his expression instantly.

"Sorry... please don't be angry. I was craving it so much... please forgive me?" she said, almost pleading.

And just like that—

his anger melted.

"Okay... but only this once," he said, sighing softly. "Next time you crave fuchka, I'll make it for you. But don't disappear like this again."

She nodded quickly, her face lighting up.

He smiled, pulling her back into a hug—

when suddenly—

Clap.

They turned.

Vivek stood there, frozen in shock.

"S-sir... I—I'm sorry..." he stammered.

"Vivek, wait in the car," Hriday said calmly.

Vivek nodded and practically fled.

As they walked back—

"Hriday... what will Vivek ji think of us?" Gauri asked nervously.

"Forget Vivek. And what is 'Vivek ji'? He's Vivek for you too," Hriday said casually.

"But he's senior at the office. I should call him sir," she argued.

"No need. Just call him Vivek."

"...Okay," she agreed softly.

"Go with the driver. I need to head back to the office—some work is still pending."

She nodded.

Inside the car, Vivek kept glancing at Hriday through the rearview mirror.

"Shoot," Hriday said suddenly.

"Sir?" Vivek stiffened.

"Ask whatever you want to ask."

Vivek hesitated.

He shouldn't. He really shouldn't.

But curiosity won.

"S-sir... you and Gauri... hugging... I mean—are you guys... friends?"

Hriday raised an eyebrow slowly.

"Friends?"

Vivek nodded nervously. "Y-yes, sir..."

A faint smirk appeared on Hriday's lips.

But he said nothing.

He simply looked back at his phone.

And that silence was enough to make Vivek never ask another question.

Days later, preparations for Holi had begun in the Shekhawat house.

"Papaji, look at the guest list," Maithili said, handing it over.

Harshvardhan scanned it and nodded.

Just then, Hriday and Shikar entered.

"Good evening, Mom," Hriday said, kissing her forehead before collapsing dramatically onto the sofa.

"You look tired," she said with concern.

"Your husband is cruel. He overworks me," Hriday complained lazily.

"Both of you are the same—workaholics. Don't blame him," Maithili shot back.

Shikar chuckled. "Don't try to manipulate my wife."

"Why are you home early?" Harshvardhan asked.

"The meeting ended well," Shikar replied, glancing at Hriday. "And your grandson had some... personal matters."

Hriday pretended to sleep.

"Go to your room," Maithili scolded. "You're not a child anymore."

"Let him be," Shikar said softly.

He looked at his son, his voice turning gentle.

"He works hard. Not just today—every day."

Everyone fell silent.

"I was wrong about him once... but today, he made me proud."

Hriday's eyes snapped open.

"Dad—"

"Sleep," Shikar said. "Or should I carry you like when you were little?"

Hriday's vision blurred.

He hadn't realized he was crying until Maithili wiped his tears.

"Don't cry, my son."

He hugged his father tightly.

"Dad..."

"Yes, my child..."

Gauri stood at a distance, watching quietly—her heart softening at the sight.

"Stop crying, or I'll take a picture and show Mayank," Maithili teased suddenly.

"Mom, don't!" Hriday protested, instantly embarrassed.

Laughter filled the room.

Later, as the laughter settled, Hriday spoke suddenly—

"What if... one day I tell you I'm already married?"

They blinked, then laughed.

"Then we'll accept it," Harshvardhan said easily.

"I'm already ready for my daughter-in-law," Maithili added.

"As long as she loves you," Shikar said.

Hriday's voice softened. "She does."

"Oh? Your girlfriend?" Maithili teased.

"...Yes."

"When will you introduce her?"

"Soon," he said. "Very soon."

That night—

"Gauri... why are you still studying?" Hriday groaned from the bed.

"Because I want tomorrow—Holi—to be only about you," she replied without looking up.

He smiled faintly.

"Then come here. I can't sleep without you."

She looked at him.

He gave her his best puppy eyes.

Gauri sighed dramatically.

"Oh... my God."

But she was already getting up.