Gauri woke up early in the morning but didn't find Hriday beside her.

A maid informed her that everyone was leaving early, and Maithili aunty had already called for her.

Gauri quickly got ready, packing her luggage with warm clothes. She wore a simple green kurti, tied her hair into a neat braid, and skipped makeup altogether.

When she entered the living room, everyone was already gathered.

Isha's father, Mr. D'Souza, had also arrived—he had taken an early morning flight to join them.

"Where is Saksham?" Mansi asked.

"Mummy ji, he's getting ready. You know how slow he is," Kesar replied.

"Just like his father," Mansi taunted.

Right then, Gaurav walked in hurriedly, with Saksham trailing behind him.

"Thanks for waiting, guys!" Saksham said.

"No worries, son. Let's get settled in the cars, or we'll be late," Mr. D'Souza said.

"We're going by car?" Isha asked, surprised.

"Yes, beta," Shikar replied.

"But why?"

"Because after such a long time, we finally get to spend time together," Maithili explained warmly. "After seven days, you'll be married and everyone will be busy again. So we thought—why not enjoy a short trip?"

"It's just for two days," Shikar added. "After that, wedding preparations begin."

"I don't mind," Isha smiled, then added teasingly, "but are you sure Mayank and Hriday can stay away from work?"

"Good point," Saksham grinned. "But I really want to go. I love hills!"

"We are going," Harshavardhan declared firmly.

"And they will come too."

"How, Dadaji?" Kesar asked.

"Because your Mausi and my dear daughter-in-law threatened those two workaholics last night," he chuckled, recalling the lecture Maithili had given them.

"Alright, enough talking—let's move!" he added.

There were two cars.

The elders sat in one—Harshavardhan, Mr. D'Souza, Gaurav, Mansi, Maithili—while Shikar drove.

In the second car, Kesar took the wheel. Gauri sat beside her in the front, while Saksham and Isha sat in the back.

The journey began smoothly, the elders' car leading ahead.

After a while, Isha looked up from her phone and noticed Saksham munching on chips.

"Baby, want some?" he offered casually.

"You're unbelievable," Isha said. "You're sitting comfortably while your wife is driving and you're eating chips?"

Saksham grinned and leaned forward, feeding one chip to Kesar.

"I trust my wife's driving skills. And don't worry—when we reach the hills, I'll drive. She can rest."

"I see," Isha muttered.

"Baby, want water?" Saksham asked again.

"No need," Kesar said. "Gauri, can you hold the bottle for me?"

Gauri nodded and carefully held it while Kesar drank.

"Bhabhi—I mean, Gauri—thank you!" Saksham said.

After a few hours, they stopped at a roadside dhaba.

The elders had already arrived.

"The weather is amazing!" Saksham said, stretching as he stepped out.

"I'm starving," Kesar added.

"Parathas or kachoris?" Saksham asked.

"Kachoris!"

They joined the elders.

"Sit, everyone. I've already ordered," Shikar said.

"Mausa ji, I want kachoris!" Kesar announced.

"Yes, beta," he smiled, calling the waiter.

"What about you, beta?" he asked Gauri.

"Anything is fine... sir," Gauri replied softly.

Saksham groaned dramatically.

"Feels like we're on an office trip, right Massi?"

"Why?" Maithili asked.

"Because Gauri keeps calling Mausa ji 'sir'!"

Everyone chuckled.

"Gauri beta, at least call me uncle now," Shikar said gently.

"Okay... uncle," she said hesitantly.

"Perfect," he smiled.

After breakfast—

"Saksham, I heard you made Kesar drive all the way?" Gaurav said sternly.

"Papa, actually—"

"No excuses. You'll drive now."

"Okay..."

"It's fine, Papa," Kesar said. "I enjoy driving. In college, we used to race—and I always won."

"My daughter is always a winner," Gaurav said proudly.

"What about dessert?" Harshavardhan asked hopefully.

"Papa, doctor said no sugar!" Shikar warned.

"Just a little—"

"It does hurt, Dadaji."

Hriday's voice cut in.

Everyone turned.

He and Mayank had just arrived.

"Finally!" Maithili exclaimed.

"Sorry, Aunty. The meeting took longer than expected," Mayank said, stepping forward and handing Isha a bouquet.

"For you, darling."

Isha blushed, lowering her gaze.

"Eat something," Mansi insisted.

"We already ate," Hriday said. "If you're done, we should leave."

Soon, they gathered near the cars.

Shikar pulled Hriday aside.

"How was the meeting? Did Mr. Jones agree?"

"No. He's firm about changing the percentage. Mayank is okay with it, but Mr. Jindal isn't. There'll be another meeting."

"Don't stress. Let Mayank enjoy his wedding. We'll handle it later."

Before they could continue—

"Are you two opening an office here?" Maithili called out from the car.

They exchanged a look and walked back.

This time, Mayank took the driver's seat. Isha sat beside him.

In the back, Saksham and Kesar sat together, while Hriday sat next to Gauri.

Hriday glanced at her.

She looked... beautiful.

Simple. Calm. Effortlessly graceful.

He wanted to compliment her—but stayed quiet.

After a while, Saksham and Kesar fell asleep, their heads resting on each other—and eventually on Gauri's shoulder.

Isha noticed and smiled.

"Sorry, Gauri. Your shoulder must hurt."

"No, it's fine. Let them sleep," Gauri replied softly.

Isha watched her quietly.

She didn't know why—but she couldn't dislike Gauri. There was something about her kindness, her calm nature... it felt genuine.

"Darling," Mayank called.

"Yes?"

"Why don't you sleep too? It'll take time to reach. Hriday and I will manage."

Then he added teasingly—

"And Gauri, you should rest too. You'll have to work there. My grandfather lives alone—you'll have to cook."

He smirked.

"I've heard you cook really well. Unlike Isha—I don't trust her cooking!"

"What?!" Isha gasped. "I made cookies for you!"

"Those were cookies? They could be used as weapons!"

"Mayank!"

She pouted angrily.

Hriday chuckled softly.

"Careful, Mayank. After marriage, she'll rule your life."

"She already does," Mayank said, smiling at Isha.

She looked away shyly.

And the journey continued—with laughter, teasing, and unspoken emotions quietly weaving between them.

They finally reached Mayank's grandfather's house.

It was a large wooden bungalow, nestled amidst the hills, giving off a warm and rustic charm.

"It's beautiful,"

Isha whispered in awe. It was her first time visiting.

"Dadaji must be inside,"

Mayank said, already walking ahead with excitement. He hadn't seen his grandfather in a while—work had kept him busy in Chandigarh, limiting his visits.

"Let's go,"

Harshavardhan said, and everyone followed.

Inside, they saw an elderly man in a wheelchair approaching them.

"Dadaji!"

Mayank bent down and hugged him warmly.

"How are you, beta?"

"I'm good. And look who's here to meet you."

Isha stepped forward and touched his feet respectfully.

"My granddaughter-in-law is very beautiful, Mayank. If your Dadi were alive, she would've been so happy,"

he said, blessing her.

Isha smiled shyly.

"Dadaji, why didn't you come to Chandigarh to stay with us?" she asked gently.

Mayank stiffened slightly—he knew this topic was sensitive.

"I was waiting for all of you," Mrinmay replied softly. "I was packing my bags to attend your wedding anyway."

"We came to take you with us, Uncle ji,"

Maithili added warmly.

"So thoughtful of you. You must be Maithili—Hriday's mother. Mayank always says how you cared for him like your own son."

"Not like a son," Shikhar said with a smile. "He is our son."

"That's your greatness," Mrinmay said.

"No, Dadaji. That's love,"

Hriday added, stepping forward to take his blessings.

Mrinmay smiled and patted his back.

"You've grown into a fine young man."

"Dadaji, you didn't call me handsome," Mayank complained playfully.

"That's because there's no competition—you got your looks from me,"

Mrinmay joked, making everyone laugh.

"You all must be tired. Go freshen up. I'll ask Chotu to prepare dinner."

Soon, everyone settled into their rooms.

Gauri entered hers quietly.

She placed her luggage down and walked to the window.

The view took her breath away.

Rolling hills stretched endlessly, wrapped in soft mist. She had never seen anything like this before.

Her first time.

A small smile appeared on her lips as she took out her phone and clicked a few pictures, capturing the moment.

A knock interrupted her.

She opened the door to find Kesar.

"Dinner's ready. Maasi asked me to call everyone," Kesar said. "I've called almost everyone, but can you call Hriday bhaiya? His room is next to yours. I think he's in the bathroom."

"Okay, I'll call him."

"Thanks!"

Kesar smiled and left.

Gauri walked to Hriday's room and knocked.

"Hri—"

Before she could finish, the door opened—and she stumbled straight into him.

"Whoa... careful, sweetheart,"

Hriday said, catching her instantly.

Her face brushed against his beard, sending a strange warmth through her.

"I'm sorry—I didn't know you were opening the door."

"It's okay," he said softly. "I should've been careful."

She stepped back, slightly flustered.

"Dinner is ready. Mom called you."

"I was just coming. Let's go together."

She nodded.

As they walked, Gauri glanced at him.

Hriday was wearing a white high-neck sweater—simple, yet he looked effortlessly handsome.

She quickly looked away, blushing.

He noticed.

"So... do you like the view?"

he asked suddenly.

"What—?"

"The hills," he clarified, laughing.

"Oh... yes. They're beautiful. It's my first time seeing them... I really love it here."

Hriday watched her face light up—and something inside him softened.

"We'll come back here for our honeymoon, sweetheart."

Gauri froze for a second, then blushed deeply.

"Don't blush like that," he teased. "Or I might bite your cheeks."

She instantly walked ahead, avoiding him.

Hriday laughed softly.

At dinner—

"Where are they?" Hriday asked, noticing Mayank and Isha missing.

"They went out—couple drama," Saksham said, mouth full of food.

"You did the same once," Kesar teased.

After dinner, Shikhar suggested—

"You all should go out and explore. We elders need to discuss wedding plans."

"Perfect!" Saksham said. "Let's go eat street food!"

Soon, Hriday sat in the car, waiting.

He looked up—and froze.

Gauri was walking toward him... in jeans.

He had never seen her like this before.

She looked... different. Fresh. Effortlessly beautiful.

Definitely Kesar's idea.

"Finally," Saksham sighed dramatically.

"We take time to get ready," Kesar teased.

As she opened the door, Saksham stopped her.

"We're taking another car."

"But Gauri—"

"She'll go with Bhai."

Hriday gave him a look.

"I don't mind," Hriday said calmly. "Gauri?"

"I'm okay," she replied softly.

Soon, they were alone.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"Surprise, sweetheart."

He placed his arm around her casually.

"You look different today," he added.

"Oh... Kesar made me wear this. These are her jeans."

"Well, she did a great job," he smirked. "I've seen you in sarees, suits... and now this. Now I just want to see you in—"

He paused.

"Finish your sentence," she demanded.

He grinned.

"Nothing."

Gauri smacked his arm.

"You're impossible!"

They reached a bungee jumping spot.

"What are we doing here?"

Gauri frowned.

"Let's try it."

"What?! Are you serious? That looks terrifying!"

"It's fun. There's even a couple's jump—"

"No way!"

"Please... it's my childhood dream—to do a bungee jump kiss with my wife."

"Are you serious?"

He shrugged.

"If you're scared, we can leave."

"I'm not scared!" she snapped, walking ahead.

Then she realized he wasn't following.

She turned—

Hriday was laughing.

"You believed me? I know you're afraid of heights. I was joking."

Her face fell.

"I'm not talking to you."

She walked back to the car.

Hriday sighed.

He had pushed it too far.

After a silent drive, they stopped at a beautiful hotel.

Hriday stepped out, opened her door, and gently held her by the waist.

They entered together.

The place was breathtaking.

Gauri looked around in awe.

At the reception, Hriday stepped away briefly—then returned and took her hand.

"Come."

The room was stunning.

Soft lighting, warm decor, fresh flowers... and a balcony view of the mountains glowing under the setting sun.

Gauri stepped onto the balcony.

The sky was painted in hues of orange and blue. The wind brushed against her face gently.

Hriday came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"This view..." he whispered, "is nothing compared to you."

She smiled softly.

"You've become very romantic."

"I've just started saying what I always felt."

Silence settled between them—comfortable, warm.

"Are we staying here tonight?" she asked.

"Yes," he nodded. "Just us. Away from everything."

"And the others?"

"I'll handle it. You just enjoy."

She looked around again.

"You planned all this?"

"Of course. And there's more."

He pulled out a small velvet box.

Inside was a delicate silver bracelet, engraved with tiny mountain peaks.

"It's for you. To remember your first time in the hills... and our first real moment together."

Her eyes softened.

"It's beautiful."

He gently put it on her wrist and kissed her hand.

"If you cry, I'll have to kiss those tears away."

She laughed softly.

"Then maybe I should cry on purpose."

Later, they sat by the window, sharing dinner.

Laughing. Feeding each other.

Outside, the stars slowly filled the sky.

Wrapped in a blanket, they sat on the balcony.

"This feels unreal," Gauri whispered.

Hriday looked at her, his voice softer than ever—

"This is just the beginning, sweetheart. I'll fill your life with so much happiness... you'll forget every pain."

The night had settled quietly around them.

The mountains stood still, wrapped in silence, while the sky shimmered with scattered stars. A soft chill lingered in the air, but neither of them moved.

Gauri pulled the blanket a little closer around herself.

Hriday noticed.

Without saying anything, he adjusted it—tucking it gently around her shoulders, his fingers brushing against her arm for just a second longer than necessary.

She felt it.

And for once... she didn't pull away.

They sat side by side, close enough that their shoulders touched lightly.

No teasing. No laughter.

Just silence.

But it wasn't uncomfortable.

It was the kind of silence that held something.

"Gauri..."

His voice was softer than she had ever heard it.

She turned to look at him.

"Hm?"

He didn't speak immediately. His gaze shifted from the mountains... to her face.

"I meant what I said earlier."

"About what?" she asked gently.

"About giving you time."

Her expression changed—just slightly.

"I know things happened too fast. Our marriage... everything. You didn't even get the chance to choose."

Gauri looked down at her hands, her fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the bracelet he had given her.

"I was scared," she admitted quietly.

Hriday didn't interrupt.

"I didn't know how to accept something so big... when I was still trying to hold myself together."

Her voice trembled—but she didn't let it break.

"And I didn't want to hurt you by not being... what you expected."

Hriday's jaw tightened slightly.

"I never expected anything from you," he said, almost immediately.

She looked up at him.

"I just wanted you... to feel safe."

That word lingered.

Safe.

Gauri's eyes softened.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then slowly... she shifted closer.

Not much.

Just enough that her arm rested fully against his.

A small movement.

But it meant everything.

Hriday noticed—but didn't react too quickly. He didn't want to scare her away.

Instead, he gently placed his hand over hers.

Not holding.

Just... resting.

Giving her the choice.

Gauri looked at their hands.

Then, after a quiet pause—

She turned her palm slightly... letting her fingers curl into his.

Hriday inhaled softly.

That was the first time she had held his hand on her own.

No hesitation.

No nervous pullback.

Just... acceptance.

"I'm trying," she whispered.

He looked at her.

"I know," he replied.

"And I don't want to run away anymore."

Something in his chest shifted hearing that.

He turned toward her fully now.

"You don't have to rush," he said again, softer this time. "Even if it takes time... even if it's slow..."

He paused.

"I'm not going anywhere."

Gauri's eyes filled slightly—but she smiled.

"You're very patient."

He let out a faint breath.

"Only with you."

The wind grew colder.

Without thinking, Gauri leaned slightly toward him.

This time, Hriday didn't hold back.

He wrapped an arm around her—slowly, carefully—giving her enough time to move away if she wanted.

She didn't.

Instead, she rested her head against his shoulder.

Perfectly.

Naturally.

Like she had finally found where she belonged.

Hriday closed his eyes for a brief second.

Not out of sleep.

But because the moment felt... full.

No urgency.

No rush.

Just warmth.

Just quiet understanding.

After a while, Gauri spoke again—her voice softer, almost drowsy.

"Hriday..."

"Hm?"

"This... feels right."

He didn't reply immediately.

His hold around her tightened just a little.

"Yeah," he murmured.

"It does."

"Hriday..."

Her voice trembled slightly, as if the name itself carried a weight she didn't know how to hold.

"H-Hmm..."

He responded softly, barely above a whisper. His voice was rough, not from anger—but from something far more dangerous—emotion he was trying to keep under control.

Silence stretched between them, thick and alive.

Gauri's fingers twisted the edge of her dupatta nervously before she finally spoke again, her eyes not meeting his.

"What if... everything was normal?" she said quietly. "What if Mom... Dad... Dadaji... what if they accepted me... accepted us?"

The question hung in the air like a fragile glass piece, ready to shatter with the slightest wrong movement.

Hriday looked at her then—really looked at her.

His sharp gaze softened, melting into something deeper, something almost vulnerable. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade into nothingness.

In that gaze, there were unsaid promises, hidden fears, and a love that neither of them had fully learned how to express.

"That day..." he began slowly, stepping a little closer.

His voice changed—warmer, steadier, almost dreamlike.

"That day, I will make you wear a red saree," he said, his lips curving faintly. "Just like a new bride... glowing, radiant... only mine."

Gauri's breath hitched.

He continued, as if he had already lived that moment in his mind a thousand times.

"Your hands will be filled with bangles," he murmured, his gaze drifting to her wrists. "Your ankles... adorned with payal that will echo your every step."

His voice dropped further, softer now.

"And your face..." he paused, lifting his hand slightly but not yet touching her, as if asking for permission without words. "Your face will shine with a smile. No fear... no hesitation... no sadness."

Gauri felt her chest tighten.

"Hriday—"

"Sssh..." he whispered gently.

Before she could say anything more, he lifted his finger and placed it lightly against her lips.

The touch was soft—but it sent a shiver through her.

"Let me complete, sweetheart."

The word lingered between them.

Sweetheart.

He had said it before... but tonight, it felt different. Deeper.

More real.

His gaze dropped—just for a second—to her lips.

He swallowed.

Gauri noticed it.

She noticed everything—the way his Adam's apple moved, the way his breath had grown uneven, the way his usual control seemed to be slipping, just a little.

And somehow... that made her heart race faster.

"That day..." he continued, his voice now almost a whisper near her face, "I will worship you."

Her eyes widened slightly.

Not out of fear.

But because of the intensity in his tone.

"I will worship your soul," he added, his forehead almost brushing hers now.

The closeness made her forget how to breathe.

"And that day..." his voice dropped even further, so low that it was almost meant only for himself, "I will not stop myself."

Something in the way he said it made her heart skip.

Gauri inhaled slowly, gathering courage she didn't know she had.

"Who is stopping you, Hriday?" she asked softly.

His eyes snapped to hers.

"I am always yours."

Those words... simple as they were... broke something inside him.

Or maybe... freed something.

Before he could think, before he could stop himself, she lifted her hands and cupped his face.

Her touch was gentle... hesitant... but determined.

And then—

She leaned in.

The kiss was sudden.

Clumsy.

Unexpected.

For a second, Hriday froze completely, his mind going blank.

But then he realized—she was trying.

Trying to kiss him.

Trying to reach him.

Trying to express everything she didn't know how to say.

A faint smile touched his lips against hers.

Slowly, he responded.

His hands came up, holding her face carefully, as if she were something fragile.

The kiss deepened—not in intensity, but in emotion.

It was soft.

Unpracticed.

A little awkward.

But real.

So real that it made both of them forget everything else.

Time.

Fear.

The world.

Everything.

They pulled away after a moment, both slightly breathless.

Gauri's cheeks were flushed, her eyes lowered, her heartbeat loud in her ears.

Hriday looked at her as if he had just discovered something rare.

"Sweetheart..." he whispered.

She looked up at him.

There was something shy... something hopeful... in her gaze.

"Can I kiss you again?"

The question was simple.

But it held respect, care... and a strange kind of vulnerability.

Gauri didn't speak.

She just nodded.

A small smile appearing on her lips.

This time, the kiss was different.

Still gentle—but more certain.

More aware.

Hriday took his time, not rushing, not overwhelming her.

He learned her pace.

Her hesitation.

Her softness.

Gauri felt something unfamiliar bloom inside her.

A warmth.

A flutter.

Something that made her both nervous and strangely happy.

She didn't fully understand it.

But she didn't pull away.

When he finally stepped back, both of them were breathing slightly heavier.

The air between them had changed.

It wasn't just quiet anymore.

It was alive.

"What was that?" Gauri asked softly, still trying to process everything.

Hriday chuckled lightly, his thumb brushing against her lower lip in a teasing gesture.

"That," he said, "was an actual kiss."

She blinked, still confused.

"Umm..."

Silence settled again—but this time, it was comfortable.

Soft.

Warm.

Gauri tilted her head slightly, a playful glint appearing in her eyes.

"I never knew you would be so... wild."

Hriday raised an eyebrow.

"Wild?"

"Yeah," she said, smiling a little. "The kiss... it was sweet. Like you, sweetheart."

Her words made him smirk.

"And mine?" he asked, leaning a little closer. "Did you like it?"

Gauri pretended to think, tapping her chin lightly.

"It was... okay."

Hriday stared at her, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Mischief.

He could see it clearly on her face.

"Oh, really?" he said slowly.

She nodded, trying to hide her smile.

"Okay."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping into something dangerously calm.

"Then we have all night to make it perfect... don't we, sweetheart?"

Her breath caught again.

"You do know..." he added, a faint grin forming, "how much of a perfectionist your husband is."

Gauri looked at him, her heart racing—but this time, she didn't look away.

Because somewhere between the fear... and the uncertainty...

She had started to trust him.

And maybe...

Just maybe...

To fall for him too.