The Roy family trip started with chaos.

Exactly as expected.

“Kashvi sit properly.”

“I am sitting properly, dad.”

“You’re half on Aditya already.”

Aditya looked proud hearing that.

“Thank you, Mr. Roy.”

Aryan glared immediately from driver seat while Sia laughed beside him.

“Stop teasing him,” Sia said softly.

“He started existing,” Aryan muttered.

The long drive felt strangely warm.

Music playing softly.

Rain clouds outside.

Kashvi resting against Aditya’s shoulder in backseat while he played with her fingers absentmindedly.

Domestic.

Comfortable.

Like this had always been their place.

At one point Sia turned back and smiled seeing them whispering secretly.

“What are you both discussing so seriously?”

Aditya answered instantly,
“Our future.”

Aryan almost pressed brakes.

Kashvi hit Aditya’s arm immediately.

“Adi!”

“What? I’m serious.”

Aryan looked traumatised.

“You’re twenty one.”

“And visionary.”

Sia burst out laughing loudly.

Later during a small roadside stop, Kashvi stood beside tea stall warming her hands around coffee cup.

Aditya walked beside her quietly.

Then casually asked,

“How many dogs are we keeping?”

Kashvi blinked slowly.

“In what?”

“In our house.”

Her heartbeat betrayed her instantly.

“Who said I’m marrying you?”

Aditya looked offended.

“You kissed me in rain and said I love you. That’s legally emotional marriage.”

Kashvi laughed helplessly.

“You’re insane.”

“Answer question.”

She pretended to think seriously.

“Two dogs.”

“Good.”

“And one cat.”

Aditya stopped walking.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No cats.”

“Then no marriage.”

Aditya stared at her dramatically.

“This relationship has too many conditions.”

That night they reached resort late because of rain.

Rooms got divided quickly.

Aryan suspiciously checked arrangements twice before finally relaxing.

“Separate rooms,” he announced like military officer.

Aditya sighed dramatically.

“Your trust hurts me.”

“My survival depends on it.”

After dinner everyone sat outside near bonfire while soft rain smell filled air.

Kashvi sat wrapped in shawl beside Aditya quietly.

For some time nobody spoke much.

The peace itself felt enough.

Then suddenly Sia asked softly,

“What kind of house do you both want in future?”

Kashvi almost choked.

“Maa!”

“What? Normal question.”

Aditya answered immediately.

“Big balcony.”

Everyone looked at him.

He continued calmly,
“Because she likes rain.”

Kashvi looked at him softly.

“And big kitchen,” he added.

“You cook?” Aryan asked suspiciously.

“No.”

“Then?”

Aditya smiled while looking at Kashvi.

“I’ll stand there and disturb her.”

Kashvi laughed quietly.

Something warm spread through Sia watching both.

Because this no longer looked temporary.

It looked permanent.

Later that night, rain became heavier.

Thunder echoed loudly outside.

Kashvi stood alone on balcony outside her room looking at rain silently.

Then familiar footsteps approached behind her.

Without turning she smiled softly.

“Stalker.”

“Girlfriend.”

His arms wrapped gently around her waist from behind.

Warm.

Safe.

Home.

For a few moments both simply stood there listening to rain.

Then Aditya whispered quietly near her ear,

“You still scared I’ll leave?”

Kashvi’s smile faded slightly.

A little.

Because some fears healed slowly.

Aditya noticed instantly.

He turned her around gently.

“I wish I could undo that pain.”

Kashvi looked down quietly.

“You broke me a little.”

His chest tightened painfully hearing that honesty again.

“But…”

She slowly looked back at him.

“You came back and fixed every broken part yourself.”

Emotion filled his eyes instantly.

Kashvi stepped closer and rested forehead lightly against his chest.

For a few seconds silence surrounded both softly.

Then finally she whispered,

“I don’t feel angry anymore.”

Aditya closed his eyes briefly.

Relief hit him so deeply it almost hurt.

“Kashu…”

“I tried holding onto hurt,” she admitted softly. “But loving you was always stronger.”

That sentence completely destroyed whatever guilt still remained inside him.

Aditya gently lifted her chin.

Rain wind moved softly around them.

“You know what scares me now?” he whispered.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

His thumb brushed softly against her cheek.

“Except losing this again.”

Kashvi’s eyes softened instantly.

“You won’t.”

The certainty in her voice wrapped around him completely.

Then slowly…

Aditya kissed her again.

Soft.

Deep.

Certain.

Not desperate anymore.

Not fearful.

Just love.

Pure and safe and forever feeling.

And while rain poured around them quietly…

Both finally understood something beautiful.

Sometimes love breaks people first…

Only to bring them back stronger together.

Ch 26 Alone

The resort weather became colder by evening.

Rain outside.

Soft lights inside.

And for the first time in forever…

Everyone looked relaxed.

“Movie night,” Sia announced excitedly while bringing snacks into living room.

Aryan looked suspicious already.

“I know that look on your face.”

“What look?”

“The look before chaos.”

Sia ignored him completely and sat comfortably on couch.

Kashvi came downstairs wearing oversized hoodie and loose pajamas while drying her hair lazily.

Aditya looked up from phone.

And forgot movie existed.

Aryan immediately noticed.

“Eyes on television.”

Aditya blinked innocently.

“I was checking if she’s alive.”

“She was alive yesterday too.”

“Love changes priorities, Mr. Roy.”

Kashvi hid smile instantly while sitting beside him.

Very beside him.

Movie started peacefully.

For exactly seven minutes.

Then Aditya slowly stole Kashvi’s blanket.

“Adi.”

“I’m cold.”

“Take your own.”

“I want emotional warmth.”

Aryan closed eyes tiredly.

Sia laughed softly beside him.

Halfway through movie, Kashvi unknowingly fell asleep against Aditya’s shoulder.

One hand resting lightly in his.

Aditya immediately lowered volume slightly so she wouldn’t wake.

That tiny gesture didn’t go unnoticed by Aryan.

After some time Sia suddenly stretched dramatically.

“I’m bored.”

Aryan looked confused.

“During climax?”

“I want date.”

“At midnight?”

“Yes.”

Aryan stared at his wife for few seconds before finally sighing in defeat.

“You’re impossible.”

“And beautiful.”

“That too.”

Kashvi fake gagged sleepily while Aditya looked impressed.

“Respect, Mr. Roy.”

Sia stood up excitedly and pulled Aryan with her.

“We’re going out.”

“Now?” Kashvi blinked.

“Yes.”

Then Aryan looked directly at Aditya.

“I’m trusting you with Kashu.”

Aditya immediately sat straighter.

A little emotional too.

Aryan noticed that.

Then calmly added,

“Take care of her.”

The softness in his voice made Kashvi smile quietly.

Because this was no longer forced acceptance.

It was real trust.

Aditya nodded seriously.

“I will.”

Aryan pointed finger immediately.

“And sleep in separate rooms.”

Kashvi instantly covered her mouth trying not to laugh.

Sia completely turned away laughing silently.

Aditya looked personally offended.

“Mr. Roy.”

“What?”

“You wound me every day.”

“I’m protecting my daughter.”

Aditya wrapped arm around sleepy Kashvi dramatically.

“I’ll sleep with her for safety purposes.”

“Aditya.”

“Thunderstorm emotional support.”

Aryan looked horrified.

Kashvi finally burst out laughing properly while Sia leaned against wall laughing too.

“You’re not funny,” Aryan muttered while leaving.

“I’m your future favorite son in law.”

“That position is vacant permanently.”

Sia kissed Kashvi’s forehead before leaving and whispered teasingly,

“Don’t trouble him too much.”

“Maa!”

Then both parents finally left still laughing softly together.

The moment door closed…

Silence settled inside room.

Warm comfortable silence.

Rain sounds outside.

Movie still playing softly.

And suddenly the space felt more intimate.

Kashvi slowly looked at Aditya beside her.

“We finally got rid of them.”

Aditya gasped dramatically.

“You speak against your parents so easily?”

“You were planning shared room five minutes ago.”

“Still planning.”

Kashvi laughed helplessly and rested properly against him again.

Movie continued playing while rain tapped softly against windows.

After some time Aditya looked down.

Kashvi had fallen asleep again.

Completely.

Trustingly.

Her fingers still tangled softly with his.

Something deep inside him melted instantly.

Carefully he adjusted blanket around her shoulders.

Then kissed top of her head softly.

So soft she barely stirred.

Later, thunder echoed loudly outside.

Kashvi shifted in sleep slightly before unconsciously curling closer against his chest.

Aditya smiled faintly.

Then slowly leaned back against couch properly while holding her carefully.

Like she was something precious.

Something breakable.

Something permanent.

After few minutes Kashvi opened eyes sleepily.

“You’re still awake?”

“Hm.”

“Why?”

Aditya looked down at her quietly.

“Because I like this.”

“What?”

“You sleeping peacefully beside me.”

Kashvi’s heart softened instantly.

She adjusted slightly until her head rested directly against his chest now.

Listening to his heartbeat.

Comfortable.

Safe.

Then softly she whispered,

“You know what I realized?”

“What?”

“No matter how angry I get…”

Her fingers tightened lightly around his shirt.

“I sleep best near you.”

Aditya’s chest tightened warmly hearing that.

He brushed fingers slowly through her hair.

Then quietly whispered near her forehead,

“Good.”

Kashvi looked up sleepily.

“Why good?”

“Because I plan on being beside you for very long time, Kashu.”

The honesty in his voice wrapped around her completely.

Outside rain continued pouring softly.

Inside, wrapped in warmth and quiet love…

Both slowly fell asleep together on couch.

Like two people who finally stopped fearing tomorrow.

CH 27 DATE NIGHT

Morning sunlight filled the resort dining area softly.

Sia sat peacefully drinking coffee while Aryan read newspaper beside her.

For once…

The house was quiet.

Too quiet.

Which immediately made Aryan suspicious.

Then Aditya appeared.

Freshly showered.

Surprisingly nervous.

Aryan lowered newspaper slowly.

“There it is.”

Aditya blinked.

“What?”

“That face. You want something.”

Sia smiled knowingly already.

Aditya sat across from them quietly.

Then after few seconds finally said,

“Mr. Roy… aunty…”

Sia gasped dramatically.

“Aunty?”

Aditya immediately corrected himself.

“Maa.”

“Better,” Sia smiled proudly.

Aryan looked personally offended at how fast betrayal happened.

Aditya rubbed back of neck slightly before speaking again.

“I wanted to ask something.”

“Loan rejected already,” Aryan answered calmly.

Sia laughed instantly.

Aditya sighed dramatically.

“You bully me emotionally every day.”

“That’s free service.”

Then finally Aditya became serious.

“I wanted to take Kashvi out tonight.”

Aryan looked up properly now.

“Dinner?”

“Yes.”

Silence settled briefly.

Then Aryan asked teasingly,

“Why are you taking permission suddenly? You already roam around together twenty four hours.”

Aditya smiled faintly.

“Because she’s your daughter before she’s my girlfriend.”

That answer changed the atmosphere instantly.

Aryan’s expression softened quietly.

Sia looked emotional too.

Aditya continued honestly,

“You trusted me with her once and I broke that trust.”

Aryan stayed silent listening.

“This time I want to do things properly.”

The maturity in his voice felt real now.

No impulsiveness.

No confusion.

Only intention.

Aryan slowly folded newspaper.

Then after few seconds…

A smile finally appeared on his face.

“You really love her.”

Aditya answered without hesitation.

“With everything.”

That certainty alone was enough.

Aryan nodded slowly.

“Take her.”

Aditya’s face brightened instantly.

Then Aryan added calmly,

“But if she comes home crying…”

“She won’t.”

“And if you try anything stupid…”

Aditya sighed dramatically.

“Mr. Roy please trust my sanskar.”

Sia burst out laughing immediately.

“Impossible request,” Aryan muttered.

Upstairs, Kashvi stood in front of mirror later that evening adjusting earrings nervously.

Soft black dress.

Loose curls.

Minimal makeup.

Beautiful enough to completely destroy Aditya mentally.

When she walked downstairs…

Aditya forgot breathing.

Actually forgot.

Kashvi smiled shyly seeing him stare openly.

“What?”

He stood there speechless for few seconds.

Then finally whispered,

“You’re dangerous.”

Aryan instantly stood up from sofa.

“Change dress.”

“Dad!”

Sia laughed loudly while pushing Aryan back down.

The dinner place overlooked lake covered in soft golden lights.

Music played quietly.

Candles flickered gently between them.

And for first time since reunion…

They were completely alone.

No teasing.

No interruptions.

Just them.

Kashvi smiled softly while looking at him across table.

“You’re staring again.”

“Can you blame me?”

“Yes.”

“Impossible.”

She laughed quietly and looked down.

That simple sound still affected him dangerously.

After dinner, soft slow music started near open dance floor outside.

Aditya stood and extended hand toward her.

“Dance?”

Kashvi looked around shyly.

“There are people.”

“So?”

“You know I’m awkward.”

“You’re beautiful.”

That answer alone made her place hand in his.

He pulled her gently closer.

One hand resting carefully against her waist.

The other holding her hand softly.

Kashvi’s heartbeat slowly lost rhythm when he leaned near her ear.

“You smell nice.”

“Adi…”

“Hm?”

“You’re distracting.”

“That’s entire purpose of date.”

They moved slowly under warm lights while lake shimmered behind them.

Kashvi’s hands rested lightly around his neck now.

Closer.

Much closer.

The distance between them almost disappeared.

Aditya looked into her eyes quietly for long moment.

Then softly kissed her forehead.

Her cheek.

The corner of her lips.

Slow enough to make her breathing uneven instantly.

Kashvi’s fingers tightened slightly against his shoulder.

“Someone will see.”

“Let them.”

His voice dropped lower now.

More intimate.

More dangerous.

“You’re mine.”

The possessiveness in those words sent warmth rushing through her instantly.

Later outside near lakeside, cool wind moved softly around them.

Kashvi stood beside railing when suddenly Aditya came behind her.

Close enough for his chest to brush lightly against her back.

His fingers slowly moved along her hand before intertwining with hers.

Then softly…

He kissed her shoulder.

Kashvi closed eyes immediately.

“Adi…”

Another kiss.

This time near her neck.

Slow lingering touches that made her knees weak instantly.

“You know what your problem is?” he whispered near her ear.

“What?”

“You have no idea what you do to me.”

His lips brushed lightly against side of her neck again.

Warm.

Dangerous.

Intimate.

Kashvi turned toward him breathlessly.

And Aditya finally kissed her properly again.

Deep enough to steal every remaining thought from her mind.

Her fingers clutched his shirt softly while his hand rested carefully against her waist pulling her closer.

Like even now…

He still couldn’t believe she was finally his again.

When the kiss finally broke, both breathed unevenly.

Foreheads touching softly.

Eyes still closed.

Then quietly…

Aditya whispered against her lips,

“I could spend forever loving you and still not get enough.”

And Kashvi knew then…

No matter how many lifetimes existed…

She would still choose him in every one.