The next day passed as usual. Both Shashi and Aakash returned to their regular routines at the hospital. After a long day of work, the night unfolded in its familiar silence.

The following morning, they both woke up and got ready for work. Just as they were about to leave the room and head downstairs for breakfast, Shashi suddenly paused and turned toward him.

"Mr. Rajput," she called, her voice quiet yet certain.

"Ji?" he responded, raising his eyebrows.

(Yes?)

"I want to ask you something."

"Ji kahiye."

(Yes, go ahead.)

"I want to tell my best friends that I’m married. But I don’t want them to hold onto any false hope about my married life. Can I tell them about the contract?"

He looked at her, surprised by the question.

"Yeh baat mujhse kyun pooch rahi ho?"

(Why are you asking me this?)

"Because it’s not just me who's tied by it—it’s your life too. This isn’t some puppet show, Mr. Rajput," she replied, her tone sincere.

"It’s not for me to tell you what to do or not to do. Aap hi ne kaha tha ki hum dono ek dusre ki zindagi mein dakhalandazi nahi kar sakte."

(You were the one who said we shouldn’t interfere in each other’s lives.)

"You should—when the matter involves you," she said, her voice softer, more vulnerable.

He smiled at her response and nodded.

"Aap bata sakti ho unhe."

(You can tell them.)

"Do your friends also know?" she asked.

"Do you want them to know?" he asked back.

She gave a gentle nod.

"Why?" he questioned, genuinely curious.

"Let’s be equal here," she said, a soft smile playing on her lips.

With that, they headed downstairs for breakfast with the family, then left for work.

That evening, Shashi returned home later than usual. She had gone to meet her childhood best friends—Diksha and Janvi.

Shashi’s POV

Dinner with the family was over. Now I sat on the swing in the balcony, slowly sipping my turmeric milk. The wind was cool, but my mind was still a storm.

I kept thinking about what Diksha and Janvi said. I had gone to Diksha’s house earlier in the evening, and the three of us ended up discussing what’s been gnawing at my soul for weeks.

Flashback

We were sitting in the living room, coffee cups in hand. I was shamelessly devouring the snacks Diksha’s mom had made while the two of them glared at me.

"You are ruining your life with your own hands," Janvi said sternly, narrowing her eyes.

"Tell me something I don’t know," I replied nonchalantly.

A pillow hit me square in the face.

"But bro, considering what that Rajput did, I think she did the right thing," Diksha said, and I blew her a flying kiss.

"This still isn’t the right way, Shashi," Janvi interjected.

"Oh, come on, darling. These bastards deserve it," Diksha replied with a wink.

"But now I’m starting to realize… he’s not that bad," I admitted, looking down.

The response I got wasn’t one I expected.

"Bro, don’t tell us you’re falling for him!" Janvi exclaimed.

I choked on my coffee. Diksha rubbed my back before giving me a slap on it. I retaliated with a solid kick to her leg.

"Why would you say that?" I asked, almost defensively.

"Just wanted to confirm," she teased, smirking.

Even though we hadn’t seen each other properly in six months, it didn’t feel like time had passed. The moment we were together, it felt like home.

We laughed until our stomachs hurt, like we did back in school. I remember how we used to wish to grow up faster. Now, we wish to return to those days. I always dreamed of living with them forever—but life had other plans. Careers happened. Distance happened.

While studying, I met another best friend. He was near, close to me… always there. But I never imagined he would leave too. He left me shattered. I still pray for him every day. I know my Shivji must be blessing him.

He came into my life like a passing breeze—comforting, sudden, and gone too soon. But the memories stayed. And they still make me smile, even if they once made me cry.

Now, as an adult, I’ve learned something: people shouldn’t be allowed to affect you the way I let them. I cried too much when he left. He could’ve at least told me…

I hope he's living a happy life—with his family, and with his love. Yes, he was a true loverboy—completely smitten with her.

Flashback

"I wish I could get her, Shashi," he whispered, burying his face into my shoulder. His tears soaked into my shirt as I gently rubbed his back.

"Don’t worry, Adi. You’ll get her. You believe in God, right? We trust our Mahadev," I whispered back, trying to comfort him as his sobs grew quieter.

He was something special. We laughed together. We cried together. We survived life together. And I swear, if he ever returns to my life again…

But why would he? Don’t forget, Shashi—you lost your right over him.

He was from a Rajasthani family. I had met them once. I knew how deeply he loved them. He was a Rajput, and the name suited him perfectly.

Aakash’s POV

My lioness sat on the balcony swing, lost in her thoughts. I watched her from the bed, silently admiring her. God, I love watching her. Her eyes reflected a sea of emotions—maybe memories, maybe someone from her past.

I kept replaying what she said in the morning—that I have a right to exist in her life. That one sentence carved itself into my heart.

I swear, Shashi—I will be the most important person in your life one day. I won’t let you down.

Watching her like this—it’s my favorite thing. She walked back into the room, the empty glass of milk still in her hand. Standing before the mirror, she began applying moisturizer to her hands.

I stood behind her, locking eyes with her reflection in the mirror.

"Yeh mat sochna ki hamara contract khatam hone ke baad main tumhare saath rahungi  Aur haan, aaj jo subah maine kaha, woh thoda pyaar se keh diya tha. Lekin main ab bhi utni hi khuli chhuri hoon , my bitch behaviour won't change —mujhse door hi raho toh accha hoga. "

(Don’t think that once our contract ends, I’ll stay with you. And yes, what I said this morning—I said it with a little affection, but I’m still the same sharp knife. It’s better if you stay away from me.)

"Itna door, biwi?" I whispered.

(This far, wife?)

I wrapped my arms around her from behind, pulling her close. Her back met my chest, and for a second, the world paused.

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Hey lovlies hope you all liked the chapter

Preap :

She pulled him down to sit.

He sat in awe as she looked at him, then did something he never expected-

She held her ears and said:

"I know I've been a bitch these past two months, but I've realized I've been too harsh on you without any reason.

This situation-it wasn't created by you. It's just fate... destiny. But tonight, I want to apologize, Mr. Rajput."

She handed him a bouquet of yellow roses.