The next morning, they drove from Delhi to Pune. His thigh rested close to hers, and her hand occasionally lingered on him as the car hummed along the highway.

Soon, the royal gates of the Rajput mansion came into view, and the car rolled through, stopping at the grand entrance. Shashi stepped out and walked into the mansion.

Inside, Aparna stood with her arms spread, waiting near the couch. Shashi ran straight into her mother’s embrace, her voice trembling with affection.

“I hope my son didn’t disappoint you,” Aparna said with a gentle smile.

“He didn’t,” Shashi replied, chuckling softly.

Just then, a teasing voice cut through the room.

“No love for your brother?” said Sarthak, raising an eyebrow.

“Drama doesn’t suit you, bhai,” Shashi retorted, giving him a playful glare.

At that moment, a cheerful voice rang out behind them.

“Cupcake!” came a loud, sweet call. It was Varal, looking adorable in his school uniform, rushing forward.

“Hey, pie!” Shashi exclaimed, crouching down to his level. She scooped him up into a hug.

“I missed you, Cupcake,” said Varal, hugging her tight.

“I missed you too, my prince,” Shashi said, kissing his cheek, making him giggle in delight.

The day unfolded quickly. Everyone gathered at the mansion, and Shashi and Aakash eventually left for the hospital. The family was thrilled to see them together—especially Dadi, who was already planning to bake brownies for Aakash.

Later, Shashi finally got free from her duties and returned to her private cabin. After freshening up, she opened her lunch box to find a small note tucked inside.

> “Rosebud, don’t exhaust yourself too much. Please text me when you finish your lunch. It’s your favorite aloo gobi today. Give me a call when you’re leaving—I’ll come pick you up!”

A tender smile curved Shashi’s lips. She kissed the note and set it aside. These were the small gestures she loved and cherished. She ate her lunch peacefully and texted Aakash, who didn’t reply immediately, so she knew he must be busy. The rest of the day blurred into a series of back-to-back surgeries.

Shashi was finally free. As she typed on her phone, she saw three dots appear on the screen—a sign Aakash was replying.

> “On my way, Jaan.”

Aakash’s POV

I’d just gotten a text from Shashi saying she was free. I drove straight toward the hospital, parking out front. As I stood there waiting, my gaze fell on my Jaan.

She emerged wearing a beautiful pastel top under her white coat, the stethoscope hanging loosely around her neck. The moment her eyes landed on me, her entire face lit up in the brightest grin. She hurried over, cheeks puffed in a cute expression, and wrapped her arms around me.

“Is my baby tired?” I asked, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.

She pouted adorably. “Let’s go!”

She waved goodbye to Abhishek, and we headed to the car.

I couldn’t stop stealing glances at her as she rambled on about her day.

“Aren’t we going home?” she asked, frowning slightly when she noticed I’d taken another route.

“I wanted to steal a little more time with you,” I confessed.

She looked at me with those deep eyes that always reminded me of the night sky full of stars.

“I’m hungry,” she complained.

“And we are not going to settle for instant Maggi this time!” I teased.

She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Fine. Only if there’s dessert later.”

Her eyes sparkled as we pulled up to a small street-side food stall glowing under warm yellow lights.

We ordered two plates of piping hot Maggi.

“Smells delicious,” she said, coming closer as I held the plates.

“You’re more delicious,” I whispered, sliding an arm around her waist.

“Oh my God, Dr. Aakash is blushing!” she teased.

“Only for you.”

She swatted my chest lightly. “Zyada hi natkhat nahi ho rahe aap?” (Aren’t you being too naughty?)

I leaned forward, brushing my nose against hers. “Natkhat hoon, par aapka hoon ab.” (I’m naughty, but I’m yours now.)

She kissed me lightly on the lips.

Just as I was about to deepen the kiss, she pulled back and whispered, “Maggie thandi ho jayegi, Dr. Romantic.” (The Maggi will get cold, Dr. Romantic.)

I chuckled and stole one more peck.

We ate quietly, admiring the moon. She was staring at the sky, and I was staring at her.

When we finished, I wiped her lips with a tissue. She made a small whining noise.

“Can we please have dessert?” she asked sweetly.

“How can I ever refuse this woman?” I exclaimed dramatically.

“Ice cream!” she shouted.

“I won’t eat,” I teased.

“Then both cones are for me,” she declared, making me laugh.

We stopped at a cozy ice cream parlour and ordered two flavors: black currant and butterscotch.

Her eyes sparkled as I brought the cones back to the car.

On the drive back to the mansion, she licked the ice cream like an excited child, occasionally offering me bites, though I kept refusing, amused.

By the time we reached the mansion gates, she’d finished both cones.

Inside the parked car, she sat with her head resting against the window, lips sticky with ice cream, eyes fluttering shut into a sleepy pout.

I gently unbuckled her seatbelt and scooped her up into my arms. She stirred slightly as we climbed the stairs.

“We reached?” she mumbled sleepily.

I chuckled softly. “Yes, jaan. Let’s get you changed so you can sleep.”

I carried her into the bedroom and set her down near the closet. She returned a moment later in soft pajamas, looking adorable as ever.

She climbed into bed and snuggled close. I kissed her forehead gently and whispered, “Good night.”

She sighed contentedly, curling herself into my embrace, and I held her close like she was my peace.

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