It was a fresh new day—yesterday, Shashi and Aakash had celebrated New Year’s Eve at Janvi’s home with laughter, music, and stolen glances.

Now, both of them slept peacefully in the guest room, wrapped in each other's warmth, untouched by the world’s worries. But as morning sunlight poured into the room, it crept onto their bed, disturbing Aakash’s slumber. He stirred lightly, while Shashi, unbothered, remained curled up in her sleep. Quietly, Aakash rose from the bed and drew the curtains shut, shielding her delicate face from the harsh light.

He entered the bathroom, letting cold water cascade down his hair and sculpted frame. The water traced his sharp jawline, chiseled chest, and irresistible abs—each droplet washing away the thoughts racing through his mind. After soaking in the silence of the shower, he stepped out, dressed casually, and before leaving, pressed a soft kiss on Shashi’s forehead. Then, without a sound, he walked out.

♡

Shashi stirred slightly in her sleep, murmuring his name and hugging the pillow he had left behind. As her eyes fluttered open, she found the room empty. She didn’t think much of it, just freshened up, took a shower, and made her way downstairs—only to find the entire house silent. Neither the hall nor the lawn held any trace of the family.

She asked one of the maids, and the answer came simply:

“Sab mandir gaye hain, mam.” (Everyone’s gone to the temple, ma’am.)

It was past breakfast, so she settled for lunch, alone yet content.

♡

Evening fell softly. Shashi sat on the bed, her laptop resting on her thighs, fingers typing with focused grace. Her brows furrowed in concentration.

A knock broke the rhythm.

"In," she said, eyes still glued to the screen. A maid entered, holding a paper bag.

“For you, mam,” the maid said and left.

Shashi opened the bag curiously. Inside was a deep wine sequin saree and a small note.

> “Please wear this saree and get ready, Rosebud. We have to attend a party. I’m stuck and can’t pick you up—I'm really sorry. But I’m sure you’ll look sexy in this. I’ve sent the address to Abhishek, he’ll drop you there.

~ Aakash”

She smiled, kissed the note, and gently set it aside.

Soon, she emerged from her room transformed—draped in a sultry deep wine sequin saree that clung to her curves like a lover’s gaze. The shimmering fabric caught every glimmer of light, flowing sensually around her. The deep-neck blouse with full sleeves accentuated her figure, while her long, silky black hair fell like velvet down her back—one side tucked behind her ear to reveal elegant, glimmering earrings.

She looked into the mirror and smiled, adjusting her pallu and brushing away a single rebellious strand.

Phone in hand, clutch by her side, she walked out of the mansion. Abhishek was already waiting at the gate. He drove her through the quiet roads, and by the time they arrived, it was 9 PM.

She stepped out. The place was a secluded farmhouse—charming but eerily quiet. No music, no guests.

Confused, she looked around, tried calling Aakash, but before she could hit dial—the lights turned off.

Her heart skipped a beat. She quickly messaged him.

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed, hidden in the dark:

“Don’t worry, Rosebud. Just walk a little farther.”

No one appeared. Still confused, she walked hesitantly through the dimly lit path.

Then came his voice again—soft, shaky, vulnerable:

“If you were thinking we’re at a party... you’re wrong, jaan.

I’m shaking... and I’m freaking nervous to say this out loud.

I don’t think I can meet your eyes and say everything—so this is how I’m saying it.

If this flashback bores you... I’m already sorry.”

His voice quivered.

“1st January last year—I was a cold, rude man working in my hospital with a stone face. Around 9 AM, a sweet, soft girl bumped into me in the corridor. She smelled like vanilla and chaos.

I didn’t know then—but she became my peace. My nights were filled with dreams of her, though I didn’t even know her name.

She vanished. But I was obsessed. I searched like a madman.

Then fate struck again—my family told me I was to marry the sister of a mafia.

I was numb. But Laksha came that evening and told me the truth.

You were the girl.

The same one who had changed everything for me in seconds.”

There was a pause. A breath. Then:

“Main mohobbat mein sirf aapka intezar karta raha... yeh ishq ek tarfa tha…

Apki ijaazat mein intezaar kiya, apse beintehaan pyaar kiya...

Har raat sirf yeh soch kar guzari—kaash ek jhalak aur naseeb hoti.

Jis din se apko dekha... kisi aur ke baare mein na socha, na chaha.”

(I waited for you in love... my love was one-sided. I loved you immensely, waited for your permission. Ever since I saw you, I couldn’t think of anyone else.)

“Six months felt like six lifetimes. Every moment I waited—not for a kiss, not for a yes...

Just a glimpse of you smiling...

Just to know you were okay...

This is my one-sided love. And finally...

Even if you leave me—I will keep loving you forever.

I don’t know what’s in your heart, but if you see mine...

You’ll find only you there.

Jaan... I love you.”

Shashi dropped to her knees, her heart in her throat, eyes brimming with tears.

Just then, Aakash emerged from the darkness. The lights flickered back on. He knelt in front of her.

“I really love you, Rosebud,” he whispered, tears in his eyes.

Before he could say more, she launched herself into his arms, hugging him tightly.

“I love you, Aakash... I won’t be able to breathe without you,” she cried into his chest.

He held her tight, not letting go.

“I love you too,” she whispered again.

He smiled, wiping her tears.

“I love you more.”

She sniffled and looked into his eyes.

“Why are you crying?”

“Because you’re crying,” he chuckled.

They both laughed softly and said in unison,

“I love you.”

He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and asked,

“Can I kiss you?”

She smirked.

“Puch toh aise rahe ho jaise pehli baar kiss karte waqt pucha tha?”

(You're asking like you asked me when you did it first.)

He leaned in, and kissed her—deep and passionate.

Breaking the kiss, he whispered,

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” she replied, pulling him into another.

“Aa... Aakash,” she said, hesitantly.

“Hmmm?” he hummed, kissing her jaw.

“You didn’t tell me how I’m looking.”

He smirked.

“It’s hard to control myself, jaan. Seeing you in this... I might do something without permission.”

“What if I give you permission?” she whispered.

He froze.

“Rosebud...”

“I want it,” she said, eyes shining with trust.

He kissed her again. This time slower. Deeper.

He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her into the room. Gently, he laid her down, hovering above her.

“I love you,” she breathed between kisses.

His fingers brushed over the pin at her shoulder. He paused, seeking permission in her gaze.

She nodded with a smile.

“I trust you.”

He unpinned the pallu and pressed open-mouth kisses down her collarbone, each one whispering a promise.

Shashi lay beneath him, her breath soft and steady, eyes shimmering with emotion. Her fingers gently traced the line of his jaw, her touch feather-light yet filled with meaning. He kissed her forehead first, then the tip of her nose, his lips lingering at every stop as if memorizing her piece by piece.

Their hands found each other, fingers lacing naturally, fitting perfectly like the last missing pieces of a puzzle finally clicking into place.

No words were needed. Only glances. Only breaths.

He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her collarbone, then resting his forehead against hers.

“You’re mine,” he whispered.

“Always have been,” she replied, voice trembling, eyes brimming.

--

Later, wrapped in the sheets that now smelled of jasmine and vanilla, Aakash rested with his arm around her waist, his fingers lightly drawing circles on her back.

Shashi rested her head on his chest, her cheek rising and falling with every beat of his heart. She smiled softly, her voice no louder than a whisper.

“Happy New Year, Aakash.”

He kissed the top of her head and replied,

“It already is, Rosebud.”

Shashi lay in his arms, her body cocooned against his, her face glowing softly in the pale light. Her eyes were closed, but her lips wore a serene smile, the kind that comes only after surrendering completely to someone you trust.

Aakash watched her quietly, brushing a finger across her cheek. He couldn't stop admiring her, like she was a dream that had stepped out of his prayers and into his arms.

Then came his voice, low and husky against the shell of her ear.

“Rosebud… please... another round?”

She opened her eyes slowly, her lashes fluttering like petals. She didn’t speak at first—just gave him that soft look, that shy smile that melted him from within.

“You’re impossible,” she whispered, blushing as she playfully hid her face in his chest.

“And you’re irresistible,” he murmured back, gently tucking her hair behind her ear.

“I could spend lifetimes just loving you... and it still wouldn’t be enough.”

He kissed her again—tenderly, like he was kissing her soul this time.

And that night... they didn’t stop.

Again and again, love spilled between silences and sighs, laughter and tears, until dawn peeked in through the curtains. They moved together not just in rhythm, but in understanding—two halves finally made whole.

By the time morning arrived, they lay tangled in each other, exhausted but blissful.

No words remained. Just the warmth of limbs intertwined, the glow of skin against skin, and the deep peace that followed a night not of passion alone—but of soul-deep belonging.

__________________________________

Please atleast comment and like on this chapter 😭

they finally confessed & ahem ahem bhi hogya🤭