A R V I

Two weeks.

It’s been two weeks since I came back to Mumbai. Since life tilted on its axis once more, only this time in the right direction.

There are days when I still wake up expecting the worst, as if the peace we’ve found is temporary too fragile to hold. But then I see Rayaan’s slippers outside the bedroom, or hear Vanisha humming from her room, and I remember

This isn’t a dream anymore.

It’s real.

It’s ours.

Rayaan told me to complete my degree. “No more leaving your dreams halfway,” he had said, brushing his thumb over my cheek, eyes holding mine like a promise. “You gave up enough already.”

So now, in between bearing Rayaan tantrums cuddling Vanisha whenever she needs her mama, I study. I’m pursuing my degree online it’s flexible, manageable, and honestly, it gives me a strange sense of ownership over my days again. It makes me feel like myself.

Vanisha has started school too. Not just any school Rayaan had her enrolled in one of Mumbai’s topmost institutions. At first, I was not satisfied with this big institution she can study in middle school too, But then I saw her eyes light up when she put on her uniform, saw the way she adjusted her tiny backpack in the mirror with all the pride in the world, and my heart couldn’t stop swelling. She loves it. And she’s thriving.

I visit the Oberoi Mansion often. More than I expected to. Maa has softened toward me, It’s still quiet around Vanisha’s picture in the hallway, still a little heavy at times but there’s warmth too. Healing.

And Rayaan

He’s different.

Not softer, no. He’s still sharp-edged in business meetings and walks like the world owes him its silence. But when he comes home, he carved out for us. For me, For Vanisha.

By Seven, like clockwork. No delays. No last minute calls. No endless work dinners.

Just him, stepping through the door, loosening his tie and sweeping Vanisha into his arms, her giggles echoing through the house like music. And then me always me he finds my eyes no matter where I am, smiles, and it’s like a silent hello only we understand.

Right now, I’m in the kitchen.

The staff offered to help, of course. But tonight, I wanted to cook myself. Vanisha asked for lauki ke kofte this morning a strange choice for a child, but it’s always been her comfort food. Maybe because I used to make it when she was small, sneaking in extra ghee.

So, here I am.

The smell of ginger and spices fills the air as I stir the gravy gently, humming a song under my breath. I hear the distant murmur of Vanisha studying in her room, her little voice reading out lines from her book like she’s on stage. I smile.

I check the time. Rayaan should be home soon.

My phone buzzes on the counter. A message from him.

On the way. Missed you.

I read the words twice, my heart doing that silly flutter thing it always does when he says something unexpectedly sweet. I reply quickly.

Hurry. Dinner almost ready. Vanisha’s favorite tonight.

Another buzz.

Then I better come hungry. For both of you.

I roll my eyes, biting back a grin. I type back:

Behave, Mr. Oberoi.

He replies instantly.

No promises.

I shake my head, cheeks warming.

I finish the last stir and turn off the flame and walks towards main hall, I feel arms wrap around my waist from behind. Strong. Familiar. I don’t even need to look.

“Rayaan,” I say, leaning back against him.

“You smell like home,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my temple.

“You smell like office.”

He laughs softly. “Rude.”

I turn around in his arms, wrapping mine around his neck. “You’re early.”

He smirks. “Told you I’d come hungry.”

Before I can answer, a tiny tornado barrels into the living room

“Daaad!” Vanisha squeals, her school hairband still clinging to her head at an odd angle. “You said you’d help me with my project.”

Rayaan smiled. “Yes princess, I will.”

“You can cuddle Mama later!” she declares, grabbing his hand and dragging him toward the living room. “Right now, we have math.”

He winks at me over his shoulder as he lets her pull him away. “Duty calls.”

I chuckle and told staffs to plating dinner.

By the time they return, both of them are breathless and giggling, holding up a handmade chart of geometric shapes.

“I helped” Rayaan says proudly.

“I drew everything,” Vanisha stage whispers to me. “Dad just stuck the stickers.”

We settle at the dining table, and it feels so natural, this little family of ours. I serve them first, placing an extra helping in Vanisha’s bowl.

“Mama made kofte!” she announces to no one in particular, grinning from ear to ear.

Rayaan tastes it first, then closes his eyes dramatically. “Marry me again.”

Vanisha makes a face. “You’re already married, Daddy.”

“Right,” he says, mock-serious. “Then I guess I’ll just have to keep falling in love with your mother over and over.”

I nearly drop the spoon.

Vanisha giggles, shaking her head like she’s used to this nonsense, and I just smile.

After dinner,  Rayaan put Vanisha into her room to finish coloring something. I clean up the plates even though the staff offers to do it tonight, I want to do everything. I want to remember this day exactly as it is.

Rayaan joins me after a while, drying the dishes as I wash. “So, what’s next in your course?” he asks, nudging my shoulder.

“Pediatrics module this week,” I say, a little breathless from the surprise. “Why?”

He shrugs. “Thought maybe I could help quiz you.”

I blink at him. “You? Quiz me?”

He raises an eyebrow. “Excuse me, madam, I graduated top of my class.”

“In business school.”

“Still counts.”

I laugh, flicking water at him. “Fine. Tomorrow.”

He leans in, lowering his voice. “Deal. But if I win, you owe me something.”

“What kind of something?” I challenge.

He grins, drying his hands. “You will let me have you”

“Rayaan, dafa hojaw.”

He chuckled.

Later, we check on Vanisha. She’s fast asleep, crayon still clutched in one hand, her drawing of a house with a rainbow sky beside her pillow. Rayaan adjusts her blanket gently, and I press a kiss to her forehead.

Back in our room, I change into my nighty while Rayaan settles against the headboard, flipping through something on his tablet.

“Do you ever think,” I say softly, brushing my hair, “We will be back together?”

He looks up at me, thoughtful. “No one in this entire world stop me to be with you.”

I walk over to the bed, climbing in beside him. “Agar maine maaf nahi kiya hota toh?”

(If I hadn't forgiven you)

His eyes find mine. Serious. Steady. “Toh mai tab tak maafi mangta jb tk aap mohtarma manti nahi.”

(Then I would’ve kept apologizing until you, ma’am, finally accepted it)

And just like that, I lean in and rest my head on his shoulder, the ache of the past slowly fading, one moment of peace at a time.

I don’t know what the future holds. But right now, in this quiet house, with the people I love most breathing beside me I believe in us again.

And that’s enough.

For now.

For always.

The first thing I felt was warmth safe, familiar warmth wrapped all around me. My cheek rested against Rayaan’s chest, his heartbeat a steady rhythm beneath my ear. His arms were snug around me, legs tangled with mine under the soft quilt, as if even in sleep, he wasn’t willing to let me go.

The morning light peeked through the curtains, painting golden streaks on the floor. I blinked slowly, letting myself savor the comfort for a moment before reality crept in.

Vanisha.

I shifted slightly. “Rayaan…” I mumbled, voice still heavy with sleep, “Leave me. I have to get Vanisha ready for school…”

He didn’t budge.

Instead, he pulled me closer, his grip tightening like a silent protest.

“Rayaan,” I said again, this time nudging his shoulder. “Let me go.”

Still nothing.

Then finally, he stirred. A lazy smile tugged at his lips as he opened his eyes halfway, blinking at me like I’d interrupted the best dream. He leaned in, kissed my cheek softly and murmured, “Morning, bacha”

His voice was thick with sleep, rough around the edges and it did things to my heart.

“You can rest,” he whispered, brushing my hair back. “I’ll make her ready today. Stay here.”

“But—” I started to protest, but he was already pressing a kiss to my forehead, his hands stroking my back gently.

“You’ve been doing too much. Let me take this one,” he said softly, then added with a smile, “Go back to sleep, sleepyhead.”

He kissed my temple once more before slipping out of bed. I heard the faint sounds of footsteps, a door creaking open, and then… quiet again.

I blinked sleepily, warmth still lingering on my skin from where his lips had touched. Within seconds, I drifted back to sleep.

—

When I woke again, the sunlight was brighter and the house quieter. I sat up slowly, rubbing my eyes. The other side of the bed was empty, the sheets slightly cold.

I reached for my phone on the nightstand.

One new message. From Rayaan.

Made Vanisha ready and dropped her to school, bacha. Didn’t want to wake you up, you looked so peaceful. Left for office too. Breakfast is ready in the kitchen, please eat and don’t forget to study. I love you ~

My heart fluttered. I hugged the phone to my chest for a second, smiling like an idiot.

Then I got up, got ready quickly, and sat down to study just like he asked. A little later, I packed my notes, grabbed my bag, and walked toward the car.

Even though I wasn’t dropping Vanisha to school today, I think to pick Vanisha from her school. Just to feel that little connection between the three of us.

Rayaan’s message stayed with me all day.

Love doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it wakes up early so you can sleep in.

A/N

Chapter 63 updated on Scroll. Stack.

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