Ishvika and Krevansh sat beneath the mandap while Pandit ji chanted the sacred mantras. The holy fire burned brightly between them, its glow reflecting in their eyes. Despite everything, nervousness slowly crept into Ishvika's heart.

Her fingers tightly clutched her lehenga while her eyes remained lowered. Every emotion she had buried for years seemed to rise at once. This was the moment she had dreamed about since childhood.

Krevansh noticed immediately.

Without saying a word, he reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers together. The warmth of his touch made Ishvika look up at him.

He didn't say anything.

He simply smiled.

A reassuring smile that silently promised she wasn't alone anymore. And somehow, that was enough to calm the storm inside her.

Now Ishvika didn't care what people thought about her. She didn't care what society whispered behind her back or what the world believed about her.

Because she had been gifted something precious.

A man who stood beside her when everyone else abandoned her. A man who would choose her over the entire world without hesitation.

Throughout the entire ceremony, Krevansh never once let go of her hand. Whether it was during the prayers or while taking the pheras, his fingers remained wrapped around hers.

As if silently promising that he would never let her go.

Finally, the moment arrived.

Pandit ji handed the sindoor to Krevansh and instructed him to complete the final ritual. Krevansh picked up the vermillion before turning toward Ishvika.

Her eyes remained lowered while her hands rested nervously in her lap.

Before applying it, he gently took her hand into his and pressed a soft kiss against her knuckles.

"Will you give me the honor of becoming your life partner... your husband?"

Krevansh whispered softly.

"I promise to protect you with all my life. Will you be my wife, baccha?"

The tenderness in his voice shattered the last of Ishvika's strength.

Tears instantly filled her eyes.

But for the first time in her life, these tears weren't born from pain. They weren't born from loneliness, fear, or grief.

These tears were born from happiness.

And Krevansh silently promised himself that from now on, these would be the only tears he would ever allow in her eyes.

"A-As I said... the moment I saw you for the first time...you became my husband in my heart. My prince charming.”

Ishvika whispered through trembling breaths.

A broken smile appeared on her face as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Krevansh Rathore... you're the first beautiful thing that ever happened in my cruel life."

Her voice cracked.

"You know... I used to beg God to either take away my pain or end my life."

The entire mandap seemed to fall silent.

"And on that very day... you walked into my life."

She looked at him through tear-filled eyes.

"Like an angel... my Evaan."

Krevansh's own eyes filled with tears hearing her words. For a moment, neither of them cared about the crowd surrounding them.

Only each other existed.

Carefully, almost reverently, Krevansh lifted the sindoor. Then softly filled the parting of her hair.

A smile instantly bloomed across Ishvika's face.

Moments later, he tied the mangalsutra around her neck. The black beads settled against her skin, carrying a promise of forever.

With that single act

She became his.

And he became hers.

For life.

"The wedding is complete."

Pandit ji announced warmly.

"From today onwards, you are husband and wife."

The words settled over everyone present like a blessing.

Krevansh and Ishvika looked at each other.

Then smiled.

A smile that carried every wound they had survived and every promise they would keep.

Around them, tears filled countless eyes.

Because everyone knew they weren't simply witnessing a wedding.

They were witnessing two broken souls finally finding their home in each other.

Yamini wiped away her tears while smiling proudly. Today wasn't only Krevansh and Ishvika's wedding.

It was also the wish of her closest friend.

A wish destiny had finally fulfilled.

Meanwhile, sitting in a corner, Aryav wasn't looking at the newly married couple at all. His eyes were fixed somewhere else.

On his haseena.

Anvaya was busy making adorable expressions while watching the ceremony. One moment she was smiling, the next she was wiping away tears dramatically.

Aryav sat there with his chin resting on his hand.

Not blinking. Just staring at her with pure admiration. Because while everyone else was watching a wedding...

Aryav was busy imagining his own.

"Bas bhi karo bhaiya, bechari ko nazar lag jayegi."

(Enough, brother. You'll cast an evil eye on the poor girl.)

Anushka said as she sat beside him, following his line of sight. One look at Aryav's lovestruck face was enough to make her laugh.

"Haye... kitni pyari hai. I can stare at her all day and still never get tired."

Aryav mumbled absentmindedly, completely unaware of his surroundings. A smile stretched across his face as Anvaya clapped excitedly for Krevansh and Ishvika.

"Ahem, ahem... kya baat hai. Krevansh ki behen hai woh."

(Well, well... she is Krevansh's sister, you know.)

Anushka teased, nudging him with her elbow. Aryav instantly snapped out of his trance, straightening in his seat as a blush crept up his neck.

"I-I..."

He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, making Anushka burst into laughter. Seeing Aryav Shekhawat embarrassed was truly a rare sight.

"Aww, you're blushing! This is the first time I'm seeing you like this, bhaiya."

Anushka laughed harder while Aryav simply stared at her. However, the smile on his face slowly faded as he noticed the sadness hidden behind her eyes.

"You know you don't have to do this, Princess."

Aryav said softly, taking her hand into his. The teasing immediately disappeared from Anushka's face as she lowered her gaze.

"D-Do what, bhaiya? I'm just surprised seeing you blush."

She forced a laugh, but her trembling voice betrayed her. Aryav only squeezed her hand gently.

"I'm not talking about that. And you know it."

His voice was calm and understanding. The moment their eyes met, Anushka felt her walls beginning to crack.

"You don't have to pretend you're happy when you're not. At least not in front of your brother."

The second those words left his mouth, tears gathered in Anushka's eyes. She had been holding herself together since morning, but now she couldn't anymore.

"B-Bhaiya... I'm really happy for Ishvika and Krevansh."

Her voice broke as tears slipped down her cheeks. She quickly wiped them away, but more kept falling.

"I really am... but it still hurts. I don't know why."

Aryav immediately stood in front of her, blocking everyone's view. He didn't want anyone seeing his sister break down like this.

"Princess, I know."

He whispered softly before pulling her into a hug. Anushka instantly buried her face in his chest and cried harder.

"Y-Yes...and I'm happy for him. He found someone who understands him and loves him more than I ever could. But... it still hurts.”

She whispered between sobs.

Aryav gently patted her head while letting her cry. Sometimes, healing began with simply accepting the pain instead of hiding it.

"It's okay, Princess. You don't have to be okay when you're not."

He said with a warm smile.

"Take your time. Sometimes we need to feel our pain instead of pretending it doesn't exist. Cry as much as you want."

Anushka nodded before wiping her tears. A genuine smile finally appeared on her face as she looked at her brother.

"Thank you, bhaiya. I needed that."

She hugged him once again.

"I thought if I pretended nothing hurt, it would go away. But it was only eating me from the inside. You're the best brother in the whole world.”

Aryav dramatically rolled his eyes at the last line.

"Bleh, bleh."

That earned a small laugh from Anushka. Feeling much lighter now, she started walking away.

"Haan haan, ja rahi hoon. Dekho aaram se apni pyari ko."

(Yes, yes, I'm leaving. Now stare at your beloved peacefully.)

Aryav shook his head while watching her leave. Knowing she needed some space, he let her go before immediately looking around for Anvaya again.

His eyes searched the entire mandap, but there was no sign of her. Just as he was about to stand

"Well... ladkiyon ko aise check out karna kitni gandi baat hai."

(Checking out girls like that is such a bad habit.)

A teasing voice suddenly came from beside him.

Aryav instantly turned his head and froze. Sitting right next to him was Anvaya, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she looked straight ahead.

"N-No, I-I wasn't checking out women. I..."

Aryav stuttered the moment he saw Anvaya sitting beside him. If someone had told Aryav Shekhawat a few months ago that a girl could make him nervous, he would've laughed in their face. Yet here he was, struggling to form a proper sentence.

"You what? A self-obsessed man?"

Anvaya retorted, looking at him with playful eyes. The teasing glint in them was enough to drive Aryav completely insane.

"Maybe..."

Aryav replied quietly before shifting his gaze toward the mandap where Krevansh and Ishvika sat together. For a brief moment, the usual mischief disappeared from his face.

"Are you okay? Itne shaant toh aap kabhi nahi ho sakte."

(Are you okay? You're never this quiet.)

Anvaya asked softly, tilting her head while studying him carefully. It was as if she was trying to find the reason behind his unusual silence.

"Wah... aapko meri chinta ho rahi hai? Hayee... aisa na kare mohtarma, bacche ki jaan lene ka iraada hai aapka?"

(Wow... you're worried about me? Please don't do that, madam. Are you trying to kill this poor guy?)

Aryav dramatically threw his head back.

However, before it could hit the wall behind him, Anvaya quickly placed her hand there to stop him. Her reaction was so instant that even she didn't realize what she'd done.

"Bacche hi ho abhi. Chot lag jaati."

(You're still a child. You would've gotten hurt.)

Anvaya snapped before lightly smacking the top of his head. A chuckle instantly escaped Aryav's lips.

"Kya baat hai... itni tabdeeli kaise aa gayi aap mein? Lagta hai meri magic kaam kar gayi."

(Well, well... where did this change come from? Looks like my magic finally worked.)

Aryav teased as he lightly nudged her shoulder with his own.

"Welcome back, Aryav Narcissist Shekhawat."

Anvaya rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Aur zyada hawa mein udne ki zaroorat nahi hai. It's just... you're not as bad as I thought."

She bumped her shoulder against his, earning a soft smile from him.

"Oh really?"

Aryav's eyes softened as he turned toward her.

"Well, this isn't exactly Anvaya Rebel Rathore behavior either. Toh bataiye... main kitna achha hoon?"

(Then tell me... how good am I?)

The way he looked at her made Anvaya's cheeks warm instantly.

"Bahut thode se. Borderline mein ho."

(Just a little. You're barely passing.)

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Top-level waala achha banne ke liye bahut mehnat karni hogi. After all... you're still mannerless."

Without realizing it, she gently pushed his face away when she caught him staring again.

"Koi nahi... ban jayenge aapke liye achhe."

Aryav smiled softly.

"Har rang mein dhal jayenge aapke liye, haseena."

(It's okay... I'll become better for you. I'll change into every shade for you, beautiful.)

The admiration in his eyes never wavered.

For a moment, Anvaya forgot how to breathe. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears while a deep blush spread across her face.

And perhaps tonight wasn't only about Krevansh and Ishvika finding their forever.

Maybe, somewhere amidst the wedding chants, laughter, and celebrations...Two more hearts had quietly begun falling for each other.

But not everyone’s heart was light that night.

On the other side of K.R Mansion, Anushka sat alone in her room, curled up, silently crying to herself. The celebration outside felt like a world she didn’t belong to anymore. She pressed a hand against her chest, trying to steady her breathing.

“It’s okay… calm down. I’m okay… I’m happy for my Kri. He got someone he truly needs.”

Anushka mumbled to herself, wiping her tears repeatedly, but they kept falling anyway. No matter how much she tried to convince her heart, it refused to listen.

“You’re not… but you’ll be.”

A voice suddenly came from behind her.

Anushka quickly wiped her face and straightened up, startled. She turned around only to see Rishvik standing at her doorframe, leaning casually as he watched her quietly.

“Y-you… I… I actually just came to—”

Anushka began, flustered and caught off guard. But before she could finish, Rishvik gently interrupted her.

“It’s okay. I already heard your and Aryav bhai’s conversation. You don’t need to pretend.”

His tone was soft, not judging, just understanding.

Anushka froze.

“I promise I wasn’t stalking you,” Rishvik added quickly, scratching the back of his head. “I was just coming to tease you, but then I saw you crying… so I stayed.”

Anushka blinked at him, still processing.

“Tum… bilkul pagal ho.”

(You are completely crazy.)

She mumbled, but there was no anger in her voice anymore—only tired honesty.

Rishvik smiled lightly and stepped inside, sitting beside her on the bed as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

“You can talk about anything. It’s okay. I’ll listen.”

He leaned back casually.

“Yeah, I might be a little crazy… but I do know how you feel. I’ve been through it too.”

Anushka looked at him, surprised.

“Oh… I’m sorry. How did that happen?”

She asked softly, trying to lighten his mood.

Rishvik sighed dramatically and pointed at the ceiling.

“It happened in 3rd grade.”

Anushka frowned.

“She used to sit beside me… give me extra chocolates on her birthday… even ask for extra pens from me.”

He paused seriously.

“So tell me… love hua ki nahi?”

(So tell me… was it love or not?)

Anushka stared at him blankly.

“And then she cheated on me with a backbencher. She left me and started sitting with him. I went through the same pain as you.”

He finished with a completely straight face.

Anushka stared at him for a few seconds… then burst out laughing.

“Seriously?! You are making fun of me!”

She said, half laughing, half annoyed.

“Yes,” Rishvik replied simply. “Because the world doesn’t end even if one person leaves.”

His expression softened.

“And in Ishvika’s words… you will get your prince charming too someday. Till then, live your life. Because the world doesn’t stop for one person.”

He gently took her hand and pulled her forward.

In the sudden movement, Anushka lost her balance and landed right on top of him. Rishvik fell back on the bed with her over him, both of them freezing for a second.

Anushka stared at him wide-eyed.

“Wah kya baat hai… tum toh love guru nikle. Lagta hai bachpan se experience hai.”

(Wow… you turned out to be a love guru. Looks like you’ve had experience since childhood.)

She said, laughing her whole heart .

“God, you’re so dramatic.”

She ruffled his hair playfully.

Rishvik’s eyes widened for a moment… then he flipped their position smoothly, now hovering above her. Anushka’s eyes widened instantly.

“And you’re a very good girl… mommy.”

Rishvik said with a teasing smirk.

Anushka made a face at him, but couldn’t stop herself from laughing. And for the first time that night…

The silence in her heart didn’t feel so heavy anymore.

Both of them stopped as suddenly the close proximity made them realize they were too close. For a moment, they just stared at each other, breaths uneven, hearts loud enough to drown the silence of the room. And without thinking, they moved at the same time—their lips met with a rush of heat and confusion, pulling each other into a kiss neither had fully planned, yet neither stopped.

“Push me otherwise I can’t stop…” Rishvik groaned against Anushka’s lips, his voice breaking as he tried to pull away but failed to fully let go.

Instead of answering, Anushka leaned back a little. Rishvik thought she was breaking the kiss, but she only opened her eyes and looked straight into his.

“Make me forget about him… please I’m not okay!” Anushka whispered shakily as she yanked him by his collar again, pulling him back into her, kissing him softer this time as tears slipped down her cheeks.

Rishvik froze for a second, then responded, his hold tightening as the world outside that room disappeared. But just as suddenly, he pulled back slightly, breathing heavily, his forehead almost touching hers.

“Let’s not do this… you’re vulnerable right now and I don’t want to take advantage of you,” he said quietly, voice heavy with restraint. He started to move away, to leave her there before things went further than emotions could handle.

But Anushka caught his hand before he could step back completely, gripping it tightly like she was afraid of losing something she didn’t even understand yet.

“Please… stay… I need you… please,” she whispered, tears falling freely now as she clutched his hand to her chest.

Rishvik stood frozen, torn between what he should do… and what he desperately wanted to do.

She held his hand tightly, trembling, refusing to let distance come between them again. Not tonight. Not when everything inside her was already breaking.

_____________________________________

Ishvika POV

I also got my happy ending at the end after all the pain I endured. I even feel I can go through it ten more times because now I have a husband, Evaan , who will never leave my side .

I like him so much, but love? I don’t know if I was made for it. I don’t even know if I’ll ever fall in love, because when a woman never gets happiness from her own family, how can she believe another person will truly love her? So I like him… I can give him everything, but I can’t live without him.

That’s why I stay close to him. I can endure anything, but not a life without Evaan.

I am sitting on his bed, in his room. I have never come here before, and I have never seen anyone else come here either. Why? I don’t know. His room is on the 5th floor, and it feels completely different from the rest of K.R Mansion black and grey walls, no paintings, no soft colors, just silence in the corridor.

I will ask Evaan to change it… and he will. He listens to me.

I have been sitting here for a long time because he had some work to do, and Anvaya left me here.

A thought suddenly crosses my mind has Baba come to take me back? Does he want me to marry someone else? He must be angry… what if he breaks into this mansion and takes me away?

A shiver runs down my spine, and I quickly push the thought away.

No. He can’t. My Evaan won’t let him. He is strong… he promised me he will protect me from anyone who tries to hurt me.

A small smile forms on my lips as I think about him. He is so good… so kind… so different from me. He doesn’t cry, he doesn’t fear anyone, and he beats anyone who dares to hurt me. And then… he consoles me so gently.

And me? I cry like a baby… scared of everything.

I sigh softly.

No… I will become like him. If anyone dares to hurt my Evaan, I will beat them too… then I will go and console my husband like a good wife.

I pause.

Wait… he is stronger than me anyway. He will beat them before I even reach there.

I smack my forehead lightly at my own thoughts.

Just then, my mind drifts back to what happened in the basement today. I don’t know what came over me… seeing Rishaan in pain, covered in blood. I wasn’t scared. I didn’t feel pity. I just… felt satisfied.

It was like I was seeing a reflection of myself—what I once was, when I used to endure all that pain silently. And now… him.

At that moment, I realized something inside me has changed.

I can’t forgive them so easily anymore.

I used to think I was at fault for everything I went through… but I understand now, after meeting Evaan and his family… I am not the one at fault.

They are.

I used to beg God for a family that would love me… but now I understand what a real family is. A family is not from blood—it is from the ones who stand by you, protect you, and never leave you alone.

And I finally have that.

A husband who chose me… a mother who loves me unconditionally… brothers and sisters who never fail to make me smile.

And for the first time… I feel like I belong.

Just then, I fall silent as voices suddenly ring in my head, making me clutch my head tightly as I try to push them away. I don’t want to cry… I don’t…

*What a slut you’ve become… impure before marriage. What will happen when your husband finds out?*

*He will beat you… then leave you… because you’re nothing but a whore who can never stay pure.*

Nirmala chachi’s harsh voice echoes again and again inside my mind. No… no… Krevansh isn’t like that… he won’t hurt me… no… please stop… please don’t cry… please…

I start whispering as tears blur my vision, trying hard to hold them back, but failing. Just the thought of Krevansh hurting me makes my chest tighten. It hurts… it hurts so much.

“No… shut up… he’s not like that… my Evaan is not like this!”

I scream suddenly as I stand from the bed, clutching my ears tightly.

Silence fills the room for a moment, and the voices… they disappear. I stand there breathless, trying to steady my shaking breath as I look around helplessly.

“Calm down… baccha… it’s okay… shhh…”

I whisper to myself the same way Krevansh used to calm me whenever he pulled me into his arms. Just his voice… just him… and everything would fade away.

“No… I know he’s not like this… he won’t beat me… I know…”

I mumble as I pace the room, my veil slipping from my shoulder onto the bed as I try to control my breathing.

“No… he’s my Evaan… he won’t… he won’t…”

My voice cracks again.

“Please God… stop this… please…”

I whisper weakly as I feel myself slipping again into that dark place I don’t want to go back to.

_______________________________

Krevansh POV

I never thought I would confess my love like this, standing in a basement full of blood and silence. I don’t even know when it turned into love exactly… but the moment I saw her like that down there, something inside me snapped into place. I knew it then—I love her more than anything, more than myself.

Every word I said was the truth. In such a short time, she has become a part of me… and now I can’t even imagine existing without her.

Since afternoon, my happiness has been on another level. I’m a man who never gets excited not over deals, not over power, not even coming back to India. But marrying her… that made me feel alive in a way I never expected.

Now she’s my wife. I still can’t believe it. Ishvika Krevansh Rathore… and I am hers. Krevansh Ishvika Rathore. Damn… even my name sounds different now.

From now on, I am Krevansh Ishvika Rathore. And honestly… I’m not even ashamed to admit I’m blushing like a fool thinking about it.

But I immediately force my mind back into focus.

“Security double. Triple it. That bastard Arvind can’t make a move tonight. If anything happens, call me, Rishvik, Aryav anyone, understood?” I order firmly.

All the guards nod and leave as I sign them off, then I start walking toward my room… my room where my wife is waiting for me.

I never liked anyone in my space. One reason—I’ve lived most of my life alone. Second—I just didn’t like it.

But now everything is changing. My habits, my silence, my entire world… all of it bends around her. And I’m not complaining.

I open the door and step inside. The room is empty.My eyes scan around, slowly tightening.

Just as I move further, a soft whimper stops me.

I turn immediately toward the bedside… and freeze.

There she is.

My Ishvika.

Sitting on the floor, curled into herself like she’s trying to disappear. Her whole body is trembling, and it feels like the air inside me stops.

I run towards her, but the moment my hand comes closer, she looks up and something inside me breaks instantly. Her grey eyes, which were shining a while ago, are now completely red and filled with tears. Her makeup is ruined, lipstick smeared on her cheeks, and she stares at me with pure fear.

She quickly curls herself tighter, pushing herself further into the corner between the bed and the side table, like she’s trying to disappear from me completely.

My hand freezes mid-air.

Is she afraid of me…?

The thought hits me so sharply that my breath stops for a second. But I force myself to stay still. No… she’s not afraid of me as a person… she’s afraid of what the world has taught her. Afraid of being hurt again.

I slowly step back instead of forward and sit down at a distance, making sure I don’t cross her comfort zone.

“Baccha… it’s okay…” I say softly, voice low, steady. “You’re safe. It’s over. Come back to me… come back to your Evaan.”

I lower my gaze and take a breath.

“I will never touch you without your consent… never. Pinky promise?”

I slowly extend my little finger toward her, waiting. No pressure. No force. Just hope.

She looks at it for a second… then quietly shakes her head and hides herself again.

A small, almost broken smile slips out of me despite everything.

“Haww… you didn’t accept my pinky promise,” I whisper, trying to lighten the moment.

She lifts her head slightly again, just enough for me to see her eyes. That alone feels like progress.

I let out a shaky breath and lean back against the bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment as old memories try to crawl in—but I push them away.

Instead, I start singing softly.

A lullaby my mother used to sing to me when I was a child and couldn’t sleep… when everything felt heavy.

My voice is low, broken at places, but steady enough for her to hear. I don’t look away from her even once.

And slowly… her breathing begins to calm.

By the last line, I don’t even realize when tears slip from my eyes.

But I don’t wipe them.

Not today.

“Baccha…” I whisper softly, voice rough. “My maa used to sing this for me when I cried. She was the only one who understood me without me saying anything…”

I swallow hard.

“She was my whole world… and now you are.”

I finally look at her again.

Her face is still red from crying… but this time, she is looking at me.

“Sh-she promised to never leave my side, baccha… but she did,” I whisper, my voice breaking as tears slip down my face. “And with her, I lost a part of myself… something I thought I would never get back. But then you happened… and I got that part of me again in you.”

I swallow hard and finally break eye contact, looking down.

“Baccha… I can never do anything to hurt you. You’re my everything.”

Just then, I feel a soft touch on my cheek.

My head lifts instantly.

And I meet her eyes.

She is holding my face in her hands, gently, like she’s afraid I might disappear. Her fingers tremble slightly as she caresses my cheeks, her eyes filled with tears.

“I… I didn’t think you w-would force yourself on me, Evaan…” she whispers, barely audible.

I freeze.

Her voice shakes again as she continues, each word cutting deeper.

“N-Nirmala chachi said… I’m impure… and when my husband finds out… h-he will beat me… t-then r-rape me… th-that I’m a s-slut…”

My jaw tightens instantly, my chest burning with rage—but I don’t interrupt her. I force myself to listen.

Her breath stutters as she presses her forehead with mine, trying to calm herself.

“H-her voice keeps ringing in my head, Evaan… and even when I don’t want to think, I… I keep thinking what if you…”

She stops, unable to complete it, her tears falling faster.

“I’m sorry… I’m just like this… no matter how far I run, they always catch me in my mind…”

She leans forward and presses a soft kiss on my face, like she’s trying to erase her fear with her love.

“Please forgive me…”

My throat tightens.

“Baccha…” I whisper softly, pulling her closer just enough for her to feel safe but not trapped. “I’m not mad. I can never be. I know healing takes time… and I’m here. I will get you out of this darkness… I promise you.”

I gently kiss her forehead, my hand steady on her cheek.

“You’re mine for a lifetime… you have to live with me.”

She clings to me tightly, like she finally believes I won’t let her fall.

And I close my eyes for a second, holding her like she is the only truth left in my broken world.

“I’m glad…” I whisper against her hair, voice softer now, “to live this life where you are my queen… and I am forever devoted to you.”

The room slowly fell into silence again, but this time it wasn’t heavy like before—it was different… fragile, like something broken had been carefully held together.

I keep holding her close, feeling her breathing slowly match mine. Her fingers are still gripping my sharwani like she’s afraid I might disappear if she lets go even for a second.

“Evaan…” she whispers after a while, voice small and tired.

“Yes, baccha,” I reply immediately, not moving away even an inch.

She hesitates, then slightly pulls back just enough to look at me.

“Will you… stay like this? Even when I’m not okay?” she asks, her eyes still searching mine like she’s afraid of the answer.

I don’t even blink.

“Especially then,” I say firmly. “When you’re not okay… that’s when I stay the closest.”

A small shaky breath leaves her lips, like she didn’t know she needed to hear that until now.

Her hands slowly relax on my sharwani.

For the first time tonight… her eyes don’t look like she’s running from something. They look like she’s trying to stay. I gently tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“Baccha, you don’t have to fight everything ,” I whisper. “Not your past… not your thoughts… not your fears.”

She looks down for a second, then quietly leans her forehead against my chest again.

“I’m trying…” she murmurs.

“I know,” I reply softly. “And I’m proud of you.”

The words make her freeze for a moment… then her grip tightens again, like she needed that validation more than anything else.

A faint smile touches my lips as I rest my chin lightly on her head.

Outside, the

world keeps moving… but inside this room, everything finally feels still.

But neither of us knows…

This peace is only the beginning of everything that’s about to change.

____________________________________

The next morning arrived with a peaceful silence settling over K.R Mansion. Love seemed to linger in every corner of the house, soft and warm like sunlight after a storm.

Ishvika sat on the floor with her knees pulled to her chest, her chin resting on her folded arms. A small smile played on her lips as her shining grey eyes remained fixed on only one person.

Her husband.

Krevansh slept peacefully on the bed, his dark hair messy against his forehead, his eyelashes resting on his cheeks. For once, there was no burden on his face, only calmness and a faint smile.

Ishvika's gaze wandered across every feature of his face as if she wanted to memorize him forever. Every line, every expression, every detail.

*How cute my Evaan is...* she thought, her cheeks turning pink. *How can someone look this beautiful even while sleeping? Of course...my Evaan.*

The memory of last night flashed through her mind, making her instantly hide her face behind her hands.

Flashback

“Baccha, I'll sleep on the couch, okay? You sleep comfortably on the bed,” Krevansh said softly while helping her remove her jewelry, keeping his eyes lowered respectfully.

“N-no! I mean... I'm more comfortable with you than anyone in this whole world... no, in the whole earth... no, in the whole universe when I'm with you, Evaan,” Ishvika blurted out as she suddenly stood on her knees on the bed.

Krevansh's hands instantly moved to her waist protectively. His grip was gentle, making sure she wouldn't fall.

“I know, baccha. But I still want to give you space,” he replied patiently. “See? I'll sleep there and keep watching over you the whole night.”

A pout immediately appeared on Ishvika's face. Crossing her arms over her chest, she narrowed her eyes at him dramatically.

“No! I don't want any space between us, budhu. We're married now, and there is no space between husband and wife.”

She nodded proudly at her own wisdom.

“Maybe it's your first time being married, but it's my first time too. Maybe I'm more intelligent than you, Evaan.”

Holding his face between her hands, she looked straight into his eyes with complete confidence, making Krevansh stare at her in disbelief.

“Yes, baccha. I'm a budhu, but only your budhu,” he said with a smile. “And my baccha is very, very intelligent. Smarter than everyone. Now be a good girl and sleep on the bed.”

He gently pulled her cheeks, making her narrow her eyes even further.

“Then I don't want to be intelligent.”

Krevansh blinked.

“What?”

“I don't want to be intelligent,” she repeated stubbornly.

“Why, baccha? You're very intelligent.”

She immediately shook her head.

“No. If being intelligent means going away from you, then I don't want it. I'm okay being a budhu... even a bad girl.”

Ishvika mumbled, lowering her gaze as she nervously bit the inside of her cheek. A soft chuckle escaped Krevansh's lips. The sight of her made something warm settle in his chest. At that moment, all he wanted was to pull her close and protect her innocence from the cruelty of the world.

“Aww... mera baccha.”

Krevansh whispered before gently pulling her towards him. Ishvika stumbled forward, her head colliding lightly against his chest as his arms wrapped around her. He hugged her tightly, resting his face against the crook of her neck as if shielding her from every sorrow she had ever known.

“W-what happened, Evaan? Did I say something wrong?” Ishvika asked innocently, blinking up at him in confusion. Her grey eyes searched his face for an answer while her fingers curled around his sherwani.

“No, baccha. You can never say or do anything wrong. Never in my eyes,” Krevansh replied softly, resting his chin on her shoulder. His words made her fall silent. Instead of answering, she pressed a hand against her stomach, her brows knitting together in confusion.

“What happened, baccha? Is your stomach hurting?” Krevansh immediately asked, concern flashing across his features. The moment he noticed her expression, his entire focus shifted to her.

“No... it just feels weird,” Ishvika admitted, rubbing her stomach. “Like something is running and fighting inside here. I've never felt like this before.” She looked at him with wide, clueless eyes, genuinely waiting for an explanation.

For a moment, Krevansh simply stared at her before covering his face with one hand. He tried to suppress his smile, but failed miserably. His wife was experiencing butterflies for the first time in her life and describing them as a war happening inside her stomach.

“Hawww! Evaan, you're making fun of me!” Ishvika gasped dramatically, placing both hands on her waist. “Budhu! You... I won't leave you today.” Her eyes narrowed into a glare while Krevansh laughed openly, enjoying every second of her adorable outrage.

The moment she stepped towards him, Krevansh took a step back. Then another. And suddenly, he turned around and ran.

“EVAAN!” Ishvika shouted before lifting her lehenga and running after him, determination written all over her face.

Laughter echoed throughout the room as Krevansh jumped onto the couch and looked back at her. “Baccha, stop. You can't match my speed.” The challenge only fueled her stubbornness. Gathering her lehenga, she climbed onto the couch too, nearly catching him.

Krevansh's eyes widened before he quickly jumped down and sprinted away again. “How dare you, budhu? Wait!” Ishvika yelled, pointing at him accusingly. “I'll never forgive you. I'll gudgudi you. Just wait!” Her threat only made him laugh harder.

The room filled with warmth and happiness as they chased each other from one corner to another. For the first time in years, Ishvika wasn't running away from fear. She was running towards joy, towards a future where laughter came easier than tears.

Ishvika turned sharply, preparing to run towards him again. But suddenly, the heavy fabric of her lehenga tangled around her feet. Before she could even process what was happening, her balance slipped and her body lurched forward.

A gasp escaped her lips as she squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the impact.

But the fall never came.

Before she could hit the floor, Krevansh rushed forward and caught her in his arms. Ishvika opened her eyes only to find herself staring directly at him. For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Krevansh lost his balance.

Both their eyes widened in shock.

Instinctively, Krevansh wrapped an arm around her and placed his hand behind her head to shield her from getting hurt. The next second, they both fell onto the bed behind them with a soft bounce.

Ishvika's bun had already loosened from all the running. The impact completely ruined it. Her hair spilled free, cascading over her shoulders and across her face like a dark curtain.

“What were you saying, huh?” Krevansh asked mischievously, supporting himself on one arm as he leaned over her. “You were going to tickle me?”

A grin spread across his face as he gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

The moment Ishvika saw that look in his eyes, realization struck.

Before she could move away

Krevansh attacked.

His fingers immediately found her sides and stomach, making laughter burst from her lips. Ishvika squirmed helplessly while trying to push his hands away.

“E-Evaan! Stop!”

She laughed so hard that tears gathered in her eyes.

“No chance, baccha.”

Krevansh declared proudly.

“You started this war.”

“You... Evaan! Just wait. I'll take my revenge!”

Ishvika threatened between fits of laughter.

Krevansh paused and raised an eyebrow.

“Accha? And how exactly are you going to take your revenge?”

Their faces were only inches apart as he looked at her curiously.

A mischievous smile appeared on Ishvika's face.

“Aise.”

Before Krevansh could understand what she meant, Ishvika suddenly pushed him backwards. Within seconds, their positions reversed.

Now Krevansh was lying on the bed while Ishvika sat triumphantly over him, looking far too pleased with herself.

The sight immediately made Krevansh suspicious.

“Baccha... I was only teasing you.”

He raised both hands dramatically.

“No, wait.”

But it was already too late.

Ishvika lunged forward and started tickling him mercilessly.

The room filled with Krevansh's laughter as he tried and completely failed—to escape.

“Bola tha na!” Ishvika announced proudly.

“I said I'll take my revenge. Never underestimate me, budhu.”

Tears gathered in the corners of Krevansh's eyes from laughing so much.

For the first time in years, he wasn't thinking about responsibilities, enemies, family burdens, or the weight of his name.

For the first time, he was simply Krevansh.

A man laughing freely with his wife.

Somewhere between the laughter, teasing, and endless attempts at revenge, exhaustion finally caught up with them.

Neither of them realized when their laughter faded into silence. Or when they slowly drifted off to sleep.

Still tangled in each other's embrace.

Still smiling.

Neither of them had ever been this happy before. And perhaps that was because they completed each other

in every possible way.

Flashback Ends

________

Ishvika stared at Krevansh for a moment before quickly getting up to head toward the shower. But halfway, she paused as Yamini’s words from earlier echoed in her mind—there were still rituals left to complete, and she herself had insisted on helping her dress in saree for the day.

Before she could take another step, a hand wrapped around her wrist and gently pulled her back. She fell onto the bed with widened eyes, only to find Krevansh leaning over her. The soft morning sunlight from the balcony fell directly on his face, making his amber eyes glow in a way that stole her breath.

“Too bad… first you stare at me and. When it’s my turn, you run away. So sad, Mrs. Ishvika Krevansh Rathore,” he murmured in his lazy morning voice, pulling her closer until their noses almost touched. His tone carried amusement and quiet possessiveness that made her heart race.

“I… I wasn’t staring at you. And don’t say my name like that,” Ishvika stammered, her gaze dropping everywhere except his face. Her cheeks burned a deep red, making her look irresistibly cute in his eyes. Krevansh only smirked, brushing his nose softly against hers.

“Accha? And why shouldn’t I say your name, Ishvika Kre—” he teased, leaning in closer, but before he could finish, she quickly placed her palm over his mouth, narrowing her eyes at him. Their faces were now dangerously close, the air between them thickening without either realizing it.

“Don’t! Stop teasing me, you budhu Rathore,” she warned, both hands still on his face, trying to silence him. Krevansh raised his brows in amused surrender as she leaned in slightly more, unknowingly closing every inch of space between them.

“I said don’t say my name, you teasing budhu!” she repeated firmly, finally making him nod in defeat. Satisfied, she pulled back with a proud little smile and rushed toward the dressing room, leaving him behind.

But Krevansh didn’t move. He simply lay there, completely frozen, as if her presence had stolen his ability to think. He didn’t even realize she had left. All he could recall was how close they had been… how her lips had nearly brushed his.

He exhaled sharply, turning onto his back and covering his face with a pillow, trying to erase the image from his mind. But the more he tried, the more it lingered until his ears turned red and a helpless groan escaped him, because for the first time, Krevansh Rathore had completely lost control over his own thoughts.

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On the other side of the K.R. Mansion, everyone had to settle in the hall for the rituals of the newlywed couple.

Yamini had informed everyone to be present today as some rituals were about to take place, but only Anvaya and Aryav arrived on time, and no one else—not even Yamini herself.

Both of them stood in awkward silence, looking everywhere except at each other.

“We’re the only ones who truly fear Mumma,” Anvaya said, breaking the silence as she laughed nervously. She was dressed in a pink cord set, her hair tied in a braid, with no makeup on.

“By the way, if I remember correctly, you only gave me two kisses yesterday, but the agreement says five kisses a day. So you have to kiss me a total of eight times today,”

Aryav said suddenly, making Anvaya’s eyes widen in shock. Aryav was dressed in a white shirt with brown pants, looking dashing yet professional, as if he was about to leave for somewhere important.

“Seriously, I thought you forgot it as we—” Anvaya said immediately, but stopped abruptly, not wanting to embarrass herself further.

“You thought we… we what?” Aryav asked, raising one eyebrow as a smirk crept onto his lips. He stepped closer to her, making her instinctively step back.

“What are we? Now, scared kitten?”

he teased again when Anvaya didn’t respond, taking another step forward as she gulped.

“N-nothing! Hadh hai mannerless, number one ke! And I will not give you any kiss!”

Anvaya said angrily, pushing Aryav away and going to sit on the couch, completely ignoring him and focusing on her phone.

Aryav didn’t say anything, just sat beside her, leaving a small distance between them, which made Anvaya roll her eyes.

“So much space on this couch, couldn’t you find anywhere else to sit?” Anvaya said grumpily without looking away from her phone, but before she could finish, her words died in her throat as Aryav kissed her softly on her left cheek and pulled away after a moment.

“If I sat far away, how would I kiss you, my lady?” Aryav said shamelessly, amusement dancing in his eyes as he watched Anvaya’s expression.

Before she could respond, a voice came from the stairs, making both of them turn, and Anvaya quickly increased the distance between them.

“Shut up, you idiot!”

“As you command, mommy.”

“Urgh, I will kill you if you tease me again!”

Both Anushka and Rishvik were arguing or rather, it was only Anushka, because Rishvik was clearly enjoying the banter with a smirk on his face as they walked toward the hall from the stairs.

Anushka was wearing a white Anarkali suit with her hair half tied, looking simple yet beautiful. Rishvik wore a plain white T-shirt with black trousers, simple and casual.

Both Anvaya and Aryav looked at each other in confusion as they stood up from the couch and turned toward them.

“Abhi toh main chhota sa, masoom sa baccha hoon,”

Rishvik said dramatically, batting his eyelashes innocently, making Anushka groan as she facepalmed.

“God, this bastard…”

she muttered under her breath.

“What is happening here?”

Aryav said, moving toward them and raising his eyebrows at Anushka, whose face turned pale as she suddenly realized her brother was also there.

“Wo— I… nothing, bhaiya,”

Anushka stuttered, trying to act normal, but her face looked like she might faint any moment.

“Nothing? But you guys were fighting?”

Aryav asked suspiciously, glancing between Rishvik and Anushka, who had instantly frozen.

“Arre, wo toh aise hi… doston mein toh chhoti-moti ladai hoti rehti hai, right Anu?”

Rishvik said quickly, placing his hand on Anushka’s shoulder with a forced smile.

(Oh, it’s nothing like that… friends have small fights like this sometimes, right Anu?)

Anushka looked at him with a confused expression, not understanding his plan, until he subtly blinked at her, making her realize he was helping her.

“Yes, yes, we’re friends… aur itna toh chalta hi hai, right dost?” Anushka added quickly, forcing a smile while placing her hand on Rishvik’s shoulder, though the height difference made it slightly awkward.

(Yes, yes, we’re friends… and this much is normal, right, friend?)

“Thoda kam karo overacting, Aryav bhai ko shak ho jayega,” Rishvik mumbled under his breath, still smiling.

(Stop overacting a bit, Aryav bhai will get suspicious.)

Aryav narrowed his eyes at them. “Tum dono kab se dost ban gaye? And nevermind ‘didi’ bolo, Rishvik, tumse badi hai. Anu kya hota hai?”

he said grumpily, possessiveness flickering in his tone.

“Aur dur reh kar bhi dosti ho sakti hai… door, door,”

Aryav added, stepping forward and pulling them apart with his hands.

All three of them stared at him dumbfounded, while Aryav simply smirked to himself, clearly being overly possessive about Anushka.

Just then, Krevansh walked down the stairs wearing a black suit, checking his watch repeatedly, his expression hard and unreadable.

The atmosphere instantly went silent as all of them noticed his mood was off.

Krevansh glanced at them briefly, then looked at his phone and moved to leave the hall, but Anvaya gathered courage and called out to him.

“Bhaiya, where are you going? Mumma wants to do some rituals, she wants you here.”

Krevansh turned to look at her, then at all three of them who were nodding eagerly in agreement.

“No, I don’t have time for all of this. There are so many things I need to check on,”

Krevansh said firmly, already turning to leave.

Just then, footsteps echoed from the staircase, making everyone turn toward the sound. Ishvika slowly walked down wearing a red saree, her hair left open, minimal makeup enhancing her natural glow as she looked slightly nervous under everyone’s gaze. Behind her, Yamini followed carefully, watching her in case she stumbled.

A collective gasp escaped everyone as they took in how beautiful Ishvika looked in that moment. Almost instantly, all eyes shifted toward Krevansh—only to find him now seated on the couch, his earlier urgency gone, his gaze fixed entirely on h

er as if he had been waiting all along.

Rishvik, Aryav, Anvaya, and Anushka stood there wide-eyed in shock, realizing that the same person who had no time a moment ago was now sitting silently, completely patient, only for the rituals… and for her.

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