AUTHOR'S POV

"Saanvi."

She turned away from her laptop, her brows knitting in confusion as she spotted Adrika standing at the front door.

"Yes, Maa?" she asked, frowning slightly.

Adrika smiled gently and stepped aside.

Saanvi's gaze shifted and then froze.

Falak stood there at the entrance.

Saanvi immediately rose, her steps quick and purposeful. She stopped just in front of her, a warm smile forming on her lips.

"Bhabhi..." she said softly.

But the moment Falak looked up, Saanvi's smile faltered. Her eyes were clouded with tears.

"Bhabhi-"

Falak didn't let her finish. She stepped forward and pulled Saanvi into a tight embrace.

Saanvi stood still for a second, caught off guard. Then, slowly, she returned the hug.

When Falak finally pulled away, she cupped Saanvi's face in her trembling hands. Saanvi gave her a faint smile, trying to offer comfort, though her heart had begun to sink with unspoken questions.

"Saanvi di..." came a familiar voice from behind Falak.

Saanvi looked up, her gaze moving past Falak.

Dhruv. He stood silently at the doorway. His eyes were red.

Saanvi's frown deepened. "Dhruv?" Her hands settled on her waist. "Tu phir bina bataye aa gaya? (You came again without informing me?) How many times have I told you to at least inform me before-"

She didn't get to finish. Dhruv stepped forward and suddenly pulled her into a hug tight, desperate.

Caught off guard, Saanvi stiffened at first, but then slowly wrapped her arms around him, her hand moving up to rub his back.

"Dhruv?" she whispered, "Are you... crying?"

He didn't answer. Instead, his body shook against hers with quiet sobs.

Concern overtook her frustration. She broke the hug and gently held his face.

"I'm so sorry, di," he choked out.

His voice cracked with guilt as he wept, and Saanvi let out a long, quiet sigh. Her gaze shifted to Falak, who stood beside them, her head lowered, visibly ashamed.

Saanvi bit the inside of her cheek, holding back her own emotions. Then she looked at Adrika, who stood silently behind them. With a gentle smile, Adrika motioned for her to embrace them both.

Saanvi took a breath, opened her arms, and pulled Falak and Dhruv into a shared hug.

"It's okay," Saanvi whispered, her hand moving comfortingly over their backs. "It's not your fault."

Falak murmured through her tears, "We should've been there, Saanvi. You were alone... so alone... and we-"

Saanvi broke the hug and cupped Falak's face gently.

"Don't worry," she said with a small, knowing smile, "I wasn't alone."

Her eyes found Adrika again, who stood with a quiet dignity and warmth in her expression. Dhruv and Falak followed her gaze.

"Alright, enough now," Saanvi wiped Dhruv's tears with her thumb. "Drama session over."

Dhruv sniffled again, pointing miserably at his nose.

Saanvi narrowed her eyes. "Eww. Dhruv, wipe your nose yourself."

He just tilted his head slightly, gesturing toward her shoulder. "I did..."

Saanvi blinked. Her eyes followed his finger and widened in horror.

"Dhruv! You're disgusting!" she snapped.

She smacked his arm lightly, making him yelp as Falak and Adrika broke into laughter.

"Please, come sit," Adrika said, chuckling softly and gesturing toward the couch.

They all settled down, except Adrika, who picked up her bag.

"I'll leave now," she said, brushing a hand over Saanvi's head affectionately. "I'm getting late for work. Call me or Abhiraj if you need anything. And don't forget to send your papa video proof."

Saanvi smiled, closing her eyes as Adrika pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Bye, Maa," she said warmly.

Adrika waved at them one last time before stepping out.

"Why are you still staying with them, Di?" Dhruv asked out of nowhere, his brows drawn together in confusion.

Saanvi turned toward him, a soft frown touching her forehead.

"Even I'm surprised," Falak added, shifting in her seat with a puzzled expression. "I thought you would have left this house by now."

Saanvi pressed her lips together and gave a slow shrug.

"They didn't let me."

Dhruv's gaze sharpened. "What do you mean? Are they... forcing you to stay?" There was a trace of anger in his voice now.

She sighed, leaning back slightly, folding her arms gently over her stomach. "It's not what you think, Dhruv." Her voice softened. "If anything, they're the reason I'm able to sit here and talk to you both like this. They've been my support system."

She looked at them both.

"They've kept me safe. They've treated me with more care than I ever expected. They're... the best parents."

Dhruv scoffed, shaking his head. "They're your in-laws. Not your parents. When did you start sounding like this? Hasn't one betrayal been enough? You're trusting his parents now? What if they're just playing nice to protect their reputation? To keep you quiet?"

Saanvi didn't respond right away. The house help entered with a tray, placing snacks and coffee gently on the table before slipping out. Saanvi reached for a cup and glanced at Dhruv.

"Look at my nails."

Dhruv blinked, caught off guard. Falak leaned in slightly, eyes narrowing in curiosity.

"They're short," she observed. "You used to love long nails."

Saanvi smiled faintly as she wrapped her fingers around the warm cup.

"Papa checks my nails every few days. If they're even slightly long, he trims them."

There was a pause. Dhruv and Falak exchanged confused glances.

"But... why would Bade Papa-"

"Abhiraj Papa," Saanvi cut in firmly. "He's my father. I was talking about him."

Dhruv nodded silently, realizing what she meant.

"But why?" Falak asked again.

"When I get nightmares... I tend to hug myself and scratch my arms without realizing." she continued, glancing down at her lap. Her fingers gently traced invisible lines over her wrist. "Papa noticed. He didn't say anything, just applied cream on my hands. The next day, he cut my nails short. And now he checks them regularly, quietly, so I don't hurt myself again without making it a big deal."

Neither Dhruv nor Falak said a word.

"We argue. We call each other names. He barely says he cares... but he shows it. He stocks the fridge when he sees me eating. He scolds me but pushes me forward. He demands I send him videos of me taking my medicines or else he floods my phone with messages."

She turned to Dhruv with a bittersweet smile.

"And Maa... she understands me in a way I never expected. Even when I said cruel things to her in the beginning, she still came to my room every day with food. She knew when I was overwhelmed, when I needed a hug. She became the emotional support I didn't know I needed."

Saanvi paused, taking a deep breath. "So you ask me why I believe them? This is why."

Dhruv and Falak sat in stunned silence, processing her words.

"Even I questioned their intentions once," she admitted. "But if this was just about saving face, why would they sit in my room the entire night? Why would they take leave from work just to make sure I was okay?"

She looked between them.

"No, Dhruv. They're not pretending. And for once... I'm genuinely happy. I don't need anything else."

Dhruv let out a low exhale, "I didn't know Abhiraj Singhania had that kind of depth."

Saanvi chuckled softly. "He does. He just hides it well."

Falak reached out, placing her hand gently over Saanvi's. "I understand now. You look happy, Saanvi. Truly. And I'm really glad you found this kind of love in them."

Saanvi gave a soft, grateful smile before glancing at Falak's stomach.

"But Bhabhi, you shouldn't have travelled all the way here. You're carrying a life now. Please don't ever do this again."

"Whatever you went through, Saanvi... it's more than anyone should. What I've dealt with doesn't even compare."

Saanvi shook her head. "This isn't a competition, so shut up."

Falak sighed. "I just didn't expect this from Vikram. And he didn't even tell me what was happening."

Saanvi's gaze shifted. "Honestly, that's the only smart thing your husband has done lately, keeping you out of it. You're pregnant. You needed peace, not this mess,"

"I'm okay now," Falak whispered.

Saanvi tilted her head. "Are you staying here for a while?"

"I wanted to. But my case's been transferred to an obstetrician in Houston, so I have to go back soon."

Saanvi's eyes narrowed. "You came alone. He let you come alone? God, just divorce him already. Find someone better."

Dhruv cleared his throat, "Well, not exactly. Falak Bhabhi actually threatened Vikram Bhai not to come. Then he called me in a panic, and I came with her. But now we both blocked him, by the way." He shrugged.

Saanvi looked at Falak with amused disbelief. "Look... I know he is the worst as a brother. But I've seen how much he loves you. I remember how excited he was when he found out you were pregnant, he told me before anyone else about your pregnancy."

Her smile faltered for a second, but she quickly recovered.

"So whatever he's said or done, let him deal with it. But don't ever do something like this again, Bhabhi."

Falak nodded, brushing her hand across her stomach.

"Dhruv," Saanvi called out.

He looked up. "Yeah?"

"Take Falak Bhabhi back to Houston safely."

"But I want to stay-"

"Don't be childish," she snapped. "She can't go alone. And I saw your interview a few days ago, you said multiple producers were offering you songs in New York. So stop with this dramatic act and go chase your career. Get a job, for God's sake."

Dhruv rolled his eyes. "Oh great. So now that you've become a neurosurgeon, you get to call others unemployed? Do you know how disrespectful-"

"Bear claw donuts. On me," Saanvi said, folding her arms.

"-how could you not call me unemployed? You're my elder sister. It's your birthright." He grinned.

Falak chuckled. Saanvi shook her head, smiling despite herself.

They were in the middle of a conversation when faint shouting echoed from outside. Saanvi frowned, her eyes narrowing instinctively. She rose from her seat, followed closely by Dhruv and Falak.

Without speaking, Saanvi headed for the door but before she could step out, a security guard positioned himself in her way.

"Ma'am, please don't step outside," he said cautiously.

Her eyes narrowed. "Why? What's happening?"

The guard hesitated, glancing between her and Dhruv before speaking. "Actually... Rudra sir is at the main gate. He's demanding to see you."

Saanvi inhaled sharply, her eyes closed for a second.

Dhruv's posture stiffened beside her. His expression turned hard in an instant. The muscles in his jaw ticked as he rolled up his sleeves slowly.

"I was hoping he'd show his face," Dhruv muttered, "It'll save me the trouble of finding him myself."

"Dhruv-" Saanvi reached for his arm, but he was already walking ahead, shoulders rigid with fury.

She turned to Falak, whose face had gone pale. Worry clouded her eyes.

"Bhabhi, please go inside," Saanvi said softly, placing a hand on her arm. "I don't want you getting involved in this."

Falak opened her mouth but then nodded reluctantly and turned back into the house.

Saanvi exhaled slowly, steeling herself as she began walking toward the gate.

"Ma'am, please," the guard said again, stepping in front of her with concern in his eyes. "Abhiraj sir gave strict instructions not to let you face Rudra sir."

"I understand," she replied calmly, "But I'll handle it."

Without waiting, she walked past him.

At the main gate, Rudra stood agitated, surrounded by security. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, his eyes sharp with frustration.

"I said let me in!" he barked. "You don't have the right to keep me out!"

"Sir, I'm sorry, but we've been ordered not to-"

Before the guard could finish, Dhruv appeared like a thunderclap.

With no warning, he launched a hard punch square into Rudra's jaw, sending him stumbling to the ground.

Rudra groaned and looked up, blood trailing from the corner of his lip.

Dhruv stalked toward him, chest heaving with rage. "You disgusting bastard," Dhruv spat, grabbing him by the collar and yanking him closer. "I knew you were a lying, cheating piece of shit!"

Rudra slowly pushed himself to his feet, wiping the blood with the back of his hand, eyes locked on Dhruv.

"You fucking dared to play with my sister's life?!" he roared, his voice breaking with fury. "I always fucking knew, manwhores like you can't stay loyal to one woman. You don't just disgust me, you deserve to fucking die for what you did!"

He raised his arm to strike again, but Rudra caught his wrist mid-air.

"Back the hell off," Rudra growled.

With one powerful push, Rudra shoved him back. Dhruv staggered but regained his balance and charged forward again, fists raised.

"Dhruv, stop!" came Saanvi's voice.

Rudra froze mid-motion. His arms dropped, eyes searching, until he saw her. She was walking toward them.

He stared at her, stunned. "Pearl..." he whispered under his breath.

But in that moment of distraction, Dhruv landed another punch, this one right across his cheek, knocking him off balance again.

Rudra's lip split open, but he didn't even blink. His eyes were still on her.

Dhruv noticed and snapped.

"Don't you fucking look at her," he growled, grabbing Rudra's collar again and shaking him. "You lost that right the moment you chose to break her."

But Rudra didn't look away. His bloodied lips parted slightly, gaze fixed on Saanvi as if trying to memorize her face.

"Dhruv, stop it," She reached them and grabbed Dhruv's arm, trying to pull him back.

He resisted, burning with fury.

"Please," she whispered, pressing a palm to her chest, trying to steady her breath.

Dhruv finally turned to her, "Di...?" His anger dissolved into worry as he caught her shoulders. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she murmured, lowering her gaze. "Let's just go."

Reluctantly, Dhruv let go of Rudra and stepped back, keeping his arm protectively around her as they turned away.

"Pearl!" Rudra called, desperation flooding his voice. "Don't talk to me. Don't forgive me. But please, just look at me once...once."

Her gaze remained on the ground.

"Let's go," she murmured again.

Dhruv cast Rudra one last look, a warning, a threat and walked her back toward the house.

Rudra tried to follow, but the guards stepped in, forming a wall between him and the gate.

"Please," he said again, almost pleading. "Let me talk to her... just once."

But the doors closed behind her and she never looked back.

✿✿✿✿✿

"I genuinely don't understand how many times you plan on getting beaten up," Kabir muttered, exhaling a tired sigh as he dabbed antiseptic near the corner of Rudra's lips. "You're starting to make this a habit."

He stepped back, setting the cotton aside with a shake of his head.

Abhimaan, still typing on his laptop without even glancing up, added dryly, "Abhiraj uncle smacked the hell out of him, then his wife's best friend and now her brother? All this guy's collecting is bruises."

Kabir closed the first aid box and walked over to the table, placing the box down with a thud.

"So? What exactly were you thinking?" Kabir leaned against the table, crossing his arms.

Rudra exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples with frustration. "Every day, I try to see her... but my own parents aren't even letting me through the door. And her? She won't look at me. Not even a glance. She didn't today either. I'm just standing there, hoping... dying and craving one fucking look from her. How the hell am I supposed to talk to her when I can't even get near her?" He ran his fingers through his hair roughly, bowing his head in despair.

Kabir turned to Avyaan, raising an eyebrow. "Well, unexpressio? Got any philosophical wisdom to offer?"

Avyaan didn't even pause his pen. He flipped a page in his file and said flatly, "Give up."

Rudra snapped his head up and glared at him. "Sorry for asking. You do contribute more with your mouth shut."

Kabir rolled his eyes.

Avyaan kept reading, not even blinking. "Say what you want. But you know I'm right. She's not going to forgive you. The damage is already done. Save yourself and her from dragging this mess out. Apologize... and move on."

"Shut the fuck up, Avyaan!" Rudra barked, slamming his fist on the armrest.

Abhimaan leaned back, laptop resting on his thighs. "I agree with him this time," he said calmly. "You screwed up, Rudra. She's already carrying enough pain. Don't keep adding more. Just let her go."

Rudra's jaw clenched. "This isn't your fucking Rajasthan, Abhimaan. You don't get to rule here like some royal prick."

Kabir raised his hands. "Alright, alright. Enough dick measuring contests. Abhimaan, stop hanging around with him so much, his broody asshole energy is rubbing off on you."

Avyaan didn't bother to respond.

Kabir turned to Rudra, "And Rudra, fuck what they're saying. You love her. You don't walk away from something like that just because people think it's hopeless. You'll find a way. Just... don't give up."

Rudra dropped his face into his palms, pressing the bridge of his nose. "That's the problem, Kabir. I don't know how. No one's letting me near her."

As he spoke, Kabir absentmindedly tugged the table drawer open and shut, until something inside caught his eye. His hand landed on a slim book, and his brows lifted as he pulled it out. The cover was sweet-blue background with a torn paper design in the center, revealing a soft pink interior. The title read: Our Little Vows.

He chuckled. "Didn't know you turned into a reader lately."

Rudra didn't respond, too lost in thought.

Kabir flipped the book open curiously. The pages had highlights in different colors, with cute little hearts doodled in the margins. He glanced at Rudra.

"Tu yeh sab bhi karta hai?" (You're into this kind of stuff too?) he asked, half-smiling.

He flipped lazily through the pages, eyes scanning over random sentences, until his gaze froze.

His brows furrowed as his eyes locked on a section underlined in pink.

"Our breaths tangled as he shoved me onto his desk, yanking my legs apart like he owned every inch of me. I was already soaked with want, trembling beneath his touch. His mouth crashed onto mine, hard, desperate. I gasped, but he fisted a hand in my hair, jerking my head back. His lips trailed down my throat as I bit down on my lip, trying to muffle the moan, until I felt his fingers slip into my pus-"

SLAM.

Kabir abruptly snapped the book shut with a loud thwap, like it had burned him.

Everyone turned toward him.

Abhimaan frowned. "What the hell?"

Kabir stood frozen. Staring straight ahead, his eyes widened, his mouth parted in horror, like he had seen the gates of hell crack open. His hand was still gripping the book, fingers stiff. His eyes bulged as he slowly turned to Rudra. "Yeh kya tha, bhai? What the actual fuck did I just read?" (What the hell was that?)

Rudra narrowed his eyes, walking toward him.

"What are you even-" His gaze fell on the book in Kabir's hand.

His expression changed instantly. He strode forward and snatched the book out of Kabir's grip, protectively.

"Don't touch that. It's Saanvi's book."

Kabir gasped, hands flying over his mouth. "Teri biwi yeh sab padhti hai?! Bhai... she's a horny menace! What the hell, Rudra?! Eww!" (Your wife reads stuff like this?)

Rudra shot him a warning glare. "Shut the fuck up. It's her favorite book."

Rudra looked at the cover, his expression softening. He brushed his fingers over the spine.

Kabir watched in pure horror.

"Bro, what the fuck is wrong with her? This book looks like a kid's bedtime story from the cover and inside it's Fifty Shades on steroids. I've read crime reports of our cartel that were less disturbing." Kabir looked like he was still recovering from trauma. "Aur highlight bhi kiya hua tha... pink underline... matlab full planned hai uska scene selection! (And she even had it highlighted... with pink underlines... means her scene selection was fully planned!) I will never look at desks the same way again."

"Stop being dramatic," Rudra muttered, shaking his head at Kabir's horror.

He looked down at the book in his hand, his thumb absentmindedly caressed the book's cover, slow and precise, remembering something far too vivid.

"She once read this to me," he smiled softly. "It's an office romance. Said it's her favorite trope-"

But the expression didn't reach his eyes for long. His hand slowed over the book. The smile faltered and soon faded.

Office romance.

The words echoed in his mind like a spark catching on gasoline.

Avyaan, Abhimaan, and Kabir exchanged glances, sensing the shift in his energy. The room suddenly felt heavier. Like Rudra's brain had just activated in a way none of them were ready for.

His thumb tapped once on the book's spine.

Then again.

He lifted his eyes, tongue clicking against the roof of his mouth. His lips curved, slow and wicked.

The kind of smile that meant trouble.

Rudra gently set the book on the drawer, with a deliberate, almost reverent touch.

Then, he turned and strode to the couch.

His hand reached for the phone lying on the couch, fingers curling around it with calm precision. He settled onto the seat, one arm stretched across the backrest, his legs sprawled.

He dialed a number.

"Vedant,"

"Sir."

Rudra tilted his head back against the couch, eyes fixed on the ceiling as a lazy smile spread across his face.

"Time to get back to work,"

His free hand slid along the back of the couch, fingers drumming slowly.

My wife wants office romance? How could I possibly say no to her? Consider it done.

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