She felt the bed shift slightly as he lay down beside her. Yet, he remained still, not daring to make a single movement.

She closed her eyes, hoping sleep would come, but it evaded her completely. The room was silent, save for the faint sound of their breaths.

When he thought she had drifted off, he turned slowly, careful not to disturb her. Her back was to him, a clear wall of distance she had created. His heart ached at the sight.

Gently, he shifted closer, slipping his hand beneath her head. With a hesitant but tender motion, he rested her head on his shoulder, pulling her into his arms.

He pressed a gentle kiss to her hair, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with regret and affection. “My delicate baby… how could I have touched you so harshly?”

She fought the urge to smile at his words. He never said such things when she was awake, and she didn’t want to break the moment by letting him know she’d heard him.

His hand moved slowly from her shoulder, trailing down to her wrist. The bandage he had carefully wrapped earlier caught his eye. He held her wrist delicately, as though afraid to hurt her again.

He stared at the bandage for a long moment, his thumb brushing over her wrist in soft, soothing circles. His gaze was fixed, filled with a mix of guilt and tenderness, as if trying to erase the pain he had caused.

She tried her best to stay still, to not react, but his actions made it increasingly difficult. His touch was gentle, laced with regret, and it spoke volumes—more than any words ever could.

Her thoughts wavered as she felt the sincerity in his gestures. I told myself I wouldn’t talk to him. I thought I could stay angry... but how can I? How can I, for this man who carries so much regret and apology in his every touch?

He stared at her wrist, holding it in his hand as if it were made of glass. His gaze was blank, unblinking, as thoughts swirled chaotically in his mind.

Have I become like him? Like Mr. Rathore? Is my love so shallow that I let my anger hurt her? His jaw tightened as the realization gripped him. I didn’t even think for a second before my actions... just like he never did.

Fear crept into his chest, cold and unrelenting—the fear of becoming his father. The fear of repeating the cycle he loathed.

“Sunein,” her soft voice broke through his spiraling thoughts.

He blinked, lifting his head to look at her, his expression filled with guilt. Tilting his head slightly, he asked, “Is it paining? Do you…”

“No,” she interrupted gently, meeting his eyes. “This doesn’t hurt.”

“Then?”

“So jaiye na ab,” she said with a small smile, her tone teasing yet tender. Her hand slid around his waist, pulling him closer, before she closed her eyes.

A bittersweet smile touched his lips, though a calmness settled within him—a reassurance that she wasn’t pushing him away, despite everything.

He felt droplets of water on his face and blinked his eyes open, a smile tugging at his lips. The sight before him made his heart skip a beat—she was sitting on the bed, her hair still damp, combing it lazily with her fingers.

Sliding his arms around her waist, he pulled her closer and murmured in his hoarse voice, “Kaunse acche karam kiye maine jo mujhe biwi ka yeh pyara sa chehra dekhne ko mila?”

She paused mid-action, turning slightly toward him. Her lips curved into a mischievous smile as she dragged her index finger down his face. He closed his eyes at her touch, savoring the moment.

But her fingers suddenly gripped his cheeks tightly. His eyes flew open in surprise. “Uff, kya kar rahi ho?” he asked, his voice muffled.

“Bata rahi hoon,” she teased, “Jyada acche karam toh nahi kiye hain aapne.”

He chuckled and gently held her hand, but the smile on his face vanished as panic replaced it. He let go of her hand abruptly and sat up straight. “Did I hurt you again?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.

She laughed, shaking her head. “Nahi, bilkul nahi,” she said, standing up and walking toward the mirror.

He watched her intently, releasing a deep breath of relief. His gaze softened as she picked up the sindoor and carefully filled the parting in her hair. She smiled at her reflection, radiating grace and calm.

Unable to resist, he walked up behind her, wrapping his arm around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. Their eyes met in the mirror. “Maaf kar do hume,” he murmured, his tone sincere.

She tilted her head slightly, her pout playful. “Nahi. You broke my bangles.”

He spun her around to face him, determination flashing in his eyes. “Toh phir kya karoon ki meri biwi mujhe maaf kar de?”

“Ab yeh bhi main hi bataoon?” she teased, gently removing his hands from her waist.

“Ready hokar neeche aa jaiye,” she said, walking away. He nodded like an obedient child, earning a smirk from her.

Just as she reached the door, she stopped and turned. “Aur jo bhi kal kiya hai, usse ma bahut hurt hui hai. Maafi maangna unse.”

He nodded again, guilt flickering in his eyes.

“And no forcing your decisions on her,” she added firmly.

Another nod.

She rolled her eyes. “Ab bakri ki tarah sar hilana band kijiye aur neeche aayiye,” she said with mock annoyance, walking out.

He straightened immediately, her words making him chuckle. “Jo meri biwi kahe,” he replied, smiling, before heading toward the bathroom.

He walked straight to Anjali’s room and saw her sitting on the bed. The moment she noticed him, she gestured for him to come closer.

“Come here,” she said softly.

He walked over and stood in front of her, his head slightly bowed. “Ma, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have used those words.”

She patted the space next to her on the bed. “Sit.”

As he sat down, she asked, “Did you apologize to my daughter in law?”

He chuckled lightly, shaking his head. “You both are unbelievable. She tells me to apologize to you, and now you’re asking me to apologize to her.”

Anjali smiled, a glint of humor in her eyes. “Hnn, my poor child has to bear with you,” she said, chuckling softly.

“Maa!” he said in mock protest, and her laughter filled the room.

For a moment, the laughter faded, leaving behind a heavy silence.

Then, she asked, “Why did you bring up the topic of divorce? You’ve never said anything like this all these years.”

He took her hand gently, pausing as he searched for the right words. “Ma…” he began, then stopped, hesitating. Finally, he said, “I can’t trust him with my family… because he…”

“What him?” she pressed, her voice concerned.

He took a deep breath, his jaw tightening. “He’s trying to break my marriage. And he… he tried to attack on me.”

Her gasp was sharp, her hand flying to her mouth. “What? Are… are you okay? Why didn’t you tell me this earlier? How could he even think of doing such a thing?” she stammered, her voice trembling with fear.

“I’m okay, Ma,” he reassured her, though his tone was heavy. “But what bothers me now is his desperation. He’s forgetting everything—for a designation in the office. He wants control over everything. If I leave, if I walk away from all of this… do you think he will stop?

A tear slid down Anjali’s cheek. She had trusted a man who had only broken her again and again. Yet, even now, a small part of her still hoped he would change—that he would admit his mistakes and they could rebuild a family.

“I’ve been living in a delusion,” she whispered, her voice thick with pain. “I waited for him, believing he would come back, accept his mistakes… that we could start fresh. But instead, he only became worse. He broke me more each time. Maybe… maybe it wasn’t him betraying me—it was my hope, again and again.”

“Ma,” Advait said gently, his grip on her hand tightening. “I don’t need an answer right now. I understand what you’ve been through. Please, take your time. Think about what you want. Just know that whatever you decide, I will stand by you. My only priority is keeping my wife safe, you safe, our family safe.”

She nodded faintly.

“Ma,” a voice called out from the doorway.

Both Anjali and Advait turned to see Drishti standing there, concern etched on her face.

Anjali quickly wiped her tears, but Drishti hurried over to her, scanning her face for answers. Her gaze then shifted to Advait, narrowing with suspicion.

“Did… did you make Ma cry again?” she asked, her tone sharp and accusatory.

Advait raised an eyebrow in mock surprise.

“Drishti, no,” Anjali interjected, shaking her head, but Drishti’s glare remained fixed on Advait, who was now standing.

He smirked and looked at his mother. “Ma, stop your loving daughter-in-law, or she’s going to kill your son.”

Drishti took a fierce step toward him, and he instinctively stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Ma! Ma!” he called out dramatically, feigning fear. “Save me from your ferocious bahu!”

“Drishti!” Anjali called out, but her daughter-in-law stopped mid-stride, flashing a sweet smile.

Advait raised an eyebrow, impressed. “What an actress you are, biwi. Such a smooth transformation,” he mumbled under his breath, earning a sharp glare from her in return.

“Come here,” Anjali said, gesturing to Drishti.

Drishti walked over to Anjali and sat beside her.

“He didn’t do anything. Don’t be too harsh on my poor son,” Anjali said with a chuckle.

Drishti glanced at Advait, then back at Anjali. “Fasaa liya na apne jaal mein?” she said with mock seriousness.

Advait, pretending to be offended, stepped closer. “My Ma knows my worth, unlike you.”

Drishti shot him a glare. “If you speak again while we’re talking, I’ll throw you out of the room!”

Anjali chuckled at their banter.

Advait placed a hand on his chest, feigning hurt. “Ma, did you see that? Your bahu is threatening me!”

Anjali laughed, shaking her head. “Hahaha, now go! Stop bothering us.”

Advait gave a playful bow and walked toward the door, making both women laugh.

The lightheartedness in the room lingered, and for the first time in a while, Anjali felt a warmth she had missed deeply.

Advait stepped outside and found Vihaan sitting alone, scrolling through his phone., he walked over and sat across from him.

“Vihaan,” Advait called out, his tone calm yet firm, grabbing his cousin’s attention.

Vihaan looked up, setting his phone aside. “Hmm?”

“Come to the office today,” Advait said casually, though his intent was clear.

Vihaan’s eyebrows furrowed. “Office? But why?”

Advait leaned forward slightly, his expression serious. “Don’t question me. You should start understanding your responsibilities. I won’t always be here to manage everything.”

The gravity of his words hung in the air for a moment, but Vihaan, unfazed, chuckled. “But bhaiya, you know I don’t get all that business stuff.”

Advait’s jaw tightened as he stared at Vihaan, unimpressed. “You won’t get it unless you try. You’ve had enough time to stay carefree, Vihaan. It’s time to step up. Family isn’t just about enjoying its privileges; it’s about contributing too.”

Vihaan shifted uncomfortably under Advait’s gaze. He tried to lighten the mood. “You make it sound like the world will end if I don’t go to the office today.”

Advait didn’t laugh. “Maybe not the world, but this family depends on us.

Vihaan’s smile faltered, and he straightened up. He understood the weight behind Advait’s words, even if he didn’t show it immediately.

“Fine,” Vihaan muttered. “But don’t blame me if I mess up.”

Advait’s lips curled into a faint smirk. “Messing up is part of learning. Just show up. That’s the first step.”

Evening had settled over the Rathore mansion, and the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air as the women gathered in the living room, their giggles echoing through the halls.

Vihaan entered the hall, dragging his feet after a long, tiring day at the office. His disheveled hair and slouched posture spoke volumes about his exhaustion. Without a word, he slumped onto the sofa, letting out a loud sigh.

Anjali noticed him and quickly poured a glass of water, handing it to him. “Seems like you worked really hard today,” Drishti teased, her lips curling into a mischievous smile.

Vihaan nodded lazily, barely acknowledging her.

Amaira, not missing the chance to jab, chimed in, “Oh please, bhaiya must’ve had you sweeping and mopping the entire office. I can’t imagine anything else.”

The comment seemed to reignite Vihaan’s energy. He sat up abruptly, narrowing his eyes at Amaira. “Hehe, so funny! And what do you know about work, huh? Should I start sharing your exam scores with everyone? Let’s see what bhaiya will make you do after that!”

Amaira gasped in mock horror and stuck her tongue out at him. “Hmph! At least I have a plan to escape his tyranny,” she quipped, earning curious glances.

She turned to Drishti with a conspiratorial grin. “Right, bhabhi?”

Drishti let out an exaggerated fake laugh, raising her hands in mock surrender. “Oh no, don’t drag me into this! I value my life too much.Because we are on the same path."

Here’s a polished continuation of your scene:

The night fell silent as everyone retreated to their rooms. Drishti lay awake, her gaze flitting to the clock every few minutes. Eventually, her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted off to sleep.

Her slumber broke suddenly when she felt herself being lifted. Startled, she opened her eyes in fear, only to relax when she recognized the man carrying her. A soft smile formed on her lips as she snaked her arms around Advait’s neck, resting her head on his chest.

Advait quietly opened the door, stepping out of the room with her in his arms.

“Where are you taking me?” she asked, her voice drowsy yet curious.

He smiled down at her, his voice low and teasing, “Sitaaron mein, biwi.”

“But I want to live!” she quipped, feigning panic, making him chuckle as he ascended the stairs.

Moments later, he stepped onto the open roof. The night sky stretched endlessly above them, its stars twinkling like diamonds.

“Look,” he whispered, nodding towards the scene ahead.

Drishti’s gaze shifted, and her eyes widened in surprise. In front of her was a beautifully decorated nook. Soft fairy lights twinkled, casting a warm glow over a cozy setup—a small table with flickering candles, a blanket spread out, and petals strewn across the floor.

Her hand covered her mouth in awe. “Advait… this is…”

He set her down gently, holding her hand as he led her forward. “Do you like it?” he asked, his tone laced with hope.

Drishti turned to him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “It’s beautiful. Why all this?”

He held her hand gently and guided her to sit down on the soft mattress laid out amidst the twinkling lights. As they settled, he said, “Because I want a romantic night with my wife, to see her smile, and… to ask for her forgiveness.”

Her lips curved into a tender smile as she leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on his chest. “But I already forgot about that,” she whispered against him.

He shook his head slightly, his voice dipping into sadness. “But I didn’t.”

She straightened herself a little, cupping his face with both hands, forcing him to look into her eyes. “You know,” she said, her voice light and teasing, “you’re looking really cute right now. And I think I deserve this cutie all for myself.”

Her words brought a soft smile to his lips. Raising an eyebrow, he slid his arm around her waist and, with a playful tug, pulled her onto his chest. “Cute? Main? Ya phir aap apne aap ko dekh rahi hain mere aankhon mein?”

Her heart skipped a beat at his deep, teasing voice, and she felt a flurry of butterflies dancing in her stomach. His gaze, so intense and affectionate, seemed to ignite something deep within her.

Drishti's eyes lit up as they landed on the vibrant array of bangles in every color imaginable. Without a second thought, she pushed past Advait and hurried over to admire them. Her smile was radiant, exactly what he had hoped to see.

Advait watched her, his own lips curving into a soft smile, but he couldn’t resist teasing her. “Chooriyan dekh kar churiyan laane wale ko hi bhool gayin,” he remarked, folding his arms.

Drishti turned her attention back to him, still holding a few bangles in her hand, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Aap laaye hamare liye?”

Raising an eyebrow, he gave her a playful look. “Agar main nahi toh aur kaun?”

She returned her gaze to the bangles, her excitement bubbling over. “Itni saari... sab hamari hai?”

He smirked, shaking his head. “Nahi, sab tumhare liye nahi. Aakhir itni biwiyan hai, sabko ek-ek dena hai.”

Her cheeks turned crimson as embarrassment took over. She quickly put the bangles back and returned to sit beside him, her gaze fixed on the floor.

She rolled her eyes playfully and picked up a vibrant red bangle from the collection. “Aapko pata hai, yeh meri favorite color hai,” she said, slipping it onto her wrist.

“Pata hai,” he replied instantly, taking another bangle and helping her wear it. “Tumhare liye laaye hoon, toh tumhari pasand ka kaise nahi pata hoga?”

Her eyes met his, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. It was just them—two hearts beating as one under the starlit sky.

Her fingers lingered on his hand as he finished adorning her wrist. “Aap aise mat dekha karein,” she whispered, her cheeks flushing.

“Kaise?” he asked, his voice dropping to a husky tone.

“Aise jaise... jaise main aapki duniya hoon,” she said, barely audible.

He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. “Tum ho.”

Advait leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear as he placed a soft kiss there. Slowly, he tilted her face toward him, his hands gentle but firm as they cupped her cheeks. His lips began to move down, trailing light, lingering kisses along her neck, each one making her heart race faster.

His fingers found the string of her blouse, and he toyed with it lightly, sending a shiver down her spine. She was lost in the sensations his touch awakened, but when she felt the slight tug as he pulled the string loose, she gasped softly. Her blouse loosed slightly, and instinctively, she pressed her hand against his chest to stop him.

He paused, his intense eyes meeting hers. For a moment, there was silence between them, filled only with the sound of their uneven breaths. Then, without a word, he leaned in again, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.

The kiss was urgent, full of emotions he couldn’t hold back. His hands trembled slightly as he held her close.

His face softened as he finally pulled away, leaving her breathless and trying to steady her racing heart. He too was panting, his chest rising and falling as he struggled to catch his breath.

Leaning his forehead against hers, he closed his eyes for a moment, their breaths mingling in the silence of the night. His voice was barely above a whisper, filled with a mix of tenderness and teasing.

"Jaan nikaal logi tum meri," he murmured, his lips curving into a faint smile as he gazed at her flushed face.

He laid back, pulling her gently along with him. Holding her hand, he guided her to rest, her half body leaning on his chest. They lay together under the open sky, the twinkling stars casting a soft glow around them.

For a while, there was only silence between them, the kind that felt comforting, not empty. He ran his fingers lightly along her arm, his touch steady and reassuring.

After what felt like an eternity, she broke the quiet, her voice soft and filled with vulnerability. "After my parents went away," she began, her eyes fixed on the stars above, "I never thought I’d find someone who would mean so much to me."

He tightened his hold on her hand, turning his face slightly to look at her. "You mean everything to me," he whispered.

She glanced at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and managed a faint smile.

But I still want my brother to understand me. I want to hug him like we used to do with him before. I also want to spend time with my niece and sister-in-law" her voice was breaking.

As they lay under the open sky, he gently said, "If you want something, you'll get it—no matter what."

His words made her pause. She looked up at him, her thoughts swirling. "Aap..." she began, unsure of what to say.

Before she could finish, he leaned in and kissed her forehead, silencing her. Then, with a quick peck on her lips, he whispered, "Sleep."

She pouted and replied softly, "No, I don’t want to."

“Drishti,” he said firmly, his tone holding a subtle warning.

She smirked, hugging him tighter. “Darti nahi hoon aapse,” she teased.

He shifted her slightly to face him, his gaze steady on hers. "Nahi darti ho," he murmured.

Her breaths quickened as his intense gaze held hers, stealing away her confidence. “Aap… Aap…” she stammered, unable to form the words, and he smirked, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her.

Finally, breaking the tension, he said, "Room mein chalein? Thand lag jayegi."

She pouted again. "Thodi der aur rehne do na yahaan," she pleaded.

He relented with a smile, lying back down and wrapping her in his arms. She rested her hands on his chest, her head nestled under his chin. They talked softly, exchanging playful remarks until her voice faded. She had fallen asleep, her breathing even and calm.

He gazed at her serene face, brushing a strand of hair away gently. After a while, feeling the chill in the air, he grew concerned. Not wanting her to catch a cold, he carefully scooped her up in his arms.

She stirred slightly but didn’t wake, instinctively snuggling closer to him.

Carrying her into the room, he laid her gently on the bed and tucked her in. As she shifted, she immediately reached out for him, her arms curling around his waist. He smiled, his heart full, and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Pulling her close, he whispered, "Good night, my love," before closing his eyes, content in the warmth of her embrace.

She stretched lazily, but the firm grip of an arm around her made her pause. Slowly opening her eyes, she found herself wrapped in her husband's embrace. His face was serene, free from the weight of his usual stern expressions.

A soft smile spread across her lips as she gazed at him; she placed a tender kiss on his chest, her fingers lightly tracing his heartbeat.

Lost in the sight of him, she smiled like a madwoman. But then, her eyes drifted to the clock on the wall. Her smile faltered, and panic set in.

Without wasting another second, she carefully slipped out of his hold, trying not to wake him, though his arm tightened instinctively for a moment before loosening.

After getting ready, Drishti came downstairs, where she found Anjali and Vihaan sitting in the living room. She smiled warmly at them but headed straight to the kitchen. Moments later, she returned with a steaming cup of tea in her hands and settled beside them.

The happiness radiating from her face was hard to miss, and Vihaan couldn't resist teasing her. "Tell us," he said with a mischievous grin.

Drishti blinked in confusion, her brows furrowing. "What?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Apni khushi ka raaz," Vihaan said, chuckling and leaning back on the couch.

Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink, and she looked down at her tea. “It’s that visible?” she mumbled, more to herself than anyone else.

Anjali smiled knowingly, exchanging a quick glance with Vihaan; after that, they got busy in their little talks.