After finishing their breakfast, the plates were set aside neatly, and silence settled in the room. The soft hum of the ceiling fan filled the air. Siya shifted closer, her body seeking comfort, and leaned into Shashwat’s chest. He instinctively wrapped his arm around her, pulling her snugly into his embrace. She rested her head against him, listening to his heartbeat that was far steadier than her own.

“Vaise…” he began, his voice carrying a playful lilt, “tumne aaj sabko surprise de diya.”