Author's Pov-

On the Terrace

The evening sky was painted in shades of amber and lavender. A cool breeze brushed past them as they stood side by side—close, yet unsure.

Silence.

Then Samriddhi spoke, her voice steady but gentle.

“Before we decide anything… there’s something you should know.”

He turned toward her.

“I’m not just… helping in my family business,” she said.
“I run it. I’m a businesswoman.”

Vaibhav blinked.

Shock flickered across his face—followed by admiration. Genuine. Deep.

“That’s… incredible,” he said honestly.

Encouraged, he took a breath.
“Then I should tell you something too.”

She looked at him expectantly.

“The hospital where we met… it’s mine.”

Her eyes widened.

“You’re the owner?” she whispered.

He nodded, almost shyly.

For a moment, they just looked at each other—two individuals, suddenly seeing each other in a new light.

Respect bloomed.

Understanding followed.

Then came honesty.

“I like you,” Samriddhi admitted, cheeks flaming.
“Not love… not yet.”

Vaibhav smiled softly, his own ears betraying him.
“I feel the same.”

Their eyes dropped.
Their smiles widened.

When they returned downstairs, hand brushing hand—but not touching—they delivered their decision.

They agreed.

The house erupted in joy.

Laughter.
Tears.
Blessings.

Six Months of Becoming ‘Us’

The very next day, a priest was called.

Wedding date.
Venue.
Rituals.

Six months later—an auspicious day.

Those six months became a journey.

Late-night conversations.
Shared dreams.
Understanding silences.
Growing affection.

They learned each other’s fears.
Each other’s strengths.
Each other’s flaws.

And somewhere along the way—

Like quietly turned into love.

The Day of Their Union

The day arrived.

Mantras filled the air.
Flowers adorned every corner.
Families gathered.

Samriddhi walked toward the mandap—graceful, radiant, nervous.

Vaibhav waited—calm outside, overwhelmed inside.

When their eyes met, everything else faded.

Seven pheras.
Seven promises.
A lifetime ahead.

As sindoor touched her hairline, Vaibhav whispered,
“Ready?”

She smiled, eyes shining.
“With you? Always.”

And as the world celebrated their marriage,
their story was only just beginning.