“Thank you for not forgetting me, Ansh,” she whispers.

Their foreheads touch, eyes locking in a silent promise. Years of longing and unspoken words hang in the space between them. Adranksh tilts her chin up, his thumb brushing against her jawline. His breath mingles with hers, and just as their lips are about to meet—

A sharp knock on the door.

He groans in frustration. Maya startles and tries to wriggle free from his arms, but he tightens his hold around her waist.

“Don’t move,” he murmurs against her skin.

“Ansh. Let me go.” Her voice is soft, but the blush dusting her cheeks betrays her.

His lips curve into a smirk. “Make me.”

She narrows her eyes at him before quickly pressing a featherlight kiss on his cheek. His grip loosens just enough for her to slip away, her laughter trailing behind her.

Adranksh watches her retreat, a sigh escaping his lips. He sinks onto the bed, a slow, satisfied smile playing on his face.

Then, with renewed determination, he rises and heads toward his office—because no matter how much the world tries to interrupt, he knows this time, he won't let her go.

I got married to my Ansh. My Ansh. The one I waited for. The one I dreamed of.

But why didn’t he come to see me?

The question lingers in my mind the whole day, gnawing at the corners of my heart.

Why didn’t he come?
Does he know?
Does he know about my past?

And if he does, will he accept me?

I have to tell him. I owe him the truth. But what if he already knows?
What if… he doesn’t care?

A lump forms in my throat, my vision blurring with unshed tears. Breathe, Maya. I suck in a sharp breath, wipe my eyes, and quickly plaster a smile on my face before walking toward the kitchen.

"Maya, why are you here?" Shreshta Maa asks, her face lighting up with a warm smile.

Does she know?

I steady my voice. "Maa, Amma told me there's a ritual for newly married daughters-in-law, so I came to fulfil them."

She nods approvingly. "Yes, you have to cook something for us. That’s all."

I smile. "Is it alright if I make some dishes from home?"

"Of course! Your Ajji would love to taste it all again. We all would. I’m already excited, Maya!" she exclaims.

Just then, Chachi walks in.

"Maya, really, we’re super excited. It’s been twenty years since…" she trails off, eyes softening with nostalgia.

"Chachi, what would you like to eat?" I ask.

She waves a hand. "Anything you make, Maya. I’m just eager to taste it. I’ll even help if it means I have to wait less!"

Maa laughs and nods in agreement.

I shake my head. "No, Maa, Chachi. I’ll manage. If I need help, I’ll call the servants. You both should rest—it was a long day yesterday, and you must be tired."

I guide them to the living room, seating them comfortably before turning on the TV.

"Maya, what are you doing?" Maa asks curiously.

"You both need to relax, Maa. Just sit here and choose something to watch. I’ll be back soon."

I make my way to Ajji’s room and knock.

Dadu opens the door. "Maya, come in, beta."

As I step inside, I see Ajji sitting on the sofa, tears trailing down her weathered face as she clutches a stack of old photographs.

My heart clenches. "Ajji."

She looks up and pats the seat beside her. I sit down and glance at the pictures—memories frozen in time.

"I miss her, Maya," she whispers. "I know her death must have been harsh on you. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you, my child. Forgive me."

Her words send a pang through my chest. I exhale slowly and place a comforting hand on her back.

"Ajji, I’m sure you already know how she…" My voice wavers. I swallow hard, my throat tightening. "I tried. I really did. But I couldn’t help her. No one was there for me. I was alone. I swear, I tried, Ajji."

The words spill out, dragging old wounds with them. My breath turns shallow, my vision darkening at the edges. My fingers dig into the fabric of my saree.

"Maya. Maya!" Dadu’s voice calls out, grounding me.

I blink rapidly, forcing myself back to the present. Forcing myself to hide. I gather my composure and quickly paste on a smile, though their eyes remain filled with concern.

"Ajji, come. There’s something waiting for you." I stand and extend my hand.

She hesitates before nodding. Dadu looks at me with worry, but I give him a reassuring glance before leading Ajji outside.

As soon as we enter the living room, Ajji spots Maa and Chachi relaxing on the sofas.

"Where are we going?" she asks.

I help her settle onto the couch beside them. Just then, the servants arrive, carrying three buckets filled with warm water.

Ajji raises an eyebrow. "Maya?"

I grin. "Spa day, Ajji."

I add rock salt to each bucket and head to the kitchen, quickly preparing a turmeric-besan face mask before returning.

"Done! Now, all of you, dip your feet in."

As soon as their feet touch the water, they sigh in relief.

"This is so comforting, Maya. Thank you," Chachi murmurs, closing her eyes.

Maa tilts her head. "But what’s in your hand, Maya?"

Before I can answer, the girls return from shopping, their bags overflowing.

"What’s happening here, Bhabhi?" Lavanya asks, flopping onto the sofa.

"Spa session," Vaishali answers for me.

"We want one too!" Karishma whines.

I laugh and call the servants for more buckets. Soon, all the girls are soaking their feet, their faces covered in the mask.

Satisfied, I return to the kitchen.

Adranksh, Aadrik, and Avyaansh arrive home to the sound of laughter.

Adranksh’s eyes scan the room, searching. She’s not here.

Kaveri smirks knowingly. "She’s in the kitchen," she teases.

Ignoring the teasing, he heads there.

As he steps inside, he stops.

Maya stands by the counter, her pallu tucked in, her hair tied in a messy bun. A smudge of flour dusts her cheek. She wipes her forehead with the back of her hand as she kneads the dough, her movements quick and precise. A woman assists her, frying food in oil.

A slow smile spreads across his lips.

The woman notices him and excuses herself. Now, it’s just the two of them.

Maya suddenly feels a hand on her waist. She jerks, ready to strike with a wooden roller—until his scent fills her senses.

She exhales, shoulders relaxing as he leans in, resting his head on her shoulder.

"Aaj kya special hai?" he murmurs, his lips grazing her skin.

"Burnt poori."

She feels him smile against her neck.

He lets go—only to turn her around and pull her close. Before she can react, he lifts her onto the counter, his fingers gently wiping the flour from her cheek.

"Ansh, let me work."

"Hmm." He kisses her neck, his fingers tracing soft circles on her waist.

"Ansh, since when do you flirt?" She exhales, tilting her head involuntarily.

"Only with you, Malyshka," he whispers against her skin. "You bring this side out, and now you have to deal with it."

She bites her lip. "Someone will see us."

"Let them see what they’re missing in life."

He leans in—

"I’m a blind man," Avyaansh announces, striding in. "Oh, and they need ice."

Maya practically jumps off the counter, returning to work as if she wasn’t just caught moments ago. Her cheeks burn, but she keeps her head down.

Adranksh glares at Avyaansh, who only grins.

Before leaving, Adranksh presses a kiss to the back of Maya’s head, smirking as he walks out.

At lunch, the table overflows with dishes.

As everyone digs in, Kaveri sighs. "Maya, it’s been so long since I’ve tasted this. It feels like Radhika made it herself."

Utkarsh pats the seat beside him. "Maya, don’t just stand there. Join us."

As she sits next to Adranksh, he leans in.

"Did you like it?" she asks.

He smirks. "Loved it. Almost tasted like heaven."

She raises a brow. "When did you ever taste heaven?"

His eyes darken. "When I almost tasted you."

She gasps. "Ansh!"

"Malyshka," he murmurs, pulling her onto his lap. "With you, I’m insatiable."

“Do you know how tempting you look, Malyshka?” He whispers as he pins her to the wall in their room.