Morning sunlight crept through the curtains as Nirvay stood silently near the bed, his eyes resting on Aarohi's sleeping face.
"I've imagined this morning so many times... thinking it would never truly happen," he thought, his gaze softening. "Aarohi, in my home... waking up next to me."
As if sensing his presence, Aarohi slowly opened her eyes.
Aarohi: "Why are you staring like that? What happened?"
Nirvay: "Nothing. Come on, let me help you."
Aarohi: "You've hired two nurses, haven't you? When will they start helping me—because you've been doing everything."
Nirvay (smirking): "Good question. They'll start once I leave. As long as I'm here, I'm the one helping. Any problem with that?"
Aarohi: "No problem."
Nirvay gently helped her with her routine, prepared breakfast, fed her, and gave her the necessary medicines.
Aarohi (with a teasing smile): "Are you going to do this every day?"
Nirvay: "Yes. For a lifetime, Aarohi."
Aarohi: "Go get ready for office."
Nirvay: "I don't feel like leaving... but I have to. There's work to do."
He got ready, explained everything to the nurses and household staff, and ensured Aarohi's care would continue smoothly in his absence.
Nirvay (hugging Aarohi): "Call me if you need anything. Bye."
Aarohi: "Bye."
---
30 minutes after Nirvay left, Shreya arrived to visit Aarohi.
Staff: "Ma'am, someone has come to see you."
Aarohi: "Send her in."
Shreya (entering with a smile): "Long time, Aarohi. I felt bad when I heard about your accident. We were classmates, after all."
Aarohi: "Thank you for thinking of me."
Shreya: "Honestly, I didn't think you'd agree to meet me."
Aarohi: "I know you're capable of going to any extent for what you want, Shreya."
Shreya (grinning): "Then let's get straight to the point. Leave Nirvay. Look at your condition—do you really think you deserve him? He deserves better. Because of you, his company is suffering. He spends all his time caring for you."
Aarohi: "If that's all you came to say, the door is right there."
Shreya: "Think about it. If I give Nirvay 30% of my company shares, it'll give his business a massive boost. He won't have to work so hard. Just leave him. I'll take care of all your medical expenses."
Aarohi: "Five years ago, I made the mistake of believing you and left Nirvay. That was the biggest mistake of my life. I trust him now—and he doesn't need your 30%."
Shreya (angrily): "Don't regret it later."
Aarohi: "Loving Nirvay will never be a regret. It's a gift. Now please leave, and close the door on your way out—I need rest. I'm getting married in a few months, to Nirvay."
Shreya left, hurt and furious.
---
At the office…
Staff: "Sir, Shreya ma'am came to meet Aarohi ma'am earlier."
Nirvay: "I figured. Aarohi okay?"
Staff: "Yes, sir. She's resting."
Later that day, Nirvay asked for Shreya to be sent to his cabin.
She entered.
Nirvay (angrily): "Why did you go to my house? Because of you, Aarohi and I stayed apart for years despite loving each other. What do you want now? You know how painful it is to love someone and be unable to be with them?"
Shreya (tearfully): "And you're telling me about pain? You and Aarohi were apart, yes—but you're together now. I loved you since childhood, Nirvay. You were never mine even when you were near. Do you know how it feels when someone you love becomes obsessed with another girl right in front of you? You never even saw my feelings. If Aarohi hadn't come, at least we'd have stayed friends."
Shreya broke down, crying on the floor. Nirvay came forward and hugged her lightly to console her.
Shreya: "Tell me what Aarohi has that I don't?"
Nirvay: "Shreya, calm down first. Don't compare yourself to Aarohi. You've always been beautiful, smart, capable. If love was about qualities, I would've fallen for you. But love isn't logical. It just happened—with Aarohi. That doesn't mean you're any less. I'm sorry I hurt you. I should've explained this long ago. But now—can we go back to being friends?"
Shreya, with tears in her eyes, nodded.
---
At home…
Aarohi: "Shreya came today. She offered me a deal—30% share to leave you."
Nirvay: "What did you say?"
Aarohi: "That I won't leave you. I believe in you."
Nirvay: "Thank you for believing in me."
Aarohi: "I've already made that mistake once—I won't repeat it."
Nirvay: "Shreya and I talked. Things are clearer now. We're friends again."
Aarohi: "That's fine. I have no problem."
Nirvay: "So much trust?"
Aarohi: "I might doubt myself, but I won't doubt you."
Nirvay: "I love you so much. Today, I feel like a perfect man—because the woman I love not only loves me, she believes in me."
Aarohi (grinning): "I love you too. But now go eat your dinner. I don't want my future husband falling sick."
Nirvay (smiling): "Wait, what did you say—my husband? Now I'll have to take even better care of myself."
The two shared a look of love and laughter, their bond growing stronger with every unspoken moment.