The golden morning light filtered softly through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow across the bedroom. Wrapped in the soothing stillness of dawn, Varnika stirred gently, her eyes fluttering open. The very first thing she felt was the comforting weight of Vardhaan’s arm around her waist, his large palm resting protectively on her stomach under her shirt, his warmth enveloping her like a blanket.

A smile tugged at her lips as flashes of the previous night danced across her mind — the tenderness of his touch, the way he loved her, cherished her. Her cheeks warmed instantly, a deep blush creeping over her face. She didn’t dare move, didn’t want to break the peaceful bubble around them. Instead, she snuggled deeper into his embrace, her face buried into the crook of his neck.

Sensing her movements, Vardhaan stirred too. His lips found her forehead as he murmured sleepily, “Uth gaya mera bachcha?”

She hummed in response, her voice still laced with sleep.

He moved back slightly, brushing aside a few stray strands from her face and tucking them behind her ear. He pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek and looked into her eyes with concern. “Are you fine? Kahin dard toh nahi ho raha?” he asked, his voice soft, almost hushed.

Varnika shook her head, still blushing. “I’m perfectly fine... there’s no pain,” she whispered, her hand automatically covering his on her stomach.

He was quiet for a few seconds, just watching her — her glowing skin, the way her lashes fluttered, the way her smile played coyly on her lips. His fingers lightly caressed her cheek, his gaze so tender it made her heart flutter.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, finally breaking the silence, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Like what?” he teased, eyebrows raised in mock innocence, inching closer.

She turned away, biting her lip, her blush deepening. “Stop it…” she mumbled, hiding her face behind her hand.

“Hmmm?” he leaned even closer, pretending not to hear her.

She slapped his chest lightly, making a pout. “Don’t tease me like this, or I’ll cry,” she said, her voice playful, but laced with the softness of their bond.

He chuckled, that deep baritone laugh that always made her stomach flutter. “Pagal ho tum,” he whispered before pressing a kiss to the bridge of her nose.

She laid back properly on the bed, pulling the duvet up to her chest as she settled into the pillows. Without a word, Vardhaan shifted closer and lay his head on her chest, wrapping his arms around her middle, listening to the soft thrum of her heartbeat.

“Just five more minutes,” he whispered sleepily, already starting to drift off again.

Varnika’s hand instinctively found its way into his hair, gently combing through the strands. Her fingers moved in slow, soothing circles, comforting him just as much as he comforted her. She smiled at how peaceful he looked, this man of steel who melted into nothing in her arms.

As the light outside grew brighter and the house slowly began to stir to life, inside their room, there was only peace.

....

It was warm, quiet, and filled with the subtle aroma of comfort — a perfect morning cocooned in love. Vardhaan was still sprawled over Varnika, his face resting peacefully on her chest, an arm draped lazily over her stomach beneath her shirt, their legs tangled under the soft comforter.

Just then, the silence was broken by the gentle patter of little feet on the wooden floor. Daivik, their six-year-old bundle of sunshine, tiptoed into the room. With an adorable smile dancing on his lips, he climbed onto the bed and gently placed a kiss on his mumma’s cheek, then leaned forward to kiss his baba too.

Varnika stirred slightly, her arms instinctively wrapping around her son as he nestled between them. Vardhaan grunted sleepily, lifting his head slightly, blinking his eyes open only to find his little man cuddling into Varnika’s embrace.

On one side, Vardhaan was still half-lying on her chest, and on the other side, Varnika had snuggled Daivik close, her fingers softly brushing through his silky hair. She pressed a soft kiss on his forehead and asked in a sleep-laced voice, “Why did my baby wake up so early today?”

Daivik wiggled closer and buried his face into her neck, mumbling, “I missed you both in my dreams.”

Vardhaan chuckled, immediately catching the mischief in his son’s tone. “Aha,” he drawled, lifting Daivik gently and making him lie on his own chest now, “Tell me, betu, what do you want?”

Daivik, flashing his most innocent grin, said sweetly, “I don’t want anything, papa... but if you want to give me something, then let me go on my school trip... with Riana.”

Varnika and Vardhaan both froze for a second before saying in sync, “Riana? Riana who, betu?”

Daivik immediately panicked, shaking his head rapidly, “No-no! Riana nahi papa… Ryaan… yes yes! I was talking about Ryaan. My best friend.”

Varnika bit her lips, trying to hide her giggle while looking at her little munchkin spinning excuses. She knew her son too well.

Vardhaan raised an eyebrow, not buying it one bit. He rolled his eyes and pinched Daivik’s tiny nose playfully, “You shouldn't be indulging with girls already, mister.”

At that, Daivik blushed adorably, his cheeks turning a soft pink as he hid his face inside his baba’s embrace and muttered shyly, “But she likes me, baba. She even kissed me… I don’t…”

Before he could complete that sentence, Vardhaan's eyes widened in disbelief. “She WHAT?” he exclaimed, half amused, half horrified.

He rubbed his face with both palms, trying to digest the fact that his six-year-old son was already in a romantic scandal. “I need to meet your teacher very soon,” he muttered under his breath, still trying to process the mini heartbreak.

Daivik just nodded in innocent agreement, his little fingers playing with the edge of his baba’s chain as if nothing happened.

Vardhaan, sighing deeply, turned to look at Varnika, who was trying her best to control her laughter while hiding her face in the pillow.

He exhaled with a helpless smile and then looked at the two most precious people in his life. “Let’s go out on a date today,” he suddenly suggested, eyes gleaming.

Before Varnika could say anything, Daivik let out a squeal and jumped on his papa’s stomach, making him groan in pain. “YES! Papa, date! I’ll go bring my favourite shoes right now!”

With that, he leaped off the bed and ran towards his closet like a little tornado, leaving his parents in giggles.

Vardhaan turned to Varnika and gently kissed her forehead, caressing her cheek softly. “Freshen up, baby. Tell me what you want to eat so I can cook for you.”

She took a few seconds, as if thinking deeply, and then smiled, “I want to eat aloo poori.”

He hummed, brushing his lips against her neck in a playful whisper, “Okay. Let’s get up, Mrs. Vardhaan.”

And with their day starting just the way their hearts desired — full of laughter, love, and a pinch of mischief — they rose, ready to make more memories together.

.....

Varnika stepped out of the shower, droplets still clinging to the ends of her long hair. She slipped into a beautiful lilac suit—sleeveless kurta delicately embroidered with white threadwork, paired with a matching salwar that shimmered faintly under the soft morning light. The sheer dupatta was draped over her shoulder, adorned with tiny pearls along its border. Her bare feet padded softly across the floor as she stood in front of the mirror, applying kajal to her eyes with practiced grace.



Just then, the closet door opened and out came Daivik and Vardhaan, both wrapped in towels. Their hair was damp, and their presence filled the room with playful energy.

“Mummaaa,” Daivik giggled, running to her.

Varnika smiled warmly and bent down to kiss both their cheeks.

“Come, let’s get you dressed,” she said.

She walked to the wardrobe and pulled out a crisp white shirt and beige shorts for Daivik.

“This will look so handsome on you,” she said, handing it to him with a wink.

Turning to Vardhaan, she held out a pristine white kurta pyjama.

“You—simple, clean, and classic. My favorite,” she smiled, brushing her fingers lightly against his hand.

While them getting dressed, Varnika sat back at her vanity and applied a soft nude lipstick. She then picked up a lilac nail polish bottle that perfectly matched her outfit and began coating her nails as she waited.

Soon, all three were ready and gathered for breakfast. Daivik sat beside his father, swinging his little legs while munching happily.

After breakfast, Vardhaan got up and adjusted his watch.

“I have a few meetings, I’ll be back by evening. You two should rest,” he said, looking at Varnika with a gentle smile. “And in evening… just us. A date.”

Varnika’s lips curved into a soft smile. “Hmm, I’ll be waiting.”

Before he could step away, Daivik clung tightly to his leg.

“Papa, I’m coming with you!”

“Daivik…” Varnika started, but Vardhaan stopped her with a chuckle.

“How can I say no to him?” Vardhaan bent down and lifted Daivik in his arms. “Alright, partner. You’re coming with me.”

He turned to Varnika one last time, kissed her forehead, and whispered,

“Take care, sweetheart.”

And just like that, they walked out the door—leaving her heart full, her morning soft, and her evening holding a promise.

.....

Evening sunlight painted golden streaks across the polished marble floors as the door creaked open. In walked Vardhaan and Daivik—each holding a bouquet, their faces lit up with identical joy. Daivik’s small hands gripped a lush bouquet of soft pink roses almost half his size, while Vardhaan’s firm hold carried a graceful arrangement of orange and white blooms wrapped in a sleek black paper.

“Mummaaa!” Daivik’s voice rang through the silence of the home.

Varnika, seated in the study with glasses perched on her nose and a book in hand, looked up. Her heart fluttered at the sight of her two boys. She removed her specs slowly, smiling, and stood up as Daivik rushed into her arms.

“Oh my God,” she gasped softly as her eyes landed on the flowers. “These are beautiful!”

Vardhaan smiled, his gaze fixed gently on her. “How are you feeling now?” he asked, stepping closer.

“I’m okay,” she said warmly, her eyes twinkling as she looked at both bouquets again. “Much better now.”

After a quick change into more casual, elegant outfits, the three of them set out for the evening. The car ride was filled with peace and music—Daivik happily humming his favorite tune from the backseat while Varnika leaned her head on Vardhaan’s shoulder, fingers interlaced on the armrest.

They arrived at a quiet rooftop restaurant, lit with fairy lights and the scent of summer flowers hanging in the breeze. The dinner was a soft lull in their otherwise busy life. Laughter flowed like music, their conversations slow and soaked in love.

Varnika had her favorite desserts—a soft, melt-in-mouth tres leches slice and a bowl of chilled fruit cream. She dipped her spoon slowly, savoring every bite, stealing glances at the two most important people in her life.

“Papa, eat with me,” Daivik said, his cheeks puffed as he spooned mac and cheese into his mouth.

Vardhaan chuckled. “But that’s yours, champ.”

“I want to share,” Daivik insisted, eyes pleading with his signature puppy face.

Vardhaan gave in, laughing. “Alright, alright. Come here.” He leaned forward to take a bite, making Daivik giggle in delight.

From dinner, they moved to the nearby gaming zone. Daivik squealed in excitement, pulling them from one game to another. Varnika played alongside them, laughing openly, forgetting the world outside those neon lights. Vardhaan stood behind her during a racing game, his hands guiding hers, both of them laughing when she missed the turn.

They ended the arcade visit with a trip to a toy store. Daivik picked out action figures and puzzles, while Varnika, with a bashful smile, pointed to a cuddly stuffed bunny.

“For me,” she said.

Vardhaan looked at her, amused. “Anything for my girl,” he said, placing it in their basket.

Their final stop was a street vendor selling balloons and small gifts. They picked up some presents for Advait, and with arms full of joy and hearts heavier with love, the family returned home late into the night.

---

At home, Varnika washed Daivik up and tucked him into bed, kissing his forehead and whispering a soft lullaby. Once he drifted to sleep, she walked into her room. Clad in her comfortable nightwear, she sat cross-legged on the bed, applying her night cream in circular motions, the day's warmth still resting in her smile.

Just then, the closet door creaked open. Vardhaan stepped out, holding something behind his back.

“What now?” she teased, not looking up.

He walked over to her without a word, then sat down by her feet and gently lifted them onto his lap.

“Vardhaan?” she gasped, startled. “What are you—”

“Shh,” he hummed, opening the small velvet box in his hand.

Inside lay a pair of delicate silver anklets, glinting under the warm bedside light.

Her eyes softened, and her lips parted in surprise. “Again?” she whispered.

Twelve years of marriage. Twelve years filled with milestones—birthdays, anniversaries, pregnancy , even the smallest joys—each one marked by a pair of anklets. It was their silent tradition. A gesture of celebration. Of love.

“How could I not?” he said quietly, carefully placing one anklet around her ankle, fastening the tiny hook, then the other.

“This is special,” he added, his fingers lingering. “You’re going to be a mother again.”

His hands gently caressed her feet, reverent and tender. Then, he leaned down and pressed a kiss on her feet, eyes closed.

“I love you, Varnika.”

Her throat tightened as emotion welled up. She stood up slowly, then bent toward him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a tight embrace. He sighed into her neck, his arms circling her waist as he pulled her into his lap.

“I love you too, Vardhaan,” she whispered into his ear.

He exhaled deeply, his nose nuzzling against the soft curve of her neck, grounding himself in her warmth. For a long moment, they simply held each other, the world outside fading into silence.

She pulled back slowly, eyes searching his, fingers brushing his cheek. Holding his face gently, she leaned in and kissed him.

It was slow—unhurried. His hand slid up her back, the other anchoring her against him. Her lips moved over his with love, and his responded with quiet hunger—no urgency, just depth. Each brush of her mouth told him she loved him, and each answering kiss from him said I’m yours.

His eyes fluttered shut as he surrendered to the kiss, emotion building in his chest. It wasn’t just passion—it was years of understanding, of growing together, of healing. It was peace. Home.

When they finally pulled back, their foreheads rested together, breath mingling, their souls completely entwined in the quiet night.

.....

Stay tuned. 

"Anyone asking about the witch sukanya.  Well she is surviving on her own.  No money no family nothing.  Just begging on the streets and sleeping on the streets.  I didn't find it necessary adding her scenes and ruining the mood of the happy environment"