He sat beside me and asked, "What about her?"
I turned toward him and cleared my throat.
"See… she's already depressed. According to my knowledge, this is her fourth panic attack this year. If it worsens or becomes more frequent, she may need hospitalization. You know that very well."
He nodded.
I furrowed my brows and asked, "Then what is she worried about?"
He stared straight into my eyes. Suddenly, he turned his head away and stood up from the sofa. He closed his eyes, clenched his fists, and let out a bitter chuckle.
I couldn't find anything funny about it. It was really starting to piss me off.
"What is it?" I asked sharply.
"My marriage," he replied in a frustrated tone.
My eyes widened.
"Okay," I whispered.
He was about to say something more when we both heard a faint groan from Sharadha Ma.
I jolted up from the sofa and rushed to sit beside her. She struggled to say something.
"Ma… it's okay. I'm here. Don't stress yourself. Go to sleep now—we'll talk later," I said softly.
She slowly closed her eyes.
"What is happening to her?!" Vasu shouted from behind me.
I turned toward him, anger flaring.
"Just shut your mouth and leave!" I yelled.
I turned toward Ma and checked on her once again. Then I called her doctor to give an update on her condition. After a while, she finally drifted off to sleep, and I sighed in relief. She held my hand tightly, making it impossible for me to pull away. I stayed beside her for some time, yawning as exhaustion slowly took over. Eventually, I fell asleep.
A hand on my shoulder woke me.
"Hey… wake up…"
I groaned softly and opened my eyes. Vasu's face came into view.
"What time is it?" I asked, still half asleep, as I gently sat up and checked on Ma.
"It's 3 a.m. She's fine," he said with a small smile. "Just a moment ago, she opened her eyes and saw you."
I sighed and slowly got off the bed.
"Madhu, come on. Let's go," he said, taking my hand.
"No! I can't leave her like this. You go and sleep. I'll stay with her," I insisted.
He sighed. "No. She's fine. If she wakes up, she'll call us. Okay?" he said, gently pulling me toward the door.
Once we stepped outside the room, I slipped my hand out of his grip.
He smiled at me. "I'm going to make some coffee. Do you want some?"
I glanced at the clock. "Are you crazy? It's 3 a.m. Who drinks coffee at this hour?"
Without hesitation, he replied, "Me."
I rolled my eyes. "Fine. Make one for me too."
He smiled.
Vasu's POV
Six Months Ago
I saw her from a distance.
She was wearing a white T-shirt that fell to her mid-thighs, black jeans, and a black overcoat. A trolley trailed behind her as she hurried toward her brother, Karan, who stood beside me.
She was beautiful—not in the loud, obvious way people usually notice, but in a way that stayed with you. A soft, chubby face. Eyeglasses slipping slightly down her nose. Mild curls pulled into a ponytail that bounced as she ran.
Something in me stilled.
Karan opened his arms wide, and she walked straight into them.
"Vasu, this is Madhu—my sister," he said. "Madhu, this is Vasu. Detective, my partner… and our neighbour."
We shook hands.
Her grip was warm. Steady.
And just like that, something shifted inside me.
As we walked toward the car, I found myself glancing at her again and again, unable to help it.
Where the hell was she all this time? I wondered.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Every little thing she did—her quiet smiles, her stubborn honesty, the way she cared too deeply for everyone but herself—pulled me in further.
I fell for her without realizing when it happened.
And that scared me.
What if I approach her and she rejects me?
What if I ruin whatever this unspoken thing is?
The confusion settled deep inside me, and I didn't know what to do—so I did nothing.
Present Day
It's almost 7 p.m., and I'm sitting in a meeting.
The entire unit is gathered in the conference room, discussing a case. Voices overlap. Files shuffle. Someone is arguing about evidence.
But none of it reaches me.
Her presence in my life has turned everything upside down.
I lean back in my rolling chair, pretending to listen, pretending to care. Instead, my pen moves on its own.
M… A… D… H… U.
I stare at her name scribbled on the paper.
She's everywhere now—in my thoughts, in my silences, in the spaces I never knew were empty.
And no matter how hard I try, I can't push her away.
Suddenly, I heard a voice.
"Meeting dismissed."
Karan's voice snapped me back to reality. My team began filing out of the conference room. I stood up as well, gathering my files and preparing to leave.
But Karan cleared his throat.
"The meeting is dismissed for them, not for you, Detective," he said.
I paused and turned toward him.
"Sit down. We need to talk," he added.
I sighed and dropped back into my chair.
"Yes, Sergeant. Tell me," I replied.
Karan leaned back, raising one eyebrow.
"What's wrong with you, Vasu? You're not yourself. I'm asking you as a friend—not as a sergeant," he said.
I knew this was the moment. If not now, never.
I stood up, walked to the door, and closed it. Then I returned and sat across from him, placing both hands firmly on the table. I took a deep breath, already knowing what I was about to say might get me killed.
"Okay," I said quietly. "I'm in love."
A smile spread across his face—genuine happiness.
But I knew it wouldn't last.
"What?" he asked eagerly. "Did you tell her?"
I shook my head.
"No. I haven't told her yet. I'm afraid she might reject me," I said, my voice dropping.
Karan leaned forward abruptly, frustration flashing across his face.
"You idiot! How can you think she'll reject you if you haven't even told her?" he snapped. "Do you really believe she wouldn't stand by you—forever?"
His words hit me hard.
I stood up suddenly.
"She is the one, Karan!" I half-yelled, unable to hold it in anymore. "I want to marry her."
He frowned, clearly unconvinced.
"I'm not wrong this time," I continued. "She's the one. You know me—you know I don't say this lightly."
He sighed and finally asked the question I had been dreading.
"Who is the girl?"
My heart pounded. This was it.
I took a deep breath, cleared my throat, and said slowly,
"It's… your… sister… Madhu."
His eyes widened.
He started coughing violently.
I rushed forward, grabbed a glass of water, and handed it to him, hoping it would soften the shock I had just dropped on him.
"Listen… I've been in love with her since the day I saw her photograph at your house," I said quietly. "And I was damn sure she was the one the moment I met her at the airport, buddy."
He stood up from his chair and walked toward me.
"Listen, before you kick my ass—" I began.
He pulled me into a hug.
I froze.
"Welcome to the family!" he said.
I was shocked—and ridiculously happy.
"What? Is that a yes from your side?" I asked, pulling back to look at him.
"Yes, you dumbass!" he said, hugging me again.
I laughed, hugged him tightly, lifted him off the ground, and shouted in happiness.
Then reality hit me.
Her parents.
I went quiet.
He noticed immediately and pulled back, studying my face.
"What is it?" he asked.
"What about papa … and Malathy Ma? Will they accept me?" I asked honestly.
"Stop it. Let me worry about that," he said firmly. "First, tell my stupid sister—"
I raised an eyebrow.
"Sorry," he corrected himself with a grin. "My lovely sister."
We both laughed.
I felt light—for the first time in a long while.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted my thoughts.
Her voice.
Before I could think, I grabbed Karan's hand.
"What are you doing?" I whispered urgently. "Don't tell me you're about to tell her that I'm in love with her."
He nodded mischievously.
"I will kill you, man," I hissed.
He laughed. "Relax. I'm just kidding."
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
He ended the call and turned to me.
"Come on. Let's go pick her up. She's still at the hospital."
I nodded.
We left the office, got into the car, and drove toward the hospital.
I was excited to see her—but terrified.
I didn't have the courage to tell her.
Karan glanced at me while driving.
"What are you thinking?"
I snapped out of my thoughts and cleared my throat.
"I don't know how she'll react."
He scoffed.
"Let me tell you something about her. She's waiting for the right person—someone who will accept her completely, not try to change her. Especially her body."
I listened silently.
"She worries a lot," he continue.
I smiled softly.
"She's cute and chubby. She's my teddy bear."
Karan smiled.
"Back in India, my parents once forced her to see a marriage proposal from one of our relatives," he said. "She refused. Told them she wasn't interested in marriage at that time."
I turned toward him, eyes wide.
"What? She's not interested in marriage?"
He cut me off.
"Dumbass,let me complete" he said. "She said not now. She said she would consider it later."
He sighed.
"But you know my mother. She forced Madhu to meet the groom. And that asshole body shamed her - to be in short .... You can fill in the blanks.'"
My fists clenched.
"That broke her. She hasn't been able to put herself back together since."
My voice dropped.
"I want to break his face for what he did to her"
Karan smirked.
"I'll show him to you someday."
I laughed despite myself.
"Vasu," he said seriously. "There's one more thing you need to know about my sister."
I turned to meet his gaze.
"Tell me."
He sighed.
"later—but first, you tell my her. Okay?"
I nodded.
We finally reached the hospital and waited near the entrance for her.
That's when I saw her.
She was sitting in the café area, quietly sipping her coffee. Without even realizing it, I started smiling. Karan called out to the girls to let them know we had arrived.
She stood up and walked toward us.
She looked beautiful—wearing a grey T-shirt, black pants, and a long black coat. Simple. Effortless. Her.
She got into the car, and suddenly Talia announced her resignation plan—that she was planning to join the NYPD.
My heart lifted.
She wouldn't just be my life partner someday… she could also be my work partner.
Then Karan slammed the brakes.
And she got hurt.
I swear, I will kill him.
I rushed to her side and dressed her wound myself. She was stubborn, as always—never taking proper care of herself.
But now… now I had all the rights to worry about her.
Present Time
I snapped out of my thoughts as I finished making coffee.
I poured it into two cups and walked into the living room.
There she was—sleeping peacefully on the sofa.
For a moment, I just stood there, watching her breathe softly. I wanted to pull her into my arms, to hold her close, to protect her from everything.
I moved closer and gently brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face.
Slowly, she opened her eyes.
Madhu's POV
Six Months Ago
I saw him from a distance.
His tall, manly figure was walking toward me, and for a second, I felt myself smile. But then my eyes fell on my brother standing beside him, and instinct took over. I ran straight to Karan and hugged him tightly.
He introduced me to his partner—the same man whose presence had drawn me in moments ago.
And suddenly, my mini-me whispered,
I ignored it.
Time passed.
From the smallest gestures to the biggest moments, everything he did made me fall for him—over and over again. I tried so hard not to let it show, especially because he was a face reader. He noticed things too easily.
What if I approached him and he rejected me?
The fear kept me silent.
His presence in my life slowly turned my world upside down. I was confused. Torn. Lost in feelings I didn't know how to name.
Present Day
He took care of me.
He stood by my father.
He supported my family.
That night, after he left, I didn't change my dressing before going to bed. I even wondered—how would he know if I didn't?
For a ridiculous second, I thought, Did he install a camera in my room?
I laughed at myself.
But then he came back.
And he was angry.
That scared me more than I wanted to admit.
I didn't understand why he cared so deeply—or why it affected me this much.
When I got his call saying his mother was unwell, I came immediately. Not just because for her … but because I wanted to be there for him.
When he cried, every part of me wanted to hold him, to tell him I was there—always, until my last breath.
And then… he mentioned marriage.
My world stopped.
I wanted to cry until the world itself shattered.
My mini-me whispered,
That's it. It's over.
I fell asleep right there on the sofa.
I felt a hand gently brushing a strand of hair away from my face.
"Hey… wake up. Coffee," Vasu said softly.
I groaned and opened my eyes. He handed me the cup.
"Thanks," I murmured sleepily.
As I sipped the coffee, I stood up.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"To check on Ma," I replied.
He gently caught my arm and made me sit beside him again.
"No need. I just checked on her. Please finish your coffee," he said.
I nodded.
We sat quietly for a while, sipping our coffee.
"Can I ask you something? Don't mind," I said hesitantly.
He turned toward me.
"Why aren't you getting married?" I asked. "I think she worries about you… about your life."
He scoffed but didn't answer. Silence settled between us.
I stared into my coffee cup.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to spoil your mood. I was just worried about Ma. Maybe if she sees you happy—she won't panic so much."
I felt his gaze on me.
"For that… she has to wait till you—" he murmured into his coffee cup.
"What?" I asked.
"Nothing," he cleared his throat. "So… what about our plan tomorrow?"
"The plan is still on, Mr. Vasu," I said with a smile.
We talked for a while, checking on Ma in between. Soon, I started yawning.
"I'm feeling sleepy," I said.
"You need rest," he replied.
He took the cup from my hands, placed it on the table, and gently removed my glasses.
"Come here," he said, opening his arms.
I froze.
Our eyes met.
"If you want a pillow, I can bring one," he added softly.
Maybe I couldn't be in his arms forever.
But even one night… one moment like this—I could live on it for a lifetime.
Without hesitation, I hugged him.
He scooped me into his arms.
His heartbeat was calm.
Mine slowly matched it.
I felt safe—like nothing in this world could hurt me.
If the world ended right now, I wouldn't care.
I wanted this feeling to last forever.
I knew it wouldn't.
And slowly… I fell asleep.
Next Day
Vasu's POV
I stirred on the sofa, inhaling a familiar scent, feeling warmth in my arms.
When I opened my eyes, they fell on the most beautiful sight—my girl, sleeping peacefully against me. Her face was calm, unguarded. I leaned down and kissed her forehead.
She shifted slightly in her sleep, releasing a soft moan.
Carefully, I adjusted my hold, placing her head gently onto the pillow on the sofa and covering her with a blanket. I didn't want to wake her.
My gaze drifted to the clock.
6:00 a.m.
"Tell me, son… is she my daughter-in-law?"
A voice from behind startled me.
My mother.
I closed my eyes, sighed, and hurried toward her.
She wrapped her arms around me, gently caressing my back.
"You scared the hell out of me, Ma," I said softly.
She smiled. "Tell me… is she the one you've been searching for?"
She pulled back slightly, looking straight into my eyes.
I smiled and nodded.
"What did you say? I can't hear you!" she said, almost shouting with excitement.
I quickly took her hand.
"Shhh… shhh… you'll wake her," I whispered.
She scoffed, folding her arms across her chest. Even in a wheelchair, my mother's bossiness hadn't reduced one bit.
"Then say it properly," she demanded.
I felt myself blush.
"She is the one," I said quietly. "And today… I'm going to tell her."
She burst out laughing.
"Okay, all the best," she said. "I want to know what her answer is."
I pushed her wheelchair toward her room, helped her freshen up, and settled her comfortably onto the bed.
She held my hands tightly.
"You've made a very good choice," she said warmly. "You both are perfect for each other."
She cupped my face and kissed my forehead.
"I can't wait," she said. "Bring her soon—as my daughter."
I smiled.
"Neither can I wait to make her mine, Ma."
I returned to the living room.
She was still sleeping.
I went to the kitchen and made coffee for all three of us. Once it was ready, I poured it into three cups, took one to my mother's room, and placed it beside her.
Then I walked back to the sofa.
I bent down slowly beside her and gently caressed her cheek.
She stirred, moaned softly, and slowly opened her eyes.
"Good morning, sweetheart," I whispered.