Madhu's POV
I suddenly felt a gentle hand on my cheek.
I moaned softly and opened my eyes—and there he was.
"Good morning, sweetheart," he said with a smile.
For a brief second, I wished every morning could begin like this—waking up to his face, to this calm, this warmth.
Stop it. He's not yours, my mini-me warned sharply.
I jerked upright on the sofa, rubbing my eyes as I searched for my glasses.
"Hey… hey… they're here," he said, picking them up. His fingers brushed mine as he helped me put them on—slow, careful.
That tiny touch lingered longer than it should have.
"Coffee?" he asked.
"Yes… thank you. My head hurts," I replied quietly.
He knelt down in front of me and took my hands in his.
I froze.
His palms were warm, steady—too steady. My heartbeat quickened, but I didn't pull away.
"Okay," he said gently. "Freshen up. I'm taking you to the hospital for a check-up."
I groaned. "No… no… I have a lot of work. I can't take a day off. I—"
"I've already sent a message from your phone," he interrupted calmly. "Saying you're unwell and coming in for a check-up."
I stared at him.
"When did you do that?" I asked, slowly folding my arms across my chest—forcing myself to break the contact.
He laughed. "Just now, sweetheart."
"What?" I asked, stunned.
Then realization hit me.
"Oh God—Ma!" I cursed and rushed toward her room.
I stopped at the entrance, took a deep breath, and hurried inside.
"Ma, you scared the hell out of us yesterday!" I said, hugging her tightly.
She chuckled, patting my back.
"I'm fine."
"Come in," she said.
Vasu entered and sat beside me. His knee brushed mine as he sat down—an accident, maybe. Neither of us moved away.
"Listen, both of you," he said. "I'm taking two days off. Today, I'm taking both of you to the hospital for a check-up. Tomorrow, as per your wish, Ma, we'll perform the pooja for Father."
Ma and I exchanged glances and rolled our eyes.
He noticed.
"Enough, both of you," he said, narrowing his eyes. "I know you're scared of hospitals—doctors, tests, everything—but it's happening today. We're going. That's final."
He stood up and turned toward me.
Without asking, he reached for my hand.
I hesitated—just for a second.
Then I let him take it.
His grip wasn't tight, wasn't possessive—just firm enough to say I've got you. My thumb brushed against his without meaning to, and neither of us acknowledged it.
"Okay, fine, Detective," I said softly.
He squeezed my hand once—barely noticeable, but deliberate.
I turned back toward Sharadha Ma. She watched us with knowing eyes and gave me a small nod.
I swallowed.
My hand was still in his.
And somehow, that felt more dangerous than anything else.
As soon as we reached the living room, he suddenly pushed me back against the wall. I gasped, my breath hitching as our gazes locked.
"Go home," he said firmly. "Freshen up. Meet me in my parking lot exactly at 9:30 a.m. Your appointment is at 10:30."
I nodded, my heart still racing.
His eyes drifted to the bandage on my forehead, concern flickering across his face. Before he could say anything, I spoke.
"I'll change the bandage, Mr. Vasu."
He studied me for a second, then nodded and finally stepped back, releasing me.
I grabbed my phone and headed toward the door.
"Madhu," he called.
I turned.
"Don't forget about the dress code," he added, his tone lighter—but his eyes still intense.
I pushed open the door to my house and immediately spotted my mother in the kitchen, making coffee.
"Where are you coming from so early in the morning?" she asked.
I pulled out a chair near the kitchen counter and sat down, explaining everything that had happened with Sharadha Ma.
"How is she now? Is she okay?" my mother asked anxiously.
"She's fine, Mamma," I reassured her. "Today, Vasu and I are taking her to the hospital."
She nodded, relief crossing her face, and handed me a cup of coffee.
I took it and headed to my room.
When I opened the door, Talia was still fast asleep.
"T! Wake up!" I called out. "It's 7 a.m. You're going to be late for work!"
She jerked upright in bed and blinked her eyes open. Stretching her arms wide—as always—she yawned loudly.
"Okay, baby, get up and freshen up," I said.
"Just five more minutes, please, Madhu," she pleaded, pulling the blanket tighter.
"Alright, fine," I sighed, tapping her back. "I'll go freshen up first. At least one of us should be ready."
She immediately flopped back onto the bed and disappeared under the blanket.
I got up and went into the bathroom. After freshening up, I stood in front of the mirror and got dressed—a black-and-red T-shirt paired with black pants. I dried my hair and tied it into a neat ponytail.
I checked the time.
8:15 a.m.
I turned toward the bed. She was still buried under the blanket.
"T, wake up," I warned. "This is the last time. If you don't get up, I will spill water on you."
A groan came from beneath the blanket.
My patience snapped.
I walked to the bathroom, filled a glass with water, and marched back.
"On the count of three, I'm emptying this glass on you. Wake up now," I said.
No response.
I spilled the water.
She shot up screaming, "What have you done, girl?!"
I burst out laughing. "I did exactly what I said."
She scanned me from head to toe. "Where are you going?"
I explained everything.
She sighed and pulled me into a hug, studying my face closely. I had always told her I had no secrets from her—but I kept one.
My feelings for Vasu.
"Okay, fine," she said finally. "Go. Take care of yourself. And tell me what the doctor says."
I nodded.
As I turned to leave, she called out, "Madhu!"
I looked back.
"The dress code," she said pointedly.
I froze.
Damn.
Not wanting to annoy him any further, I rushed to my wardrobe and started packing quickly. I chose a long white top that reached my ankles, white pants, and a multicolored shawl with matching accessories. I added my recent medical records and certificates to the folder.
If I got the chance today, I planned to apply to the NYPD.
I walked back to Talia, kissed her cheek, and headed toward the door.
"Don't go back to bed," I warned, turning around. "I'll kick your ass if you do."
I hurried downstairs to the kitchen and sank into a chair, grabbing a glass of water to drink. My mother placed breakfast in front of me—French toast and eggs.
Just then, my father walked into the kitchen, smiling.
"I've already spoken to your mother about your new job," he whispered.
My eyes widened.
"What? When, Papa? What did she say?" I asked anxiously.
He smiled even wider, placing his hand gently on my head.
"See for yourself."
A lump formed in my throat as I turned toward the kitchen counter.
"Madhu! Come here!" my mother called, half-yelling.
I closed my eyes and sighed, bracing myself.
"Open your mouth," she said.
Before I could ask anything, she fed me a spoon of curd mixed with sugar.
My happiness soared—higher than Mount Everest.
That was her answer.
I hugged her tightly, and she slowly caressed my back.
"Be careful," she whispered into my ear.
I nodded.
I glanced at my watch—it was almost 9 a.m.
"Mamma, I have to go. Mr. Vasu and Sharadha Ma will be waiting for me," I said.
I pulled away from the hug and kissed her cheek. Gathering my belongings, I noticed my father standing with his arms wide open.
I walked straight into his embrace and hugged him tightly.
"Call me when you're done," he said softly.
Before I could respond, a familiar voice spoke from behind us.
"That won't be necessary, Papa. I'll take care of her."
I turned.
Vasu stood at the front door.
A smile slowly spread across my face.
Vasu's POV
After Madhu left, a restless excitement filled me.
I climbed the stairs to my room and pushed the door open. The room felt empty—but my mind wasn't. I could almost see her there, laughing, running across the room, throwing pillows at me, her laughter echoing against the walls. The image was so vivid it made my chest ache.
Get a grip, Vasu.
Just then, my phone vibrated.
I pulled it out of my pocket.
Confirmation received.
A slow smile spread across my face. The surprise was ready.
I walked to my wardrobe and picked out a white shirt, blue jeans, and a blue jacket—her favorites. Everything about today had to be perfect. I headed to the bathroom, my heart racing.
Today wasn't just another day.
Today could decide my entire life.
As I changed, I caught my reflection in the mirror. I didn't recognize myself—the nervousness, the anticipation, the fear. Ever since she walked out that door, my thoughts had been consumed by her.
"Perfect," I muttered, straightening my collar.
I grabbed my keys and phone and headed toward the living room. Before leaving, I went to my mother's room. She was already dressed, the caretaker adjusting her shawl.
She opened her mouth to say something.
"Don't say anything, Ma," I said quickly. "I'm nervous."
She chuckled softly.
Then my phone rang.
Karan.
"Hey, buddy," I answered.
There was a pause.
"Have you told her?" he asked.
Silence.
He understood immediately.
"Open the door, you idiot," he snapped.
My eyes widened.
I walked to the door and opened it. Karan stood there, tense, restless.
"Come in," I said.
He walked straight into the living room, pacing like a caged animal. I followed him.
"What's wrong with you?" I asked. "You're scaring me."
Before he could answer, I heard the faint sound of a wheelchair approaching.
"What's happening, Karan?" my mother asked anxiously.
Karan stopped pacing and exploded.
"Ma, I'm going to kill your dumbass son!" he shouted.
My heart dropped.
"What?!" I yelled. "Is she okay? She told me this morning she had a headache. I was going to take her for a check-up with Ma. Did she faint again? Oh my God—"
I rushed toward the door.
"STOP RIGHT THERE!" Karan roared.
I turned, stormed toward him, and grabbed his shoulders.
"What the hell is going on?" I yelled, locking eyes with him. I couldn't read his expression—and that terrified me.
"My parents selected a groom for her, Vasu."
The world went black.
I staggered backward. My chest tightened. My legs gave way, and I collapsed onto the sofa.
"No… no…" I whispered. "Does she know? Is she saying yes?"
"No," he said firmly, kneeling in front of me. "She won't. I won't let her."
I covered my face with my hands, breathing hard.
"Listen to me," he said urgently. "You are the one for her. I know it."
"Talk to your parents, Karan," I cut him off, my voice breaking. "I can't lose her. If I do, I won't survive it."
I looked up at him, desperation written all over my face.
"Please… talk to them."
He held my gaze.
"There's no need to beg," he said calmly. "She's yours. I'll make sure of it. I promise."
I let out a shaky breath.
I stood up.
"I'll tell her today. As planned," I said.
He nodded.
"I have a plan," he added. "Keep her with you until evening. The groom's family is contacting us only through video calls. Before that, I'll talk to my parents. I'll update you."
I grabbed his arm.
"What if they say no?"
He scoffed.
"Then kidnap her and take her far away."
I shot him a deadly glare.
"Just kidding," he said quickly.
I turned toward my mother. She looked worried but composed.
"Everything will be fine," she said, squeezing my hand.
"I hope so, Ma."
We headed to the parking lot together. Karan and I helped my mother into the car.
Before closing the door, Karan looked at me.
"Remember what I told you—and don't screw this up."
I nodded.
I went straight to Karan's house.
I needed to see her. Now.
The front door was open.
I stepped inside and saw her hugging her father.
"Call me when you're done," he said to her.
"It won't be necessary, Papa," I said, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. "I'll take care of her."
Everyone turned to look at me.
She smiled.
My heart nearly stopped.
I noticed she wasn't wearing the dress I had asked her to wear—and irrational disappointment flickered through me.
She ran toward me.
"How is Ma?" she asked, worry etched across her face.
In that moment, I wanted to drop to one knee.
Or grab her hand and run.
Or lock her away somewhere only I could reach her.
Because she was mine.
But I couldn't.
I had to stick to the plan.
"She's fine," I said softly.
I took her hand.
We said goodbye to her family and stepped outside.
The moment we reached the parking lot, I pushed her gently back against the car door.
Our gazes locked.
My heartbeat thundered.
I was one second away from doing something reckless—
Like kissing her.
Madhu's POV
Vasu and I waved goodbye to my family and stepped out of the house together. The morning air felt heavier than usual, as though it sensed the storm brewing inside me.
As we walked toward Vasu's car, everything happened too fast.
He suddenly pressed me back against the car door.
My breath caught.
Our gazes locked—and the world around us disappeared. His eyes held me captive, dark and intense, pulling me into a place where nothing else existed. My heart pounded wildly in my chest.
His hand lifted to my chin, tilting my face up to his.
I forgot how to breathe.
Every ounce of me screamed to close the distance between us, to surrender to the moment—but fear held me back. Fear of crossing a line. Fear of wanting too much.
Just then—
"What are you two doing here? Aren't you both running late for the hospital?"
My brother's voice shattered the moment.
I gasped and immediately broke free from Vasu's hold, my cheeks burning.
"Yes… yes, brother," I stammered. "We are late. Shall we go?"
Vasu nodded, his jaw tight.
"Wait in the car. I'll join you."
I didn't wait for another second.
I rushed to the passenger seat, opened the door, and buckled my seat belt tightly—as if it could hold my racing heart in place. I glanced at Sharadha Ma through the rearview mirror and nodded softly. She smiled faintly.
Finally, Vasu got in, started the engine, and drove out of the parking lot.
The drive to the hospital would take nearly an hour because of the heavy traffic.
No one spoke.
The silence was loud—thick with everything we weren't saying.
I kept checking on Sharadha Ma. After a while, I noticed her breathing had evened out—she had fallen asleep.
I, on the other hand, couldn't stop replaying what had happened moments earlier. The way he looked at me. The way his hand felt on my chin. The way my heart had almost betrayed me.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't realize the car had stopped.
"We've reached," Vasu said quietly.
I blinked and nodded, unbuckling my seat belt. Stepping out of the car, I signaled the hospital attendant to bring a wheelchair for Sharadha Ma.
We entered the elevator together, the doors closing with a soft hum. The ride felt endless, every second stretching with unspoken tension.
As soon as we reached the floor, I turned to him.
"Just wait in the waiting area," I said. "I'll check with the doctor."
I walked toward the reception, my heart still racing—for reasons that had nothing to do with the hospital.
The doctor was available.
And somehow, I knew—
this day was far from over
We entered the doctor's room for the consultation. Once inside, I explained everything in detail. The doctor listened patiently, examined Sharadha Ma, and finally reassured us that there was nothing serious to worry about. He prescribed a few medications and carefully explained the do's and don'ts she needed to follow.
Relief washed over me.
After thanking the doctor, we stepped out into the corridor.
Vasu reached out and took the prescription from my hand.
"Wait here. I'll go buy the medicines and come back," he said, draping his jacket over my shoulders before walking away.
I sat beside Sharadha Ma in the waiting area, adjusting the jacket around me. My phone vibrated.
Talia.
"Hey, babe, where are you?" I asked as soon as I answered.
"I'm in the hospital. Where are you?" she replied.
"I'm on the fourth floor, counter number twenty-three," I said.
As I ended the call, Sharadha Ma squeezed my hand gently.
"Madhu," she said softly. "Come here. I need to ask you something."
I leaned closer.
"Did you say yes to your parents?" she asked, her eyes searching mine.
My breath caught.
"Ma—"
Before I could finish, a familiar voice interrupted us.
"Ma."
We both turned.
Vasu and Talia were standing there.
"Madhu," Vasu said calmly, "can I speak to my mother alone for a moment?"
I nodded.
Talia immediately grabbed my hand and dragged me toward the corner of the corridor.
"Why haven't you changed your dress yet?" she whispered excitedly.
"What? I will," I replied, confused. "Wait—why are you so excited?"
She didn't answer. Her eyes drifted past me.
I turned—and there was Vasu, standing right behind me.
"Talia," he said, "can you take my mother to Madhu's house? I've already booked a cab for you both. I have some important work to take care of. I'll come and pick her up later."
Talia nodded far too eagerly.
Vasu then took my hand firmly.
"Let's go. Now it's your turn."
I immediately pulled back.
"Wait—have you lost your mind?" I asked. "How can you leave Ma like this?"
Before he could answer, Talia called out, laughing,
"Madhu, go on! I'm done with my work. I'm going home anyway—I'll take Auntie with me."
I stared at her, completely baffled.
Talia was acting… strange. I had only ever seen her this excited once—when I told her she could move in with me.
As we walked toward the elevator, I whispered all this to Vasu. He let out a tired sigh.
"She's just crazy," he muttered.
I was about to reply when the elevator arrived with a soft ding.
It was crowded inside.
Without hesitation, Vasu stepped closer and shielded me with his arms, holding me protectively against him. I felt safe—too safe—and smiled to myself, careful not to let it show.
We reached the sixth floor and stepped out, entering the doctor's room.
I opened my mouth to explain, but Vasu gently cut me off and narrated everything—from last night to this morning—without missing a single detail.
After examining me, the doctor smiled reassuringly.
"There's nothing to worry about," he said.
Vasu let out a long breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
Vasu's POV
The parking lot felt eerily quiet—too quiet for what was at stake.
Karan and I stood beside the car, the early morning air heavy with unspoken tension. He leaned closer, lowering his voice as if the walls themselves could hear us.
"Listen carefully," he said. "Keep them there until you receive a message from Talia."
I frowned.
"What message?"
He looked straight into my eyes.
"Just one word—PROCEED."
I scoffed despite the knot forming in my chest.
"Talia?" I repeated. "You're trusting her with this? She'll spill everything to Madhu within five minutes."
Karan exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening.
"No, she won't," he said firmly. "That word means my family has agreed. It's a green signal. Once you get it, you don't have to worry about anything—about anyone."
The weight of his words settled heavily on me.
"So until then," he continued, "you stay calm. Act normal. Keep her close."
I clenched my fists.
"And if something goes wrong?"
He stepped closer and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Nothing will," he said. "Because only you can handle her."
I looked at him, stunned.
"I've had this feeling for a long time," he added quietly. "She's in love with you too."
My breath hitched.
"What?" I stammered, my heart pounding violently. "Are you sure?"
He smirked.
"It's just a hunch—for now," he said. "But after you receive PROCEED, everything changes. From that moment on, it's all in your hands."
He paused, his gaze hardening.
"Whatever you have planned for her… don't hesitate."
He gave my shoulder a firm tap.
I nodded, swallowing the rush of adrenaline flooding my veins.
This wasn't just a confession anymore.
It was a countdown.
I got into the car and drove straight to the hospital, my mind racing faster than the traffic around me. The check-up for my mother went smoothly—nothing alarming, just a few medications and precautions. Relief should have followed, but it didn't.
Not yet.
I took the prescription from Madhu's hand and gently draped my jacket over her shoulders. My eyes, however, never left my phone. Every vibration, every flicker of the screen made my heart jump.
Nothing.
No message.
Minutes passed like hours. Restlessness clawed at my chest, my pulse thundering in my ears. Come on, Talia…
Then—
My phone vibrated.
Hard.
My breath hitched as I pulled it out. Sweat instantly dampened my palms. With trembling fingers, I opened the message.
PROCEED, my brother-in-law.
For a second, the world stopped.
My hands shook violently, and my vision blurred. A smile broke free—wide, uncontrollable, almost painful. I felt like screaming at the top of my lungs, like laughing, like crying all at once.
She's mine.
I sucked in a sharp breath, forcing myself to stay composed. You're still in a hospital, idiot.
Clenching my jaw, I slipped the phone back into my pocket and walked toward the pharmacy to collect my mother's medicines.
"Congratulations, brother-in-law."
I froze.
I turned—and there stood Talia, grinning like she had just pulled off the biggest heist of her life. Before I could react, she hugged me tightly.
"Go on," she whispered with a mischievous smile. "Get your girl. Hold her tight so she can't escape."
I laughed despite myself.
"She's lucky to have you," she added, giggling.
"And I'm luckier," I replied softly.
We walked back together toward my mother and Madhu.
That's when I heard it.
"Did you say yes to your parents?" my mother asked Madhu casually.
My blood ran cold.
Madhu looked utterly confused.
"Ma… what are you talking about?"
Fear slammed into me like a wave.
The groom.
The game had changed.
"Ma," I called out sharply.
Both of them turned toward us. I didn't waste another second.
"Madhu," I said, keeping my voice calm, "can I speak with my mother alone for a moment?"
She nodded slowly.
Before she could ask anything, Talia grabbed her hand and whisked her away, humming as if nothing serious had just happened.
I knelt down in front of my mother, taking her hands in mine. My chest felt tight, my eyes burning.
"It's a yes from her family's side, Ma," I whispered, unable to hide my smile.
Tears welled up in both our eyes.
She stared at me for a moment, then smiled—a smile filled with relief, love, and victory.
"Congratulations, my dear son," she said.
A breath I didn't know I was holding finally escaped me.
I asked Talia to take my mother home while I stayed back with Madhu for her check-up. The doctor examined her and reassured us—nothing serious, just rest and care.
As those words settled in, a strange calm washed over me.
The danger had passed.
The war wasn't over.
But the battle—
I had won.