Madhu's POV
I slowly opened my eyes and let out a soft groan, breathing in a scent that made my heart flutter instantly.
The man I had been waiting for—without even knowing I was waiting. Not just in this lifetime, but in every version of myself that had ever believed love was too fragile to trust again.
I tightened my arms around him, pressing myself into his chest, as if the world might steal him away if I loosened my hold even for a second. His warmth surrounded me, steady and real.
Memories flooded my mind—
the hospital,
the blindfold,
his arms lifting me effortlessly,
the trembling in my chest before he spoke,
the way my world had tilted when he said he loved me.
A smile curved on my lips before I could stop it.
"What are you thinking?" Vasu's voice murmured above me, low and warm.
I lifted my head slightly and met his gaze. His eyes were already on me—soft, attentive, impossibly gentle. Heat rushed to my cheeks.
Clearing my throat, I hid my face back against his chest and mumbled,
"Nothing… I was just thinking about everything that happened an hour ago."
I felt his fingers intertwine with mine.
A quiet, throaty chuckle escaped him.
"Since when did you learn to be this shy?"
I huffed and punched his stomach lightly.
"Don't tease me."
He groaned dramatically and pulled me back before I could escape, wrapping his arms around me tighter than before.
"Are you trying to run away from me now?" he asked, one eyebrow lifting.
I sighed softly and placed my hand over his chest, feeling his heartbeat beneath my palm.
"I can't escape from you," I said honestly.
"And I won't."
His grip tightened just a little—as if he felt the weight of my words.
I took a shaky breath and whispered,
"What have you done to me, Vasu?"
He smiled against my hair.
"I don't know, sweetheart. Maybe you've worked some magic on me."
I smiled too.
Just as the silence settled again—my phone began to ring.
I jolted upright.
"Oh God—my bag!" I panicked, scanning the room. "Where did I put it?"
Vasu immediately moved, searching alongside me.
"Found it," he said calmly.
I rushed toward him, grabbing the bag, but my hands betrayed me—shaking, unsteady.
He noticed instantly.
"Hey… hey…" he murmured, setting the bag aside.
"What's wrong, Madhu? Why are you trembling?"
His hands rubbed warmth into my arms, grounding me. I closed my eyes, focusing on my breathing—slowly in, slowly out—just like I'd taught myself to do on my worst days.
He didn't let go. Not even once.
When I finally opened my eyes, I let out a shaky sigh.
"It's nothing," I said softly. "I just… need to check who called."
Before stepping back, I leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek—soft, instinctive, full of trust.
His smile widened, pride and affection shining through.
"Okay," he said warmly. "Take your time."
And in that moment, I realized something profound—
For the first time, love didn't make me feel small.
It made me feel safe.
And that scared me… in the most beautiful way.
I walked toward the dining table and sank into the chair, already knowing exactly who those missed calls would be from.
My fingers trembled as I switched on my phone.
7:15 PM.
I swallowed hard and unlocked the screen.
Twenty-five missed calls.
My breath caught in my throat.
"Shoot… shit," I whispered under my breath.
My eyes skimmed through the names, and with every one of them, my chest tightened further—
Karan. Priya. Amma. Appa. Talia. Sharadha Ma.
Everyone.
My heart began to race violently, as if it was trying to escape my ribcage.
How am I supposed to tell them?
How do I explain that the man they trusted, the man they loved, was now the man I loved?
The room suddenly felt too small.
I pushed myself up from the chair, but my body betrayed me. My hands shook. My legs felt weak, unsteady beneath my weight. My breathing turned shallow, erratic.
Not now… please not now.
I closed my eyes and focused on my breath—
In…
Out…
Slow…
Steady…
Before the fear could swallow me whole, I felt hands on my shoulders.
I didn't need to look.
I knew it was him.
Vasu gently turned me toward him, his palms warm against my skin. His eyes widened the moment he saw my face.
"Hey… hey…" he whispered urgently, cupping my face.
"What's wrong, sweetheart? Please talk to me. I can't see you like this."
The moment our eyes met, my strength collapsed.
I stepped into him and wrapped my arms around his chest, clinging to him as if he was the only thing keeping me upright. He didn't hesitate—not for a second. His arms closed around me, firm and protective, his hand cradling the back of my head.
"It's okay," he murmured softly. "I've got you."
I pulled back just enough to speak, tears spilling freely now.
"My family, Vasu…" I sobbed.
"What am I going to tell them about us? And Sharadha Ma—what will she think of me?"
My voice broke completely.
"I don't want to lose you," I cried, pressing my forehead against his chest.
"I can't… I can't lose you."
His heartbeat was calm—steady—so different from the chaos raging inside me. He kissed my forehead gently, lingering there.
"You won't," he said softly, almost smiling.
"You will not lose me. I promise."
That calmness confused me.
How can he be so calm when I feel like I'm drowning? My mini-me whispered bitterly.
I pulled back, wiping my tears angrily.
"It's not funny," I snapped, frustration mixing with fear.
"I'm terrified, Vasu. What if our families don't agree? What if everything falls apart?"
I took a step back, panic clawing its way up again.
He followed me, closing the distance, his voice steady but firm.
"Madhu, look at me," he said, holding my arms gently.
"We will get through this. Together. I promise you."
I jerked my hands away, overwhelmed.
"How?" I demanded, my voice cracking.
Without waiting for an answer, I turned and rushed into the living room, collapsing onto the sofa. I buried my face in my hands, my thoughts spiraling.
How can you be so calm, Vasu? I whispered to myself, exhausted and lost.
Just then, my phone rang.
I froze.
Papa.
My hands shook as I answered the call.
"Yes, Papa," I said, forcing my voice to sound steady.
"Madhu, beta," his voice came through, filled with worry.
"Where are you? Why aren't you answering your phone? When are you coming home?"
I closed my eyes, gripping the phone tightly—knowing that everything was about to change.
I knew one thing for certain—
Whenever my father called, I answered.
Always.
No matter where I was. No matter what was happening.
I closed my eyes slowly, drawing in a shaky breath, already bracing myself. My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might give me away.
"Papa…" I said softly.
"Yes… I'll be home in thirty minutes. I'm nearby."
The words lodged in my throat before I forced myself to continue.
"There's something important I need to talk to you about."
There was a pause on the other end—just a second too long.
"Okay, beta," he replied calmly. "Come home first. We'll talk then."
Relief flooded me so suddenly that my knees almost gave out.
"Okay, Papa. Love you," I whispered, ending the call before my voice could betray me further.
The phone slipped from my hand onto the table.
I covered my face with both palms, my breath uneven, thoughts spiraling faster than I could control them.
This is it.
Everything changes now.
I didn't hear him move, but I felt him.
Vasu.
He stood in front of me for a moment, silent, grounding. Then he knelt down slowly, gently peeling my hands away from my face, holding them as if they were something fragile—something precious.
Vasu's POV
The moment her phone started ringing, I knew exactly who it was.
She sat there frozen, staring at the table like it might give her answers. I could see it all over her face—the fear, the anticipation, the weight of a confession she didn't know how to make.
I smiled to myself, not unkindly.
Sorry, sweetheart, I thought.
Today isn't done testing you yet.
Quietly, I reached into my pocket and dialed Karan.
After a few rings, he answered.
"Karan," I said calmly. "I need one more favor."
"Yes?" he replied instantly.
I cleared my throat.
"She's trying to figure out how to tell you all about us."
There was no hesitation on his end.
"That won't be a problem. We've already accepted you."
The warmth that spread through my chest nearly stole my breath.
"But she doesn't know that," I said, a slow smile forming.
There was a pause.
"Exactly ten minutes from now," I continued, "ask Papa to call her and ask when she's coming home. After that, Madhu and I will arrive."
Silence.
Then—
"Vasu…" Karan said carefully. "I can hear it in your voice. What are you planning?"
I chuckled under my breath.
"Ask your family—and my mother—to pretend they're against us."
"What?" he exploded. "Are you insane?"
"Listen to me," I cut in sharply. "Not cruel. Not harsh. Just enough tension."
His voice rose.
"Dumbass! If she thinks we're against her, it'll destroy her!"
"I'll be there," I said firmly.
"I won't let it cross the line. The second I feel she can't handle it, I'll tell her the truth myself."
A long exhale crackled through the phone.
"Fine," he muttered.
"But if my sister gets hurt, I'll kill you. And if she finds out this was your idea… she'll help me."
I smiled.
"Worth the risk."
"I have to go," I added, ending the call before he could argue further.
Because one way or another—
Tonight, Madhu would know the truth.
And she would never face it alone.
Vasu's POV
I walked into the dining area and stopped in front of her.
She didn't notice me.
She stood there completely still, lost somewhere deep inside her thoughts, her shoulders tense, her fingers twisting together nervously. My heart clenched at the sight.
I reached out and placed my hand gently on her shoulder.
She startled.
Before she could react, I turned her toward me and cupped her face in my palms. Her eyes were wide, her breathing uneven—fear written all over her face.
"Hey… hey," I whispered urgently.
"What's wrong with you, sweetheart?"
She didn't answer.
Instead, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me tightly—so tightly it felt like she was afraid I might disappear if she loosened her grip.
I held her just as firmly, grounding her, feeling the tremble in her body. When I pulled back slightly, I brushed away the tears sliding down her cheeks with my thumbs.
She lifted her head slowly and looked at me, then wrapped her arms around my waist this time, burying her face into my chest.
She stayed silent for a long moment.
Then she sighed, broken and heavy.
"Family, Vasu…"
That single word said everything.
I tightened my hold on her, my mind racing ahead—to the moment she would realize she had never been alone in this, not even for a second.
Lost in those thoughts, I felt her body tense again.
"I don't want to lose you," she whispered, her voice cracking.
Then she cried.
The sound tore straight through me.
I pulled her closer, caressing her back slowly, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"You won't lose me," I said firmly, softly.
"I promise you that."
She jerked away from me suddenly, frustration flashing through her fear.
"What if your mother doesn't agree?" she demanded.
"What if my parents don't? What then, Vasu?"
I opened my mouth to calm her, but she shook her head and rushed toward the living room, collapsing onto the sofa, covering her face with her hands.
I watched her for a second and smiled faintly.
Sorry, sweetheart, I thought.
You just need to wait a little longer.
Her phone rang.
I saw her flinch before answering.
"Papa…"
She told him she'd be home in thirty minutes. When she hung up, her shoulders sagged.
That was it.
Enough.
I walked into the living room and knelt in front of her. Gently, I took her hands away from her face.
She opened her eyes.
I rested my forehead against hers and intertwined my fingers with hers, our breaths mingling.
"Do you think," I murmured quietly,
"that if I lost you, I'd be able to survive it?"
She froze.
"Vasu…" she stammered.
I smiled softly, my voice dropping.
"No, sweetheart. I wouldn't."
I stayed there for a moment, letting the weight of my words sink in.
Then I stood up.
"Go freshen up," I said casually, as if I hadn't just turned her world upside down.
"We're going to your home."
She shot up from the sofa.
"What?"
"You're joking, right?"
"Have you—have you lost your mind?"
I stepped forward and wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her close until there was no space left between us. I could feel her breath hitch.
"We're going to tell them," I said calmly.
"And we're not going to imagine disaster before it even happens."
She opened her mouth, stuttering again, words tripping over each other.
I grinned.
Pressing her even closer, I lowered my voice.
"Sweetheart," I warned playfully,
"if you don't stop stuttering right now, I swear I will kiss you."
Her breath caught.
"And when I do," I continued softly,
"you won't be able to escape me."
Her eyes widened, and she slapped a hand over her mouth.
I chuckled.
"Even if you cover your mouth," I teased,
"I can still do it."
I leaned closer, my voice warm and amused.
"Because you're adorable when you're nervous, babe."
And for the first time since the panic began—
she smiled.
Madhu's face flushed a deep shade of red, and without another word, she buried her face into my chest. I chuckled softly, the sound vibrating between us, and pressed a gentle kiss into her hair.
"Okay," I whispered near her ear, my voice warm and steady.
"Go get ready. We're going to your home now."
She lifted her head slowly, her brows knitting together in confusion.
"What?" she asked.
I smiled, tapping the tip of her nose.
"Don't ask anything. Just trust me and get ready."
She studied my face for a second, then nodded. As soon as I loosened my hold, she turned and practically ran into the bathroom.
I watched her go, my chest tight with emotion.
I picked up her bag and began gathering her things, slipping her files inside carefully. One file slid from my grip and hit the floor.
"Damn it," I muttered, bending down.
As I picked it up, it fell open.
Madhu's certificate file.
My curiosity got the better of me. Inside, an envelope caught my attention—NYPD stamped clearly on the front.
A slow smile spread across my face.
Of course.
At that exact moment, the bathroom door swung open.
She froze.
Her eyes locked onto the envelope in my hand, and all the color drained from her face.
She rushed toward me, flustered, words tumbling out.
"I—I was going to tell you about that—"
I held up my hand, stopping her gently.
"I know," I said softly, smiling.
"And the day after tomorrow, we'll go submit this together."
Her breath caught.
"What?" she gasped.
Then she laughed—light, breathless, overwhelmed—and threw her arms around me.
"Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
I hugged her back, holding her just a little longer than necessary before reminding her gently,
"We should go. It's getting late."
She gathered her things, taking a deep breath as if bracing herself. Then she reached for my hand and held it tightly.
"I'm ready," she said, though the forced smile didn't fool me.
We walked through the parking lot together. Just before reaching her car, she suddenly stopped.
She pulled her hand away and grabbed my forearms with both hands, holding me there—still, rooted to the ground.
I immediately cupped the back of her hand, rubbing slow circles with my thumb.
"What happened?" I asked softly.
"If you want to slow down, we can. We can talk to them later."
She shook her head and leaned into me, resting her forehead against my shoulder.
"I'm nervous," she admitted quietly.
"I don't know how I'm going to handle this. Whether it's today or tomorrow, they'll find out about us anyway."
I sighed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
"You're not alone," I said firmly, lifting her chin so she had to look at me.
"Not today. Not ever."
I rested my forehead against hers, our breaths mingling.
"We'll face this together, sweetheart."
And this time—
she nodded, believing me.
Madhu's POV
Fear wrapped itself around my chest as we stood outside my home.
My heartbeat was wild—too loud, too fast—like it was trying to escape before I could. I kept rehearsing the moment in my head again and again, each version ending differently, none of them certain.
I knew I could handle Papa.
I knew Priya akka and Talia would stand by me.
But my brother…
Sharadha Ma…
That was where my courage wavered.
And Mamma.
That thought alone made my throat tighten. I could only pray Papa would shield her from the shock—at least for today. I crossed my fingers silently, bargaining with fate like a frightened child.
Please… just let this go well.
Before I could steady myself, the sharp sound of the doorbell sliced through my thoughts.
Ding dong.
I flinched.
I felt Vasu beside me before I saw him. He turned slightly, his gaze instantly finding mine—reading me like always. Without a word, he lifted his hand and brushed a loose strand of hair away from my face. His fingertips lingered at my temple, then traced gently down my cheek.
The simple touch grounded me.
I leaned into him without thinking, my forehead nearly touching his chest.
"Everything will be fine, sweetheart," he murmured softly, his voice low and steady—like a promise meant only for me.
For a second, I believed it.
Then—
A deliberate throat-clearing sound echoed behind us.
Reality snapped back.
I froze.
Slowly, painfully, I turned my head.
"Oh my God… Mamma…" I whispered, my breath catching.
She stood there with her arms crossed, eyes sharp, assessing everything—the closeness, the silence, the way Vasu's hand was still hovering near my face.
"Is this the time you choose to come home, Ms. Madhu Krishna?" she asked coolly, one eyebrow lifting.
My stomach dropped.
You are dead, babe, my mini-me whispered mercilessly.
I swallowed hard, forcing air into my lungs, my fingers curling slightly as I braced myself.
This was it.
No more running.
No more hiding.
Whatever happened next—I would face it.