Madhu's POV
When Sharadha Ma and my father brought up the idea of our engagement, something inside me shattered and bloomed at the same time.
Happiness.
Nervousness.
Fear.
All of it crashed into my chest at once, stealing the air from my lungs. My heart pounded so hard I was sure everyone could hear it. I couldn't—couldn't—let them see how overwhelmed I was. So I murmured an excuse about needing some air and escaped before my emotions betrayed me.
The cold night hit me the moment I stepped into the backyard.
I stopped on the porch, gripping the railing tightly, as if the solid wood was the only thing keeping me grounded. My palms were damp. My chest felt too tight.
"Are you blushing, Mrs. Vasudevan Prabakaran?"
My brother's teasing voice came from behind me.
I froze.
Heat rushed straight to my cheeks, and I knew—absolutely knew—I was glowing red. Turning around, I found him grinning like he had just won a lifetime supply of ammunition to tease me with. He walked toward me and wrapped me in a warm hug.
"Congratulations," he said softly. "I'm so happy for you."
When he pulled back, I let out a shaky laugh, trying to hide the storm raging inside me.
"What's wrong?" he asked immediately, his teasing fading into concern.
I closed my eyes and exhaled slowly. "I'm… nervous," I admitted. "I don't know what to do."
My voice trembled despite my efforts.
He took my hands in his, grounding me. "Listen to me. Everything will be okay." Then, with a raised brow and a knowing look, he asked, "Do you have any objections?"
Objections?
Never.
My answer would always be yes—until my last breath. Vasu wasn't just someone I loved. He was my world. The thought of a life without him felt hollow… unlivable.
And yet—
I needed to know.
Was he ready?
"Madhu," my brother's voice broke through my thoughts. "I'm waiting for your answer."
I cleared my throat, forcing myself back to reality. "K… of course it's a yes," I said softly. "But you should have asked him first."
He smiled—the kind of smile that said he already knew the ending.
"I know what his answer is," he said. "Now I know yours too."
I leaned against the railing, staring at the dark silhouettes of the mountains. "I want to talk to him," I whispered. "I need to know if he's ready."
My brother's phone rang.
He glanced at the screen and disconnected it instantly.
"Answer it," I insisted.
He shook his head. "It's Isobel."
"That's exactly why you should answer," I pressed. "If it wasn't important, she wouldn't call."
After a moment's hesitation, he nodded and stepped aside to take the call.
Left alone again, my thoughts spiraled.
He's ready. You know he is.
Why are you making this such a big deal?
Go talk to him.
My inner voice was relentless.
A small smile curved on my lips despite everything. I wrapped my arms around myself, rubbing them together as the cold seeped into my bones. Or maybe it wasn't the cold—maybe it was the fear of how much this moment meant.
After ending the call, my brother returned.
"I need your help," he said.
I raised an eyebrow. "Choosing your dress for tomorrow?" I teased weakly.
He scoffed. "No. A case. And before you ask—this isn't a request. Captain Isobel wants your opinion."
I smiled softly. "When do we start?"
"Not here," he replied. "Preparations will start soon. We'll work from Vasu's place."
I nodded, then gently said I needed a moment alone—to clear my head. He understood and left without another word.
I turned back toward the railing.
The mountains stood tall and silent, clouds drifting lazily across their peaks. Moonlight spilled over everything, silver and soft, while stars glittered like secrets scattered across the sky.
I let myself breathe.
Let myself feel.
And then—
"Are you enjoying the scenery alone, sweetheart?"
His voice.
Warm. Familiar. Safe.
A smile bloomed on my lips before I even turned around.
Vasu's POV
I made my way toward the backyard, my steps fast, my mind already racing.
I spotted Karan approaching me, and irritation surged instantly. I was more than ready to tear into him for leaving her alone—even for a minute—after I had made myself painfully clear.
But before I could open my mouth, he spoke.
"She's fine."
I stopped short.
"No trembling. No shivering," he continued, watching my face closely.
I raised one brow.
Then he smiled.
"She is shivering—but because it's cold," he added. "And to top it off, she's nervous. Very nervous."
Relief hit me so hard that I had to let out a slow breath. A soft chuckle escaped my lips.
"Are you blushing?" he teased.
I shook my head with a smile. "Enough. Tell me—what did she say?" I asked, unable to hide the edge in my voice.
He scoffed. "Get your answer yourself." Then his tone shifted to business. "After you're done talking, I need both of you at your place. Isobel called. We've got a case. We need to wrap it up before you two disappear tomorrow."
I frowned. "Both?"
He sighed dramatically. "Yes. You and Madhu. Isobel wants her opinion."
I nodded slowly, a grin forming. "Good. That means we can keep an eye on her together. I'll stay right beside her."
He nodded and turned away. "I'll start from my side."
As he walked off, I whispered to myself,
"One problem solved."
I pushed open the backyard door.
And there she was.
Standing near the railing. Still. Quiet. Lost in the mountains and moonlight like she belonged to the night itself. She hadn't noticed me yet.
God, she was beautiful.
"Are you enjoying the scenery alone, sweetheart?" I asked softly.
I heard her chuckle.
She turned slowly, rubbing her palms together, the cold biting into her skin. Without thinking, I closed the distance between us, slipped off my jacket, and wrapped it around her shoulders.
"Thanks," she whispered.
Our eyes locked.
The world narrowed.
"So," she asked quietly, not breaking eye contact. "What's your answer?"
I smiled.
Instead of replying, I took her hands into mine, interlocking our fingers, grounding myself in her warmth.
"What's yours?" I asked.
Her brown eyes pierced straight through me.
"Of course, it's yes."
We said it at the same time.
I pulled her toward me instinctively, closing my eyes as I rested my forehead against hers. My breath came out shaky.
"So," I murmured, "will you marry me?"
She let out a soft, throaty chuckle.
"If you want my answer," she teased, "you have to ask properly. This is the most unromantic proposal ever."
I knew she was messing with me.
Still—I didn't hesitate.
I stepped back and dropped to one knee.
"So, Ms. Madhu Krishnan," I said, locking my gaze onto hers, "are you ready to become Mrs. Madhu Krishnan Vasudevan Prabakaran?"
Her hands flew to her mouth.
"Yes!" she almost screamed, helping me up immediately.
She laughed breathlessly. "And are you ready to accept this crazy girl?" she asked, pointing at herself.
I didn't answer with words.
I pulled her into me, one hand cupping her cheek, the other wrapping firmly around her waist.
"I already have," I said softly.
I lifted her chin gently.
"And I already told you," I murmured, my voice dropping husky, "that I'm trying very hard not to kiss you, sweetheart."
Her heart was pounding—I could feel it against my chest.
I pulled her closer until there was no space left between us. Her breathing turned uneven. Her hands found my jacket's lapel, gripping it like she needed me to stay real.
"Vasu," she whispered.
"What?" I asked gently, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
Her eyes fluttered shut, a smile curving on her lips.
"I already told you," she whispered. "No one is stopping you. I'm all yours."
That was all it took.
My lips found hers.
And in that kiss, the world finally felt right.
Vasu's POV
We slowly pulled back, our foreheads still resting against each other, breaths tangled, hearts still racing.
"So… engagement," I murmured softly, a smile tugging at my lips. "Finally, you're going to be mine. Forever."
She blushed instantly.
Without saying a word, she wrapped her arms around me again, pressing her head against my chest like she belonged there—which she did. I held her close, unwilling to let go.
My phone started to ring.
I groaned inwardly but answered it anyway, still holding her.
"Yes… yeah… we're coming," I said briefly and cut the call.
I felt her head grow heavier against my chest.
"Who was it?" she asked, her voice muffled.
I let out a slow sigh. "Your brother. We have to go."
She shook her head stubbornly. "Screw it."
"Sweetheart—" I began with a low chuckle, but she cut me off immediately.
"Let's stay like this for a few more minutes," she said firmly, tightening her hold on me. "Don't spoil the moment."
I smiled helplessly.
"As you wish," I said, hugging her tighter.
When we finally entered the house, we froze.
Preparations for tomorrow's ceremony had already begun.
Lights.
Flowers.
Voices everywhere.
I walked over to her father and informed him that I was taking Madhu to my place for a case discussion. He nodded calmly.
"Karan already told me," he said.
I nodded and turned around.
Madhu was on the floor, laughing and playing with Meenu.
My heart melted.
With a smile, I walked over. "We have to go," I said gently.
Meenu immediately wrapped her arms around Madhu.
"No! She's not going anywhere!" she declared.
I bent closer to Madhu and whispered into her ear, "Now I have two enemies trying to keep you away from me, sweetheart."
She rolled her eyes dramatically and lifted Meenu into her arms.
"Princess," she said softly. "Will you listen to me?"
Meenu nodded with a pout.
"I have to go to work," Madhu continued. "But I promise I'll come back. Okay?"
Meenu nodded slowly, still sulking.
Madhu kissed her cheek and gently set her down.
And just like that, we left.
I pushed open the door to my house.
We both gasped.
Karan was sitting on the floor—completely surrounded by files. Twenty. Maybe thirty.
I looked at Madhu.
She stared at him for a second and sighed deeply.
"This is going to be a much longer night than I thought."
I rubbed my face in frustration.
"Has your brother gone mad? Tomorrow is our engagement!"
She smiled calmly.
"Relax. We've got this."
And just like that, she walked in and joined him.
I followed, still grumbling.
Arguing with Karan was pointless now.
So we worked.
At some point, like literal children, Madhu and Karan started fighting—throwing pillows at each other, laughing, yelling.
I leaned back and watched them, unable to stop smiling.
This… this was family.
By the time we finished整理ing the case and creating a proper document, it was already 11:30 p.m.
I collapsed onto the sofa, stretching my arms along the backrest.
"Sweetheart… coffee?" I asked lazily.
She looked at her brother.
He nodded.
She went to the kitchen and returned with coffee for all of us.
Just then, Karan's phone rang.
"Yes, Papa," he answered.
I lifted my head.
"No… we didn't finish early. She fell asleep while working," he continued.
"If I wake her, she won't sleep again. I'll stay here tonight too."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Okay, I'll come once I'm done here," he said and ended the call.
I turned to him slowly.
"I told Papa she'd stay here… and me too," he added casually. "Or if you two want privacy, I can—"
"Shut up!" I snapped half-yelling.
He laughed.
I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face.
Madhu returned and handed me the coffee before sitting beside me.
We switched on a movie.
A few minutes later, I noticed her yawning.
Without a word, I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her closer.
Her head settled naturally against my chest.
Within moments, she fell asleep.
I gently ran my fingers through her hair and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
For a moment—
I felt like I was in heaven.
Karan's voice pulled me back.
"So," he asked quietly, "what's your plan?"
I sighed softly.
"It's all up to Magnus."
I tightened my hold on her, protecting her even in sleep.
And in that moment, one thing was clear—
Whatever was coming next…
I would face it with her