82.
I looked at myself in the mirror while brushing my teeth. Ageing always leaves its evidence behind—fine lines you didn't invite, tired eyes you pretend not to notice. But what can we really do about it?
Through the mirror, I saw the two loves of my life.
Shaurya was shampooing Aarya's hair, and—unsurprisingly—she was perfectly calm with him.
When it comes to me, she turns into a full-blown tornado the moment water touches her head.
I watched him gently massage the shampoo into her scalp, careful and unhurried, pouring water slowly as if he had all the time in the world.
This was going to take hours.
I rolled my eyes.
"Aarav, don't you think Aarya needs a haircut?" Shaurya said casually.
He wasn't wrong. Aarya's hair reached almost to her bum—far too long for a child her age. But I hated the idea of cutting it. Her hair was beautiful. Soft. Too precious to lose.
"I think I'll just trim it a little," I said.
Shaurya glanced at me.
"Do you always cut her hair yourself?"
I nodded.
Aarya let out a dramatic sigh, clearly unhappy with the topic. Shaurya noticed immediately and looked down at her.
"I think it's time we let a professional handle it," he said gently. "She's growing up."
"But they'll cut too much," I protested.
Shaurya smiled. "Then we'll ask Aarohi to take her. She'll know a good place for kids. Aarya will be fine."
He looked at her. "Won't you?"
Aarya nodded enthusiastically, flashing that easy smile that always undid me.
I sighed in defeat. "Alright."
"All done, my lady," Shaurya announced, wrapping her hair carefully in a towel. He covered her little body with another one and lifted her into his arms.
And just like that, my heart softened all over again.
Aarohi was already waiting outside, ready to dress Aarya up. She has this unstoppable obsession with experimenting on my daughter's hair—and honestly, Aarya looks stunning every single time. After Shaurya handed Aarya over to her, he locked the door and came back inside.
I looked at him. There was still a little soap foam clinging to his hair.
I chuckled and reached up, rinsing it away. Shaurya slipped out of his shirt and stepped closer, wrapping his arms around me from behind. His lips brushed my shoulder, slow and unhurried. Even in this unbearable summer heat, he somehow managed to send shivers down my spine.
"Baby," he whispered.
"I love you," I said softly, holding onto his arms.
He turned me around effortlessly and lifted me onto the sink counter. I rested my hands on his shoulders, our faces close.
"Can I ask you something?" I asked.
"Mmm," he hummed.
"Shaurya... why is your room locked? Since I came back, I've never seen you go inside it. You've been staying in the guest room."
His expression shifted—not pain exactly, but something heavier.
"I didn't like being there without you," he said quietly. "Everything kept replaying in my head... what I did to you. And when I couldn't find your ribbon, I started losing my mind. So I had the room locked."
My chest tightened.
"Can I open it now?" I asked honestly. "I miss living there."
He nodded without hesitation. "Of course. You never needed to ask me. But it's been locked for years—I'll have the staff clean it first."
I smiled and kissed his forehead.
"Well... Aarav," he said after a moment, "are you free next week?"
I nodded. "Why?"
"I was thinking we could take a trip to Spain."
I rolled my eyes. "You told me you're busy dealing with Bilal. What about that?"
"That will keep going on regardless," he replied calmly. "Dad is coming today. I think it'll be fine."
I stiffened at the mention of his father.
"Okay," I said slowly. "Aarya would love it too."
Then, hesitating slightly, I added, "Can we take Yug with us as well?"
Shaurya looked at me.
"I can tell he's struggling to adjust here," I continued quietly. "Last night, I saw him wandering around the mansion. He didn't look okay."
Shaurya exhaled softly, thoughtful.
"Yup. Ravi will be coming as well."
I groaned. "Aapko apni wanar sena har jagah kyun chahiye hoti hai?" I pouted. I still don't understand this unbreakable bond between Shaurya and Ravi—they go nowhere without each other.
Shaurya took my hand and pressed a soft kiss to my palm.
"I think it's good if Ravi comes with us," he said lightly. "He'll keep Yug distracted."
I stared at him. "Mera bhola-sa bandar ko kya ho gaya hai?" I muttered, twisting his moustache between my fingers.
Shaurya hummed, clearly enjoying it. "Hmm. I hope you prepare well for the trip."
I narrowed my eyes. "You're plotting something."
"Maybe," he said, smirking. "Wear something sexy. I'd like to devour you with my eyes."
I blushed instantly.
"And," he added, voice lower, "I might want to do more than just look."
"You can't convince me," I said stubbornly.
He pouted.
"If you want it so badly," I teased, "why don't you propose to me properly?"
"I want that to be special," he replied, suddenly serious.
"Hmph. Fine. The longer you make me wait, the longer you'll have to wait too."
Shaurya smiled before leaning in and kissing me. I kissed him back, my hands finding his shoulders.
He's built like a mountain—no matter how much time I spend in the gym, I'm nowhere close.
I know he's been a little conscious about his weight lately; I've seen him eating less ever since I joked about his belly.
I regret that. I really do. To me, there's no one more attractive in this world than him—no argument, no debate.
I pulled back slightly, resting my hand on his chest.
"Shaurya... I want to try something new," I said.
He raised an eyebrow. "What kind of new?"
I smiled, teasing. "After we're married... can we switch roles just once? I mean can I top you?"
He stared at me like I'd suggested something utterly impossible.
"Please, bubba," I said softly. "I want you to feel what you make me feel."
"And how do I make you feel?" he asked, curious now.
"Too good," I admitted. "I feel like being pregnant everytime you push that thing inside me".
He cleared his throat, suddenly flustered. "I think you didn't sleep well last night," he said quickly. "Let's take a shower first."
He slid me down from the counter and tugged my hand toward the shower.
I snorted. "Are you... scared?"
"I'm not."
"You absolutely are," I laughed. "Look at your face."
"Stop teasing me," he warned, eyes darkening, "or I'll forget all my promises and start eating you right here".
I stopped laughing—but I couldn't stop smiling.
-----------------------
Asim, Harsh, and Kabir had been assigned to show Yug around the Unit. He hadn't expected it to be this vast—it was practically a township, with buildings spread far beyond what the eye could take in at once.
They hadn't taken him anywhere near the weapons section yet, much to Yug's disappointment. He was curious about it, but since Shaurya hadn't personally approved anything, he didn't ask.
The first stop was the gym.
As instructed by Aarav, Harsh went easy on Yug—but easy was relative. With every push-up, Yug felt his muscles scream in protest, his body threatening to give up entirely. By the time they were done, his arms felt numb and his lungs burned.
On their way back, they passed through the pool area.
It was empty—except for one man.
Broad shoulders. Tanned skin. A towel slung low around his waist.
Ravi.
He was standing near the pool, speaking quietly to a woman in guard uniform. Yug slowed instinctively.
"That's his girlfriend?" Yug asked under his breath.
Harsh snorted.
"No. She's one of the guards here. Just like us."
Before Yug could say anything else, Ravi noticed them. His conversation stopped mid-sentence. Yug immediately looked away, pretending to be deeply interested in the tiles beneath his feet.
The woman left soon after.
Ravi walked toward them.
"What are you doing here?" Ravi asked, his voice neutral but sharp.
Yug stayed silent.
"He wanted to work out," Asim answered smoothly. "So we accompanied him."
Ravi nodded once.
"Leave. I need to talk to him."
The three of them didn't waste a second. Yug watched their retreating backs with mild disbelief at how quickly they disappeared.
Left alone, Yug folded his hands awkwardly.
"Good morning."
Yug scoffed.
"Tumhara shakal dikh gaya, kahaan se good morning?"
He reached out, as if to take Yug's hand—but Yug shifted away just in time.
The air between them tightened instantly.
"If you want to apologise," Yug said evenly, "stay right there and do it. You don't need to touch me."
Ravi's expression hardened.
"Who told you I'm apologising? I didn't do anything wrong."
"You're really a jerk," Yug muttered. He exhaled sharply. "I think I should leave too."
He turned to go.
"Kabir will be taking care of you from now on," Ravi said from behind him. "If you need anything, you can tell him."
Yug felt relief wash over him—quiet, unexpected, but unmistakable.
Good. Now Ravi wouldn't have any excuse to come near him again.
He didn't reply.
He simply followed the path ahead, not once looking back.
-----
Yug saw Ravi step out of the mansion. He overheard him speaking to Shaurya about a mission and assumed that was where he was headed. Without thinking much further, Yug followed.
Ravi placed a bag inside his car and walked off toward the other side. Yug hesitated only for a second before approaching the vehicle. The trunk was slightly open.
What's the worst that could happen?
Even if he got caught—so what?
He slipped inside and pulled the lid down just enough.
After a while, Yug heard footsteps nearing the car. His breath hitched. Ravi was approaching—but then the steps stopped. Yug silently thanked every god he knew.
"You little mouse," Ravi muttered under his breath.
The car door opened. Ravi slid into the driver's seat.
Before Yug could relax, another pair of footsteps approached. The trunk opened abruptly, light flooding in.
Kabir.
Yug froze.
"Aarav really affected you, didn't he?" Kabir said calmly, looking down at him.
Then Kabir raised his voice, "Ravi, should I pull him out?"
"Yeah," Ravi replied without hesitation.
Kabir grabbed Yug by the legs and dragged him out. Yug stumbled awkwardly onto the ground.
"What the—" Yug started, regaining his balance.
"What were you doing in there?" Kabir asked.
"I wanted to go out," Yug said defensively.
Kabir sighed. "You could've just told me."
Yug's face brightened instantly. "Really? Then let's g—"
"Not today," Kabir interrupted. "I've got some unfinished work."
Yug groaned, irritation flashing across his face.
"You're seriously of no use, man."
"Well, come with me," Kabir said, adjusting his glasses.
They walked over to Ravi's side of the car window.
"He wants to go out. Take him with you," Kabir said casually.
"No," Yug blurted. "I'd rather die."
Kabir turned to him slowly. "Then what the hell were you doing inside his trunk?"
Ravi looked at Yug. Yug met his gaze, eyes narrowing.
"If you think you can fly inside the car just by staring at me, you're wrong," Ravi said coldly. "Move your legs."
"No."
Ravi's glare sharpened. Yug sighed dramatically, rolled his eyes, and finally moved to the passenger seat beside him.
"Inform Shaurya he's with me," Ravi said without looking at Kabir.
Kabir nodded.
Ravi started the engine and drove off.
"I thought you didn't want to see my face," Ravi said after a moment.
"I still don't."
Ravi glanced at him. "You want me to kick you out?"
Yug scoffed. "Why do you hate me so much, huh? What did I even do to you?"
Ravi didn't reply immediately. At the next signal, he leaned closer—too close. Yug froze.
Ravi reached past him, pulled the seatbelt, and fastened it around Yug with a sharp click.
Yug's chest tightened. That strange feeling again.
"Where do you want to go?" Ravi asked flatly.
"Anywhere you won't murder someone in front of my eyes," Yug muttered.
"Hm." Ravi paused. "I was going to the mall. You wanna go there?"
Yug shrugged, pretending not to care. "Whatever."
Ravi drove to the nearest mall. Before stepping out, he handed Yug a cap.
"Wear this," Ravi said. "People notice too easily."
Almost everyone in Rajasthan knew Yug—not because of business flyers, but because he'd been all over Instagram. Yug pulled the cap low and followed Ravi inside.
Ravi headed straight to the men's clothing section. Yug assumed he was shopping for himself and wandered off, checking out shoes. He tried on a couple of pairs, admiring them in the mirror.
One of the staff suddenly recognized him. She looked ready to scream, but Ravi appeared beside her, calmly handing over an autograph with a quiet nod. She froze—and then nodded back, speechless.
Ravi returned to browsing hoodies.
Yug watched him for a moment before Ravi glanced up and motioned him closer.
"Don't you think that's too small for you?" Yug said, eyeing the hoodie in Ravi's hands.
"It's not for me," Ravi replied.
He held the hoodie up against Yug's torso, studying him with a frown.
"This isn't looking right," Ravi muttered.
Yug frowned. "What are you doing?"
"Trying to find a hoodie for you," Ravi said plainly, scanning the rack. "I tore the one you were wearing yesterday."
"You don't have to do this," Yug said quickly. "I have more."
"I think pink would look good on you," Ravi said.
Yug stared at him. "Seriously?"
"Yeah. You're too fair. It'll suit you."
"I don't like pink. Or orange," Yug said.
Ravi sighed. "Honestly, there aren't any good colors here."
"I already told you—you don't need to do this. It's weird."
"I didn't ask you," Ravi replied, already turning away.
"Excuse me," Ravi called out.
The staff member startled at his deep voice.
"Do you have other colors besides these?" Ravi asked, then gestured toward Yug. "Something that would fit him."
The staff followed his gesture—and froze when he recognized Yug.
"Oh... Yug Khuranna. Welcome," the staff said politely. Yug offered a small, polite smile in return. The staff felt a sudden weight on him and looked up—Ravi was standing there, his gaze sharp and unreadable.
He cleared his throat.
"We do have more colors, Sir. Please follow me," the staff said hurriedly, leading the way.
"Stop making that face. You're scaring him too," Yug muttered, glancing at Ravi.
Both of them followed the staff through the store, eventually reaching a private section reserved for designer clothes.
"We have top-quality brands here. Do you have any color in mind?" the staff asked Ravi.
"I think we'd like to check them out ourselves, so if you'll excuse us," Ravi said smoothly.
"Yeah, sure!" The staff nodded and hurried out, leaving them alone.
Ravi picked up a white hoodie and held it against Yug. Yug noticed the faint approval in his eyes.
"I like the brown one," Yug said, pointing to another hoodie.
Ravi glanced at it, then picked it up with a nod.
"Anything else you like?" Ravi asked.
"Nope," Yug said.
"Okay. You can go look around for yourself. I'll pay for these," Ravi said.
"You don't need to. I'll do it myself—give them to me," Yug protested.
"Go," Ravi said firmly, his eyes locking on Yug's. Yug sighed, muttering to himself as he left the section.
Walking through the kids' section, Yug felt.
.. strange. No one had ever treated him with this combination of care and command.
Was Ravi making him feel fragile, or was this just another way to get under his skin?
Yug shook his head and tried to focus on the cute dresses.
Maybe he could pick something for Aarya.
As he scanned the shelves, a familiar, unwelcome voice cut through the quiet.
"Well, I think we know each other."
Yug froze. His head snapped up. It was Bilal. His jaw tightened; he could feel his hands clenching into fists. He wanted to throw the nearest pair of shoes at him.
"I don't know you," Yug said coolly, forcing himself to sound calm.
Bilal smirked, stepping closer, unbothered by the tension.
"I guess you're still living with the Shekhawats. They probably haven't told you about that... little thing yet."
"What thing—?" Yug's voice sharpened, suspicion and anger lacing every word.
"Bilal." Ravi's voice thundered as he stepped beside Yug.
"Shaurya ka paltu kutta... phirse bhauk raha hai," Bilal sneered.
Yug's fists clenched instinctively, anger radiating from him.
"Don't forget—you're alive because of Aarav. If Shaurya can't, I will definitely kill you," Ravi said, his tone sharp and dangerous.
"You—" Bilal started, but a woman's voice cut him off sharply.
"Bilal!"
It was Bilal's wife. Her face was pale, worry etched across her features. Ravi's gaze flicked toward her and the children she held.
Ravi grabbed Yug's arm and pulled him away from the confrontation.
"Calm down, man, you're hurting me," Yug said as Ravi released him. Ravi ran a hand through his hair, anger simmering beneath the surface. Yug stayed quiet, sensing the storm around him.
"I told you not to talk to him. Why didn't you listen?" Ravi asked, his voice low and tense.
"I didn't go to him. He came near me. And really, he didn't look strong enough to scare me. I could've—" Yug shrugged.
"He was the one who killed my brother. He and his brothers deal in organs. He's Ozge's son," Ravi spat, venom dripping from every word.
"What the... That woman... and those kids...?" Yug's disbelief was palpable.
"They're all his own," Ravi muttered darkly.
"How could she—how could she marry that monster?" Yug whispered, shaking his head.
"Leave it," Ravi said with a heavy sigh. "I was in a good mood today... don't want to ruin it."
Yug nodded, swallowing the shock.
Ravi then pulled a small box from the bag he carried. "Check this. The cologne—same one you wear?"
Yug looked at it and nodded.
"You're weird," he muttered.
"What? Your bottle was almost empty," Ravi replied evenly.
"Yeah, whatever," Yug said dismissively. Then, extending his hand, he added, "Anyway... give me that bag."
"Why?"
"I thought you bought it for me," Yug said, confused but holding his gaze on Ravi.
"Yeah, but I'll be giving you these in winter. Otherwise, you'll be wandering around in this weather looking like a fool," Ravi said, a teasing glint in his eyes.
"I won't be staying here by then," Yug muttered. Ravi's gaze lingered on him for a moment.
"I'll just post them to your place," Ravi said casually. Yug rolled his eyes but didn't respond.
"Are you hungry?" Ravi asked. Yug nodded, and Ravi led him to one of Shaurya's favorite restaurants. They were known for their shawarmas, and it seemed Ravi had picked the best spot in town.
As they slid into a corner booth, Yug glanced around. He wasn't used to eating out much; the environment made him uneasy, yet curious.
"You won't get diarrhea, don't worry," Ravi said with a smirk.
"Why are you doing this?" Yug asked, watching him carefully.
"Doing what?"
"Don't act dense," Yug muttered. Ravi raised an eyebrow, letting a faint smile tug at the corner of his lips.
The waiter arrived, placing two steaming shawarmas before them along with a protein shake and some cheese dips.
"How do you know I like cheese dips?" Yug asked, genuinely surprised.
"Lucky guess," Ravi replied, taking a massive bite of his shawarma, almost half gone instantly. Yug chuckled, taking a bite from his own. The flavors were incredible, rich and warm, and he felt a small smile spread across his face.
"Like it?" Ravi asked, his gaze briefly flicking toward him. Yug nodded, sipping his protein shake.
"So... when are you going back?" Ravi asked, his tone casual, but there was an edge of curiosity.
Yug paused, fork hovering mid-air. "I haven't decided yet. Probably by next week."
"Hmm... good," Ravi said, leaning back on the bench, studying him carefully.
"You want me gone so badly, huh?" Yug asked.
Ravi's lips pressed into a thin line, and he nodded slightly.
"You're quite annoying," Ravi said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"Dekho kaun bol raha hai," Yug shot back, raising an eyebrow. Ravi chuckled softly.
"Why do you want me to be gone?" Yug asked, curiosity and frustration mingling in his voice.
Ravi cleared his throat, his expression softening slightly.
"Well... I want you to have only good memories of this place.
I'm afraid you might see something you shouldn't.
As you said yourself, we don't live like normal people.
But I hope... whatever we're doing right now.
.. at least this feels like what normal people do. "
Yug nodded, digesting his words.
"Kaash humein yeh ikhtiyaar hota ki hum aap ko kuch aur dair thehra lete," Ravi muttered under his breath, almost to himself.
"Huh?" Yug tilted his head.
"Nothing," Ravi replied quickly, brushing it off.
"Sbse pehle to tum mere saamne Urdu mein baat karna band karo. Kya pata, gaali dene lagte ho shayad mujhe," Yug said.
Ravi shook his head, letting out a quiet, amused sigh.