bonus chapter!
Well — as you all have been requesting! ??
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The morning sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, painting the hotel room in a soft gold glow. The rhythmic crash of waves outside mingled with the hum of the ceiling fan, a perfect symphony of calm.
Vaani stirred awake, blinking slowly as the realization hit her — today marked one year. One year since they had started this wild, beautiful, messy thing together. One year since they'd gone from strangers to partners in every sense.
She turned to look beside her. Dhruv was fast asleep, sprawled diagonally across the bed like he owned it — one arm half-hanging off, his hair a perfect chaos, his face buried in the pillow. She couldn't help but smile.
"You look way too peaceful for someone who steals all the blankets," she whispered, shaking her head fondly.
She slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him, and padded to the bathroom. The warm shower felt heavenly, washing away the sleep. Fifteen minutes later, she stepped out, dressed in a light sundress that swayed just below her knees, hair damp, skin glowing from the sea breeze.
When she returned, Dhruv was still out cold. She opened the balcony door, letting the morning air fill the room. The view hit her instantly — endless blue stretching to the horizon, palm trees swaying lazily, the smell of salt and sun and everything warm.
She leaned on the railing, smiling softly.
15 minutes later, behind her, a sleepy voice mumbled, "Staring at the view without me?"
She turned around, laughing. Dhruv was awake now, sitting up, eyes half-open, hair even messier than before, damp from the shower.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," she said.
He yawned, dragging himself to his feet. "Good morning, Vaan."
He walked over, still shirtless, wearing only jeans, and slipped his arms around her from behind. "You're up early."
She smiled, leaning back against him. "I wanted to see the view."
He pressed a lazy kiss to her head. "Happy anniversary."
"Happy anniversary," she whispered back.
Then she turned and frowned. "Why are you not wearing a shirt?"
He smirked instantly. "Because then my wife wouldn't be ogling me first thing in the morning."
She laughed. "Oh please. I've seen this multiple times now. It's lame."
He pretended to look offended. "Lame? You used to blush every time I walked out like this."
"Used to," she teased, flicking his chest lightly. "Now I'm immune."
"Is that so?" he said, stepping closer, eyes playful.
"Dhruv..." she warned, already knowing that look.
He caught her chin gently, murmuring, "Then maybe I should remind you why it wasn't lame before."
Before she could retort, he leaned in and kissed her — slow, teasing, the kind of kiss that made her forget the world existed for a second.
When he finally pulled back, she exhaled, her cheeks flushed. "Dhruv, we have to go!"
He chuckled. "Right. Vacation schedule waits for no one."
"Exactly," she said, pushing him toward the wardrobe. "Go, wear a shirt."
Dhruv leaned against the railing, shirtless, sipping his coffee, the breeze tousling his hair just enough to make him look effortlessly relaxed, "5 mins more."
Vaani squinted at him, smirking. "No! Dhruv... go change. You'll catch a cold standing there like that."
He glanced over his shoulder, smirk tugging at his lips. "And deprive you of this view?"
She rolled her eyes, pointing at him. "No, seriously. Shirt. Now."
"Yes ma'am." He finally turned toward the room, and as he did, a flash of ink caught her eye — a glimpse of his Trishul tattoo etched along his upper back. Her eyes widened just a little.
"Dhruv..." she murmured, a teasing lilt in her voice, "your tattoo... it always makes you look hot."
He chuckled, slow and low, and turned back toward her, that mischievous glint in his eyes. "Come here."
Before she could protest, she rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself against him. His hands instinctively found her waist, holding her close.
"I gotta stay up to my standards for you, you know," he said softly, nuzzling her hair.
"I don't care," she murmured, tilting her head up to look at him. "I like you like this."
He grinned, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "But we did say you'd get a tattoo too, didn't we?"
She nodded, cheeks flushed. "Yea... I have so many ideas, though."
"I never said no," he replied, voice calm, teasing. "I asked you, but you didn't have a design in mind."
She smiled, playful but determined. "Then I need to shortlist before our next holiday."
He chuckled, leaning down to press a quick kiss to her forehead. "Deal."
She laughed, breaking away and heading toward the room. "Fine! But you're still hot!"
He called after her, grinning, "I'll take that as a compliment!"
"Now go shower!" She quickly said as she playfully pushed him into the shower.
The balcony remained quiet for a moment, the morning sun warming their little corner of the world, the promise of another perfect day stretching out ahead.
Twenty minutes later, they stepped out of their room, Dhruv in jeans and a crisp white shirt, Vaani in her flowy sundress and sunglasses perched on her head.
As they walked down the hallway toward the exit, Vaani adjusted her bag and smiled. "So, what's the plan?"
Dhruv shrugged, hands in pockets. "You tell me."
She tilted her head, thinking. "Hmm. We explore. No plans, no itinerary. Just us, the streets, and good food."
"Sounds like a disaster," he teased.
"Sounds like an adventure," she corrected, poking him in the ribs.
They stepped out of the hotel, and Bali greeted them like an old friend — bright skies, a warm breeze, and the faint scent of sea salt in the air.
Vaani immediately pulled out her phone. "Wait, the light is perfect."
Dhruv groaned. "Already?"
"Yes!" she said, holding it up. "Come on, one picture."
He sighed, pretending to protest, but leaned in anyway. "Make it quick."
She snapped one selfie, then another, then another.
"Okay, last one," she promised.
"You said that three pictures ago," he muttered.
She grinned. "And you fell for it every time."
"Remind me why I married you again?"
"Because you love me," she replied, smug.
He chuckled. "Right. Tragic, isn't it?"
"Very," she said, kissing his cheek quickly. "Now come on, mister tragic love story, let's explore."
They walked through the lively streets of Seminyak, past rows of colorful shops, the smell of incense and coffee wafting through the air.
Vaani stopped every few steps, eyes wide with curiosity. "Oh, look! Handmade jewelry!"
Dhruv looked at the tiny shop overflowing with necklaces and bracelets. "We're going in, aren't we?"
"Obviously," she said, already halfway inside.
He followed, resigned, watching as she picked up every trinket with a sparkle in her eye.
"What do you think of this?" she asked, holding up a shell anklet.
"It's nice," he said, scanning the room.
"Nice?" she repeated, unimpressed. "You have to be more specific."
"Uh... tropical," he tried.
She laughed. "You're hopeless."
When she wasn't looking, he paid for it and handed her the bag as they stepped out.
"Dhruv!" she gasped. "You didn't have to—"
"I know," he said simply, smiling. "I wanted to."
She looked at him for a beat, then softened. "You're sweet sometimes, you know that?"
"Don't tell anyone," he deadpanned. "I've got a reputation to maintain."
As they walked, they passed a local market, the street lined with vendors selling everything from wooden carvings to coconuts. A man waved a coconut toward them. "Fresh coconut water, mister, miss?"
Vaani's face lit up. "Yes! One for each of us!"
A few minutes later, they stood under a palm tree, sipping from coconuts. Vaani smiled, eyes sparkling. "This is so good."
Dhruv nodded, watching her. "You've got coconut on your nose."
She blinked. "Where?"
He leaned in and kissed it off. "There."
She laughed, swatting at him. "You're impossible!"
"You love it," he said, grinning.
"Unfortunately," she said, but her smile betrayed her.
They wandered further, discovering a quiet little temple surrounded by lush greenery. Vaani took off her sandals and entered with a soft reverence. Dhruv followed quietly behind. They watched the locals place offerings of flowers and incense, the air thick with the scent of jasmine and devotion.
"This is so peaceful," she whispered.
He nodded. "It is."
When they stepped back out, she took his hand. "I'm glad we came here."
He looked down at her. "Me too."
By noon, they found themselves at a beachside café with wooden stools and colorful lanterns swaying overhead. The sea stretched endlessly before them, glittering like glass.
Vaani rested her chin on her palm. "I could live here."
Dhruv smiled. "You'd get bored in a week."
"Maybe," she admitted. "But I'd love to try."
"Good," he said. "Because I'd follow you anywhere."
She blinked, caught off guard, then laughed softly. "You're getting cheesy, Dhruv."
"Don't worry — only once a year," he said with a grin.
They spent the rest of the afternoon wandering — feeding stray cats, buying matching bracelets from a street vendor, tasting local snacks neither of them could pronounce.
Vaani tried a spicy chip and immediately started coughing.
"Water! Water!" she gasped.
Dhruv handed her his coconut water, barely holding in a laugh. "You wanted 'adventure,' remember?"
"I wanted mild adventure, not burn-my-mouth adventure," she said between gulps.
He chuckled. "Noted, Hurricane."
"Stop calling me that," she said, wiping her mouth.
He raised an eyebrow. "You prefer 'love of my life'?"
She grinned. "That works too."
He shook his head, amused. "Unbelievable."
She looped her arm around his, smiling as they continued walking along the beach path — sand beneath their feet, laughter in the air, the sea stretching out endlessly before them.
The late afternoon sun draped Bali in gold. Dhruv and Vaani were walking through a narrow street lined with local stalls and art shops — the kind of place where everything shimmered with color and life.
Vaani stopped every few steps to admire something new — a dreamcatcher, a carved turtle, a bright sarong fluttering in the breeze. Dhruv followed her patiently, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"You know, we've been walking for an hour and haven't bought anything," he said.
"That's because I'm looking for something perfect," she replied, turning to him with a mock-serious expression. "And perfection takes time, mister."
He smirked. "You already found perfection a year ago, remember?"
She groaned. "Oh god, you're getting too smooth for your own good."
Before he could respond, her phone buzzed loudly. The screen lit up with "Family Group Video Call – Everyone."
She gasped. "Oh! It's everyone!"
Dhruv leaned over. "Everyone as in everyone-everyone?"
"Vihaan from the US, Vedant from the UK, and the parents from Dubai," she said, excitedly tapping accept.
Within seconds, the screen filled with a chaotic grid of familiar faces — Vihaan in his dorm room, Vedant sitting with a mug of tea, and their parents — Sunita, Ramesh, Jaya, and Mahesh — sitting on the living room couch back home.
"Arre finally!" Sunita exclaimed. "You two took long enough to answer!"
Vaani laughed. "We were walking, Aai! I didn't want to miss it."
Vihaan waved from his tiny dorm room, grinning. "Happy anniversary, lovebirds!"
Vedant added, "Yeah, the entire family's been talking about your big Bali trip."
Dhruv chuckled. "We didn't think we'd make international headlines."
Ramesh smiled warmly. "Of course you did. Your mother hasn't stopped saying 'They could've celebrated here!' all week."
At that, Jaya dramatically sighed, crossing her arms. "I am still sad! First wedding anniversary and you two went off to another country! What was wrong with Dubai, haan?"
Vaani giggled. "Maa, we'll celebrate with everyone when we come back, promise."
Sunita nodded in agreement. "Yes, Jaya, let them enjoy. Young people need these small trips together."
Mahesh joined in, teasing, "And also so they don't drive each other crazy."
Dhruv raised an eyebrow. "Too late, Dad."
That made everyone laugh.
Vihaan spoke up, still chuckling. "So tell us, how's Bali? Don't tell me you're just sitting in the hotel watching Netflix."
"Excuse me," Vaani said, pretending to look offended. "We're exploring. We went to the markets, temples, beaches—everything."
Vedant leaned closer to his screen. "Send pictures! I saw none on the family group."
"That's because someone's been spamming reels," Dhruv said dryly, nodding toward Vaani.
"Hey!" she said, hitting his arm lightly. "Reels are art, okay?"
"Art?" Dhruv repeated, mock disbelief in his tone.
"Art," she said stubbornly. "Just because you can't make transitions doesn't mean I can't."
Vihaan burst out laughing. "Classic Vaani vs Dhruv fight even in Bali."
Jaya just smiled, shaking her head. "They fight but then look how sweet they are sitting together. One year and they're still glowing."
Vaani blushed instantly. "Maa!"
Sunita chuckled. "Let them blush, Jaya. They deserve this happiness."
For a moment, everyone smiled. The connection was grainy, the lighting uneven, but the warmth was real — a web of love stretched across three countries and two continents.
Dhruv looked at the screen and said softly, "Thanks, everyone. For being with us — not just today, but always."
Mahesh smiled, eyes soft. "Arre, you both are our pride. Just keep taking care of each other, hmm?"
"We will," Vaani said, her voice gentle.
Ramesh added with a grin, "And come home soon. Jaya is already planning an entire puja for your second anniversary."
Dhruv groaned jokingly. "We haven't even finished the first one yet, Baba."
Everyone laughed again.
"Okay, okay," Jaya said, waving her hand. "You two go. Enjoy your day. Just call us when you're back at the hotel tonight."
"We will," Vaani promised.
The call ended with everyone blowing kisses, waving wildly at the screen. The moment it disconnected, Vaani looked at Dhruv and smiled. "They're so cute."
Dhruv pocketed his phone. "And loud."
She elbowed him playfully. "You love them."
He grinned. "I do. Loudness and all."
They continued walking down toward the beach, still laughing about the call.
"Can you believe Maa said we should've stayed home?" Vaani said, shaking her head. "She still thinks we're kids."
"She's just pretending to be mad," Dhruv said. "You know she already planned a welcome-back dinner."
Vaani's eyes widened. "You think?"
"I know," he said smugly.
"Hmm," she murmured. "Then we should get her something from here. Maybe that shell mirror I saw?"
"Perfect," Dhruv said. "And maybe something for Aai too. Otherwise we'll never hear the end of it."
"True," she agreed, laughing.
They wandered further until they reached a row of food stalls along the beach. The smell of grilled seafood, roasted peanuts, and fresh fruit filled the air.
"Okay, we have to try something from here," Vaani said, eyes sparkling.
"Your stomach's going to explode," Dhruv warned.
"My heart will be happy," she said dramatically.
He rolled his eyes. "Go on then, Miss Happy Heart."
She pointed toward a vendor making skewers. "One of those, please."
The vendor smiled and handed them a pair of sizzling satay sticks.
Vaani took a bite and immediately made a face. "Oh my god it's spicy!"
Dhruv laughed. "And yet you'll take another bite."
"Obviously," she said between coughs. "It's delicious!"
He handed her his water. "You never learn, do you?"
"Nope," she said proudly.
Then, while Dhruv was distracted paying the vendor, she snuck a piece of the spicy skewer into his mouth.
He coughed instantly. "Vaani!"
She was laughing uncontrollably now. "Payback!"
He shook his head, glaring playfully. "You're evil."
"I'm fun," she corrected.
"Same thing," he said, still coughing.
They moved to a nearby stall for coconut ice cream, both giggling like teenagers.
As they sat down on a low wall by the beach, Dhruv muttered, "You're too much sometimes."
She grinned, feeding him a spoonful. "And yet you married me."
"Bad decision," he teased.
"The best one," she said softly.
He looked at her, smiling. "Yeah. The best one."
Later, they found a local musician strumming a guitar under a palm tree, singing a soft Indonesian song. Vaani's eyes lit up.
"Let's listen," she said, tugging Dhruv's hand.
He smiled, letting her pull him closer. The sun was beginning to dip, turning the sky into a riot of orange and pink. The singer's voice floated over the waves, calm and warm.
Vaani rested her head on Dhruv's shoulder. "I don't think I've ever been this happy."
He wrapped an arm around her waist. "Good. Then I'm doing my job right."
She chuckled. "Job?"
"Husband duties," he said solemnly.
As they walked away from the beach, their hands swinging together, their laughter echoing between the stalls, it was clear — even after a year, nothing about them had dulled.
If anything, their chaos had simply found rhythm.
Their teasing had become affection.
And their love — steady, imperfect, real — was stronger than ever.
They turned a corner, Dhruv still teasing her about her "dramatic tourist energy," and she still pretending to be offended — two people who'd started as strangers, found love unexpectedly, and now were exploring the world side by side, exactly the way they explored each other: curious, warm, and endlessly in love.
~·~
The sky outside was painted with streaks of gold melting into the soft blue of early evening.
The waves hummed faintly in the background — a gentle rhythm that wrapped around the luxury hotel like a lullaby.
Vaani was sitting by the window, scrolling through her phone and smiling at the photos from their day.
Her hair was loose, a little sun-touched from Bali's warm air, and she was humming softly when she noticed something on the bed behind her.
A long rectangular box, wrapped neatly in silver paper, with a white note resting on top.
Curious, she turned and picked it up. The note was written in Dhruv's unmistakable handwriting — neat, deliberate, and just a little crooked at the edges:
Please wear this tonight, Vaan.
– Dhruv
Her heart melted instantly. "This man," she murmured with a grin.
She peeled back the wrapping to reveal a soft, flowing gown — a deep emerald shade that shimmered faintly under the lights. The fabric was smooth, light, and the moment she held it up, she knew Dhruv had picked it himself. It was elegant, but simple — exactly her style.
She smiled to herself. "Okay, Mr. Mysterious," she whispered, glancing at the note again. "Let's see what you've planned."
She got ready slowly, enjoying the process.
She showered, dried her hair, and applied a light layer of makeup — soft blush, kajal that made her eyes stand out, and a gentle nude lipstick.
When she finally slipped into the gown, it fit her perfectly.
She twirled once in front of the mirror and caught herself smiling.
"Not bad, Vaani," she said softly.
Her heart fluttered with curiosity. He had been oddly quiet that whole hour, saying only, 'Just be ready by seven, okay?' before disappearing somewhere.
When she finally stepped out of the room, the faint sounds of music floated in from the distance.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door.
She opened it, and a polite hotel staff member stood there, smiling. "Ma'am, Mr. Dhruv requested that I guide you."
"Oh," she said, blinking in surprise. "Guide me? Where to?"
"You'll see, ma'am," he said, smiling warmly.
Vaani laughed softly, shaking her head. "Of course he'd do something dramatic."
She followed him through the softly lit corridors, the marble floors gleaming under her heels. Her gown brushed lightly against her legs as they walked past the lobby, down a quiet hallway lined with flickering candles.
Finally, the staff member stopped in front of a closed door. "Right through here, ma'am."
She smiled, curiosity buzzing in her chest. "Thank you."
He gave a polite nod, opened the door, and gestured for her to step inside before gently closing it behind her.
The room was pitch dark.
"Dhruv?" she called out softly, taking a step forward. "What are you up to?"
Then — click.
The lights came on.
Her breath caught in her throat.
The room was bathed in warm golden light.
Hundreds of tiny fairy lights hung from the ceiling like a curtain of stars.
The floor was scattered with rose petals, and in the center was a small table set for two — candles flickering, champagne glasses glinting, plates arranged neatly, the faint scent of jasmine and vanilla filling the air.
And there, at the end of the table, stood Dhruv.
In a black tuxedo.
He looked breathtaking — sharp, confident, but with that gentle smile that always softened his features the moment he saw her.
For a second, Vaani forgot to breathe.
He walked toward her, hands in his pockets, that slow grin tugging at his lips. "Happy anniversary, darling."
She blinked, a wide smile spreading across her face. "Dhruv..." she breathed. "You did all this?"
He shrugged modestly. "I had some help. But yes."
"This is—" she looked around, her eyes shining, "—it's beautiful."
He stepped closer, close enough that she could feel the faint brush of his breath against her cheek. "Not as beautiful as you," he murmured.
She laughed softly, shaking her head. "You never stop, do you?"
"Not when it comes to you," he said easily.
She smiled, still dazed by how perfect everything felt. "Happy anniversary, Dhruv."
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Happy anniversary."
They sat down, and soon the quiet hum of conversation filled the room. The hotel staff discreetly brought in food — a simple but elegant spread: grilled fish, pasta, fresh bread, and a chocolate soufflé for dessert.
"This is so fancy," Vaani said as she took her first bite. "I feel like I'm in one of those rom-coms where the guy plans everything perfectly."
Dhruv raised an eyebrow. "You mean the part where the girl cries halfway through dinner?"
She smirked. "If you make me cry, you're washing my mascara off yourself."
He chuckled. "Noted."
Between bites, they talked about everything — about the family, about Vihaan's internship, about Vedant's chaotic flatmates, and how Jaya was still sending them recipes every morning even though they were on vacation.
"I bet tomorrow morning she'll message us: 'Don't skip breakfast just because you're in Bali,'" Vaani said in a perfect imitation of her mother.
Dhruv laughed so hard he almost choked on his drink. "That's exactly how she says it!"
They kept laughing, teasing, sharing quiet glances — and every time their hands brushed over the table, there was that familiar, gentle current between them.
When the plates were cleared, Dhruv stood up suddenly.
"One more thing," he said.
Vaani tilted her head. "More?"
He extended his hand toward her. "Will you dance with me?"
She blinked, then smiled slowly. "Here?"
He nodded. "Here."
She chuckled, placing her hand in his. "Of course, Dhruvi."
As soon as their fingers intertwined, soft music began to play — a slow, soothing melody that filled the candle-lit room.
Dhruv pulled her close, one hand at her waist, the other still holding hers. She rested her head on his chest, the faint rhythm of his heartbeat syncing with the music.
They swayed together, no choreography, no practiced steps — just movement that felt natural, like they had been dancing together all their lives.
Vaani whispered, "You know, I always thought you were the practical type."
He smiled against her hair. "And what do you think now?"
"That you're still practical," she teased, "but also completely hopelessly romantic."
He chuckled. "Only for you."
She looked up at him, eyes soft. "How do you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Make me fall for you all over again."
He smiled, brushing his thumb against her cheek. "Maybe it's my hidden talent."
She laughed. "Some talent."
He bent down and kissed her, soft and slow — the kind of kiss that felt like a quiet promise, one made not just for anniversaries but for every ordinary day in between.
When they finally pulled apart, she whispered, "I love you, Dhruv."
He smiled, eyes gentle and full of warmth. "I love you too, Vaan. More than you'll ever know."
They continued to sway under the twinkling lights, surrounded by the soft hum of the sea outside, two hearts moving in rhythm — strangers once, now soulmates bound by every quiet moment that had brought them here.
The candles flickered, the music played on, and the night folded itself around them — warm, tender, infinite.
It wasn't the grand gestures or the perfect dinner that made it special.
It was them.
Just them — perfectly imperfect, hopelessly in love, dancing through their first year of forever.
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