CHAPTER 35（MAHI）
I stirred awake as sunlight brushed against my skin.
Slowly, I opened my eyes.
A small stretch escaped me as I lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling.
Then yesterday's conversation with Aryan came rushing back.
A smile instantly appeared on my face.
Last night, I had asked him everything.
And for the first time...
He answered everything.
His favourite colour.
His favourite coffee.
The foods he loved.
The foods he hated.
The stories from his childhood.
The memories he still remembered.
The mistakes he regretted.
The moments that made him laugh.
The moments that broke him.
He told me all of it.
Every question I asked.
Every answer I wanted.
No hesitation.
No avoiding the topic.
Just honesty.
A warmth spread through my chest.
It felt strange.
Not because I had learned something new about him.
Because I finally felt like there were no locked doors left between us.
I rolled onto my side and looked at the empty space beside me.
Aryan was already awake.
Of course he was.
The man treated sleep like it was optional.
A laugh escaped me.
Then my smile softened.
Because for the first time since Riya arrived...
The knot inside my chest was gone.
And somehow...
That felt better than I expected.
I sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes.
Sunlight streamed through the curtains, warming the room.
For a moment, I simply sat there.
Then my eyes landed on the dresser.
And I froze.
A small folded note rested there.
A smile immediately appeared on my face.
Of course.
I climbed out of bed and picked it up.
Good morning, Snowflake.
My smile widened.
"Good morning, husband," I muttered to myself.
Carefully folding the note, I placed it on the nightstand.
Then stretched lazily and made my way toward the bathroom.
The moment I opened the door—
I froze.
Rose petals drifted down from above.
A few landed in my hair.
Others settled at my feet.
I blinked.
Then looked up.
Then down.
The entire floor was covered in flower petals.
My brows furrowed.
A smile tugged at my lips.
"Okay..."
I stepped inside slowly.
"What is so special today?"
I walked toward the mirror.
Then stopped.
Completely stopped.
Written across the mirror in bright red letters were the words:
Happy Birthday, Snowflake.
My eyes widened.
Birthday.
Today was my birthday.
I stared at the message.
Then groaned.
"Oh my God."
I had forgotten.
Completely forgotten.
Usually I spent weeks getting excited about my birthday.
And somehow...
This year I had forgotten it entirely.
A laugh escaped me.
Then my gaze narrowed suspiciously.
I stepped closer to the mirror.
Very close.
Examining the writing.
If Aryan had used my favourite lipstick for this...
He was going to regret it.
Severely.
My investigation was interrupted when I noticed another note taped to the corner of the mirror.
I immediately pulled it off and unfolded it.
Before you accuse me of stealing your lipstick—
I paused.
Already suspicious.
Then continued reading.
Relax, Snowflake.
I didn't use your lipstick.
A beat.
I enjoy being alive.
I stared at the note.
Then burst out laughing.
That idiot.
He knew me far too well.
I folded the note carefully and slipped it into my pocket.
A small smile stayed on my face as I looked around the bathroom.
The bathtub was already filled.
Warm water.
Soft bubbles.
And rose petals floating gently on the surface.
I blinked.
Then laughed quietly to myself.
"Okay..."
"So this is special treatment."
I shook my head, still smiling.
Aryan really went all out.
Slowly, I turned off the tap and stepped back for a moment, just taking it in.
Everything felt calm.
Warm.
Different.
Like the world had paused for a little while.
I closed my eyes briefly.
Then let out a soft breath.
"Happy birthday to me," I whispered to myself.
A moment later, I carefully got ready and stepped into the bath.
The warmth immediately wrapped around me.
Relaxing.
Soothing.
It felt like every bit of tension from the past few days was slowly melting away.
I leaned back slightly and closed my eyes.
For the first time in a long while...
I wasn't thinking about fights.
Or jealousy.
Or misunderstandings.
Just this moment.
Just peace.
And Aryan.
A small smile returned to my face.
Because even when he annoyed me...
He never forgot me.
After enjoying the bath for a while longer, I finally changed into something comfortable.
Soft clothes. Loose. Easy.
Then I made my way downstairs.
The moment I stepped out of the room, I froze.
Rose petals.
Everywhere.
They formed a path along the hallway.
Leading downstairs.
My eyes widened slightly as I slowly followed it.
"Okay..." I murmured to myself.
"This is too much."
But I couldn't stop the smile forming on my face.
The petals continued all the way down the stairs, scattered beautifully across each step.
I walked carefully, almost like I didn't want to ruin it.
Like I wanted to preserve every bit of it.
When I reached the bottom—
I stopped again.
Right in the middle of the floor, another small note was placed neatly.
I crouched down immediately and picked it up.
My fingers hesitated for a second before I opened it.
Surprise.
That was it.
Just one word.
But it was enough.
A soft laugh escaped me as I closed my eyes.
Of course.
Aryan.
I shook my head slowly, still smiling.
"Happy birthday to me," I whispered again.
This time it felt warmer.
More real.
I carefully folded the note and placed it in my pocket.
Then looked around at the petals one more time.
"I'm keeping all of this," I said softly to myself.
"I'm going to stick every single note in my journal."
Because somehow...
These little things mattered more than anything big.
And Aryan had made sure I felt it.
I finally made my way into the kitchen.
Still smiling.
Still holding the last note in my pocket.
The smell of something sweet hit me immediately.
I paused.
Then slowly stepped forward.
And froze.
On the dining table—
A small cake.
Neatly placed.
Simple.
But beautiful.
Written on it in soft icing was:
Happy Birthday, Snowflake
My breath caught for a second.
I didn't even realize I had moved closer.
There were plates set.
Juice ready.
And a small box beside it.
I blinked.
"This guy is insane," I whispered to myself.
A quiet laugh escaped me.
I turned slightly—
And there he was.
Aryan.
Leaning against the counter.
Arms crossed.
Watching me.
Like he had been waiting for this exact reaction.
My smile softened without permission.
"You did all this?" I asked.
He shrugged casually.
Too casually.
"No."
I narrowed my eyes.
He sighed.
"Fine."
A pause.
"I did."
I walked closer to the table, still looking at everything.
The petals.
The cake.
The notes.
All of it.
"You know I have hospital duty today," I said softly.
Aryan nodded immediately.
"I know."
A pause.
"I made it early for that reason."
That made me stop.
I looked at him properly now.
And for a second—
I didn't tease him.
I didn't argue.
I just felt it.
The effort.
The thought.
The way he had woken up before me just to make sure I felt remembered.
My throat tightened slightly.
"I'm going to be late," I said quietly.
He stepped forward now.
Not close enough to overwhelm me.
Just close enough to feel him there.
"Eat first," he said.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"Doctor Mahi Rathore can save lives after cake."
I let out a soft laugh.
"That's not how medicine works."
"It is today."
I shook my head, still smiling.
Then finally looked at the cake again.
And whispered—
"You're impossible."
Aryan's voice softened slightly.
"But you're smiling."
That made me pause.
Because I was.
I really was.
For a moment, I sat down at the table.
Just for a few minutes.
Before the hospital.
Before reality.
Just here.
And Aryan sat across from me.
Watching quietly.
Like this moment was enough for him.
And strangely...
It was enough for me too.
I froze the moment I saw her.
Riya was still there.
My smile faded for a second.
Then I slowly turned toward Aryan.
And whispered,
"Don't tell me she helped you plan all this."
Aryan immediately leaned closer.
"No."
A pause.
"She didn't help."
My eyes narrowed slightly.
"Then who did?"
He tilted his head toward the table.
"Ekaansh."
I followed his gaze.
And there he was.
Slumped over the dining table.
Head resting on his arm.
Completely exhausted.
For a moment I just stared.
Then pressed my lips together to hold back a smile.
I walked over quietly.
And placed my hand gently over his hair.
"Ekaansh..."
The moment I said his name—
He jolted awake.
Straight up.
So fast I couldn't even react.
My laughter burst out immediately.
I tried to stop it.
I really did.
But it was impossible.
He blinked rapidly, confused, then rubbed his eyes.
Then looked at me.
"Good birthday, bhabhi..."
A yawn escaped him.
"...and happy morning."
That was it.
I completely lost it.
A full laugh escaped me this time.
"Thank you, Ekaansh."
I turned toward Aryan, still laughing, and he was already smiling at the scene.
Even Riya, from the corner, looked mildly amused.
I tilted my head slightly.
"He didn't sleep, did he?"
Before Aryan could answer, Ekaansh groaned.
"I woke him up at 4 AM in the morning."
Silence.
Then Aryan laughed.
I covered my mouth, still laughing, and shook my head.
"4 AM?"
Ekaansh nodded slowly, already giving up on life.
"I regret everything."
Aryan leaned back slightly, still smiling.
"That explains a lot."
I looked at both of them and sighed dramatically.
"My poor brother-in-law."
Ekaansh pointed at Aryan without even lifting his head properly.
"He is not normal."
Aryan shrugged.
"Happy birthday, Snowflake."
I looked at him again.
Still smiling.
Still surrounded by petals.
Still feeling something warm in my chest that I couldn't quite explain.
And somehow...
Even with Riya there...
This moment still felt like mine.
The laughter slowly faded as I checked the time on my phone.
My expression shifted instantly.
"Okay..." I muttered.
"I have to go."
The room quieted slightly.
Aryan looked at me immediately.
"Hospital?"
I nodded while adjusting my bag strap.
"Yes."
He stepped closer without thinking.
"Snowflake—"
"I know," I said softly before he could continue.
A pause.
"I'll be late otherwise."
For a second, he didn't say anything.
Just looked at me.
Like he didn't want me to leave yet.
But then he nodded.
Slowly.
"I'll drop you."
"No," I said immediately, shaking my head.
"I'll go myself."
His jaw tightened slightly at that.
But he didn't argue.
Not today.
Instead, he stepped aside.
Giving me space.
I walked a few steps, then stopped.
Turned back.
Everyone was still there.
Ekaansh half asleep on the chair.
Aryan standing near the table.
Even Riya watching quietly from the side.
My gaze landed on Aryan.
And for a moment, I didn't say anything.
Just looked at him.
He tilted his head slightly.
Waiting.
Then I walked back.
One step.
Then another.
Before I could overthink it—
I reached up and gently held his wrist.
He froze slightly.
I didn't look away.
"Don't forget," I said softly.
His eyes searched mine.
"Forget what?"
A small smile appeared on my face.
"That I'm still angry."
That earned a quiet exhale from him.
Almost a laugh.
"I know."
A pause.
"But you're still going."
I nodded.
"Yes."
Another pause.
Then I lowered my voice slightly.
"And don't do anything stupid while I'm gone."
That time, he actually smiled properly.
"I'll try."
I shook my head.
"No. Don't try. Just don't."
A small silence fell between us.
Then I finally let go of his wrist.
But before I turned fully—
I leaned in and pressed a quick kiss on his cheek.
Nothing dramatic.
Just enough.
When I pulled back, his expression softened immediately.
"Happy birthday," he said quietly.
I smiled.
"Thank you."
Then I looked at the rest of them once.
Ekaansh waved weakly.
Riya gave a small polite nod.
And Aryan...
Aryan was still watching me.
Like he wasn't done looking yet.
I adjusted my bag again.
"Bye."
And finally turned toward the door.
But even as I walked out—
I could still feel his eyes following me.
The hospital was already busy when I arrived.
Typical morning chaos.
Patients waiting.
Nurses moving quickly.
Phones ringing.
And me—
Trying to focus.
I changed into my coat and walked into my first consultation room.
"Next patient," I called softly.
The day started like any other.
Reports.
Check-ups.
Prescriptions.
Smiles I had to give even when I was tired.
But somewhere in the back of my mind...
Something else kept pulling me away.
Aryan.
Every time my phone buzzed, my eyes would flicker down instinctively.
But I wouldn't check it immediately.
Not during patients.
Still...
It buzzed again.
Once.
Then again.
I finally got a break between consultations and glanced at my phone.
Aryan.
A small smile appeared on my face without permission.
But then—
Another notification popped up.
Riya.
My smile faded slightly.
I opened Aryan's message first.
Aryan: "Had lunch?"
I stared at it for a second.
Then typed back.
Me: "Not yet. Busy."
Almost instantly—
Aryan: "Eat."
I rolled my eyes slightly, but I was smiling again.
Before I could reply, another message came.
Aryan: "Snowflake."
A pause.
Aryan: "Don't forget."
I shook my head.
Of course.
Then my eyes drifted back to the other notification.
Riya.
Something in my chest tightened slightly.
I opened it.
Riya: "Aryan is always like this? Serious all the time or just with me he was different?"
I froze for a second.
Then slowly read it again.
A second message followed immediately.
Riya: "He used to laugh more when we were younger."
I stared at the screen.
My fingers tightened slightly around the phone.
Not anger.
Not exactly.
Something uncomfortable.
Something I didn't want to name.
I locked the phone without replying.
And put it aside.
"Next patient," I called again.
But my mind wasn't fully in the room anymore.
It kept drifting.
To a house.
To a breakfast table.
To a man who called me Snowflake.
And to someone else...
Who seemed to know a version of him I didn't.
I exhaled slowly.
Focus, Mahi.
Focus.
But even as I said it to myself...
My thoughts didn't listen.
The hospital finally gave me a small break.
I leaned back in my chair and exhaled slowly.
Quiet.
For a moment.
My phone buzzed again.
I didn't even hesitate this time.
Riya's message.
I stared at it for a few seconds.
Then tilted my head slightly.
"...Seriously?"
A soft scoff escaped me.
Instead of overthinking it—
I took a screenshot.
Clean.
Simple.
Then I opened Aryan's chat.
And sent it.
No extra explanation.
Just the screenshot.
A few seconds later, I typed:
Me: Deal with her.
A pause.
Then—
Me: Otherwise I will.
I stared at the message for a moment.
Then added another line.
Me: And I'm not in a mood today.
I hit send.
Leaning back again, I waited.
Not stressed.
Not insecure.
Just... done with unnecessary confusion.
A minute later, my phone buzzed again.
Aryan.
I opened it immediately.
Aryan: What did she say now?
I smiled slightly.
Of course.
Instant reaction.
I typed back quickly.
Me: She misses old Aryan.
A pause.
Then added:
Me: So I suggest you stay exactly how you are now.
A second later—
Another message came.
Aryan: Jealous?
I stared at the screen.
Slowly narrowed my eyes.
Then replied:
Me: Busy.
After a beat—
Me: And no.
I put the phone down before he could reply again.
A soft laugh escaped me despite myself.
"Idiots," I muttered.
But I was still smiling.
I stretched lightly over my shoulder, rolling the stiffness out after a long shift.
Then I handed over my notes to the nurses covering the night duty.
"Call me if anything urgent comes up," I said softly.
A few nodded as I gave a small smile.
And finally—
I stepped out of the hospital.
The cool air hit my face instantly.
I exhaled slowly.
Then I froze.
Aryan was already there.
Leaning casually against his car door.
Hands in his pockets.
Like he had been waiting there for a while.
A smile appeared on my face without permission.
I walked toward him.
Slowly.
Then stopped in front of him.
"I really wonder," I said, tilting my head slightly, "if you're actually a CEO or just a professional stalker."
His lips curved into a smirk.
Without answering, he opened the passenger door for me.
Typical.
I rolled my eyes but got inside anyway.
The moment I sat down, he closed the door gently and walked around to the driver's seat.
Then started the car.
The silence inside was comfortable.
Not awkward.
Not heavy.
Just familiar.
After a few seconds, I glanced at him.
"You waited long?"
He didn't look away from the road.
"No."
A pause.
"Just enough."
I narrowed my eyes slightly.
"That sounds like a lie."
He finally looked at me for a brief second.
Then smiled.
"Then don't believe it."
I shook my head, hiding a small smile.
The city lights passed slowly outside the window.
And for the first time all day...
I felt my shoulders relax completely.
Aryan's voice broke the silence.
"Hungry?"
I leaned back in my seat.
"A little."
A pause.
Then I added softly,
"But I'm more tired than hungry."
His grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly.
Just for a second.
Then he said—
"Then we go home."
Not a question.
A decision.
I looked at him quietly.
And nodded.
"Okay."
And somehow...
That one word felt like enough.
I got into the car and leaned back in my seat, finally letting my shoulders relax.
Aryan started driving without saying much.
But there was something different today.
Something calm... and a little excited.
I glanced at him.
"Where are we going?"
He didn't look at me immediately.
Just kept his eyes on the road.
"You'll see."
I narrowed my eyes slightly.
"That's not an answer."
A small smirk appeared on his face.
"It's the only answer you're getting."
I crossed my arms, trying to look annoyed.
But I wasn't really.
Not anymore.
The drive felt longer than usual.
Not because of distance...
But because of anticipation.
The city slowly faded behind us.
And unfamiliar roads started appearing.
Trees.
Open space.
Quieter surroundings.
My confusion grew.
"Aryan," I said again, softer this time, "where are you taking me?"
This time, he glanced at me.
And I noticed something in his eyes.
Softness.
"No questions," he said gently.
"Just trust me."
That made me pause.
Slowly, I turned toward the window instead.
And decided to stay quiet.
After a while, the car slowed down.
Then finally stopped.
Aryan stepped out first.
Walked around.
And opened my side of the door.
I stepped out carefully.
Then froze.
For a second, I couldn't even move.
Because in front of me—
I saw them.
My parents.
Alina.
Vrishti.
All standing together.
Waiting.
Smiling.
My breath caught in my throat.
My eyes widened slightly.
"No..." I whispered.
Alina was the first to wave dramatically.
"Happy birthday again!" she shouted.
Vrishti smiled softly, holding something in her hands.
My mother stepped forward immediately.
And my father followed right behind her.
My chest tightened.
I didn't even realize when I took a step forward.
Aryan's voice came quietly beside me.
"Surprise."
I turned toward him slowly.
He wasn't looking at them.
He was looking at me.
Waiting.
Watching my reaction carefully.
My voice came out softer than I expected.
"You did this?"
He nodded once.
"Everyone missed you today."
A pause.
"But I thought you should have them here."
My throat tightened painfully.
Because suddenly...
The whole day made sense.
The notes.
The cake.
The petals.
The messages.
All of it wasn't just romance.
It was love.
And now...
This.
I looked back at my family again.
And without thinking anymore—
I walked toward them.
The moment I stepped forward, everything else faded.
The noise.
The road.
Even Aryan standing behind me.
It all disappeared.
"Mom..." I whispered.
My mother reached me first.
She pulled me into her arms instantly.
Tightly.
So tightly it almost hurt.
But I didn't care.
Because I needed it.
I really needed it.
"Happy birthday, my child," she said softly, her voice breaking.
That was it.
My throat tightened immediately.
And I couldn't hold it in anymore.
A shaky breath escaped me.
Then another.
"Mom..." I said again, weaker this time.
She held my face gently in her hands, looking at me like she was trying to make sure I was really here.
"Why didn't you tell us you were tired?" she asked softly.
I blinked quickly.
"I was fine," I lied automatically.
But she shook her head.
"You were never fine alone."
That hit something deep inside me.
My eyes burned instantly.
Before I could answer—
My father stepped forward.
He didn't speak at first.
Just looked at me.
Like he was memorizing me.
Then he sighed heavily.
And pulled me into a hug too.
Not as tight as my mother.
But just as emotional.
"I should've come sooner," he said quietly.
My hands gripped his shirt immediately.
"No," I whispered.
"No, Papa... I'm okay."
But my voice betrayed me.
It cracked halfway through.
He pulled back slightly, holding my shoulders.
"You don't have to be okay all the time," he said.
That broke me a little more.
Behind them, I could hear Alina crying already.
And Vrishti wiping her eyes quickly, pretending she wasn't emotional.
I let out a small broken laugh through tears.
"Why is everyone crying?" I tried to joke.
Alina immediately stepped forward.
"Because you never sit still long enough for us to hug you properly," she said, hugging me again.
That made me laugh properly this time.
Through tears.
Through everything.
And suddenly—
I was surrounded.
My mother on one side.
My father holding my hand.
Alina refusing to let go.
Vrishti quietly holding my arm like she was scared I'd disappear again.
And for the first time all day...
I wasn't strong.
I wasn't a doctor.
I wasn't anything I had to be.
I was just Mahi.
And that was enough.
When I finally looked up—
Aryan was still standing a little away.
Watching.
Quiet.
Not interrupting.
Not stepping in.
Just letting me have this moment.
Our eyes met for a second.
And I realized something I couldn't say out loud.
He hadn't just brought me here.
He had brought me back to myself.
The wind moved softly through the open space, carrying the sound of distant laughter and quiet conversation.
I stood there for a while longer, still holding onto my mother's hand.
Like I was afraid if I let go...
This moment would disappear too.
But it didn't.
It stayed.
Warm.
Real.
Aryan finally stepped closer, slowly, giving me space as he reached my side.
My father looked at him for a moment, then gave a small nod of approval.
Alina was still crying, but smiling at the same time.
Typical her.
Vrishti leaned slightly against Alina, quietly wiping her eyes.
And me...
I just stood there, breathing it in.
Aryan's voice came softly beside me.
"Happy birthday, Snowflake."
I turned toward him.
And for once, I didn't have a comeback ready.
Instead, I smiled.
A real one.
Not teasing.
Not angry.
Just... full.
"Thank you," I said quietly.
A pause.
Then I added,
"For everything."
He didn't answer immediately.
Just looked at me.
Like he didn't need words either.
Then he reached out—
and gently took my hand.
No pressure.
No force.
Just there.
I squeezed his hand back.
And for the first time all day...
I felt complete.
Not because everything was perfect.
But because everyone I loved...
was right here.
Together.
The camera in my mind slowed down on that moment.
Hands joined.
Family close.
Aryan standing beside me.
And a soft sunset fading behind us.
A birthday I would never forget.