•| THIRTY THREE |•
You weakly started hitting his shoulders, your small fists landing on him without any real strength, more desperate than angry as you struggled to breathe. “S-stop… I can’t… breathe…” you mumbled against his lips, your voice muffled and breathless.
Feeling your struggle, Krish immediately slowed, then gently pulled back from the heated kiss—but not before stealing one last soft peck, as if he couldn’t resist it.
Both of you stood there, completely drenched, your clothes clinging to your bodies while droplets of rain slid down your faces.
The rain had already stopped, leaving behind only the cool night breeze and the loud thumping of your hearts. His hand slowly rose to your face, his forefinger and thumb holding your chin delicately as he tilted your face up toward him. His gaze softened—softer than you had ever seen before.
“I’m falling for you…” he whispered, his voice low yet steady, as if confessing something sacred.
“For your sweetness… your kindness… the way you care for Kiaan… for Mom… the way you laugh like a child… the way you try so hard to be perfect even when no one asks you to… your innocence…” He paused, swallowing the lump forming in his throat before finishing in a breath, “Everything about you is making me fall harder… every single day… In short… I’m in love with you.
” His confession lingered in the quiet air between you.
You blinked up at him slowly, your innocent, wine-dazed eyes staring into his as if trying to process his words.
“You… love me?” you asked softly, your voice small, almost fragile, before stepping closer and resting your head against his chest, listening to his racing heartbeat.
His arms instinctively wrapped around you, holding you like something precious.
“Yes… I do,” he murmured into your hair.
“I know you don’t feel the same… and I don’t expect you to—” “I love you too, Krish ji… I love you so much…” you cut him off, your words spilling out sweetly, honestly, without hesitation.
Time froze for him. His breath caught. The world around him felt like it had slowed to a crawl. “Huh…??” he whispered in disbelief, pulling back slightly to look down at you—only to find your eyes closed, your face relaxed peacefully against him.
You had fallen asleep mid-confession. For a second he just stared, then a helpless smile spread across his lips—soft, amused, and deeply affectionate.
Shaking his head lightly, he bent down and lifted you carefully into his arms, holding you close to his chest as you subconsciously snuggled into him.
“We’ll talk about this tomorrow… Mrs. Mehra,” he whispered fondly, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead before carrying you to the car, his heart lighter than it had ever been.
---
Krish carefully picked up Kiaan from Aarav’s place, the little boy already fast asleep with his tiny arms wrapped loosely around Krish’s neck, his soft snores brushing against his collarbone.
Driving back home with one hand on the wheel and the other protectively resting near Kiaan, Krish let out a tired yet content chuckle, shaking his head lightly. “I really have to take care of two sleeping babies tonight…” he murmured to himself, his voice filled with fondness rather than complaint.
The night drive felt quieter than usual, but his heart was anything but quiet—it was full… overwhelmed… replaying your drunken confession again and again like a treasured melody.
Soon the car rolled into the mansion gates. The guards rushed forward, opening the door respectfully. Krish gently handed Kiaan to one of the guardsmen. “Careful… don’t wake him. Put him in my room,” he instructed softly before walking around the car to your side.
You were still asleep, your head tilted slightly, strands of wet hair stuck to your cheeks, your lips parted faintly as you breathed evenly. His gaze softened instantly. Without hesitation, he slid one arm beneath your knees and the other behind your back, lifting you bridal-style into his arms.
You instinctively curled closer to him, your hand clutching the fabric of his shirt even in sleep, making his heart squeeze painfully sweet.
He carried you inside, ignoring the curious glances of the staff, and gently laid you down on the couch first. Only then did he properly notice your drenched state—your kurti clinging to your skin, the rainwater still dripping onto the floor.
He ran a hand through his wet hair, exhaling slowly.
“You’ll fall sick like this…” he whispered. For a moment he hesitated, debating internally, his ears reddening slightly.
“Should I… change her clothes?” The question made him awkward despite being your husband. Clearing his throat, he first changed himself quickly, slipping into dry clothes before walking into the closet to bring out your nightwear—soft cotton pajamas you usually wore.
Returning to you, he moved slowly, respectfully, his hands careful and gentle.
He removed your shoes first, placing them aside, then helped you out of the wet palazzo and kurti with as much modesty as possible, averting his gaze whenever he felt his thoughts wandering.
He paused for a second, gulping lightly when his eyes accidentally fell on your sleeping figure—but he immediately shook his head, muttering under his breath, “Control yourself, Krish…” Thankfully, your inner clothes weren’t wet, which made things easier.
He quickly helped you into your pajamas, his movements tender, almost reverent, as if you were something fragile he didn’t want to break.
Once done, he lifted you again and carried you to the bedroom.
Kiaan was already tucked in, sleeping peacefully.
Krish laid you down beside him, adjusting the duvet over both of you.
He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on Kiaan’s forehead first…
then on yours, lingering a second longer than necessary.
Moving to the other side of the bed, he lay down, resting on his arm as he watched the two of you sleep—his little world, right there in front of him. The smile on his face refused to fade.
It was warm, fulfilled, almost disbelieving. He was overwhelmed… by your confession… by this family… by the life he never thought he deserved. Reaching out, he gently held both your hand and Kiaan’s tiny one in his.
“I love you both so much…” he whispered into the quiet darkness. “I can’t let either of you go… not now… not ever.” With that promise resting heavy yet peaceful in his chest, he finally closed his eyes.
But unknown to him… somewhere beyond the safety of that room… someone was already weaving shadows—planning to shatter this fragile happiness… to turn their love into chaos.