Tara POV
Sunday Morning, 10 a.m.
We were heartbroken—Vikram, Dadaji, Dadiji, and I—because today Suhani and Mom were finally shifting into their own home. But if I'm honest, there were many people even sadder than us. In fact, "sad" doesn't even cover it. Everyone was in tears—the cooks, gardeners, drivers, home staff, guards, and watchmen. They all stood in line, waiting for their turn to hug Suhani with watery eyes and hand her small gifts.
And Suhani, as always, met each one with the same warmth, hugging them back, speaking gently, and accepting everything with her sweet smile. This went on for almost half an hour before it was finally Dadi and Dadaji's turn.
Dadiji's voice trembled as she hugged Suhani tightly. "The house will feel empty without you, beta."
Suhani stroked her back softly. "Don't worry, Dadi. I'll keep visiting you and Dadaji."
Dadaji placed his hand on Suhani's head in blessing before handing her a small box.
Suhani's eyes lit up. "Wow! What's this, Dadaji?"
He smiled. "Why don't you open it yourself?"
Inside lay a set of delicate gold bangles, each fitted with tiny ghungroos that jingled softly when she shook her wrists. Suhani twirled her hands, the tinkling sound filling the hall. "It's so beautiful! I'll wear these during festivals!"
Everyone smiled at her excitement.
Mom, too, went around greeting everyone and thanking Dadi and Dadaji sincerely for everything.
Dadaji stopped her gently. "Beta, you don't thank family. Think of this as your own home. Come whenever you feel like."
Dadiji's voice cracked. "I'll feel so lonely now. You and I used to talk all day long…"
Suhani grinned and held her hand. "Oho, Dadi, we have phones. We'll talk there too!"
That little line brought a smile to everyone's face.
Even Vikram looked deeply emotional.
Suhani teased him, "But you're coming to our new house with us. Why are you so emotional?"
He knelt in front of her, his voice breaking. "Because in the mornings, you won't be running into my room anymore, asking endless questions, hugging me. I'll miss that."
Suhani hugged him tightly. "I'll miss you too."
And then finally—it was my turn.
"Suhani, won't you say goodbye to me?" I asked softly.
She frowned. "But you're coming with us, Tara didi! Why should I say goodbye here?"
Everyone laughed. It was exactly the answer they expected.
Still, I teased, "But Vikram is also coming along, and you hugged him."
Suhani rolled her eyes, caught my hand, and said, "Oho, Tara didi… don't ask silly questions. You know how much I love you."
I hugged her back, blinking away my tears. "I love you too, Suhani."
Then she looked at me expectantly. "And where's my gift?"
The whole hall burst into laughter. I handed her the packet.
"Here you go."
"Can I open it?" she asked.
I chuckled. "Why are you asking for permission? Of course, open it."
Her face lit up as she unfolded the wrapping. "Wow! So many pink things! Now everything I own will be pink. You're the best sister ever!"
Finally, it was time to leave the Suryavanshi Mansion. Another car was arranged just to carry all of Suhani's gifts. As we drove out, every member of the staff stood at the gates, crying as they waved her goodbye.
Suhani cried too, her tiny frame shaking as she waved at them until they were out of sight.
---
A little later, we reached home. In the side of living hall, a brand-new unicorn swing had been set up for Suhani.
"Tara didi, look! My unicorn swing! Jiju gifted it to me!" she squealed.
I climbed onto it, laughing. "It's actually amazing."
She immediately called Mom and then Vikram over, insisting we all sit together. She even tried to take a family selfie, fumbling adorably with the phone until Vikram helped. The picture came out perfect—with the unicorn swing and Papa's framed photo in the background.
I offered to help Mom with unpacking, but she shook her head. "Vikram ji had the house cleaned yesterday after the swing was installed. Everything is already done."
I smiled at him.
Vikram ji is really wonderful, mom said to me. The way he spend time with Suhani—it shows how much he love her."
We stayed for a while longer, enjoying the warmth of home. But soon, it was time to leave. Suhani clung to Mom and cried, which made me cry too. Even Vikram's eyes misted as he held her one last time before we finally got into the car.
---
Twenty Minutes Later
I frowned at the road ahead. "Vikram… this isn't the way to the Suryavanshi Mansion."
He smirked. "No. It's not. Because you've just been kidnapped."
I raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smile. "Well then, I'm ready to be kidnapped."
"Think twice, Tara," he warned softly.
"I've already thought it through," I replied.
He gave me a sly look. "Fine. But don't complain later that I didn't warn you."
I leaned closer, my voice low. "I'm not afraid of you, Mr. Suryavanshi."
His eyes darkened. "Are you… challenging me?"
"Yes, I am. What will you do about it?"
The car screeched to a halt. In one swift move, Vikram lowered my seat, held me by the waist, and kissed me—fierce, urgent, nothing gentle about it.
When he pulled back, breathless, his voice was rough. "That's how I take a challenge."
I gasped, catching my breath, but managed a grin. "If you continue these antics, Mr. Suryavanshi, I'll have to complain to Dadi about you."
His eyes widened. "What?!"
"Yes," I said sweetly.
He sighed, defeated. "Fine, I'm sorry, Tara. Just don't tell Dadi."
Inwardly, I laughed. Mr. Suryavanshi, don't try to outsmart me. I'm your wife—I'll finish all your smartness.
Aloud, I said, "Now please start the car. And tell me where exactly you're taking me."
---
At the Farmhouse
The car finally stopped in front of a sprawling farmhouse. The watchman hurried to open the gates.
I stepped out and froze in awe. In front of me stretched a breathtaking garden filled with blooming yellow roses as far as the eye could see. Overcome with joy, I ran straight into the blossoms.
Behind me, Vikram watched with a smile tugging at his lips.
The watchman glanced at him. "Sir, this is the first time in so many years you've brought someone here. This must be Tara betiya?"
Vikram nodded. "Yes. And from now on, you're on leave. Paid leave. Don't come back until I call you."
The man nodded, trying hard to hide his grin as he left. At last… after so many years, something has changed. He looks happy. Not broken like before.
---
Inside the garden, Vikram slipped behind me and wrapped me in a back hug.
I turned slowly, still stunned. "This isn't just a rose garden… it's a jungle of yellow blooms. So many flowers…"
His voice dropped to a low murmur. "I used to spend my holidays here with my mother. She loved these roses. After she passed, I kept adding more plants every year in her memory. That's why this place grew into a forest of roses."
I blinked away sudden tears. "No wonder it feels so full of positive energy… it's like your mom is here, watching."
He kissed my cheek softly. "Yes. Maybe she is. That's why the roses bloom so beautifully. Whenever I'm troubled, this is where I come. No one else is allowed here. But today… I wanted you to see it."
I turned to him, heart full. "Thank you, Vikram. This place is beautiful."
He smiled. "You haven't even seen the farmhouse yet. Come, I'll show you around."
I teased, "I can explore it myself."
"Not without me," he insisted.
Laughing, I agreed. Together we strolled around the vast estate, marveling at the enormous plants and the quiet serenity of the land.
As evening fell, dark clouds gathered overhead. Within minutes, rain poured down heavily.
Vikram grabbed my hand tightly. "Run, Tara! Otherwise we'll be soaked!"
I laughed, shaking my head. "No! I'm not running."
"If you get drenched, you'll fall sick!" he scolded.
"So what? Let me enjoy it!" I pulled free from his grip and spun into the downpour, my laughter ringing out as the rain drenched me completely.
He followed, trying to catch me. "Tara, stop! You'll fall—this place is full of plants and uneven ground!"
"Then stay away from me!" I shouted back playfully.
He sighed. "Fine. I'll keep my distance. Just… don't run too fast."
I slowed, panting, trying to catch my breath. And that was when he appeared in front of me, holding me steady as I nearly slipped.
His hands were firm on my waist, his eyes locked on mine. "Enough, Tara. Let's go inside. It's getting late, and the rain is too heavy."
But I didn't move.
I simply stared into his eyes… and in that moment, something unspoken passed between us.
The garden was drenched, every leaf shimmering under the soft drizzle. My hair clung to my cheeks, wet strands framing my determined eyes. I looked at Vikram, a mischievous curve playing on my lips.
"Vikram…" I whispered, stepping closer, my hand brushing against his chest, soaking through his shirt. The rain didn't bother me ; if anything, it emboldened me.
Before he could respond, I reached up, tilting his face gently, and pressed my lips to his. The kiss was bold and urgent. every fluttering heartbeat. Vikram froze for a moment, surprise flickering in his eyes, then melted into it, wrapping his arms around her waist as the rain poured down around them.
The world blurred into droplets and laughter, the garden fading away until there was nothing but the warmth of the kiss, the steady drum of rain, and my confident heartbeat pressed against his.