Madhu's POV
After Vasu gently pushed me inside the house, I stood there for a moment, clutching his jacket to my chest like it was the only thing keeping me steady. His warmth still lingered on it. Taking a deep breath, I walked upstairs toward my room.
I pushed the door open.
Darkness.
As soon as I switched on the light—
"Surprise!"
I gasped, my hands flying to my mouth.
The room was glowing—soft lights, balloons brushing the ceiling, flowers scattered everywhere, and a small cake placed neatly at the center. For a second, my mind froze. Then my heart swelled.
"Talia…" I whispered.
She ran toward me and wrapped her arms around me tightly. I hugged her back, still trying to process what I was seeing.
"What is all this, T?" I asked softly.
She pulled away, her eyes shining.
"This is for my girl," she said, her voice warm, "who finally chose happiness. Who finally chose the man she deserves."
My throat tightened.
"Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
She smiled, then clapped her hands.
"Okay, enough emotions. Come on—cake time!"
She dragged me toward the bed and made me sit in the middle, already lifting her phone to take pictures. I smiled for the camera, but when she placed the knife in my hand, I froze.
"Babe," she said gently, lowering the phone, "cut the cake."
I didn't move.
"I just…" I whispered, staring at the cake, "I wish he was here right now."
Talia's teasing expression softened instantly. She walked toward me and rested her hand on my shoulder.
"What happened, sweetheart?"
I looked up at her and smiled—small, fragile.
"Nothing," I said. "I'm just… already missing him."
She didn't say anything. Instead, she took Vasu's jacket from my hands and draped it carefully around my shoulders, wrapping me in it like a shield.
"He is here," she said softly. "With you. Always."
She squeezed my hands gently.
"Now cut the cake."
I finally did.
As we shared the cake, she made me laugh, teasing me about everything that had happened after I left the hospital. The way she spoke—so knowingly—made my cheeks burn.
I looked down, smiling to myself.
For the first time in a long time, the fear was still there…
but it no longer owned me.
Love did.
After a while, when our laughter faded and silence settled in, we decided to sleep. I stood up from the bed, still wrapped in Vasu's jacket, when my phone suddenly vibrated.
Vasu.
A smile curved onto my lips instantly.
"Who is calling you now, honey?" Talia teased.
I looked at her, and she laughed knowingly.
"I get it," she said, raising her hands. "I'm disappearing."
She walked out, shutting the door softly behind her.
I answered the call.
"Hello…"
No response.
Just silence.
I held the jacket closer, breathing in his familiar scent, grounding myself. Then I heard it—his smile, hidden in his voice.
"Stop inhaling my scent, sweetheart."
I smiled.
"Then start talking, Vasu."
He chuckled softly.
"Open your window curtains."
My eyes widened.
"No."
"Why?" he asked, amused.
I sighed, lowering my voice.
"If I see you right now, I won't be able to sleep."
He laughed quietly.
"Open it, Madhu."
"No… I can't—"
"Open it," he interrupted, playful but firm, "or I'll come ring your doorbell."
I gasped.
"No—don't you dare—okay, okay! I'm opening it!"
I jumped off the bed and rushed to the window, my heart pounding louder than my footsteps. I pulled the curtains aside.
And there he was.
Standing by his window, framed by soft light, watching me like I was the only thing that existed.
I leaned closer to the glass.
"What have you done to me, sweetheart?" he asked quietly.
I smiled, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I think you cast some spell on me. Now I'm stuck with you… forever."
He laughed—but then it stopped.
His gaze dropped.
The shift was instant. Heavy.
"Vasu," I said softly, worry tightening my chest. "Look at me."
He shook his head.
"I can feel it," I said, my voice firmer now. "Something's wrong. Talk to me."
He sighed, long and tired.
"Tomorrow is going to be hard, Madhu. I don't know how I'll handle it… especially my mother."
My heart clenched.
Tomorrow.
His father's death anniversary.
"Vasu," I said firmly, "look at me."
Slowly, he lifted his head.
"Put your hand on the window," I instructed.
He frowned.
"What?"
"Just do it."
After a second, he placed his palm against the glass.
I mirrored him, my hand resting exactly where his was—separated only by distance.
"Listen to me," I said gently. "You've faced this day alone for years. But not this time."
His eyes stayed on mine.
"You have me now," I continued. "And tomorrow… I'll be there. With you."
He blinked.
"You're serious?"
I nodded, without hesitation.
A slow smile spread across his face—soft, emotional. He rubbed his forehead, exhaling like he'd been holding his breath for years.
"I love you, sweetheart," he said quietly.
"I love you too," I whispered back.
We spoke about nothing after that—random, silly things—just to keep the darkness away. I knew he was tired. I knew tomorrow would be heavy.
"Go sleep," he finally said. "You need rest. Good night, sweetheart."
"Good night, Vasu," I replied softly.
I closed the curtains slowly, my hand lingering on the glass for a moment longer.
Tomorrow would be difficult.
But he wouldn't face it alone.
The alarm shattered the silence.
I jolted awake and reached for my phone, turning it off with a groan. 6:00 a.m.
Today was supposed to be my day off.
But today wasn't about me.
It was about him.
I got out of bed immediately and headed to the bathroom. After freshening up, I chose a simple outfit—a pink three-fourth sleeve top, loose white pants, and a shawl. Nothing fancy. Just enough to be present.
As I picked up my phone, a notification from the hospital flashed on the screen, requesting my presence ASAP.
Not today.
I let out a slow breath and called my Head of Department, Dr. Maggie Woodlock, explaining that I had a family emergency. After a brief conversation, she agreed and granted me the day off.
Relief washed over me.
I woke Talia gently.
"Why are you dressed so casually?" she asked sleepily.
I explained everything—about Vasu, about his father, about today. The moment I mentioned it, her expression changed, the excitement from last night fading into quiet concern.
"I promised him I'd be there the whole day," I said softly.
She nodded and hugged me.
"Go," she said. "He needs you."
I grabbed my phone and hurried downstairs.
My brother was sitting on the sofa, coffee in hand, scrolling through his phone, completely unaware of me.
I moved into the kitchen and froze.
There was a lot of food.
"Mom?" I asked, surprised. "Is someone coming over? Why is there so much food?"
Priya answered before my mother could.
"It's for Sharadha aunty's house. There's a pooja today… for her husband."
My heart skipped.
"Did Sharadha Ma tell you about it?" I asked.
Both my mother and Priya nodded.
"Oh," I said softly, understanding everything now. "Okay… Can I have some milk, please?"
My mother studied me carefully.
"No breakfast? And why are you dressed like this?"
I sighed and explained—about Vasu, about the anniversary, about needing to be there.
Priya handed me a glass of milk. I took it and sat down on the living room sofa, my fingers tightening slightly around the glass.
Today wasn't going to be easy.
My brother finally noticed my presence. His gaze lifted from his phone and settled on me.
"What?" I asked.
He smiled faintly. "You're off today?"
I nodded and sat up straighter on the sofa, my fingers tightening together. I cleared my throat.
"Do you know what today is?" I asked quietly.
He nodded—no words, just understanding.
He took a deep breath.
"I've known Vasu for three years," he said. "And every single year, this day has been hell for him. He carries it silently. He never asks for anything."
I reached out and held my brother's hands, forcing him to look at me.
"But now… he has you. Please take care of him. Especially today."
Our eyes locked.
"Don't worry," I said firmly. "I'll be with him the entire day. I won't leave his side. I promise."
Only then did my chest loosen.
I checked my phone—8:00 a.m.
"Oh God," I muttered, springing up from the sofa. "Mom, I'm going to Vasu's place. I'll send someone to pick up the things for the pooja," I said quickly, already moving toward the door.
"Madhu—" my brother called out.
I stopped and turned.
"If you need anything, just—"
"I'll call you," I said softly, cutting him off before emotion could spill out.
He nodded.
I stepped outside.
As I walked toward Vasu's house, an uneasy sensation crept over me—like eyes following my every step. I slowed, glancing over my shoulder, then to the sides.
Nothing.
Still, my heart thudded harder.
Shaking it off, I continued forward and reached his door. I rang the bell.
It opened almost instantly.
Vasu stood there.
The moment his eyes met mine, something inside him broke free. He pulled me into his arms without a word, his grip firm, protective. His arms wrapped around my waist as he buried his face into the crook of my neck, breathing me in like he needed me to stay upright.
I slid my hands up his back, holding him just as tightly.
"Good morning," I whispered.