Chapter 54

Sidharth carefully locked the bedroom door behind him and, without thinking twice, jumped high into the air with a loud, joyful “Yes!” A wide smile lit up his face as the excitement bubbled within him. But as soon as his feet touched the ground again, he let out a laugh and shook his head, realizing just how childish he was being.

Just a month ago, he and Shehnaaz had shared a beautiful conversation about getting married soon. Back then, he had assumed they would take things slowly, especially because she was still just 22. He had tried convincing himself that there was no rush, but deep down, he knew the truth—slowing down was not possible. Not for him. Not for her. Not for the kind of bond they shared.

And anyway, 22 wasn’t too young, he had reasoned selfishly. He wasn’t planning to burden her with anything. He wouldn’t dump responsibilities on her delicate shoulders. No, he would be right there with her—always. Supporting her, helping her, loving her. He would never let her feel that she had missed out on her youth or freedom. And honestly, it wasn’t just about his love for her—he knew she needed him just as much. She deserved a life where she felt secure, cared for, and cherished every moment.

She never enjoyed the typical college freedom like other girls. Her dream was simple yet profound—to be his, to complete him, and to fill his life with the baarish of her love. That thought made his heart swell.

His heart beat faster, imagining how surprised and happy she would be when she found out. He would make sure everything was perfect. He would take care of her, pamper her, love her more than himself, and protect her from every storm.

He rolled restlessly on the bed, unable to hold back anymore. Picking up his phone, he dialed her number. He hadn’t even said a word yet when he heard her cute, slightly annoyed voice, “Aap aaye kyu nahi..?”

Her voice made him chuckle immediately. “Sorry baba… meeting me fas gaya tha…” he replied, and almost bit his lip for lying. The truth was—he needed time to speak to his mom, not work.

Shehnaaz, being the understanding soul she was, probably nodded on the other side. He could almost visualize her soft pout as she asked, “Aapne khana khaya..?”

Sidharth went silent for a second. This was the one thing he couldn’t lie about. And he also knew—her scolding was about to begin.

Shehnaaz looked down at the plate in front of her. It was untouched. Her gut told her that Sidharth hadn’t eaten either. And she hadn’t had a bite because of that. She had carried the plate to her room only to escape her mother’s scolding. Her voice dropped as she said softly, “Aap humesha aise kyu karte hai..?”

Her tone held sadness and concern. It tugged at his heart.

Sidharth made a baby face even though she couldn’t see it. Today, it seemed, was his official day to get scolded by his mishty. “Sorry baba… meeting kaafi der tak chali.. aur ab toh dinner ka waqt bhi nikal gaya…”

Shehnaaz rolled her eyes. “Dinner ka koi waqt hota hai..? Abhi kha lijiye na..”

“Jaan…” Sidharth hesitated. He wasn’t used to eating at odd hours. His body just didn’t agree with it.

“Mujhe kuch nahi sunana…” she cut him off sternly. She knew that tone of his too well, and she wasn’t going to let him off this time. “Abhi jayiye aur jaake dinner kijiye.”

There was no point arguing. Sidharth smiled to himself, accepting defeat. He got up and started walking toward the kitchen.

Before he could reach, her voice came again from the phone, “Khane me kya banaya tha?”

Rolling his eyes playfully, he replied, “Dekh raha hun mera bachha… let me reach first.”

She pouted again, “Gussa kyu kar rahe hai..? Mujhe laga abhi tak dekh liya hoga…”

He laughed, knowing her drama too well. “I’m not angry meri jaan… aur khane me roti hai… daal hai… aur koi ajeeb si sabji hai… mujhe naam nahi pata…”

“Sabji ka naam nahi pata? Hayy ammaa… aapko sabjiyon ke naam bhi nahi pata hote…” she gasped.

Sidharth grinned, enjoying her overreaction. “Jaan… main Indian kam khata hoon… aur Italian zyada… but I like the daal though.”

“Hayy sachii? Aapko Italian pasand hai..? Mujhe toh Italian banana aata hi nahi…” she made a thinking face.

Taking a seat at the dining table with his plate, he replied, “Tumhe khilana aata hai..?”

Shehnaaz blinked. “Haan… par…”

“Toh bas… banane ki tension tum mat lo… tumhe bas mujhe khilana hai,” he smiled warmly.

Shehnaaz went silent at that, probably blushing on the other side. Sidharth chuckled softly, knowing her too well. He continued eating, and then suddenly asked, “Waise tumne kya khaya..?”

Shehnaaz stared at her still-full plate again. Her instinct had been right.

Sidharth paused too. When he heard her silence, his heart clenched. “Tumne dinner nahi kiya..?” he asked firmly.

She made her best baby voice and said cutely, “Mujhe pata tha aapne nahi kiya hoga dinner… toh main kaise karti..?”

His chest tightened. “Jaan, this is no behave… I could be held up with work… I will not tolerate this again…”

She twisted her lips and buried her face in her pillow, “Daat lo… par maine nahi sunna…”

Sidharth took a deep breath to calm his rising emotions. “Mera bachha..”

“Haan…” she replied, trying to sound angry, but her voice was too adorable for him to take seriously. He wanted to go to her that very moment and wrap her in a warm hug. “From now on I will eat on time… please kha lo..”

Shehnaaz beamed, quickly pulling the plate toward her. She had been hungry for so long. “Pata hai kitni bhukh lagi thi mujhe..?” And just like that, she began to chatter while eating quickly, making Sidharth laugh at her adorable speed.

Their nok-jhok, filled with love and laughter, continued on…

Days passed…

But Sidharth still didn’t show up to meet Shehnaaz. This sudden distance shocked her. Since their return from Sydney, they had practically been inseparable. It felt wrong not to see him for so many days.

He would always give the same excuse on the phone—that he was stuck with work. And Shehnaaz, trusting him fully, let it go. But deep down, she felt the ache building with each day.

She missed him terribly. She missed his tight hugs, the comfort of his arms, his intense eyes, his protective presence. She missed his surprise kisses, the warmth in his voice, and the way he made her feel like the most important person in the world. She was breaking from the inside.

What she didn’t know was that Sidharth was missing her just as much. Probably more.

He was purposely staying away. He knew himself well—if he met her even once, he wouldn’t be able to hide his happiness, his excitement. And lying was impossible when she looked into his eyes.

He hated hearing the sadness in her voice over the phone. He was angry at himself. But even then, she never once complained. She understood him like no one else did. If the roles had been reversed, he would’ve demanded to meet her. But his mishty? She just silently waited.

Meanwhile, their group of friends had been working on a plan for Shehnaaz’s upcoming birthday.

Nisha suggested that Sidharth go meet Shehnaaz early in the morning with the excuse that he couldn’t stay away from her anymore and take her to the mandir.

Mayank added that after the temple, he should take her for shopping and lunch to keep her away while they decorated the Mansion for her big surprise.

Sidharth agreed and also looped in Karan, Shweta, and her team to ensure everything went smoothly.

Ankita excitedly shared the next part—that around 4 PM, Sidharth could take Shehnaaz to the opening event of the foundation. Everyone would be present there.

Sidharth liked the plan, and then Anu pitched the final idea: after the foundation event, he would take Shehnaaz straight to the Mansion by 7 PM where the big surprise awaited.

And after all the celebrations, Rita ji and Shehnaaz’s parents would announce their engagement—another surprise.

Then cake-cutting. Then the dance. Everything beautifully planned.

Sidharth loved the whole idea. But planning was one thing… executing it perfectly was another. He hoped and prayed nothing went wrong. He just wanted one perfect day—for her.

Next morning…

Shehnaaz rolled on her bed, sleep refusing to leave her eyes. She didn’t want to wake up. It had been a whole week without seeing Sidharth.

So unlike him. He never stayed away like this. But then again… she understood. He had work. Her heart whispered that she needed to be understanding, just like her mother supported her father.

But the pain… the dull ache of missing him… that didn’t go away.

She missed him so much, she felt breathless sometimes. She was used to his presence like one is to air.

Enough was enough. She had decided. She would meet him today—no matter what. Even if it meant going to his office.

With a deep sigh, she turned again in bed.

And suddenly—she felt a weight fall on her back.

She knew it was him.

She didn’t need to turn. Her body, her soul, her heart—all recognized him before her eyes could. His warmth enveloped her like a long-lost blanket on a winter morning, and his familiar cologne teased her senses, bringing tears to her eyes even before they could form.

It was him.

Her Sidharth.

Her heart thudded wildly in her chest, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of emotions—relief, happiness, longing, and love—all crashing together in one breathless moment.

But before she could even turn to him, he wrapped himself around her from behind, his heavy frame resting over hers, cocooning her in a possessive, grounding hold. His embrace didn’t just feel physical—it felt like an anchor to her scattered emotions. She melted beneath his weight, letting herself sink deeper into his warmth.

He buried his face into her hair, his nose nudging her strands aside lazily as he inhaled the scent that had haunted his dreams. Then, with a tenderness that made her throat tighten, he pressed a slow, reverent kiss on the back of her neck, where her hair had shifted, revealing a sliver of bare skin.

Shehnaaz smiled faintly, her eyes fluttering shut. She didn’t speak. She didn’t move. She knew this was his moment—his silent apology, his wordless longing, his raw love wrapped in the silence of dawn.

And she… she just wanted to let him have it.

Sidharth had reached her place at six in the morning, unable to stay away any longer. The pain of missing her had become unbearable. He hadn’t meant to wake anyone in the house—he had climbed up the balcony the way he used to, like a hopeless teenager in love.

He had expected her to be asleep.

But instead, he saw her turning restlessly in bed, half-awake, clearly disturbed. Her movements were restless, aimless… like she was seeking something that wasn’t there. It broke him. It shattered the walls he had built around himself all week. That very instant, without another thought, he had launched himself onto the bed and over her—covering her completely, as if by doing so, he could erase every trace of longing they had endured.

“Jana…” she whispered softly, her voice laced with relief, her heart finally catching up with her reality. His soothing kisses, his grounding weight, the comfort of his presence—all of it felt like rain in a desert.

Her whisper struck him deep in his chest.

That one word—”Jana”—always had power over him. It wasn’t just a name anymore. It was her love, her claim, her surrender… and his undoing.

He smiled against her hair, knowing well how she held his heart in her small, delicate hands.

Finally, he gave her room to turn around, and as she did, her face came into view—those soft, innocent eyes, the hint of sadness still lingering, and that tender smile reserved only for him. His heart clenched painfully at the sight. How had he stayed away from this angel for so long?

He couldn’t utter the words “happy birthday.” Not yet. Not now. The moment was too fragile to bring in reality. He didn’t want to break the magic.

So instead, he leaned in and brushed his lips across hers, barely holding back the tremble in his chest.

“I love you, Shehnaaz,” he whispered, almost like a vow.

And then he kissed her.

A deep, yearning kiss that spoke of the ache, the distance, the love, and the madness of the past week. Her lips were still lazy with sleep, but they opened to him like they always did—like they were made for his.

She welcomed him without hesitation. Her arms shot around his neck, pulling him closer. That one week without him had felt like a lifetime, and now that he was here—flesh, warmth, and heartbeat—she wasn’t going to let him go.

His hand slipped, wrapping around her waist as though he was afraid she’d disappear again. The other tangled into her hair, angling her face to deepen the kiss until he was consuming her, slowly, thoroughly, until nothing else existed in the world but his lips, his breath, and her soft moans.

“Jaan…” he groaned against her lips, his voice hoarse, his body restless.

He wanted more.

His weight pressed down on her again, his chest crushing against hers, their hearts racing in a mad symphony of longing. His mouth grew demanding—urgent—and his arms, one snaking around her back, the other pinning her wrists above her head, held her as if she belonged to him entirely.

Which she did.

She tried to speak again—wanted to tell him how much she missed him, how empty life had felt without him—but he didn’t let her. He silenced her with his kisses. Fierce. Breathless. Wild.

Shehnaaz wasn’t afraid of this wild side of him. She loved it. It thrilled her. It reminded her that she was his. Entirely his.

Today, for some reason, he didn’t hold back. He let the possessiveness take over. He claimed her with his lips, his hands, and his warmth. Her lips were swollen from his hungry kisses, and her body burned from every stroke of his fingers, every graze of his chest.

She felt herself surrendering completely—again, like always.

Their fingers intertwined, tight and pulsing. He urged her to open her mouth, and she did without question, letting him in.

They weren’t just two people in love.

They were *one soul in two bodies.*

And in that kiss, in that morning light, in that silence… they knew—

They had found home.

They kissed each other like it was their first…
They kissed each other like it could be their last.

They kissed until their lips trembled and gave up…
They kissed until their lungs cried for air.

Time slipped silently out the window, unnoticed, until Shehnaaz’s phone buzzed suddenly—breaking the trance, jolting them both back to reality.

Sidharth reluctantly pulled away from the kiss, his breath still mingling with hers, his lips tingling from their passion. He glanced at her flushed face, her closed eyes, her chest rising and falling in unsteady rhythm. A soft, contented smile tugged at his lips.

He reached over and disconnected the call without even checking who it was, then quietly nestled his head on her chest. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to fully breathe her in again—the calm after the storm.

That kiss had drained every ounce of energy from them.
But oh, it was worth it.

The sudden desire.
The wild passion.
The helpless longing.

Everything had erupted the moment he saw her. The moment his body met hers again.

Today was special. For him.

And that kiss—it wasn’t just a kiss.

It was his way of wishing her.

His silent *“Happy Birthday”* wrapped in fire and love.

Because to him, this day wasn’t ordinary.
It was the day his *mishty* came into the world.
The day life gave him his heartbeat, his reason to live.
To him, her birthday was more than a celebration—it was a blessing in disguise. A day he owed everything to.

He knew he had drained her, overwhelmed her first thing in the morning, but he couldn’t stop himself. The emotions were too strong, the urge too raw. He had waited for days—long, painful days—to be with her like this. And now, he just wanted to love her the way his heart demanded.

Shehnaaz smiled softly beneath him, already knowing what was going on in his mind. He was resting on her chest while she was resting under him—and in that silence, the last week of pain and longing quietly faded away.

She didn’t know why the kiss had felt *so* different today. But it did.

Maybe it was the intensity.
Maybe it was the timing.
Maybe it was just *him*.

Whatever it was, her Sidharth had kissed her with a love that made her soul sing. And just thinking of it made her smile again.

Her fingers moved gently through his hair, massaging his scalp in slow, loving circles.

“Is there something special today…?” she whispered innocently, teasing the quiet smile on his lips.

He chuckled at her deliberate naivety. “Hmm.”

She gasped dramatically, “Hayy sachii? Kya special hai aaj?” Her eyes widened like a child, playing along with the game.

Sidharth lifted his head slightly, pressed a kiss on her heart, and whispered, “I kissed you…”

Her cheeks turned a shade redder as she pulled him into her arms. “And what did I do to earn such a special morning?” she asked, hugging him tightly.

He leaned up just a bit, their eyes meeting in the early morning light, and he said it without hesitation—his voice soft but sure, “I love you.”

Shehnaaz’s eyes sparkled, and she brushed her nose against his, smiling back. “I love you too.”

Sidharth smiled gently and began playing with the loose curls that framed her face. “Maine bahut tang kiya na tumhe…?”

Shehnaaz cupped his cheek and ran her fingers through his hair again. “Aapko haq hai na…”

He knew it. She would never let him feel sorry or guilty for his love. Planting a slow, lingering kiss on her forehead, he whispered, “You mean the world to me.”

Shehnaaz’s smile widened, her heart feeling light, “And you are my world…”

Sidharth chuckled at her adorably possessive words. “Without a doubt,” he murmured, the softness in his tone laced with his trademark protectiveness.

She giggled when he nuzzled her nose with his again, then leaned in and placed a sudden kiss on his lips—quick, wild, and filled with mischief.

Taken by surprise, Sidharth felt a jolt of joy course through him. He collapsed onto his back with a playful thud, and she climbed over him, kissing him harder this time, nipping his lips gently before soothing the sting with her tongue.

He groaned under her. She always had this effect on him.

When their lips finally parted, breathless and panting, she rested against his chest, smiling into his warmth.

Snaking his arms around her waist, he gently pulled her upwards until her face was directly above his.

“I love you… mera bachha…” he said again, letting the words fall freely from his lips.

Shehnaaz raised a teasing brow and grinned. “Kya baat hai… aaj toh mujh pe ‘I love you’ ki barsaat ho rahi hai…”

He laughed and bit her nose lightly, making her wince in mock protest. “Aaj aap pe kuchh zyada hi pyaar aa raha hai…”

Her laughter echoed through the room as he suddenly got up—still holding her against his chest.

“Achha chalo… jaldi se ready ho jao,” he said with a grin.

She blinked. “Kyun?”

Sidharth rolled his eyes in fake annoyance. “Kyunki hum bahar ja rahe hai, baba!”

“Hayy sachiii!” she squealed with excitement before frowning a bit. “Par aapka office…?”

“Aaj ka poora din tumhare naam,” he said matter-of-factly. “Ab chalo… warna main tumhe aise hi uthake le jaunga!”

Shehnaaz pouted, clearly reluctant to leave his arms. “But I want to sleep more in your arms…”

Before she could finish, she gasped—he had already lifted her up bridal-style and was walking toward the door.

“Jana! Kya kar rahe ho! Maine abhi tak bath bhi nahi kiya… chhodiye!” she cried, trying to wriggle free.

Sidharth smirked, “Toh?”

Shehnaaz groaned and gave in, kissing his jaw sweetly. “Please… sirf 10 minutes. Main abhi tayyar ho jaati hoon.”

He paused for a moment, pretended to think, and then slowly lowered her to the ground. “Sirf 10 minutes…”

Shehnaaz flashed a cute smile and rushed to freshen up, while Sidharth walked down the stairs to meet Jasbeera ji and Rajender ji—ready to reveal the surprise he had planned for his birthday girl.

And just like that, the day had only begun.

But it had already given them more than a thousand unspoken words and a kiss that would be etched in their hearts forever.

Mansion looked no less than a palace lit up for Diwali. The air shimmered with excitement, laughter, and overwhelming joy. It wasn’t just a birthday they were celebrating—it was also the engagement of their beloved daughter. The happiness was palpable; the entire house glowed with the kind of contentment that comes only when dreams begin turning into reality.

Yet, despite all the excitement, no one had begun preparations just yet. They all patiently waited for Shehnaaz and Sidharth to return from their day out.

As Sidharth descended the stairs, he was instantly pulled into warm hugs from every member of the Gill family. Baaz’s eyes welled up with tears—a raw emotion that spoke volumes about his love for his sister. Mahi’s face lit up with awe and childish glee, her eyes shining with excitement.

Jasbeera ji had tears in her eyes—of joy, of contentment, and of a silent prayer—and Rajender ji looked at Sidharth with the pride of a father who couldn’t have asked for a better son-in-law.

The house was filled with warmth, and amidst it all, Leher stepped forward to apologize once again for her previous behavior towards Shehnaaz. “I misjudged her,” she said with guilt lining her voice.

Sidharth, being the composed man he was, simply gave her a faint, forgiving smile—dismissing the matter as something long gone.

While talking about the day’s plans, Leher gasped in disbelief when she came to know that Sidharth was inaugurating a foundation in Uttara’s name. Her eyes filled up instantly, guilt overpowering her. Without saying a word, she turned and walked away, her emotions choking her. Baaz, sensing her distress, quietly followed her.

Jasbeera ji gently placed a hand on Sidharth’s shoulder, assuring him, “Don’t worry beta… sab kuch sambhal lenge. Aaj tum dono ke din mein kisi bhi udasi ki jagah nahi honi chahiye.”

He smiled warmly, touched by her motherly love.

Then he stepped forward to take Rajender ji’s blessings. Rajender ji blessed him silently, still slightly overwhelmed by the realization that this calm, loving man was the same business tycoon who ruled half of Mumbai’s commercial world. Jasbeera ji kissed his forehead lovingly, “Sana ka khayal rakhne ke liye kehne ki zarurat nahi… tujhse behtar uska khayal aur koi nahi rakh sakta. Lekin apna bhi dhyaan rakhna… aur ek dusre se hamesha itna hi pyaar karna, beta.”

Sidharth nodded gently and hugged her again with deep respect and emotion.

Upstairs, Shehnaaz walked out of the bathroom, towel in hand, only to spot a brand-new dress laid out on the bed. A soft smile crept onto her face.

“Yeh Sidharth bhi na… har baar nayi dress,” she shook her head and picked it up with fondness glowing in her eyes. She changed into the dress quickly and got ready.

Descending the stairs, her eyes immediately found him—her Sidharth—casually talking and laughing with her parents like he’d been part of this family forever. Her heart did a somersault. There was something profoundly comforting about that moment.

His eyes locked with hers, and time paused for a fleeting second. She felt his gaze soften.

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, trying to look casual as her family surrounded her with playful hugs and affectionate teasing. Mahi’s over-enthusiasm earned a classic Shehnaaz eye-roll.

“Jana ji,” she said, turning to Sidharth with mock-seriousness, “hum kahan ja rahe hai?”

He smirked, “Kahan jana hai mere bachha ko?”

Shehnaaz pouted adorably, “Offoo, batayiye na!”

Chuckling at her impatience, he finally revealed, “Mandir ja rahe hai.”

“Mandir?” her brows rose in surprise.

He gently touched her hair, his hand sliding around her neck to pull her closer. She smiled instantly and rested her head on his shoulder, arms locking around his.

A soft kiss on her forehead later, he repeated, “Hmm.”

Shehnaaz sighed with a content smile, “Hum aaj tak mandir kabhi saath nahi gaye…”

Sidharth smiled, “Ab ja rahe hai na.”

Silence fell between them as they drove—a comfortable, peaceful kind of silence.

After a few minutes, she looked up and whispered, “Sidharth…”

He stroked her hair gently. “Hmm?”

“Pata hai… next month college mein IVs hone wale hai,” she said excitedly.

He already knew, of course, but he let her talk.

“Haan… aur main bahut excited hoon. College ke sath-sath agar koi acchi job bhi mil gayi experience ke liye… I’ll be really happy.”

“I’m happy just seeing you this excited,” he replied softly, planting another kiss on her head.

She leaned into him again, whispering dreamily, “Waise… dress bahot achhi hai.”

That made Sidharth roll his eyes and chuckle, “Bahot pyari lag rahi ho, mera bachha.”

Shehnaaz blinked, clearly surprised. “Aaj toh bade romantic ban gaye ho aap. Roz toh bilkul unromantic aur khadoos rehte ho.”

Laughing, Sidharth halted the car suddenly and gave her a dramatic stare.

“Kya hua, Jana?” she asked innocently.

With a wicked smile, he asked, “Kya bola abhi?”

She blinked again, all doe-eyed. “Main? Maine kya bola?”

He leaned in dangerously close. “Jaan… don’t do that. Batao kya bola?”

She giggled and kissed his cheek, whispering sweetly, “Kuch bhi nahi… sachchi Jana.”

God, she was his undoing. He couldn’t help it—he bit her earlobe lightly and then kissed the spot where her neck met her shoulder. She let out a soft sigh and looked away, cheeks flushed.

Chuckling, he pulled her into his arms and restarted the car.

At the mandir, Sidharth stepped out first and opened the car door for her. Shehnaaz got down, and he gently placed a kiss on her forehead, then laced his fingers with hers.

They walked up the temple stairs hand in hand. Shehnaaz folded her hands in front of the idol with closed eyes and serene faith on her face. Sidharth didn’t look at the idol at first—he looked at her.

Her simplicity. Her innocence. The way her dupatta covered her head. Everything about her left him spellbound.

He turned to the idol then. For the first time in years, his hands joined in prayer. After his father’s death, he had never believed again. Never felt the need. But today, he wanted to thank the divine. For sending Shehnaaz into his life. For healing his broken heart. For filling the void.

Shehnaaz opened her eyes slowly and saw Sidharth, eyes closed, hands folded in prayer. Her heart fluttered.

Her Sidharth.

Their first time together in a mandir—so simple, yet so extraordinary. She turned back to the idol and silently prayed.

Thank you, for bringing him into my life. For loving me through him. Never take him away from me. Ever.

“There is no Sidharth without Shehnaaz…” his heart whispered.

“There is no Shehnaaz without Sidharth…” hers echoed.

“Beta ji,” Pandit ji said kindly, “aage aaiye… bhagwan ka prasad le lijiye.”

They stepped forward. Sidharth held his palms out, and Shehnaaz gently placed hers inside his. The Pandit smiled at their innocence as he gave them the prasad and a sacred thread.

“Yeh dhaga… dono milke wahan baandh do. Jab tak yeh dhaga wahan salamat rahega… bhagwan tum dono aur tumhare pyaar ki hifaazat karenge.”

They both nodded, took the blessings, and moved toward the sacred tree.

Shehnaaz tied the first knot. Sidharth followed with another. One after the other… knot after knot… until their fingers brushed together.

They paused, smiled shyly, and shook their heads. Fingers still touching.

They turned, hand in hand, and made their way back to the car—hearts fuller than ever before.

Author’s Note