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I pause at the doorway of Devika’s room, the weight of his decision pressing down on my chest. It’s not just that he’s prioritising Veer and me, but also the sheer depth of what he’s willing to put aside—his career and his legacy. The fact that he’s putting all of this on hold, just soIcan settle in, just soIwon’t feel alone or overwhelmed… It stuns me, making me all the more emotional. We’ll need to talk about this tonight.

I knock softly on Devika’s bedroom door, making sure to keep my emotions in check. I don’t want her to know my state of mind right now.

Devika opens the door, and I step inside, my gaze immediately drawn to the sight of Avika lying peacefully on the bed. Her tiny hand rests gently on Veer’s arm, as if protecting her baby brother. My son is fast asleep beside his cousin, looking so peaceful, his little body exhausted from the day’s rituals and excitement. He missed his afternoon nap while we were at the temple, too busy being part of all the ceremonies while Vishnu and I took our vows.

Devika walks over to me.

“Why don’t you leave Veer here for tonight?” she suggests. “He seems so comfortable, and if he wakes up, I’ll bring him to your room.”

I understand the implication—it’s our suhaagrat, after all. The room, decorated with soft candlelight and flower petals scattered across the bed gave it away earlier. I smile faintly. Though she and Meher have kept their distance from me lately, there’s still a trace of the old bond in her tone.

“Thanks, Devika, but Veer will be cranky if he wakes up and doesn’t find me or Vishnu nearby. I don’t want to disturb you or Avika in the middle of the night.”

Devika nods, stepping aside as I carefully lift Veer into my arms. He stirs slightly but settles back into sleep when I gently pat his back. I wish her goodnight and return to our bedroom, where I can hear the shower running. I gently place Veer in his baby cot next to our bed, dim the lights, and cover him with his duvet. He stirs just a little but quickly settles again, his tiny fists clutching the blanket. My heart swells at the sight of him, so peaceful after such an eventful day. I know he’ll sleep soundly tonight.

Then, my gaze drifts to the room, softly lit and beautifully arranged for tonight. The thought brings a small smile to my face, but my mind quickly returns to what I overheard earlier.

Vishnu emerges from the bathroom in nothing but his boxer shorts—a sight I’ve grown to love lately. How does he manage to look effortlessly irresistible? He glances at Veer to check on him, his gaze softening, before turning his attention to me. But instead of staying in the bedroom, I make my way to the attached nursery, my steps purposeful. I don’t know why I go there—it’s just instinctive, a way to collect my thoughts before confronting him.

“Simran?” Vishnu calls, following me into the nursery. His brows knit together in confusion. “Why are you here? Veer is already asleep. Do you need to work now?”

I cross my arms, standing near the small work desk he had specially arranged for me.

“No. I’m not here to work.”

He shrugs, still confused. “Then what’s wrong?”

I meet his eyes and cut straight to the point.

“Why didn’t you sign the papers?”

His face registers confusion before understanding dawns, but he still plays innocent. “Which papers?”

“The ones your father showed you today—about signing up officially as the party president.” His eyes widen slightly, and I continue, “Yes, I overheard you while heading up to Devika’s room. Thank God I did, or I would’ve never known what you’re doing, Vishnu.”

I maintain my stern expression, but inside, my heart is overflowing with love for this man who would put his entire career on hold just to ensure my well-being first, our family’s well-being. Despite everything—my deceit, the secrets I kept, the years apart—here he is, choosing me above all else. It makes me feel both immensely guilty and deeply cherished at the same time.

Vishnu steps closer, seeing my agitation.

“I did what I thought was the right thing to do.”

“No, Vishnu, that wasn’t right,” I counter, shaking my head, frustration seeping into my voice. “Stop being so sacrificial all the time. Why do you always put your loved one’s needs before your own? First, you did it for your father and this family, and now you’re doing it for me and Veer?”

“Yes, because you two are my family too now,” he says simply.

I again shake my head, emotion tightening my throat.

“Being a family doesn’t mean you have to always be the one to sacrifice. I don’t want you to do this just because I’m still getting used to everything here or because I might need more time in New York. And Veer—I know he’s new to this place and the family, but he’s just a kid. He’ll adapt soon before you know it.”

My voice breaks slightly. “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have opened up about my insecurities the other night. I know that’s why you’ve taken this stupid decision to delay stepping into politics, putting it on hold.”

Before I can say more, he closes the gap between us, his hands resting firmly on my arms as he pulls me close.

“Simran,” he says softly but with authority, “it’s not stupid. And it’s not about stepping back from politics. I’m just giving it more time so I can be assured that my wife and son are truly settled into their new life.” His eyes lock with mine. “I’ve taken seven pheras in front of the holy fire with you, Simran—seven vows to place you and your needs before my own. And even you can’t stop me from keeping that promise.”

I clutch his shoulder, my fingers gently tracing his stubble as I draw closer.

“If you’ve taken those seven vows, so have I. And as your wife, I want what’s best for you too. I’ve already been living my dream, my career, my profession. I am where I’ve always envisioned myself, where I once dreamt of being. I’ve accomplished it all, Vishnu. Even though I was alone then, with no one else to answer to, I was independent and kept dreaming and aspiring for more. And now, I feel like I’ve achieved nearly everything I wanted in life... including you.”