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“Claire, is Veer awake? Did he wake up at all last night?” I ask, trying to mask my concern.

She turns to me with a warm smile. “He’s been up for a while. He slept through the night, though. And you?”

“Actually, I also slept really well. I feel much better today,” I admit before adding, “Where is Veer now? And have you seen my phone?”

“Veer and your phone, both are with Vishnu. He’s in the nursery, by the way,” she grins.

I don’t stay around to analyse Claire’s amused expression and head straight to the nursery. The room is quiet when I enter, but the faint sounds of laughter and splashing draw me toward the bathroom. Curious, I push open the door, and the sight before me stops me in my tracks.

Vishnu is shirtless, giving Veer a bath in the custom-built baby bathtub. It’s one of those expensive, ergonomic ones with temperature control and soft edges that are a rage here in New York. But I barely notice the bathtub or Veer because I can’t take my eyes off Vishnu.

This is the first time I’ve seen him shirtless since that unforgettable night eighteen months ago, and my body instantly responds to the sight. Water droplets trickle down his sculpted chest as Veer splashes around playfully, giggling with joy. His joggers hang dangerously low on his hips, the waistband of his underwear slightly visible just above them. For a moment, I forget how to breathe.

I’d seen Vishnu like this on the night we created Veer, a memory that still sends shivers down my spine. But this? This is different. Watching him with our son now, so patient despite Veer’s mischievous antics, tugs at something deep within me.

I feel heat creeping up my cheeks as my eyes trace a path from that tantalising line up his toned abs, across his broad chest, along his strong neck, and finally to his eyes. That’s when I realise that he’s watching me watch him.

Caught staring, I quickly redirect my attention to Veer.

“Veer, how come you’re not giving Papa any tantrums today, sweetie?” I ask, moving closer and crouching beside the tub to plant a kiss on Veer’s wet cheek. “You’re usually the tantrum king during bath time.” I try hard to sound casual.

Veer giggles, splashing more water, some of it hitting my face. I laugh, wiping it off, and then glance at Vishnu, whose knowing eyes are still on my face, and my cheeks burn even hotter.

“And how did you figure all this out?” I ask him, trying to initiate a conversation.

“I’ve seen Aksh helping Devika bathe their daughter back at the Walia Mansion,” he replies, expertly holding a squirming Veer. “It’s not rocket science.”

“Did he also do it shirtless, or is that your special touch? The Vishnu Walia trademark?” I can’t help but grin.

“Looks like someone slept well last night,” he observes, clearly picking up on my playful flirtation.

My heart skips a beat at the flirtatious undertone. But his words also remind me of last night, of everything I poured out to him. I take a deep breath before speaking.

“Vishnu… about last night…”

“Whatever you had to say, you said it all last night,” he cuts me off. “I don’t need a repeat telecast now.”

I nod, accepting his response. He doesn’t want to talk about it. I get it. But what is that supposed to mean for us hereon?

“Need any help?”

“I’ve got this,” he replies, fully focused on Veer.

Leaning down, I kiss Veer once again, only for him to splash more water at me.

“You little troublemaker,” I tease, laughing as I stand up. “Have you seen my phone?” I ask Vishnu.

“It’s on the table outside.”

I nod, my eyes drifting to Vishnu’s lips of their own accord. The spark between us is impossible to ignore, and I catch him watching me. He noticed. Of course, he did. The corner of his mouth lifts into a knowing smirk. I haven’t just woken up well-rested and light-hearted, but I’m also feeling a bit desperate and restless, though I have no idea why? Biting my lip, I turn away and head out to the nursery, where I find my phone exactly where he said it would be.

I wait for the phone to turn on. After my apology last night and accepting that the wedding is inevitable, the guilt has been lifted, but in its place is something entirely new—something electric, uncertain, and full of possibility with Vishnu.

My heart nearly stops when I see the time on my phone: 10:30 AM. By now, I’m usually halfway to my boutique, handling the morning rush.

“What?” I exclaim just as Vishnu steps out of the bathroom. Veer is wrapped in a fluffy towel and cuddled against his bare chest, his tiny face peeking out with a look of pure contentment. I reach for Veer instinctively, taking him from Vishnu’s arms.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” I ask, patting Veer dry while trying to keep my mounting stress in check. “And my alarms… they didn’t ring. Did you turn off my phone?”