SUNAINA'S POV

“Good morning, Senorita. Thank you for going out with me yesterday—I had a great time with you.

Only yours,

Adhvait.”

“Hi Mr Mehra,

Please have your dinner before sleeping.

I enjoyed being with you yesterday too.

Take care,

Sunu”

The next two weeks passed in a blur, with us talking only through our notes because Mr Mehra’s dream project was finally launching next week, and he was extremely busy because of that. The family barely saw him at home; he would come back very late and leave early.

But not a single day went by without him tucking a white rose along with his handwritten note, to which I’d reply and leave with the dinner I’d been keeping in his room.

I won’t lie—I do miss him...just a little bit.

Okay, maybe a bit more than that… but he doesn’t need to know that. Not yet.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by a knock that echoed in my silent room. I quickly detangled myself from my huge blanket and crawled out of my reclined chair to open the door.

“Sunu dii, come on, let’s go. It’s time for dinner,” Pari said, dragging me out of my room.

We walked through the corridors and finally reached the dining area, where—surprisingly enough—Mr Mehra was also seated.

 “Hii” I said, settling on my seat as a chorus of hiiis came.

“Hi,” I said, settling into my seat as a chorus of "hi"s followed.

“Let’s have dinner. I have an announcement to make after that,” Chachu said. The others frowned in confusion—including me. Well, except Mr Mehra, who just smiled warmly.

There was something different about tonight’s dinner. It felt… whole. As if something long-missing had finally returned. Or maybe… someone? Was it Mr Mehra?

Ugh, I really need to stop overthinking.

Pulling myself away from my pointless thoughts, I focused on dinner and the conversations around me.

After dinner, we all settled in the lounge area to spend some family time—especially after a long week without Mr Mehra’s presence.

“I think now’s the right time to share the news, what do you think, Adi?” Chachu said, clearing his throat to get our attention. Mr Mehra simply nodded with a smile.

“Our Adi has finally secured his dream project. He’s been working tirelessly, day and night,” Chachu announced, and the room erupted with cheers and applause. Chachi immediately stood, pulling him into a tight hug and kissing his forehead as he bowed to touch her feet.

“I am so, so, so proud of you, my jaan,” Chachi said, her voice brimming with happy tears. Mr Mehra gently wiped her cheeks before helping her back to her seat beside Chachu.

(My jaan- my life)

“Sab aapke aur chachu k vishwas ki wajah se hua hai. Without you guys, I am nothing.” he replied, kneeling in front of them. They gave him a fond, proud smile. Chachi kissed his forehead again, and Chachu patted his shoulder, his eyes gleaming with pride.

(It's all because of you guys' trust in me. Without you guys, I am nothing.)

“Congratulations, bhai! Your hard work finally paid off,” Pari said, smiling proudly at her brother.

“Yes, congrats bhai, we’re so proud of you,” Eshu added. Both girls hugged Mr Mehra on either side. I could see his eyes shining with unspoken gratitude and love for his family.

“Thank you, little ones,” he said softly, steadying himself.

“There’s an inauguration party scheduled three days from now for the deal he signed. I want every single one of you to be there,” Chachu added. Everyone nodded. I hesitated for a moment, but one glance at Mr Mehra’s gentle expression and I couldn’t bring myself to refuse.

“Let’s get some rest—we’ve got a lot to prepare for the party,” Chachu said, and we all dispersed.

Mr Mehra walked away with Chachu to discuss the upcoming event, while the rest of us made our way back to our rooms.

Though I wanted to congratulate him, I couldn’t bring myself to do it in front of the entire family—especially when he’s my potential future fiancé.

I freshened up quickly and wrapped up my night routine. My gaze landed on the note I hadn’t managed to give him today—he came home earlier than expected.

Biting my lip, I debated whether I should go to his room and congratulate him personally. Just then, my phone lit up with a message.

It was from Bhaiya…

“Sunu bachha, we’re not able to call Adhvait because of network problems. Please congratulate him on behalf of me and your Bhabhi.”

Well then, Sunu, go congratulate your Mr Mehra—on Bhaiya and Bhabhi’s behalf.

I took a few deep breaths and walked over to his room, just across from mine. My heart raced with every step and after a failed attempt of calming my erratic heartbeats. I knocked on his door.

I could hear shuffling inside. Was he already asleep? Did I just disturb him?

A second or two later, the door creaked open, and I found myself face-to-face with a very surprised Mr Mehra.

“Hi,” I muttered nervously.

“Hey. Do you need something, Senorita? Is everything okay?” he asked softly.

“Uh… Can I come in? If you’re busy, I can come back later,” I replied.

“Of course, please come in. And no, I’m not busy, Senorita. I was just about to go to bed,” he said calmly, stepping aside. My eyes widened slightly.

"Oh… then you must be tired. You should rest—we can talk tomorrow,” I said, already turning around.

But before I could take a step, he gently caught my wrist, pulling me softly back toward him—my back landing against his chest. I gasped, startled.

“Where are you running off to, Senorita?” he murmured. “I could never be too tired for you. Come.”

He let go of my wrist gently and turned me around to face him.

“Sit,” he said, guiding me to his couch and making me sit gently. He, however, knelt down in front of me.

“Saamne baithiye please,”I whispered. (Sit in the front please.)

I’ve never liked it when someone kneels in front of me—especially not someone I care about.

“I’m fine, Senorita. Tell me, what did you want to talk about?” he asked softly. I reached for his wrist, gently tugged him up, and made him sit beside me. He chuckled softly in response.

I don’t know where I found the strength to do that, but some things are better left unspoken.

A part of me knows I could only do it because he allowed me to. Otherwise, moving a giant like him? Impossible.

Anyway...

“Umm… Bhaiya and Bhabhi couldn’t reach you, so they asked me to congratulate you on their behalf—and to tell you they’re proud of you.”

They didn’t exactly say that last part, but would I ever admit that to him? Never.

“And what about you?”he asked gently, extending his hand toward me, waiting patiently for mine.

After a brief moment of hesitation, I placed mine in his. His hands were warm, soothing.

“What about me?” I asked, a little confused, turning to face him.

“Are you proud of me, Senorita?” he asked, his eyes glistening with quiet vulnerability.

“Yes,” I replied without missing a beat. “I’m proud of you.”

And that was all it took—his face lit up with the kind of smile that could make anyone weak in the knees. But his eyes… they shimmered with unshed tears.

“Ma and Pa would be proud of you too,” I added softly, hoping he could feel the honesty in my voice.

He cleared his throat and stood up, still holding my hand, gently pulling me to stand with him.

“Can I hug you, Senorita?”he asked, barely above a whisper. There was something so raw, so vulnerable in his eyes that, in that moment, I felt I’d give him anything.

“Please,” he added softly.

“Yes,”I said. He searched my eyes for even the slightest discomfort, but when he found none, he stepped forward and wrapped me in his arms—pulling me tightly against his chest—and finally broke down.

“I... I miss them,” he murmured. I gently stroked his back, my own eyes welling up.

“Me too,” I whispered, closing my eyes, letting my fingers run through his hair in slow, calming motions. His tears soaked through my top, but I didn’t care. Not one bit.

All that mattered right now… was Mr Mehra.

After a minute or two, he pulled back. I quietly led him to the couch and helped him sit down. My eyes scanned the room until they landed on the water jug on the nightstand.

Just as I was about to walk over and pour him a glass, he gently tugged at my wrist.

I turned toward him and said softly, “I’m just getting you some water,”, and when he let go, I went and did exactly that.

I handed him the glass, then gestured for him to rest. He took a few sips, set the glass on the table in front of him, and shifted slightly—patting the space beside him. I sat down.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered, his eyes fixed anywhere but on me.

“Are you sorry for showing your vulnerability… or sorry for showing it to me?” I asked gently.

“I’m sorry for burdening you with my emotions. You’ve already got so much going on with your parents—I didn’t want to add to it,” he said, looking at me with quiet sincerity.

“Aap bother nahi mujhe hurt kar rahe hai Mr Mehra, ye bol kar… paraya kar rahe hai.”I replied, calmly.

(You are not bothering me but hurting me with your words Mr Mehra. You are making me feel like an outsider by saying this. )

“I’m sorry,” he whispered again, eyes lowered.

“It’s fine. But now, you really need to rest, Mr Mehra. Come on, get up.”I said, rising to my feet. He stood up as well, slightly confused, as I pointed toward the bed.

“The bed…” I sighed, “go lie down on your side.”

He gave me a look, but then nodded and quietly lay down on the right side of the bed.

“Good. Now take some rest, okay? You need it.” I said, gently tucking him in. He nodded with his eyes already closed, and I turned off the lights and softly shut the door behind me.

Quietly, I went back to my room across from his and lay down on the bed, instantly drifting back to the pain I had seen in Mr Mehra’s eyes.

Amidst everything, everyone seems to forget that there are two souls who lost their parents a decade ago—two children left to survive in this cruel world without the warmth of their parents’ comforting embrace.

I’m sure Chachi and Chachu never discriminated between the four of them, but the comfort of someone truly your own… that was still snatched away from them when they were just kids.

I want to give them the comfort they’ve always been hesitant to ask for. I want to shower them with all the love I carry inside me.

Yes, the thought of getting married still terrifies me—but at least, as long as I’m here, I can offer them the comfort and love they silently long for.

I can… right?

I will.

I will make sure to give them everything I can, for as long as I’m here.

Love, happiness, comfort—and if needed, even my life.

My Ma and Pa must be resting somewhere in heaven, hoping that their children are safe and in good hands.

I wish I could tell them that from now on… they are.

Even if I never end up marrying him—because the doubts I carry inside me still run far too deep-That will never stop me from caring for them.

At least… until the day he marries someone who truly deserves him.

And with those thoughts, I finally drifted off to sleep.