GAURII’S POV

I stirred in my sleep.

I had been sleeping on an uneven surface, yet somehow, it was still incredibly comfortable. I nuzzled further into the soft pillow, trying to settle back into my sleep, when suddenly, I felt a hand on my back, gently pulling me closer.

I froze.

For a second, I was completely shocked.

Abhimaan never touched me in bed. We slept on the same bed, but there had always been an invisible boundary between us—whether Dua was sleeping with us or not. He had never crossed it.

Slowly, I tried to sit up and opened my eyes.

And that was when I realized...

There was skin underneath me.

My eyes widened.

I slowly looked up.

Abhimaan.

I instantly jumped back in shock.

“Abhimaan! What are you doing?”

He immediately sat up too, looking almost as panicked as I felt.

“Gaurii, calm down! I didn't do anything. I was actually trying to pull myself out of your hold, but you yourself…” He trailed off, looking away awkwardly.

“What?”

He cleared his throat.

“You were… nuzzling into my neck.”

My entire face burned.

I quickly shut my eyes, grabbed the blanket, and pulled it over my face.

Oh God.

What had I done?

“I—I’m going to freshen up and cook something,” he mumbled.

Before I could say anything, he got up and left.

The moment he was gone in the bathroom , I slowly pulled the blanket away from my face and peeked toward the door.

Then my eyes fell on the bed.

He had been on my side.

My brows furrowed.

He came to my side.

I didn't go to him.

He came to me.

I sat there, replaying the moment in my head before getting up and following him.

When I finally saw him again, I couldn't stop myself.

“You came to my side,” I accused.

Abhimaan looked at me.

“You pulled me toward yourself. I didn't come to you.”

He gave me a nervous little smile.

“Uhmm… Gaurii, give yourself a little time. You should let your brain rest for a while, so…”

He deliberately trailed off.

I narrowed my eyes.

“So…?”

He whispered the last part almost to himself.

“So you can remember.”

My mouth fell open.

Before I could respond, he quickly turned around and walked away to the living room .

I stood there, staring after him.

“Your brain… so you can remember?” I muttered, offended.

But then his words made me stop.

Remember.

What exactly had happened last night?

I hurried to the bathroom to freshen up, but the moment I stepped inside, fragments of memories suddenly began flashing through my mind.

Sitting under the moonlight.

Crying in Abhimaan's lap.

Missing Baba.

His arms around me.

And then…

My stomach dropped.

I had told him I loved him.

I had actually said it.

And I'd even taken his name.

“maan…”

I squeezed my eyes shut in embarrassment.

“Ahhh! What have I done?”

I covered my face with both hands.

Why did I say that?

I don't love him.

Do I?

No.

No, I couldn't.

Even if I did… this was wrong.

He was just my friend.

Just a friend.

Then why couldn't I stop thinking about him?

“Gaurii, stop it,” I whispered to myself. “You cannot love him.”

He and I weren't even a match.

He is a bachelor—rich, handsome, successful.

And me?

I am a runaway wife.

A woman who had already been through a marriage, had children, came from a poor household, and wasn't even divorced yet.

What would a man like him possibly want with someone like me?

Someone who had already been with another man?

I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away.

No.

I couldn't think like this.

I needed to act normal.

But how was I supposed to face him after last night?

I had no idea.

After taking my bath, I wrapped myself in a robe and opened the door connecting the bathroom to the closet.

I stepped out—

—and suddenly stopped.

Abhimaan was standing right in front of me.

Our eyes met.

For a moment, neither of us said a word.

AUTHOR’S POV

Because of that sudden closeness, Gaurii’s heart started racing.

He was shirtless, standing so close to her that she could feel the warmth radiating from his body. The sight alone made her nervous. Abhimaan noticed her discomfort and was about to take a step back when, suddenly, Gaurii tripped.

Her foot accidentally hit his leg, throwing him off balance.

“Gaurii—”

Before either of them could react, Abhimaan fell over her.

His hand instantly went behind her head while the other supported her lower back, instinctively protecting her from getting hurt as they landed on the floor.

For a few seconds, neither of them moved.

Their faces were impossibly close.         

His lips were just inches away from hers, close enough that their breaths mingled. Gaurii’s eyes fluttered shut, her lips trembling slightly as her heart hammered against her chest.

Abhimaan could feel it.

And she could feel his too.

Their legs were tangled, and Gaurii’s hands had instinctively clutched his back, her fingers tightening against him in nervousness.

Abhimaan swallowed hard.

“W-wait… let me help you get up.”

Gaurii slowly opened her eyes and gave a small nod.

He tried to push himself up, but the moment he looked at her, his thoughts seemed to disappear.

For some reason, his strength abandoned him.

He lost his balance again and fell back beside her.

“Really sorry,” he whispered, embarrassed. “Just… give me a second.”

This time, instead of trying to get up over her, he carefully rolled with her and helped Gaurii sit up on his bare abs her bare body touching him 

“You go,” he said quietly.

Then he closed his eyes.

He didn't want to accidentally look at her in a way that made her uncomfortable. Even though he had seen her before when she needed his help, this felt different.

Everything felt different after last night.

Gaurii quickly got up and left the room.

Abhimaan remained on the floor for a few moments, taking deep breaths.

His heart refused to slow down.

He couldn't understand what was happening to him.

The image of Gaurii standing in front of him, wrapped in her robe, looking at him with those wide, startled eyes, kept replaying in his mind.

He finally got up and rushed into the bathroom.

Cold water ran over him, but his thoughts remained stubbornly fixed on her.

He stood there for nearly fifteen minutes, trying to calm himself down.

There was a sharp pain in his back, but he barely noticed it. His mind was too occupied with everything that had happened the previous night and that morning.

It feels like her mere thoughts are so intoxicating that my body is not allowing me to feel the pain just making me see her face 

Eventually, he turned off the water, dried himself, and changed into fresh clothes.

Before leaving, he cautiously peeked into the bedroom.

Gaurii wasn't there.

He let out a quiet breath of relief and stepped outside.

He found Gaurii sitting with Dua in her arms while Claire prepared breakfast.

Their eyes met for barely a second.

Both immediately looked away.

Breakfast passed in almost complete silence.

And somehow, that silence continued throughout the day.

They both avoided each other.

Abhimaan eventually shut himself inside the study, pretending to work while his mind remained somewhere else entirely.

How was he supposed to face her?

What was he supposed to say?

Should he ask her whether she truly meant what she'd said last night?

But every time the thought came, another one immediately followed.

She didn't mean it.

He had convinced himself of that throughout the night.

She had been emotional. She had been missing her baba. And perhaps, in that vulnerable moment, she had mistaken the comfort she felt with him for something else.

That had to be the truth.

At least, that was what Abhimaan wanted to believe.

His eyes suddenly fell on the calendar.

He froze.

Dua's birthday was only a week away.

A small smile appeared on his face.

Maybe this was the perfect excuse to break the awkward silence between them.

A few minutes later, he walked into the room where Gaurii was sitting with Dua.

“Uhmm… Gaurii?”

She looked up.

“After a week, it's Dua's birthday.”

Gaurii gave a small hum.

“Maan, actually… I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Abhimaan's smile disappeared.

He swallowed and sat down beside her.

“Sorry, Gaurii.”

She looked at him, confused.

“I mistakenly fell on you this morning. And the second time also… I-I didn't do it purposely.”

Gaurii blinked before giving him a small, reassuring smile.

“Yeah, I understand. You didn't do it intentionally. It was just because the floor was slippery.”

He nodded.

“Yeah…”

A small silence followed.

Then Gaurii looked down at Dua in her arms.

“Maan… actually, what I said last night—”

Abhimaan looked at her.

Her shy expression, the way she avoided his eyes, and the slight hesitation in her voice made him understand what she was trying to say.

Before she could finish, he gently interrupted.

“I know.”

Gaurii looked at him.

“You didn't mean it.”

Her eyes widened slightly.

Abhimaan gave her a faint smile.

“I know you were just missing your baba. You were emotional, and maybe that's why you said those things.”

He lowered his gaze.

“So please… don't feel awkward about it. You don't have to explain anything to me.”

Gaurii remained silent.

But somewhere inside, his words hurt more than she had expected.

Because she hadn't been confused.

And she hadn't been thinking of her baba.

Not entirely.

But Abhimaan had already convinced himself otherwise.

And now, perhaps without realizing it, he had made it impossible for her to tell him the truth.

Abhimaan cleared his throat, trying to put an end to the uncomfortable silence between them.

“Uhmm… in the last twenty-four hours, we’ve been through so many things,” he said carefully. “So let’s just forget about all of that, okay? Let’s think about Dua’s birthday instead. It’s her first birthday. Tell me, how do you want to celebrate?”

And just like that, the topic shifted.

Neither of them mentioned what had happened again.

But both of them knew.

They knew what had happened in the last twenty-four hours.

They knew the words that had been spoken.

And, more importantly, they knew the strange effect those moments had left on their hearts.

Gaurii looked down at Dua for a moment before saying, “I was thinking of a small celebration.”

Abhimaan slowly turned towards her.

His expression clearly said, Are you serious?

“A small celebration?”

“Yes.”

“But I was thinking of a grand bash,” he immediately countered. “A proper one. All the important people, media houses, guests, everyone. After all, it’s our daughter’s first birthday.”

Gaurii stared at him for a few seconds before huffing and shaking her head.

“Maan, is it your birthday or hers?”

Abhimaan gave her a completely straight face.

Gaurii continued, “She won’t be comfortable with so many people. And it’s her birthday. We won’t even be able to properly celebrate with her if the entire place is filled with people.”

She smiled softly.

“I was thinking of something simple. You, me, Dua… just us enjoying her first birthday together.”

Abhimaan looked at her as though she had suggested cancelling Dua’s birthday altogether abhimaan looked her bored and took dua from her arms and layed on bed with playing with her keeping her on his chest and said 

“But, Gauriiii… it’s her birthday!”

Gaurii rolled her eyes.

“Okay, fine. Do your grand bash.”

Abhimaan's expression instantly brightened.

But before he could say anything, she continued.

“And when she starts crying, don't panic, okay?”

His smile disappeared.

“If someone asks to at least hold her, don't become a rude person and refuse them.”

His eyebrows pulled together.

“And when someone touches your little princess, don't make that face like you're about to kill them.”

Abhimaan opened his mouth.

Gaurii didn't let him speak.

“And on top of that, if you aren't able to enjoy her birthday with her because there are too many people around, don't throw the entire party to an end and—”

“STOP!”

Gaurii immediately stopped.

Abhimaan sat up straighter, looking genuinely horrified.

“Stop, stop, stop!”

He shook his head.

“We won't do it.”

Gaurii blinked.

“What?”

“We'll do exactly what you said.”

She tried not to smile.

Abhimaan continued dramatically, “You have already put me through enough trauma. I don't want to spend my daughter's first birthday worrying about whether some stranger is going to pick her up.”

Gaurii let out a small laugh.

“I want to celebrate her birthday with her,” he added, sounding much more sincere now.

He looked down at Dua, who was happily playing with his fingers.

“So… no grand party.”

Gaurii nodded.

“No grand party.”

There was a small pause.

Then she suddenly said, “So why don't we go on a picnic?”

Abhimaan looked up.

“A picnic?”

“Yes. Somewhere nice.”

He immediately started thinking.

“Okay… that's actually a good idea.”

Gaurii smiled.

“Hmm.”

“Outside India or in India?”

Gaurii's smile disappeared.

“Excuse me?”

“Where should we go? Switzerland? Paris? Maybe—”

“Maan!”

He looked at her innocently.

“What?”

“Calm down.”

“But you said picnic.”

“I meant a park or somewhere nearby!”

Abhimaan frowned.

“Park?”

“Yes, park.”

He stared at her.

Gaurii sighed.

“I don't know much about travelling with a baby. How will I manage everything? And Dua is still so small.”

She gently adjusted the blanket around her daughter.

“She'll get cranky if we take her somewhere too far. So let's keep it simple. Somewhere in India. And not too far away.”

Abhimaan nodded thoughtfully.

“Hmm…”

He looked at Dua, then at Gaurii.

“So… a small trip.”

“A small trip,” Gaurii confirmed.

He smiled.

“Okay. Then we'll find somewhere peaceful.”

Gaurii nodded.

“And somewhere where Dua can actually enjoy herself.”

Abhimaan looked down at his daughter and smiled.

“Done.”

Abhimaan looked at her and said, “So, you tell me… what do you want for your birthday? It’s your first birthday with me, and I want to give you something very special.”

Gaurii smiled at him and replied, “Then you also tell me. I want to give something to you too. It’s your first birthday with me…”

She suddenly paused, her eyes widening a little.

“Wait… did you realize? It’s the first birthday of all three of us together.”

Abhimaan’s smile grew wider as he looked at her. Somehow, hearing her say all three of us made the birthday feel even more special.

“Yeah,” he said softly. “Our first birthday together.”

For a few moments, they both sat there thinking, each of them secretly wondering what they could possibly give the other that would feel special enough.

Neither of them knew that, from that very moment, a tiny competition had begun between them.

From the next day onwards, both of them started secretly observing each other.

Gaurii would casually notice the things Abhimaan stopped to look at while they were shopping, the things he mentioned liking, the things he needed but never bought for himself. She even started paying attention to his smallest reactions whenever they passed a particular shop or saw something interesting.

And Abhimaan was doing exactly the same.

He noticed the little things Gaurii liked, the colours she preferred, the things she would pick up and then put back because she thought they weren't necessary. He remembered every small comment she made without realizing that he was storing all of it away for her birthday gift.

Meanwhile, they also had to decide what to get for Dua.

That part was much easier.

They went shopping together and picked out a few cute toys for her, some little clothes, books, and a few other things she would need. Every time they saw something tiny and adorable, one of them would immediately say, “This would look so cute on Dua.”

By the end of the shopping trip, Dua had practically received half the store.

But there was one thing neither of them was willing to let the other see—their secret gifts for each other and dua 

The days passed quickly.

MIDNIGHT OF 15 NOVEMBER

They both looked down at the sleeping Dua.

A soft smile appeared on both their faces as they leaned closer and kissed either side of her little face.

“Happy birthday, Dua, princess,” they whispered together.

Dua squirmed slightly in her sleep, making both of them chuckle softly.

For a moment, they simply looked at her.

Then their eyes met.

There was so much they wanted to say, yet neither of them said anything. With all the respect they had for each other—and all the love they were still carefully hiding somewhere deep inside their hearts—they smiled.

“Happy birthday, Maan.”

“Happy birthday, bacha.”

They both laughed quietly.

“Thank you,” they said to each other at almost the same time.

Their eyes moved from Dua to each other and then back to their little daughter.

The room fell silent again.

But it wasn't an empty silence.

Their hearts were beating loudly, saying things their lips still weren't brave enough to admit.

And perhaps, for tonight, that was enough.

THE NEXT MORNING

The next morning began with complete chaos.

Everyone had decided to leave early so they could reach the villa without making Dua too cranky. Claire had come along because they needed her help, while Ramya had joined with Rajeev and Bhairav. Rajeev was there as well, making the little group even more lively.

They all squeezed into the mini-bus early in the morning, carrying bags, food, decorations, clothes, and everything they thought they might need.

Dua, however, was completely unaware of all the chaos.

She was fast asleep in her baby car seat, which had been properly adjusted and securely locked onto the seat so everyone could travel comfortably.

Gaurii sat beside her, keeping an eye on her while occasionally looking out of the window.

The journey went surprisingly smoothly.

Almost two hours later, they finally reached their villa.

As soon as they arrived, Abhimaan looked toward the back of the bus.

Gaurii was still sleeping beside Dua.

Ramya was asleep too, while Claire had dozed off somewhere behind them.

Bhairav and Rajeev, meanwhile, were already talking to the bus driver.

Abhimaan shook his head with an amused smile before turning toward them.

“Rajeev, wake Claire up.”

Then he looked at Bhairav.

“And Bhairav, you wake Ramya up. Help them bring everything inside.”

Both nodded.

Abhimaan then walked toward Gaurii.

He gently patted her shoulder.

“Gaurii… get up. We’ve reached.”

Gaurii stirred in her sleep before slowly opening her eyes.

“We reached already?” she asked sleepily, blinking a few times.

Abhimaan smiled.

“You were the one who said you wanted somewhere nearby. So yes, madam, nearby.”

Gaurii gave him a sleepy smile.

Abhimaan glanced toward Dua.

“You go inside. I’ll bring Dua.”

Gaurii nodded and slowly got up.

Before she could take another step, Abhimaan carefully lifted Dua into his arms, supporting her little head against his chest.

Gaurii watched them for a second before walking inside.

The moment she entered the villa, her eyes widened.

She looked around in awe.

“Maan… it’s so beautiful.”

Abhimaan smiled at her reaction.

“You liked it?”

Gaurii turned toward him with a bright smile.

“I love it.”

Abhimaan's smile grew wider.

He didn't say anything.

He simply watched her walk around, looking at every corner of the villa with the excitement of a child discovering something new.

Meanwhile, everyone else had started bringing the luggage inside.

After settling Dua comfortably in one of the rooms, Abhimaan and Claire began arranging the things they had brought for her.

Once everything was finally inside, Gaurii came back toward them.

She looked at Abhimaan and said,

“Maan, you go decorate the backyard. Till then, we'll start cooking. And after that, all of us will enjoy together.”

Abhimaan raised an eyebrow.

“All of us?”

Gaurii smiled.

“Yes. Today is Dua's birthday. And it's our first birthday together as a family.”

For a second, Abhimaan simply looked at her.

Our first birthday together as a family.

Those words stayed with him.

A soft smile appeared on his face.

“Okay, bacha.”

.・゜゜・

_________________________________________________________

Hello Everyone !!!!

Hope you all liked the chapter of my third book

Don't forget to comment down your opinion and which moment you liked the most .

Hope you all are happy and enjoying life

Thanks for your love

Your author

CHRONIC

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