The next morning arrived gently, sunlight slipping through the curtains in warm, golden strands. Rudravika lay peacefully asleep against Vihaansh’s bare chest, her head resting at the crook of his shoulder, her breathing slow and even. He lay awake, not wanting to disturb the serenity of the moment, simply admiring her sleeping face as if it were the most beautiful sight he had ever known.

Her delicate features looked even softer in sleep, relaxed lashes, rosy cheeks, lips curved in the faintest hint of a smile. All Vihaansh wanted was to keep her wrapped in his arms forever, protecting her from the world and loving her the way she deserved to be loved. Unable to resist, he bent down and began placing feather-soft kisses on her forehead, her cheeks, the tip of her nose, each one filled with tenderness rather than urgency. His fingers gently moved through her hair, caressing her scalp and tracing her jaw with loving devotion.