Dear Readers,

Thank you so much for showing love to this story 🌸. I've poured my heart and effort into every chapter ✍️, just for you. But I've noticed something, while the views 👀 are there, the comments 💬 and votes ❤️ aren't flowing as much.

I've set a target for views, comments, and votes. The next chapter will be uploaded once the target is completed ✅

Target  🎯

Comments 💬  50+

Votes ❤️ 200 +

Views 👀 200+

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Author's POV

It had already been a month since Kabir and Kashish's wedding. From the day they shared their first hug and cuddle, nights had become a habit of sleeping in each other's arms and warmth. Yet, even after a month of marriage, their intimacy remained tender and restrained, limited to forehead kisses, hugs, and cuddles. Not even a kiss had crossed that threshold.

In this span, Naksh and Rhea's relationship too had culminated into marriage. The roka, engagement, mehendi, haldi, sangeet, all the ceremonies had flown by in a blur, ending with their grand wedding just yesterday in Shimla. Today, the Singhania household welcomed another daughter-in-law, Rhea, Naksh's longtime love.

Yesterday had been exhausting for everyone, the rituals, the celebrations, the endless laughter and noise. By night, the entire family collapsed into sleep. Kabir and Kashish too slept soundly, wrapped in each other's arms.

But when Kashish stirred awake and noticed the clock striking eight, she panicked. As she tried to slip out of bed, Kabir's arm tightened around her waist, pulling her back.

"Why are you in such a hurry, Kashish?" his voice came, drowsy but firm.

"Because it's already eight," she whispered back, trying to lift his arm. "We're not the newly married couple anymore, Rhea and Naksh are. You can sleep, but let me go."

Kabir only sighed, his hold refusing to loosen. "For the past few days, with all these wedding preparations, I barely saw you except at night. Now, finally, we have time together."

Kashish shook her head gently. "Kabir, I had responsibilities. Let me get up."

Unwillingly, Kabir let her go, but not without noticing something, her constant urge to be flawless, the way she pushed herself into perfection, was slowly overpowering her. And he knew... this was something he couldn't ignore for long.

✨✨

Kashish's POV

As I came downstairs, the staff was busy removing the decorations of Naksh and Rhea wedding . Rhea now Naksh's wife and the newest daughter-in-law of Arjun chachu and Jeevika chachi. Technically, their eldest bahu is Piyali bhabhi, who's like the spark of every room. She has a special bond with Jeevika chachi, always the one to calm her down whenever chachi panics.

But Rhea is different. Unlike the rest of us Singhania bahus, she isn't the homely, kitchen-friendly type. She's a fashion designer, sharp-tongued, with a fiery temper that could break a glass (literally) if she wanted to. At times, she can even be a little childish. Honestly, I doubt she's ever boiled water in her life. God knows if she even knows how!

Rhea lost her mother long ago, so Jeevika chachi and Nandini badi maa adore her like their own. They pamper her, perhaps to fill that space in her life. Meanwhile, I, along with Diya bhabhi, Tanushri bhabhi, Piyali bhabhi, and Paridhi bhabhi, were as always gathered in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

As for Rhea's pehli rasoi well, it was conveniently skipped. Everyone knows she doesn't know the "C" of cooking, and honestly, none of us wanted to risk our lives tasting her experiment

✨✨

Author's POV

As Kashish, Diya, Paridhi, Piyali, and Tanushri stood around the dining table, making sure the staff brought out the breakfast dishes, the Singhania mansion was filled with laughter, teasing, and the usual morning chatter. The whole family had gathered around, and Kabir was in his usual spot, busy pulling Naksh's leg, making everyone laugh.

In the middle of it all, Kashish bent forward to place the salad bowl neatly when her fingers brushed against the hot rim of the steaming vegetable soup. A sharp burn seared her skin. She winced quietly, pulling her hand back for just a second. But instead of drawing attention to herself, she quickly excused herself and slipped into the kitchen.

At the sink, she held her fingers under the cold running water, biting her lip so no sound escaped. It was a small burn, but the sting was sharp. She didn't want anyone to notice and worry, especially Kabir.

But what she didn't realize was that her act hadn't gone unnoticed. From the dining table, Akriti her mother-in-law, had sharp eyes, eyes that had always found Kashish even in a crowded room.  Her watchful eyes had caught the fleeting flinch on Kashish's face. She excused herself from the table and walked into the kitchen,

As Akriti entered in the Kitchen, She found Kashish at the basin, still cooling her fingers.

"Kashish, Show me what happened to your fingers" Akriti said softly, stepping closer.

Startled, Kashish quickly turned. "Maa! You, you left your breakfast halfway. I'm fine, really."

Without replying, Akriti picked up a soft hand towel and the medicated cream kept in the kitchen cabinet. She gently took Kashish's hand under hers, still holding it beneath the running water. "You can hide your pain from everyone else, but not from me," she said, her voice low but steady. "Even in a house this full, my eyes always find you, whether you are comfortable, overstressed, or... trying too hard to be perfect."

Kashish's eyes widened slightly. "Maa... you noticed?"

Akriti gave a faint smile. "Yes. I noticed during all the wedding functions too. You're carrying a constant urge to do everything flawlessly. But Kashish, perfection isn't love, and it isn't family. It's a burden you're putting on yourself."

Kashish's lips trembled into a small smile, her eyes stinging. "Maa, it's not like that but I'll try to ease it."

Akriti gently dabbed her fingers dry and applied the cream with care, like she'd done for her own children countless times before. "Good girl. And remember one thing here, you are not being judged. You are not on trial. You are loved. If the weight gets heavy, speak up. Share it with me, with Kabir. You don't have to do everything alone."

Kashish's chest loosened at those words, a warmth spreading deeper than the pain of her burn. She whispered, "Thank you, Maa."

Akriti cupped her cheek briefly. "No need to thank me. Just promise me you'll stop hiding behind a smile when it hurts." Kashish replied "I promise, Maa, I'll try. It's just sometimes I don't want anyone to worry."

From outside, Kabir's laughter rang again, calling her heart toward him. Akriti gave her hand one last squeeze. "Come, let's go before Kabir's sharp eyes find you missing. That Man sees you even in a crowded room."

Kashish's lips curved into a soft smile, the kind that finally reached her eyes, as she followed her mother-in-law back to the table.

✨✨

Kabir's POV

This wedding function—Uff. Such a time and energy-consuming circus. God knows, these sherwanis and suits are enough to drain a man completely. And now, Naksh and Rhea's post-wedding party with this "bohemian" theme. Honestly, I dont hate weddings.  But this one... I hated the most. Because it hardly let me see Kashish.

The past 5–6 days, she was swallowed by decorations, preparations, relatives, functions. My wife, my own wife, was given to Naksh's wedding like some sacrifice. I only got glimpses of her at night, tired, already half-asleep. This wedding consumed her, and I hated that.

Let this function get over, then I'll see to Naksh.

I pulled on a crisp black shirt, grumbling under my breath. Just then, I heard it, A tiny rip, and the button popped right off. "Seriously?" I muttered. "Out of all times, Ye shirt ka button abhi hi nikalna tha? God, I have to get ready for the party!" ("Did this shirt button really have to come off right now?")

I glanced at the door impatiently. "And where is Kashish? Kehke gayi thi bhabhiyon ke saath tayar hoke aati hoon. Abhi tak nahi aayi..." ("She left saying she'd get ready with the sisters-in-law. Still she hasn't come back ")

Just then, the door opened. And there she was.

Kashish stepped inside, wearing a bohemian outfit that made my heartbeat stumble. Damn. She looked breathtaking. My irritation froze mid-air. I was just staring.

She waved her hand, snapping me out of my trance. "Kabir! I called you twice. What happened? I know I'm looking beautiful, but that doesn't mean you'll keep staring at me all day."

I blinked and finally found my voice. "You are looking beautiful. But where were you? You said you'd be back soon, it's been almost three hours. And look my button popped off." I held it up in annoyance. "These so-called designers take so much money but can't even stitch a button properly."

Kashish burst out laughing. "Calm down, Kabir. Your panic mode is honestly a treat to watch." She glanced at the shirt. "And by the way, this shirt is from Rhea's fashion brand. If you have a problem, talk to her."

I groaned. "Oh my God. Talking to Rhea about faults in her designs would be no less than a world war. Forget it."

Still chuckling, Kashish walked to the dresser, pulled out a small stitch box, and in that unhurried calm of hers, threaded a needle. "Give me the button," she said softly.

I handed it over, watching her nimble fingers, the patience in her movements. And I thought, maybe, maybe this was what I had been missing the whole week. Not just Kashish's presence, but her care

As she stitched my shirt, I couldn't help leaning down, brushing my lips against her forehead. What a perfect height difference we had, I didn't even need to adjust to kiss her forehead. It was effortless, natural.

Kashish paused, glancing up with that mock sternness of hers. "Kabir, can you stop disturbing me? You'll get hurt."

I smirked. "If the hurt is worth a forehead kiss, then I'm ready to get hurt."

She rolled her eyes but kept stitching. And just when I was lost in admiring her face, prick!—A sharp pinch landed on my bare chest.

"Ouch!" I yelped. "Kashish, that hurt!"

She tilted her head, her lips curving in a mischievous smile. "You're the one who said, if the hurt is worth the forehead kiss, then you're ready to get hurt. Don't blame me now."

I groaned dramatically. "Meri billi, mujhe hi meow kar rahi hai." (Bitten by My Own Kitten)

She burst out laughing, and soon enough, I joined in. The sound of our giggles filled the room, melting away the exhaustion of the past week.

Pulling her close, I wrapped my arms around her. "Wait," I said suddenly, grabbing my phone. "Come here let's take a selfie."

She leaned into me, her face glowing with that quiet happiness that always stole my heart. Together, we clicked a picture, her smile soft, mine wide. A tiny moment frozen in time.

I slipped on my blazer, and holding her hand we headed out. Together, we walked to the venue, ready to face the bohemian chaos of the party but carrying our little bubble of laughter with us.

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Hello Pristians

Kabir and Kashish share laughter, tenderness, and tiny moments of love amidst the wedding chaos. What was your favorite part of this chapter? Their playful banter, the forehead kiss, or Kashish's care for Kabir's shirt?

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Dear Readers,

Thank you so much for showing love to this story 🌸. I've poured my heart and effort into every chapter ✍️, just for you. But I've noticed something, while the views 👀 are there, the comments 💬 and votes ❤️ aren't flowing as much.

I've set a target for views, comments, and votes. The next chapter will be uploaded once the target is completed ✅

Target 🎯

Comments 💬 50+

Votes ❤️ 200 +

Views 👀 200+

-[Pristi Scrolls]