The Shekhawat Bride

Forever Together

Who says parenting and romance can't go hand in hand? This chapter takes us to a rare moment of calm as Chaitanya and Ayushman get to enjoy each other's company without the usual hustle. Just a cup of tea, some fond memories, and a touch of quiet love. It's the little things that matter, and today, they're basking in them.❤

Time had a way of slipping past unnoticed. What had once seemed like the future, now felt like the present. The twins—Hridhaan and Hridya—had grown so much over the years. The mischievous little ones who once relied on their parents for everything were now becoming young adults, filled with their own aspirations, dreams, and identities. Yet, no matter how much time had passed or how much they had changed, one thing remained constant: the love that bound them all together.

The penthouse in Mumbai had seen many seasons. From the hustle of daily routines to quiet evenings spent in the warmth of family, it was more than just a place to live—it had become a symbol of their journey, a reflection of everything they had built together. Every picture, every keepsake, and every room held a memory, a part of the tapestry that defined their family. It was here, within these walls, that they had shared their triumphs and struggles, their joys and heartbreaks. But today was different.

The kids, now in high school, were growing in their own ways, carving paths of their own. But as much as they were becoming independent, Chaitanya and Hukum could see glimpses of the bond they shared—the bond that would always hold them together.

It was a rare weekend without the kids at home—Hridya and Hridhaan had gone off with their friends for a school trip, leaving Chaitanya and Hukum with the rarest of treasures: time alone.

The morning light seeped in through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. Chaitanya woke up first, the rhythmic sound of Hukum's breathing beside her a soothing reminder of how far they had come. She shifted slightly, watching him for a moment. His face, relaxed and free from the stress of daily life, was a picture of serenity. The lines of worry that had once etched themselves into his features had softened over the years, replaced by a calm, contented presence.

She reached out and gently brushed his hair away from his forehead, smiling to herself. Her heart swelled with love. There had been times when they thought they might not make it through the toughest challenges life had thrown at them—but here they were, stronger and more in love than ever.

As if sensing her gaze, Ayushman stirred, his eyes slowly opening. "Good morning," he whispered, his voice rough from sleep but full of warmth.
"Good morning," she replied softly, her fingers tracing the outline of his jaw.

Hukum smiled, his eyes still heavy with sleep. "I love waking up next to you."

"I think I do too," she teased, her voice light and playful. She pressed a soft kiss to his lips before getting out of bed. "I'm making breakfast. How about we start this weekend slow?"
Hukum watched her, his heart full. "I think that sounds perfect."

Later that morning, after a quiet breakfast together, they found themselves sitting on the balcony, overlooking the vast expanse of the city below. The sounds of Mumbai—its honking cars, the chatter of people on the streets—seemed far away from their little oasis.

Chaitanya sat with her legs tucked under her, sipping on a warm cup of tea. Hukum leaned against the railing, his gaze distant, but his mind focused on her. They hadn't had this kind of quiet in years, and it was soothing, grounding. Just the two of them, basking in the stillness, able to talk without interruptions.

"I've been thinking," Chaitanya said after a while, breaking the silence. "We've come so far. I can't believe how much our lives have changed since we first met."