SHIVI'S POV
Two weeks had passed since that night, and life had fallen into a rhythm that made me feel more at peace than I had in a long time. I’d never imagined things could feel this simple, this natural, between us. Each day, he made me feel cherished in ways that left me smiling long after he left for work or when I was alone in my room studying.
Every morning, we’d wake up together, and I’d catch him watching me with that same soft smile. Sometimes he’d bring me coffee or sneak in kisses that made my heart flutter. There was a calmness in our routine that made me feel grounded, as though we had built something unshakable between us.
Despite the love and comfort, my exams were fast approaching, and the looming deadlines began to creep up on me. It wasn’t easy juggling my studies with the moments of joy we shared. My textbooks were constantly scattered around the house, on the couch, the kitchen table, even by the bedside. Yet somehow, he always managed to distract me in the best possible way.
He noticed, of course. “You’re working too hard,” he’d say, gently taking my books away when he thought I needed a break. He’d pull me into his arms or suggest we go out for a quick coffee, just to clear my head. But he never once made me feel guilty for focusing on my studies. In fact, he’d help me sometimes, quizzing me on things he barely understood, his playful teasing making me laugh in the middle of my stress.
In the evenings, after long study sessions, he’d surprise me with little gestures—a spontaneous dinner, flowers on my desk, or just holding me while I vented about how overwhelming everything was. Even though I was stressed about my exams, with him by my side, it didn’t feel so impossible.
There were times when he’d be busy with work, but he never let that get in the way of us. He’d always come home, asking about my day, giving me space to talk about my worries, or simply helping me unwind by watching a movie or walking outside together. Those moments, however small, kept me grounded.
One day, after a particularly stressful study session, he found me with my head buried in a pile of notes, frustration building. He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed with that knowing smile, and said, “I think you need a break.”
I looked up at him, ready to protest, but he was already walking toward me, pulling me out of my seat and wrapping his arms around me. “Just for a little while,” he said, his voice soothing, “then you can get back to it.”
We ended up on the couch, snuggled close, the stress momentarily forgotten as we simply enjoyed the quiet together. He was right—I did need that break.
In the back of my mind, I worried about the exams, about how much I had left to cover, but every time he reminded me that I wasn’t alone in any of it, it helped me breathe a little easier.
Somehow, despite the chaos of studying, those two weeks had been some of the happiest of my life. And as my exams drew nearer, I knew that no matter how stressful things became, he’d be there—just as he always had been—helping me through every STEP.
Now I was sitting at my desk, surrounded by textbooks, notebooks, and scattered notes. The pressure of my exams had me completely absorbed, my eyes glued to the pages as I scribbled down last-minute revisions. My mind was racing, trying to absorb every bit of information, when suddenly I felt warm hands gently slide around my shoulders.
Before I could react, a soft kiss landed on my cheek. I jumped slightly, not expecting it, and turned my head just in time to see him smiling down at me, his eyes playful.
“Don’t disturb me,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him, though I couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “I have my exams.”
He chuckled, clearly unbothered by my attempt to stay serious. “You’ve been at it for hours,” he said, leaning in to kiss my other cheek before I could protest. “You need a break.”
