3 Hearts, 1 Home

1. A New Beginning

The gentle hum of Mumbai's city life buzzed outside, muffled by the thick glass windows of the apartment that sat perched on the seventh floor of an old, but charming building. The golden rays of late afternoon sunlight bathed the living room in warmth, making the beige walls glow softly. Three sets of hands were busy unpacking boxes, and the smell of fresh paint still lingered faintly in the air. Arjun Singh, 32, a corporate lawyer, stood near the window, carefully unwrapping a set of framed photos, each one a piece of their story, capturing their memories together.

Arjun had always been methodical—cautious and thoughtful, qualities that had served him well in his profession. He was the type of man who made lists, who meticulously planned each detail. His upbringing in a traditional Delhi family had instilled in him the value of control and order, but only Karan and Dev knew how deep his need for organization went. Beneath the polished exterior of his career-driven persona, there was a man who loved fiercely, someone who found comfort in the steady, quiet strength of his partners.

Across the room, Karan Patel, 28, crouched by a stack of boxes, fingers idly tracing the spine of a fashion magazine. A rising star in the fashion industry, Karan's life was all about creativity and self-expression. Born and raised in the vibrant chaos of Mumbai, he'd always pushed the boundaries—whether in his work or in the way he lived. His flamboyant personality and bold sense of style often filled their home with laughter and energy, balancing the more serious tones Arjun sometimes brought into their relationship.

Karan caught Arjun's eye, his lips quirking into a playful smile. "Still unpacking like it's a courtroom?" he teased, rising to his feet and adjusting the collar of his mustard-colored kurta. "At this rate, you'll be organizing our spice jars alphabetically by next week."

Arjun chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm just making sure everything is in its place."

Dev Khanna, 30, padded barefoot across the cool marble floor, setting down a tray of tea on the coffee table. His dark curls were still damp from the afternoon humidity, and his simple t-shirt clung to him, outlining his lean, muscular frame. Dev, a chef who owned a popular restaurant downtown, was the quietest of the three. He had moved to Mumbai from a small town to escape the suffocating expectations of his conservative upbringing. He found solace in food, and his kitchen had always been a sanctuary for him—a place where he could express himself freely.

Dev's quiet nature contrasted sharply with Karan's liveliness and Arjun's intensity, but it was this balance that made their relationship work. His nurturing side often came out in small, thoughtful gestures—like the tea he brewed for them every morning. He handed Arjun and Karan their cups before sitting on the floor beside them, his knees brushing against Arjun's leg.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" Dev's voice was soft, carrying the calm he always exuded.

Arjun nodded, taking a sip of his tea and glancing at the partially unpacked apartment. "Feels like home," he said, his gaze drifting between Dev and Karan.

Karan leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to Arjun's cheek. "True that."

The three of them shared a quiet moment, a sense of contentment settling over them as the sounds of the city—horns, distant chatter, and the occasional rickshaw bell—floated up from below.