HER SAFE PLACE

PROPOSAL

Shivangi's POV

The last few days passed in a blink. Dad was discharged after two days—not because he was better, but because the doctors said no medicine could save him anymore. He wanted to spend his remaining time with Maa, so we brought him home.

Rocky handled everything—the hospital bills, the best doctors, and even the smallest details. He never gave me a chance to stress over anything. When he met my father in the hospital, my father folded his hands in front of him, asking for forgiveness. But Rocky stepped back, his jaw clenched.

"I could forgive what you did to me," he said, his voice steady but cold. "But I will never forgive what you did to her."

I didn't force him to forgive them. It was his choice.

I visited my parents a few times, but only with Rocky by my side. Vani Di, Ravi Bhai, Jenny, Adi, Shanaya, and Mihir also went to see my father. No matter what had happened in the past, they still showed their respect.

And now, here I was, standing in front of the mirror, getting ready. Out of nowhere, everyone—Vani Di, Ravi Bhai, Jenny, Adi, Shanaya, Mihir, and my husband—decided that we were going out. The best part? I had no clue where.

Mr. Cockroach, aka Rocky, had simply walked in and said, "Get ready. We're going somewhere." Then he left. No explanation. No details. Typical.

I slipped into a yellow full-length dress, letting my hair fall naturally over my shoulders. A pair of earrings, a little makeup, and I was done. I don’t know why, but I was feeling really good today. Light. At peace.

Just as I turned away from the mirror, Rocky entered. He stopped mid-step, his gaze fixed on me. His eyes softened, darkened, as if he were seeing me for the first time. He always looked at me like this—like I was the most beautiful girl in the world. Like he could never get enough of me.

A small smile tugged at his lips as he walked towards me. His fingers brushed my cheek before he placed a soft kiss on my forehead. "Bohot khubsurat lag rahi ho" (You look very beautiful), he murmured, his voice warm.

I felt heat rush to my cheeks. "Chalien?" (Shall we go?) I asked, trying to sound casual.

He hummed in response, taking my hand as we left.

A few minutes later, he pulled up in front of a roadside café. It wasn’t just any café—it was beautiful, cozy, yet surprisingly spacious. String lights hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the area. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air.

Rocky stepped out first, then walked around to open my door. He held out his hand, waiting. I placed my hand in his, stepping out, and the moment my eyes scanned the café, I spotted our friends already sitting at a table.

A wide smile spread across my face. Without thinking, I let go of Rocky’s hand and hurried towards them.

Jenny smirked first. "Oh ho, look who's glowing today!"

"Someone’s looking extra fresh, huh?" Adi added, wiggling his brows.

Shanaya gasped dramatically. "Wait, wait, is that… is that a blush I see?!"

I rolled my eyes, already regretting coming here. "Stop it, guys," I muttered, trying to keep my face neutral.

Ravi Bhai chuckled. "Rocky, what exactly did you do? Because our Shivangi is glowing like she just stepped out of a Bollywood dream sequence."

Before I could snap back, Rocky slid into the seat next to me, completely unfazed. "Main toh bas special care karta hoon apni biwi ki." (I just take special care of my wife.)