The morning sunlight slowly slipped through the large glass windows of the apartment, painting the room in soft shades of gold.

For a few peaceful moments, nothing moved.

The city outside was waking up.

But inside the apartment, time seemed slower.

Gentler.

Ishita stirred first.

A sleepy smile immediately appeared on her lips.

Kabir's arm was securely wrapped around her waist, pulling her close against him as though even in sleep he refused to let her go.

She glanced up at him quietly.

After all these years, she still loved watching him sleep.

The man the world feared looked completely different like this.

Relaxed.

Peaceful.

Human.

A strand of hair had fallen over his forehead.

Carefully, she brushed it aside.

No reaction.

Ishita smiled mischievously.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Slowly leaning closer, she pressed a tiny kiss against his cheek.

Nothing.

Another one.

Still nothing.

"Kabir..."

A small grunt escaped him.

Ishita bit back a laugh.

"Kabir..."

This time his hold around her tightened slightly.

"I'm sleeping."

His voice was rough with sleep.

"No, you're not."

"Yes, I am."

"You just answered me."

Silence.

Then—

"I'm sleeping and answering."

Ishita burst into laughter.

Typical Kabir.

She rested her chin against his chest while looking up at him.

"Wake up."

"No."

"We have to leave."

"No."

"Mr. Rathore."

"No."

Ishita narrowed her eyes dramatically.

Then leaned forward and placed several quick kisses across his jaw.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Immediately his eyes opened.

"There she is," he muttered.

"The troublemaker."

Ishita looked extremely pleased with herself.

"It worked."

Kabir pulled her closer instantly.

"It always works."

A squeak escaped her lips as she nearly fell back against him.

"Kabir!"

"What?"

"We have leave ."

"We also have time."

Ishita shook her head while laughing.

For a moment neither of them moved.

They simply enjoyed the quiet.

The comfort.

The familiarity.

Ten years.

Ten years of waking up beside each other whenever life allowed them to.

And somehow it still felt special.

Kabir brushed a hand gently through her hair.

"What are you smiling about?"

Ishita looked around the apartment.

The bedroom.

The balcony beyond the window.

The familiar walls.

"Nothing."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Liar."

Her smile softened.

"I just missed this place."

Kabir followed her gaze.

He understood immediately.

This apartment wasn't just a home.

It was history.

It had witnessed every version of them.

The hidden husband.

The hidden wife.

The lonely nights.

The stolen mornings.

The dreams they weren't sure would ever come true.

And now here they were.

Together.

Openly.

Happy.

Kabir leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead.

"Ready for breakfast?"

Ishita nodded.

"Only if you're making tea."

Kabir looked offended.

"Why does everyone insult my tea?"

"Because we've tasted it."

A pillow immediately flew in her direction.

The sound of their laughter filled the room.

And for the first time in a very long time—

there was nothing hidden about their happiness.

Nearly an hour later, the apartment was filled with familiar sounds.

Cabinet doors opening.

The kettle whistling.

Ishita laughing.

And Kabir pretending he wasn't being judged while making breakfast.

"You're staring."

Kabir didn't even look up from the stove.

Ishita, who was sitting comfortably on the kitchen counter, smiled innocently.

"I'm observing."

"You're judging."

"I'm protecting our child from your cooking."

Kabir turned around slowly.

"My cooking is perfectly fine."

"The toast is burning."

Kabir immediately looked behind him.

Ishita burst into laughter.

"You did that on purpose."

"Maybe."

Kabir shook his head before walking toward her.

The moment he reached her, he placed both hands on either side of the counter, trapping her between him and the marble surface.

Ishita's smile widened instantly.

"You were saying?"

"Nothing."

"That's what I thought."

For a second neither of them moved.

Just looking at each other.

Smiling.

Comfortable.

Happy.

Then suddenlyKabir slowly bent down and rested his forehead against her stomach.

"Good morning."

Ishita laughed through her tears.

"You're talking to the baby again."

"I have important discussions."

"Obviously."

Kabir ignored her.

"Tell your mother to stop bullying me."

Ishita gasped dramatically.

"Excuse me?"

"See? Exactly my point."

Kabir immediately pointed.

"Even the baby agrees."

"No. The baby loves me."

"The baby definitely loves me more."

"Impossible."

"Fact."

Their argument continued all the way through breakfast.

And somehow...

it felt perfect.

Later, after cleaning up the kitchen together, Ishita walked toward the balcony.

The city stretched below them.

The same view she had stared at for years.

Waiting for Kabir.

Missing Kabir.

Loving Kabir.

She felt strong arms wrap around her from behind.

Always him.

Always this.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked softly.

Ishita leaned back against him.

"Ten years."

Kabir remained silent.

"Ten years in this apartment."

A small smile appeared on her face.

"Do you remember how terrified I was when I first moved here?"

Kabir chuckled softly.

"You almost threw me out."

"I did throw you out."

"Twice."

"You were annoying."

"I still am."

"That's true."

Kabir kissed her temple.

Neither denied it.

For several moments they simply stood there.

Looking at the city.

Looking at the life they had built.

Then Kabir finally spoke.

"We should leave soon."

Ishita nodded slowly.

Reality.

Responsibilities.

Meetings.

The palace.

The hospital project.

Life waiting outside these walls.

But strangely...

she didn't feel sad anymore.

Because this apartment would always belong to them.

Not because of the walls.

Not because of the memories.

But because wherever they went—

they carried those ten years with them.

Together.

And somehow...

that made leaving a little easier.

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