𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗜𝗗𝗟𝗜 𝗠𝗘𝗧 𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜

• Where is Aadhya? •

Eshaan's arm was firmly around Saanvi's waist, pulling her closer. She hugged him back, her head resting briefly against his shoulder. In the middle of the warmth, her lipstick brushed against his crisp white shirt, leaving a faint but noticeable stain.

Saanvi's eyes widened as she pulled back slightly, her cheeks flushing.
"Oh no! I'm so sorry," she said softly, fingers brushing the mark. "This must be an expensive shirt."

Eshaan glanced down, then up at her, his gaze tender and amused.
"Expensive?" he said, the corner of his lips curving into a smile. "Not anymore. Now it's priceless-with your lipstick on it."

Her blush deepened. She lightly swatted his arm.
"Go now, or you'll be late for the office," she said, trying to hide her smile.

"I don't feel like going," he murmured, still looking at her.

"Aap ja rahe ho ya main bhagaun?" she teased, narrowing her eyes in mock threat.

"Alright, alright, my fiery little chili, I'm going," he said, laughing as he picked up his things.

He walked downstairs, still smiling to himself. In the dining room, Vikram was sipping water. One glance at Eshaan's shirt and Vikram's eyes widened-then he coughed violently, nearly choking.

"Vikram!" Shobha rushed to his side, patting his back. "What happened? You were fine a second ago!"

"I-It's nothing," Vikram said quickly, avoiding eye contact.

Outside, Reyansh and Advay were waiting by the car. As soon as Eshaan stepped out, Reyansh's jaw dropped while Advay's face darkened.

"What did you do to my princess?" Advay asked, glaring at Eshaan

"What would I do to her?" Eshaan replied calmly, though his brow lifted in challenge.

"Oh really? Then what's that lipstick stain doing on your shirt?" Advay pointed accusingly.

Eshaan smirked, the faintest blush on his face.
"My wife decided to leave her mark on her husband," he said smoothly.

"Ohhh, look at you blushing!" Advay mocked. "Don't tell me you forced a kiss on her."

"Oh hello, sale sahab," Eshaan shot back with a glare, "your sister grabbed my collar and kissed me herself."

Reyansh, who had been quiet, nearly choked on his own breath.
"Okay, you two, stop it," he said quickly. "Eshaan bhai's personal life isn't up for debate. And Advay bhai, Saanvi bhabhi is his wife-it's perfectly fine. Though... I didn't expect things to heat up so soon," he added with a teasing grin.

Eshaan gave him a sharp look, and the three of them headed to their company.

Back at home, Saanvi came downstairs carrying a breakfast tray for Aadhya. She approached Shobha, her expression slightly worried.
"Maa, since last night I haven't seen Aadhya. She's not in her room, and her phone's switched off. Do you know where she is?"

Shobha shook her head gently.
"She must be resting, beta. Last night when I went to her room, she had a headache."

"Okay, Maa, I'll take breakfast to her room anyway," Saanvi said.

Shobha nodded.

Saanvi carried the tray upstairs and unlocked Aadhya's door. The room was still and quiet. She stepped inside, setting the tray on the bedside table.

"Aadhya?" she called softly.

No answer. She checked the bathroom-empty. Her heart started to race.

Panic rising, she ran back downstairs, breathless.
"Maa! Dadaji!" she cried, tears pricking her eyes. "Aadhya... Aadhya's not in her room!"