Madhu's POV
As Vasu drove out of the parking lot and onto the highway, the city slowly blurred past the windows. But my mind refused to quiet down.
That feeling was still there.
That strange, crawling sensation—as if someone had been watching me… following me… memorizing my steps.
I shifted in my seat, folding and unfolding my fingers in my lap. Fear and nervousness tangled inside me, refusing to make sense.
Just then, Vasu's hand gently settled on my shoulder.
It was warm.
Steady.
Real.
I flinched slightly and turned my head, my brown eyes colliding with his dark ones. He brushed a loose strand of hair away from my face, his touch slow, grounding.
"What are you thinking, sweetheart?" he asked softly, before returning his attention to the road.
For a second, I almost told him everything—about the unease, the déjà vu, the way my instincts were screaming. But I stopped myself. I had already mentioned it once. I didn't want to worry him again.
So instead, I sighed and shook my head lightly.
"It's nothing…" I said, then quickly changed the subject.
"By the way… where exactly are we going?"
He didn't answer.
Not even a hum.
Suspicious.
I glanced at the road again—and froze.
Wait.
I knew this route.
My brows slowly knitted together as realization dawned.
"Vasu," I said carefully, turning toward him.
"Why are we on the road that leads to the NYPD?"
Silence.
He kept driving. Calm. Relaxed.
And—was that a smile?
I scoffed, crossing my arms dramatically.
"Oh wow. Great. Fantastic. You're doing that thing."
Still nothing.
"Say something!" I demanded.
"Is this related to your work? Are you secretly arresting me for stealing your heart? Because I plead guilty, officer."
That earned him a grin.
But still—no answer.
I narrowed my eyes.
"You know, this mysterious silence thing? Very annoying. Very suspicious. Very hot—but mostly annoying."
He chuckled under his breath, eyes fixed on the road.
I leaned back into my seat, muttering,
"I swear, if this is one of your dramatic surprises again, I'm emotionally unprepared."
Inside, though, my heart was racing—not just with unease anymore…
But with anticipation.
Because with Vasu, silence never meant nothing.
It meant something big was coming.
I was officially annoyed now.
Not the cute annoyed—the real one.
He wasn't answering me. Not even a word. It felt like I was invisible, sitting right next to him while he calmly drove as if I didn't exist.
Fine.
If silence was his weapon, then irritation would be mine.
I subtly leaned toward his left side, slipped my hand around his arm, and rested my head on his shoulder.
He responded instantly—placing a soft kiss right in the center of my forehead.
Too soft.
Too sweet.
Not enough.
So I buried my face into his arm…
…and bit him.
"Ahhhhh!" he yelled. "Crazy girl! That hurts!"
I immediately pulled back, wearing my most innocent-smug smile.
"That's what happens when you ignore me, Mr. Silent Treatment," I said proudly.
"It's really pissing me off when you don't answer my questions, Vasu. This is the only way to make you talk."
Before I could enjoy my victory, the car screeched to a sudden stop.
Parking lot.
Uh-oh.
Vasu turned toward me slowly, one eyebrow lifting in warning. His left hand came around my neck—not tight, not rough—but possessive enough to send shivers down my spine as he pulled me closer.
"I'm going to take revenge for that bite, sweetheart," he murmured, eyes glinting with mischief.
My eyes widened instantly.
Danger.
I broke free at lightning speed and sat straight like the most obedient passenger on earth. My cheeks burned under his amused stare, my heart racing traitorously.
And then—
I gasped.
We were outside the NYPD office.
I turned toward him, suddenly understanding everything.
"Ohhh," I sighed. "So this is about work."
I waved my hand dismissively.
"Okay, stop staring at me like that and go. Finish your work quickly."
Instead of getting out, he turned his body toward me completely. His hand lifted—slow, deliberate—reaching for my face again. His eyes darkened with that familiar dangerous look.
Before things escalated, I placed my hand on his shoulder and pushed him back.
"Vasu! What are you doing? We're outside your office!"
He didn't move away.
Instead, he grabbed my arm and pulled me closer again, his breath brushing my cheek as he whispered against my ear,
"Our office, sweetheart."
I opened my eyes—
And froze.
He was holding my certificate file.
"What—" I gasped.
He interlocked his fingers with mine and pressed the file into my hand along with an application envelope.
"Madhu," he said softly, all teasing gone now,
"Take this. Go to the top floor. Third room on the right. Ms. Isobel Hood—the Captain. I've already informed her you're coming."
My world stopped.
He remembered.
Not only remembered—but planned it. Executed it. Took me here when I had completely forgotten.
Tears welled up before I could stop them.
I didn't say a word.
I dropped the file on the seat, wrapped my arms around his neck, and buried my face in the crook of his neck. He hugged me instantly, tight and steady, like he'd been waiting for this.
"I love you," I sobbed.
His smile was warm as he kissed my shoulder gently.
"I love you too."
He pulled back just enough to cradle my face, his thumb wiping away my tears.
"Now go," he said softly. "You're running late."
I nodded… but didn't move.
"Please come with me," I whispered.
He smiled.
And nodded.
And just like that, I knew—
I was never walking alone again.
Vasu's POV
Madhu had done it.
She had reached her dream—and somehow, in the middle of that joy, she had turned the tables on me with that quiet little prank of hers.
Her brown eyes were glowing as she looked at me, happiness spilling out of her in a way that made my chest feel too full. Only then did I realize how tightly I'd been holding my breath.
I let it out slowly.
"I'm sorry," I said, my voice softer than I intended. "For raising my voice earlier. I shouldn't have. I promise… it won't happen again."
She didn't say anything—just smiled at me, calm and knowing.
"Say it properly," she challenged gently.
I smiled, took her hand, and held it firmly.
"Congratulations, Madhu."
I leaned forward and pressed a respectful kiss to the back of her hand—slow, deliberate, full of pride.
Her cheeks flushed instantly.
"For pranking me like that," I added quietly,
"I will get my payback."
She looked away, biting back a smile.
I slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her gently closer.
"You're driving me crazy, sweetheart," I murmured.
"And I wouldn't have it any other way."
I held her there—quiet, close—
Because some moments were meant to be felt, not rushed.