Morning came quietly, slipping into the room with a pale golden light that rested gently on the walls. The world outside had already begun to stir, but inside, everything remained still, wrapped in a softness that neither of them wished to break.

Gulab shifted slightly in her sleep, her body following an old habit, ready to rise before the day demanded too much of her. But before she could move away, she felt a warm weight draw her closer. Shivender, still lost in sleep, had unconsciously tightened his hold around her and pressed a soft kiss into her hair.