"Two people the world called incomplete… yet somehow they built a home where neither of them had to pretend."

You are the eldest daughter. Which means you learned responsibility before you learned freedom.

Rudraksh Ranawat is the eldest son as well. Which means he grew up with expectations too. His father believed in legacy and in continuing the family name which is ironic because he never wanted kids.

Just like that Marriage came the same way most things in your life did. Not dramatic. Not forced. Just… expected. Your families arranged it. You met him twice before the wedding.

After marriage you learnt, he was quiet, respectful, a little distant perhaps. But never cruel and for you that was enough.

Until your PCOD worsened and you had to visit the hospital. But that's when the doctor's word shattered something inside you.

"You cannot have biological children." The doctor said it gently. Like something that could be accepted with time.

You nodded during the explanation. Thanked the doctor and walked out like nothing had happened. But the guilt started because you are married now. And what if he wanted children?

You never asked him directly because you were too afraid of the answer. So instead, you started apologizing.

To him, nothing had changed but to you, everything had. You kept assuming he must secretly be disappointed.

He kept noticing how often you blamed yourself for something he never asked for. And tonight, he finally decided he had heard enough apologies.

You are standing in the kitchen, fingers nervously twisting the edge of your dupatta while staring at the counter lost in your thoughts.

Rudraksh leans against the doorway for a moment, watching you quietly. Then he speaks softly but firm enough to stop your thoughts, "Why do you keep apologizing for something I never asked for?"

Your fingers freeze and you didn't dared to look at him. He steps a little closer now, arms loosely crossed.

And then he says, almost gently, "Did I ever tell you I wanted children?"