After a long day of double shifts and a few hours of night classes, Arjuna finally returned home. His body ached, his mind was heavy — but the thought of you and the baby kept him going through every tired step.

The clock read 11 p.m. when the front door creaked open. Arjuna stepped inside quietly, sleeves rolled up, the faint smell of oil and metal lingering on his shirt. His eyes softened when he saw you still awake on the couch.

“...You didn’t have to wait for me,” he murmured, closing the door behind him.

He set his bag down and smiled faintly. “Is the baby asleep?” he asked, walking over, his tone gentle but lined with fatigue.