Leaving Gigabit in a chopper, Ash, Naina arrive at the Zohra HQ. (For her safety,  Elizabeth was put in a carrier during the chopper ride)

After a light chit chat with the ace members, Ash drives Naina to Morjim, a lesser known scenic village along the Goan border. Naina thinks their destination is Phuphi's modest home, but it happens Ash has other plans.

Their car arrives outside a secluded seaside villa. Standing tall against the splendorous evening skies of pinks, violets, oranges and yellows, with the resounding crashing waves of the Arabian sea in the salty air, Naina finds the view of the villa panoramic.

Spellbound, she crawls out of her passenger seat after Ash parks their car. Elizabeth bounds out of her grasp and perches on the villa's compound wall. "Careful, Liz!" Naina reminds her adventurous cat as it jumps off the wall to explore the villa.

"The villa interior is safe. There's no dog around, Mohtarma. This place... Do you like it?" Ash's words, followed by his light chuckle, reach her ears. Naina looks at him and their surroundings. How can Ash know such exotic locations and even own them? Had any other guy brought here, she would have asked him who owns the villa. But it's Ash, so she knows he owns it.

"No nearby buildings, nestled amidst rocks and greenery, and bordered by the sea. This is so cool..." Naina whispers with a smile, taking in a whiff of the refreshing sea breeze.

She narrows her eyes, centring them on the villa again. Beyond the gleaming black iron gates and an eight foot high compound wall, the snow-white villa is a perfect blend of traditional Goan build-style and modern luxury. Its facade showcases a mix of white walls, sloping terracotta-tiled roofs. Intricate wooden accents dot the structure here and there. A simple two-floored building; it is a cosy destination for many and Ash owns such a thing?

She looks at Ash. He shrugs his shoulders, maintaining suspense with a hint of a smirk on his lips. Naina turns her attention to the villa again. Lush greenery surrounds the villa within its compound - swaying palm trees, fragrant frangipani, and vibrant bougainvillea, adding pops of colour. A meandering pathway lined with shells and pebbles leads to the villa's entrance, a beautifully crafted wooden door, its glimpse visible through the gates.

"Ash, what place is this?" Naina turns to Ash again with a vague idea of what it could be. Could this beautiful villa be their secret getaway? Sounds delicious. She already knows the answer, but wants to hear it from him.

"I thought we could begin our new lives here." Ash breaks the suspense with a bright smile. "Why don't we live here after our marriage? Wait, with all the open space inside and around, this can be our wedding venue."

Naina's jaw almost drops to the ground. She closes her mouth only to be tickled by breathless laughter. There's some distance between her and Ash.

"Oh, Ash..." she runs to ash to fall into his open arms. The two resist the temptation to stay in that sweet embrace and trudge forward, hand in hand.

Ash opens the heavy lock on the main gate. Pocketing the keys, he holds his hand for Naina to take. As she walks next to him on the pebble-laden path to the villa entrance, Naina thinks how dreamlike everything around her is. Ever since meeting Ash, she has been in many dreamlike scenarios, starting with the maldivian shining beaches as an example.

Hells, Ash himself is dreamlike. Not just on the outside with those killer looks, but inside as well. His beautiful heart is so pure and precious and it's a blessing that few have a share in it. There's Zain, Abbu, yeah now all of his biological family. Would it be okay to think she holds a major chunk of it? Ash said she was like rain on the barren soil of his heart, his soul - brazen, poetic yet profound, that's how his words usually are just as his love. And... he's always true to his words, so all of it is true.

Still walking on the path, Naina leans her head against his arm. Ash notices the slouch in her posture and pokes her cheek.

"What, having difficulty walking in those wedges, mohtarma? Need a hand up?"

"No..."

Her reply is faint. But he already has her in his arms in a princess carry. Her breath hitches. Once again, breathless laughter bubbles out of her. The urge to kiss him for all the sweet gestures is enormous. She gives into it and graces him with a kiss on the cheek.

"Haha. What was that for?"

"For being so utterly sweet. For bringing me a healthy lunch and now getting me here away from stress and danger. Now put me down. I can walk."

"Hmm... you should kiss me some more since you've listed more than one good deed of mine," Ash whispers and keeps walking, switching his gaze between the path ahead and the woman in his arms.

"What? Didn't hear you properly." Naina asks. He only laughs in response.

His shoes clack against the pebble path. Balmy air caresses the fringe of his bangs, edges of his blazer and the ends of Naina's dress. Sunset beseeches long shadows out of the trees around. He can't help but notice how close his and Naina's shadows are. They are how close they should be. And he can only feel euphoric. Is mohtarma rubbing off on him? Literally, it's Elizabeth, the vampiric cat, who has returned and is rubbing her head against his leg.

Jokes aside, Mohtarma's excitement, laughter, pain... tears. All of them are contagious. It's inexplicable how deeply he is connected to her. She is no different. They both are victims of this sweet epidemic called love. What now? He always knew their love was dangerous. Their lives, individually, are dangerous enough, but together, there's both beauty and danger. Ugh, what's he thinking? Is that melancholy he senses in the deepest of his emotions? Is he also scared like Abbu? Scared of losing his love?

Now is not the time to encourage his pessimistic thoughts. With a chuckle, he redirects his gaze to his blabbering sweetheart in his arms. What's she on about?

"Ash, really. I can walk. So put me down, okay?"

"Uh huh...."

He finds her pouting and puffing adorable. She kissed his cheek, right? Now he kisses her lips.

"Ash! Kaminey! Kiss freak!" Naina laughs but still leans up towards him. He pauses in his tracks and tilts his face down so they can kiss properly.

Naina relaxes in his arms, welcoming the gesture. Her hands clutching his shoulder move to envelop his neck. She presses closer, wanting more of what she's given. Ash's kisses are addictive. As a couple, they haven't gone beyond kisses. But kisses alone and every little gesture are a testimony to how far they have come. And they are more than enough at the moment. If only blissful days like these can continue...

Ash pulls back and brushes her bangs. Slightly breathless, he laughs at Naina, who's in desperate need of air. Ash notices they are alone now. Elizabeth has wandered off yet again.

"What, mohtarma, you okay?"

"Huh? What do you mean, you meanie? Of course I'm okay. Why would you kiss me like that?"

"Huh. Because you wanted me to."

Naina laughs and winks. "Maybe I did. You always give me what I want..." her words are suddenly serious again, defying the playful mood. "Even without asking. So tell me, what do I do in return?"

Ash narrows his gaze. "Silly girl. Just be with me. Are you sure you're doing nothing? You say that when you love and support me unconditionally, isn't that more than what I could ask, love?"

"Awww, you do the same for me, Ash."

"Then we are a match made in heaven."

"Indeed..." Naina rests her head against Ash's chest, letting him carry her further. The kiss and the fuzzy feelings in her tummy render her weak in the legs, she's sure she would lack the strength to walk, so doesn't ask to be allowed to walk.

A minute and two later, Ash lowers her to the ground when they reach the front door.

"I believe you can walk, jaan-e-tamanna?"

Ash raises a brow in her direction, playfully smirking. She whacks his shoulder in response.

"Haha! You and your sugary pet names! Jaan-e-tamanna is weird if you ask me?"

"Why, it's a beautiful word. So poetic. There are far more beautiful words, but let's keep them simple. You can call me jaan-e-man."

"I'm not doing that! And you listen. I was better off as mohtarma and sweetheart. I know you call me jaan-e-tamanna when your love is overflowing and can't be controlled, but seriously..."

"So what? I know you like it. Also, how do you know my love is overflowing? Should I think of... ways to show my love besides using pet names?"

"Haha. I just do. Ugh. Fine, call me whatever you want. But don't do it before, my friends and our rishtedar from Zohra and Neves Mansion. Waise bhi, your family thinks I have you wrapped around my finger, which is quite untrue."

Naina folds her arms and gives Ash a once over. Her shyness from earlier gone, there's a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.

"It's the opposite, isn't it, Ash? You're the one who has me wrapped around your finger..."

"Haha, what difference does it make? It's the same. You and me... we are one." Ash wraps his arm around her shoulder.

Unlocking the main door to the villa, he guides her inside. Elizabeth just then rushes past them, a blur of block.

"Haha! Your cat is the first one to explore this villa, as expected of her," Ash jokes as he walks further, Naina's hand in his.

The living room is spacious, airy, with high ceilings, large windows, and sliding glass doors that lead out to the sea-facing balcony, the furniture, a thoughtful blend of modern comforts and traditional Goan elements, with vibrant drapes and colourful azulejo tiles.

The natural light and ventilation flowing in creates a sense of seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. Ash guides her forward, beginning a quick tour of the place. They end up on the terrace first to witness the gleaming waters of a large pool surrounded by lounge chairs to relax and unwind under the sunny skies and starry nights. Naina can only gape at her surroundings.

Ash guides her onward towards the other rooms. Like in the living room, the bedroom windows offer breathtaking views of the ocean, while plush beds topped with luxurious linens. There are six bedrooms spread over two floors. Each one has a corner writing desks and the walk-in closets are already filled to the brim, one each comprising brand new apparel and shoes, everything for a couple to look like fashionistas. Naina opens the female version of the closet and chuckles in disbelief.

"Wow! There's bath, makeup essentials, dresses, jumpsuits, rain jackets, winter wear, footwear and pyjamas? This much detail... this is so like you! Reminds me of the time I spent in my room at the Zohra HQ. You kinda kidnapped me and bam! You put me in the princess' room with all the accessories and needful."

Ash plops down on the bed and crosses his knee. He puts his blazer aside and runs a hand through his hair nonchalantly. But Naina senses the uncertainty and a tinge of guilt in his voice.

"Well, mohtarma, I'm not the cruel kind to tie you up... so..." Ash says, unsure how to explain. He was the one who chose and bought each of the purchases, along with his manager and Zain, yet he also feels nostalgic looking at the ensembles. Naina switches the topic -

"Ah, the attached bathroom is superb, spacious too! Sleek. This, too, takes me back!"

Naina pushes open the bathroom door of the master bedroom. "Spacious walk-in showers, freestanding tubs, and double vanities... You have left no table unturned. There's also this fragrance in the air... Is it coming from the perfumed pot-pourri up there? Makes me want to take a shower. Or a nice soak! It's summer evening, and it's 6pm, almost time for my evening shower when I'm home."

"Take a shower, sweetheart. You already got a wardrobe's worth to choose your change of clothes from." Ash lazily holds his blazer over his shoulder and smoothly gestures towards the bathroom. He's outside the bathroom's threshold. Naina is the only one who stepped in to check the interiors.

"Actually," Ash takes a step forward and looms against the bathroom entrance. An idea just struck him. He needs to see whether it pleases his beloved.

Naina has a vague idea of the crazy moves Ash might pull, but feigns ignorance. Without acknowledging him, her hands reach for the pot-pourri on the side shelf.

"I think we should shower together. What say?"

"Here it comes. Huh? Oh Ash, what did you say?"

Naina freezes on her spot. The faint scent of roses, cedarwood and musk tickling her nostrils from the pot-pourri, coupled with the words behind her, cause her heart to race. Heh, Ash is such a tease. Shower together, he says, yet he would be all shy if she were to pull him into her shower. Ugh, where are her thoughts headed?

"Mohtarma." While she's lost in thoughts, Ash has stepped in. His voice is close behind as he places a gentle hand on her shoulder. Naina lifts her head from the pot-pourri in her hands, only to see his mischievous reflection in the mirror. Their reflection together, yes. She's already a deeper shade of red, which causes him to chuckle while his gaze meets hers through the mirror.

"Ash! You smug meanie! Huh, I'm not blushing! It's not what it looks like!"

"What is it then? I wonder what you were thinking just now, Habeeba?" Ash raises a brow, a playful twinkle in his steel grey-eyes.

Typical Ash always teases her. Though mildly annoyed, Naina can't be transfixed by those eyes. Those eyes... Ash has stopped wearing contacts,so his eye colour is a breathtaking rainy-day sky, rendering her breathless. After a momentary lapse of judgement, Naina gathers her wits and sidesteps him, just as he's about to put his arms around her.

"Race you to the other bathroom! Didn't you say it's my personal bedroom? That I can use for personal use whenever I need privacy? Bye! We can only shower together if you can catch up with me!"

"Huh, mohtarma, wait!"

Ash laughs and chases after her. Of course, he's the nek banda despite his brazen, occasionally uncouth words. He fully intends to wait in the living room while she refreshes herself from the start. So that's where he goes. Naina, with a soft exasperated chuckle, hears his declaration, "I'm waiting in the living room mohtarma," and strips herself in the bathroom of her room.

Getting into the tub with her long slip on, immersing herself in the lukewarm water with the pot-pourri sprinkled, she feels truly relaxed.

Twenty minutes later, dressed in a midnight blue salwar (blue the colour of the sky and ocean - Ash's favourite), she appears in the living room. Ash is nodding off softly. He's dozing off when she expects him to compliment her dress? She thinks it's unfair.

He doesn't stir when she brushes his bangs. She wonders how hard he must have been working. All this time off as a CEO isn't possible if he hasn't worked the hardest.

"Thank you..." Naina whispers. "Itna kuch karne ke liye, mujhse pyar karne ke liye. You know what? My friends are like family. Yeah, they are family. But after dad was gone, I never thought I could find anyone who could be family. But then I found you... I'm so grateful to the Lord. Issey zyada kya kahun? Truly. It thrills me that we're soon going to be a family. I love you, you know, more than this scenic beauty around me, more than this extravagance you subject me to. I know you understand this. You value your loved ones beyond money or status. You never hesitate to give it all away. It's one of many reasons I love you so much-"

She smiles at the end of her honest thoughts bursting forth, and brushes Ash's bangs again, enjoying the feel of his soft hair on her fingertips and the sight of his innocent, sleeping face. To her surprise, he catches hold of her wrist. His eyes remain closed, though a slight smile plays on his lips.

"I'm thrilled too, Habeeba. Super anxious about what might await us, but excited too. Can't believe our journey has already reached here. What more landscapes will we explore together?"

Naina is touched by his deep, meaningful words, but more than that, she is mortified.

"Huh, you're awake! I should have known your tricks! Yikes!"

She takes a step back, but too late. Ash pulls her into his lap, nuzzles her neck with the tip of his nose buried in her hair. He notices she smells of peach and vanilla, the scent of her shampoo, no doubt. He exhaled softly, causing her to laugh.

"Oh, Ash." She clutches his arm with gentle fingers, uttering the same phrase she has uttered a million times over during their time together, the phrase she utters whenever she's pleased with his actions or lacks words to describe what she feels. Knowing this, he smiles yet still refuses to open his eyes.

Naina turns her head, hoping to glimpse blush on his face, a tinge of smug satisfaction. But she can only catch the top of his head with her gaze, from how she's seated.

"Ash, why don't you let me look at you? Come on, face me."

"Huh? But I'm comfortable here. Besides, you seem to love me more when I pretend to be asleep. As a penalty, I will stay as I am."

"That's not true ... Come on! See, Elizabeth is back and is meowing for us to move. She has finished her nap. Don't you think she has been lethargic? Maybe it's time for her meal! I have some in my bag."

"Liz? She has been a lazy bug all along. Just you see. She will be a ball of energy soon around Bruce. She's so sly, following us here, as if she's yearning for our company only to sleep around and strut around this place as if it's hers, and napping, saving her energy for later."

"Huh? Are you drunk? You only babble when you are. But then you sometimes do it on purpose. Robert Bhau told me, you used to do it as a child. Pretend so you could get all the attention. Now, my darling, shouldn't we get going if we want to have dinner with Abbu, Zain and others at the HQ?"

Ash reluctantly pulls away. In one swift move, he rides up while helping her stand. "Okay, to the HQ we go. But after we have our little coffee date on the balcony. The ocean view and the sunset are breathtaking, don't you think? Not Amalfi, but... it's our very own Goa. Oh yes, let's catch the Amalfi sunset during one of our anniversaries."

"Haha, Ash. You really are talkative sometimes."

"Yeah. My Habeeba's influence."

"Are you blaming me? Habeeba, is that a new nickname?"

"Yeah. It means beloved, dear one. No, I'm not blaming you, sweetie. I tend to be this way around Zain and Abbu sometimes and... now my brothers. Can't help it when you are in the company of your loved ones. Ugh, so my biological family with all the kiddo fauj are my loved ones now? How annoying. I dread visiting them."

"Haha, Ash! I know you're looking forward to meeting them all as I am. Let's visit Mapusa when we are done enjoying our time at the Zohra."

Ash sighs dramatically but still smiles fondly, a sign Naina knows to show he acknowledged what she said.

"Give that cat some cat food," he mutters, looking at the still meowing Elizabeth. Elizabeth's meows have become shriller, wilder.

Naina arranges food for her cat in a bowl, then returns to Ash's side. He grabs her hand. She looks at their entwined hands a moment longer.

"Let's go." He gestures to the balcony.

She holds her footing and quirks an eyebrow at him. "Not so quickly, Ash. Aren't you forgetting something?"

Ash looks at her quizzically, "what?"

"This..." she kisses his cheek. "Did I give you a thank you kiss yet? I love this place. It's a beautiful home, Ash. Let's make it our secret getaway. I would love for it to be our forever home but... Given your job at Gigabit and mine. We better live in Mumbai."

Ash remains a moment longer in daze, processing those words and her gentle kiss. She smiles at him, patiently waiting.

"You're right. You should have saved the thank-you kiss for the end of our coffee date, no? Will I get one more? Oh well, fine. I need to find us a nice, spacious place again and fully furnish it. What a drag."

"Come on, Ash. You already have your own chic apartment. And so do I. Uh, mine is modest but... should I move out? It's a place of memories of mom, dad and I... Oh, I have countless memories there with Ruu and Sam too."

"Relax. You don't need to give up anything. Neither do I. It's too early to plan where we should settle as hubby-wife, but let's keep juggling between places. Let's keep travelling, going on adventures, and stay with our loved ones. That kind of lifestyle suits us. Don't you think?"

"Aw, yes!"

Naina sequels and hugs him in delight. Ash returns the hug. They arrive in the small kitchenette next to the bedroom to brew two cups of cappuccino. Ash has his coffee with milk and sugar than his preferred americano. They proceed to the balcony to have their coffees.

Ash sits next to her on the opulent bamboo settee. There are plenty of other empty seats around. Naina imagines how fun it will be together chill with Samrat, Ruhana, Zain and others. Yeah, party with everyone, is that possible? She doesn't want to hide anything from anyone and wants everyone to get along. Will that day come?

"What's on your mind, Habeeba? Drink your coffee. Do you need more sugar?" After two sips of coffee, Ash sets his cup down and turns his gaze to the orange yellow skies.

"Your place and mine in Mumbai, hmm still. We're getting married, so we need a new one."

"Haha. I can't believe you, Ash. Is that the thing with rich guys? You're planning something in your head already? You look cute when you do that."

She leans towards him and kisses him on the nose. He pulls her cheek, his gaze fond. "Huh, you haven't even touched your coffee and you do this? Now who's a kiss freak?"

"We both!" She winks at him and he laughs.

She finishes her coffee quickly and runs downstairs to pick up Elizabeth to hide her blush. Ash follows her out on light steps. They make their way downstairs, ready to leave the villa.

"That reminds me, Ash, you didn't shower."

"Well, I will, in my room at the HQ. You better not enter one sharif banda's shower, huh mohtarma."

"Oh, really. What if I do?" Naina waggles her eyebrows, knowing well it's the beginning of another silly banter with Ash.

"Huh. Well, you can enter but just... let's be secretive about it. I have my modesty to preserve at the HQ. And on second thoughts... no mischief when Abbu is around. He's more sly than me and even your beloved kitty, Elizabeth. You know what he says? Tera baap hoon main!"

"Haha, oh, Ash! This hidden funny side of yours is so cute! I love you."

"Love you too, my darling."

They banter back and forth until their car, then drive to the HQ to a lively jashn. Everyone enjoys the festivities. Bruce and Elizabeth loiter in the garden, munching treats, two fur-babies - pampered by everyone. It's a serene evening. The sky has darkened. Now one can only hope the upcoming sunrise will bring more colours, and will be more vibrant than those the sunset has showcased.

***
💫💛tbc💛💫

💫💛upcoming: Ash, Naina spend time with the Neves family. Someone stalks them at the Mela. Ruhana arrives at Samrat's house to discuss project Asher. her informer gave her a lead about Ash? Samrat is in awe of her investigation 🔎 💫💛

what happens next? keep in reading to know.
p.s. please excuse any errors in the chapter didn't get the time to double check