Vivaan and Ruhana leave the hotel as they have a meeting to attend. As they drive, Vivaan glances at his lady love, glad to have put a smile on her face. The weather is also in their favor-it's cloudy. Ruhana suddenly chuckles as raindrops fall on her hand. They're not in a playful mood and aren't kids, but Ruhana can't contain her excitement. The man by her side has given her a reason to be joyful.

"Wow! Aaj ka din toh bahut achcha hai! Thanks, Vivs!" she chuckles, sprinkling raindrops on his face.

"Hmm, someone is happy? Itni khushi?" he asks.

"Yes! You're the reason," she replies with a warm smile.

"I am glad to hear that, love. I can do anything for this pretty smile on your face," Vivaan says genuinely, patting her cheek with his other hand.

Ruhana glances at Vivaan. Surely, this man manages to make her smile with his antics, his love, his naughtiness, and even his anger. He can't stay angry at her for long. Today, he has gifted her father's hotel to her. She is the rightful owner of the hotel. He loves her immensely and always takes care of her. What more can she ask for? She was a mess before she met Vivaan, but now she is happy being with her love, the charming and handsome man beside her, her Vivaan.

She leans close to Vivaan, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you, Vivaan," she says, her tone filled with love and gratitude.

"I love you," he replies as he caresses her cheek with one hand.

She reciprocates the words while he kisses the top of her head, his eyes still fixated on the road. She switches on the radio, and the song makes her smile. She begins to hum the tune. In no time, they reach the hotel. Her trance is broken as Vivaan stops the car. She looks up to find Hotel Rainbow in her sight. She smiles as Vivaan parks the car properly, and they walk inside the hotel. The manager shows them the way to the conference room. The delegates of the other company are already there. Vivaan and Ruhana meet them, and the meeting begins.

*****

Two hours later, they walk out, happy to have bagged the deal. As they head into the parking lot, Ruhana hugs Vivaan, putting her arms around his neck. He can tell that she's super happy because of the meeting they just attended.

"I am so glad we got it," she says, hiding her face in his shoulder.

"Surely! We had to get this. We worked so hard, Babe!" Vivaan says.

"Now, we should party," Ruhana chuckles as she breaks the hug, only to look at his face.

"Someone promised me a surprise!" he says, peering into her eyes.

"Oh yes! But that's at home. I am sure you will love it," she winks at him.

"Let's go home!" he says as they get in the car.

"No! You have to meet Mr. Clark," she reminds him.

"Oh! I forgot," Vivaan whines. He doesn't want to go.

"I know! You can't do anything without me, Vivs," Ruhana says, raising her imaginary collars.

"How can I? You're my life," he reasons, with a smile on her face.

Ruhana looks at him, and he smiles, assuring her with his words. She smiles warmly, knowing that Vivaan Jain always keeps his promises. He truly means what he says. She kisses his cheek, surprising him. It's no less than a treat for him.

"A treat? What for?" he asks.

"Haha! Your surprise begins now. You drop me home, and then meet Mr. Joseph Clark," she reminds him as they get into the car.

He agrees, and after dropping Ruhana at their home, Vivaan heads to the office to meet a client.

Vivaan and Ruhana are in a live-in relationship. After her step-mum threw her out of the house, she stayed in a hostel until she met Vivaan, and now they live together at Vivaan's home. They share a relationship that can neither be measured nor named. It's something pious, and they've given it their all. Vivaan has always supported her, and now Ruhana wants to surprise him to show her love for him. She loves to leave him thrilled; the happiness on his face is always her reward.

*****

Vivaan reaches home at 6 PM. He enters the house, and it's dark. His heart skips a beat. Where is Ruhana? He already dropped her home. He calls her name, and at the same time, someone hugs him from behind. It's his lady love.

"Where were you? I was scared!" he asks, his tone laced with concern and love for her.

"Nothing bad can happen to me, Vivs. At least, until you're with me, I know I am safe," Ruhana says as she parts the hug, and Vivaan turns to her.

"Don't worry! I won't leave you so easily," she says naughtily, pulling him closer to herself.

"I don't want you to go away," Vivaan says gently. She knows he's being honest.

"Okay! Now go and freshen up!" Ruhana says, pushing him towards his room.

He smiles but moves to freshen up. Ruhana gets busy with her chores. She's happy for some reason. She prepares coffee, as Vivaan likes it, and takes it to his room. He's standing on the balcony. She places the tray on the table and shakes him. She passes him his mug, and he pulls her towards himself, her back against his chest, and his hand around her neck. They talk about many things, and then she holds his hand and leads him to a room opposite their bedroom. She switches on the lights, and Vivaan is astonished to see the room.

The room is painted in red and golden colors, both being his favorites. A round bed is placed in the middle of the room, and a beautifully carved photo frame with their picture is hung on the wall. Entering the room, the right-side wall is full of pictures-solo pictures of Vivaan and Ruhana, and pictures of them together-some romantic, goofy, yet heartwarming pictures. However, a space is left empty on the wall. On the left-hand side, it looks like a home library, with shelves of books for her, and his important stuff is arranged too. There's a table and chair, probably for him to work. This is something they've wanted to create but couldn't. However, there's a small reading area that Vivaan made for her in his study room, but this room looks better than that.

"Wow! This is beautiful," Vivaan says, awestruck.

"I know, right! I always wanted this. At least now, you won't leave me alone in the room to work," she reasons, while he laughs.

"When did I leave you alone?" he inquires, raising his eyebrows at her.

"Every time you have work to do! Huh, you always make me sleep and go into your study. Now, I'll keep an eye on you," Ruhana says, a playful smile on her lips.

"Yeah, that's true! And you won't let me work!" he sighs.

She giggles, pecks a kiss on his lips, and winks at him. It's her way to show her love for him, and these are the moments when he lets her take the limelight. However, right now, he's in awe of the room she has created. He can work here, she can read her books, and there's a chance for some romance too. Huh! Get a grip on your thoughts, Vivaan. You're going too far.

"This is us, Vivs! Did you really like it?" Ruhana asks, her eyes hopeful.

"Why wouldn't I love it, Ruu? You've done it so flawlessly. This is heaven, you know!" he says, pulling her into an embrace.

She hugs him, resting her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat that calms her pounding heart. It's been months since she's been doing this, and now it's all done, naked to his eyes. He pecks a soft kiss on her forehead, showing the amount of love he holds for her. A few minutes later, she parts the hug and looks at him intently.

"Mujhe tumse bhi ek tohfa chahiye," she says.

"Meri zindagi ka tohfa toh tum ho, Ruu. Tumhe main kya dun?" he asks, his tone earnest.

"Marry me! Will you?" she asks, peering deep into his eyes.

"What?" he asks, surprised at her sudden demand.

"Marry me, Vivs! Let's take all of this to another level. Mujhe nayi zindagi ki shuruaat karni hai, tumhare saath. Isse pehle ki Neelima ji kuch karein, main tumhari ho jana chahti hoon. Taaki wo kuch keh hi na sake, aur main jaanti hoon, tumhare hote hue koi kuch keh bhi nahi sakta," she says, pouring out her emotions.

Vivaan anticipated this coming. It's been two years since they've been together. Of course, they've been in a live-in relationship and have shared that intimacy already, but getting married is beautiful. However, he also doesn't want her stepmom, Neelima, to say something against her. He won't listen now; he'll react.

"We will marry soon, Ruu, very soon!" he says, assuring her, and pulls her into his embrace, knowing she'll calm down in a while.

A few minutes later, Ruhana parts the hug and glances at her beloved. She can only find love and concern for her. She gets on her toes to match his height and presses her lips against his. They share a soft, love-filled kiss, and the air around them smells only of love. The soft kiss turns into a passionate one, the only sounds audible are their lips syncing and their heavy breaths. Ruhana breaks the kiss, while he kisses her forehead, sealing a promise of togetherness.

However, they are unaware of a storm that is making its way towards them. But they know they'll fight their demons together and emerge as winners.

To Be Continued.