The golden glow of the oil lamps flickered gently against the walls, casting long shadows across the grand chambers. The rich scent of sandalwood and jasmine filled the air, but the room was otherwise silent.

Yudhishthir stepped inside, the heavy doors closing behind him with a soft thud. His gaze instinctively searched for Vaidehi, expecting to find her waiting for him with the same quiet grace she had carried throughout the wedding.

But what he saw made his heart tighten.

She was sitting on the floor near the foot of the bed, her head buried in her hands, her delicate shoulders shaking with quiet sobs.

A frown creased his forehead, and in an instant, he was at her side. "Vaidi," he said softly, kneeling beside her. "What happened?"

Vaidehi lifted her face, her eyes red and damp. She sniffled, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. "I... I was trying to lift this chest," she gestured towards a large wooden chest placed near the wall, "but it was too heavy. And then... I remembered how Dau would always lift things for me back in Dwarka. He never let me struggle."

Her voice wavered as fresh tears welled up in her eyes. "And then I thought about home... about Dau, Bhrata, Mata, everyone... and I—" her words broke into a sob, her hands clutching at the fabric of her dupatta.

Yudhishthir's expression softened. He understood. No matter how strong she was, today was the first time she was truly alone—without her brothers, without her family.

Wordlessly, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close in a comforting embrace.

Vaidehi stiffened for a moment before allowing herself to lean into him, her forehead pressing against his shoulder as she let out the last of her sobs. His warmth, his steady presence—it felt safe. Like an anchor in this new, unfamiliar world.

Yudhishthir ran a soothing hand over her back. "Vaidehi," he murmured, his voice gentle, "I cannot replace Dau, nor can I be your Kanha. But you are not alone here. This is your home now, and I—" he hesitated before continuing, "—I will always be here when you need me."

Vaidehi pulled away slightly, her gaze searching his. The honesty in his eyes comforted her more than words ever could.

After a moment, Yudhishthir rose and walked to the chest. With little effort, he lifted it effortlessly and turned to her. "Where do you want it?"

Vaidehi blinked, momentarily distracted by his easy strength. "Over there," she pointed to the far end of the room.

With a small smile, Yudhishthir carried the chest and placed it exactly where she wanted. "Better?"

She nodded, offering him a watery smile. "Thank you."

"Anytime," he replied before adding with a small smirk, "But next time, just call me instead of trying to move something thrice your weight."

Vaidehi let out a soft laugh, her cheeks tinged with pink.

Later, as they sat on the balcony, a soft breeze rustled through the silk curtains. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the palace.

Vaidehi, now much calmer, pulled her knees to her chest, staring at the gardens below. "I didn't realize how much I would miss Dwarka," she admitted.

Yudhishthir leaned back against the stone railing, watching her. "It is natural. But with time, you will find a place here in Hastinapur too."

She nodded, her fingers playing with the edge of her dupatta. "It feels strange," she admitted. "To not hear Subhadra chattering, or to see Dau training in the courtyard..."

Yudhishthir smiled slightly. "You will still hear plenty of chattering. My brothers are not much different from yours."

Vaidehi chuckled softly. "That's true."

As they sat in comfortable silence, Yudhishthir glanced down at her feet. His sharp eyes caught the slight discomfort in her expression.

"You were struggling with your anklets during the wedding," he remarked suddenly.

Vaidehi looked at him, surprised. "You noticed?"

He nodded. "I notice everything, Vaidi."

Before she could respond, he gently took her feet into his lap.

Vaidehi gasped, pulling back instinctively. "Arya! What are you doing?"

Yudhishthir raised a brow. "What does it look like?"

"Husbands are not supposed to touch their wives' feet!" she protested, trying to pull away.

His grip was firm yet careful as he looked at her, amusement glinting in his eyes. "And why is that?"

"Because—because it is improper," she stammered.

Yudhishthir tilted his head, his voice calm yet unwavering. "If a wife can touch her husband's feet in respect, why can't a husband do the same?"

Vaidehi opened her mouth, then closed it, caught off guard by his reasoning.

He continued, his fingers gently brushing against her ankle. "A wife is like Goddess Lakshmi. And what is wrong if I, your husband, touch the feet of my Lakshmi?"

Vaidehi's cheeks burned a deep red at his words. She lowered her gaze, unable to respond.

Taking advantage of her silence, Yudhishthir lifted a pair of delicate golden anklets and tied them around her feet.

Vaidehi inhaled sharply. "Arya, you—"

"I had these made for you," he interrupted, securing the clasps carefully. "They are much lighter than the ones you wore during the wedding."

Her breath hitched as she watched him, his fingers grazing her skin as he worked. Once done, he leaned back slightly, inspecting his handiwork.

"Perfect," he murmured.

Vaidehi looked down at her feet, then at him. "You... noticed something so small?"

Yudhishthir met her gaze. "Everything about you is important to me, Vaidi."

She had no response to that. Instead, she did the only thing she could—she whispered a soft, heartfelt, "Thank you."

Yudhishthir only smiled.

As the night deepened, their conversation drifted into lighter topics. Vaidehi asked about his childhood, about his life in Hastinapur, about his memories with his brothers.

Yudhishthir spoke at length, enjoying the easy flow of their conversation. But as he was mid-sentence, he felt a slight weight on his shoulder.

He glanced down.

Vaidehi had fallen asleep, her head resting against him, her breathing soft and steady.

A small chuckle escaped him, shaking his head in amusement.

Gently, he lifted her in his arms and carried her inside. He laid her down carefully, ensuring she was comfortable before sitting beside her.

His eyes lingered on her peaceful face for a moment before he reached forward and began removing her bangles one by one, placing them aside so they wouldn't discomfort her in her sleep.

Then, quietly, he lay down beside her, pulling the blanket over both of them.

As he closed his eyes, he felt something unfamiliar settle in his chest. Peace.

That night, for the first time in a long time, Yudhishthir fell asleep with a smile on his face.