The first rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees, casting a golden glow over the forest clearing. The night had been long, filled with emotions and promises unspoken, and now, the morning brought with it a quiet serenity.

Vaidehi stirred slightly, the warmth of another body pressed against her. She blinked sleepily, her gaze adjusting to the soft light, only to find Yudhishthir already awake, watching her with a smile.

"Arya... you're awake?" she murmured, still drowsy from sleep.

Yudhishthir traced his fingers lazily over her bare shoulder. "I have been for a while. I didn't wish to wake you."

Her blush deepened as memories of the night before surfaced. She buried her face against his chest. "You have become too bold, Arya."

He chuckled, his arms tightening around her. "And you love it."

She didn't deny it.

They lay there for a while, wrapped in each other's warmth, listening to the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

After a few moments, Yudhishthir sighed, running his fingers through her hair. "Shall we return to the palace, or shall we stay here longer?"

Vaidehi peeked up at him, a playful glint in her eyes. "Do we have a choice?"

He smirked. "Not really. If we don't return soon, my brothers might come looking for us."

She laughed, imagining Bheem storming through the forest, demanding an explanation. "Then we should go before they make a scene."

But just as she sat up, Yudhishthir caught her wrist, pulling her back into his embrace. "Not so fast, Vaidi."

She gasped as she fell against his chest, her hands bracing against him. "Arya!"

He tilted her chin up, his thumb brushing her lower lip. "You don't think you can just leave without a proper goodbye, do you?"

Before she could reply, he kissed her again, slow and deep, his fingers tangling in her hair.

Vaidehi sighed into him, her heart fluttering at the intensity of his touch.

When he finally pulled away, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Now we can leave."

---

The moment they returned, Vaidehi felt the stares of the royal family.

Dushala was the first to speak, giggling as she folded her arms. "Bhabhi, you were gone all night..."

Vaidehi's face turned crimson. "I—"

"What a coincidence," Nakul added, smirking. "Our Jyesth was also gone all night."

Bheem crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at Yudhishthir. "Jyesth, I hope you weren't troubling Bhabhishree too much."

Arjun, usually the quiet one, leaned against the pillar, shaking his head. "There's no use teasing them. Jyesth looks too pleased with himself to be embarrassed."

Yudhishthir, completely unbothered, smirked. "What can I say? My wife deserves all my attention."

Vaidehi gasped, her blush deepening. "Arya!"

The others burst into laughter while Vaidehi turned away, refusing to meet their amused stares.

A moment later, Kunti and Gandhari entered, raising an eyebrow at the scene before them.

Kunti smiled knowingly. "It seems my son has finally learned to express himself."

Vaidehi wanted the ground to swallow her whole.

Yudhishthir, however, took her hand and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. "I was simply making up for lost time, Mata."

Kunti and Gandhari exchanged glances before walking away, whispering among themselves.

---

Later that evening, as they sat in their chambers, Yudhishthir ran his fingers through Vaidehi's hair, his voice soft. "Are you happy, Vaidi?"

She leaned into his touch, her eyes shining. "Happier than I ever imagined."

He cradled her face, his thumb tracing slow circles over her cheek. "Then nothing else matters."

She smiled, covering his hand with hers. "Nothing else matters."

As the night deepened, they lay in each other's arms, hearts full and minds at peace.

They had finally found home—in each other.