Mohit and Shikha were having dinner together when Shikha's phone rang unexpectedly. She hurriedly retrieved it from her bag, casting a worried glance at Mohit.

"Oh no! Mom's going to be so upset. I haven't called her once since we arrived," Shikha fretted.

Mohit simply smiled and gestured for her to answer the call.

"Hello, Mom. Namaste," Shikha said, trying to sound cheerful.

"Shikha, where have you been? You haven't called even once. Have you forgotten your mother-in-law now that you have a husband?" her mother-in-law chided.

"No, Mom, it's not like that. I was just about to call you," Shikha reassured her.

"Yeah, sure. When were you planning to do that?" her mother-in-law retorted, clearly unimpressed.

"I'm sorry," Shikha mumbled.

"Forget it. Did you arrive safely? And how do you like your new home?" Mohit's mom asked, shifting the focus.

"Yes, I arrived safely," Shikha replied, glancing at Mohit. "The house is lovely... and very clean too." She gave Mohit a playful smile, and he looked away, pretending innocence.

"Did you give Mohit that box I sent?" his mother inquired.

"Oops, I forgot, Mom. I'll give it to him right now," Shikha said, apologizing.

"You forget everything. Just don't forget my son. Give the phone to Mohit," his mother instructed.

Shikha handed the phone to Mohit, who exchanged pleasantries and had a brief chat with his mother. Meanwhile, Shikha went to the bedroom, rummaged through her bag, and retrieved two plastic containers. She brought them to the dining table just as Mohit was finishing his call.

She placed the boxes in front of him, and he looked from her to the boxes, puzzled.

"What's this?" Mohit asked.

"It's your mother's love," Shikha replied with a smile. "Go ahead, open them."

Mohit's eyes lit up as he opened the first container to reveal coconut barfi. "Wow, coconut barfi! My favorite!" he exclaimed. He eagerly took a piece and began eating, offering some to Shikha. She shook her head, refusing politely. He shrugged and opened the next box, which contained pickles. Shikha watched him, amused by his excitement.

Still munching on the barfi, Mohit offered some to Shikha again. "Shikha, have some. It's the best coconut barfi."

"Mohit, it's the best, but I don't like coconut barfi," Shikha said.

Mohit looked at her in shock. "You don't like coconut barfi? Oh my god! Then what do you like?"

Shikha gave him a sarcastic look. "So what if I don't like it? I hate it. I hate anything with coconut, just like coconut water."

Mohit looked away, muttering to himself, "What kind of person doesn't like this? How will I live with her for my whole life?" Then he turned to her with a smile, and they both finished their dinner. Shikha took the plates to the kitchen, and Mohit helped her. He told her not to wash them since the maid would come in the morning, and she agreed.

It was already 9 PM.

"Shikha..." Mohit began.

"Yes?" she replied.

"Let's go for a walk," he suggested, slipping his hands into his pockets.

"Okay," Shikha agreed.

They stepped out of their flat and headed toward the garden of their society. It was quiet and peaceful. They walked side by side, enjoying each other's company.

"So, how has your experience with me been so far?" Mohit asked.

Shikha hesitated before replying, "It's good... I'm trying to get to know you better." She smiled and looked down.

"Me too," Mohit said. "So, tell me about yourself. What are your likes and dislikes? What kind of person are you?"

Shikha thought for a moment before answering. "Mohit, I'm a simple girl with simple wants. I am very honest, and I like people who are honest with me. I don't like depending on others, not even you—especially financially. Besides that, I enjoy exploring new places, chatting with friends, teasing them, and watching movies, especially SRK's. I just love him. Hey, can you take me to Mannat someday?"

Mohit nodded and laughed. "You like him that much?"

"Yeah, I love him with all my heart. My friends tease me a lot about it," Shikha admitted.

"And what else?" Mohit asked, intrigued.

"Hmm, what else about me...?" Shikha pondered. "I am very short-tempered and moody. If I'm happy, you can ask me for anything, and I'll happily give it to you. But if I'm upset... I could kill someone." Mohit looked away nervously.

"What happened? Are you scared?" Shikha teased.

"No, it's just... What's the use of being scared? I have to live with you, no matter what you're like," Mohit said playfully.

Shikha hit his shoulder playfully. "So mean..." she laughed. "Now tell me about yourself. Any girlfriends? I mean, you're good-looking. I'm sure girls must be crazy about you."

Mohit was taken aback by her straightforwardness but appreciated it—he liked that she was direct and even blushed a little.

"I've had relationships before, but none of them were serious," Mohit confessed.

Shikha listened intently, her attention fully on him.

"One was in college, and the other was in the office. We broke up a year ago," he continued.

"May I know why?" Shikha asked gently.

"Of course. We were just two different individuals. She wanted something different from life, and I needed something else. So we ended it. It was mutual. I never loved her, and she still works in the same office with me. We are very good friends now. Her name is Richa," Mohit said.

Shikha just smiled and looked down. Mohit sat down on the grass and patted the ground next to him, inviting Shikha to sit beside him. She joined him.

"You never had any boyfriends? I mean, you must have had many offers," Mohit asked curiously.

"No, I've never been in a relationship. And how do you know I got so many offers?" Shikha retorted.

"Come on, you're beautiful," Mohit said, then paused, realizing he might have been too forward.

Shikha blushed. "Yeah, I had many offers, but Mohit, I'm a one-man woman. I never wanted a casual relationship, and I never found the right man... until I found you," she added, a little embarrassed.

Mohit smiled. "May I ask you something?"

Shikha laughed. "What have you been doing until now? Of course, ask."

"Why did you agree to marry me? You didn't even know me, and you still don't," Mohit asked, his voice sincere.

"Mohit, I needed a man who lets me work, gives me my space, and isn't a male chauvinist. And you are exactly like that," Shikha replied.

"Really?" Mohit asked, a bit proud, pulling the collar of his T-shirt. "Am I really that good?" He looked at Shikha, and they both laughed.

Shikha checked her watch. "It's midnight. I need to sleep. Tomorrow is a big day for me. I have to wake up early," she said, standing up. They headed back to their flat. Mohit opened the door and quickly went to the bedroom, leaving Shikha in the living area.

Both were nervous, their minds racing.

This guy isn't planning anything, is he? Oh God, how will I handle it? I have an interview tomorrow... My friends said it hurts a lot... I need to tell him I'm not ready for this, Shikha thought.

Meanwhile, Mohit was equally anxious. What should I do? I hope she's not expecting anything from me yet... It's too soon. I think I should talk to her, he mused. Just then, Shikha entered the room.

"Why don't you sleep on the right side, and I'll take the left?" Mohit suggested.

Shikha nodded and lay down on the right side. Both lay there, lost in their thoughts, eventually falling asleep.

At 6:00 AM:

Shikha's alarm went off. She quickly got up and glanced at Mohit, who was still sleeping with a pillow pressed against his face. She smiled at the sight and rushed to the bathroom. An hour later, she emerged dressed in a white shirt tucked into a pencil skirt—perfectly formal for her interview. Her hair was still wet, clinging to her shirt.

She walked out of the room, searching for Mohit. She found him looking for something near the couch. "What happened? Looking for something?" she asked.

"Nothing... just looking for something," Mohit replied, trying to sound casual.

Shikha turned to plug in her phone for charging, her wet hair falling in front. The transparency of her shirt due to the wetness revealed her back. Mohit couldn't help but stare, gulping as he tried to look away. Shikha was completely unaware of the effect she was having on him.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, interrupting Mohit's thoughts. Shikha moved toward the door to open it, but Mohit stopped her with a gesture.

"It's probably the milkman. I'll get it. You go inside and get ready quickly," Mohit said urgently.

"Okay," Shikha agreed, heading back to the room. As she walked away, Mohit called out, "Shikha..."

"Yes?" she turned around.

He walked up to her, gently pushing her hair back and spreading it over her shoulders. "Now go," he said softly.

Shikha gave him a puzzled look but went into the bedroom, feeling slightly confused.

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