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Author's POV

As the warm sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his opulent bedroom, Siddharth slowly opened his eyes. He stretched his chiseled arms above his head, feeling the softness of the plush pillows beneath him. A contented sigh escaped his lips as he gazed around the lavish space, taking in the elegant furnishings and exquisite artwork adorning the walls.

His eyes landed on the beautiful woman standing near the book shelves. Her raven-black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of night. Kiara, his stunning wife, was reading something with utmost concentration, her delicate features serene in repose. Siddharth's heart swelled with love and adoration as he gazed at her, feeling grateful for another day with the love of his life. His lips automatically widened giving a warmth smile thinking of events that took place last night.

He gently slid out of bed, careful not to make Kiara aware of that fact that he is awake, and made his way to the expansive bathroom. The marble-lined space was a symphony of luxury, with a massive walk-in shower, a freestanding tub, and a sleek, modern vanity. Siddharth smiled to himself as he began his morning routine, feeling like the luckiest man alive.

As he shaved and showered, he couldn't help but think about the day ahead. He had a busy schedule, with meetings and conferences lined up, but he was looking forward to it. After all, he was living his dream, with the love of his life by his side and a career that was soaring to new heights.

Siddharth emerged from the bathroom, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He slipped into a tailored suit. He walked over to her, leaned in, and wrapped his  arms around her waist, pulling her close from behind, she let out a startled gasp.

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Sid's POV

I chuckled and held her tighter, my gentle grasp calming her racing heart. I gave a small yet warm peck on her shoulder. She exhaled slowly, her body relaxing into mine.

I peeked over her shoulder, my eyes following hers to the wedding album lying open on the shelf. A soft smile played on her lips as she gazed at the memories we'd created together.

"O meri sardarni... you're still the same," I whispered, my voice filled with affection.

She turned to me, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Huh? Kaise, Batra ji?" she teased, using the playful banter we'd adopted from our favorite movie, Shershaah after all it was the film which
touched our hearts.

I grinned, my eyes locked on hers. "See?" I said, my voice low and husky. "Remember this?" I asked, tapping the photo where she was laughing, her eyes sparkling with joy.

She smiled sleepily, her eyelids drooping. "Oh, that. You tickled me, and I couldn't help but laugh."

I chuckled, my nose rubbing against hers in a gentle, affectionate gesture. "Glad to know you're aware of my powers, Sardarni. But do you know what I can do more?"

She raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Means?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You had a talk with Ayan, didn't you?" I asked, my eyes sparkling with amusement. "And you didn't even tell me."

She looked down, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I thought to surprise you."

I could sense the sadness in her tone, and my heart went out to her. Areh yaar, ye itna serious kyu ho jaati hai? I was joking, but now I had to make it up to her.

"You should be punished for that, then?" I asked whispering in her ear my voice low  and teasing.

She looked up, shock and confusion written across her face. I turned her around, my hands cradling her head, and kissed her deeply. Sweeping her off her feet, I carried her towards our bedroom, just like I had on our wedding day.

After all, she had once mentioned on "Coffee with Karan" that she wanted her life to be like Shershaah - full of love, passion, and adventure. And I was determined to make that a reality.

As I laid her down on the bed, Kiara's eyes sparkled with amusement, her lips curving into a sly smile. I leaned in, my mouth inches from hers, and whispered, "You're in trouble now, Sardarni."

Kiara's laughter was music to my ears, and I couldn't help but smile. I kissed her softly, my lips tracing the contours of her face, and she wrapped her arms around me, pulling me closer.

We lay there, lost in our own little world, the outside fading away. Our lips danced together, our hearts beating as one. It was moments like these that I cherished, when time stood still, and all that mattered was us.

As we broke apart for air, Kiara's eyes locked onto mine, and I saw the love shining bright in them. I smiled, my heart swelling with emotion, and whispered, "I love you, Kiara."

"I love you too, Siddharth," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

We lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, basking in the warmth of our love. The world outside might have been chaotic, but in this moment, everything was perfect.

I gently removed the earrings and took off the rubber band. I turned her face towards me...

"Tenu dikhayi nahi deta..I have so many works to do. Move" She pushed me aside but the red tint on her cheeks was evident. I giggled.

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[FLASHBACK]

Author's  POV

Kartik's voice was laced with concern as he hugged Kriti tightly, wiping away her tears for the past half hour. "Aishh, don't cry Kriti... Kriti, listen... Kriti!" he pleaded, his tone softening as he raised his voice.

Kriti's sobbing suddenly ceased, and she looked up at Kartik with a mixture of shock and curiosity. Her eyes, red-rimmed from crying, locked onto his, and for a moment, it seemed as though she was a lost child, and Kartik was her guardian.

Kartik's expression was etched with empathy as he continued, "Kriti, we need to move on. Life is like a river; it flows on, constantly changing. Just as a river flows from a hill to the sea, evaporates to form clouds, and then falls again as rain, only to get condensed into ice and eventually melt into water once more... similarly, we journey through life's phases - childhood, teenage years, adulthood, old age, and eventually, we leave this world behind, only to return as someone new."

Kriti's gaze never wavered from Kartik's face, her eyes drinking in his words like a parched traveler at an oasis. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "Y-yes, but... but Sushant was... someone we can never forget. I still can't wrap my head around what happened to him. He was so... so amazing. Why did it have to end like this? Why did he go so far that i can't even reach out to him?"

Kartik's expression softened further, his eyes filled with compassion. He gently patted Kriti's head, offering what little comfort he could. "We should never forget anyone, especially Sushant. He was a legend, a true gem to be more specific. I knew him, and I can tell you, he was an extraordinary human being with incredible talent. We've lost someone truly special."

Kriti's tears began to flow once more, and Kartik pulled her into a warm hug. "But Kriti, we have to live our lives, too, while keeping his memory alive. We owe it to him to keep moving forward."

As Kriti's sobs slowly subsided, Kartik asked, "Now, tell me, what can I do for you? You're drunk, remember?" Kriti's face scrunched up in a pout, and she sniffled, "Don't be this caring, stupid; I'll fall for you."

Kartik chuckled, a warm smile spreading across his face. "You want ice cream?" he asked, and Kriti's response was a vigorous nod, her eyes lighting up with a hint of a smile.

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[PRESENT]

"You gave me the reason to smile and live and love once again but why were you the one to snatch it away back?" Kriti asked with silent tears making the pillow wet. Only the pillow know how much tears she had shed in these last five months.

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Do let me know how it was and surely we get to see more Kriti and Kartik in the next chapter

Yours,
Author.