I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who took the time to read my story. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me. Writing is a solitary endeavour, but it's your engagement and enthusiasm that breathe life into the words on the page.

"Oh my gosh, you two are the perfect couple. What a dreamy confession! Why don't you both just admit you're hopelessly in love with each other?" Samay and Anubhav chimed in unison.

"I know, kids. You don't have to remind me that we care deeply for each other. But the question is, are we in love? Loving someone and being in love are two entirely different things. We don't love each other romantically, at least not in the way you're thinking," Shivang replied calmly, gazing at the waves.

"What are you saying, brother? Love each other but not in love with each other? You're confusing me. Either you love each other or you don't. There's no middle ground," Anubhav said, looking a bit lost. This whole conversation was baffling him and Samay. Sometimes their elder siblings spoke in ways that seemed otherworldly, making it hard for them to understand. Even their parents often found their conversations perplexing.

"It's not rocket science. Samay and Anubhav, you both love each other a lot and would do anything for each other, but it's not romantic, right? You don't see each other as potential life partners. It's completely platonic. That's the difference between loving someone and being in love with someone," Samay explained softly.

"Love has many forms, and not all of them are romantic. A parent's love for their child, siblings' love for each other, friends' love for one another—these are all different forms of love. They're just as valuable and important as romantic love. Not all love is romantic, but all love is love. The love we share isn't romantic. There's no physical attraction or need to possess the other person. It's something embedded in our souls, something on the level of pure emotion, beyond this world's definitions," Shivang paused, still gazing into the void. His soul was finally at peace with Sulabh nearby.

"See, this is why I call you Vairagi. You make everything so deep, so intellectual, so otherworldly that it starts to seem divine," Samay teased.

"As if you didn't start all this philosophical and wise talk," Shivang chided, making Samay chuckle.

"This is completely your influence on me. I have nothing to do with philosophy. This is your company speaking," Samay said with a gentle smile. They looked at each other for a moment, then turned their heads to watch the waves again.

"Okay, the sun is about to set. It's dusk, and I think we should head home before night falls. Mom and Dad must be worried. Before they send out a search party for us, we should get back. It's also time for Sulabh's medicine," Shivang said as he got up and headed towards their car, followed by the others.

Once they reached home, they freshened up, had dinner, and retired to their respective rooms. While Shivang was preparing to sleep, Sulabh was deep in thought, resting his head against the headboard.

"What's bothering you, Subh? You know you can tell me anything, right?"

"I don't think this is something you'll want to do for me, Vairagi. Just sleep and let me think."

"You know I'll do anything if you need it. Stop beating yourself up and tell me what's on your mind."

"If that's the case," Sulabh replied, sitting up with enthusiasm, "forgive Shubhra. Befriend her again and... if you can... try to imagine a future with her." He spoke slowly, looking at Shivang with hooded eyes. He knew Shivang couldn't say no to him. Shivang adored him too much to refuse. Sulabh rarely used this to his advantage, except in this case. He knew Shivang was stubborn, but he also knew Shivang could be very pliable when it came to him. There was no way Shivang would forgive Shubhra unless he uses a bit of emotional persuasion.

Disappointment flickered in Shivang's eyes before his expression turned blank again.

"You know, Subh, how much you mean to me. I'll do this for you, but it will hurt me so much. What she did isn't something I can easily get over."

"I know, Vairagi, but she's my culprit, and I've forgiven her. Why can't you let it go?" Sulabh asked, exasperated.

"Your culprit? Are you saying it shouldn't matter to me? Shouldn't I feel betrayed when she tried to keep us apart for so long? Someone tried to take you away from me, and that shouldn't mean much to me?" Shivang replied, hurt evident in his voice. Sulabh winced, realizing his mistake. He should understand that anything related to him would devastate Shivang. It wouldn't be easy for him to forgive Subhra and let this slide. He needed to understand Shivang's pain, hesitation, and fears related to this.

"Vairagi, I didn't mean that. You don't have to explain to me how much this matters to you; I know I matter to you." He approached him softly. "But try to understand things from her perspective. It's not my place to say, but she likes you, and the fear of losing you kept her quiet. People in love are usually afraid of losing what they have. It's very difficult to find the strength to let go of the people we love. Her mistake isn't that big. I'm here, fine, and with you in this moment. Forgive her and try to give her another chance to rectify her mistakes. I want you to start again with her. She might hold the key to your heart and happiness. I want you to have that, to have all of it."

"Fine, I'll forgive her and try to get along. But about seeing a future together, I'll need time to think about it. I'm only doing this for you, so don't expect me to be all friendly with her tomorrow. It will be tough for me, but I'll start with small steps for your sake."

"Oh, that's awesome, Vairagi. You are amazing. This is why I love you so much."

"See, this is what I was talking about. You make me do absolutely anything for the love I have for you. This isn't fair."

"Vairagi, don't sulk. When my time comes, I'll do anything for you... even die." Sulabh mumbled the last part, knowing Shivang wouldn't like him talking about dying.

"Stop mumbling and go to sleep. Your body needs rest to heal from whatever illness you have."

"You won't understand, Vairagi, it can't be cured."

"What do you mean by that?" Shivang turned sharply to glare at Sulabh, who was looking at him sheepishly.

"Relax, Vairagi. To be cured, there must be a disease first. I don't have any disease or illness. I'm completely fine. Stop worrying; nothing will happen to me. Now sleep, we have classes tomorrow."

"Not we, I have classes. You are staying home to rest until you fully regain your strength. I already informed your faculty about your health and leave. I'll collect your notes at the end of the day."

"No, I'll be bored sitting at home all day. Even you won't be here. Neither Bhav nor Sam will be here. What am I supposed to do by myself all day?"

"Rest, Subh, you are supposed to rest as much as you can. Read something, watch football, listen to music, do anything that entertains you. I'll be back before you even realize it. Now sleep, I'm turning off the lights." With that, they both lay down carefully, closing their eyes and drifting into sleep, waiting to wake up to a new dawn.

The next day, Sulabh woke up lazily, only to realize it was already past 11 AM. After freshening up, he moved towards the living room and found his mother reading a magazine, sitting cross-legged on the sofa in the living room.

"You're awake, son. How are you feeling today?" his mother asked, looking at him softly and putting the magazine on the side table.

Sulabh sat beside her, snuggling into her. "I'm feeling good, Ma. Has everyone already left?"

"Yes, they've gone to their respective destinations. Now come and have your breakfast. You're already late."

"I've prepared lunch for you kids. Just let me know when you're hungry. I'm going to my room. Everyone will be back by evening. Rest and call me if you need anything," his mother said, kissing his forehead before leaving the room.

Sulabh started playing games on his phone to distract himself, anxiously waiting for Shivang to return home as evening approached.

Meanwhile in Kailash

Mahadev emerged from his deep meditation after several days, only to find his beloved wife, Gauri, giggling adorably. She was adorned with Champa flowers, and as he watched her closely, he noticed she was trying to place the flowers in her hair. Each time she managed to secure one, another would fall, causing her to laugh even more. With each of her laughs, more flowers gently fell from the trees, as if the trees themselves were offering their blessings and joy to their divine mother.

Mahadev, entranced by the beauty of his wife, felt his breath taken away. Every time he believed she couldn't be more beautiful, she proved him wrong. He stood there, silently watching her futile attempts to adorn her hair, until he decided to join her. He slowly approached, picked a flower near her feet, and carefully tucked it into her hair.

"Swami, you have emerged from your meditation. Let me handle this," Gauri said with a coy smile, looking at her husband through her enchanting eyes.

Shiva chuckled softly, "Gauri, you know nothing can come between my desire to fulfill your wishes. I could create an entire cosmos just to see you smile. All I want is to see your happy face." He continued picking flowers from her lap and gently placing them in her hair.

"It's done," he said softly, admiring his goddess wife. The beautiful brown strands adorned with golden Champa flowers looked ethereal. He fell in love with her all over again. "Nothing can ever compare to your beauty, Gauri. If the cosmos had to define divinity and beauty together, they would simply mention you."

Adishakti smiled and rested her head on her hands in Shiva's lap. He gently stroked her forehead, and she closed her eyes, feeling the peace and warmth. Adi-purusha and his eternal consort Adishakti lost track of time as they sat comfortably together.

"Uma, is something bothering you lately?" Shiva asked his Shakti gently.

"Why do you ask, Swami?" Adishakti replied softly.

"I can see the past, present, and future phases of the Kaal Chakra, but sometimes I can't read your mind. I sensed an emotional turmoil but couldn't discern the reason. You can share it with me. I don't like feeling you distressed."

"Nothing, Swami. I felt some changes in the Kaal Chakra. I can't pinpoint the exact change because I refrained from looking into its future phase. But I am sure it has something to do with our Ansh. The question of what is about to happen in the near future is bothering me."

"Gauri, don't stress too much. They are our Ansh. They didn't appear without purpose. As the creator of the Kaal Chakra, you know that sometimes it changes its course for the divine to fulfill their purpose. Don't worry; let time do its work. In the end, our Ansh will return to us anyway."

"You are right, Swami, but as a mother, it worries me sometimes. What will they face? How will they manage?"

"Calm down, Gauri. Everything will fall into place eventually. They will find their way. If they need any direction, we are here for them. Don't get stressed. Any change in your emotion reflects on the cosmos."

"You are right, Swami. Let's see what time has in store for them," Adishakti replied, relaxing in her husband's embrace, ready to face the unfolding events with him. Only time can tell what is stored in the future of their Ansh. 

Your feedback, whether through kind words or constructive criticism, drives me to become a better writer. Thank you for allowing me to share my imagination, my characters, and my worlds with you. Your presence on this journey is what makes storytelling truly magical.