Love, a feeling, a desire, an emotion. It's something you can't penned down, you can never express fully, can't measure its width nor its depth. It's not a necessity but something you can't live without. In every stage of life you need someone to love you, be it your parents or a lover.

In the early stages, we only want parents but in later years we need a partner too, to share what we feel or desire. We want someone who promises us a lifetime of love!

Rajat and Purvi, two hearts binded in relation to marriage with love and respect. They love each other immensely, deeply such that they can't see pain in other eyes.

They both are dedicated CID officers and are always busy with work. Though they still somehow manage to make time for the family and each other.

....

The morning sun painted Mumbai in hues of gold and crimson, promising a beautiful day. It was Karwa Chauth, a day steeped in tradition, a day when wives fasted for their husbands' long life. In the heart of the city, in a cozy apartment, lived Rajat and Purvi, a newlywed couple, both CID officers, their lives a delicate balance of love and duty.

Rajat's mother, a traditional woman, had been eagerly awaiting this day. The aroma of festive delicacies filled the house, a testament to her love and anticipation. But her joy was marred by the news of Purvi's duty. The ACP, known for his unwavering stance on duty, had denied Purvi leave, citing an urgent case.

"How can you let her go on a day like this?" Rajat's mother questioned her son, her voice laced with disappointment. "Karwa Chauth is a sacred ritual, and she should be here, praying for your long life."

"Maa, what can we do? I'm already on leave because of my injury that I got in the last case. Daya sir and Abhijeet sir are out for some reason, Pankaj and Suraj can't be trusted so all in all we are left with few officers who work sincerely and Purvi is one of them. I can't ask her to stay or request ACP sir for the same, it's duty call maa, we can't help it!" Rajat try to make a reasonable point but his mother refuse to take that.

"Kaisa hai muah ACP, ek din ki chutti mangi wo bhi na diya jaata uss se. Arey bachi ek toh din bhar bhukhi rahe uss pe uss buddhe ke saare kaam kare, wahhh!! Wo khud kyun nahi karta apna kaam? Ek din ki chutti de dega toh kya bigad jaayega uska??" Radhika, Rajat's mother curses ACP for not granting leave to her daughter - in - law.

Rajat and Purvi, who are sitting beside her on the dining table, exchange a glance.

''Maa aise toh maat bolo ACP sir ke liye. Wo hum sab se bahut pyar karte hai par aise hi koi kaise chutti de sakta hai? Unhe bhi upar jawab dena padta hai!!" Rahat tried to make her understand but why would she? She doesn't care if they have to go for legal procedure or if ACP will suffer for granting leave for no reason to his office. All she wants is to have her daughter - in - law around her for the day so that she can take care of her.

''Toh de de na jawab, keh toh rahe hai karwachauth ka vrat hai, uss khusat ko itna nahi samajh aata kya? Uski biwi ne bhi kabhi rakhi hogi uske liye toh aab meri bahu rakh rahi hai toh usse kya dikkat hai? Main toh keh deti doon, agar usne chutti na di toh aaj main bhuchal laa dungi bureau mei aur uska zimmedar tumhara ACP joga!!" The lady declares adamantly.

''Maa please, aap gussa maat kijiye. Main ACP Sir se baat karungi, shayad wo maan jaaye kyunki baki log bhi apply karne wale hai. Aap chinta maat kijiye,agar chutti nahi bhi mili toh bhi main apna khayal rakhungi!!" Purvi says in a calm and composed tone to convince the lady, she grunted as she wasn't convinced but then what choice does she have?

Radhika nods and asks her to take care, the disappointment in her face clearly visible. Purvi smiles and so does Rajat, at least his mother will be calm now but they still have to convince ACP Sir who may surely won't agree.

"Lekin agar wo nahi maana toh tum dono kya karoge? Aab case toh jahir hai der tak chalega, kya pata ye aa hi na paaye, fir kya hoga?" Radhika questions them to which Purvi just stares at her knowing it might happen.

Rajat, caught between his mother's sentiments and Purvi's dedication, felt a pang of guilt. He knew his mother's heart, but he also understood the demands of his wife's profession. With a heavy heart, he promised his mother to perform the puja on Purvi's behalf and assured her that Purvi would join them as soon as possible. Purvi too assured the lady and after taking her blessings she took her leave before Radhika could come up with any other reason to stop her because she can't let down ACP by not attending the case when he had personally called her.

...

At the CID bureau, the atmosphere was charged with tension. A prominent businessman, Mr. Kapoor, had been found dead in his office, with a single gunshot wound to the head. The only clue was a mysterious phone call received by Kapoor just before his death. The case was classified as 'A' category, demanding immediate attention.

When Purvi entered the bureau late, all eyes stared at her as most of them had expected that she might not come.

"Hey Purvi!" Vineet waved at her, she smiled and joined them, asking about the case to which Shreya briefed her with the information.

"Did you get any clue about the call?" She asks.

"Pankaj is trying to trace the call but till now, we don't have any clue." Daya replied.

Purvi, her heart heavy with the thought of her fasting day, immersed herself in the case. She examined the crime scene, interviewed witnesses, and analyzed the forensic reports. The hunger gnawed at her, but the thirst for justice was stronger.

When Purvi was busy checking out something over her laptop, ACP walked over to her desk.

"This is a complex case, Purvi," ACP Pradyuman said, his voice stern yet encouraging. "I know it's Karwa Chauth, but duty calls. We need to crack this case."

Purvi nodded, her determination unwavering. "I understand, sir. I won't let you down." ACP nods and smiles, knowing his officers are dedicated towards their duty and he doesn't need to remind them of their responsibilities.

As ACP leaves her desk, Vineet approaches her.

"Purvi, are you okay? Kuch laun tumhare liye?" He asks in concern.

Purvi smiled but denied.

"Thank you Vineet, lekin main kuch nahi kha sakti!" She replied.

Vineet nods but pouts, "mujhe kaise pata hoga ye? Meri kaunsi biwi hai jisne mere liye fast rakha hai jo wo mujhe sab pata ho!" He states.

Purvi laughed, and so did Shreya who joined them.

"Toh kar lo na shadi, roka kisne hai tumhe?" Shreya questions him.

"Kissi ne roka nahi hai par koi milni bhi toh chahiye. Tum dono ki zimmedari hai mere liye ek ladki dhundhne ki par tum dono toh khud ka number aage kar ke baith gayi. Iss Purvi ne Rajat se shadi kar li aur Daya Sir toh tum pe meharbaan hai hi. Huhh, main bechara hi reh gaya!" He mumbled, making a face, making shreya blush at Daya's name.

"Ooh ho! Dekha Vineet kissi ke chehre ka rang Daya Sir ke naam se kaise khil gaya." Purvi teases Shreya who glared at her.

"Haan, waise hi jaise tumhara Rajat sir ke naam se, badal jata hai!" He winked, making Purvi blush and glare at the same time.

"Purvi, aab humare pass bhi tumhe tease karne ke liye baatein hai toh be aware, aab tum yun hi bach nahi sakti." Shreya reminded her.

"Haan! Bas tum Rajat se jaa ke fir na bata dena warna humko unka raudra roop dekhna padega!" Vineet jokes, chuckling.

"Arey nahi! He's not like that!" Purvi states, smiling at the fact that Rajat who seems tough is actually a loving person, who is just opposite to what he is in the bureau.

"Uhhh!!" Shreya and Vineet teased in unison and the trio laughed.

"On a serious note Purvi, tell me Rajat ki koi cousin hai? Matlab, shadi mei toh sab aaye hi honge na? Please yaar, mujhe kissi ke saath fix kar doh, akele khana bana bana ke thak gaya hoon main. At least koi toh ho jo mera wait kare mere bhoot bangle me aur main roj sham ko uske liye samoshe leke jaun! Please yaar, Purvi, kuch toh kar!" Vineet requested making a puppy face, making the girls giggle.

"Vineet tum itni planning kar ke baithe ho, how cute. But you need to wait kyunki Rajat ki koi cousin nahi hai. I mean ek hai par unke do bache hai so obviously uss se toh nahi hi karwayenge tumhari shadi. Bas kuch waqt ruka fir main aur shreya tumhare liye ek sundar aur sushil ladki dhundh ke laayenge. Jo tumhara wait karegi, tumhare liye tiffin bhejegi, tumhe subah pyar se bureau bhejegi aur jarurat padne par tumhe line pe laayegi!" Purvi giggled as she finished her statement while Vineet blushed just at the mention of it and covered his face with his palm out of shyness.

Shreya and Purvi laugh out loud at his act. They were so lost in their moment that they didn't realize Daya and Abhijeet approaching them.

"Kya hua? Kis baat pe hand rahe ho tum log itna? Purvi tumhe jo kaam dia tha wo hua?" Daya question.

"Nahi Sir, Rajat sir ki koi cousin nahi!" Shreya blurted out, taking the senior officers off-guard while Vineet and Purvi lost the color of their faces.

Daya and Abhijeet exchange glances, it's when Shreya realizes her mistake and runs back to her desk, so does Vineet. While Purvi composes herself and fills her seniors with the information.

As the day wore on, the team made progress. They discovered that Kapoor was involved in a shady business deal, and the phone call was likely related to it. A potential suspect, a rival businessman named Malhotra, emerged.

Meanwhile, back home, Rajat's mother's disappointment grew with each passing hour. The festive decorations seemed to have lost their luster. As the evening approached, the house was enveloped in a somber silence.

At the bureau, the final piece of the puzzle fell into place. A confidential document recovered from Kapoor's office revealed Malhotra's involvement in the murder. The evidence was irrefutable, and Malhotra confessed to the crime.

Exhausted but exhilarated, Purvi and her team stepped out of the bureau, the city lights twinkling like a million stars. Purvi knew she missed the chance to be a part of the most awaited part of her day. But what can she do, her duty needed her attention and so she did.

Daya offers her a drop to which she readily agrees knowing her senior is trying to be of some help.

Reaching home, she was greeted by a silent house. The festive decorations seemed like a mockery of the occasion.

"It's too late, Purvi," her mother-in-law said who was waiting for her in the doorway, her voice barely a whisper. "The puja is over. You have missed the most important moment of your married life." She seemed disappointed, the same as she was at the initial time of their marriage.

...

Rajat's mother, Radhika Devi, was a woman of strong principles and deep-rooted traditions. She had envisioned a traditional life for her son, complete with an arranged marriage and a family business. Purvi, with her modern outlook and career-oriented mindset, presented a stark contrast to Radhika's expectations.

Initially, there was a palpable tension between the two women. Radhika was critical of Purvi's choice of profession, viewing it as unsuitable for a married woman. She often made subtle, yet hurtful remarks about Purvi's attire and behavior, comparing her unfavorably to the traditional women she knew.

Purvi, while respecting her mother-in-law's values, was determined to maintain her identity. She tried to bridge the gap by making an effort to learn about their traditions and customs, but her modern outlook often led to misunderstandings.

Despite the initial challenges, there were moments of connection between the two women. Purvi's genuine affection for Rajat and her willingness to adapt to their family's customs slowly began to soften Radhika's heart.

It was during a family gathering, a few months after Purvi and Rajat's marriage. The festival of lights, Diwali, had brought the family together, and the house was adorned with colorful lights and rangolis. Amidst the festive cheer, Purvi noticed Radhika Devi sitting alone, lost in thought.

With a gentle smile, Purvi approached her mother-in-law. "Maa ji, you look thoughtful. Would you like to help me with the rangoli?"

Radhika was surprised by Purvi's invitation. Hesitantly, she agreed. As they worked together, creating intricate patterns on the floor, a comfortable silence enveloped them. Purvi shared stories about her childhood, her dreams, and her love for Rajat.

Radhika listened intently, her stern expression softening. She found herself drawn to Purvi's warmth and sincerity. As they finished the rangoli, a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie filled the air.

That evening, as they sat together, sharing laughter and stories, Radhika looked at Purvi with a newfound respect. She realized that beneath the modern exterior, Purvi was a kind and loving woman who genuinely cared for her son.

It was a small moment, but it marked a significant turning point in their relationship. The walls of misunderstanding were slowly crumbling, replaced by a growing understanding and affection.

.....

But today, the lady is again disappointed with her as she chooses her work over her husband.

Purvi's heart sank. Guilt washed over her. She had missed sharing this special day with her husband.

But as she entered the living room, her eyes widened in astonishment. The room was transformed. The puja altar was beautifully decorated, and Rajat was kneeling in front of it, a serene expression on his face.

"I know you missed the puja, Purvi," Rajat said, his voice filled with love. "But I couldn't let this day pass without celebrating our love. You are my strength, my inspiration."

Tears streamed down Purvi's face as she fell into his arms. In that moment, surrounded by love and understanding, she realized that the true essence of Karwa Chauth lay not in rituals, but in the depth of their bond. He had always been there for her in her thick and thin, like a light in the dark, the reason to smile.

.....

Rajat and Purvi's paths first converged amidst the chaos of a hostage situation. He was the cool-headed, methodical officer, while she was the impulsive, fearless one. Their contrasting styles complemented each other perfectly, forming an unlikely yet potent partnership.

Rajat, hailing from a family steeped in tradition, had always been expected to follow in his father's footsteps as a businessman. However, a deep-seated desire for justice and adventure led him to the police academy. His intelligence and analytical mind quickly made him a standout among his peers.

Purvi, on the other hand, was a rebel at heart. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, she had learned to be self-reliant and street-smart. Her fiery spirit and unwavering courage made her a natural fit for the force.

Their first encounter was a high-stakes operation to rescue hostages held captive by a ruthless gang. Rajat's strategic planning and Purvi's daring actions were instrumental in neutralizing the threat. In the aftermath of the operation, a mutual respect and admiration blossomed between them.

Their friendship deepened as they worked together on countless cases, facing life-threatening situations and solving complex puzzles. Over time, their professional partnership evolved into something more profound. They found solace in each other's company, sharing laughter, tears, and dreams.

Their love story was a quiet one, blossoming amidst the chaos of their demanding profession. Their commitment to each other was tested time and again, but their bond only grew stronger with each challenge. Their wedding was a simple ceremony attended by close friends and family, a reflection of their down-to-earth personalities.

And like always, Rajat proved to be a doting partner, he not just kept the life of the Puja alive despite the muhurat was over, his mother was gone long back in her room totally disappointed, most of the lady already undone their fast. But then, his lady is still starving for him, how can he not celebrate her efforts?

As they performed the puja together, their hearts filled with gratitude and love, Rajat's mother's heart softened when she saw her son putting so much effort for the lady while the lady too had stood tall all day without a bite even when she was busy running over a case. She realized that her son and daughter-in-law were extraordinary individuals, their love a testament to their character. She blesses them from the place she was standing, not wanting to disturb their happy moment and move back to her room.

After the puja they fed each other as Rajat too had kept fast for her. His mother was unaware of it but Purvi already knew he was going to do such a stunt. Her husband, the rough and tough guy of CID is a child inside who would go to any extent to make her smile, to get a peck and appreciation for the efforts he does for her - which is obviously a good smooch. And she never disappointed him, well why would she?

After dinner, they headed to their room and changed into their comfy nightdress. While Purvi takes her time to get herself presentable, Rajat quickly brews some coffee for them. Purvi chuckled to find him with coffee, she approached him and pecked his cheek.

Rajat forwarded the cup to her and they stood by the window, their silhouettes framed by the soft glow of the city lights. As they sip their coffee, Purvi briefs him about the case and her conversation with Vineet. Rajat laughs at the piece of information.

"Usse jabse pata chala hai meine bhi shadi kar li bechara hil gaya hai. Ek din kehta hai Rajat main itna cute aur handsome hoon fir bhi koi nahi patt rahi mujh se." He states and laughs, Purvi giggles at his statement.

She turned to face Rajat, his laughter the soft melody to her ears, at the moment her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. Rajat noticed the tears in her eyes and the laughter suddenly faded. He placed both the coffee mugs on the side table and cupped her face, asking her about the matter.

"I can't believe how lucky I am to have you, Rajat," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Rajat smiled, rubbed off her tears, pecked her head and took her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. "And I'm the luckiest man alive to have you, Purvi. You're my everything." He confessed.

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their love hanging heavy in the air. Then, Rajat pulled her into a gentle embrace.

"Thank you for understanding, for making today so special," Purvi murmured against his chest.

Rajat kissed the top of her head. "It was the least I could do. You deserve the world, Purvi. Believe me, agar mere bas mei hota toh ye puri duniya tumhare kadmon mei rakh deta main!" He exclaims to which she snuggles to him, wanting to lose in his protective arms.

As they stood there, lost in each other's embrace, they felt a sense of peace and completeness. The challenges of their profession, the misunderstandings, the sacrifices - all seemed insignificant in the face of their love. ..

That night, as they lay in each other's arms, Purvi and Rajat felt a sense of peace and contentment. They had faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and emerged stronger than ever. Their love, like a diamond, had been tested by fire and emerged flawless.

The case was closed, justice was served, and their love story had taken a beautiful turn. Their lives, a perfect blend of duty and devotion, continued to unfold, each day a new chapter in their extraordinary journey.

No matter what comes, what stays is their Promise of Love.

The end..