It's been seven years since we got married. In these years, I have received more love, care, and happiness than I ever imagined possible. Today, I feel truly blessed to have you in my life.

It's only because of you that we have our adorable twin babies ❤️.

Sometimes I wonder...... If you had never come into my life, would I have ever found this kind of joy? Or even...... would I still be alive??

I still remember the first time I met you and to be honest I didn't even like you back then. When our family fixed our marriage, I started hating everything or everyone----- even you. I showed you attitude, pushed you away, and thought you would never understand me.

But look at us now.... Today, you are my entire world.

When I look back at those moments, I can't help but smile at my own foolishness. I didn't realize that the person I was running from would one day become the reason I believe in love, life, and miracles.

That moment..... It's changed everything.

I didn't know back then that the person

Standing in front of me would one day become my whole world.**❤️

At first,I know that you don't believe how much I hate the moment when I first meet you.....

...SEVEN YEARS AGO..........

It's evening. Smiksha's family has invited Ali's family for dinner after the rishta talk. Both Smiksha and Ali are sitting on the terrace, trying to avoid eye contact. The moon is high, but the tension between them is even higher.

SMIKSHA : "are you seriously thinking I would ever marry you? Don't you dare even imagine it?"

ALI : "Oh please, wild cat... I don't want to marry you either. The only reason I showed up is that my mom and dad forced me.

If I had known this meeting was about marriage, I would never have stepped in here!"

(SILENCE)

A heavy silence fell between them. No words, no eye contact . Just an awkward stillness--- like both of them had something to say but didn't know how.

ALI(breaking the silence with a smirk):

"So..... Still playing to kill me with that stare, or do you have any other weapons too?"

SMIKSHA (rolling her eyes):

"If I had a choice, I'd use silence. But unfortunately, you are still breathing."

ALI(laugh softly):

"Wow. You really do hate me, don't you?"

SMIKSHA (coldly):

"Let's just say.... I don't enjoy being gift wrapped and handed over like property."

ALI(serious now):

I didn't ask for this either, Smiksha. I came here because I didn't want to hurt my parents. Just like you."

(PAUSE. SILENCE FILLS THE AIR. SOMETHING SOFTENS IN SMIKSHA 'S EXPRESSION)...

SMIKSHA:

"I guess..... We were both trapped in a story we didn't choose."

ALI(softly, almost whispering):

"Maybe. But who knows..... Maybe the story changes us."

(FOR THE FIRST TIME , Their eyes meet---- NOT WITH ANGER , BUT CURIOSITY . A FLICKER OF SOMETHING UNKNOWN..... SOMETHING NEW)

Just then, Smiksha's younger brother, Sidhant, came rushing upstairs.

SIDHANT :

"bhaiya! Didi! Dinner is ready. Everyone's waiting downstairs. Come back !"

Ali and Smiksha both stood up --- their silence still hanging at the air like an unfinished thought.

As they walked towards the stairs , something shifted.

Smiksha took the first few steps ahead of Ali, but just as she turned slightly -- her balance slipped.

Her foot missed the step .... And in a split second, she was about to fall.

"Smiksha"! Her family screamed from below --- fear griping their hearts.

But before she could hit the ground ------ Ali caught her.

Strong arms. Fast reflex. Eyes wide with shock---- and something else.

She was safe ....... But breathless.

In that one moment, time slowed down.

Smiksha looked up, still in his arms ----- startled, scared, and strangely.... Calm.

ALI(softly):

" careful, wild cat..... Falling isn't always fun".

She blinked. For once, she had no comeback.

Their eyes locked ---- this time, without hate.

The family rushed towards them, if she was okay..... But neither of them answered.

Because in that one moment ...... something had already changed.

After the sudden fall, things calmed down again.

Smiksha is now sitting quietly at the dinner table ---- still a little shaken, and still trying not to look at Ali, who had just ...... Saved her.

Smiksha's mom walked over to Ali with folded hands and a thankful smile.

SMIKSHA'S MOM:

"Thank you, beta. If you hadn't caught her in time..."

ALI(shaking his head gently):

"No, aunty. Please....... It just happened, I am glad she's okay."

A small silence followed ---- not awkward, just soft.

Then everyone settled down for dinner. The table was full of voices, laughter, and light conversation.

Smiksha unusually quiet, just focus on her plate, sneaking glances at Ali now and then.

After the meal, Ali's family got up to leave.

As they headed towards the door, smiksha's mom placed her hand on her daughter's shoulder.

SMIKSHA'S MOM (softly):

"Go, beta..... Walk them out.

Smiksha hesitated for a second.

Then without saying a word, she got up and started walking behind them---- heart racing, unsure why it suddenly felt harder to breathe.

Smiksha slowly walked behind Ali and his family as they stepped out of the house.

The night air was cool, and the sky was sprinkled with quiet stars.

Her heart was beating faster than usual ---- she didn't know why.

Ali's parents were already getting into the car.

Her mother gave her a slight nob from behind, silently telling her to stay for a moment.

Ali turned around ---- just the two of them now, standing near the gate under the streetlight.

ALI(softly, with a small smile):

"So..... Survived dinner and the staircase. Not bad for one night."

Smiksha gave him a half-smirk, looking away for a second.

SMIKSHA :

" I didn't ask you to catch me."

ALI(teasing):

" yeah? Next time I will let you fall, gracefully. Of course."

They both chuckled --- quietly.

But in that laugh.... There was no sarcasm. No ego. Just a strange kind of peace.

A few seconds of silence passed.

Then Smiksha looked up --- her voice softer this time.

SMIKSHA:

"... Thanks."

Ali paused, surprised. Not at the word, but the tone.

ALI:

" you are welcome."

Their eyes meet again--- and this time, there was no hate in them.