Episode 5: The Kiss That Changed Everything

The kiss had been gentle.

But its aftermath was anything but.

As soon as they pulled apart, reality crashed in. Naina stepped back, breath unsteady, eyes searching his face for something—anything—that might tell her she hadn’t imagined it.

Aarav didn’t look away.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly, although he didn’t sound like he meant it. “I couldn’t stop myself.”

Her heart thudded, still warm from the sensation of his lips. “We… we said we wouldn’t cross that line.”

“I know.”

“But we did.”

“I know.”

Silence stretched between them like a rubber band, stretched to its limit.

And then—Mishti’s cry rang out from inside the apartment.

They rushed in.

📍Scene: Mishti’s Room – Night

The little girl was curled into a ball, forehead warm and flushed.

“She’s burning up,” Naina said, panic rising in her voice. “Aarav, get the thermometer. And water.”

He was already moving, hands trembling slightly as he grabbed the digital thermometer, kneeling beside her.

“101.8,” he said. “Not critical, but high.”

Naina pressed a damp cloth to Mishti’s forehead, heart aching at the sight of her sleepy, fevered eyes. “Sweetheart, you’ll be okay. We’re right here.”

Mishti whimpered and buried her face into Naina’s side.

“Let’s take her to the hospital,” Aarav said, voice low but steady.

“No,” Naina said. “Let’s monitor her for an hour. She’s responding, not lethargic. We’ll take her if it spikes above 103.”

For the next hour, they sat together — one on each side of the bed — checking her fever, stroking her hair, whispering lullabies. The storm of their earlier kiss was forgotten in the face of the tiny, fragile child between them.

“She trusts you more than anyone,” Aarav said quietly.

Naina nodded. “She’s just a baby. She doesn’t understand legal custody, or fake fiancées. She only knows love.”

“Then we need to stop pretending,” he said.

She turned to him, surprised. “You’re saying—”

“I’m saying maybe we stop calling it fake. Maybe we stop living with a condition: Don’t fall for me. Because I think it’s already too late for that.”

Her eyes filled with emotion. But before she could respond—

The doorbell rang.

📍Scene: Living Room – Midnight

Aarav opened the door to find Mr. Roy, the child welfare supervisor assigned to Mishti’s case, standing there with two assistants.

“Apologies for the late visit, Mr. Rathore. We received a report from our welfare officer about your promising engagement situation. But we’d like to verify for ourselves. A surprise visit, if you will.”

Aarav didn’t flinch. “Mishti has a fever. She’s sleeping.”

Mr. Roy frowned. “I understand. But this evaluation must be done. Courts want evidence of emotional stability and consistency in environment.”

Naina stepped out from the hallway, looking exhausted but composed. “You can come in. Just keep your voices down.”

As they entered, one of the assistants glanced at the photographs lining the hallway. A new one had been added recently — a candid of Aarav and Naina sitting on the floor with Mishti between them, all three laughing.

Naina hadn’t even noticed when it was taken. Mishti had insisted on “just one more selfie” that day.

Mr. Roy followed Naina into Mishti’s room. The little girl stirred as they entered.

Her eyes fluttered open. “Mummy… Daddy…”

The words came weak, but natural.

Mr. Roy paused.

Aarav stood beside the bed, hand on her tiny back. “She’s been calling us that on her own.”

Naina added, “We never asked her to. But… she believes it.”

Mr. Roy looked between them. “And do you?”

Aarav glanced at Naina. She was still watching Mishti, brushing her hair back.

“Yes,” he said finally. “We do.”

📍Scene: Balcony – After the Visit

The evaluators left with quiet nods and polite smiles. Aarav stepped out to the balcony, needing air. A moment later, Naina joined him, wrapping a shawl around her.

“She called us her parents,” Naina whispered.

He nodded.

“I never wanted to lie to her.”

“You didn’t. Not really. You’ve been everything a mother could be.”

“And you?” she asked, voice trembling. “Are you ready to be a father, Aarav?”

He didn’t hesitate. “I already am.”

She exhaled, emotion choking her.

“Then what are we doing?” she asked. “Playing house? Holding each other when we think no one’s looking? Kissing in the dark, then running the other way?”

“I don’t want to run anymore,” he said.

“But this started as a lie.”

“It doesn’t have to end like one.”

He turned toward her fully, cupping her cheek again. “Let’s give her a real family. Let’s give us a chance too.”

“But what if it doesn’t work?”

He smiled faintly. “Then we’ll fight like we do in court — messy, loud, passionate… but always with love.”

She laughed, and the sound warmed both of them.

And then, slowly, she leaned into him.

This time, the kiss wasn’t desperate or impulsive.

It was a choice.

End of Episode 5

💌 Emotional Note:

Sometimes love begins in silence. In fevered foreheads and midnight promises. And in the quiet knowing that no matter how it began — it’s real now. ❤️

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