As lunch carried on, Grandmother leaned back in her chair, her warm curiosity evident in her eyes. She had grown fond of Zayden in a short time and decided to ask him about his family, wanting to know more about the man who had entered their lives so unexpectedly.She got help from Hema to install translator app in her phone . “So, beta,” she began kindly, placing her glass of water back on the table and spoke to him with the help of translator , “tell me about your family. Who all are there at home?”Zayden paused, his fork hovering in mid-air for a moment. A flicker of emotion crossed his face, too brief to read, but Hema noticed it. He placed the fork down carefully and sat back, his expression composed yet distant.“My family is small,” he said simply, his deep voice calm but carrying a hint of restraint. “There’s just my father and my younger sister, Mia. We live in America.”Grandmother’s eyes lit up at the mention of America. “Oh, America! Such a big country, beta. And your si
On Monday, the results of the presentations were announced in the conference room. All the interns were called, their faces filled with nervous anticipation. Hema Kapoor sat toward the back, her hands clasped tightly on her lap. She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her presentation. She replayed every word, every slide, and every look from Zayden as he reviewed her work.Zayden walked into the room, his commanding presence silencing the murmurs. Dressed sharply in his tailored navy suit, his eyes scanned the interns briefly before he sat at the head of the table. Mark followed behind him, holding a folder with the results.“Good afternoon, everyone,” Zayden began, his deep voice cutting through the tension in the air. “After careful review of all your projects, I’ve made a decision. We were looking for creativity, practicality, and, most importantly, something that adds value to the company. I must say, many of you presented solid ideas, and it was a tough choice.”Hema swallow
Holi had arrived, and all across the country, the festival of colors was in full swing.The streets of India transformed into a lively spectacle of joy. In the north, cities like Mathura and Vrindavan were overflowing with tourists and devotees playing Lathmar Holi, where women playfully chased men with sticks while colors filled the air. In Rajasthan, palace courtyards saw people celebrating with floral colors and folk music, while in Punjab, the festival took on a warrior-like spirit with Hola Mohalla, a display of martial arts and horse-riding. In the south, temple prayers and cultural performances brought a quieter but equally vibrant celebration.From Delhi to Mumbai, Kolkata to Chennai, people danced to dhol beats, smeared colors on each other, and laughed as they were drenched in water balloons and buckets of colored water. Children ran wild with water guns, spraying passersby with bright gulal. Sweets like gujiya, jalebi, and malpua were passed around, along with thandai, some
Hema stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the long white Anarkali that flowed gracefully around her. The soft fabric hugged her waist before flaring out, the delicate embroidery adding an ethereal touch. Her wavy hair cascaded down her back in free-flowing waves, and she had draped a light pink shawl over one shoulder. The simplicity of her look made her seem even more radiant—like a vision pulled straight out of a dream.She traced her fingers lightly along the side of her neck, taking a deep breath. She’s spending Holi after 3 years.a firm knock echoed through her room.Hema frowned slightly. Dhadhi wouldn’t knock. Arvind would have barged in. So who…?She walked towards the door, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. As soon as she pulled it open—her breath caught in her throat.Standing at her doorstep, Chris Zayden .Her fingers tightened around the door handle as she tried to process the sight before her.Dressed in a white kurta, perfectly stitched, the fabric stre
Hema stood frozen, her skin still tingling from Zayden’s touch. to push away what had just happened.She quickly stepped away from the doorway, adjusting her dupatta and taking a deep breath to calm herself. Without another word, she turned and walked straight to Arvind’s house, which was right next to hers.A Familiar WarmthAs soon as she entered, a warm voice greeted her.“Hema, beta!” Arvind’s mother, Mrs. Sharma, beamed as she saw her, clapping her hands together in joy. “Look at you!”Hema smiled softly as she stepped forward, her cheeks still stained pink from Zayden’s touch.Mrs. Sharma’s eyes softened with emotion. “After so many years, I finally see you like this again,” she murmured, her gaze filled with warmth and nostalgia.Hema lowered her eyes, her heart tightening. She knew what she meant. After her brother’s passing, she had stopped celebrating Holi properly. But today… somehow, she had gotten colored again.Mrs. Sharma gently placed a loving hand on her head, blessin
The morning air inside the small apartment was filled with the aroma of fresh parathas, spicy chutney, and sweet jalebi. The dining table was simple but warm, much like the woman who sat across from Zayden, watching him with knowing eyes.Zayden sat with his usual composed demeanor, his white kurta sleeves rolled up, exposing his strong, veined forearms as he took another bite of the soft, buttery aloo paratha.The meal was delicious—far from the luxurious hotel food he was used to—but he barely noticed. His mind, against his usual control, was somewhere else.Or rather, on someone else.His sharp blue-gray eyes flickered toward the door again, almost subconsciously, as he checked the time on his watch.Where is she?It had been over an hour, and Hema still hadn’t returned.He wasn’t the type to wait for anyone. Not in business. Not in life. But this was different.And the only person who seemed to see right through him was sitting across the table, hiding a smirk behind her cup of te
Zayden’s breath hitched for a fraction of a second, something deep, unsettling, and almost magnetic rooting him to the spot.His sharp, blue-gray eyes traced every movement she made—the way her waist twisted effortlessly, the way her hips swayed subtly with each spin, the way her body moved with natural grace, as if she were made for this rhythm.She was fluid, uninhibited, lost in the music, unaware of how intoxicating she looked under the warm sunlight filtering through the Holi-drenched air.His gaze drifted lower, catching the way the fabric of her now multi-colored white Anarkali hugged her silhouette, flowing with her as she moved.The fabric clung just enough to highlight the gentle curve of her back, the soft dip of her waist, the way it flared as she twirled, revealing glimpses of her ankles, her swift, effortless footwork, dusted with color.The contrast of the bright pinks, yellows, and blues against her fair skin made her look like something out of a dream—untouchable, sur
Standing so close, his presence wrapping around her like a force of nature, his voice dropping into something dark, teasing, and utterly consuming.“I’d love to ruin your lipstick right now, would that be okay?,” The words barely registered before she felt it—The slow, deliberate tilt of her chin as his fingers curled under her jawline, his touch firm, possessive, yet unbearably gentle.A small gasp left her lips, but it was quickly swallowed by the warmth of his mouth pressing against hers.It wasn’t just a kiss.It was an unspoken confession, a challenge, a wildfire igniting between them.His lips moved slowly, deliberately, as if savoring the taste of her, exploring every inch with unhurried intensity.Hema froze at first, her mind completely blank, her body unsure if she wanted to push him away or pull him closer.But when his other hand slid around her waist, tugging her just slightly against him, her body betrayed her.A soft, involuntary whimper left her throat, and she felt
The hospital lights were far too bright for Zayden’s comfort, but nothing about this day was supposed to be comfortable. He paced the hallway outside the operating theater, Ira cradled carefully in his arms. She looked up at him with those curious eyes, still too young to understand why her usually composed father was walking in frantic loops across polished tiles.Across the hall, Mark looked equally stricken. His face was pale, and his fingers drummed nervously on the side of the chair as he watched the double doors of the maternity wing like a man waiting for a verdict.“Mommy will be here soon,” Zayden muttered, adjusting Ira’s blanket answering her,Zayden nodded. “You think Mia’s okay?”“Mia is okay but I am not,” Mark fired back, trying to force a grin but failing. “Mia threatened to castrate me if I faint during delivery. So yeah, my brain is doing backflips.”Just then, the double doors opened.A nurse walked out, pulling off her mask. “Mr. Zayden?”He stepped forward, heartb
He crashed his mouth to hers—hard, needy. Her hands tangled in his hair as he pressed his body against hers, her thighs wrapping around his waist instinctively. His kiss was urgent, deep, the kind that made her forget where she was. He pulled back just enough to yank her top over her head, exposing her soft breasts, nipples already hard.Zayden groaned at the sight of her and buried his face between them. He licked, kissed, nipped—lavishing each breast with slow, deliberate attention. Hema arched into him, her fingers gripping the bedsheet. His mouth worked her expertly, moving from her breasts to her neck, sucking gently, leaving a trail of wet heat down to her belly.By the time he reached between her legs, she was trembling. His fingers teased her clit, slow circles that made her moan into the air. He loved watching her unravel under his touch—loved seeing her lose control.“Zayden…” she gasped, her thighs twitching. “I need you… inside me.”His lips made a curl. “ you are losing y
The drive stretched endlessly, winding through green hills and coastal turns, the golden hue of the sun bathing the road in warmth. Zayden had planned this break meticulously—no calls, no business, no parenting duties. Just Hema and him, for five full days. Their daughter Ira was safely with Mia, and for the first time in over a year, Hema felt… untethered.She sat in the passenger seat, hair loosely tied, her eyes half-lidded as she stared at the moving landscape. The windows were down just enough for the wind to tousle her strands. Zayden glanced at her sideways, and the way her lips parted ever so slightly—it stirred something primal in him.“You know,” he said, reaching over to entwine his fingers with hers, “I’ve been imagining this trip for weeks.”Hema looked over, already smiling. “I can tell. You’ve been grinning like a maniac since we left.”“I just missed having you to myself,” he said, his voice dropping. “No diapers. No meetings. No interruptions.”She giggled. “And what
The following evening, the golden light of sunset poured into the wide windows of the mansion. Ira was curled up peacefully in her little crib beside the cushioned couch, her tiny hands resting near her face, making gentle sleepy sounds as she dreamed. Hema sat cross-legged on the plush rug nearby, brushing out her hair while Zayden sat beside her, lazily scrolling through photos of Ira’s first steps with an affectionate grin plastered on his face.Mia strolled into the room in her usual confident gait, dressed in her casual yet elegant loungewear, holding a small gift box in one hand.“For the little queen,” she said, placing the box near Ira’s crib and kneeling to press a soft kiss on the baby’s forehead. “I still can’t believe she walked. I missed it!”Hema smiled warmly, setting her brush aside. “She’ll walk into your arms next time. Or maybe run.”Mia’s eyes twinkled as she looked at Hema. “She better. I’m planning to bribe her with toys and secrets.”Zayden chuckled, “Spoiling h
The grand mansion buzzed with life as little Ira, now a spirited one-year-old, filled its halls with her infectious laughter. Her tiny hands and knees propelled her swiftly across the marble floors, making her the darling of everyone—from the seasoned housekeepers to Zayden’s meticulous assistant, Mark. Each had succumbed to her charm, their days brightened by her presence.One particular afternoon, Ira’s curiosity led her on an unexpected adventure. The distant sound of raised voices echoed through the corridors, drawing her attention. Recognizing her mother’s voice, she set off, her crawling turning into determined steps as she clung to walls and furniture for support. The babysitter, momentarily distracted, turned to find Ira missing from her side. Panic surged as she began her search, only to spot the child making her way toward the commotion.Inside the master bedroom, tension crackled. Hema stood her ground, arms crossed, eyes blazing with frustration. Zayden, looking remorseful
The grand black gates of the mansion opened slowly, the familiar creak echoing through the long driveway lined with blooming jasmine. The late afternoon sun bathed everything in golden light as Zayden stepped out of the sleek black SUV, carefully cradling Ira in one arm, while holding Hema protectively with the other. Hema’s steps were slower, her body still weak from the birth, but her heart was full—this was a different kind of return. One not born out of pain or escape, but healing.Mia stood at the entrance, wearing a simple beige dress and a soft, rare smile on her face. Her sharp eyes shimmered the moment she spotted Ira. She rushed down the stairs barefoot, arms extended. “There she is—my little angel!” Mia’s voice trembled with emotion.Zayden grinned as he gently passed Ira into her arms. “She missed her aunt, didn’t she, baby?” he murmured, planting a kiss on Hema’s forehead.Hema chuckled softly and nodded. “We named her,” she said, watching Mia’s eager face.“Oh?” Mia rais
Hema lay curled up beside Zayden, her body still sore from the C-section she had just a week ago. Their baby girl, Ira, was sleeping peacefully next to her in a bassinet . Hema and Zayden had been through so much together, and now, with their little family complete, they felt like the luckiest people in the world.Hema caught him staring and gave him a coy smile. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she slowly reached up and unzipping her kurti, exposing one of her full, heavy breasts."Have a taste," she purred seductively, her voice low and inviting. Zayden's breath hitched as he took in the sight of her perfect breast, the nipple already engorged with milk. His cock instantly hardened, straining against his boxers. He swallowed thickly, desire burning in his veins.Zayde arched an eyebrow. "Are you sure, my love?"Hema nodded with a smile,Zayden's eyes darkened with lust. "I'll be gentle. I promise."In one swift movement, he leaned over her, pressing soft kisses along the swel
The tarmac glistened under the late afternoon sun as Zayden led Hema gently toward the sleek, private jet waiting for them. The sound of soft wind mixed with the distant hum of the plane’s engines. Zayden had one arm securely wrapped around Hema’s waist, supporting her as they walked slowly, while the other held baby Ira against his chest with practiced care.Behind them, two of Zayden’s men followed with their luggage, handling everything swiftly without a word. The elderly couple had waved goodbye, tears in their eyes, just a few minutes ago. Now, as they approached the jet’s steps, Zayden helped Hema up first, handing the baby over for a moment so he could lift her easily.“You don’t have to carry me every time,” Hema mumbled, half-blushing, half-teasing as he lifted her as if she weighed nothing.“You say that as if I’m going to stop,” Zayden smirked. “Let me enjoy being your crutch for a while longer.”He helped her to the spacious cabin of the jet, where a luxurious bed had alre
Zayden stood by Hema’s side as she slowly made her way down the hospital corridor, holding tightly onto his hand. Every step she took was careful, her body still sore, but determined. She didn’t complain. Her grip on his hand tightened whenever the pain in her abdomen throbbed, but she said nothing—only looked ahead, her face slightly pale but strong.Zayden, ever watchful, didn’t take his eyes off her for even a second.“You don’t have to push yourself,” he said gently, adjusting his arm around her waist.“I’m not pushing,” she whispered. “I just want to feel normal again.”Zayden chuckled softly.They reached the end of the hallway, and Hema paused near the window, looking outside at the golden morning sun spreading across the hospital lawn. She took a breath, soaking in the warmth. But the next moment, her knees buckled slightly.“Hema!” Zayden immediately pulled her close.She didn’t fall. She collapsed forward—right into his chest, her forehead resting just above his heart. Her a