Devraj was on his wheelchair, his broad frame silhouetted against the soft glow of the moonlight.

The night was quiet, as if the whole city held its breath.

He stared out into the stillness.

The faint creak of his bedroom door broke through the calm, followed by the soft, distinct click of wedge heels against the polished floor.

Without turning, he heard the glass door of the balcony slide open.

"Devraj?" The familiar voice carried into the night air. "Why are you out here?"

His mother..

He didn't look at her. "It's so quiet." His deep voice was calm, but there was something unreadable underneath it.

His mother, stepped closer. Her eyes softened as she followed his gaze to the city lights far in the distance.

"Quiet can be peaceful.." she said with a small smile, though she knew with her son, quiet often meant brooding.

"Why did you call earlier? You sounded urgent." His mom asked.

"What's the name of the girl you brought here today?" He asked, almost casual but his tone betrayed that it wasn't mere curiosity.

"You mean Ira?" she asked, surprised.

Devraj's gaze locked onto her, "What's her full name?"

His mother hesitated, frowning slightly at the question.

"Verma. Her name is Ira Verma. Why? Is there something wrong? You already said you would-"

"I know, Ma." He cut her off, turning his face back to the night. "I just wanted to know her full name."

She watched him closely.

"Devraj.." she said gently, "I know you don't like outsiders helping you. But you've made it impossible for even the maids to assist you. I had no choice. This is for your own good. And it's not forever. The doctor said if you continue your medication and follow his exercises, you could walk again in three months."

"I am taking my medication. And I am doing the exercises." His voice was clipped, his jaw tightening.

His mother sighed, her chest aching at the wall he always kept between himself and everyone else.

"I know you are. But you need someone to help you. The last nurse I hired...do you remember what you did to her? You threatened her, Devraj. She left here in tears, terrified."

"She was too touchy.." he said flatly, not an ounce of remorse in his tone.

His mother looked at him for a long moment, her expression soft with concern.

"Just three months, Devraj. That's all I'm asking. Don't be harsh with this new Girl. Please. Let her help you, and then she can leave. Think of it as a means to an end."

Finally, his eyes flicked back to hers. His hard gaze softened only slightly. "...Okay."

Her face lit up with relief. "Oh, you make me so happy.." she said, her smile warm. She hesitated, then added, "By the way, how is Alia? Last time I spoke with her, she mentioned landing a movie deal. Have you spoken to her?"

Devraj's jaw clenched, his fingers tightening around the armrest of his wheelchair.

"I have important things to do, Ma." His tone was final, his gaze dropping to the laptop on the side table.

His mother gave a small, weary smile, hiding her disappointment.

"Alright. I'll leave you to it then." She brushed her hand briefly over his arm before stepping back inside.

A moment later, the soft sound of her wedge heels faded into the distance.

Alone again, Devraj opened his laptop, but his hands stilled before touching the keys.

His dark eyes narrowed..

"Ira Verma.." he murmured...

The night around him seemed to grow colder.

Steam still clung faintly to her skin as Ira stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in one of her older, softer salwar kameez sets.

The cotton hugged her frame loosely, comforting after a long day.

Her damp hair spilled over her shoulders in heavy strands, and she worked a towel through them absentmindedly as she moved toward her bed.

The sudden sound of her phone made her pause. She reached for it, and when she saw the name flashing across the screen, her lips curved into a soft smile.

Kunal.

She answered quickly, pressing the phone to her ear.

"I'm outside, Ira.." his deep voice came through.

Her cheeks instantly flushed. "Okay." she whispered, before ending the call.

Turning to the mirror, she gave herself a quick once-over, her reflection looking back with cheeks pink from blushing.

She tugged on her dupatta, adjusting it nervously, and bit her lip at how silly she felt for being this giddy.

Gathering herself, she stepped out of her room.

As she descended the stairs, she spotted her mother setting the dining table, arranging plates neatly.

"Where are you going?" her mother asked, noticing Ira moving quickly toward the front door.

"Kunal is here.." Ira replied with a shy smile, her steps never slowing.

Her mother's brows lifted knowingly, but she said nothing more as Ira slipped out of the house.

The cold night air greeted her, carrying the faint scent of wet earth after the day's heat.

In front of her house was Kunal's black Mercedes.

Ira's heart fluttered as she walked toward it.

The car door opened, and Kunal stepped out.

He looked effortlessly dashing as always..his tall frame outlined beneath his fitted work shirt, the moonlight glinting off his wheatish skin.

His build was strong, shoulders broad, but it was his face that made Ira's breath catch.

medium-length hair brushed back from his forehead, hazel eyes that shifted between green and blue in the light, and that smile, the kind that was both gentle and confident, made her feel suddenly lightheaded.

"Kunal..." Ira's voice came out softer than she intended, almost breathless.

"Ira.." he said her name with a smile that made her heart skip.

She glanced at his attire, noticing he was still in his office clothes. "How was work today? I hope it wasn't too stressful."

"It was fine.." he said, eyes never leaving her. Then, without hesitation, he reached for her hand. He lifted it slowly and pressed her palm against his cheek.

The warmth of his skin against hers made her pulse quicken.

"I missed you.." he admitted in a low voice. "Work was good... but boring. Nothing compared to this."

Ira giggled softly, her blush deepening.

"Did you have dinner yet?" he asked.

She shook her head lightly, strands of wet hair brushing her cheeks. "No, I was just about to. In a few minutes."

He studied her carefully, noticing the dampness of her hair, the softness of her clothes, and her flushed cheeks.

"You look... like you just stepped out of a dream.." he murmured before clearing his throat. "And you... you noticed, didn't you?"

"Noticed what?" she tilted her head.

"That I came straight here from work.." he said with a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his neck. "I couldn't wait to change. I... just missed you."

Her chest warmed, a shy grin tugging her lips.

Then, remembering, his expression shifted slightly. "Also, you wanted to tell me something. About the job interview."

The smile faltered on Ira's lips. She looked down for a moment, fiddling with the edge of her dupatta. "Yes... about that."

"You said it's a caregiver's job?" Kunal asked, his brows slightly knit, hazel eyes searching her face.

Ira nodded lightly. "Yes... but-don't freak out, okay?"

"Okay..." he said slowly, almost too calmly..

"I went to the Rathores' estate today." she admitted, her voice cautious.

His frown deepened, but he didn't interrupt.

"At first, it seemed simple. Mrs. Rathore was welcoming, and I thought it was just a caretaker position. But then I realized... it wasn't that at all. It's a caregiver role. And I'm to look after their..." She hesitated, biting her lip.

"Ira.." Kunal's tone pressed, "their what?"

"Their eldest son." She whispered, her eyes flickering to his. "Devraj Singh Rathore."

Kunal's entire body went rigid. His jaw clenched, his hazel eyes darkened with a fear he couldn't hide.

"What?" His voice was hoarse. "Ira, are you serious?"

"Yes.." she said softly, almost defensively.

"That's dangerous. You know the rumors about him."

"I know, Kunal.." she sighed, her shoulders sagging. "But I need this job."

He raked a hand through his hair, frustration and fear bleeding into his tone. "Ira, how many times have I told you? I can give you a job in my father's company. A safe position. You wouldn't have to go near that family. I can't let you walk into this, you won't have to risk yourself..." He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "The Rathores aren't people you should associate with."

Ira sighed deeply, her heart softening even as she braced herself for his reaction. She had known this would upset him.

"Kunal, you know I can't accept that. People already whisper that I'm with you because of your family's money. If I start working under you, if I get handed a position because of you... the rumors will only grow worse. This is something I need to do myself.. Please, try to understand."

"Ira-" he ran a frustrated hand through his hair again, his jaw working, his hazel eyes swirling with panic.

She smiled faintly, trying to soothe him. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."

But Kunal's grip tightened on her arm, pulling her closer. His voice was soft, but desperate. "Fine?... Ira... Okay, what if I just give you the money instead? You don't have to go there. Tell me how much they're paying you."

Her eyes softened, though confusion flickered in her chest.

She had never mentioned her father's debts to him. Not once. They had only been together a month, and though she loved him, she had never mentioned her father's financial troubles. It wasn't something she wanted him entangled in.

She tilted her head, "What are you talking about, Kunal?"

He stumbled slightly over his words. "I mean... whatever amount they're giving you, I can cover it. Monthly. You don't have to step foot in that estate again. I'm scared for you, Ira. Please."

She could feel it in his trembling hold, that he really was.

"Kunal." she murmured with a small smile, brushing her fingertips against his cheek. "Trust me. I'll be fine. And I won't be working there forever. Just... for a little while."

He closed his eyes, leaning into her touch, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm scared."

"I know.. but you don’t have to be.." she whispered back. "... I'll be okay."

He opened his eyes again, searching hers. "Did you tell your parents?"

She exhaled deeply, her chest tightening. "Just Ma. It wasn't easy convincing her... Papa, I'll tell him too. Tonight."

Kunal's gaze lingered on her face, as if memorizing her features..