*Next Morning – Back With Dhruv*
The sunrise painted the sky orange as Ruby stepped out of her parents' house, her bag lighter, heart fuller. Dhruv was already waiting by his car, leaning against the door with a soft smile that made her breath catch.
*Dhruv (hand outstretched):* "Ready to go home?"
*Ruby (grinning, slipping her hand in his):* "Only if 'home' still feels like you."
They drove in comfortable silence, music low, the city rolling past them. Ruby's mind kept drifting to the warm chaos of her family's reunion, the laughter still echoing in her ears.
Two Days Later – The Mansion
*Morning, 10 AM.*
Dhruv pulled up a winding driveway lined with manicured hedges. The gates swung open, revealing a massive stone mansion—columns, sprawling lawns, security officers in crisp uniforms stationed at every corner. A sleek black SUV parked beside a fountain that sang with water.
*Ruby (eyes wide, voice a whisper):* "What…?"
*Dhruv (squeezing her hand):* "This is where I grew up. My real home. I wanted you to see it… to know everything."
He led her through marble halls, the air scented with fresh flowers. Staff nodded respectfully; bodyguards kept a discreet distance. Every room seemed bigger than the last—grand library, ballroom with crystal chandeliers, a terrace overlooking a private garden.
*Ruby (still processing, half‑laughing):* "I thought you were joking about the 'rich family' thing."
*Dhruv (stopping at a portrait of an elegant older woman):* "My grandma, . She's the one who kept the family together. My parents will be here soon."
Meeting the Family
*Grandma :*
Seated in a high-backed chair, silver hair, sharp eyes softened when she saw Dhruv. She rose slowly, leaning on a cane.
*Grandma (warm, voice steady):* "Dhruv, you finally brought her. Welcome, Ruby. We've heard a lot."
*Dhruv (placing his hand on Ruby's back):* "Grandma, this is Ruby. My everything."
*Ruby (bowing slightly, sincere):* "It's an honor, ma'am. Thank you for having me."
*Mr. & Mrs. Hernandez (Dhruv's parents):*
His father, tall, composed, in a crisp suit; his mother, elegant with a gentle smile.
*Mr. Hernandez (shaking Ruby's hand):* "Welcome to the family, Ruby. Dhruv has told us how brave you've been."
*Mrs. Hernandez (kissing her cheek):* "We're glad you're here. Let's sit, there's so much to catch up on."
A Quiet Moment
After tea and polite conversation, Dhruv slipped his hand into Ruby's and led her to a balcony overlooking the garden. The view stretched out—flowers, a pond, the distant hills.
*Dhruv (turning to face her):* "I'm sorry it had to be this big. I wanted you to see the real me—everything, the good and the heavy. If it's too much, we can leave."
*Ruby (eyes shining, a tear slipping):* "It's a lot, but it's beautiful. I love you, not the house or the money. Just… you."
*Dhruv (pulling her close):* "And I love you. Forever."
They stood there, the world humming softly around them, the weight of family, secrets, and new beginnings balanced in a single, steady heartbeat.
*Later, in the car heading back:*
*Ruby (playfully):* "So, do I get a private tour of the wine cellar now?"
*Dhruv (laughing):* "Only if you promise not to steal the crown jewels."
*Ruby (grinning):* "Deal. As long as you're there."
*Back at Dhruv's Real House – The Moment They Walked In*
The massive iron gates swung silently behind them, and the driveway lights flickered on, casting a soft glow over the manicured lawn. Dhruv's car came to a gentle stop in front of the grand entrance, the scent of jasmine drifting from the garden mingling with the faint hum of the cooling night air.
Ruby stepped out, her heart still fluttering from the car ride, eyes wide as she took in the towering columns and the warm amber light spilling from the open front doors. Dhruv was already at her side, his hand finding hers, fingers interlacing naturally.
*Dhruv (voice low, a smile in his tone):* "Welcome home, Ruby."
She turned to him, the moment feeling surreal—like a dream she didn't want to wake from. He brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his thumb lingering on her cheek.
As they crossed the threshold, the foyer lights automatically brightened, a soft cascade of illumination filling the marble hall. A gentle chime echoed, announcing their arrival, but all Ruby heard was the thump of her own heartbeat.
Dhruv pulled her close, his other hand finding the small switch beside the doorframe. With a subtle twist, the crystal chandelier above flickered to life, bathing them in warm, golden light.
Before the glow fully settled, he leaned in, his lips meeting hers. The kiss was soft yet urgent, a mix of relief, love, and the electricity of finally, they both needed.
He didn't pull away; instead, his hand slipped from the switch to cradle the back of her neck, deepening the kiss as the foyer lights bathed them in a gentle halo. The world narrowed to the taste of his lips, the warmth of his embrace, and the soft glow that seemed to wrap around them like a promise.
*Ruby (breathless, smiling against his lips):* "Dhruv…"
*Dhruv (whispering back, forehead resting on hers):* "You're here. You're really here."
They lingered there for a heartbeat, the house alive with quiet, the night outside fading behind the safety of their kiss.
*The foyer lights glowed warmly, the chandelier casting a soft cascade of light over the marble floor. Dhruv's hand still rested on the switch, his thumb gently brushing the dimmer as the kiss deepened.*
Ruby's fingers curled into the lapel of his shirt, pulling him closer, her breath quickening against his lips. The world narrowed to the taste of him, the faint scent of his cologne mixing with the faint jasmine from the garden outside.
Dhruv's other hand slipped from her waist to the back of her neck, his thumb tracing slow, tender circles, sending shivers down her spine. He pressed her lightly against the cool wall, the subtle echo of their breathing the only sound breaking the stillness of the house.
Every soft sigh seemed to melt the lingering tension of the day, the weight of secrets and distance dissolving with each lingering touch. Their hearts beat in sync, a rhythm that felt like a promise whispered without words.
The light above them flickered ever so slightly, as if matching the gentle rise and fall of their chests. The kiss lingered, unhurried, a quiet celebration of reunion and the love that had survived everything.
*Dhruv, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes, smiled faintly.*
*Dhruv (breathless, voice low):* "I've missed you, Ruby."
*Ruby (eyes shining, a soft laugh escaping):* "Don't ever stop."
He brushed a kiss to her forehead, then back to her lips, sealing the moment.
*Dhruv broke the kiss just enough to smile, his eyes dark with desire. Without a word, he slipped his arms under Ruby's knees and lifted her effortlessly, her laughter bubbling soft and surprised.*
*Dhruv:* "Hold on, love."
*Ruby:* (giggles, arms wrapping around his neck) "Always."
He turned toward the grand staircase, the chandelier's light dancing on the polished steps as they ascended. Each step echoed a quiet thump, matching the rhythm of their hearts. The house seemed to hold its breath, the soft rustle of curtains and the faint night breeze through an open window the only witnesses.
Halfway up, Ruby brushed a kiss to his jaw, his grip tightening just a fraction. He paused on the landing, pressing her back against the railing, stealing another lingering kiss before continuing upward.
Reaching the second floor, the hallway stretched ahead, bathed in a gentle amber glow from the sconces. Dhruv's footsteps were steady, purposeful, leading them to the master bedroom at the end of the hall. The door was slightly ajar, a sliver of moonlight spilling onto the bed.
He nudged the door open with his shoulder, stepped inside, and gently set Ruby down on the soft, plush bed. The room was a calm contrast—cool sheets, the faint scent of lavender, the distant hum of the city below.
*Dhruv (voice low, sincere):* "You're home."
*Ruby (eyes shining, breath shallow):* "With you, always."
*Dhruv lowered Ruby onto the soft, white sheets, the moonlight slipping through the open curtains and painting a silver stripe across the bed. He lingered over her, his hand tracing the curve of her waist, fingers slipping under the hem of her shirt, raising goosebumps along her skin.*
*Ruby (breath hitched, a shy smile):* "Dhruv…"
*Dhruv (voice husky, eyes locked on hers):* "You're all I see."
He leaned in, capturing her lips again, this time slower, savoring every moment. Their bodies fit together like they were made for this—heat, comfort, a quiet promise. The world outside faded; the only sounds were their breathing, the soft rustle of fabric, and the distant hum of night.
His hand moved to the buttons of her blouse, undoing them one by one, fingers trembling just enough to show how much he cared. She arched slightly, inviting him, her fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer.
The kiss deepened, breath mingling, hearts pounding in sync. As the last button slipped free, Dhruv brushed his lips across her jaw, down her neck, leaving a trail of fire. He pressed a gentle kiss to the hollow of her throat, then lower, his mouth finding the swell of her chest.
*Ruby (whispering, half‑laughing):* "You're moving fast…"
*Dhruv (smiling against her skin):* "Only because I can't wait any longer."
He slipped the blouse off, letting it fall to the floor, and pulled the blanket over them, cocooning their warmth.