The digital clock on the mahogany nightstand glowed softly, reading exactly 4:00 PM. The afternoon shadows lengthened across the bedroom, casting a quiet, heavy hush over the suite. Shivanya lay curled deeply into the mattress, fast asleep with little Abhimanyu cradled securely against her chest.

Abhimaan walked into the room, his footsteps soundless on the thick Persian rug. Seeing the peaceful tableau, a rare, softening flicker crossed his dark eyes. He closed the distance, sliding onto the bed beside them and carefully pulling Shivanya flush against his side, wrapping a heavy arm around her waist.