Third person's pov!

“Now that we are talking, I would like to know why my sister doesn’t look happy with you, Sid?” Dhruv asked and Sid went pale hearing Dhruv’s direct question.

“What? What makes you think so? We are happy.” Sid said defensively.

“Then why doesn’t she look happy? She looks like she has gone into a shell. What is going on?” Dhruv asked, his fury doubling.

“It’s nothing, Dhruv. She is a bit angry with me now. She wanted to go on a trip and I had some other pressing issues at hand. And you know how she is when something doesn’t go according to her plan.” Sid said, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. But Dhruv could sense the panic and nervousness in Sid’s voice.

“Is that so?” Dhruv raised an eyebrow, trying hard to control the urge to beat the hell out of him.

“Anyways, I am planning to take a long break from work. I was thinking of a one month vacation in Kerala. We deserve it after all the emotional trauma we had gone through during Diya’s pregnancy and all..” Sid said, the last part almost to himself.

Before either of them could speak again, Dhruv’s phone buzzed, interrupting the tense atmosphere.

“Excuse me. I need to attend this call.” Dhruv said and excused himself from there.

As soon as Dhruv stepped out to take his call, Siddhant walked with a heavy heart toward Shraddha’s room. He knocked lightly and waited for her to open the door.

“Hey, Shraddha,” he said, forcing a smile. “Can we talk?”

“Of course, Siddhant ji. What’s up?” Shraddha asked curiously.

“I have been doing some thinking, and I wanted to share something important with you.”

“What is it?” Shraddha asked, concern creeping into her voice.

“I was talking to a friend about Diya’s situation, and he suggested we consider a month-long stay at an ashram in Kerala for her treatment,” he explained. “It’s supposed to be a serene place focused on healing. They have specialists who can help with emotional trauma and physical health. It could be exactly what she needs.”

“Kerala? That sounds far. Why do you think you need to go all the way there for treatment?” Shraddha asked, tilting her head in confusion.

“Because, Shraddha, a change of scenery can do wonders,” Siddhant replied, rubbing his forehead. “We need to step away from this place. The memories, the emotional trauma… it’s all been too much. Maybe being in a peaceful environment will help bridge the gap that has started forming between me and Diya. We need that time to reconnect. I have overlooked her emotional condition after delivery, blaming it all on her privileged upbringing. Now it is time I made everything alright.”

“I understand that, but what if something goes wrong? Diya Ma’am needs to be monitored closely, doesn’t she?” Shraddha frowned slightly, her brow furrowing. 

“I know, I know,” Siddhant said, running a hand through his hair. “But I have looked up the ashram in google. They have qualified professionals, and it’s designed for healing. The atmosphere is tranquil. Diya could really benefit from it.”

“Have you talked to her about this?” Shraddha pressed, her voice gentle but firm.

“Not yet,” he admitted, swallowing hard. “I wanted to make sure everything was planned out first. I was thinking of making a call to the ashram later today to tomorrow to find out more about the programs they offer and how we can get started.”

“It’s a great idea, but I think you should talk to Dhruv as well. He deserves to know. He is Diya’s only living relative, after all.” She said and Siddhant shook his head. 

“I can’t do that right now.”

“But he needs to be involved, Siddhant ji,” Shraddha insisted, her eyes widening. “Diya Ma’am is his sister! He deserves a say in this.”

“I know, but just hear me out,” Siddhant said, his voice dropping lower. “Once the treatment is done and Diya is on the road to recovery, then I will tell him. He is unpredictable and volatile. I have no idea how he would react if I told him. I can’t take any risks, Shraddha. I can’t loose Diya.”

Shraddha sighed, her expression softening. 

“I just think it’s important to be honest with him. It would be a good opportunity to show him that you trust him as a brother-in-law and that you value his opinions on Diya’s well-being.”

“Trust me, I’ll tell him. Just… not yet. I need to ensure everything is set first. The last thing I want is for him to feel like I am not good for his sister.” Siddhant replied, his voice earnest.

“Okay,” Shraddha said slowly, nodding her head. “But promise me you won’t wait too long. Communication is key, Siddhant ji. You can’t keep things hidden, especially not from family.”

“I promise, Shraddha,” Siddhant replied, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I will keep you updated as I gather more information. I just need to keep my family together right now.”

Shraddha smiled faintly, but her eyes were still filled with concern. 

When Dhruv stepped out of the room after finishing his call and some urgent business related work, his gaze instantly sharpened at the sight in front of him. 

Sid was standing in front of Shraddha's room, leaning slightly toward her, speaking in hushed tones. Shraddha, dressed in a simple nightdress, stood at the threshold, her expression uncertain but attentive. 

The intimate nature of the scene—the closeness of Sid to her—sent a rush of possessive fury through Dhruv.

Without thinking, he called out her name, louder than intended.

“Shraddha!”

Both Sid and Shraddha got startled at the sudden outburst. Sid straightened immediately, a flicker of guilt crossing his face as he turned to face Dhruv, while Shraddha blinked in confusion, worry settling on her features at Dhruv’s cold demeanour.

"Everything okay, Dhruv?" Shraddha asked softly, her tone filled with concern as she observed his stiff posture and tightly clenched fists.

Dhruv didn’t answer right away, his dark eyes flicking between Sid and Shraddha. The knot of jealousy tightened in his chest, but he forced himself to maintain control. His voice, when it came, was clipped and firm.

“I want to talk about something serious, Shraddha.” His gaze then shifted to Sid, who was standing awkwardly. “And Sid, Diya must be waiting for you. It’s already late.” His words held a clear dismissal, one that Sid couldn’t refuse.

Sid sighed, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. He glanced once more at Shraddha, as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately nodded and muttered, “Goodnight,” before retreating to his bedroom.

As soon as Sid was gone, Dhruv’s piercing gaze returned to Shraddha, who stood rooted to the spot, confusion swirling in her eyes. She wrapped her arms around herself instinctively, as if trying to shield herself from the tension radiating off of Dhruv.

“What is it, Dhruv?” Shraddha asked again, her voice trembling slightly, unsure of what had triggered his sudden mood.

Dhruv took a slow, deliberate step toward her, his expression unreadable. His mind was racing, but there was a singular thought burning through it. He couldn’t afford to lose her, couldn’t stand the idea of Shraddha being close to anyone else, especially Sid.

All thoughts of his sister had left his mind at that moment. All he wanted was to claim Shraddha for himself.

After a pause that seemed to stretch on forever, Dhruv finally spoke, his voice low and rough.

“Will you marry me?”