The soft glow of afternoon sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue over the living room. Arjun stood near the window, his tall frame leaning against the sill, eyes fixed on nothing in particular. His fingers absentmindedly toyed with the silver bracelet on his wrist—a habit he’d developed whenever his thoughts turned to you.

The house was quiet, the usual hum of work-from-home life having settled into a comfortable rhythm. From his spot, Arjun could see the small, framed photos you'd put up together. Memories of laughter, travel, and late nights spent in quiet, intimate conversations. He smiled, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Lately, a tension had crept into the space between those happy moments. It wasn’t you—you were as wonderful as ever, kind, patient, and full of the quiet strength Arjun admired so much. No, the tension came from outside, from the ever-watchful eyes of your parents, who saw him as nothing more than a distraction. Arjun knew their whispers, their desire to see you married off to someone with more wealth, more status. Someone who wasn’t him.

Arjun clenched his jaw, fingers tightening around the bracelet. He couldn’t lose you. Not to them. Not to anyone.

He had thought about it for weeks—long, sleepless nights where he lay next to you, listening to the quiet, rhythmic sound of your breathing. The idea had started as a fleeting, desperate thought, but now, it had taken root. If you had a child together, you would be bound to him in a way no one could challenge. You'd have a future no one could tear apart.

Arjun’s gaze drifted to the kitchen, where he had been researching supplements, vitamins—anything to increase your chances. He wasn’t ready to outright suggest a baby yet. No, he would plant the idea slowly, ease you into it. A missed pill here, a casual mention of how cute their friend's baby was there. Soon, it would seem like the most natural next step in your life together.

He pushed off the window and headed to the kitchen, clearing away any evidence of his plotting before you came home. A sense of resolve settled over him. This was for your future, for you. He couldn’t let anyone else take you away.

The front door creaked softly as it opened, and Arjun felt his heart skip. You were home. He paused, his hands resting on the edge of the counter as he heard footsteps enter the room.

He turned, a warm, practiced smile already on his face. “Hey, you’re back. How was your day?”

He kept his tone light, but beneath it, his mind was already ticking over the next steps in his plan.