The words hang in the air between them like a question mark, and for a moment Neela feels as if she's been punched in the gut. She opens her eyes to find Krish looking at her with an expression she can't quite read. Confusion, maybe? Or is it hope?

She swallows hard, not sure how to respond. "I-I love you too," she whispers finally, reaching up to touch his cheek. As their gazes lock, a strange sense of peace washes over her.

As the moments stretch into minutes, they continue to move together, their bodies slick with sweat and desire. The tension that had been building between them seems to fade away, replaced by a gentle tenderness that feels almost too fragile to survive in this world. But somehow, Neela knows that it will.

They reach their climax together, their cries mingling as they cling to each other, lost in the moment. And when it's over, they collapse together onto the bed, exhausted but content.

Seeing Krish suffer only serves to heighten Neela's own anguish, and she quickly decides that something must be done. She carefully slides out of bed, moving as quietly as possible so as not to wake him further. Once she's on the other side of the room, she rummages through her suitcase until she finds a small bottle of lubricant.

With shaking hands, Neela returns to Krish's side and kneels down beside his bed. "Krish," she whispers, pressing the cool back of her hand against his forehead. "I think I might have a solution." She reaches for the bottle of lubricant and unscrews the cap, then carefully slicks her fingers before gently cupping his face in her hands.

"Look at me," she says softly, meeting his eyes.

After breakfast, Neela and Krish decided to take a walk through the village, exploring the lush green fields and colorful markets. They stopped to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local vendors, sampling exotic spices and fragrant flowers along the way.

As they walked hand-in-hand, chatting and laughing, Neela felt a sense of peace wash over her. For the first time since their arranged marriage, she felt truly happy. The love and acceptance she saw in Krish's eyes made her heart swell with emotion.

---

Neela felt a lump form in her throat at Krish's offer. No one had ever given her such freedom before; no one had ever put her feelings first. She swallowed hard, trying to push down the wave of emotion threatening to overwhelm her.

"Thank you, Krish," she said quietly, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "That means more than you know. But..." She hesitated, unsure of how to continue.

---

The idea of spending time with him, doing normal things like this, felt strange but somehow exhilarating at the same time. "Okay," she said finally, nodding slowly. "I'd like that." Her smile was tentative but genuine.

He returned her smile, relief evident in his features. "Great! Why don't we get going then? There's a nice park nearby where we can walk and talk." He stood up from the table and held out a hand to help her up as well.

I take his offered hand and stand up. Thank you for the offer. The park sounds lovely. As we walk out of apartment, I ask. Do you often come here?

We reach the entrance of the park. The sun shines bright. Flowers bloom beautifully along the path. Couples are seen holding hands and kids playing.

This place looks amazing. So vibrant and lively. I inhale deeply. Smells good too.

Turning towards Akash, I give a soft smile. Lead the way, dear. Show me your favorite spot in this park.

Neela slowly wakes up to the feeling of his lips on her forehead. Her eyes flutter open as she looks into his face, a soft smile spreading across her features. "Good morning," she whispers, her voice still groggy with sleep. She yawns and stretches languidly, enjoying the warmth of his body against hers.

As they lie there together, Neela can't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. Maybe this new life she's found isn't so bad...

Neela: