As he reached her, the delicate scent of jasmine from her hair filled his senses, the same intoxicating fragrance she had worn on their wedding night. His breath caught as he came close enough to see the reflection of her face in the window. Her eyes met his in the glass, and in that fleeting second, a spark ignited between them — one that had been quietly simmering all evening.

Her lips parted in a small gasp, her eyes widening as she realized he was standing just behind her. Bhargav’s breath hitched, his heart thundering in his chest as he reached out, wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her gently against him. His other hand slid the gift box onto the table, forgotten for the moment.