**Chapter 9: A Dinner to Remember**

The sedan came to a smooth stop in front of The Foundation's entrance, the soft glow of fairy lights dancing across its polished surface. Hardik and Avyanshi stood together, their shoulders brushing slightly as they waited. The faint hum of the car engine faded, replaced by the excited murmurs of children in the courtyard and the gentle rustle of evening breezes.

Hardik glanced at her, his smirk teasing but reassuring. "Ready for round two of impressing the parents?"

"Hopefully, they'll be impressed," she replied with a small, nervous laugh.

The car doors opened, and Vishal Jain stepped out first. His tall frame and composed demeanor immediately filled the space. Adjusting his glasses, he surveyed the compound, his sharp eyes missing nothing. Behind him, Shreya Jain followed, her saree elegantly draped and her face lighting up the moment her gaze fell on her daughter.

---

The Welcome

Before Shreya could say a word, Hardik stepped forward and bent to touch her feet. She gasped softly, clearly caught off guard but moved by the gesture.

"Oh, beta, you didn't need to do that!" she exclaimed, placing her hands gently on his shoulders to lift him back up. "You're family now. None of this formality."

"It's my way of showing respect," Hardik said with a smile, straightening himself.

Turning to Vishal, he moved to do the same, but Vishal immediately stepped back, raising his hand. "No, no, no. None of that," he said firmly. Instead, he extended his hand for a handshake.

Hardik took it with a respectful nod, their grip firm and steady.

"Beta," Vishal began, his tone both thoughtful and kind, "have you been taking care of yourself? And, more importantly, my daughter?"

Hardik turned briefly to glance at Avyanshi, who watched the exchange with amusement.

"We've been taking care of each other, sir," Hardik replied confidently. "She's my partner in every sense of the word."

"He's right, Papa," Avyanshi added, her smile warm. "We're a team."

Shreya stepped forward, placing a hand gently on Hardik's arm. "You've been a wonderful support for her, beta. It's clear how much you care for each other."

Vishal nodded approvingly. "Good. That's all I needed to hear. You have my blessings."

"And mine too," Shreya added warmly, her pride evident.

---

The Tour Begins

Hardik gestured toward the entrance with a flourish. "Shall we? There's so much I want to show you."

The group walked into the central lobby, the heart of The Foundation. The glass walls offered a clear view of the bustling courtyard, where children played and volunteers finished the evening's final decorations. The warm lighting and colorful artwork created an inviting atmosphere.

"This is the central hub," Hardik explained, his tone steady but filled with pride. "From here, you can access every major wing of the compound."

"It's beautiful," Shreya said, her gaze sweeping across the space.

"And clearly designed with care," Vishal added, nodding slightly.

Hardik grinned. "We wanted it to feel like home, not just a facility. Let me show you more."

---

The Residential Wing and Classrooms

Hardik led them through the residential wing, showing the dormitories and staff quarters. The rooms were neat, spacious, and brightly lit, with desks, beds, and storage for the children.

"We can accommodate up to a hundred children here," Hardik explained. "And the design is modular, so we can expand as needed."

Shreya ran her hand along one of the desks, her eyes softening. "It's warm, welcoming. Not cold or impersonal."

"That was the goal," Hardik replied, glancing briefly at Avyanshi. "We wanted the kids to feel like they belong."

Next, they moved to the classrooms. Hardik opened one of the doors, revealing a bright, modern space equipped with smart boards, laptops, and shelves filled with books.

"These are our classrooms," he said. "We wanted to ensure the kids have access to the same quality of education they'd get at a private school."

Vishal's brow furrowed slightly as he looked around. "Impressive," he said. "But all of this… it must have cost quite the fortune."

Before Hardik could answer, Shreya turned to her daughter. "Beta, you didn't ask us for any funds. Did Hardik manage all of this himself?"

---

"Spare Change" Moment

Before the question could linger, Hardik raised a hand, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Oh, absolutely," he said, his tone light. "But let me clear something up before you worry—I've been smart with my money. I've got investments and a few side businesses that provide me with enough 'spare change' to handle these expenses."

At the words "spare change," Avyanshi's mouth twitched, her irritation barely concealed.

"Spare change again?" she muttered, folding her arms. "Really, Hardik?"

Hardik turned to her, mock-offended. "Well, I don't remember you donating any of your spare change. Where was your contribution?"

She narrowed her eyes, trying to suppress a smile. "Unbelievable. You're impossible."

Shreya chuckled, clearly amused. "You two are adorable," she said warmly.

---

A Moment of Admiration

As the group returned to the central courtyard, they paused near the fountain, where a group of children played nearby.

"Aunty, did Hardik Bhaiya build all of this?" one boy asked, pointing to the buildings.

Before Shreya could answer, Avyanshi sarcastically spoke up. "Yes, it's all thanks to him. He made this happen."

Hardik, ever playful, draped his arm over her shoulders, leaning slightly. "I might've helped with the physical aspects," he said, grinning. "But let's not forget who's the heart of this place."

He turned to look at her, his gaze softening. "Everything she touches, she makes better. Her dedication and passion inspire me every day."

The intensity in his eyes made her breath catch, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Turning to Shreya and Vishal, Hardik added, "She's the reason this place feels like home. She's my inspiration."

Shreya stepped forward, her expression filled with pride. Placing a gentle hand on Hardik's cheek, she said, "You're a wonderful young man, beta. Truly."

Vishal nodded approvingly. "You've done well, Hardik," he said. "Not just in building this, but in the way you honor and respect my daughter. That's what matters most to me."

---

A Shared Dream

The rest of the tour carried on in a lighter mood, with Hardik explaining the remaining spaces, including the mess hall, medical wing, and gym. By the end, Shreya and Vishal looked genuinely impressed, their earlier curiosity replaced by quiet admiration.

"You've built something remarkable here," Shreya said as they returned to the courtyard.

"This isn't just a place," Vishal added, his tone thoughtful. "It's a vision. A future."

"And it's only the beginning," Hardik said, his voice full of quiet determination.

Standing side by side, with their parents' approval and their shared dream surrounding them, Hardik and Avyanshi couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride—for what they had achieved, and for the journey still ahead.

Dinner time

The evening unfolded with an air of warmth and excitement. Hardik and Avyanshi sat at the private dining table with their parents, creating an ambiance of both familiarity and novelty. Rajiv and Meera Banerjee exchanged pleasantries with Vishal and Shreya Jain, each couple sizing up the other with polite curiosity.

"I must say," Shreya began, looking around the beautifully arranged table and the glowing lights beyond, "this place feels magical. It's not just the building—it's the energy. You can feel the care that's gone into every detail."

"That's all Hardik," Meera said proudly. "He's always had a knack for turning visions into reality."

"Well, we've seen that firsthand," Vishal added with a small nod. "Though I wonder if he's always been so responsible?"

At this, Meera's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Oh, he has his moments. But responsible? Not always. In fact, would you like to hear a story?"

Hardik groaned, sinking slightly into his chair. "Ma, don't. Please."

"Oh, do tell!" Shreya said, her eyes sparkling with interest.

---

Hardik's Childhood Adventures

Meera wasted no time. "When Hardik was about ten, he decided he was going to make a lemonade stand. Except, instead of lemons, he used limes because he thought they'd taste 'fancier.'"

"It wasn't a bad idea," Hardik interjected, attempting to defend himself.

Rajiv chimed in, smirking. "Until he forgot to add sugar to the lime juice."

Vishal raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "What happened next?"

Meera laughed. "Let's just say that all the neighborhood kids learned to avoid his stand. One of them even told him, 'Your juice tastes like bitter medicine!'"

The table erupted in laughter, with Shreya shaking her head. "Well, at least he was trying to be entrepreneurial."

"Yes, but his second attempt wasn't much better," Rajiv said. "He decided to make and sell bracelets out of shoelaces. Except he only had three pairs of old sneakers to work with."

"Papa, please stop," Hardik groaned, covering his face with his hands.

"Oh, no, beta," Vishal said, clearly enjoying himself. "This is gold. Go on!"

---

Avyanshi's Turn

Not to be outdone, Shreya took the opportunity to share some of her daughter's childhood antics.

"Well, since we're embarrassing our children," she began, her eyes twinkling, "did you know that little Miss Avyanshi here once tried to save the school's goldfish by sneaking them into her water bottle?"

"Mama!" Avyanshi exclaimed, her face flushing.

"What?" Meera said, leaning forward with interest. "Now this I have to hear."

Shreya chuckled. "She thought the fish tank in her classroom was too small, so she decided to 'rescue' them. She managed to smuggle two goldfish into her bottle during recess before her teacher caught her. And guess what she said?"

"What?" Rajiv asked, grinning.

"She told the teacher, 'I'm taking them to the ocean because that's where they belong!'"

The table erupted in laughter again, and Hardik leaned closer to Avyanshi with a teasing grin. "Goldfish savior, huh? I didn't see that one coming."

"At least I wasn't selling bitter lime juice," she shot back, narrowing her eyes at him.

---

More Stories Fly Across the Table

The storytelling continued, with each parent taking turns sharing more tales from their children's past.

"Oh, but wait," Meera interjected, waving her hand. "Hardik wasn't always about business ideas. There was this one time he got caught writing poetry."

Hardik froze, his ears turning pink. "Ma, please no."

"Yes!" Meera continued, ignoring his protests. "He was about sixteen, and I found a whole notebook filled with poems about… let's just say 'a girl with silver eyes.'"

Vishal raised an eyebrow, catching the reference immediately. "Silver eyes, you say?"

Shreya caught on too, her smile widening. "Oh, my. Was that you, beta?" she asked, looking at her daughter.

"I—" Avyanshi started, her face now as red as the tablecloth.

Hardik cleared his throat loudly, cutting her off. "It was just a phase. Can we move on?"

"Oh, no," Rajiv said, chuckling. "You can't bury this one. You even tried to submit one of those poems to your school magazine, remember?"

"I'm going to disappear now," Hardik muttered, slumping further into his chair.

---

Avyanshi's "Creative" Side

Shreya, emboldened by the laughter, leaned forward. "Well, don't let her off the hook so easily," she said, gesturing to her daughter. "Do you know she once painted our entire garage door pink? She said it was 'artistic.'"

"Pink?" Hardik repeated, his eyes widening in mock horror.

"It was supposed to be a mural!" Avyanshi defended herself, though her voice was tinged with embarrassment. "I was ten!"

"And it looked like a giant strawberry," Shreya added, laughing.

---

Meera said with a knowing smile. "Do you know he once tried to 'rescue' a stray puppy in our neighborhood by bringing it into the house? Except, it wasn't a puppy—it was a baby goat!"

"Wait, what?" Vishal asked, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

"Not my proudest moment," Hardik admitted, running a hand through his hair.

"The goat chewed through half a couch before we realized what had happened," Rajiv added, shaking his head. "It took us days to get the smell out of the living room."

The room erupted in laughter, except for Hardik, who muttered under his breath, "Why do we have to bring up the goat story every time?"

"Because it's too good to forget," Meera replied, winking at him.

---

Not to be outdone, Shreya decided it was her turn. "Well, since we're sharing stories," she began, looking at her daughter, "did you know that little Miss Perfect here once tried to sell 'magic potions' to her schoolmates?"

"Mama!" Avyanshi exclaimed, her face turning a deep shade of pink.

"Oh, it's true," Shreya continued, clearly enjoying herself. "She mixed water, food coloring, and glitter into bottles and told everyone they'd grow taller or smarter if they drank it."

Rajiv chuckled. "That's creative entrepreneurship."

"It was," Shreya agreed, laughing. "Until the principal called me, saying one of the kids had glitter stuck in his teeth for days."

The laughter grew louder, and even Hardik couldn't resist joining in. "Magic potions? That's brilliant, Avyanshi. Maybe we should introduce that to The Foundation—a glitter juice fundraiser."

She glared at him, though her twitching lips betrayed her amusement. "You're impossible."

"And you're adorable," Hardik shot back, earning a collective "aww" from the mothers.

The Perfect Ambiance

The table vibrated with laughter as the stories flew back and forth, the parents growing more comfortable with each other with every shared memory.

"Our children are truly a pair," Shreya said at one point, dabbing at her eyes from laughing too hard. "It's wonderful to see how well they balance each other."

"And how much trouble they must have caused growing up," Vishal added with a smirk, earning mock protests from both Hardik and Avyanshi.

---

The Dinner Bell Rings

Just as the laughter began to settle, the gentle chime of the dinner bell echoed through the hall, signaling the start of the children's meal.

"Perfect timing," Hardik said, standing and extending his hand toward their parents. "There's something else we'd love for you to see."

The group made their way to the mess hall, where rows of long tables were neatly set up, and the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air. The room was alive with energy as children filed in, their faces lighting up at the sight of the feast before them.

---

Dinner and Dancing

As the children settled in, the staff began serving paneer, chicken, rice, rotis, and an array of sabzis. Hardik and Avyanshi worked seamlessly alongside the team, helping distribute plates and pouring water.

The hum of chatter and laughter mixed with the soft background music and the cheerful sound of cartoons playing on a projector. The children's joy was infectious, and even the parents couldn't help but smile as they watched the scene unfold.

At one point, Hardik passed the dessert table, snagging a small piece of kaju katli. He walked over to Avyanshi, offering it to her with a mischievous grin.

"What now?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Just taste it," he said.

She hesitated for a moment before popping it into her mouth. "Hmm," she murmured, her expression softening. "Not bad. You're full of surprises, Hardik."

"Only the best for you," he replied smoothly.

Moments later, as the music grew louder, Hardik extended his hand toward her.

"What are you doing?" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Dance with me," he said simply.

"In the mess hall?"

"Why not?"

Before she could protest, he twirled her gently, her laughter ringing out as she stumbled slightly. They moved playfully to the beat, their steps light and carefree.

Watching from their seats, the parents exchanged knowing glances.

"They're perfect together," Shreya said softly, her voice tinged with emotion.

"They really are," Meera agreed, her eyes glistening. "I couldn't ask for more."

Vishal nodded, his usually reserved expression softening. "They balance each other beautifully."

"And they clearly bring out the best in each other," Rajiv added. "I think we made the right decision."

---

A Night to Remember

As the children finished their meal and the room began to quiet, Hardik and Avyanshi finally sat down, catching their breath.

"Not bad for a night's work," Hardik said, leaning back with a satisfied grin.

"Not bad at all," Avyanshi replied, her smile softening as she looked at him.

And in that moment—surrounded by laughter, love, and approval—the couple knew they were exactly where they were meant to be.

Chapter 9 Continued: The Treasure Trove of Words

As the night deepened, the hum of quiet conversations and laughter began to wind down at The Foundation. The parents had exchanged fond goodbyes, and their cars had disappeared into the velvety blackness of the Mumbai night. Hardik and Avyanshi now retreated to their private quarters, their steps leisurely, their spirits light.

"I think tonight went well," Hardik remarked, his voice soft but laced with satisfaction.

"Better than well," Avyanshi agreed, her smile lingering. "Your parents are wonderful, by the way."

"And yours," he countered. "Though I have to admit, I wasn't expecting them to be so easy to talk to."

"Papa liked you," she said, her tone teasing. "That's not something he does easily."

Hardik chuckled, brushing his hand through his hair. "I'll take that as a win."

As they stepped into the cozy warmth of their shared space, Hardik's expression turned thoughtful. His hands fidgeted slightly, a rare show of nervousness that didn't escape Avyanshi's sharp gaze.

"What's on your mind?" she asked, tilting her head as she studied him.

Hardik exhaled deeply, running a hand over his face. "There's something I need to show you."

Curiosity sparked in her eyes. "What is it?"

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he moved toward a small wooden chest by the bookshelf, unlocking it with a key that hung on a simple chain around his neck. Reaching inside, he pulled out a box wrapped in soft, cream-colored cloth. With deliberate care, he walked back to her and placed it gently on the table between them.

"This," he said quietly, "is something I've kept for years. It's… personal. But I think it's time you see it."

---

The Revelation

Avyanshi's gaze shifted between him and the box, her fingers tracing the soft fabric before unwrapping it. As the cloth fell away, a polished wooden box came into view. Its craftsmanship was simple but elegant, the initials H.B. etched into the lid.

Her breath hitched as she opened it. Inside were neatly arranged pieces of paper—some bound into small notebooks, others folded carefully. Each page was filled with handwritten poetry, the ink slightly faded but the words vivid.

"These are…" she began, her voice faltering as realization dawned.

"All the poems I wrote for you," Hardik finished for her, his voice steady but tinged with vulnerability. "From school, college… and even after that."

Her hands trembled slightly as she picked up the first piece of paper, her silver eyes scanning the familiar handwriting. The words seemed to leap off the page, their meaning sinking deep into her heart:

---

"For the Silver-Eyed Girl"

*In silver depths, her gaze entwines,

A gentle light that softly shines.

Her strength, a tempest wrapped in grace,

A tender heart, a warm embrace.

With kindness woven in her smile,

She lights the dark, making life worthwhile.

In every glance, her spirit glows,

A guiding star where courage flows.

In gestures soft, yet fiercely true,

She crafts a world that's bright and new.

Sacred to me, in all she shares,

A tranquil strength that always cares.

In her, the dance of life takes flight,

A harmony of day and night.

Forever bound, our souls will blend,

In her, my love, my heart, my friend.*

---

She closed the poem for a moment, a deep breath escaping her lips. "I… I can't believe this," she said softly, her voice breaking with emotion. Her fingers trembled as she picked up the next one.

Her lips parted slightly, her breath shallow as she moved to the next piece. Each poem spoke of her—her kindness, her strength, her laughter. Some lines celebrated her fierceness, others her quiet vulnerability. Together, they painted a picture of a love so pure and enduring it left her speechless.

"This one," she murmured, lifting a slightly crinkled page. "You wrote this during college, didn't you?"

Hardik nodded, his gaze fixed on her face. "I wrote it after seeing you win that debate competition. You were unstoppable that day."

---

"In Twilight's Glow"

In twilight's glow, a silver-eyed girl,

With a smile that dances, a radiant swirl.

Courage wrapped in gentle grace,

Strength in softness, a tender embrace.

---

Her eyes brimmed with tears as she reached for another poem,

She smiled faintly, feeling a warmth spread through her chest as she read the lines. Her lips quivered slightly, and she looked up at Hardik, her voice softer now. "This one… it feels like you saw me in ways I never knew how to see myself."

Hardik's gaze softened. "You were always a mystery to me, Avyanshi. Your strength, your grace, it captivated me from the moment we met."

She paused, her finger tracing the edge of the page. "This poem... it's beautiful." Her smile wavered. "It's like you always knew how much I needed to hear these words, even when I didn't realize it."

She picked up another poem, this one newer, written with a steadier hand:

---

"Forever Yours"

*Even roses for all their beauty possess thorns,

Show me all your beauty along with your thorns.

And I'd show you hands willing to bleed;

In your times of glory and happiness, I am yours;

Even in your times of sadness and anguish, I am yours;

And I only ask that you, in my times of loneliness, be there for me.

So that I can be yours, and you can be mine.

Now and forevermore.*

---

Avyanshi exhaled sharply, her eyes glistening with tears. She closed the page gently and looked up at Hardik. "This one…" she whispered, the words nearly stuck in her throat. "It's… it's everything I've always wanted to hear, but never expected."

Hardik leaned closer, his eyes full of affection. "I meant every word, Avyanshi."

She smiled through her tears, her hand gently resting on his. "I should've known. But then again, you always managed to show me more than I could see in myself."

The Moment of Understanding

The poems spoke to her heart in ways she couldn't articulate, evoking emotions long buried. She reached for the last poem, her breath catching in her throat as she read the words that seemed to perfectly mirror her own feelings:

---

"A Forever Promise"

*Her laughter is my reward,

Her smile, my treasure.

She, the pupil of my eyes so bright,

The spark that fills my endless night.

The love within my gentle hand,

Would be hers, could be hers, as I stand.*

---

She read one more , this one old ;

Her tears finally spilled over, a soft sob escaping her lips.

"You kept all of these?" she whispered, her voice breaking.

"Every single one," he replied gently. "You were my muse, Avyanshi. You still are."

---

Her Reaction to the Diwali Poem

When she unfolded a particular poem written on thick, cream-colored paper, her lips curled into a smile even before reading it. Something about the faint scent of ink and the festive detail caught her attention. She began to read aloud softly:

---

"You Are the Soul of Dipawali"

Whoever sees you, turns around,

Drawn to the gaze where silver's found.

Why they're enchanted, none can say,

Yet in your eyes, they lose their way.

In every glance, a warmth so bright,

Soft as diyas' golden light.

You light the world in gentle streams,

And fill the night with hopeful dreams.

So beautifully flawed, you shine,

Like rangoli's colors intertwined.

In every hue and every shade,

A piece of joy your spirit's made.

Your laughter's magic, pure and rare,

Like fireworks dancing through the air.

With every smile, the dark takes flight,

And warmth envelops all in sight.

The scent of sweets, of laddus dear,

And friends around to hold us near—

In moments shared, you lend a grace,

That makes the world a kinder place.

I've seen you walk with poised delight,

Like breezes soft in leaves' first light.

You are the soul of Dipawali,

A joy that stays, forever free.

Those close to you find treasures new,

Words that shine with meaning true.

In silver eyes, they glimpse a song,

In your gaze, they find where they belong.

So beautifully flawed, you glow,

With every light, new wonders show.

Each sparkle gives the heart a lift,

In every flaw, a perfect gift.

For kindness, I've surrendered all,

My trust, my guard—at your soft call.

In silver eyes, life blooms and grows,

And every soul your warmth bestows.

On this festival night, you are the star,

A light that shines from near and far.

With friends and laughter, joy's released,

In your glow, we find our peace.

---

Her voice wavered as she finished reading, her eyes darting to Hardik, who was watching her intently.

"This…" she began, her voice thick with emotion. "This is beautiful, Hardik. Every line… it's me, but it's also everything I hope to be. How did you even think of this?"

Hardik chuckled softly, his expression slightly self-conscious. "It was Dipawali. I was sitting alone one evening, watching the diyas flicker. And I realized something—you light up my life the way those diyas light up the night. So I just… wrote what I felt."

She shook her head, a mix of laughter and tears bubbling up. "You make it sound so simple, but this is…" She paused, searching for the right word. "It's magic."

---

Diverse Reactions to the Lines

As she reread certain stanzas, her emotions shifted:

1. "Whoever sees you, turns around,

Drawn to the gaze where silver's found."

She looked up at him with a mix of amusement and skepticism. "Do you really think my eyes make people turn around?"

Hardik grinned. "I don't think—they do. Haven't you noticed the way people stop mid-sentence when they look at you?"

She rolled her eyes playfully, her lips twitching into a smile. "Flattery won't get you out of cleaning the mess hall tomorrow."

"Your laughter's magic, pure and rare,

Like fireworks dancing through the air."

This line made her laugh softly, the sound bright and musical. "Fireworks? Really? You've clearly never heard me laugh when I'm half-asleep. I sound like a goat."

"And yet, even then, it's my favorite sound," Hardik replied, his tone serious, which made her laugh even harder.

"You are the soul of Dipawali,

A joy that stays, forever free."

This line brought a gentle stillness over her. She placed the paper down carefully and looked at him with glistening eyes. "You see me in ways I don't even see myself, Hardik. It's overwhelming."

He reached out, taking her hand in his. "That's because you underestimate just how incredible you are."

---

A Heartfelt Connection

She closed the final notebook, her hands trembling as she placed it back in the box. Looking up at Hardik, her eyes were filled with love and awe.

"You should've shown me these back then," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "You would've totally won me over."

Hardik's lips curved into a soft smile. "I was terrified," he admitted. "I thought I'd scare you away. You were always so... out of reach."

Her heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. Without a word, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly.

"You silly, wonderful man," she murmured against his chest. "I wish you'd told me. But I'm glad you're telling me now."

He hugged her back fiercely, as though she were the only thing anchoring him to the world. "You're everything to me, Avyanshi," he whispered. "You always have been."

They stayed like that for a long moment, their connection unspoken but profound. Finally, Hardik pulled back slightly, brushing a stray tear from her cheek.

"You're incredible," he said softly, his gaze filled with admiration.

"So are you," she replied, her voice steady now.

A Chaste Promise

Eventually, Hardik pulled back just enough to look at her, his hands resting on her shoulders. He leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead.

"You're my everything," he murmured.

"And you're mine," she replied, her voice steady now.

---

Falling Asleep in Each Other's Arms

As the night deepened, the two of them sat together, the box of poems still open beside them. They talked softly about the memories each piece evoked, their laughter mingling with occasional tears.

When exhaustion finally claimed them, they curled up on the couch, Hardik's arms wrapped protectively around her.

As they drifted off to sleep, the box of poems sat on the table—a testament to the love that had grown between them, unspoken for years but now shining brightly in the quiet of the night.