#threads: vihaan bajwa

[elysicnxficlds]

closed starter @xmysticx

Vihaan paced nervously in the living room, his mind racing with thoughts of Ishita. That kiss they'd shared had been haunting him for days, but every time he tried to bring it up, something or someone interrupted. He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated with himself. Why was this so damn hard? He glanced at the clock. The kids would be home from school soon, and Ishita was in the kitchen preparing snacks. It was now or never. Taking a deep breath, he walked into the kitchen, his palms sweaty. "Hey, Ishita," he said, his voice cracking slightly. "I, uhm... I was wondering if maybe... you know, if you're not busy or anything..." He trailed off, cursing inwardly. Why couldn't he just spit it out? "What I mean is," he tried again, "would you like to go out sometime? Like, on a date? With me?" The words tumbled out in a rush, and he winced at how awkward he sounded. 

He shoved his hands in his pockets, wishing he could disappear. "I mean, only if you want to," he added quickly. "No pressure or anything. I just thought, after the kiss and everything... but if you're not interested, that's totally fine. We can just forget I said anything." He was rambling now—unable to stop himself. He silently prayed for the ground to open up and swallow him whole. This was not how he'd imagined this going at all. He'd faced tough clients and stressful deadlines in his work as a graphic designer, but asking out his ex-wife? That was a whole new level of nerve-wracking. He felt like an idiot. Here he was, a grown man of 37, stumbling over his words like a teenager asking someone to prom. Vihaan couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this nervous. His heart was pounding so hard he was sure Ishita could hear it from across the kitchen.

[elysicnxficlds]

closed starter @xmysticx

Standing in the middle of Jungle Island with a colorful map of the park spread open in his hands. It was a hot Miami afternoon, and despite only having arrived, sweat was already dotting his skin. After scanning the various attractions listed, he glanced up and looked at Ishita and their two children. "Alright, where should we explore first? The Parrot Bowl? The Serpentarium? Or maybe we should let Mom pick, since she's the bravest one here." When his gaze flickered to Ish, it softened.

Parth bounced on his toes, pointing eagerly at the map. "I wanna see the big cats, Papa! The lions and tigers!"

He chuckled, ruffling his son's hair affectionately. "Lions and tigers it is, then. What do you say, Pavalli? Ready to roar with the big kitties?"

Pavalli nodded, her hand clutching Ishita's. His heart swelled at the sight, a bittersweet pang hitting him as he remembered all the family outings they used to take together. Even though he and Ishita were no longer married, moments like these—where they could come together and enjoy time with their children—meant everything to him.

He folded up the map and tucked it into his back pocket, offering his free hand to Parth. "Alright, crew, let's head to the Wild Isle first." As they began walking, he peered over at Ishita, offering her a warm smile. "Thanks for coming out with us today, Ish. It means a lot to the kids…and to me. I'm glad we can still do things like this together." Even if they couldn't be together as husband and wife, he still loved Ishita and he wanted to at least try to show her that he still care, especially now that they were living under the same roof again. Living with Ishita again had been an adjustment for Vihaan, but one he was grateful for. Cohabitating allowed them to more easily coordinate schedules and be there for Parth and Pavalli. There were still awkward moments, of course. Times when he'd instinctively go to touch her before catching himself, or inside jokes that would bubble up only to fizzle in the air between them. But overall, he was glad for this arrangement. Most of all, he was grateful that the love and affection he had for her—had not diminished.

[elysicnxficlds]

A laugh escaped Vihaan at her words. "Endearing, huh? That's a new one." He squeezed her hand, loving how natural it felt to hold it again. "Though I have to admit, some of those jokes were pretty terrible. Remember the one about the penguin walking into the bar? Even Parth tells better jokes now." While it used to hurt him thinking about their dating days, tonight it made his heart feel light. She was right—no surprise there, somehow his awkward attempts at being smooth had worked out better than he could've imagined. "Are you making fun of my dorkiness?" he teased back, bumping her shoulder playfully. The way she leaned into him felt so right, like puzzle pieces fitting together after being apart for too long. "I guess I can't complain since it worked out pretty well for me." His voice softened as he looked down at her, still amazed that after all these years, she could make his heart skip a beat with just a smile.

The crazy thing was, she really did see something in him that he'd spent years doubting existed. And damn if that didn't make him fall for her all over again—the way she could look past his walls and see straight into his soul, making him feel worthy of the love she gave so freely. "You always did see the best in me," he said quietly. "Even when I couldn't see it myself." The moonlit beach brought back so many memories. They’d had countless evening walks, teaching the kids to build sandcastles. It felt symbolic somehow, walking these familiar paths together again. "The tiramisu, definitely the tiramisu," he joked back, though his voice was tender. "Though I have to say, everything tastes sweeter when I'm with you." He paused their walk for a moment, turning to face her. "I missed this, Ish. Just being here with you, talking about nothing and everything." He kissed her again, and once he pulled back, they continued their stroll.

As the night drew to a close, Vihaan drove them back home, the comfortable silence between them filled with unspoken possibilities. Pulling up to the house, he walked her to the door, their fingers still intertwined. Under the porch light, he turned to her with a smile. "Thank you for tonight," he whispered, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her lips. It wasn't their first kiss of the evening, but this one felt different—like a promise of tomorrow. When they finally pulled apart, he couldn't help but grin. "Sweet dreams, Ishi," he whispered, squeezing her hand one last time before heading to his room down the hall. Even as he lay in bed later, he couldn't wipe the smile off his face.

COMPLETED

“I’m glad I did,” Ishita told him with a smile before shrugging, “it made you even more endearing to be honest.” She loved seeing that side of him because it told her how sensitive and sweet he was inside but then with Vihaan—he’d always been that way with her, even with his crazy jokes. With a grin, she nodded at his words before shrugging, “you were smooth…sometimes and you clearly impressed me Mr. Bajwa…we did get married after all, and have two adorable kids together.” Ishita reminded him with a chuckle before sighing softly as she told him how meaningful it really was to hear him be so communicative and honest with her tonight. She held his hand tightly, loving how he was the perfect height that she could lean into him and he still towered over her—something that was rare with most men. Still she listened to his words and nodded once more, “I always knew you were a dork—and I still married you anyways.”

Strange as it was—they still felt married despite being a divorced couple Ishita wouldn’t make the same mistakes twice—she wouldn’t force that conversation and push this bond on him again. If he wanted to make things official, she’d allow him his time. “I’m not,” she told him again with a grin. “I just like knowing you’re aware of how I see you.” And truly while Ishita may not have said it that evening—she still looked at him like he hung the moon and stars in the sky—just for her. She was always very proud of the woman she was—but somewhere she felt like she got better when he was the one who was by her side; that had been something she was missing for so long. But now here he was once more, as they walked along the beach she couldn’t help but reminisce about just how many nights they’d spent this way previously together.

His words had her sighing softly because with all her heart this was all Ishita wanted. For Vihaan to be at home with her and their children. She knew they both missed his presence in the house and that was why this whole thing had come at the perfect time even if Ishita had been determined not to let her feelings get in the way of anything. Still this was meant to happen the way it did and she couldn’t deny feeling so happy to have him here by her side. It was what prompted that kiss and dammit she felt so much relief at the way he kissed her back, the way he made her feel like a thousand light switches had been turned on right around her. It was warm and fuzzy and held a promise of something on the horizon and honestly she couldn’t wait to find out what that way.

A chuckle fell from her lips at his words before she rubbed at his bottom lip gently, her lipstick smudged there before she shrugged, “I mean—you’ve lived without them for a while so maybe they taste sweeter now—or it’s the tiramisu we’d had earlier.” Ishita said as she pulled him along to continue their walk along the beach—every moment they spent together reminding them both of the past they’d built together and the future that hopefully still awaited them. 

[elysicnxficlds]

A laugh escaped Vihaan when Ishita called him cute. No one had ever used that word to describe him before, and hearing it from her made his chest feel warm in ways he couldn't explain. "You weren't supposed to find out about that," he admitted, squeezing her hand back. "I was trying to be smooth, you know? Wanted to impress you." And somehow, despite his terrible jokes and awkward delivery, she'd still given him a chance. Looking back now, he couldn't believe how nervous he'd been—practicing those dumb jokes over and over until his reflection started looking judgy. There was even a moment where Parth had caught him rehearsing and asked if he was talking to the mirror monster. That memory still made him chuckle. When she said she loved that he was telling her these things now, he couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, well... I figured it's time you knew what a dork you married." The words came out easily, naturally, like they should have all along. All those years of keeping things bottled up seemed ridiculous now. Why had he made everything so complicated when being honest with her felt this good? It was like finally being able to breathe after holding his breath for too long.

Her calling him adorable had him rolling his eyes, but he was grinning like an idiot. "Now you're just trying to embarrass me," he teased, but deep down, he loved how she could still make him feel this way—like that nervous guy on their first date who just wanted to make her laugh. Sometimes he wondered if she knew just how much power she had over him, how a single smile from her could make his whole day better. Even after all these years, after everything they'd been through, she still had that effect on him. The way she looked at him now, with such warmth and understanding, made him realize how much he'd missed this—missed them. Their daily lives had gotten so caught up in routines and responsibilities that they'd forgotten about these small moments that made everything worthwhile. 

Hearing her say he was already better, that she saw the changes in him, it meant everything. When she touched his cheek, he leaned into her hand without thinking. "Being home with you and the kids... it's where I belong," he agreed softly. "I was an idiot for ever letting anything get in the way of that." The words felt raw and honest, like he should have said them years ago instead of letting silence build walls between them. Every missed opportunity to tell her how he felt, every time he'd chosen to stay quiet instead of opening up — they all seemed like such foolish mistakes now. Then she kissed him, and everything else just... faded away. It was soft and sweet, reminding him of all those little moments he'd taken for granted before. This kiss felt different somehow—like a new beginning rather than just another kiss. When he finally pulled back, he couldn't help but smile. "Your kisses keeps getting sweeter. Who knew that's possible?"

If Ishita was being honest—she was always his. She had never fallen out of love with Vihaan, if anything she’d been disappointed and slightly heartbroken but she would always be his girl. That would never change. The girl she’d been when she’d met him would always tug her heart in his direction. So seeing even that inking of his changed behaviour had her feelings kickstart in the best way possible. His admission now about practicing jokes in front of the mirror had her chuckling out loud. “Are you—that’s so cute Vihaan,” she said with a smile before reaching out to clutch his hand tightly. She’d never expected someone to put so much effort into something for her but here he was—telling her and showing her at the same time. “I love that—and I love that you’re telling me this now. I had no idea,” she grinned at him before telling him softly how pleased she was that they were trying again.

His words about them being everything to him had Ishi’s heart soaring. She loved that he was feeling this way and that was able to openly communicate that with her as well. She knew how it had been difficult at times but this was her new Vihaan; Vihaan 2.0 who was trying his best to show her what he was feeling and thinking and she couldn’t be happier. “You’re being adorable,” she murmured as she raised her gaze to glance in his direction at those words. He was being so earnest and it made her feel all warm and fuzzy in her heart—truly falling back in love with him as if she’d ever fallen out of it. She asked the question then and waited for his response, listening as he spoke about those regrets he had. It touched her to hear him speaking so candidly and openly and with a smile she made sure he looked at her when he told her he wanted to be better at everything with her.

“You already are Vi,” she told him with a smile, her hand gently resting against his cheek. “You have no idea how meaningful it is to hear these words from you. I—I want this to really work for us, not just us but—the family. You being home with us…it’s where you’re meant to be.” A part of her hand more to say but before she could, she felt that overwhelming urge to kiss him and so kiss him she did, it was a lot tamer than the kisses they’d shared in the past but it was a start at least. 

[elysicnxficlds]

Vihaan never expected those stupid jokes would work on her back then, but they did, and now here she was, still putting up with his attempts at humor. When she brought up their first date, a million thoughts raced through his mind—mainly about how ridiculous he'd been, practicing in front of the mirror for hours like some idiot teenager. "I practiced those jokes for weeks, you know. Had a whole repertoire ready just in case the first ones bombed," he told her, meaning to sound cool about it but probably failing. Looking back at it now, he probably looked like such a dork standing in front of that mirror for hours—but those jokes had worked on her, hadn't they? He'd actually written them all down in a little notebook, crossing out the ones that made him cringe and highlighting the ones he thought might make her laugh. God, what a ridiculous thing to admit now. It meant everything that she hadn't given up on them, even when he'd made it so difficult. 

"How could I? You and the kids, you're everything," he said, and for once he didn't overthink the words. She praised the night's beauty, and he knew she was right—there was something special about being here with her again. “It truly is beautiful, but not as beautiful as you are.” He wasn't trying to be smooth or anything. It just came out naturally because that's exactly what he was thinking while looking at her. Maybe it sounded cheesy as hell, but screw it—he'd spent too many years holding back what he wanted to say to her. When she asked about what they could've changed, he had to stop walking. "I think about it every day," he said, holding onto her hand. "Like how I should've talked to you more instead of shutting down when things got hard." He wanted her to know he got it now, all the times he'd messed up by staying quiet. "But I want to now. I want to be better at this—at everything—with you." He kept thinking about every night he'd chosen work over talking, every morning he'd left without saying what he really felt, every moment he could have fixed things but didn't. Now, walking beside her on this beach, he promised himself he wouldn't make those same mistakes again.

“Of course they worked on me, I told you that on our first date,” she reminded him with a kind smile. He’d cracked through the walls she’d set around her heart so easily—his humour being the way in. Ishita hadn’t laughed as much in life as she had with Vihaan. But on the flip side—she also had never cried as much in life as she had because of him either. It wasn’t something she liked to think about but it was there—something they both unfortunately had to work through together to come on the other side. “I’m just glad…you didn’t give up on us either,” she obviously hadn’t which was why she was still here, agreeing to go on this date while their kids were with their favourite other duo. The mention of the beach definitely had her excited and so when Vihaan suggested they head there, she was eagerly walking alongside with him to the car. She was so thrilled to be revisiting such a pivotal place in their past and hopefully their future as well. As he parked the car, Ishita was about to push open the door but there he was, right at her door, opening it wide for her which had her smiling. It was sweet and she appreciated those little touches so much. Acts of service was one of her top two love languages along with quality time and Vihaan was doing his best to show her those things once more. “Thank you,” she smiled as she reached for his hand and allowed him to help her out of the car before she continued walking with him, their hands still connected. When he spoke, she glanced in his direction, a soft smile on her face. “No—I think this night is truly beautiful, for a lot of reasons.” One of which was him making this true effort with her. “Do you ever—wonder what we could’ve changed back then?” She wanted to talk this all out with him. Yes it could be painful but she felt like without this transparency, it would be hard to move forward. 

[elysicnxficlds]

Vihaan was amazed at how easy this all seemed now. Her trust in him made him feel like that nervous teenager who'd first asked her out behind the bleachers. When she called him ‘Mr. Bajwa,’ he smiled like an idiot. She still knew exactly what made him tick. Seeing her smile at him like that—like nothing had changed—made his heart raced in the way he thought he'd outgrown. He swore the way she said his name should be illegal—especially when she knew damn well what it did to him. Crazy how she still held this power over him, turning him from a grown man into that sweaty-palmed kid practicing pickup lines in his bedroom mirror. And honestly? He wouldn't have had it any other way. After feeling dead on the inside for so long, it was good to feel alive again. "Those jokes worked on you though, didn't they?" He loved that she remembered his dorky attempts at humor, especially now when everything between them felt so real. Her laugh at his mirror practice confession took him back to their first date. "Hey now, I'll have you know those jokes were carefully curated masterpieces," he protested, trying to keep a straight face.

he found himself fighting a laugh—because seriously, who was he kidding with this defense? Every time she rolled her eyes at his jokes, there was this undercurrent of fondness that punched him right in the heart. Here he was, still trying to make her laugh like an idiot—and the best part? It was actually working. The fact that she'd cataloged every single one of his terrible jokes felt like some kind of weird victory. She'd definitely been paying attention when he wasn't looking. The beach called to him. It always had. Miami's shoreline had seen their best moments, and maybe it would see more. "I figured we could go take a walk by the beach. The sea turtles might be nesting tonight.” The fact that he remembered the sea turtle nesting season felt like some kind of cosmic joke—because of course he remembered, just like he remembered everything about their nights on that beach. He could only hope she would think he was being weird. Suggesting the beach wasn't just about taking a walk, it was about every single memory they'd ever made there.

Falling back in love with her husband had never been on Ishita’s bingo card for this year. But now that it was happening, she couldn’t wish for anything else. To know that they were on their way to becoming a proper family again—nothing mattered more to her. “I know baby,” she whispered as he looked into her eyes and truly made her feel weak from the intensity in his gaze. It was warming to know that this was everything he’d hoped for. “You can say anything you want Vihaan, you know I’m always 100% yours,” she admitted with a soft smile before shaking her head recalling just how crazy it was that they were both actually sitting here together— and this was not actually one of her extremely vivid dreams.

“You never had to work very hard to impress me Mr. Bajwa,” Ishita told him with a smile before letting out a laugh at his admission. “Tell me you didn’t actually do that, your jokes weren’t even that good to begin with,” she told him with a laugh before sighing and shrugging, “I mean some of them were really good but others…not so much.” The fact that he was trying so hard to communicate clearly with her regarding them and the life he wanted to lead with her was speaking volumes on how hard he’d worked on himself. It was everything she had hoped for at one point in their marriage and now to see it happening, it meant the world to her. “I think the kids secretly love your jokes, even if Pallavi is more often than not rolling her eyes at you.” The truth was they both idolized their father and never once had Ishita wanted to take that away from them. The relationship they shared was too great and sacred that she’d never ruin that even when her own heart had been broken. “Now—any other plans for tonight Vihaan or are we just heading home?” Her eyes twinkled, eager to know just what else her ex-husband had planned on this impromptu first date. 

[elysicnxficlds]

Relief washed over Vihaan at her words. The simple truth that she wanted this too made him dizzy with joy. His fingers moved in gentle patterns across her hand, cherishing this moment between them. "You have no idea how much that means to me," he breathed, meeting her gaze. "Knowing you're all in… it's everything I've hoped for." He thought about all those lonely nights after the divorce, when he'd stare at photos of their family vacations to the Keys, wondering if he'd ever get another chance. After struggling for so long to say the right things, to express what was in his heart, having Ishita understand him now felt like finally breaking through a wall he'd been banging against for years. When she mentioned loving his sweet talk, a grin spread across his face. "Then I'll never stop telling you how amazing you are. Every single day."

He remembered all those therapy sessions where he'd learned to open up, to say what he really felt instead of keeping it bottled inside like he used to. Now, he finally understood that sometimes the simplest words meant everything—and he'd spend every day making up for the compliments he should have given her during their marriage. While sharing bites, he remembered their first date with perfect clarity. Her confession about being ‘a goner’ had him laughing. "And here I was thinking I had to work so hard to impress you," he teased, taking another bite. "If I'd known you were already swooning, I wouldn't have practiced my jokes in the mirror for hours." He'd spend hours in front of his bathroom mirror practicing cheesy one-liners just to make Ishita laugh.

The memory of Ishita's laughter at his nervous jokes back then still rang clear in his mind—she'd always made him feel like he could just be himself, even when he was a complete mess. He gave her hands a squeeze. "Now the kids get to hear my cheesy jokes. Poor souls." He could already pictured Parth rolling his eyes dramatically at his dad jokes during their Saturday morning pancake routine, while Pavalli pretended not to laugh but always cracked a smile anyway. The night felt like magic, like falling for each other again. But now they understood what mattered—they'd grown up, learned from mistakes, and knew the value of what they had. He made a silent promise to himself. This time around, he'd give her the love she deserved.

Vihaan was clearly trying to do everything right to get on her good side and while she didn’t mind it one bit, she didn’t want him to try and force himself to be someone he wasn’t. If he wanted to keep saying the sweetest things to her, she couldn’t actually stop him. But the way he was looking at her—it was doing things to her, things she hadn’t deemed possible since so many long months ago. This man in front of her was her prince charming, he’d been that way since they’d first met and there was hardly anything that could change it. She loved being his wife and if that’s where this future would lead them again—there was hardly anything she could want more. 

“You’re not doubting me…I just don’t want that you feel like I’m not in this as deeply as you do, because—I would never have even thought about giving you a chance if I felt any apprehension,” she told him with a nod before feeling his hand on hers still as they sat there together. Those words from him about her beauty, all things he’d said before and yet now—they came with more meaning. He knew what it was like to lose her, he’d seen it and lived through it and now they were both here on the other side. “I love when you say things like that…I hope you know that,” she told him with a twinkle in her eyes. It was so hard for her to not just want to pull him close and ensure he knew just how serious she was but she opted instead to share her food and see how he liked it. 

“Oh yeah? The company adds the best flavour I’m sure,” she said with a giggle before looking back at him as they continued their dinner. The conversation flowed so well, it was like no time had passed. They spoke about the kids, their lives, their careers and even their marriage but everything was accepted and spoken about in a way that showed how much they both matured. Ishita watched as he spoke about dessert, only shaking her head at his words and the memory he brought up with had her nodding. “I remember…but you couldn’t mess up with me, I was a goner for you even back then,” she told him as she went ahead and took a bite from the cake herself before looking at him with a smile. “I just—I want you to know Vihaan that this means a lot to me, being here with you like this. I know it’s special and I know how important it is for both of us to be on the same page…and yeah I’m really glad we’re trying to make things work again.” 

[elysicnxficlds]

Vihaan’s heart raced as he processed Ishita’s words. He couldn’t believe she was giving him another chance. It felt surreal, like a dream he never wanted to wake up from. All their past baggage and divorce disappeared in this moment. He found himself transported back to their early days, when everything was new and exciting. “That’s what you want, right? For me to stop? I’ll do whatever you want,” he said, his eyes dancing with mirth. Her teasing smile brought a smile from him. He liked seeing this side of her again. It was such a relief to finally experience this after such a long time. He’d missed her playfulness—the way her eyes crinkled when she laughed. It reminded him of all the reasons he’d fallen in love with her in the first place.

“I’ll try to stop, I promise. You’re right, I don’t want you to think I’m doubting you too. That’s the last thing I want,” he said seriously. The last thing he wanted was to mess this up again. He’d spent so much time reflecting on their past, on his own shortcomings. He knew he hadn’t always been the best at expressing himself, and it had cost him dearly. But now, he was determined to do better. He looked at her, still blown away that this was happening. The compliment made him feel fantastic in every way. It was like a balm to his soul. “Well, I think you’re the most beautiful woman in the world,” he replied louder than he perhaps should be talking. “Inside and out.” He meant it. To him, Ishita had always been the most stunning woman he’d ever laid eyes on. But it wasn’t just her physical beauty that captivated him. It was her kindness, her strength, the way she loved their children fiercely. Even through their hardest times, he’d never stopped admiring her.

As she held out the fork, offering him a bite, he leaned in without thinking twice. They locked eyes as he took a bite. The simple act felt incredibly intimate, reminiscent of their early dating days when every touch—every moment felt electric. “Mmm, delicious,” he said. “Though I think the company makes it taste even better.” Over dinner, they engaged in effortless conversation, sharing laughter and exchanging frequent glances. He told her about work, and she filled him in on everything he’d missed out on. It felt normal and good. He found himself relaxing, the tension he’d been carrying for months finally easing. This was how it should be, he thought. This was what he’d been missing. When dessert arrived, he was insistent on splitting a piece of chocolate cake. “Dessert is not dessert if we’re not sharing it,” he said with a smile. “I remembered our first time doing this. I was so nervous I almost dropped the fork. I was scared of messing things up with the most amazing girl I’d ever met.” The memory flooded back, vivid and clear. He’d been a bumbling mess that night, tripping over his words and nearly spilling his drink. But Ishita had found it endearing, laughing at his jokes and putting him at ease. He remembered thinking then that he’d do anything to keep making her laugh like that.

If Ishita was being honest, she'd have been able to tell Vihaan how she truly felt like this was nothing short of a dream as well. After all, who'd have thought the two of them could make it here after so much time had passed? Certainly not her. It was still just so exhilarating to know that the man she'd given her heart to so long ago-clearly still wanted it and more. "Will you?" she asked with a teasing smile before shaking her head, "you can keep being cute—I don't mind." She smiled as she reached for his hand once more, squeezing it and sighing softly. "You do deserve a second chance Vihaan-stop doubting it please. It makes me feel like you're doubting me also." She sighed softly before watching as he processed her words.

It honestly was crazy just how beautiful he was. Vihaan truly was such an incredibly good-looking man. She recalled how it astounded her that he was single when they first met. She did think he was a little nerdy sure but that proved to be an endearing quality to her. The way his eyes sparkled when he looked at her, that crookedly perfect smile of his, all of it sent her insides tingling with anticipation and excitement. "I know babe, and I think this time—we know what we can't afford to lose, so we'll do better." She sighed quietly before continuing to try and focus on the food in front of her. His words caught her by surprise as she glanced back up at him, a smile on her lips as she podded, "I might be beautiful but you're the most handsome man around…you know that?" Ishita countered with a wink before digging her fork into her food and holding it out to his mouth. "Try some."

[elysicnxficlds]

Vihaan looked at Ishita, his heart racing. He couldn't believe they were here, having dinner together after everything that had happened. The restaurant buzzed with activity around them, but he only had eyes for her. He took in her features, remembering all the little details he'd missed during their time apart. The way her nose crinkled when she smiled, the slight tilt of her head when she was listening. She captivated him. "Okay, I'll stop. Old habits die hard. You have to let me get used to this. It still feels like this is a dream. Like I shouldn't be given a second chance." He winced internally at his words. He'd always struggled with expressing himself, and here he was, fumbling again. He wanted to make this work, not just for himself and Ishita, but for them too. The memory of their last family movie night flashed through his mind - Parth curled up against his side, Pavalli giggling at the screen, and Ishita's hand intertwined with his. He wanted more moments like that.

He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I promise I'll do better this time, Ishita. I'll communicate more, be open with my feelings. I want us to work." He meant it. The divorce had been a wake-up call, showing him how his inability to express himself had damaged their relationship. He thought about all the times he should have spoken up, should have told Ishita how he felt. Never again. As she took a bite of her food, he found himself staring at her again. The way her eyes lit up as she enjoyed her meal, the small smile that played on her lips. It reminded him of their early days together, when everything was new and exciting. He remembered their first date, how nervous he'd been, how beautiful she'd looked. He'd fallen for her then, and he realized he was falling all over again. "You're beautiful, you know that?" he said, probably looking like an idiot as he stared at her. But he didn't care. He wanted her to know how he felt—wanted to voice the thoughts he'd kept inside for so long.

For Ishita—it was simple. He showed her how he felt about her. He showed her how he was willing to change things. And more importantly—he showed her that he still wanted to try with her. All of that was enough for her to want to agree to this date and to trying things again. Not only did their kids deserve having their parents live together but even Ishita and Vihaan deserved the companionship they’d once shared. “That you do,” she told him with a bright smile because he did know her well. He knew her better than anyone and for Ishita—it was the utmost level of trust because there was nothing she’d kept from Vihaan. He was truly her person in every which way. She felt him squeeze her hand and smiled up at him before nodding, she knew he loved her too but it was when he spoke about deserving her that she frowned and was ready to pull her hand back until he kissed it gently. “Can you not say that anymore? About not deserving me? You only get what you deserve so if you have me—know that you deserve me,” she nodded before smiling at the way he was looking at her. 

The man could give her butterflies in her stomach even after all these years—while at the same time she felt so at peace around him. It was crazy but she knew in that moment that she was right where she belonged, just like she’d always been whenever Vihaan was present in her life. She listened intently as he spoke about what he felt when they’d split up and began their separation. It killed her hear just how lost he’d been but at the same time, she was glad he hadn’t told her any of it. She automatically would’ve felt guilty and would’ve asked for him to come back home. This was different now. “Of course you have a second chance at everything again,” she told him with a smile. “You’ve changed in the time we’ve been apart Vihaan, I can see it…the way you’re trying to say more now, you’re expressing yourself. Not to mention you’re telling me your thoughts, that’s all I ever wanted…to be really let into your life,” she told him with a soft sigh as he spoke about not disappointing their kids. She knew he was telling the truth, he would never hurt them and she believed that. “I want it too,” she smiled softly before realizing she did need to stop herself from getting too swept up. “But we still need to take it slow, I need to…really be sure not for me and you but...the kids. I don't want to--give them whiplash or something,” she told him softly before giving him another smile. “I love you, I really do.” She watched as the food was laid out in front of them and was very impressed by all of it until she glanced up at him offering her the food. She opened her mouth and took the bite before seeing exactly what he was talking about. “Oh my god…this was so worth it, I mean—obviously I wanted to go out with you again but this was the best place. Good choice babe,” she told him with another wink that let him know she really was very impressed. 

[elysicnxficlds]

Her smile, her wink—it all reminded him of why he'd fallen for her in the first place. This felt right, perfect even. He found himself grinning like an idiot, feeling like a lovesick teenager all over again. "Yup." Vihaan nodded. He didn't know how to be anyone other than himself. Vihaan wasn't a player and he never thought having a ton of girlfriends was appealing, which was why when he fell for Ishita, he gave his all into it. Yeah, communication was not his strongest suit, but he was trying harder now and that should count for something. "You don't have to admit it, I know." He said, giving her a knowing look. As Ishita spoke about her feelings, he felt his heart swell. He'd always known she loved him, but hearing her say it so openly now after so long—the words being uttered without hesitation—made him realize just how much he'd taken that love for granted before. "I love you too. God, Ish," he breathed, squeezing her hand. "I don't deserve you. I really don't." He lifted her hand to place a kiss on the back of it. "But I'm so grateful you're giving me another chance."

He wasn’t going to waste it. Never again. This time, he would be a better partner to her. "You know, when we split up, I thought I'd lost everything. My wife, my best friend, my partner in crime." He chuckled softly. "But hearing you say all that… it's like I've been given a second chance at life." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "I love you too, Ishita. More than I ever knew how to say before. But I'm learning. I'm trying to be better at expressing myself, at communicating. Because you deserve to hear it every day, in every way possible." He felt a lump forming in his throat, thinking about all the time he disappointed her and their kids when he put work above their needs. He did better after the divorce, making sure to keep being present for his children, but it felt too late. "And I promise you, I won't disappoint our kids again. They're everything to me, just like you are. I want us to be a family again, properly this time." Vihaan took a deep breath, feeling lighter than he had in years. "I’m just an old and emotionally stunted graphic designer, but I’m trying to do better now." Or so he thought he was doing. The food arrived and once they were alone, he dug in. His taste buds were blown away by a burst of flavors and he held up a serving on his fork for Ishita. “Try this. It’s so good.”

Ishita couldn't deny how good it felt to be not only with Vihaan like this but seeing him smile so much and knowing that he was really there for her and not for any other reason. “Oh yeah?” She smiled at him before nodding at his words about her love affair with tiramisu, it really was her utmost favourite. “I would never admit or deny that," she told him with a little wink as she felt him squeeze her hand. Except the truth was she could never love anything or anyone more than she loved him. Even her kids. She knew a lot of people said their kids were their entire world and while Ishita understood that sentiment quite well--she never would've had them without Vihaan and that made him that much more special to her. 

She listened intently as he tried to answer her question, finding herself leaning in slightly as he spoke about how the little things from their day to day had certainly helped him remember why he'd fallen for her in the first place. She couldn't help but smile as he spoke about their kiss and just how he felt when they'd split up. “I missed it all too,” she admitted softly before listening to his words about trying hard again to show her that he’d changed and that he would be the partner she deserved, the partner she'd always cherished. “Of course not," she said with a loud chuckle before covering her mouth with her hand at the way the other guests in the restaurant glanced in their direction. But when he asked her what made her say yes to him, she had no real answer but the truth. “Because I love you Vihaan, and if you were willing to try--how could I refuse? You could take my heart and crush it a thousand times over and I’d still be waiting for you to come back. And that’s not because I'm a pushover or something but the amount of love I have for you—I can't describe it, you're everything to me and to know that you’re willing to try again, of course I wanted to see it happen…how could I refuse?” Of course Ishita knew that if he disappointed their kids again, more than her—things would shift once more but for now she truly was just so thrilled at seeing how much effort he was putting into making things right. 

[elysicnxficlds]

His eyes crinkled at her teasing. "There you go. That's more like it," Vihaan said, beaming. "It definitely works." As they settled in, he relaxed more and more. Their familiar banter felt just right, like coming home after a long trip. He chuckled when she mentioned tiramisu, remembering all those dinners where she'd insisted on saving room for her favorite dessert. "Oh, I remember your love affair with tiramisu all too well," he teased, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "I swear, sometimes I thought you loved it more than me." He was teasing her. After having to hold back after their divorce, this felt nice and easy. It was these little things that made him realize how much he'd missed her. Her question caught him off guard. He paused, choosing his words carefully. This mattered—he didn't want to screw it up.

"It wasn't just one thing," he started, his thumb tracing patterns on her hand. "Moving back played a part. Being around you and the kids again reminded me of what we had. But it was more than that. It was seeing you every day, remembering why I fell for you in the first place. The way you laugh at our son's silly jokes, how patient you are helping our daughter with homework. And that kiss. It made me realize those feelings never really went away." It wasn’t the feelings that were lacking, more so his lack of communication. "But mostly, it was realizing what I'd lost when we split up. Not just my wife, but my best friend. The person who knows me better than anyone else. I missed that connection, that understanding. And I wanted—no, I needed—to try again. To show you that I've changed, that I can be the partner you deserve." He paused, suddenly aware he'd been rambling. Heat crept up his neck as he added, "Plus, let's be honest, no one else appreciates my dad jokes quite like you do." No one understood him the way Ishita did and if he had figured that out sooner, they wouldn’t be divorced. Of course, he had no desire to screw up again. This was it, she was it for him. "What about you? What made you say yes to this date? I mean, I'm happy you did, but I have to admit, I was a bit surprised."

“You’re being incredibly romantic but just a little cheesy, does that work?" She reasoned with him before smiling as he winked at her. This was so surreal and yet it felt familiar. Perhaps that was the best part of this whole first date situation that not only were they both making an effort, but it didn't feel like a first date because they knew each other so well. She could see clearly how hard Vihaan was trying and she had to give him credit for it because despite how difficult things had gotten in the past--she'd never stopped loving him. And if she was honest with herself—she knew she probably never could. She felt him take her hand and smiled up at him as he continued finding those little ways to keep touching her, almost making her feel like she was able to keep grounded. 

“Oh that sounds really good, I was thinking of the tortellini. But I’ve got to make sure to leave room for tiramisu, you know I can’t ever resist a good tiramisu,” she chuckled softly before laughing at his statement about wanting to not overeat because they both knew the dessert here was going to be absolutely worth it. Except something told her that even if the dessert wasn't great--he'd ensure they got something tasty and sweet later on regardless. Ending the night on a sweet note had always been something they did while dating and a part of her wondered if he'd want to keep that tradition going. 

She smiled as he placed his order before doing her own. “I’ll have the stuffed tortellini, and could you also bring a side of the caprese salad please?” She watched as the waiter made note of their order and took the menus from them while Ishita returned her gaze back to Vihaan’s and smiled. “So--I have to ask you, what made you want to try again? Was it moving back into the house or...something else?" Perhaps asmall part of her needed to know it wasn't thanks to being dropped into a familiar routine as their life used to consist of. 

[elysicnxficlds]

There was so much Vihaan wanted to say—even after the word vomit earlier—but he respected Ishita’s decision to take things slow. He had to push his desire for a reconciliation back. But then something happened. She kissed him. It was then that the shackles that had been keeping him back broke free—a wave of emotions washed over him as her lips lingered on his. The kiss caught him off guard, but he quickly melted into it, deepening it and savoring the familiar yet long-lost sensation. As they parted, he gazed into her eyes, surprise and hope swirling within his. "Wow… That was unexpected,” he said, sounding like an idiot, but quickly added, “but in the best way possible." Gently, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, his fingers grazing her cheek. "I'm here for you and the kids, no matter what. That's a promise."

Afterwards, they spent the rest of the day at Jungle Island with their children. A part of him felt a renewed sense of optimism. Watching the kids laugh and play together filled his heart with warmth. Moments like these reminded him nothing could break up their family. Throughout the day, he found himself stealing glances at Ishita, his mind replaying the kiss they had shared. The spark still existed between them, but he knew they had a long way to go. Trust needed to be rebuilt, and open communication would be key. For now, he was content to enjoy this time together, focusing on creating happy memories with their children. He found himself drawn to her side as the day wore on—their hands brushing occasionally as they walked. The simple contact sent a jolt of electricity through him, reminding him of the connection they once shared. When it was time to leave, he gathered the kids and helped them into the car, his gaze meeting hers over the roof. In that moment, he saw a flicker of the love they had once shared, a promise of what could be if they were willing to work for it. With a smile, he climbed into the driver's seat—looking forward to the future.

COMPLETED

“Thank you,” she whispered softly, still not wanting the kids to overhear them. But she needn’t had worried, they were currently talking amongst themselves all about what they wanted to do next and enjoying themselves. But this moment with Vihaan was one that Ishita honestly hadn’t envisioned happening. It felt intimate to hear these thoughts he’d had and realize that while she’d been under the impression he’d moved on and wasn’t looking for anything with her again, here he was—showing her once again that he could be depended on. He truly was such an enigma all the time. How had she ever let him go? She let out a shaky breath before looking away from him, ready to move slightly away until she heard him speak up again and found herself staring at him in surprise.

Did he know? Did Vihaan realize that this was all she wanted to hear? That he’d be there for her and the kids, in a way that was different than before? Maybe—maybe not. Maybe he was just saying it out of jealousy when he’d seen the other man but at this point Ishita didn’t care. She was more just feeling that glimmer of hope thanks to his words. “Never thank me for that,” she whispered softly before inching slightly closer, her lips pressing against the corner of his mouth. She had all the plans to keep it brief and pull away but as soon as their lips touched—she lost her control and let the kiss go from a soft peck to a bit more deeper, just reminding them both of what they had lost and what they could still get if they tried hard enough. 

[elysicnxficlds]

"I wouldn't call it cheesy. I'm being romantic." Vihaan chuckled at Ishita's remark about his cheesiness. "Well, I aim to please," he said with a playful wink. Her smile warmed his heart, it reminded him of all the reasons he'd fallen for her in the first place. As they sat at the table, he kept looking her way—admiring how beautiful she looked tonight. When Ishita mentioned wanting it to be us he swore he could whoop. He'd been so afraid of messing things up again, but her words reassured him. Maybe they really could make this work. He noticed her hand on the table, like an invitation he couldn't resist. Reaching out, he took her hand in his, giving it a soft squeeze. It was a simple gesture, but it felt like coming home after a long journey. He found himself tracing small circles on the back of her hand with his thumb.

"Hmm… the pasta options do look tempting," he mused, glancing back at the menu. "I'm leaning towards the fettuccine alfredo with grilled chicken. How about you?" It meant so much to him that they were here. Trying again was something he would never expect for Ishita to agree on. Especially considering how much he’d messed up. Communication wasn’t his strongest how much it means to me that we're here, trying again. He would do better this time around, however. “I’m trying not to over eat so we can save space for dessert.” He looked up just as the waiter approached their table, notepad in hand. He straightened up slightly, his hand still resting comfortably on Ishita's. 

“Are you ready to order?” The man asked.

"I'll have the fettuccine alfredo with grilled chicken, please," he said with a small smile before turning to wait for Ishita to place her order. 

“Nah I mean—I might have had a slightly inkling to that, but I forgot just how cheesy you can be,” she reminded him with a grin before feeling his hand on hers squeezing it back. She loved this feeling of just being with him and trying to live in the moment. She knew that even though she was reminding him not to worry about things out of their control, she’d been guilty of the same when they’d been nearing their unfortunate end. But that was why she was determined to not let that ruin things this time around. “I love that," she told him with a smile before they headed out to get their date started.

There was an obvious big part of her that wanted to almost forgo the dinner plans and head to the nearest hotel and just have her way with him but she knew they needed to take things slow. They might know each other just as well as they did before, but rushing into something would only make things worse if they fell apart again. She had to hold back her heart—as much as she could. “I—I want it to be us,” she admitted softly before nodding at his words of gratitude. He truly was so handsome that she sometimes didn't know how to keep herself from staring at him. Ishita allowed him to lead her to the entrance and continued walking with him as they got to their table. She only really let his hand go when he held out her chair for her to get seated, already missing that familiar warmth and comfort she could get from that simple gesture. She opened up the menu like he did and glanced it over before hearing his words. “I think pasta is a good choice--any particular one stand out to you?” She put her hand on the table, keeping it towards the center, a silent request for him to grasp it once more. 

[elysicnxficlds]

Everyone who knew him was well aware he had a hard time speaking his mind. There was always something stopping him. But today it felt like he couldn’t stop himself. The words came stumbling out. Did he feel better? Yeah. In the same breath, he was also worried about her response. He nodded slowly as Ishita expressed her surprise at the turn the day had taken. Not that it surprised him. Her words about needing time to think filled him with a mix of hope and trepidation. Of course, Vihaan understood her hesitation—they had the children to consider, and rushing into anything could potentially cause more harm than good. Still, it felt like a kick in the gut. When she reached out to cup his cheek, he leaned into her touch, the hurt he felt receding a little. "I understand," he said, his eyes searching hers—placing his hand over hers. "There's a lot to consider. I don't want to pressure you or make things more complicated than they already are." He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. "Take all the time you need, Ish. I'm not going anywhere."

He knew that he had to be patient and understanding, even if every fiber of his being longed to pull her into his arms and never let go. He had to think about Parth and Pavalli and what was best for them. If there was a chance to rebuild their family, he wanted to do it right this time—with open communication, trust, and unwavering commitment. He’d been here for years, there was no one else he would rather be with. It would always be Ishita. As they sat there, surrounded by their children, he felt a glimmer of hope for the future. Maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other and make it work this time. For now, he would give her the space she needed to process everything, while continuing to be the best father he could be. "Thank you for hearing me out. No matter what happens, I want you to know that I'll always be here for you and the kids. That will never change."

Ishita hadn’t known what on earth possessed Vihaan to ask that question. Because not only had it caught her off guard, it had completely caused her to wonder if he was asking because he was ready to move on and was asking her permission in some pseudo way. Still she answered him as honestly as she could have before posing the same question back to him. Today had not been at all what she’d expected. Ishita felt vulnerable and exposed under the gaze of the one man who knew her inside and out and she didn’t know why she wasn’t..uncomfortable with that feeling. Was it because ultimately she knew Vihaan would never hurt her? Or was there something else—a more numbing feeling keeping her from realizing that she was close to getting her heart broken? Ishita pushed all those thoughts away as soon as his hand came down over hers, a gentle squeeze causing her to lift her gaze back up to his own. 

His words were sweet as he spoke about her being incredible and how lucky anyone would be to have her in their life. It was sweet of him to say it, even if it made her feel almost hollow. If she was that special, why had he not been there to appreciate her? Why wasn’t he still trying to fight for her? It was selfish if her to think this way when she hadn’t shown him that she still cared about him of course. But she’d let him move into their home once more, that was a clear step in that direction right? “No it can’t be replicated at all…” she said softly before looking away from him when he admitted to thinking about moving on as well. She’d expected as much. But as soon as he’d said those words about not imagining it with anyone else but her, she lifted her gaze once more up to his in shock. His hand was still over hers, allowing her to feel incredibly connected to him once more as he spoke the words she’d dreamed of him saying over and over. 

But now that he was saying it reality, what was she supposed to do? What was she supposed to say? He was telling her softly that he still loved her and their kids were right there. What would they think? Ishita’s breathing got slightly more shallow as she listened to him asking her for another chance and found her heart soaring in excitement. Wasn’t this all she’d wanted? Wasn’t this what she’d spent countless nights dreaming about? He wanted to make it work again? He wanted them to be together again? She couldn’t deal with another heartbreak if it didn't work, not to mention the kids…how would they feel about this whiplash? She couldn’t do that to them. As soon as his hand moved away though, she was frowning clearly missing the warmth he had given her before she heard his words and finally let out a deep sigh because there was her Vihaan again. Laying his heart out for her before the nerves kicked in and made him anxious once more. “You know, when I woke up today? I had no idea this was how the day was going to go," she admitted quietly before giving him a small smile. “I—everything you said was wonderful Vihaan, but I—I’ll need to think about this. There’s so much to think about, with us…the kids, I don’t want to rush into something.” She reached over this time and gently cupped his cheek. “But—I want your happiness too and you need to know that. Just—give me some time?” 

[elysicnxficlds]

"You don't? I thought you knew you're sweet as honey?" he teased in return, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. As she reminded him not to worry about things out of their control, Vihaan nodded. It was one of the many things he admired about her—her ability to keep him grounded. "You're right," he said. "Tonight is about us, here and now." The feel of her lips on his cheek made his heart race, and he found himself wishing he could pull her close and never let go. He was eager to make this night special, to show her how much she meant to him. As they got ready and headed out, he couldn't take his eyes off her. She looked stunning, as always, and he felt like the luckiest man alive. There were times when he wondered why someone as amazing as she was would want to be with him? He was nothing but average. Still, he wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Things happened for a reason, and he truly believed she was meant to be in his.

In the car, her remark about him being the only one she'd have a second first date with touched him. "I feel the same way. You're it for me, Ishita. Always have been." He couldn’t picture being with anyone else, if he was being perfectly honest. It had always been her. "Thank you," he replied to her compliment, his eyes briefly leaving the road to glance at her. "And I'm the lucky one here. I still can't believe you agreed to give us another chance." Before long, he was pulling into the parking lot and getting out to open her door. As she stepped out, he took a moment to admire her beauty once again. Damn, he was a lucky bastard. They walked hand in hand to the entrance, where the hostess greeted them with a smile. He told the hostess that they’d made reservations, before they were led to their table. At the table, he pulled out her chair, waiting for her to be seated before taking his own place across from her. He opened the menu, his eyes scanning the options before looking up at Ishita. "So, what are you feeling like having?" he asked while holding up the menu. "I hear their pasta is amazing, but I'm open to anything you'd like to try.”

Ishita was honestly feeling over the moon. She knew she needed to reel it in because while this man was incredibly amazing and the true love of her life, she was scared of getting ahead of herself and finding herself disappointed again. If she was being honest, she didn't think she'd be able to take it this time around. “Nah, I had no idea,” she teased him as he squeezed her hand which had her looking at him with pure love in her heart. She just wanted to spend all her time with him again but she knew it wasn't exactly possible seeing as they both had full time jobs and their kids to think about. “Okay as long as you don't worry about things that aren’t in our control,” she reminded him before giving him another soft kiss on the cheek. She really needed to pull back the affection but honestly Ishita couldn't help it. It felt like so much time had passed since she’d last been table to be this close to him. 

“I think that sounds good,” she told him before feeling his soft kiss on her forehead as she reluctantly pulled away from him. He was certainly saying all the right things to her tonight which only made her that much more eager for how the night was going to progress. She headed upstairs to the master, eager to get to her closet to find the right outfit for their night. She needed to look right for the restaurant and the walk along the beach. A couple of options were tossed onto the bed before she finally decided on one and got dressed quickly, leaving her hair in the waves they were normally in and completing her look with minimal makeup. 

As soon as she’d come down the stairs, she caught sight of his outfit and couldn’t help the smile from appearing on her face. They were matching in a way and she loved it. With a grin she quickly took his hand as they dropped the kids off at Aditya’s. She’d seen the curious looks on Pallavi and Parth’s face and was absolutely grateful that neither of them had asked any questions. She felt him take her hand now that the kids were out of the car and smiled at him before nodding. “Of course, you're the only person I’d have a second first date with," she told him before giving him another smile. “Vihaan, thank you..you look incredibly handsome too. I’m lucky to have you with me tonight.” And she was—especially since leading up to the divorce that had been one of the hardest things for both of them, making ample time for one another. 

[elysicnxficlds]

He couldn't believe he'd just asked her that question. What was he thinking? Of course she'd thought about moving on. They were divorced, for crying out loud. It was only natural that she would consider finding someone new at some point. Still, the thought of her with another man made his stomach churn. When she handed him her bowl after spilling ice cream on her dress, Vihaan held it quietly, his mind still reeling from his own stupidity. He watched as she cleaned herself up, wishing he could take back the question altogether. As she took her bowl back and chided him gently, he nodded—a sheepish expression on his face. "You're right. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm sorry for putting you on the spot like that." But then she continued, admitting that she had thought about moving on a few times. His heart sank at her words, despite knowing it was inevitable. When she shifted to face him directly, he met her gaze, his own filled with sadness and understanding.

Hearing her expressing the fear of not being able to find the same connection with someone else, felt like a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance for them. Fuck it. It was now or never. He reached out and placed his hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Ishita, anyone would be lucky to have you in their life. You're an incredible woman, and that hasn't changed. But I understand your fears. What we had…it was special. It's not something that can be easily replicated." He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "To answer your question…yes, I've thought about it. But every time I do, I can't imagine being with anyone else but you. You're the only one who truly understands me, who knows me inside and out. I know I made mistakes, and I'll never forgive myself for letting you down. But I also know that my feelings for you haven't changed. I still love you, Ishita. I always will."

He looked down at their hands, still intertwined, and felt a wave of emotion wash over him. "I know I have no right to ask for another chance. But if there's even the slightest possibility that we could find our way back to each other, I'd do whatever it takes. I'd move mountains to make it work this time around." Realizing he'd said more than he intended—especially in the presence of their children—he cleared his throat and pulled his hand back. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said all that. I don't want to pressure you or make things uncomfortable. I just…I needed you to know how I feel. But whatever you decide, I'll respect it. Your happiness is all that matters to me."

Saying those words wasn’t easy, wishing him happiness with someone else. How could she when she was still in love with him? Her husband may have been unable to prioritize their family but their relationship hadn’t broken because of a lack of love or fidelity to one another. It broke because of their conflicting schedules and the strain it was putting on their marriage. Ishita knew that deep in her heart if things could be resolved, no one would be as happy as she and the kids would be. But that was merely a dream. “Yeah,” she whispered back before moving along with him to the ice cream cart, laughing as the kids picked their favourites and they all got their ice cream while they sat on the bench. Both the kids were seated together, eating ice cream from one another’s bowls while Ishita sat on the other side of Vihaan who as closer to the kids. His question caught her off guard, so much so that the ice cream on her spoon slipped and fell half into the bowl and half on her dress. “Whoops,” she handed him her bowl wordlessly and got to wiping away the ice cream before it could stain, his question almost forgotten for a moment. 

By the time she’d gotten rid of the ice cream stain and cleaned herself up she pulled her bowl back from him and turned to look at him. “That question was a shocker Vihaan, next time don’t ask things you don’t want to know," she said with a small smile before continuing. “But we can still enjoy our time together and talk about the things we probably should’ve talked about before as well, but um—I’ve thought about it, a few times.” She admitted with a soft sigh before she shifted to face him directly. “But I’m scared of putting myself out there and realizing quickly that…I can’t do that again. What you and I—shared, the way we were together, nothing else could match up to that and I’m afraid that if I…try with someone else, they’ll be disappointed that I can’t be..the woman I once was with you.” Ishita sighed quietly, her ice cream now turning into soup as she neglected it for so long before she glanced at him. “Have you? Thought about it at all?”