"Rayan, for heaven's sake, it's barely eight in the morning. Can't you take your energy somewhere else? Go pester your girlfriend instead." Samhita groans, cutting the phone call mid-sentence.

She had been enjoying the best sleep of her life, only to have it shattered by Rayan's incessant calls about planning some day out. Of all the times he could've picked...

Emerging from the bathroom, she pauses to check herself in the mirror. Dressed in cargo shorts and a button-down shirt with three buttons casually undone for that laid-back edge. The shirt is neatly tucked in. Golden accessories add a touch of glam. Satisfied with her look, she grabs her things and darts out of the room with hurried steps.

"Vikram," she calls softly, dropping her sling bag on the table. Her eyes land on his tall frame hunched slightly as he works over the stove in the kitchen.

The scent hit her first—rich, overwhelming, a heady mix of spices and something undeniably delicious instantly making her mouth water.