Time flew by, and Ashwin enrolled me in the Lakshmi Goud Academy to prepare for my GATE exam. My days fell into a routine: waking up early, preparing breakfast and lunch, then commuting to the institute located in Ameerpet, and returning home exhausted in the evening. Such was the conditioning to be an all-rounder. One evening, as I collapsed onto the sofa, Ashwin appeared with a warm cup of elaichi tea. Without hesitation, I gratefully accepted the cup from his hand.

Ashwin sat beside me and suggested, "Dolly, I think you should consider moving into a hostel or finding a room closer to your academy. You're getting stuck in traffic every day."

I shook my head, responding, "No, Ashwin, let’s not spend money recklessly. We are in the same city, after all." His concern was touching, but I preferred to manage my time better rather than incurring unnecessary expenses.

Ashwin took my hand gently and said, "But Dolly... Fine, how about we hire a cook? At least you will have more time for other things." I looked at him questioningly. He continued, "If we hire maids for house chores, then you will have more time for your studies and..." He trailed off, coming closer to kiss my cheek.

I facepalmed myself, realising he was right, but a part of me worried about what others might think if they knew we hired maids with just the two of us living here. Ashwin, sensing my hesitation, side-hugged me and reassured, “Will you stop worrying about what others will say? Your husband earns enough to support your career. This is our personal affair; no one has the right to dictate how we live."

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I couldn’t help but acknowledge how Ashwin was becoming endearingly attentive with each passing day. I found myself growing accustomed to his care, and it dawned on me that this must be what love really feels like. Overwhelmed with emotion, I blurted out, "I love you." Ashwin looked momentarily taken aback, his surprise rendering him speechless.

Sensing my nervousness as I started to rise from the sofa, Ashwin quickly pulled me back, drawing me onto his lap. "Dolly, I—" he began, but instead of finishing, he leaned in and gave me a gentle peck on the lips, then hugged me tightly. The warmth of his embrace enveloped me.

Our days were indeed blessed. I prayed with all my heart that I would never let Ashwin down and vowed to make him proud. I was determined to work hard. We were happy and content; dinner went smoothly, and that night, for the first time, our relationship blossomed into romance.

The next morning, I awoke feeling drowsy, with Ashwin still sleeping peacefully beside me. I grabbed my phone and realised with a start that I was running late. Deciding quickly, I figured it would be better to take a cab today to ensure I'd reach class on time.

Gently, I shook Ashwin's shoulder to wake him. His eyes fluttered open slightly as I explained in a rush, "Ashwin, I won't have time to make breakfast today, and I need to hurry to class." With that, I dashed out like the roadrunner, managing to reach my class just five minutes before it started.