........ Last day in Maldives.....❤️

Shivank stood by the entrance of the island’s high-end boutique village, leaning against a mahogany pillar with his arms crossed, looking every bit the "Strict CEO" waiting for a meeting to start. In reality, he was just holding Aanvi’s sun hat while she zoomed through the aisles.

"Shivank-ji, look! This hand-woven silk shawl is perfect for Maa," she chirped, holding up a shimmering fabric. "And this antique compass for Papa-ji! He loves history, doesn't he?"

"He loves anything that looks expensive and comes from you, Aanvi," Shivank remarked dryly, though he signaled the shopkeeper to take the items to the counter immediately.

Aanvi was a whirlwind of "clumsy" energy—nearly knocking over a display of crystal dolphins while reaching for a designer tie for Kavya. She spent three hours picking out the perfect shell-encrusted frames, organic Maldivian spices, and even a tiny, hand-carved wooden elephant for the house staff.

By the end, Shivank was flanked by three resort attendants carrying bags. "Are we done, or am I buying the entire boutique?" he asked, a small, indulgent smirk playing on his lips.

"Just one more thing!" she said, grabbing a small, silver keychain of a bird. She handed it to him. "This is for your office keys. So the 'Strict CEO' remembers his 'Little Bird' when he’s being mean to his employees."

Shivank’s gaze turned "hard" with a sudden, intense affection. He tucked the keychain into his pocket as if it were a diamond. "Consider the employees saved," he murmured.

The Afternoon.......

After shopping, they headed to the island's private wildlife and turtle sanctuary. This was where Aanvi’s "baby side" truly took over. The moment she saw the rescued baby sea turtles, she let out a tiny, high-pitched squeal.

"Oh! Shivank-ji, look at their little flippers!" she cried, dropping to her knees by the edge of the sandy enclosure.

She spent the next hour talking to the turtles as if they understood her, giving them names like 'Mochi' and 'Button.' When a colorful tropical parrot landed on her shoulder, she froze, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Don't move, Aanvi," Shivank whispered, pulling out his phone to capture the moment.

"He likes my hair!" she whispered back, giggling as the bird gently pecked at her ribbon. She looked so innocent and full of joy that Shivank felt a physical ache in his chest. He realized then that his greatest job wasn't running a company; it was protecting this specific, pure light in her eyes.

He eventually had to practically peel her away from a baby lemur. "We have to go, Aanvi. The lemur has a family, and I have a dinner to host."

"Can we take just one? Please?" she pouted, her "baby nature" in full force.

"No," he said firmly, though he leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I already have one creature at home who needs constant supervision. I can't handle two."

The Night:

As the moon rose, the villa was bathed in the scent of burning sandalwood and the salty sea breeze. Shivank had outdone himself for the final meal. Instead of a restaurant, he had a "sunken table" dug into the private beach strip attached to their villa.

The sand was cool beneath their feet, and the table was surrounded by a ring of flickering torches.

"This is the last time it's just us for a while," Shivank said, his voice low and serious as he poured her a glass of sparkling juice. "Tomorrow, the Rathore mansion swallows us back up."

"I’m ready," Aanvi said, her voice soft but steady. "Because I’m taking this version of you back with me. The one who carries me when I’m tired and buys me keychains."

They ate slowly, savoring the dishes and the sound of the Indian Ocean. As the night deepened, Shivank led her to the edge of the water. He didn't say anything; he just held her from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder, as they watched the horizon.

"I love you, little bird," he whispered, his "hard" exterior completely gone in the moonlight.

"I love you too, my Mountain," she replied, leaning back into his strength.

The night ended not with a bang, but with a quiet, lingering promise—a final Maldivian kiss that tasted of the sea and the beautiful, chaotic life waiting for them back in Delhi.....

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