The golden light of the early New York sun filtered through the sheer curtains of their apartment, casting a warm glow on Nisha’s face. She stirred slightly, her head nestled comfortably against Aarav’s chest. His arm was draped protectively around her, his breathing slow and steady. For a moment, she just lay there, enjoying the quiet, the warmth of his body, and the peaceful rhythm of the morning.

Aarav, sensing her movement, tightened his hold on her. His eyes fluttered open, and the first thing he saw was her—his Nisha. She was still half asleep, looking angelic in the soft light.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he murmured in his deep, sleep-roughened voice.

Nisha smiled, her eyes still closed. “Morning,” she whispered back.

Aarav shifted slightly, propping himself up on one elbow, looking down at her with a softness in his eyes that no one else ever saw. He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek. “You have no idea how much I love waking up next to you,” he said, his voice full of sincerity.

Nisha opened her eyes and looked up at him, her heart swelling with affection. "I think I have a pretty good idea," she teased softly, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his arm.

Aarav smirked, his gaze drifting to her lips. Slowly, he leaned in, his face just inches from hers. “Let me show you just how much,” he whispered, his lips almost brushing against hers.

But just as their lips were about to meet, Nisha's phone rang, breaking the moment. Aarav sighed in frustration, pulling back as Nisha reached for her phone on the nightstand. She glanced at the screen and smiled apologetically at him. “It’s my father,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “Let me take this.”

Aarav groaned playfully, flopping back onto the bed with a dramatic sigh. “Of course it is,” he muttered, covering his eyes with his arm, though there was a hint of a smile on his lips.

Nisha chuckled softly, leaning down to kiss his forehead before slipping out of bed. She padded quietly out of the room, phone in hand, and answered the call.

“Hi, Papa,” she greeted warmly, stepping into the living room.

“Beta, good morning! Did I wake you?” her father’s kind voice came through the phone.

“No, no,” Nisha reassured him with a smile. “I was just waking up. How are you?”

“I’m good, beta, I just wanted to hear your voice. You know how I am,” he said, chuckling softly. “How’s everything there? Is Aarav taking good care of you?”

Nisha smiled, her heart swelling with love for her father. “Everything’s good, Papa. Aarav’s being… well, you know how he is,” she said with a light laugh.

“Yes, I know,” her father said knowingly. “But I’m sure he’s making you happy, isn’t he?”

Nisha glanced toward the bedroom door, where she knew Aarav was probably still lying in bed, being his usual impatient self. “He is, Papa. He really is,” she said softly, her voice full of affection.

“I’m glad to hear that, beta. Just remember, no matter what happens, you can always talk to me. I’m always here for you.”

“I know, Papa,” Nisha said, her heart warming at his words. “Thank you. You take care of yourself too, okay?”

“I will. You don’t worry about me. You just be happy.”

“I am, Papa,” Nisha replied softly. “I’ll talk to you soon. Take care.”

“You too, beta. Love you.”

“Love you too, Papa,” she said, smiling as she ended the call.

Nisha stood there for a moment, holding the phone in her hand, her heart full from the sweet conversation. She always felt reassured after speaking with her father. He had been her rock, her guiding light, and knowing he was always there for her made everything easier.

She slipped back into the bedroom, and as expected, Aarav wasn’t in bed anymore. The sound of the shower running told her he was in the bathroom. Smiling to herself, Nisha walked over to the bed, sitting down as she heard the water stop.

Aarav stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, his hair still damp. He raised an eyebrow at her, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Talking to your favorite man, huh?”

Nisha chuckled, shaking her head. “He’s my father, Aarav. What do you expect?”

Aarav smirked, walking over to her and placing a soft kiss on the top of her head. “I’ll let it slide… for now.”

Nisha rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh, how generous of you.”

Aarav grinned, his fingers lightly brushing her cheek as he leaned in closer. “Just remember… I’m still your favorite in this house.”

Nisha laughed, her eyes twinkling as she looked up at him. “We’ll see about that.”

The playful banter between them was always the perfect way to start their day, and as they shared a smile, the love between them felt more real than ever. The day had only just begun, and Nisha couldn’t wait to see what it would bring.

Author's Note:

Thank you so much for reading the first episode of Shattered Choices! I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into Aarav and Nisha's life and their sweet morning moments in New York. Their love is strong, but the challenges they’ll face are only just beginning. Will their bond survive the trials ahead, or will the weight of choices tear them apart?

Stay tuned for more heartwarming scenes, intense emotions, and the tough decisions that could change everything. If you’re enjoying the story , don’t forget to like and support this book—your love means the world to me!