1 year later 

The world had nearly stopped spinning six months ago when the Golden Boy of football, Aarush, posted a single picture on his Instagram. It was a close-up of two hands, intertwined, with a simple caption.

The doctor who healed my heart. Forever.

The internet had exploded and millions of female fans across the country went through a collective heartbreak. For weeks, the media couldn't stop talking about the Reverse Age Gap Romance.

Headlines screamed about the star player marrying his physiotherapist. Some fans were jealous, but most were eventually won over by the candid photos of them, Mihika cheering from the VIP stands, and Aarush waiting outside her clinic with a coffee in hand. 

Aarush was standing by the kitchen counter, holding a jar of protein spread that Mihika had clearly told him was off-limits until after his blood tests.

"Aarush, put that back. Your cholesterol levels were borderline last month. I'm speaking as your wife and your medical consultant."

Mihika said, leaning against the fridge with her arms crossed, trying to look stern. He dipped a spoon into the jar, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Biwi ho, thik hai. Medical consultant ho, woh bhi thik hai. But you're forgetting one thing, Mihika."

(You are my wife, fine. Medical consultant is also fine.)

He said, bringing the spoon to his mouth.

"And what's that?"

"I'm the one who runs ten kilometres a day. Mera metabolism handles everything. Tum faltu mein darr rahi ho."

(You are worried without any cause.)

Mihika sighed, walking toward him to snatch the jar.

"Aarush, listen to me. I have two years more experience in life than you. I know how the body starts to change. Logic use karo, don't be a stubborn kid."

(Use logic.)

Aarush narrowed his eyes, a slow, cocky grin spreading across his face. He loved it when she played the mature card. It was his favourite trigger.

"Kid? Accha?"

(Really?)

Before she could react, he took a massive bite, licking the chocolate spread off his lips while looking her straight in the eye. He slammed the jar down on the counter and leaned in close, his face just inches from hers.

"Mature hone ka yeh matlab nahi ki tum hamesha right ho, Doctor Sahiba. Experience life ka ho sakta hai, but is ghar ka captain main hoon."

(Being mature doesn’t mean you’re always right, Doctor Sahiba. You might have life experience but I am the captain of this house.)

Mihika shook her head in mock exasperation, her heart doing that familiar dance at his proximity.

"Captain? My foot. You're just a big baby who happened to grow a beard. Seriously Aarush, sometimes I feel like I married a teenager who just got lucky with a football."

Aarush's jaw dropped in fake offense.

"Teenager? Luck? Oh, you're going to pay for that one, Mihika."

"What? It's the truth! Tumhara dimaag toh abhi bhi wahi 19 saal waale ladke jaisa hai."

(Your brain is that 19 year old boy brain.)

She teased, sticking her tongue out at him and poking him in the chest.

"Accha? Now you're in trouble."

(Really?)

Aarush growled playfully. Mihika didn't wait. She spun around and bolted out of the kitchen, her laughter echoing through the hallway.

"Pakad ke dikhao if you're such a great athlete!"

(Try and catch me if you’re such a great athlete!)

She yelled over her shoulder.

"Oye! Bhag kahan rahi hai? Come back here!"

(Where are you running?)

The chase was on. Mihika was fast, weaving through the dining chairs and jumping over the sofa, but Aarush was a professional predator on the field. He let her lead for a bit, enjoying the sight of her hair flying behind her and the sound of her breathless giggles. She looked so young, so alive.

"You're getting slow, Mihika!"

He teased, gaining on her as they reached the bedroom door.

"In your dreams, Aarush!"

She shouted, trying to slam the door shut, but his hand caught the frame just in time. She ducked inside, tripping slightly over the rug, and turned around just as he stormed in. She was laughing so hard she could barely breathe, her chest heaving.

"Okay, okay! I take it back! You're...you're a grown man!"

She gasped, holding her hands up in defense.

"Too late for apologies now."

Aarush said, his voice dropping into a low, husky register. He moved with sudden, explosive speed, caging her against the wall next to the bed.

His arms were like iron bars on either side of her head. The playfulness in the air shifted instantly. The lighthearted teasing evaporated, replaced by a thick, heavy tension.

Mihika's laughter died down, replaced by a sharp intake of breath. She looked up at him, her eyes wide. The boyish mischief in Aarush's eyes had been replaced by a dark, burning intensity.

"Aarush..."

She whispered, her voice trembling.

"Bahut bol rahi thi na? Experience...mature...teenager?"

(You were saying something?)

He murmured, his face descending toward hers. Without warning, he swept her off her feet.

Mihika let out a small yelp as he threw her onto the plush, king-sized bed. Before she could scramble away, he was over her, pinning her wrists gently but firmly above her head.

"Ab batao...who's the mature one here?"

(Now tell me…)

He asked, his nose grazing against hers. Mihika's breath hitched.

He leaned down, his lips trailing a path of fire from her jawline to the sensitive hollow of her throat. Mihika arched her back, a soft moan escaping her lips.

"Tum bohot zyada baatein karti ho."

(You talk a lot.)

He muttered against her skin, his hands releasing her wrists to slide down her sides, gripping her waist firmly.

He pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes devouring her. He began to unbutton her silk shirt, his fingers steady despite the heat between them. As the fabric fell away, his gaze darkened.

"You are so beautiful, it actually hurts."

He whispered.

"Tumhe dekh kar lagta hi nahi ki main koi aur cheez dhyan mein rakh sakta hoon."

(Looking at you I don’t feel like I can remember anything else.)

Mihika reached up, her fingers tangling in his messy hair, pulling him down to her. When their lips met this time, there was no softness. It was a collision of hunger and desire. 

Aarush's tongue danced with hers, deep and demanding. He moved his body against hers, letting her feel the hard lines of his muscles, the evidence of how much he wanted her. Mihika's hands moved frantically over his back, pulling his shirt up and over his head, needing to feel his skin against hers.

The room grew hot, the only sound being their ragged breathing and the rustle of clothes being discarded. Aarush moved his mouth lower, his kisses becoming more urgent, more possessive. He explored every inch of her, his touch leaving a trail of sparks that made Mihika's mind go blank.

"Aarush...please..."

She pleaded, her voice a broken whisper.

"Humare paas poora din hai. I want to make sure you remember exactly who's in charge today."

(We have the entire day.)

He shifted, his body settling between her thighs. The intimacy was overwhelming, a perfect synchronization of two souls. As he moved within her, Mihika closed her eyes, clutching his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin.

"I love you."

She gasped, her head tossing back against the pillows.

"I love you so much."

"I've got you."

He groaned, his movements becoming faster, more rhythmic.

"Hamesha."

(Always.)

The climax hit them like a wave, leaving them both clinging to each other, hearts thumping in a frantic, synced beat.

Minutes later, the room was silent again, save for the sound of the air conditioner humming. Aarush was lying on his side, holding Mihika close to his chest, her head resting on his shoulder. He pulled the duvet over them, kissing the top of her head.

Mihika traced the lines of his chest with her finger, her breathing finally evening out.

"Theek hai...maybe you're not a teenager."

(Ok…maybe you’re not a teenager.)

She whispered, a small, tired smile on her face. Aarush chuckled, the vibration rumbling through his chest.

"Abhi bhi shuru hona hai? Because I have enough energy for round two, Doctor Sahiba."

(You still want to continue?)

Mihika laughed, hitting him playfully with a pillow.

As they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, the silver whistle on the nightstand caught the light, a small reminder of where it all started. A broken knee, a strict doctor, and a love story that had defied every rule in the book.