The sky was painted in dusty orange as evening settled over the training grounds outside the city. A special officer training program was being held, and officers were allowed to bring their wives along for the two-day camp.

Siya, excited to be by Reyansh’s side, had packed extra energy drinks, food, and even ironed his uniform twice before they left.

Reyansh, always the strong-headed IPS officer, looked intimidating as ever — barking orders, leading drills, and guiding his team like a lion commanding the jungle.

But inside… something still haunted him.

That night, during a final outdoor activity, the officers were taken through a "confidence course" that included walking past trained police dogs. The moment Reyansh stepped closer, his body froze. His breaths grew sharp, and his heartbeat thundered in his ears.

Memories from childhood crashed down — a dark alley, loud barks, and sharp teeth. That day, long ago, he had been attacked by stray dogs. Ever since, he never spoke of it. Not even to Siya.

But she saw it now — the way his jaw clenched, the sweat forming on his temples. He wasn’t the fearless officer right now.

He was her husband. Scared. Vulnerable.

“Reyansh…” she called gently, rushing to his side.

“I—I can’t…” he stammered, eyes locked on the dogs, panic rising like a storm.

Without hesitation, Siya held his face between her hands and whispered, “Look at me. Just me. Forget everything else.”

He looked into her eyes — eyes that always calmed the hurricane inside him. She pulled him into her arms, letting him hide in the warmth of her embrace.

“I’m here,” she whispered, running her fingers through his hair, “you’re safe. No one can hurt you.”

Reyansh buried his face in her shoulder, arms wrapped tightly around her waist, trembling.

“I’m supposed to be strong…” he mumbled, his voice breaking.

“You are strong,” she replied, gently kissing his forehead. “Even the strongest have their scars. And that doesn’t make you weak… it makes you real.”

Later that night in their camp room, Reyansh rested his head on her lap as she hummed a soft tune, brushing his hair like he was her baby.

He looked up at her with soft eyes and said, “I may be an officer out there… but with you, I’m just a boy who needs love.”

She smiled, “And you’ll always have it. Every version of you… the brave, the broken, the bossy, the baby… all of it.”

They lay there under one blanket — no uniform, no badges — just two hearts, beating in peace.

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