The two new chapters 37 and 38 are published on stck. me you can go ahead and read it, link is in my profile.
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Isme tou karlene silent readers don't be kanjoos- It's 10k words chapter!!
I have posted this chapter because as I said that I will publish the confession chapter before Ramadan and it's just two days away so if you guys want new chapter before that then complete the target-
As soon as I stepped into my room, a heavy silence greeted me, pressing down on my chest like a weight I couldn't shake off.
The loneliness was suffocating, clawing at my throat, but I refused to change anything. Her scent was still in the air, faint but there, woven into the fabric of the bedsheets, the soft cushions, even my own clothes.
I hadn't let anyone touch a single thingânot the bed, not her dressing table, not even the coffee mug she had left on the bedside last time she was here.
If I changed anything, it would feel like erasing her, and I wasn't ready for that. I could never be ready for that.
I ran a hand through my hair in frustration, pacing the room. My heart ached with a longing I couldn't put into words.
Everywhere I looked, I saw her. The way she used to sit near the window, lost in her own world. The way she would hum softly while getting ready, her anklets making a sweet, familiar sound as she moved around the room.
The way she always left the curtains slightly open because she loved waking up to the sunlight streaming in.
God, I missed her. It wasn't just the big thingsâit was the little things too, the small habits I had taken for granted.
The way she used to set out my office wear every morning without me asking. The way she made my coffee just right, knowing exactly how much sugar I liked.
The way she would remind me to take my wallet or my car keys when I was running late. I never had to think about these things when she was aroundâshe just did them, effortlessly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Now, everything felt empty. The room, the house, my life.
"Pagal ho gaya hoon... kya kar diya hai Aairah aapne? Aise lagta hai aapke bina jeena hi nahi aata mujhe."
(I've gone crazy... What have you done, Aairah? It feels like I don't even know how to live without you.)
My voice cracked as I whispered those words to the empty room. I never thought I'd reach a point where breathing without her felt like a struggle.
I never realized how much she had become a part of me, how much of my world revolved around her. It was unbearable, this distance, this silence where her voice should be.
I wanted to go to her. Bring her back. Apologize a thousand times if that's what it took. But she had asked for time. And even though every second away from her felt like a slow, painful death, I had no choice but to respect that.
I sat down on the bed, my hands gripping the sheets as if holding onto them would somehow bring her back to me. My head dropped, exhaustion and heartbreak weighing me down.
How was I supposed to do this? How was I supposed to live without her?
It's been a week since she left. Seven days, but it feels like an eternity. The distance, the silence, the unbearable emptinessâit all made me realize something I should have known long ago.
It wasn't just an attraction. It wasn't just a soft corner in my heart for her. It was loveâpure, undeniable, all-consuming love. And the worst part? I didn't even realize it until she was gone.
I had been falling for her all along, in the little moments, in the way she cared for me, in the way she looked at me with those deep, understanding eyes. She had become my habit, my comfort, my home.
And now that she wasn't here, everything felt unfamiliar, as if I had been thrown into a world where nothing made sense anymore.
I missed her in ways I never thought possible. I missed the way she scolded me for skipping meals, the way she straightened my tie before I left for work, the way she filled every silence with her presence, making even the dullest days feel warm.
I missed waking up to her beside me, the soft rustle of her movements, the faint scent of her lingering on the pillows.
"Aairah... kya kardiya apne mere saath?" I whispered, running a hand over my face, my chest aching with an emptiness that only she could fill.
I wanted to go to her, to tell her everything, to hold her and never let her go. But she had asked for time, and no matter how much it killed me, I had to give her that.
But one thing was certainâI couldn't let her slip away. Because now I knew. This wasn't just longing, this wasn't just loneliness.
This was love. And it had always been her.
I glanced at the clockâ8 PM. Another evening without her. Another night of emptiness stretching ahead like an endless void. The weight of it pressed against my chest, suffocating me.
With a heavy heart, I walked to the washroom, letting the cold water wash over my hands, my face, my arms as I performed wudu.
The chill seeped into my skin, but nothing could numb the storm raging inside me. My heart was restless, my soul unsettled, and I knewâthere was only one place I could find solace.
I spread the prayer mat, standing in front of my Lord, the only one who could truly see the depth of my pain.
As soon as I raised my hands to begin my namaz, my eyes burned, my throat tightened. I pushed through, reciting the words I had said countless times before, but tonight, they carried the weight of my entire existence.
Then, as I lowered myself into sujood, my forehead touching the ground, the dam inside me broke. My shoulders shook as I let out a silent, shuddering sob. My heart poured out everything I had been holding backâthe ache, the regret, the unbearable longing.
"Ya Allah..." my voice cracked, a whisper so broken, so desperate that even I barely recognized it.
"Mujhse bohot badi galti ho gayi hai... maine Aairah ko samajhne mein dair kardi, maine usse takleef di, maine uske hone ki ahmiyat nahi samjhi... aur ab woh chali gayi hai. Ya Allah, mujhe maaf karde. Mujhse jo bhi ghalti hui hai, usse sudharne ka moka dede. Main uske bina adhura hoon, main uske bina jee nahi sakta."
("I've made a huge mistake... I took too long to understand Aairah, I hurt her, I failed to realize her worth... and now she's gone. Ya Allah, forgive me. Please give me a chance to make things right, to fix what I've broken. Without her, I am incomplete. Without her, I cannot live.)
Tears soaked the prayer mat as I stayed in sujood, unable to lift my head, unable to move. My hands clenched into fists, my entire body trembling as I wept like a child.
"Ya Allah, agar yeh mohabbat hai jo aapne mere dil mein dali hai, toh mujhe meri mohabbat wapas dila dijiye. Agar yeh imtihan hai, toh mujhe is dard ko bardasht karne ki himmat dijiye. Par Ya Allah, mujhe Aairah ke bina jeena nahi aata... uske bina sab khali lagta hai. Koi raasta dikha dijiye. Koi umeed dijiye... koi wajah dijiye ke woh wapas aa sake."
(Ya Allah, if this is love that You have placed in my heart, then please bring my love back to me. If this is a test, then grant me the strength to endure this pain. But Ya Allah, I don't know how to live without Aairah... everything feels empty without her. Show me a way. Give me hope... give me a reason for her to return.)
I didn't know how long I stayed there, forehead pressed against the ground, sobbing, praying, begging. My heart was shattered, my soul pleading for mercy.
"Agar maine uska dil dukhaya hai, toh mujhe moka dijiye use manane ka. Uske dil mein mere liye jagah bana dijiye, Ya Allah. Koi rasta dijiye... koi nishani dijiye ke main usse wapas paa sakun."
I cried until there were no more words left, only broken whispers and silent tears. Until my body felt too weak to move, and my heart felt raw from the weight of my emotions.
(If I have hurt her heart, then please give me a chance to make it right. Ya Allah, create a place for me in her heart once again. Show me a path... give me a sign that I can win her back.)
And in that moment, as I lay in complete surrender, I realizedâI had no choice but to leave it in His hands. To have faith that if she was meant for me, He would find a way to bring her back.
I don't know how long I stayed in sujood, my forehead pressed to the ground, my tears soaking the prayer mat.
My heart had emptied itself before my Lord, every ache, every regret, every unspoken word spilled in the form of silent cries and desperate pleas. But as the weight of my emotions poured out, a strange sense of peace began to settle within me. The pain was still there, the longing still unbearable, but my heart felt lighterâlike I had finally let go of the burden I had been carrying alone.
I slowly sat up, wiping my face with trembling hands. My body still felt weak, exhausted from days of sleepless nights and endless thoughts of her, but my mind was clear for the first time in a week. I had spent days drowning in regret, in confusion, in pain, but now... I knew what I had to do.
I needed to tell her.
I needed to tell Aairah everything.
That it wasn't just loneliness or attachmentâit was love. Pure, deep, and real. The kind of love that had crept into my heart without me even realizing, until she was gone, until the emptiness of her absence made me understand that she was the one who completed me.
I had wasted enough time waiting, regretting, overthinking. Now, it was time to face her. To lay my heart bare and let her decide.
If she wanted to come back, I would hold onto her and never let her feel alone again. But if she needed more time, I would wait. No matter how long, no matter how painful, I would wait for her. Because love wasn't about forcing her to returnâit was about giving her the choice, the freedom, and respecting her feelings just as much as I had come to understand my own.
I got up, feeling a newfound determination settle within me. This time, I wouldn't let fear hold me back. This time, I would do what I should have done long agoâI would fight for my love, but I would also honor her decision, whatever it may be.
Taking a deep breath, I reached for my phone. It was time to face the only person who could decide what happened next. It was time to tell Aairah... everything.
Without wasting another second, I made up my mindâI was going to Kashmir.
I didn't think about packing or changing into something else. I was already dressed in a black kurta from earlier, and that was enough. I simply grabbed a shawl and draped it around my shoulders, my only focus on getting to Aairah as soon as possible.
My heart was racing, my hands trembling slightly, but my decision was firm. This wasn't just an impulsive move; this was necessary. I needed to see her, to tell her what was in my heart, to give her the choice she deserved.
Just as I was about to leave, the door to my room opened, and my mother stepped inside.
Her eyes scanned me carefullyâmy unshaven face, the dark circles beneath my eyes, the weight I had lost over the past week. Concern was etched all over her face as she stepped closer.
"Hayaan, beta... theek ho tum?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with worry. "Tumne subah se kuch khaya bhi hai? Kayi din ho gaye, na nashta kar rahe ho, na theek se dinner karte ho. Ghar bhi late aa rahe ho... kya haal bana liya hai apna?"
(Are you alright son. Have you even eaten anything since morning? It's been daysâyou're neither having breakfast nor eating dinner properly. You're coming home late too... what have you done to yourself?)
I swallowed hard, guilt creeping in as I realized how much I had worried her. She had been watching me fall apart for days, silently hoping I would open up, and I had shut everyone out.
"Main theek hoon, Ammi," I said, though my voice betrayed me. It was hoarse, exhausted, worn out from sleepless nights and endless thoughts of Aairah.
(I am fine Ami)
She didn't believe me. Of course, she didn't.
She reached out, cupping my face gently, her eyes searching mine. "Mujhse jhoot mat bolo, Hayaan. Tum bilkul bhi theek nahi ho. Yeh sab Aairah ke jaane ke baad hua na?"
(Don't lie to me, Hayaan. You're not okay at all. This all started after Aairah left, didn't it?)
I closed my eyes for a moment, inhaling sharply. "Haan, Ammi," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Woh chali gayi, aur mujhe tab samajh aaya ke maine usse kitna khoobsurat rishta diya tha, lekin samjha hi nahi. Mujhe tab samajh aaya ke jo main mehsoos karta hoon woh sirf ek soft corner nahi tha, woh mohabbat thi, sachha pyaar. Aur ab mujhe usse kehna hai. Bas ek baar."
(She left, and only then did I realize how beautiful the bond I had with her wasâbut I never truly understood it. It was then that I realized what I felt for her wasn't just a soft corner, it was love... true love. And now, I just need to tell her. Just once.)
She sighed, her thumb brushing my cheek like she used to do when I was a child. "Mohabbat aise hi hoti hai, beta. Jab tak samajh aata hai, tab tak dil dukhne lagta hai. Par yeh bhi toh dekhna chahiye
na ke samajh aaya toh sahi?"
(Love is just like that, my child. By the time you understand it, your heart has already started to ache. But isn't it just as important that at least you understood it in the end?)
I looked at her, my heart aching at the understanding in her words.
"Main ja raha hoon Ammi," I said firmly. "Aairah se milne. Ab aur intezaar nahi hota. Uske paas jaake usse sab kuch kehna hai. Phir woh jo faisla karegi, main woh manzoor karunga."
(I'm going to meet Aairah. I can't wait any longer. I need to go to her and tell her everything. After that, whatever decision she makes, I will accept it.)
She studied me for a long moment, then finally nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Jao beta. Agar dil sachha hai, toh Allah tumhari mohabbat zaroor qubool karega."
(Go, my child. If your love is true, then Allah will surely accept it.)
As I turned to leave, my mother's voice stopped me.
"Beta, raat ke is waqt akelay jaana theek nahi hai. Subah chale jaana. Tum jaa toh rahe ho, lekin kam az kam apni safety ka bhi toh socho," she said, concern deepening the lines on her face.
(Son, it's not safe to go alone at this hour of the night. Go in the morning. You're leaving, and that's understandable, but at least think about your own safety too.)
I knew she was rightâtraveling this late, alone, wasn't the safest option. But my heart wasn't willing to wait even a second longer. Aairah was out there, away from me, and now that I had finally realized my feelings, every moment without her felt unbearable.
"Ammi, main aur intezaar nahi kar sakta," I said, my voice firm but gentle. "Agar main ruka, toh shayad phir darr mujhe rok lega. Shayad phir samay nikalta rahega, aur main sirf sochta rahunga, karta kuch nahi. Mujhe jaana hai. Aaj hi."
(Ammi, I can't wait any longer, "If I stop now, fear might hold me back again. Time will keep slipping away, and I'll just keep thinking instead of doing anything. I have to go. Tonight.)
She sighed, shaking her head as if she knew there was no changing my mind. "Maa hoon main tumhari, isliye keh rahi hoon. Yeh raaste raat ko safe nahi hote, beta."
(I'm your mother, that's why I'm saying this. These roads aren't safe at night, beta.)
"Mujhe koi farq nahi padta, Ammi," I said, determination lacing my every word. "Kashmir jaana hai mujhe. Aairah se milna hai. Usse kehna hai ke main kya mehsoos karta hoon, yeh kehna zaroori hai, warna yeh baat mere dil mein hamesha ke liye reh jaayegi."
I don't care, I have to go to Kashmir. I need to meet Aairah. I have to tell her what I feelâit's important. Otherwise, this will stay buried in my heart forever."
She looked at me for a long moment, her eyes filled with worry, but also something elseâunderstanding. She knew I had made up my mind.
"Akele jaana mujhe manzoor nahi hai, Hayaan. Agar tumhe aaj hi jaana hai, toh kam az kam apni suraksha ka toh socho. Tumhe meri kasam, bina kisi ke saath jaane nahi dungi," she said firmly, crossing her arms in that motherly way that meant she wouldn't take no for an answer.
(I won't allow you to go alone, Hayaan. If you have to leave tonight, at least think about your safety. I swear on me, I won't let you go without someone accompanying you.)
I sighed, rubbing my forehead. I didn't want to waste any more time, but I also couldn't ignore the worry in her eyes.
I had already put her through enough in the past weekâstarving myself, isolating in my room, coming home late. She had watched me break, and now, she was scared of losing me entirely.
"Ammi, mujhe akela hi jaana haiâ" I started, but she immediately cut me off.
(Ammi, I want to go alone.)
"Nahi! Tum samajh kyun nahi rahe? Yeh sirf tumhari mohabbat ka sawaal nahi hai, yeh tumhari zindagi ka bhi sawaal hai. Raaste raat ko safe nahi hote. Main tumhe bina Hiffazat bhejne ka soch bhi nahi sakti," she said, her voice shaking slightly.
(No! Why don't you understand? This isn't just about your love, it's about your life too. The roads aren't safe at night. I can't even think about sending you without protection.)
I clenched my jaw. My patience was wearing thin, but at the same time, I knew she was right.
"Theek hai," I finally agreed, exhaling sharply. "Ek guard le jaata hoon. Bas ek, aur koi nahi."
(Fine-I'll take one guard with me. Just one, no one else.)
She studied me for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Theek hai, bas yeh yaad rakhna, tum meri jaan ho. Tum par koi aanch aaye, yeh main bardaasht nahi kar sakti."
(Alright, but just rememberâyou're my life. I can't bear anything happening to you.)
I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Main theek rahunga, Ammi. Bas dua karna."
(I'll be fine, Ammi. Just pray for me.)
She sighed but stepped back, letting me go. I immediately called for one of the guards and instructed him to get ready within minutes. I had already wasted enough time.
Now, nothing would stop me. Not the night, not the distance, not even my own fears.
Because I was finally on my way to Aairah.
I never expected this.
Hala. My Hala. Asking me out on a date.
For a moment, I thought I misheard her. That maybe my mind, desperate and restless, had imagined the words. But noâshe stood in front of me, looking at me with those fierce, unwavering eyes, waiting for my response.
I could feel my heartbeat quicken. A rush of emotions flooded me all at onceâshock, excitement, disbelief.
Since the moment I had fallen for her, I had tried everything to get her attention. Every glance, every gesture, every moment spent around her had been my silent plea: See me. Look at me the way I look at you.
Give me a chance.
And now, just like that, she was offering it to me.
I should have asked her why.
Should have questioned what changed. But I didn't. Because deep down, I already knewâshe was different.
Hala was like no one else. Fiery. Bold. Unafraid. She didn't cower in my presence like others did. She didn't let my sharp words or my intimidating silence shake her. She met me, step for step, with that same stubbornness, that same defiance.
She was strong. Too strong.
And I loved that about her.
Meri chudail.
But for all her strength, I knew there were wounds hidden beneath the surface. Someone had hurt her. Someone had made her suffer, made her cry.
And that thought alone was enough to darken my entire world.
Whoever had caused her painâI wanted to destroy him. I wanted to tear him apart with my own hands, make him beg for mercy the way she must have begged for the pain to stop.
I wanted to see him break, shatter into nothing, burn alive if that's what it took to erase every tear he had forced from her eyes.
But I didn't even know who he was.
Yet.
A slow breath left my lips as I pushed those thoughts aside. Not tonight. Tonight wasn't about revenge. It wasn't about the rage simmering inside me, waiting to explode.
Tonight was about her. About us.
She was giving me a chanceâa chance at something real, something that had haunted my dreams for so long. And I wasn't about to waste it.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cuffs of my white formal shirt. White had always worked for me, and tonight, I wanted to be perfect. For her.
I ran a hand through my hair, smirking slightly at my reflection.
It's a date. And I'm more than ready.
As I walked downstairs, the usual chaos of my family greeted me.
Hayaan Bhai was already dressed, looking like he was about to leave. Meanwhile, Zeeshan sat on the floor, cross-legged, playing Ludo with Dadu, Dadi, and Noor. Or more accuratelyâlosing at Ludo.
And as expected, he wasn't taking it well.
"Noor! Tum Dadu ki bhi maar sakti thi, mere peeche hi kyu aayi? Main nahi khel raha!" Zeeshan whined dramatically, throwing the dice across the board and completely messing up the game.
("Noor! You could have hit Dadu too, so why are you only after me? I'm not playing anymore!)
"Kya batameezi hai yeh?" Noor huffed, crossing her arms. "Khud haar rahe ho aur hume bhi nahi khelne de rahe? Dada jee, please scold him!"
(What kind of rudeness is this?"You're losing, and now you won't even let us play? Dadu Jee, please scold him!)
Dadu chuckled. "Zeeshan beta, harne ka itna dukh mat mana. Haar-jeet tou hoti rehti hai."
(Zeeshan beta, don't be so upset about losing. Winning and losing are part of the game.)
"Jee nahi! Jab bhi main khelta hoon, sab cheating karte hain!" Zeeshan sulked, folding his arms.
(No! Every time I play, everyone cheats!)
"Haan haan, bas tum hi bechare ho, aur hum sab chor," Noor taunted him rolling her eyes.
(Oh yes, of course, you're the only poor victim here, and we're all the cheaters,)
"Haan, waise bhi har koi tumhare khilaf planning kar raha hai, kyunki tum World Ludo Champion ho na?" I added sarcastically, smirking at Zeeshan.
(Oh yes, of course! Everyone is plotting against you because you're the World Ludo Champion, right?)
"Chup karo, Sufiyaan bhai!" He glared at me, making Noor laugh.
(Shut up bhai)
I shook my head, my amusement dimming slightly as my eyes flickered to Noor. She had blended into the family so well, so effortlessly. And so had Hala. She was opening up more with Dadi, spending time with Noor, even laughing occasionally.
But with me? She was still distant.
And not just meâshe wasn't entirely comfortable with Hayaan Bhai either. Why?
I pushed the thought aside and turned to Bhai, who was rubbing the back of his neck, looking hesitant. My brows lifted in question.
"Bhai, aap kahin ja rahe ho?" I asked, and suddenly, everyone's attention shifted to him.
(Bhai are you going somewhere)
He nodded. "I'm going to Kashmir for some business."
I smirked, folding my arms. "Business... ya phir Bhabhi?"
(Business or bhabhi?)
At my words, Zeeshan immediately perked up. "Ohhh Bhai, sach batao! Yeh sirf business hai ya 'love business'?" He wiggled his eyebrows, making me chuckle and bhai glared at him.
(Ohhh Bhai, be honest! Is this just business, or is it a 'love business' too?)
Dadi clasped her hands together, eyes lighting up with excitement. "Haan puttar, meri bahu nu leke aa! Ghar suna ho gaya hai!"
(Haan puttar, bring my daughter-in-law home! The house feels so empty without her!)
Dadu, however, was more practical. His brows furrowed with concern. "Lekin itni raat ko? Akelay? Yeh pahadi raste safe nahi hai, subah chale jaate."
(But this late at night? Alone? These mountain roads aren't safeâyou could go in the morning.)
I nodded. "Bhai, he's right. But if you're so eager, should I come with you?" Even though Hala was waiting for me, Bhai's safety mattered too.
"No need," Bhai said immediately. "I guess you already have plans. Don't change them because of me. I'll be fineâI'm taking Khan with me." He glanced at me knowingly before mentioning his most trusted guard.
Before I could respond, Zeeshan shot up.
"Bhai, agar aap Bhabhi ko lene ja rahe ho, toh mujhe bhi saath le chalo, please! Kashmir ka tour bhi ho jayega."
(Bhai, if you're going to bring Bhabhi back, take me with you, please! I'll get a Kashmir tour as well.)
"Haan! Mujhe bhi jaana hai. Bhabhi ko bohot miss kar rahi hoon!" Noor added eagerly.
(Yes! I want to go too. I miss Bhabhi so much!)
Zeeshan turned to her, and teased her. "Tum yahan bhi mera peecha nahi chhodogi ? adat hogyi kya meri"
(You won't stop following me even here? Have you gotten used to me or what?)
Noor rolled her eyes. "Tumhari wajah se nahi, Bhabhi ke liye ja rahi hoon!"
(Not because of youâI'm going for Bhabhi!)
Dadi clapped her hands. "Haan haan, le jao in dono ko bhi! car mein ronak bhi rehni chahiye."
(Yes, yes, take both of them along! The car should have some liveliness too.)
Bhai groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Mujhe akele jaana zyada safe lag raha hai ab. aise ronak se tou"
(Now, going alone seems safer. With all this 'liveliness'...)
Zeeshan gasped dramatically. "Bhai! Aap hume aise ditch nahi kar sakte! Kashmir dekhna mera bachpan ka sapna tha!"
(Bhai! You can't ditch us like this! Seeing Kashmir has been my childhood dream!)
Bhai shot him a blank look. "Tu abhi do months pehle hi gaya tha."
(You literally went just two months ago.)
"Par tab toh snowfall nahi ho rahi thi," Zeeshan replied shamelessly.
(But there wasn't any snowfall back then,)
I chuckled. "Bhai, ab maan bhi jao. apko free ka entertainment mil raha hai."
(Bhai, just agree now. You're getting free entertainment!)
Bhai shook his head. "Nahi, koi zaroorat nahi aisi entertainment ki, Akela hi theek hoon main." He sighed heavily, muttering something under his breath before waving us off. "Allah Hafiz."
(No, I don't need this kind of entertainment. I'm better off alone.)
I watched him leave and turned to the rest of them.
"Chalo, main bhi nikalta hoon." I said, adjusting my cuffs.
(Okay I'll leave too)
"Date pe ja rahe ho?" Zeeshan smirked.
I ignored him.
"Date pe ja rahe ho." He again confirmed with a smug grin.
Still ignored him.
Dadi beamed at me. "Allah naseeb ache kare, puttar!"
I shook my head, suppressing a smile as I stepped out of the house.
Tonight was ours.
As I stepped onto the rooftop restaurant, the sight before me stole my breath away.
The soft glow of fairy lights shimmered against the night sky, reflecting off the pristine white decor. The mountains in the distance stood tall, their majestic presence adding to the surreal beauty of the place.
And then I saw her.
Dressed in an ethereal white gown, she stood there with her back to me, the gentle breeze making the fabric flow around her like a dream. My heart stuttered, and I placed a hand over my chest, scared that it might actually stop beating.
She looked like an angelâmy angelâstanding amidst the twinkling lights.
A smirk curled on my lips as I slowly walked up behind her. My fingers lightly touched her arm as I leaned in, my voice dropping to a whisper.
"Mujhe nahi pata tha ke chudail itni khoobsurat bhi lag sakti hai."
(I never knew that a witch could look this beautiful.)
She turned around, and for a second, I forgot how to breathe.
The glow of the lights reflected in her deep, kohl-lined eyes, her subtle makeup enhancing her beauty effortlessly. But my gaze instantly dropped to her lipsâthat damn red lipstick.
It was distracting, sinful, and completely captivating.
Her brows lifted at my words before she rolled her eyes, sarcasm lacing her voice.
"Wah Sufiyaan Sikandar, itne ache lafzon mein meri tareef kisi ne nahi ki aaj tak."
(Wow, Sufiyaan Sikandar, no one has ever complimented me so beautifully before.)
I chuckled, tilting my head. "Ab mano ya na mano, chudail toh tum ho hi."
(Whether you accept it or not, you're still a witch.)
She narrowed her eyes at me before giving me a slow once-over, her gaze dragging from my head to my toes.
"Waise tum bhi kuch khaas nahi lag rahe, theek-thaak ho." She shrugged, using her hands to make a dismissive gesture, but I didn't miss the way her eyes lingeredâsoft, dreamy, almost hesitant.
(Well, you're not looking that special eitherâjust okay.)
I smirked, stepping closer. "Acha batao, khana kha kar aayi ho na?" she suddenly asked, changing the subject.
(Okay, tell me, you have eaten, right?)
I feigned shock, placing a hand on my heart. "Kya matlab? Tumne dinner arrange nahi kiya? Mujhe aise pheeki si date pe bula diya, kanjoos doctor!"
(What do you mean? You didn't arrange dinner? You invited me on such a bland dateâkanjoos doctor!)
She shot me a deadpan look. "Haan, kyunki main toh kharab khana banati hoon. Adjust kar loge mere sath?"
(Yes, because I cook terrible food. Will you be able to adjust with me?)
I grinned, my voice dropping to a teasing murmur. "Main kharab khana khane ke liye tayar hoon, matlab adjustment ke kiye pura ready hokar aya hoon."
(I'm ready to eat terrible food, which means I've come fully prepared to adjust with you.)
She raised a brow. "Acha? Toh woh jala hua pasta laayi hoon main... saath mein khaoge?"
(Oh really? Well, I've brought burnt pasta... will you eat it with me?)
I placed a hand over my chest dramatically. "Aray, tumhare haath ka jala hua pasta bhi tasty hoga, kyunki woh tumne banaya hai tumhare haton se tou zeher bhi khalunga." I smirked, reaching forward and pulling her slightly closer.
(Arey, your burnt pasta will still be tasty because you made it. If it's from your hands, I'd even eat poison.)
A soft laugh bubbled out of her as she playfully smacked my arm. "Pagal ho tum ek number ke."
I grinned. "Sirf tumhare liye."
She shook her head before nudging me. "Chalo, maine acha food order kiya hai."
(Alright, I've ordered some good food.)
Smiling, I let her take my arm as she gently pulled me toward the beautifully set table. My heart swelled at the warmth of the moment, at the fact that she had put in the effort for this dateâfor us.
And tonight, I was going to make sure she knew just how much that meant to me.
Being back in my hometown, Kashmir, felt like a breath of fresh air. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of rain, and the sky was painted in soft shades of gray, as if the clouds themselves were lost in thought.
It was the kind of weather that made me want to curl up with a warm cup of chai and lose myself in nostalgia. Ami, always knowing how to bring comfort, had made chai and pakoras for us.
She fed me with so much love, insisting I eat more, her eyes twinkling with affection. I laughed, half-jokingly telling her that at this rate, I'd gain weight in just a week. But in reality, her warmth filled a part of me that had been feeling empty.
Everyone around me was full of joyârelatives came by to meet me, asking about my husband and in-laws, their curious eyes waiting for me to spill details.
My cousins were relentless with their teasing, constantly bringing up his name, nudging me, making me blush. I played along, smiling, laughing, but deep down, I felt a hollowness that I couldn't ignore.
Because I missed him.
I missed Hayaan with an ache so deep that it made my heart feel heavy. No matter how much love surrounded me, no matter how much I tried to stay present, my mind always drifted back to him. I missed his scent, the familiar warmth of him that made me feel safe.
I missed the way his fingers brushed against mine, the way he held me like I was the most precious thing in his world. I missed the sound of his voice, the way he said my name, the way his eyes softened whenever he looked at me.
Every prayer I whispered carried his name, every silent moment felt like a reminder of his absence. I longed to hear him, to see him, to just exist in the same space as him. It hadn't even been that long since I left, but it felt like an eternity.
I tried to distract myselfâspending time with Baba, going on walks with him, listening to his stories, massaging his head as he smiled at me with contentment.
We talked about everything and nothing, laughed at silly jokes, and played little games. I cherished those moments with him, knowing how rare and precious they were. But even then, the emptiness inside me refused to fade.
Ami must have sensed it. She had always been able to read me too well. One evening, as we sat together, she looked at me with quiet concern. Her voice was gentle when she asked, "Is everything okay between you and Hayaan?"
I forced a smile, nodding quickly. "Of course, Ami. Everything is fine."
But deep down, I knew the truth.
Everything was fine, yet nothing felt right without him.
Today felt the same as every other dayâempty, restless, and aching with longing. I missed my in-laws, missed the warmth of my home with Hayaan, and no matter how much I tried to lose myself in the family, the void inside me only seemed to grow.
I sighed, my fingers tracing patterns on the bedsheet, staring at nothing in particular. My heart felt heavy, burdened by the weight of missing him. The thought of hearing his voice, of feeling his touch, sent a shiver down my spine. I needed somethingâsomething to feel close to him.
Then my eyes landed on my suitcase.
A small spark of excitement flickered in my chest. Why not try the dresses Hayaan bought for me? I hadn't been able to wear them in front of anyone here anyway. Maybeâjust maybeâslipping into something he chose for me would make me feel like he was close.
With newfound anticipation, I walked to the cupboard, my fingers grazing over the delicate fabrics before settling on a breathtaking purple net saree.
The intricate mirror work shimmered under the soft light of the room. It was beautifulâdelicate yet bold. But as I lifted the blouse, my breath caught.
It was sleeveless.
Short.
It would reveal far more of me than I was used to. My heartbeat quickened. Would I have the confidence to wear this in front of him someday? Would he look at me with that intensity, that raw admiration that made my knees weak?
A flush crept onto my cheeks at the thought, but I shook it off. Tonight, it was just for me. Just to feel something.
Carefully, I draped the saree around me, the soft fabric clinging to my curves as I adjusted the pleats. When I looked up at the mirror, I barely recognized myself.
The deep purple complimented my skin, and the tiny mirrors caught the dim glow of the room, making me look almost ethereal.
Then, on impulse, I reached up and undid my braid.
My long, wavy hair tumbled down my back, the strands slightly damp from the evening air. I ran my fingers through them, letting them settle freely over my shoulders.
My breath hitched. The reflection staring back at me was someone elseâa version of me that felt confident, that felt... beautiful.
I smiled softly. Would Hayaan have liked this? Would his eyes darken with desire, his lips part ever so slightly as he took me in? Would heâ
A sudden chill made me shiver.
I frowned, turning toward the balcony. A soft drip, drip, drip filled the silence of my room.
It's raining.
The air was cold, the scent of wet earth filling the space around me. I walked toward the balcony, intending to close the doors before my room got drenched. But as I stepped closer, movement from below caught my eye.
A car.
A shadowy figure standing in the rain.
My pulse stuttered. A thief? But why would a thief have a car?
I squinted through the downpour, my heart hammering. The streetlight flickered, illuminating the figure just enough for me to see the broad shoulders, the familiar stance, the way the rain dripped down his face.
And then my world tilted.
HAYAAN..
I sucked in a sharp breath, my body freezing. Yeh yahan kya kar raha hai? Woh bhi is waqt?
(What is he doing here? And at this hour?)
I blinked rapidly, unable to process what I was seeing. My mind refused to believe it. This is impossible. He can't be here.
I quickly turned to the clockâ3 AM.
No. This had to be my imagination. I had missed him so much that now I was hallucinating him. It's just a dream, just a dream...
But thenâ
He lifted his head.
And his eyes met mine.
A sharp jolt ran through me. His gaze, even from a distance, held something different tonightâsomething raw, something heavy, something that made my breath hitch.
He was real.
Yeh yahan kya kar rahe hain? And why was he standing in the freezing rain, completely drenched? He was going to get sick!
I didn't think. I didn't question.
I grabbed the umbrella from the hanger and ran.
Barefoot.
Through the cold, wet ground.
Through the biting wind.
Through the overwhelming storm inside my chest.
It wasn't until I reached the gate, rain pouring over me, heart hammering wildly, that I realizedâ
I was still in that saree.
The rain poured mercilessly, drenching everything around us, but I didn't feel the cold. Not when she was standing in front of me, looking at me with those wide, tear-filled eyes.
Getting here wasn't easy. The roads were flooded, and roads were blocked, but nothing could have stopped me. I took the advantage of being CM, and it helped me, I had waited long enoughâtoo longâto see her again.
The moment I stepped into her town, a strange sense of peace settled inside me, as if my heart finally recognized where it belonged.
I had told my guards to rest at the outhouse while I walked towards her house alone. The rain poured relentlessly, soaking me to the bone, but I didn't care. I stood there, staring at the familiar windows, my heart pounding.
There was no network. No way to call her. No way to tell her I was here.
So I waited.
And I would have waited all night.
I ran a hand through my dripping hair, my wet kurta clinging to me like a second skin. I exhaled, frustrated, but just as I looked upâ
I saw her.
My breath caught in my throat.
Aairah stood by the balcony, looking at me with wide, disbelieving eyes. My heart clenched at the sight of herâso beautiful, so fragile in this moment, like a dream I had been chasing for days.
She was shocked, frozen in place.
But I only stared at her with love. With longing. With the ache that had consumed me since the moment we parted.
And thenâshe was gone.
My heart dropped. Did she just turn away? Did she not want to see me?
Before I could think, the front door burst open.
And there she wasârunning toward me, rain pouring over her, on an umbrella, she was holding, her bare feet splashing against the wet ground.
My world stopped.
She was wearing a saree.
The deep purple fabric clung to her delicate frame, the intricate mirror work glistening under the streetlights.
Her wet hair stuck to her cheeks, her neck, her bare shoulders, and her skin on display, making her look like something out of a dreamâa dream I never wanted to wake up from.
My entire body tensed. A rush of emotions surged through meâdesire, longing, something deeper, something I couldn't name.
I had imagined this moment a thousand times.
But nothing, nothing, compared to seeing her like this in reality.
She was a vision, My vision
I had to remind myself to breathe. My chest felt tight, my knees weak, and before I knew it, I lost balance for a second, gripping the pole beside me to steady myself.
And thenâshe was in front of me.
Holding an umbrella over my head.
Her lips quivered, her eyes searched mine, and before I could speak, she started blabbering, her voice frantic with concern.
"Aap yahan kya kar rahe hain, Hayaan? Woh bhi is mausam mein? Baarish mein? Kyun aaye hain aap achanak? sab khair hai na, aap theek hain"
(What are you doing here, Hayaan? And in this weather? In the rain? Why did you suddenly come? Is everything okay? Are you alright?)
Her voice trembled, her hands gripping the umbrella tightly as she looked at me in disbelief, in concern, in frustration.
"Aapne mujhe bataya kyun nahi? Aur yahan khade hokar kya kar rahe the, haan? Mujhe bata dete toh kya hota? Aur yeh sab karke aapko kya mil raha hai?"
(Why didn't you tell me? And what were you doing standing here like this, huh? What would've happened if you had just told me? And what do you gain by doing all this?)
I couldn't take it.
She was standing in front of me, so close, so unbelievably close, yet all I could hear was her worried voiceâwhen all I wanted to do was feel her.
Without thinking, I reached forward, gently placing my fingers on her lips.
She gasped.
Her entire body stilled, her eyes widening, her breath catching in her throat.
I leaned in slightly, my voice rough, raw, breaking.
"Sukoon mil raha hai."
(I am feeling peaceful)
Her lips trembled beneath my fingertips. She stared at me, stunned, her eyes glistening.
"Meri jaan nikal rahi thi Apke bina, Aairah." My voice cracked with the weight of my emotions. ", 168- ghante aur 10,000 minutes hogaye hai apse door hue, jab apne mera naam liya hi? mujhse aise apni masoom nigahon se dekha ho, Mujhe Apki ek jhalak dekhni thi... toh main aa gaya. Apko mehsoos karne ke liye, Apke kareeb aane ke liye... mera dil taras raha tha. Apko dekhne ke liye bechain tha mainâ"
(I was losing my mind without you, Aairah,"It's been 168 hours and 10,000 minutes since I've been away from you. When was the last time you even said my name? When was the last time you looked at me with those innocent eyes? I just needed one glimpse of you... so I came. To feel you, to be close to you... my heart was yearning. I was restless just to see youâ)
She slowly pushed my hand away, but her fingers lingered on mine for a second, as if she didn't want to let go.
Her voice came out in a whisper, almost afraid.
"Aap mujhe sirf dekhne ke liye itni door safar karke aaye hain, Hayaan?"
(You traveled all this way just to see me, Hayaan?)
I nodded. "Haan."
(Yes)
She shook her head in disbelief, her lower lip trembling. "Kyun, Hayaan, apko pata bhi hai yeh safe nai hai, kyun ?"
(Why, Hayaan? Do you even realize this isn't safe? Why did you do this?)
I closed the last bit of distance between us.
My fingers brushed against hers, then trailed up her arm, sending a shiver through her. I could feel her breath hitch as I cupped her face, my thumb gently wiping away a raindropâor was it a tear?
I took a deep breath, my voice breaking completely.
"Kyunki nahi reh paya main aapke bina, Aairah." My forehead rested against hers, my eyes shutting for a moment, as if trying to hold myself together. "Pagal ho gaya tha main. Meri nazrein sirf aapko dhoond rahi thi har jagah, lekin aap nahi thi."
(Because I couldn't live without you, Aairah. "I had gone mad. My eyes were searching for you everywhere, but you weren't there.)
Her breath shuddered. I could feel her hands trembling against my chest. The umbrella slipped from her grasp, falling to the ground with a soft thud, forgotten. The rain poured harder, soaking both of us completely, but neither of us moved.
It was just her and me.
"Mujhe sukoon mil raha hai aapko dekh kar, jo kabhi nahi mila in dino mein." I whispered, pulling back slightly so I could look into her teary eyes.
(Seeing you gives me a peace I never felt in all these days.)
"Aairah, main nahi jaanta ke ishq mohabbat kya hoti hai, magar jo mujhe aapke liye mehsoos hota hai, woh kisi se ke liye nai hai." I took her hand in mine, pressing it to my chest, letting her feel the way my heart raced under her touch.
(Aairah, I don't know what love truly is, but what I feel for youâI've never felt for anyone else.)
"Yeh jazbaat... yeh ehsaas... woh shaks jiska chehra har waqt aapke samne ho, jo dil pe bas chuka ho, usko dekh ke dil dhadkne lage, aapki nazrein usko hi dhoondein... agar yeh ishq hai, toh haan, mujhe ho gaya hai ishq aapse."
(These emotions... these feelings... when someone's face is always before your eyes, when they've settled in your heart, when just seeing them makes your heart race, when your eyes search only for them... if this is love, then yes, I have fallen in love with you.)
A broken sob escaped her lips.
Her tears mixed with the rain, and for the first time, I saw itâshe felt it too.
I lifted my other hand, brushing my knuckles against her cheek, tilting her face up. My own eyes burned with unshed tears, my voice coming out hoarse.
"Bepanah, beintehaa, gehra ishq."
(Endless, boundless, deep love.)
I let out a shuddering breath, my forehead touching hers again, closing my eyes. "Jis se main khud ko rok nahi saka."
(A love I couldn't stop myself from falling into.)
Her fingers clenched around my kurta, as if she needed to hold onto somethingâonto me.
"Meri saansein ruk jaati hain aapko dekh kar, Aairah. Meri har baat mein sirf aapki baat hoti hai."
(My breath stops when I see you, Aairah. Every conversation of mine somehow leads back to you.)
A single tear slipped from my eye.
"Aap mere jeene ki wajah ban gayi hain." My voice cracked completely. "Meri jaan ban gayi hain. Meri rooh mein bas chuki hain... meri poori zindagi ban chuki hain app, meri ankhon ka noor or dil ka sukoon ban gayi hain ap."
"You have become the reason I live.. "You are my very existence. You have settled into my soul... you have become my entire life. The light of my eyes, the peace of my heartâyou are everything to me.)
She let out a shaky sob, closing her eyes, her lips parting as if trying to say.
somethingâanythingâbut no words came out.
The rain poured harder.
The world blurred.
But all I could see, all I could feel, was her.
Her voice was barely a whisper, yet it hit me like a storm.
"Sach mein aapko mujhse mohabbat ho gayi hai? Toh ab main aapke chahne ke qabil hoon, Hayaan?"
(Do you really love me, Hayaan? So now... am I worthy of your love?)
The pain in her voice shattered me.
She looked up at me, her eyes filled with tears, her lips trembling as the rain poured down around us. She wasn't just asking a questionâshe was pleading for an answer, for reassurance, for something to hold onto.
And my heart broke into a thousand pieces.
I cupped her face, my hands shaking, my eyes burning as I looked at herâthe woman who had become my world, the woman I had failed over and over again.
"Aap toh us din se hi mere liye qabil thi, jis din maine aapse nikaah kiya, Aairah." My voice cracked, filled with regret. "Mujh mein hi itni himmat nahi thi ke main aapko keh sakun."
(You were worthy of me from the very day I married you, Aairah."It was me who didn't have the courage to tell you.)
Her breath hitched, her hands still clutching my kurta, holding onto me like I was the only thing keeping her grounded.
"Main kitna badnaseeb tha, Aairah... aapki mohabbat ko samajh hi nahi paya." I swallowed, pain lacing my every word. "Bohat der kar di maine."
(I was so unfortunate, Aairah... I never understood your love." I realized it too late.)
A fresh wave of tears spilled from her eyes, and I hated myself for it.
I pulled her closer, pressing my forehead against hers, feeling her warmth despite the cold rain soaking through our clothes.
The storm raged around us, but nothing compared to the storm within me. I had never felt this desperate, this vulnerableâthis utterly helpless before. And it was all because of her.
Aairah.
The woman who had unknowingly become the center of my existence.
So I did the only thing my heart demandedâI bent down before her, lowering myself onto my knees, letting the weight of my guilt and love press down on me. The cold rain soaked through my clothes, but I didn't care.
She gasped, her sobs halting for a brief second as she stared at me, her lips parted in shock. The rain clung to her skin, her hair wet and wild around her face, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
I had hurt her. Broken her in ways I couldn't undo.
Main aapki saza ka haqdar hoon," I whispered, my thumb brushing against her wet cheek, wiping away her tears. "Mein sharminda hoon Aarah, mujhe maf karden, mein saza ka haqdar hoon, main ek paak or saaf dil ki aurat ka dil dhukaya hai, bohat rulaya hai- Aap jo bhi saza denge mujhe, woh manzoor hogi."
(I deserve your punishment. I am ashamed, Aairah. Please forgive meâI truly deserve to be punished. I have hurt the heart of a pure and kind woman, I have made you cry so much. Whatever punishment you give me, I will accept it.)
She shook her head weakly, tears streaming down her face, but I wasn't done.
"Main janta hoon shayad meim waisi mohhabt na de sakun apko jaise ap karti hain mujhse, aur me yeh bhi wada toh nahi kar sakta ke aapki aankhon mein kabhi aansu nahi aayenge..." I paused, my own vision blurring with tears. "Par agar woh honge bhi, toh sirf khushi ke honge."
(I know that maybe I can never love you the way you love me, and I can't even promise that tears will never come to your eyes..."But if they do, they will only be tears of happiness.)
She let out a strangled sob, her forehead pressing against mine, her warm breath mixing with mine as the cold rain surrounded us.
I closed my eyes, my grip on her tightening.
"Mujhe ek mauka de do, Aairah... sirf ek mauka. Main apni saari zindagi aapko yeh bewakoof insan maaf karne ke liye manaane mein guzaar dunga, par bas ek baar... mujhe apna banane do."
(Give me one chance, Aairah... just one chance. I will spend my entire life making this foolish man worthy of your forgiveness. But just once... let me be yours.)
She didn't say anything.
But the way she clung to me, the way her tears soaked into my skin, the way her lips trembled as she tried to hold back another sobâ
I had never seen anything more heartbreakingly beautiful.
Her delicate hand trembled as she reached out, cupping my face so softly that it nearly undid me, bending down with me .
And then, in a voice so broken yet filled with undeniable strength, she spoke words that would forever be etched into my soul.
"Aapki saza yeh hai ke aapko humesha humari ishq ki hifaazat karni hogi."
(Your punishment is that you must always protect our love.)
I sucked in a breath, my chest tightening.
"Jo mohabbat maine ki hai, ab jo nibhayi hai... aap bhi usse waise hi nibhaayenge. Kabhi humare yeh mohabbat ko khatam nahi hone denge, kabhi nahi, or mujhse ziada mohhabt karne ki koshish karenge"
(The love was mine, but now the responsibility to cherish it is yours... You will honor it just as I did. You will never let our love fade away, never. And you will try to love me even more than I love you.)
Her voice cracked on the last words, and her tears spilled freely.
And in that moment, I knewâI knew I would spend the rest of my life proving to her that she was the most precious thing I had ever been blessed with.
Without another thought, I reached into my pocket, my hands trembling. I pulled out the ring I had been carrying, waiting for the right moment to give it to her.
This was that moment.
I gently took her cold, delicate hand in mine, my fingers tracing over her soft skin before sliding the ring onto her right finger.
"Wada," I whispered, my voice laced with an unbreakable promise.
A promise to cherish her. To protect her. To love her in ways I should have from the very beginning.
She hesitated for a moment, her fingers trembling as they reached for the buttons of my kurta. My breath hitched when she slowly undid the top button, then the next, until she could part the fabric just enough to reveal the chain resting against my skin.
Her touch was featherlight, sending shivers through me, yet her hands carried the weight of something much deeperâsomething unspoken, something sacred.
With utmost care, she lifted the chain from my neck, her fingertips grazing my skin, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. My heart pounded against my ribs as she unhooked it, her teary gaze never leaving mine.
As she held the chain in her palm, she let out a shaky breath and looked down at the wedding ring that had been resting against my chest all this time. A soft, bittersweet smile tugged at her lips as she carefully slid the ring off the chain. I instinctively extended my hand toward her, my throat tightening with emotions I couldn't put into words.
Tears welled up in her eyes, but this time, they weren't just of painâthey held something else. Something softer. She gently took my hand and she slipped the ring onto my finger with a tenderness that melted every last bit of my restraint.
Then, before I could say anything, she took the chain and, without hesitation, clasped it around her own neck. The sight made my chest ache in the most beautiful way.
A tear slipped down her cheek as she whispered, her voice barely audible but echoing deep within me, "Aap mere hain... toh yeh bhi ab meri hai."
I couldn't stop the small, breathless smile that formed on my lips. Because in that moment, I knewâI was home.
And then, without hesitation, I leaned in, pressing my lips against her forehead slowly , lingering there for a moment, letting her feel the depth of my emotions.
"Ruhum ruhun, ruhun ruhum olsun," I murmured against her skin, my breath warm despite the cold storm surrounding us.
She tensed slightly, blinking up at me in confusion.
I smiled through my tears, brushing my thumb across her cheek. "Let my soul be your soul, let your soul be my soul."
As soon as the words left my mouth, something inside her shattered.
A broken sob escaped her lips, her entire body trembling as she suddenly collapsed against me, her arms wrapping around my neck so tightly that it stole my breath.
For a moment, I was frozen, unable to process the sheer intensity of what had just happened.
But then, as her sobs wracked her small frame, as she clung to me with everything she had, I knewâthis was real.
She was mine.
I exhaled shakily, my arms instinctively wrapping around her. Her bare skin was warm against my fingers, despite the freezing rain, and she shuddered slightly at my touch but didn't pull away.
Instead, she held me tighter.
So I pulled her closer. Tighter. As if letting go would mean losing her forever.
Our first hug.
It was sacred. Pure. A moment I would never forget for the rest of my life.
I felt her heartbeat racing against my chest, her breath uneven as she tried to calm herself. I held her waist firmly as I slowly pulled back, helping her stand properly.
She looked up at me then, her eyes shining with something new.
Love.
Undeniable, raw love.
And then, she blushed.
My heart nearly stopped.
A soft chuckle escaped me as I watched her lower her gaze, her lips quivering. But then I noticed the way her body shivered.
Without thinking, I removed my black shawl, wrapping it around her small frame, tucking it securely.
She gasped softly, her lashes fluttering.
Then, hesitantly, she lifted her trembling hands and cupped my face, her fingers barely brushing against my skin.
Her touch sent a wave of warmth through me, a feeling I never wanted to lose.
She stood on her toes, trying to reach me. And without hesitation, I leaned down, letting her come closer.
And thenâ
Soft. Gentle. Featherlight.
Her lips pressed against my cheek.
I froze.
A slow, burning warmth spread through my chest, my breath completely stolen.
"Hayaan," she whispered softly, her lips brushing against my ear, sending shivers down my spine.
"Za ta sara meena laram" I got confused and she smiled at my reaction.
(I love you)
"Main bhi aapse bepanah aur beinteha... pagalon wala ishq karti hoon, apki har cheez se mujhse mohhabat hai"
(I also love you madly... with limitless and boundless passion. I love everything about you.)
My eyes closed for a moment, her words wrapping around my heart, sealing every broken piece of me with something deeper than love.
She pulled back, her cheeks flushed, her gaze shy. But Iâ
I couldn't hold back anymore.
I stepped closer.
She gasped softly when my hand slipped onto her bare waist, the heat between us igniting something I couldn't control. Her heartbeat raced under my touch, her breath hitching.
And then, without giving her a chance to react, I bent downâ
And in one swift motion, lifted her into my arms, cradling her against me.
Her arms instinctively wrapped around my neck, her head resting in the crook of my shoulder.
She sighed softly.
Not in shock. Not in resistance.
But in contentment.
I closed my eyes for a second, feeling the way her breath fanned against my skin, slow and steady.
I was lost in her again.
But this time, I didn't need to find my way back.
Because thisâthis was where I belonged.
Holding her. Keeping her safe. Loving her with everything I had left in me.
I tightened my grip around her, pressing a soft kiss against the top of her head, before turning and walking toward her house.
This wasn't just a moment.
This was a beginning.
ââââââââââââââââââââââ-
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