Chapter 21: Love in Every Moment

Ananya

Final exams were just around the corner, and I was buried under a mountain of books. My days and nights blurred into a haze of equations, notes, and mock tests. Aarav had been my biggest support through it all, taking care of everything else so I could focus on studying.

Tonight was no different. The clock ticked past midnight, and I was still at my desk, fighting to keep my eyes open. My eyelids felt heavy, and my head bobbed forward before I snapped awake. "Stay awake, Ananya," I muttered to myself, shaking my head.

Just as I was about to grab another book, Aarav walked in, leaning casually against the doorframe. He was wearing a loose T-shirt and pajama bottoms, his hair slightly ruffled, as if he'd just run a hand through it.

"Still at it?" he asked, his voice soft but laced with concern.

I nodded, trying to stifle a yawn. "I need to finish this chapter. I can't—"

"You're about to fall asleep," he interrupted, walking toward me. "This won't help if you're too tired to think."

"I can't afford to waste time," I argued, rubbing my eyes.

He crouched down beside me, his hands gently cupping my face. "You're not wasting time, baby. But if you don't take care of yourself, all this studying won't matter."

"I'm fine," I protested weakly.

He smiled, his thumb brushing lightly over my cheek. "Fine, huh? Let me help you wake up then."

Before I could respond, he leaned in and pressed the softest kiss to my forehead. My breath hitched as he trailed kisses down to my closed eyes, one after the other, murmuring, "These beautiful eyes need rest."

His lips brushed my nose, his touch feather-light. "And this cute little nose..."

I froze when his mouth found mine, his kiss warm and lingering. My cheeks flamed as he pulled back, his dark eyes full of amusement. "There. Awake now?"

My face was burning, and I could barely look at him. "Aarav!" I whispered, my voice a mix of embarrassment and surprise.

He chuckled, his deep laugh sending shivers down my spine. "Blushing suits you."

Aarav

Seeing her flustered made me want to tease her more, but I could tell she was exhausted. "Wait here," I said, standing up.

In the kitchen, I quickly made her a cup of coffee, adding just the right amount of sugar the way she liked it. When I returned, she was flipping through her notes, her brows furrowed in concentration.

"Here," I said, placing the cup on the desk.

She looked up, her eyes softening. "Thank you."

"Anything for my little bookworm," I said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

Ananya

I sipped the coffee, feeling a little more awake, but exhaustion was quickly catching up with me. Before I knew it, my head was resting on the desk, and my eyes were drifting shut.

When I woke slightly, it was to the feeling of strong arms lifting me. Aarav's familiar scent surrounded me as he carried me to the bed.

"You fell asleep on your notes," he said softly, a hint of amusement in his tone.

I mumbled something incoherent, too tired to form proper words. He laid me gently on the bed, pulling the blanket over me before slipping in beside me.

His arms wrapped around me, pulling me close. "You're working so hard," he murmured, his voice warm and soothing. "But don't push yourself too much. I'm here for you, always."

I nestled closer, feeling the warmth of his embrace. His voice dropped to a whisper as he brushed a strand of hair from my face. "You're my everything, Ananya. Sleep now, my love."

As I drifted off, I felt his lips press gently to my temple. Even in my dreams, I felt safe, loved, and cherished.