Chapter 24: After the Night

Dia's POV

The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I woke up with a dull ache in my body, every part of me sore in a way I had never felt before. It wasn’t painful—at least, not in the way I had imagined—but a tender reminder of the night before. The memories of everything that had transpired last night rushed back in a flood, and I felt a strange mix of emotions: warmth, vulnerability, and... something deeper.

I shifted in the bed, trying to sit up, but as soon as I moved, the ache intensified. I gasped softly, realizing that I couldn’t quite bring myself to stand. My legs felt weak, as though they were no longer used to supporting me. Every motion felt labored, and I closed my eyes, trying to steady myself.

When I heard the door creak open, I turned to see Ekansh standing there, his presence filling the room like a storm. His eyes softened when he saw me trying to move, and in one swift motion, he was at my side, lifting me gently.

“Dia, what are you doing?” His voice was low, tinged with concern. He carefully helped me back onto the bed, his hands never leaving me, steady and sure.

“I’m fine,” I whispered, though the truth was far from it. My body was aching, my movements slow and uncoordinated. But I didn’t want to seem weak in front of him.

He studied me with a frown, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You’re not fine,” he said softly, his fingers tracing my cheek. “What happened last night wasn’t just about pleasure—it was about pushing boundaries. And I never want to hurt you, Dia. If you’re in pain…”

I shook my head, feeling embarrassed by the vulnerability in his words. “I’m okay. Just… a little sore,” I muttered, lowering my gaze to avoid meeting his eyes.

Ekansh’s POV

I saw through her words. She was trying to act strong, to hide the fact that she was struggling, but I could see the discomfort in her eyes, the way she couldn’t even lift herself properly. And it tore at me in a way I couldn’t explain.

I sat down beside her, careful not to make her flinch. "You don’t have to pretend with me, Dia," I said, my voice softer than I meant it to be. "I don’t want you to suffer in silence."

She met my gaze then, her brown eyes full of something I couldn't quite name. Trust? Maybe. "It’s just… embarrassing," she murmured, her voice small. “I don’t know what to say.”

"Say nothing," I whispered, brushing my lips across her forehead. "Let me take care of you now." I leaned in closer, my hand gently massaging her shoulders, soothing the tension that had built up. "You’re not alone in this, Dia. I won’t let anything hurt you."

Her body shuddered lightly under my touch, and I could feel her tension ease little by little. It hurt me to see her in pain, but it also made me realize just how much she meant to me. I wasn’t just protecting her out of obligation—I wanted to keep her safe.

“Do you want me to get you something?” I asked after a moment, still holding her, my voice steady. “Water? Something to eat?”

She smiled weakly, her eyes softening. “I think I’ll just… stay here for a while.”

I nodded, running my fingers through her hair as I settled beside her. “Rest, Dia. I’ll be right here.”

Dia’s POV

The way he was looking at me—so focused, so intent on making sure I was okay—was almost overwhelming. But there was something comforting about it too. In his presence, I felt both safe and wanted. It was as if, in that moment, nothing else mattered.

I lay back against the pillow, closing my eyes, feeling the tenderness of his touch linger on my skin. "Ekansh," I said softly, barely able to speak above a whisper. "Thank you… for being here."

He smiled, the warmth in his eyes deepening. “You don’t need to thank me. I’m not going anywhere, Dia. I’ll always be here—for you.”

I let the words settle in my heart, and for the first time in a long while, I felt like I had found someone who truly understood me.