Staying

CHAPTER SEVEN

STAYING

♡

Rhea's voice rang out from the living room, "Aayesha, there are so many rumors blowing around about your husband!" She was deeply engrossed in uncovering Wahan's whereabouts.

Aayesha gasped at the volume of Rhea's exclamation, placing one hand over her heart and the other on the kitchen counter. In a hushed tone, she murmured, "I have a feeling her life will end at my hands someday."

Rhea had come over to keep Aayesha company, as she was alone; her mother had gone to their village for a prayer. Yet, Rhea seemed more focused on Wahan than on her friend.

Matching Rhea's tone, Aayesha retorted, "I have no interest in him or the gossip surrounding him, so you can continue your chatter." She emerged from the kitchen, balancing two large bowls brimming with popcorn.

As Aayesha settled beside Rhea, who was fixated on her laptop, she placed her bowl of popcorn on her lap. Other woman glanced over, with a hint of curiosity, "But why? They’re fascinating," she said, finishing with a teasing smile.

How could Aayesha explain her? She felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her from the events of two days ago and had avoided talking to him since.

Rhea was unaware of the details; she had left the club when she went outside to talk, after sending a text to Aayesha which she read the following day.

After that night, Aayesha awoke in the afternoon, her head spinning and a throbbing headache assaulting her senses. Looking around, she realized she was in her own bedroom. But how did she get there? Hadn't she been at the club? She pressed her hands to her head, wincing in pain.

Closing her eyes, she was suddenly jolted by his cold-and-sinful voice echoing in her mind, "Darling, wake up." Startled, she opened her eyes wide in disbelief and stammered, "What the—" just as her phone chimed with a new message.

She reached for her phone, her heart racing as she read the message, her eyes widening in shock and surprise.

Wahan: I simply wanted to let you know that I informed your mother of our chance encounter at the club, which is indeed true, and you were quite drunk, so I took you home.

Another message appeared.

Wahan: If you’re experiencing a headache from your slumber, I suggest you to rest a bit more, as we arrived at your residence pretty late because of you. Take care, blue.

She felt a chill run through her, her heart racing in the stillness. In a fit of frustration, she tossed her phone away and muttered, "Because of me?" as she glared at the bothersome device.

Gripping her hair with both hands, she let out a scream, questioning herself, "Ahhh, How could you have gotten so drunk, Aayesha? How did you end up with him? Why did he bring you home? What could possibly have kept you out so late with him?"

She asked her mother for answers, but her mother only repeated what Wahan had told her. Aayesha couldn’t recall anything and felt too embarrassed to ask him about it. For two days, she avoided him as if he were a stranger from another world.

Then yesterday, out of the sudden, her mother suggested she stay with him for a couple of days since she was heading to their village and didn’t want to leave her daughter alone.

Her mother dropped Aayesha off at the Rhea house while she had to go out, but this time, she found herself unable to do so, as Rhea's family was renovating their home, and they were all staying with her father’s older brother.

After Rhea, he was the one her mother trusted most with her daughter's safety. Without knowledge of Aayesha, her mother had spoken to him, and he agreed, but her daughter had declined her mother's offer multiple times. She couldn’t face him until she could piece together what had that night.

Every time she tried to think, the words "darling, wake up" echoed in her mind, igniting a whirlwind of overthinking. Why had he been waking her? What had they been doing? She examined herself, searching for any marks on her body, and pain between her legs.

She felt completely fine.

Yet, she couldn't understand why she was scared. Perhaps it was because she felt an unusual level of comfort with him, the only person of the opposite gender who had earned such deep trust from her body. She found it hard to trust herself when it came to him.

Whenever he was around, she questioned whether she was truly a hyphen phobia person or if it was simply that he had never crossed boundaries without her consent. Even the moments when he did touch her felt surprisingly tolerable.

Additionally, she had been drinking. In that state, many people tend to forget their fears and reveal various behaviors. She wondered what kind of behavior she had displayed in front of him. Was she bold? Shy? Did her fear intensify or lessen? Or had she felt completely at ease?

Her thoughts were interrupted by Rhea's voice, mentioning "it's about his dating rumors." Aayesha felt a sharp pang in her heart, but quickly regained her composure.

As other women glanced at her with mischievous smiles, inquired, "Still not curious?" She then turned her laptop toward Aayesha, revealing a slew of dating rumors about him.

The headlines read:

• Wahan Khurana spotted with actress Misha Verma at the Ocean Wave Hotel, enjoying each other's company.

• Naira Kashyap was seen dining with businessman Wahan Khurana at the Bright Moon Restaurant.

• The media captured popular businessman Wahan Khurana alongside Shanaya Rathore.

• Manish Bedi and Wahan khurana reportedly broke up.

• Owner of Bless Company, Wahan Khurana, was seen with his new girlfriend, Siya Oberoi, a self-made woman, at the Blue Night Club.

Many more...

She whispered the name "Siya Oberoi," a mere breath of sound escaping her lips.

She couldn't quite understand why, but her heart tightened, she felt a wave of ownership on him. Slowly, she lifted her hand to caress his ring, seeking comfort for her racing heart.

"Yes, the idol of every young girl," Rhea remarked with a hint of amusement. Both of them admired her as a source of inspiration, especially Aayesha.

Rhea noticed Aayesh's reaction and decided to have a little fun. With a playful tone, she said, "And those dating rumors are recent—could it be true that he’s actually with her?" A teasing smile danced on her lips.

She shook her head, with the same tone, she added, "No, that can't be true; he's engaged to you, and you're about to get married."

Aayesha clenched her fist, her knuckles turning pale. Her gaze remained fixed on the screen. The figure she once idolized now ignited a fierce, and the embarrassment she had been feeling for the past few days began to transform into anger.

Her eyes flickered with intense fire, unfamiliar feelings surging through her, and her efforts to control them, it was proving useless.

Rhea, taken aback, asked, "Are you feeling jealous of her?" The question jolted Aayesha back to her normal state, though her crimson cheeks betrayed her true feelings. She swallowed hard and met Rhea's gaze in silence.

Rhea felt a surge of joy; her friend was finally experiencing something genuine for someone. She had felt emotions for her crush in the past, but those emotions were different. Aayesha has always been clear about her intentions for the future, expressing that this isn't what she desires. But, the intensity of her feelings for Wahan is undeniable.

A smile of delight lit up Rhea's face as she exclaimed, "Aayesha, are you feeling some—"

But Aayesha interrupted, shaking her head firmly. "No, never. Why would I feel jealousy over mere rumors that aren't true?" Yet, in her heart, she thought, "Even if it were true, at least he has found happiness after our separation." Her voice carried a bittersweet blend of sadness and joy.

Rhea teased, "But your face tells a different story."

Aayesha gently touched her face and remarked with a hint of innocence, "It's just the hot weather, babe. Please, don't misinterpret my words."

The other woman narrowed her eyes and replied confidently, "I know you better than you know yourself, especially when you can’t even manage to wear your slippers properly. And by the way, it’s October, my friend."

With a firm tone, she inquired, "So?"

Both of them exchanged glances filled with irritation, anger, and frustration, yet remained silent. After a long moment of staring, they turned their attention to the large screen before them.

The atmosphere was thick with stillness, broken only by the sounds of their series, but it didn't last longer. Rhea's voice pierced the quiet, "Don’t you guys talk?"

Aayesha frowned, turning to her with a hint of confusion, "What?" Her voice was soft and uncertain.

The other woman clarified, "I mean, typically couples engage in conversation at night, right? Don't you?" Aayesha remained silent, her thoughts swirling.

With a sudden realization, Rhea exclaimed, "Hold on, you haven’t shared anything about you two in days!"

Rhea leaned in, her tone gentle, asking, "Did he say something to upset you? You can confess to me; I won’t rest until I won't kill him."

Aayesha quickly shook her head, her voice firm, "No, he has done nothing wrong, and he never will."

Rhea hesitated, her curiosity aroused, "Did you do something—" but she halted, noticing Aayesha’s tense demeanor, her clenched jaw and eyes fierce.

The other woman turned back to the screen, but her insecurities bubbled up. Suddenly, she leaned in closer to Aayesha, her voice low and intense, "Is there something going on between you two that you’re hiding from me?"

Aayesha felt her heart race and hesitantly shook her head, murmuring, "No," the word barely escaping her lips.

After that, they fell into silence, resumed watching their series while munching on popcorn. They engage in light-hearted banter about the male actors, which soon turned into playful arguments. After dinner, they continued their viewing until Rhea's brother arrived to take her home.

♡༻༺❁༻༺♡

In her dimly lit bedroom, she sat alone, the flickering light from a single bedside lamp casting shadows around her. The house felt empty, and the sounds of the night whispered through the stillness.

Her laptop rested on her lap, its warmth seeping into her skin, her eyes stung from the non-stop glow, tears threatening to spill. Yet, rest was a luxury she could not afford; the demands of her work were large.

Suddenly, her fingers froze mid-typing, her gaze snapping upward in startled attention, drawn to a sound that had pierced the quiet.

Nothing.

Just silence.

Just as she was about to resume her unfinished tasks, the sound returned, sharper this time. Her gaze snapped toward the window. It was three in the morning, and the darkness made it hard to see.

Her heart raced as she cautiously set aside the duvet and slipped from the bed, each step deliberate as she approached the window. A lump formed in her throat as she paused, her eyes catching a glimpse of a dark figure outside, attempting to pry open the window—luckily for them, she had forgotten to lock it.

In a panic, she scanned the room for something to defend herself with. Her eyes landed on a sheet draped over a chair, and she quickly grabbed it. A wave of realization hit her: "Oh no, I forgot to change my bedsheet. Thank goodness Mom isn’t here."

But then, a wave of sadness washed over her. "No, why isn’t she here?" she thought, feeling a pang of loneliness.

Her attention snapped back to the window as she heard it creak open. Fear gripped her, and she took quick, shallow breaths, bracing herself for what was to come.

The intruder slipped inside, smoothly, exhaling softly as he brushed his hands together, glancing back at the path he had taken through the window.

With his back turned, she seized the moment, launching herself at him. She enveloped his face and upper body with the sheet, striking his leg with a swift motion. The unexpected assault caught him off guard, and he stumbled, crashing to the floor with a loud thud that echoed in the quiet room. It all happened so fast, leaving him no time to react.

She positioned herself behind him, gripping his hand tightly as she seethed, "How could you just walk in here? Do you think just because I'm a girl alone in this house, you can do whatever you want?" Her voice was thick with anger and frustration.

Her body was slick with sweat from their close proximity, though the sheet between them provided a barrier, and her self-defense training helped her maintain control. Despite her efforts, fear still crept in.

Her eyes widened, and she felt an unexpected calm wash over her, but embarrassment flooded in when his cold-and-sinful voice broke the silence. "I know you’re my strong woman, Blue, but could you please move away from me," he hissed, his words strained.

She quickly stood up, and he followed suit, pulling the sheet from his face. He ran a hand through his tousled hair, and her gaze was drawn to him, and in that moment, he seemed almost ethereal.

Dressed in a dark brown t-shirt paired with black jeans, he presented a look that was entirely new to her, one she had never encountered before.

Her heart raced within her chest, an uncontrollable urge to touch his soft, silky hair. Their eyes, one green and the other brown, locked as he inquired in a deep, resonant voice, "Can’t you find a new hobby, darling?"

Snapped back to reality, she narrowed her eyes in confusion, "Hobby?" She doesn't get the meaning of his words.

He nodded, a playful glint in his eye. "Yes, hobby." He stepped closer, leaning in to whisper softly near her ear, "Staring at me all the time." A smirk danced on his lips.

She wanted to protest but stammered instead, "I’m not staring at you," as she averted her gaze.

He countered with a shake of his head, "Yes, just like the moon isn’t up in the sky." She was left speechless, her mouth opening but no words coming out.

With a smile, he looked at her, and she picked up the sheet from the floor, casting him a dark, dangerous glare that seemed to have no effect on him.

He smiled more, his gaze shifted from her to her room, though he didn’t truly take in the space that day.

It was a calm setting, adorned with soft, inviting colors. In the center stood a bed, while to the right was a study table, and to the left, a bookshelf nestled beside the windows. On the right, a coffee table accompanied by two plush armchairs completed the cozy atmosphere.

With deliberate steps, he approached her bed. She cast a sidelong glance, her curiosity awoke, and asked, "what are you doing here?"

He half-lied on her bed, a playful smirk dancing on his lips as he replied, "My mother-in-law told me that you're not coming to stay with me. So, i thought, why not I come and sleep–I mean, stay with you"

Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she watched him. After a long moment of silence, she shut her eyes tightly, mentally screamed in frustration, "MOM!"

She jerked open her eyes and urgently questioned, "When did she contact you? I told her I was going to stay with you!"

He shook his head, a sardonic chuckle escaping him, and replied with a hint of fake sadness, "Tsk tsk, darling, you’re not quite as clever as my mother-in-law."

Sitting up straight, he fixed his gaze on her, adding, "Do you honestly believe that after so many refusals, you’d suddenly agree to stay with me without raising her suspicions? You’re mistaken, blue. She did and called me and asked me to stay with you."

Rising from the bed, he moved closer, his voice low and husky, "And here I am."

Her mother had called him, fully aware that her daughter would not be staying with him, and she had placed her trust in him. Yes, her feelings for him had shifted since the night he had safely left Aayesha at her home, seeking her permission first.

His mother-in-law had asked him to stay for two days with aayesha to look after her, but he had declined. He didn't see himself as a caretaker, yet his thoughts were consumed by worries of her safety, being in pain, suffering, and the marks left on her body by dirty hands she likely despised.

He found himself messed by her troubling thoughts, leading him to dismiss six employees and cancel a significant deal out of frustration. And, within half an hour, clarity washed over him, prompting him to send a message to her mother, saying he would stay with her.

Setting aside his inner thoughts, he locked his eyes with her, the intensity palpable. With a firm tone laced with curiosity, she inquired, "Why did you come through the window?"

With a casual shrug, he replied, "I was curious and wanted to experience what it was like. It was good."

Her hands clenched tightly, trying to suppress anger. Pressing her lips together, she retorted with a hint of sarcasm, "Well, Mr. Khurana, now that you've had your little adventure,please leave respectfully. I have no desire to see you."

Stepping closer, maintaining her tone but with a force smile, she added, "And do leave from where you came; I won’t go downstairs to open the door for you."

He listened patiently, allowing her to finish her. Then, closing the distance between them, he spoke in a low, gravelly voice, "You needn't worry about that, cause I have no intention of leaving you—ever," accompanied by a devilish smirk.

Her heart raced at the word 'ever.' She gazed at him, emotions swirling within her, before her eyes drifted to his lips. A smile lingered there, and she bit her lower lip, asserting, "I don’t need your presence, mister."

He replied softly, "But I—" pausing for emphasis, he continued with seriousness, "--I need to stay here, with you." His demeanor shifted as he recalled the gang members he had seen again, who had been pursuing her.

But she shook her head defiantly, "I don’t want that. If I wanted to, I would have come to your house myself and given my attendance there."

He closed his eyes, fists clenched tightly to maintain his composure. The thought of rejection was difficult for him to bear, allowing her to say no didn’t mean she would always choose that path. His respect for her was unwavering, but this was a matter of her safety, and he struggled to trust anyone but himself. Still, she continued displaying her stubbornness in front of him.

He firmly stated, "Darling, let's put an end to this discussion because I'm not leaving this house, and I'm saying this for the last time." The determination in his voice sent a shiver through her.

She attempted to voice her refusal, but he growled softly, "I said, no more arguments on this matter."

She flinched, shutting her eyes tightly and gripping her dress in her hands, his tone sending a deep fear within her. Seeing her so still,, he cursed himself quietly, "Why am I—"

His mind interrupted him, "How dare you raise your voice at her? You are outburst on everyone. You're just capable of it."

Annoyed, he sternly chastised himself, "you know I never want to act this way, but she keeps refusing to stay by my side. What else can I do?" Deep down, he knew he was in the wrong.

His inner voice retorted, "So? You think yelling is the answer?"

He replied dangerously, "You find the answer to your own question, and do not dare to interfere between us again."

His mind fell silent, and his focus returned to his frightened little blue. He spoke gently, "Let us put this matter to rest; what already happened. I made a promise to your mother, and I cannot retract it."

She nodded, eyes still closed, saying nothing, as fear of his voice held her captive; she had never heard such a tone before.

Frustrated with himself, he rubbed his neck and uttered the words that were difficult to express but necessary for her relief. With a sigh, he said, "I’m sorry, Blue. I didn’t mean to scare you--"

She opened her eyes, the hesitation evident in his face and voice, which brought a smile to her face, soon turned into giggles.

"–It’s out come–" but he halted, captivated by the sound of her giggles, which he found soothing balm. His face remained expressionless, but his gaze was locked on her.

She softly said, "It's fine. I think you never leave or date any girl." But as her laughter faded, a hint of anger crept in as she recalled something. Her voice shifted from sweet to sharp as she continued, "How is it possible that the most rumored dating guy in our town is utterly clueless when it comes to conversing with a girl?" She ended with a forced chuckle.

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips, "What? Rumors? Dating guy? Please, darling, just speak what you want to say." He understood exactly what she was hinting at.

With narrowed eyes, she murmured in a flat tone, "Don’t, mister, don't play dumb" She closed her eyes, shaking her head and wagging her finger in a dismissive manner. "Now tell me, what game are you playing with me?"

He locked eyes with her, stepping into her personal space, and said in a deep, husky voice, "Would you like to join me in this game? We could play all night, or perhaps every night, but only at night, under the cover of darkness." He winked playfully.

Her jaw dropped in disbelief at his audacity, and she snapped at him, "You shameless anaconda!"

Taking a step forward, and he instinctively took a step back, she jabbed her finger into his chest, asserting, "How dare you? Are you really comparing me to the girls you’ve dated or engaged with after me?"

She paused, turning her gaze away to regain her composure, her body and spirit seething with anger. She was unfazed by her own words, driven by a fierce sense of self-respect.

He squinted and repeated her words, "Shameless is fine, but anaconda? Don’t you think that’s a bit odd?"

She frowned, tilting her neck toward him and replied sarcastically, "You’re a shameless anaconda; there’s nothing odd about that. You’re the weirdest person I’ve ever seen."

He corrected her with a playful grin, "It’s ‘stare,’ not ‘seen.’"

She shot him a warning glare and retorted angrily, "Didn’t you hear what I said right after that?"

He recalled the moment and said, "Oh, yeah, I was just there to ask about that," then paused, his voice dropping to a deep, alluring tone, accompanied by a wicked grin, "So, darling, are you feeling a bit fiery because of my dating rumors—"

Before he could finish, she quickly cut in, her voice tinged with frustration, "Why would I be jealous? You’re dating Naira, Shanaya, or even Siya; it doesn’t bother me."

She shut her eyes, pressing her lips inside, feeling the weight of her blunder as she mentioned the names of the women linked to his dating rumors circulating online.

His dark green eyes locked onto her, a devilish smirk playing on his lips. She mentally scolded herself, her thoughts a fragile whisper, "Why? why, God? Why did I let slip such foolishness? I’ve never acted this way before. Why now?"

Overwhelmed by the intensity of his gaze, she turned toward the window, pretending to be absorbed in the view outside to avoid him. He chuckled at her attempt and remarked, "I can see how much you’ve been keeping tabs on me. Is that your new pastime?"

She remained silent.

He stands beside her, speaking calmly "You know there’s a difference between actually dating someone and just the rumors about them."

She turned to meet his gaze, their eyes—green and brown—intertwining beautifully.

She searched for any lie in his words, and he allowed her to explore. Breaking the silence, he declared, "You are the first woman I’ve seen, stared at, talked to, engaged with, and the one I plan to marry and share my life with. You will be the first in every significant moment I experience with the opposite gender."

Heat rushed to her ears, and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. For a brief moment, she felt a rush of emotions as his closeness ignited a warmth within her on that chilly night.

She averted her eyes, focusing on the moon, while he remained captivated by her, which was more outshining than the moon and not allowing to move his gaze.

In that moment, he mused, "She is an angel, a pure angel!"

She broke the uncomfortable silence with her sweet voice, inquiring, "How did you get here? I don't see your car." She glanced around, searching for his vehicle, but it was nowhere in sight.

He looked outside casually and replied, "I came here on my bike."

Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she exclaimed, "You know how to ride a bike? You actually have one?"

He chuckled at her misplaced questions and, amused by her curiosity. "Yes, I know how to ride, and I have several types of bikes," he replied softly, bending slightly to gesture towards his bike, which was parked nearby. She turned her head to catch a glimpse of it.

"I simply took my bike for a casual ride here, but I had no idea my darling had an interest in bikes," he added with a playful tone.

She quickly clarified, "I don't really like bikes; I just enjoy riding them a little." As she turned back, she was startled by how close their faces were, feeling the warmth of his breath brushing against her skin.

She studied his features until he uttered, "okay," prompting her to step back and create some space between them.

He straightened up and inquired, "Have you ever gone bike riding with anyone?"

She thought for a moment before responding, "Well, once with my cousin. I don’t remember it too well, but it was a nice experience."

He moved back toward her bed, saying, "Alright, then we’ll plan a long ride together in the future."

She turned to him but remained silent, unsure if that promise would ever come true or if they would part ways before it.

He settled against the headboard, glancing at her laptop lying diagonally on the bed. With narrowed eyes, he asked, "What are you working on?" Suspicion lacing his tone. "It doesn't seem like academic work."

Following his gaze, her eyes widened in panic as she rushed to close her laptop before he could catch a glimpse of the screen. Firmly, she tried to redirect his attention, saying, "My matters are none of your concern, future husband."

She managed to divert his focus.

With just those two words,

Future.

Husband.

He remained silent, observing her, while she was too caught up in her own thoughts to notice the weight of what she had said.

She replied nonchalantly, "The guest room is downstairs."

Raising his eyebrows, he asked, "So?"

She narrowed her gaze and countered, "So what? You will be staying there."

He casually questioned, "Who says that?"

With a flash of irritation, she declared, "I do," then paused, her eyes widening in shock as she added, "Are you planning to stay in my room?" she stuttered slightly.

He shook his head, said, "No, why would I plan when I've already decided that."

Covering her mouth in disbelief, she exclaimed, "Are you out of your mind? How could you sleep with a stranger?"

He corrected her gently, "You are not a stranger; you are mine. My future wife."

Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, butterflies fluttered in her stomach, and her heart raced. Regaining her composure, she replied, "But I can't. How can I trust you? You still feel like a stranger to me."

In her mind, she mused, "Yes, he is strange. Perhaps he has earned half of my trust, but the other half remains missing."

He spoke softly, "You can trust me. I wouldn't do anything to harm you. If you prefer, I' can sleep on the couch."

She shot back, "There is no couch, only an armchair."

He glanced around, realizing he couldn't back down, and said, "I'll sleep on—"

But she interrupted, "I don’t want you to sleep there." He narrowed his eyes, and she clarified, "I mean, if you sleep there, you’ll blame me for your aches in the morning."

A smile crept across his face, knowing he was on the verge of victory. "I'll not do anything, okay. I’m a gentleman. You can trust me," he said, locking his gaze with hers.

"But—" she began, only to be cut off by him.

"I truly won’t do anything," he assured her, and she fell silent.

He won.

She positions herself on one side of the bed, maintaining a respectful distance, choosing not to use a pillow between them because they are both adults, not children.

It’s her mistake.

While she was focused on her laptop, he was engrossed in his phone. After a while, she stole a glance at him, a wave of discomfort washing over her.

Finally, she voices her thoughts, "Please go change your clothes; it's making me uneasy."

He looked up from his phone, his voice deep and teasing, "Sweetheart, I can't wear your clothes, and you can't afford me without them." With a playful smirk, he added, "And by the way, who exactly is making you uncomfortable?"

She mutters under her breath, "You shameless anaconda."

His grin widened at her response.

Ignoring the rest of his comments, she replied firmly to his last inquiry, "I can't explain why, but it is. Just go change; there’s a set of men’s clothes your mother-in-law bought before she left."

He felt a flicker of something but brushed it aside. Without a word, he heads to the bathroom to change.

As the door creaks open, she glances up to see him in a crisp white t-shirt and black trousers, yet when their eyes meet, she quickly averts her gaze. The atmosphere is thick with tension.

He returned to his side of the bed, half-lying down again preoccupied with his phone. He wasn’t planning to sleep; he had work to finish before leaving in a few hours.

He returns to his side of the bed, reclining slightly as he resumes his focus on his phone. Sleep is not on his agenda; he has tasks to complete before he must leave in a few hours.

She finishes her work, sets her laptop aside, and lies at the edge of the bed, casting glances at him, still absorbed in his device. She wonders aloud, "Doesn’t he ever sleep?"

Though her voice is barely a whisper, he catches her words and responds teasingly, in his cold-and-sinful tone, "I would love it if you join me in my sleep." without taking his eyes off the screen.

Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly wrapped herself in the duvet, pretending to sleep. Even under the covers, she could feel his intense gaze and warmth.

As she drifted off, thoughts of him filled her mind, while he remained awake.

♡༻༺❁༻༺♡

Two hours later,

He awoke, yet kept his eyes closed, feeling a sense of relaxation washed over him. The unfamiliar warmth surrounding him was comforting, and he nuzzled his nose into the soft, silky fabric nearby.

When he finally opened his eyes, they widened in surprise. His nose was nestled against the back of her hair, and the gentle rise and fall of her body provided a comforting warmth against his chest.

He questioned himself, "when I sleep? Also this close to her?"

His breath caught in his throat as he realized his hand rested on a soft, cotton surface—her stomach. His forearm lay across her waist, and his hand had slipped beneath her t-shirt, while hers rested above his, their fingers intertwined as she tenderly caressed his hand on her soft abdomen.

The sensation was blissful, but a wave of confusion washed over him. He questioned himself, "Did I really cuddle her? No, she might be—"

But his mind countered, "i don't think it by your hold on her."

Irritated, he retorted, "Didn’t I tell you not to interpret between us?"

His mind replied, "How can I not? You’re with my Blue. I can’t bear the thought of you causing her harm."

He clenched his jaw and asked, "Do you really think I would hurt her?"

His question silenced the chaos in his mind. He took a deep breath, inhaling her scent, a blend of calm and strength. His focus shifted to the warmth of her stomach beneath his palm, causing a tightening sensation in his body.

He breathed in the fragrance of her hair once more, a soothing aroma that enveloped him. With his other hand, he gently pushed aside her hair, revealing her neck and delicate side profile.

In that moment, he was lost, his mind a blank slate. She lay in a deep sleep, anywhere to the world around them—their intertwined hands, the warmth of their bodies, and together on her bed.

Leaning closer to her neck, he intended to caress his lips on her skin, but stopped just an inch away, his warm breath brushing against her, causing her to stir. Suddenly aware of his actions, he leaned back, astonished, and questioned himself, "What was I about to do? What was I thinking?"

He hesitated for a moment, ready to walk away from her, but something inside him urged him to stay just a little longer. He placed his hand gently on her stomach, feeling the warmth that radiated from her body.

Gradually, he withdrew his hand and settled himself on the edge of the bed. His gaze drifted to the window, where the glass was fogged with the coolness of the night. It was still dark outside, as he turned back, he found her shifting slightly in his direction.

He stood up, carefully tucking the duvet over her, ensuring she was snug, before retreating to the bathroom. However, he quickly returned and paused at her bedside. Clearing his throat softly, he called out to her, "Blue."

There was no answer; she was deep in slumber.

Leaning closer, he tried again, "Blue."

Once more, there was no response, prompting him to let go of the question he had intended to ask. Just then, she murmured softly in her sleep, "Hmm."

A smile graced his lips as he inquired, "Darling, do you have an extra toothbrush?" His face hovered near hers.

In her dreamlike state, she nodded and turned toward him, captivating him with her beauty. As she half-opened her eyes, and asked in a morning voice, "Why?"

He countered playfully, "Why? Don’t you know the purpose of a toothbrush?"

His tone carried a hint of annoyance, causing her to turn away, her back now facing him in irritation. He chuckled, responding gently, "Listen, I need to get to the office, and for that, I must freshen up."

When she offered no reply, he assumed she had drifted back to sleep, but seeking confirmation, he asked, "Do you hear me, darling?"

In a sleepy murmur, she replied, "Hmm. The extra toothbrush is in my cabinet; your mother-in-law bought it for you too," her voice tinged with a hint of irritation and disappointment.

He could hear the frustration in her voice regarding her mother's shift in care towards him. He hummed softly, and cone back to the bathroom, glancing at the cabinets.

He muttered to himself, "She mentioned her cabinet, but there cabinets." He paused, then added, "Which one had the toothbrush?"

Opening the first cabinet, he found it packed with her bath essentials. He chuckled softly, "My little blue uses this many products?" Turning his head towards the door, he asked, "But how does she use so much? She’s so small—" He stopped, contemplating, "Maybe they’ve been stored for a long time. Hmm."

Refocusing on his task, he reminded himself, "Wahan Stay focused; you’re here for a reason," before closing the first cabinet and opening the second. This one was filled with her skincare items and menstrual supplies. He glanced at the door again and said, "I can’t imagine how tough this is for you, but you’re brave, and I’m so proud of you."

After checking two more cabinets, finding no trash or brushes, he scratched his brow thoughtfully and looked at the next cabinet, debating, "Should I open it or call her?"

He decided to open it, feeling it was less risky than her, and finally found the toothbrush. Completing his morning routine, he stepped out of the bathroom and glanced at her before quietly leaving her room, careful not to make a sound.

‎♡༻༺❁༻༺♡

In morning,

She shifted in her bed, a smile forming on her lips in her sleep as she inhaled a delicious smell coming from the downstairs. Her body began to move, freeing herself from the duvet before slipping out of bed.

Rubbing her eyes, she descended the stairs, her eyes still heavy with sleep, she called out cheerfully, "Mumma, what are you making? It smells absolutely divine!"

Though her eyes were not yet fully open, they widened in surprise at the sound of his cold-and-sinful voice. "I’m not your mumma, but I could be your dad—" he paused, taken aback by his own words, unsure of what he had almost revealed.

He wasn't believing what he was just about to say?

She regarded him with curiosity, and he met her gaze for a moment before looking away, his eyes filled with shock. He turned back to his task, trying to distract himself, he thoughts. "I need to stay away from her,"

But his mind challenged him, "Can you really?"

With a firm yet calm tone, he replied, "Yes, I can. She means nothing to me," his words tinged with frustration and anger.

In his world, he felt no connection to anyone, nor did anyone belong to him; he was his own family. He tried to ignore her presence, but her intoxicating scent, began to come close to him, slowly.

She halted just behind him, her voice firm, "What are you doing in my kitchen? Did you ask for my permission before entering?"

She hates when others intrude on her space. She only shared her belongings with a select few, and the thought of someone claiming her things sent her into a frenzy.

He halted his work and turned to face her with raised eyebrows, leaning against the kitchen counter with his hands on either side. In a cold voice, he replied, "First, why should I ask you? I'm the son-in-law of this house. Second, your mother has given me permission for everything; she told me to consider this place mine as well."

She asked with a hint of irritation, "What else did she say to you?"

He replied, "She mentioned that you woke up rather late—"

"I'm not," she interjected.

He chose to overlook her response and continued, "—and that you don’t like to eat in the morning until she makes you."

She shot him a look.

Leaning in closer, he spoke softly, "And told me to take care of you."

"I don't need your care," she retorted. "I'm not a child; I can take care of myself."

He leaned back and questioned her, "Why do you always argue? Can’t you just agree for once? In the end, you have to agree. Why waste time?"

She clenched her jaw and replied, "That's none of your business, Mr. Khurana."

He shot back, "It is, Mrs.-to-be Khurana, actually. I'll have to endure it after our marriage."

With a flash of anger, she declared, "You won’t have to because we’re going to separate soon after we marry."

Their eyes locked, with a heavy silence enveloped them. An unspoken emotion lingering between them, one they both wished to dismiss.

He finally looked away and said flatly, "Go freshen up. Breakfast is almost ready."

She felt a pang of guilt washed over by her words, they both are aware of their complicated marriage situation.

Internally, she scolded herself, "What’s wrong with you, Ayesha? Your mother told him that's why he’s here and taking care of you. He even made breakfast, yet you always find reasons to argue with him."

With a sigh, she chose silence and left from there. Entering her room, she made her way to the bathroom, brushed her teeth, took a shower, and completed her morning routine.

He set their breakfast on the dining table, patiently awaiting her arrival while scrolling through his phone.

He gulped as he inhaled her rosy scent, he glanced up to find her standing before him. They exchanged a long gaze before she took her seat, but his gaze remained captivated by her.

She dressed in a floral black top paired with blue jeans that hugged her curves beautifully. Clearing her throat, she prompted him to shift his intense gaze away.

They began their meal in a comfortable silence. she wasn't surprised by his cooking skills—after all, everyone has their reasons behind learning—she was caught her off guard was that he had chosen to use those skills for her.

With a satisfied hum, she savored a bite of his creation and exclaimed, "It's absolutely delicious! Thank you for preparing this for me."

He met her gaze with his deep green eyes, momentarily lost in thought before responding with a soft, "Hmm."

She looked at him curiously, and asked, "When did you bring your suit?"

He wore a three piece black suit.

He replied, taking a bite of his food, "Aman dropped it off this morning."

She nodded in understanding, and as they finished their meal, he announced, "I’ll be driving you to college."

Before she could protest, he added firmly, "And I don’t want to hear any arguments about it."

She frowned slightly, retorting, "Oh, mister, why would I argue when I’m perfectly fine with it?"

Her car was in for service, which made her agreeable to his offer.

He double-checked, "Are you really okay with this? Are you sure?"

As she grabbed her bag and walked toward the main door, she asked, "Do you want me to come with you, or should I take a cab?"

From behind her, he replied, "I’d prefer you take a cab."

She turned, laughter dancing in her eyes as she responded, "Alright then, hurry up I booked you!"

With a smile, he followed her, and together they set off for college.