Conversation

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CHAPTER EIGHT

CONVERSATION

Author pov:-

♡

Aayesha and Rhea emerged from their college, the day still holding a promise of unfinished moments. As they paused at the entrance, a sleek black car stopped right in front of them.

Both women stared at it with curiosity, but the figure that stepped out left Aayesha in shock while Rhea was excited.

With a bright smile, Rhea exclaimed, "Brother-in-law!" Aayesha remained momentarily frozen, grappling with the unexpected turn of events.

Wahan's gaze flickered between the two, finally settling on Aayesha, whose astonished expression brought a hint of amusement to his lips as he approached them.

As he stood before them, Aayesha broke the silence by her question, "What are you doing here?" Her voice is low and doubting.

With a playful smirk, he replied, "Can't I come to pick up my fiancée?" A rush of butterflies danced within her, yet she shot him a fiery glare.

Rhea, ever the instigator, chimed in, "Why not? She belongs to you-do whatever you want for her-" She paused, a mischievous glint in her eye as she turned her gaze from Wahan to Aayesha, adding with a teasing smirk, "And with her, of course."

Aayesha gasped, her mouth open in disbelief as she shot a look of betrayal at her friend, silently declaring, "You are the worst traitor of my life."

The other woman whispered softly, "Indeed, I am," Aayesha cast a sidelong glance, which Rhea ignored and turned back to Wahan, who was watching them quietly. "So, jiju, do you miss my friend so much that you left your work to come here?"

His expression was unreadable; he himself was unsure why he had chosen to be here instead of at his meeting, yet here he was, captivated by her.

Maybe, he found himself repeatedly distracted by thoughts of her as he prepared for his meeting, which ultimately led him to go and check on her.

Indeed, it was the truth,

Or an excuse for him.

Before he could respond, Aayesha stepped closer, her voice tinged with annoyance, "Why did you come here, dear fiancé?"

Wahan couldn't help but smile at her adorably angry face, while Rhea teased from behind, "Hmm, umm."

Aayesha silenced her friend with a warning glance, and turned, focusing entirely on Wahan, who was already gazing at her intently. With raised eyebrows, she pressed, "Now, you tell me."

In a deep, sincere tone, he replied, "I already told you, I came for you, and that's the truth."

Her cheeks flushed with a delicate hue, and something happened inside her, but she dismissed it, narrowing her gaze as she inquired, "Why?"

He replied with a firm tone, "What do you mean, why? I've come to take you home," his voice dripped with an unmistakable authority.

Her pulse quickened, pumping adrenaline through her veins.Taking a deep breath, she retorted with irritation, "How many times must I tell you? I can handle myself; I don't need your help."

In a matching tone, he countered, "Did I ever prevent you from taking care of yourself, Blue? You handle your affairs, and I'll handle mine, because I'm not backing down."

Once more, her cheeks ignited in a crimson. this time with frustration as she exclaimed, "Why can't you just understand?"

He stepped closer, declaring, "Because I refuse to entertain your ridiculous demands."

With a flash of anger, she shot back, "Stop thinking like an immature boy; you're a man-"

Her words faltered as their exchange was interrupted by a voice calling her name sweetly, "Aayesha."

Before Aayesha could react, Wahan's gaze shifted to the source of the voice. She turned to see Abhinav, and in an instant, her focus shifted entirely to her ex-crush, momentarily forgetting the presence behind her.

About him.

Wahan's soft eyes darkened with displeasure at the sound of her sweet name being called so affectionately by someone else. He glanced at Aayesha, who was now nervously watching Abhinav.

Meanwhile, Rhea, who was also caught in the emotional crossfire, clenched her fists in frustration. She was enjoying the playful dynamite argument between Aayesha and Wahan, but now, it felt like everything had been spoiled by Abhinav's arrival.

She stroked towards him, pausing just before him, and inquired softly, "What happened, Abhinav?"

Wahan's gaze fixated on the newcomer as he repeated the name, "Abhinav," his jaw tightening in response.

"Her crush," he turned to the source of the voice, discovering Rhea standing beside him, her expression playful. She continued, "Abhinav, Ayesha Sharma's crush."

At this revelation, his head whipped towards Ayesha and the boy accompanying her. Rhea couldn't suppress a smile at his reaction, as he now regarded Aayesha with his piercing green eyes, dark and intense.

Abhinav hesitated before speaking, "Um... I wanted to talk with you, but it seems like you're busy," his gaze drifted towards Wahan.

She followed his line of sight to Wahan, whose shadowy presence loomed over them, particularly focused on Abhinav, as if he intended to sweep off his trash from his existence.

Tightly shutting her eyes, she thought, "Oh shit, I completely forgot about him," a wave of guilt washing over her, though she couldn't quite grasp why.

Opening her eyes again, she turned to Abhinav, scrambling for an explanation, stammering, "No, I'm not busy, and he, um, he's Rhea's brother-"

But Rhea interjected, correcting her with a grin and teasing tone, "It's brother-in-law, bestie."

Aayesha gasped, her eyes widening in surprise as she shot an annoyed glance at Rhea, who was grinning, and the smirking figure beside her. "Yes, her brother-in-law, who came to pick her up," she retorted, irritation creeping into her voice.

But Wahan's commanding voice that cut through the tension, "I came here for you, ONLY FOR YOU!" His gaze locked onto hers, his tone dripping with possessiveness, leaving no room for doubt about his intentions. He was unfazed by the others. In that moment, it was clear he was focused solely on her, and that was all that mattered.

Aayesha's heart raced for a fleeting moment, their eyes seemingly vacant, yet they held a depth that spoke volumes. The smirk that once graced his face now mirrored Rhea's lips.

Abhinav observed their locked gaze, a sense of suspicion creeping into his thoughts as he inquired, "For you?"

Aayesha broke her intense stare, turning away. Wahan clenched his fist within his pocket to control, a fire igniting within him that he could not comprehend.

She stammered, "H-his means that he also came here to pick me up with Rhea. Perhaps my mother informed him. She knows him well, that's why." Her words were a blend of truth and deception.

Rhea interjected with conviction, "Very closely," her gaze fixed on her ex crush.

Abhinav nodded, yet the seeds of doubt lingered in his mind. He then turned to Rhea, "I didn't know you had a sister."

Rhea retorted sharply, "Because I never told you, that's why," her tone cutting and unwelcoming.

Abhinav chose not to press further, puzzled by the shift in her demeanor over the past few days. Meanwhile, Wahan smirked at his sister-in-law's words, reveling in the moment as she silenced her fucking crush mouth.

The atmosphere grew tense, but Aayesha's sweet voice pierced through, "Hmm, are you saying something, Abhinav?"

Wahan's mind encounter, "She never called you by your name."

His focus shifted back to Abhinav, "No, you should go. I think they are waiting for you," his voice dripping with a sweetness that felt almost insincere.

A rush of blood surged in her ears, her heart raced. She yearned to escape, desperate to vanish from his penetrating, forest-green gaze. wondering how she could possibly go with him.

She waved her hands quickly, her voice soft and warm, accompanied by a smile. "No, it's not like that. She and her brother-in-law can go without me. I don't need him. I CAN GO MYSELF," she declared, placing emphasis on 'brother-in-law' and raising her voice for him to hear the last part.

He looked back at her, eyebrows raised, his mind racing with thoughts, many of them to do something with her so-called crush.

"But-" Abhinav began, only to be interrupted by the shrill ring of his phone. He muttered something inaudible under his breath, then answered sharply, "What?" After a brief exchange, he replied with a curt, "Okay," before ending the call.

As he tucked his phone back into his pocket, he cast an apologetic glance at Aayesha. "I'm sorry, Aayesha, but I have to leave."

Her fiancé clenched his fist tightly in his pocket at the sound of her name from his lips. She responded sweetly, "It's alright, we can talk another day," and her attempt to escape from him was successfully failed.

Abhinav sighed and departed, his expression heavy with disappointment. Aayesha stood there, tapping her foot and gritting her teeth, unwilling to face the two annoying figures behind her.

"You can turn; he's harmless, I assure you he won't eat you alive," Rhea teased, chuckling, while Wahan stood there, expressionless.

Aayesha thought to herself, "Who's even thinking about him?" and slowly turned to face them, and walked to stand in front of them.

She met his gaze, he was still fixed in the same place, but his dark eyes piercing through her. Turning back to her friend, she noticed Rhea's mischievous smile, which hinted at topics far removed from the current situation.

He spoke coldly, "Are you coming with me, or do you have more plans to cancel?" His tone was harsh, a stark contrast to how he usually spoke to her, fueled by jealousy over her crush, a feeling he didn't quite understand.

Her face paled at his tone, and she looked down, shaking her head as she murmured, "No."

Rhea's phone buzzed just then, and she answered, "Yes, brother." After a brief exchange, she replied, "Alright, I'll be there in a few minutes," before ending the call.

Other woman interjected, "Aayesha, I need to head out. You should go and enjoy his company." Rhea seized the opportunity to tease her friend without hesitation.

Aayesha countered, "You-let it go! Where are you off to? Your brother hasn't even arrived yet."

Rhea explained, "It was his call; he asked me to come to the jewelry shop near our college. It's his anniversary, and he's a bit perplexed about what to get for his wife. You know how men can be."

Aayesha nodded, "Yes, I get it-those so-called men's dilemmas." Wahan tilted his head and cast a glance in her direction.

Rhea bid them farewell, "Bye, and I'll see you soon, brother-in-law," before she departed, leaving the two behind.

Wahan's teasing voice caught her attention, "You seem to understand every man except your own."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, and she echoed, "Yours? means mine? Is he really mine?" Shaking her head, she dismissed her thoughts, "What nonsense am I thinking?"

She searched his face, protesting, "When have I ever failed to understand you?"

He replied succinctly, "Always," his tone low yet laden with meaning. He opened the car door for her, gesturing with his eyes for her to take a seat, which she did. He took his place beside her, and they drove off.

An uncomfortable silence enveloped them, and he cleared his throat twice, causing her heart to race and beads of sweat formed on her forehead, but he remained silent.

"Open the compartment," he commanded suddenly, in his cold-and-sinful voice.

She narrowed her eyes at him, "Why?" He glanced at her briefly before returning his gaze to the road.

That was all enough for her.

She delicately opened the glove compartment and was greeted by a colorful array of chip packets. Her face lit up as a delighted exclamation escaped her lips, "Wow, chips!" With a radiant smile, she swiftly tore open a pack, savoring the first bite with her eyes closed, as an explosion of flavors danced upon her palate. "Oh my God, this is divine," she murmured, lost in the moment.

Lost in the taste, she was unaware of how captivated he was by her joy. His gaze remained fixed on her lips, which formed delightful shapes with each bite, accompanied by the soft sounds of her munching. He shifted his focus back to the road, taking a deep, steadying breath.

With a chip in hand, she extended her arm toward him, still munching, and said, "Hmm, try some!"

He glanced at the chip she offered, then back at her, noticing her big, innocent eyes. A thought crossed his mind, "Would it be so bad to have you?" He stopped his breath as he realised meaning of his thought.

Turning his attention back to the road, her hand remained outstretched. She encouraged him again, "Have it. It's good, you'll like it," her sweet smile inviting him to indulge.

With a teasing smirk, he replied, "Are you sure, darling?" Before she understood his playful tone, he leaned forward, had the bite of chip from her hand. His lips brushed against her fingers, and her eyes widened in shock, cheeks flushing a deep crimson as her heart raced at the unexpected intimacy. She quickly withdrew her hand, sitting upright and casting her gaze downward.

He couldn't help but smile at her flustered reaction, he did this cause the unfamiliar emotion which is sparked by her annoying crush on him.

After that moment, they fell into silence, exchanging glances but no words.

As he parked outside her home, she broke the silence with a teasing remark, "Thanks for dropping me off, even though I didn't ask."

He raised an eyebrow and replied, "We say thank you when someone does something for another."

With a sarcastic tone, she retorted, "I started with that, didn't I?" Her eyebrows arched in playful challenge.

He studied her face, his gaze lingering until her heart began to race, prompting her to look away. Just as she was about to step out, he stopped her, saying, "Wait, Blue, there's something for you in the back seat."

She cast a wary glance at him before turning away, a smile illuminating her face as she felt a rush of excitement. Two large bags sat nearby, overflowing with chips and chocolate.

"Is this really for me?" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.

He responded with a playful hum, "Yep, just for you"

Curiosity danced in her voice as she asked, "But why?"

He teased back, his voice low and inviting, "I'm not sure, perhaps it's because you've allowed me to share your bedroom." Though he himself was unsure of the reason behind his spontaneous purchase, but as he drove to pick her up, he spotted a general store and felt compelled to stop.

As she stepped out, she declared, "Then I guess I'll let you stay with me every night!" Her smile radiated warmth as she opened the back seat door.

"Darling, what are you doing?" he inquired, a hint of amusement in his tone.

She retorted while gathering the bags, "Can't you tell?"

"Let me help you with that," he offered gently.

She frowned playfully, replying, "Oh please, I'm not a baby girl, alright" With both bags in hand, she approached the passenger window, her smile a mix of sweetness and mischief. "Thanks, Mr. Fiancé. Bye!" before walking away.

He chuckled softly, pondering, "How will I manage her antics after we're married?" Once her figure faded from view, he too drove off.

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Next day

The following evening,

After spending several hours in thought, Aayesha finally reached for her phone, her fingers hovering over his name. She attempted to send him a message but quickly tossed her phone aside, exclaiming in frustration, "Nah. No, I can't do this," her body trembling as if caught in a chill.

Another hour passed as she stared at her phone, and finally, she crawled back to it, gripping it tightly. Sitting in the same spot, she murmured to herself while gazing at the screen, "I'm really craving to have it; I need to message him."

With a deep breath, she slowly began typing a message, reading it over and over, questioning if it was the right thing to say. Shaking her head to dismiss her doubts, her heart raced, and her fingers trembled as she hit send.

Aayesha: Suno na! (Listen)

He saw it.

Moments later, he read it, yet remained silent. Her heart raced even faster, anxiety rising as she wondered, "Did I say something wrong? But, it was just two words."

Wahan: Suniye! (Tell me)

Her eyes widened with excitement, a smile blossoming on her lips without even her realising it.

Wahan: Your eyes and this smile on your lips for me, I really like them.

Wahan: I like your eyes and that smile you have for me.

Her cheeks flushed with warmth, and she bit her bottom lip, pressing it inward. Tilting her head up, she caught her reflection in the mirror and pondered with a strange emotion, "Why does he make me feel this way?" Her heart tightened in response.

A notification sound pulled her attention back to her phone. Another message from him.

Wahan: What's the matter, blue? Is something wrong?

As she read, a call notification illuminated her screen.

His call.

His name.

She felt a wave of anxiety wash over her, biting her lip more harder. A sharp hiss escaped her as the metallic tang of her own blood filled her mouth. Releasing her lip, she gingerly touched the spot, exclaiming softly, "Ahh."

As the ringing ceased, she sighed in relief, mingling with regret why she messaged him? Is he worried for her? Just then, her phone buzzed again by his call. She needs to be picked up now, clearing her throat, she began, "hmm-"

Before she could finish, his voice came through, heavy with urgency and concern. "Did something happen? Are you hurt? Lemme come to you. Just wait."

Her heart raced at the sound of his voice, butterflies fluttering in her stomach at the depth of his concern for her. The rush of blood filled her ears as she heard his faint footsteps approaching. In a moment of panic, she called out, "Stop!" He halted, his hand poised to knock on the office door.

He doesn't question her,

why? Cause he knows she would explain in herself.

"I'm okay. You don't need to worry about me," she reassured him, her tone soft and gentle.

He hummed and took a step back, curiosity lacing his voice. "Then why did you message me?" His tone was cold yet laced with a softness.

She hesitated to say, "It was-tha-t."

His teasing tone interrupted her, "You know how to hesitate?"

Frowning, she shot back, "You-"

He gently interrupted, "I'm sorry, highness. Please tell me why you messaged and wasted your precious time on me."

His words struck a chord within her, a pang of emotion swelling in her chest. Why would he think that? Why would anyone think they waste their time on him? Why would anyone believe they were a burden? He deserved so much more, didn't he?

Yes, he did.

He deserved everything. Why did she ever think she would waste her time on him?

Breaking the silence, she declared with conviction, "Why would I ever think I wasted my time on you? I would never entertain such a thought. You deserve more-everything."

He remained silent under the weight of her words, his expression was impassive, but for a brief moment, a spark flickered in his eyes.

With her eyes squeezed shut, she anxiously thought, "Did I say something wrong? Why did I even speak? But, I only spoke the truth," as she angrily struck her leg in frustration.

Pulling her phone away from her ear, she inhaled deeply, then returned it to her ear, feigning nonchalance. With newfound confidence, she declared firmly, "Alright! Listen to me closely," as if she were about to unveil a hidden truth.

She paused, awaiting his response, but he remained silent. Her confidence waned, and her tone softened to a sweet whisper, "Could you please bring momo with you when you come home?" she stammered.

"What-" he began, but she hurriedly interjected, "Please, and come home soon with it," before abruptly hanging up, denying him the chance to respond.

Releasing the breath she had been holding, she rose from the bed, slipped on her slippers, and clenched her fists with determination. With a joyful spirit, she announced, "Let's prepare the essentials, Aayesh. He's bringing your momo," as she danced her way into her tasks.

She was certain he would make her wish come true.

Meanwhile,

Wahan gazed at the screen, a smile playing on his lips as he murmured, "Silly girl, I was merely inquiring about your preferred type of momo."

He strode toward his chair, enveloped in his familiar dark aura, and declared, "What do you want, Aman? And first Make your move," his voice resonating with a deep, commanding authority.

Aman, standing outside his boss's cabin, was taken aback; it was the first time he had heard Wahan utter an apology. His ears struggled to process the words, yet a chill coursed through him at Wahan's cold tone. Blinking rapidly, he stepped inside, his usual demeanor intact, though his mind remained in a state of bewilderment.

With his boss standing beside his desk, only the back of Wahan was visible to Aman. In a flat tone, Aman announced, "Boss, Mr. Nirvana has arrived for the meeting."

As he gathered his belongings, Wahan responded with a composed demeanor, "Postpone the meeting; I have to leave early today."

"But sir, he traveled all the way from Russia just for this meeting. How can you dismiss it so casually?" Aman thought to himself, however, he merely replied, "Understood, boss," in a more personal tone.

Wahan coolly inquired, "Has my meeting with the person I asked been fixed?"

Aman affirmed, "Yes, sir."

With a mischievous smirk, Wahan hummed softly as Aman departed the scene.

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He unlocked the door with the spare key she had given him, rolling his neck to ease the tension as he stepped inside. The stillness enveloped him, prompting a fleeting thought: "How can it be so quiet when she is here? Is she present?"

According to him,

Silence was never a part of her essence, and it never would be.

What he didn't realize was that she cherished the quiet, living her life around it, but when she was with him, everything changed.

He paused in the center of the grand hall, inhaling the familiar scent of her, the soft jingle of her anklets echoing as they drew nearer. He clenched one fist tightly, while the other gripped the bags he carried.He clenched one fist while gripping the bags tightly in the other.

Closer...

Ever closer...

Then, he caught a glimpse of her.

Her presence seemed to imprint itself in his green eyes, as if they were destined to hold her image forever. He felt as if his lungs were struggling to take less breath, more her, she filled his senses.

She was different today,

Remarkably so.

Draped in a stunning black traditional outfit, her long kurti adorned with intricate mirror work that hugged her curves flawlessly, paired with a flowing plazo that gracefully kissed each stairs. A sheer black dupatta cascaded from her right shoulder, veiling her arm behind it. Her hair fell freely, and silver earrings danced gently with her movements, her makeup perfectly enhancing her natural beauty, complementing her look-nothing more, nothing less.

She became the focal point of his world.

As their eyes met, her pace slowed, lips pressed together in a delicate smile as she approached him. He was so entranced by her beauty-her eyes, her face, her attire-that he scarcely noticed her presence until she stood before him.

She had been breathtaking before, but today,

She was a vision of pure heaven.

His gaze was so intense that it made her skin tingle, a flush creeping across her cheeks as she sensed the weight of his eyes upon her. His deep green gaze felt heavy, a presence she couldn't articulate but only feel.

"Did you bring what I asked for?" Her voice was sweet, almost angelic, the softness of her words wrapped in the elegance of her attire.

He felt a warmth wash over him, his eyes flutter twice before he hummed softly in response, passing the bags he carried to her. "The one on the right is veg, and the left one is non-veg." He said, his voice soft yet void as he was trying to hide his earlier desire beneath it.

Their gazes met, and he noticed the amusement dancing in her eyes. "You never mentioned what kind of momo you prefer, so" he added playfully.

A smile graced her lips as she absorbed his words, and she replied softly, "Thank you," as she accepted the bags. In that fleeting moment, their fingers brushed, igniting an unspoken connection between their souls.

He scrutinized her from head to toe, curiosity evident in it, asking, "Are you heading somewhere?" His expression darkened slightly with a thought, "If so, you're not going anywhere without me."

She pouted slightly before responding, "No."

A wave of relief washed over him.

Curiosity piqued, she asked, "Why do you say that?"

His voice was flat as he replied, "Just curious by your look." He paused, locking eyes with her, and added, "Is there something special about today?" His tone lowered, filled with genuine curiosity.

She found herself torn between two thoughts:

First, to tell him,

Second, to keep it to herself.

Ultimately, she placed her bags in a secure spot, returned to stand before him, and with her fists clenched between them, declared, "Choose one."

He frowned, confusion etched on his face. "Why?"

"Just choose," she insisted, her eyes urging him on.

He took a moment to deliberate, finding it more challenging than deciding whom to kill first in his betrayal list. He glanced at her, who was watching him anxiously, as if she were the one in his position.

With a smirk, he selected the right, and her excitement was palpable as she exclaimed, "Oh yes, you chose correctly!"

"What's inside?" he inquired.

With a hint of pride, she replied, "It's my birthday."

He was momentarily taken aback, softly asking, "What?"

She explained quietly, gripping her bags tightly, "Today is my birthday."

"Why didn't you share this with me in the morning?" he inquired, yearning to be intertwined with her from the very beginning, not wanting to miss a single moment. A sense of regret washed over him, without a reason. Why did he feel this way? The answer he couldn't pinpoint.

She replied softly, "You left before I did. It's my birthday, a day that holds significance for me, not for you."

He had no response to that.

Is her birthday only significant to her?

Does it hold no value for him?

Is she not special in his eyes?

Deep down, his heart knew the truth, yet he remained silent.

She interrupted his swirling thoughts with a gentle command, "Come with me." After a brief pause, she advised with simper smile, "And no questions."

As she began to move, he stood still, as the sound of his footsteps doesn't reach her. She turned back, a frown creasing her brow as she asked, "Why aren't you following? Can't you hear me? But that seems impossible."

With a teasing grin, she approached him, and he regarded her with a hint of suspicion. She playfully taunted, "Hmm, do you want me to take your hand and lead you?" With that, she grasped his hand, guiding him along.

His heart raced, captivated by the sensation of their intertwined fingers, a blend of peace and chaos enveloping him.

With each step she took it's telling him they are moving, he is moving behind her, she's dragging him with her little force.

She was holding him.

And she would continue to hold him.

He felt a dampness, a stickiness in their clasped hands, prompting him to ask, "Why are your hands so sweaty?"

She took a shallow breath, her voice trembling as she explained, releasing his hand to rub them together. "My hands just sweat a lot; it's normal. I consulted a doctor, and they assured me of that." Her response only deepened his curiosity about her behavior.

She shifted the mood with her words, exclaiming, "We've arrived!"

He took in his surroundings, realizing they were on the terrace. "What are we doing here, darling?" he asked, take in the scene.

The terrace was adorned with vibrant red and blue tulips, roses, and balloons, illuminated by flickering candles. In the centre of the left corner, a beautifully arranged matter for sitting and a table awaited, complete with an array of treats and a cake, creating a special atmosphere.

She joyfully proclaimed, "To celebrate , let's cut the cake I have been holding onto until your arrival."

Having already celebrated her birthday with Rhea, she was now preparing to celebrate the occasion alone, a tradition she had maintained for the past six years. Yet, this year felt distinct-perhaps it was her last, or perhaps it was because he was there with her.

Kneeling gracefully, she settled onto the soft surface, while he stood nearby, his gaze fixed upon her. Impatiently, she urged, "What are you staring at? Untie your shoe and join me; it's getting late!."

He complied, taking a seat beside her. One by one, she lit the candles atop the cake, turning to him with a sweet smile before closing her eyes and folding her hands forward prayer, in mind. "Please, God, keep my loved ones safe," she paused, then added softly, "and him too."

With a gentle sigh, she opened her eyes, swept her hair back, blew out the candles, and cut the cake, a smile lighting up her face. Her heart swelled with joy.

He was captivated by every moment, celebrating a birthday with someone after many years, especially with his blue. Since her arrival, he had been experiencing feelings and moments he thought he had long forgotten.

Everything felt fresh and unfamiliar, leaving him bewildered about how to respond and what emotions to embrace. He was hesitant to embrace these emotions again, yet she was encouraging him to do so.

He feared that they might shatter once again, as feelings are made to crack only.

"Eat it," she declared playfully, holding a piece of cake near his lips. He recoiled slightly, meeting her gaze with surprise. She narrowed her eyes at his reaction and teasingly remarked, "Oh, so you believe in the untouchable?" pouting in mock dismay.

He gazed at her lips, a smile forming on his own as he shook his head playfully, murmuring, "No, I don't really believe in those things, but I do believe in touchable ones." His voice was low, laced with seduction.

Her arms hair raised, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, especially when he took bite of cake from her hand. A current surged through her, her heart momentarily halting as he continued his teasing banter, "Hmm, it's delightful, perhaps because it's from your hand," accompanied by a mischievous smirk.

She swallowed hard, whispering, "Shameless anaconda," as she absentmindedly licked the cream from her fingers.

With keen eyes, he observed her every move, a smirk playing on his lips as he conceded, "maybe I am," his playful smile illuminating his gaze.

He sliced another piece of cake, bringing it closer to her, gesturing softly, "Hmm, eat." She hesitated, locking her gaze with his soft, forest-green eyes, but ultimately took a small bite, and after she did, he delicately added, "Happy birthday, Blue."

Their eyes intertwined, a moment of silence enveloping them before she responded with a warm smile, "Thank you."

He turned away, licking the cream from his fingers, and she watched him with anxious eyes. He spoke again, his voice low and tinged with disappointment, "I didn't bring anything with me. Had you mentioned it, I would have certainly prepared something special."

With understanding, she replied, "It's alright; your presence is gift enough, at least I'm not alone today." After a brief pause, she suggested, "Let's have dinner." He nodded, and they shared their first dinner together in two days.

Once they had tidied up, they settled beside each other at a comfortable distance. She gazed at the sky, noting the absence of the moon, and sighed sadly, "There's no moon tonight."

He followed her gaze but then turned back to her, saying, "I don't think so," for the moon was right there, shining in front of him.

Her brows knitted together as she searched his face, inquiring, "What?"

He brushed it off, replying, "Nothing."

She thought for a moment but decided to let it slide, In a heavy, sorrowful tone, she expressed, "I want to see the moon on my last birthday."

"What?" he responded, his voice tinged with impatience, his tone neither loud nor soft, his brows furrowing in confusion.

In a flash, she conjured a narrative that would convince him, which isn't easy. She began, "I mean, after that, I can celebrate it with my mother. I've been longing for it."

Though she tried to shift an earlier topic, which turned into a truth lingering beneath it; she longed to celebrate once with her mother, but next year, she knew the birthday girl wouldn't be there.

He could sense the sadness and disappointment woven into her words and the depths of her eyes. She continued, "It was my seventh birthday without her." She paused, memories flooding back. "Seven years ago, I fell ill-so ill that the doctors said I might not survive. I was like that for two days, and on the third day, my birthday, a relative urged my mother to pray to our deity for seven years on the same date, if she left a year then I'll go ill again and may not survive that time. She believed and prayed, and unfortunately, that useless myth worked. I recovered, but I don't believe in it-"

Locking her gaze with his, a single tear escaped as she finished, "Because everything is already inscribed in my fate," accompanied by a broken, painful smile.

He listened, quietly listened, absorbing her words without pressing for more. It felt like she was sharing a secret, and that was sufficient for him. He remained still, his expression blank. She tried to lighten the mood, chuckling, "I know I'm being too dramatic."

She attempted to shift the heavy atmosphere, but the tension and silence held firm.

Suddenly, Wahan deep voice resonated in the air, "Don't do that. If you're shown your emotions then don't hide them from me." His words were both comforting and assertive, his gaze steadying her as he turned away, staring into the distance.

Tears continued to slip silently from her eyes, which she tried to control and wipe away, hoping they wouldn't return, but her efforts were in vain time and again.

He could not bear to see her in such anguish-vulnerable, shattered, and hurt. Thoughts raced through his mind, contemplating how to alleviate her suffering, how to comfort and embrace her, yet those intentions remained unspoken, trapped within his mind.

Breaking the heavy silence, he said, "You know, we've met before I came to your house."

His mind urged him to reveal the single secret that lay between them, a truth that connected to them.

She turned her gaze toward him, curiosity flickered. "Why is he bringing this up?" she wondered. Nodding slightly, she whispered, "Yes, I know you're my night man, the one I met in the park."

He turned to her, amused by her claims on him, and replied with a playful smirk, "Night man? Your?" raising his eyebrows in surprise.

She licked her lips, stammering, "I-I mean that-" but he interrupted, sensing her hesitation, he curiosity asked. "How do you know?"

Her brow furrowed slightly as she asked, "What?"

He clarified his earlier question, "How can you be sure it's me? It could have been someone else."

Aayesh replied, "Maybe, but no one else has eyes like yours-forest green, stunning, and captivating."

He smirked, "Is that so? You find my eyes appealing?"

She thought to herself, "I adore them," yet remained silent, simply gazing at him with a racing heart. He continued, "But darling, I was wearing contact lenses that day."

She shook her head in denial, and he pressed, "Am I not?" Again, she mirrored the gesture. He clenched his jaw tightly, cursing under his breath for what he now recognized as his first and last mistake. Perhaps he had made such errors before, but now, for her sake, he would remember it.

He greeted her with a soft yet shadowy voice, uttering a simple "thank you."

Perplexed, she asked, "Why?" but he offered no reply.

Once more, she ventured to pose her lingering question, "Are you truly involved in the Mafia?"

A smirk danced upon his lips as he responded in a deep, resonant tone, "Are you questioning it?" He paused, awaiting her answer, but silence enveloped them. He pressed on, "I can prove it, blue, if you wish."

In a rush, she replied, "No, I believe you."

"Really?" he probed, she nodded while averting her gaze, lost in thought.

She pondered, could he truly be part of the mafia? If so, then would she be able to endure his world? Why had she ever thought she would've been going to live together for a lifetime. it's only a matter of a few months, and her life. With a sigh, she brushed the thought aside.

But, his true inquiry was about, did she truly believe in him? He chose not to clarify, allowing himself to dwell in that comforting illusion.

Their conversation continued, with him listening intently as she spoke, but gradually, sleep began to envelop her, and she drifted off to slumber. He gently adjusted her duvet before slipping into his own, his gaze lingering on her until he too drifted off, unaware of his own surrender to sleep.