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After dinner, Mantasha cast a stern glance at Azlan. Without a word, she seized his hand and led him out into the garden. The gesture was instinctive for her, but for Azlan, it was an electrifying moment; his heart fluttered at her mere touch. She was his sanctuary, and each affectionate interaction felt like a glimpse of heaven. Yet, he kept his feelings hidden, locked away in the depths of his heart.

As they walked, Azlan glanced down at their intertwined fingers, a small, tender smile curving his lips. It was as if his feet moved of their own accord, never pausing, dutifully following wherever she led. When they finally reached the garden, she released his hand. He immediately felt the chill of its absence, and a frown creased his brow. Every part of him longed to reach out, to clasp her hand once more and never let go, but he restrained himself, fearing that such a move might make her uncomfortable.

The moonlight bathed the garden in a silvery glow, casting soft shadows around them. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the cool night breeze. Azlan watched her, his heart aching with unspoken words and unrealized dreams. In the tranquil embrace of the garden, he found himself hoping that one day, he might gather the courage to share his feelings with her, to bridge the silent gap between them. Until then, he would cherish these stolen moments, each one a secret he held close, warming him from within.

She turned towards him, facepalming herself with an exaggerated shake of her head. Her other hand found its way to her hip as she glared at him. Azlan chuckled, finding her frustration both amusing and endearing. He wasn't oblivious; he sensed she was holding something back. Yet, he chose to let it slide, content to wait until she was ready to share it with him freely.

"Yeh kya kar diya aap ne?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with disappointment. She tried her best to look intimidating, though she knew she was failing miserably. Azlan found her attempts adorable.

"Main ne kya kiya hai?" he replied, feigning innocence. She responded with a sharper glare.

"Nahin, mujhe ek baat bataen? Bodyguards zaroori hain kya? Main khud ka khayal rakh sakti hun. Besides, there will be other students too. I don't need those bulky men who keep lurking around all the time. For God's sake! I'm going there to enjoy myself, and how do you expect me to do that with those men hovering over me?" She tried to make him understand, but Azlan just scoffed.

"And what do you think? Agar main bodyguards ka na bolta to... kya koi tumhe permission deta?" Azlan countered. She shook her head, pouting because she knew he was right. It was clear as day that no one would have let her out of their sight without the assurance of bodyguards.

"That's what I thought," Azlan said with a satisfied nod. She whined in response, her frustration palpable, but deep down, she knew his concern came from a place of love and protection.

The moonlight danced around them, casting a gentle glow on their faces. The garden, a silent witness to their exchange, held a sense of tranquility, a stark contrast to the tumult of emotions within her. Azlan stepped closer, his gaze softening.

"Misha," he began, his voice low and tender, "I promise you, those guards are there for your safety. Enjoy yourself, but let me have this peace of mind. Can we do that?"

She sighed, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Fine," she muttered, her defiance melting into reluctant acceptance. "But only because it's you."

Azlan smiled, reaching out to gently squeeze her hand. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. In that moment, surrounded by the serene beauty of the garden, their bond felt stronger than ever, woven with threads of care, understanding, and unspoken love.

But still, a whirlwind of thoughts spun in Mantasha's mind. She noticed how Azlan took care of her, how he endured her tantrums with a patience no one else could muster. Not that she hadn't been aware of it before, but now, it struck her just how he never said no to her unless it was for her own good. She realized how he prioritized her feelings, her security, her happiness, and most importantly, her comfort above everything else.

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