Roommate (ASHAANGI)

thirty five

"That soup is nasty, Akshay.I'll take anything but that," Saesha grunts, completely repulsed by the taste and texture.

"Saesha, this soup is really good for you! Now come on, you have to eat something," Akshay says firmly, encouraging her to take a sip.

"Good for me? The only good thing I'll get is stomach pains after this. I'd rather eat puke than eat this. It tastes so horrible," Saesha groans, pushing the bowl away with disgust.

"Bella"

Saesha scowls and says, "Fine, I'll have it only if you taste some too. If I have to drink all of this, so do you. Deal?" She crosses her arms tightly against her chest, grimacing in pain as she does.

"Mio amore, be careful," Akshay says, reaching out to examine her.

"I'm fine," she sighs and pushes the bowl to his side. He slowly takes a spoonful and instantly gets disgusted by the horrible taste.

"Christ, what the fuck is this?" He immediately goes into a coughing fit and Saesha sits back and smiles slightly, relieved.

"Ah, finally. Thank you," she chuckles before pushing the bowl away. Akshay quickly takes the bowl off her tray and shoves it into the trashcan. As he passes her a bottle of water, her face lights up with gratitude and relief. She eagerly grabs it from his hand and takes a quick swig, completely relieved to drink something other than that awful soup.

"Are you tired, cara?"

"A tiny teeny bit tired. But I don't want to sleep" she sighs, and he quickly understands and takes a long stride towards her before sitting on the bed and carefully taking her hand. She carefully leans up against him and allows her head to rest against his thigh. He responds with gentle care and comfort, gently placing her in his lap and making sure she feels safe and cozy.

"What do you want to do, Stella?" He gently intertwines their fingers. She closes her eyes at the warmth and comfort, leaning in closer against his lap.

"I don't want to sleep yet," she says, still with her eyes closed, and tears threaten to fall.

"I know, Bella," he says, his voice soothing and calming. He gently pulls her closer and caresses her face, letting her know that she's in a safe place. His touch is gentle and loving, providing her with the comfort she needs.

"You're safe with me, Cara. I'd never let anything happen to you again" he continues, his voice soothing and reassuring. She opens her eyes and sees him staring intently at her and a tear slips down her cheek.

As his thumb gently wipes away her tear, she tilts her head for a light kiss. He responds by leaning in and gently kissing her back, their lips interlocking gently but passionately. Her tears fall freely and she gives in, letting his touch comfort her.

"Are you tired, Akshay? I'm sorry for-" she tried to say, but he kisses her again, making her swallow her words. Her eyes flutter shut for a moment, a pleasant shiver running through her body. He slowly wipes the tears with his fingers, softly caressing her face and cheek.

"Stop apologizing, bella"

"Alright... you can go home and take rest-"

"Like the fuck I'd want to go home. My only home is you." He says strongly and she suppresses a smile.

"What?" he asks, noticing her struggling not to smile. She chuckles softly and averts her gaze for a moment before meeting his eyes.

"The grumpy you is my favorite now. You're so cute" she says playfully, her voice tinged with amusement.