HUKUMAT : WAR FOR THRONES

Whispers of the night

When her hands started hurting, she threw the cushion aside and leaned back on the couch, wincing in pain. Ishaan, watching her closely, noticed her discomfort. He gently approached her, his brow furrowed with concern. Without saying a word, he scooped her into his arms, carrying her towards his room.

She rested her head quietly on his shoulder, torn between the soft fluttering of her emotions and the lingering fear of the unknown. Could she really trust him after everything? Her heart screamed for her to relax in his arms, but her mind whispered caution. Upon reaching his room, Ishaan didn't waste time. He carried her straight to the washroom and gently set her down on the platform.

Manali, with her eyes closed tightly, braced herself for the worst. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was sure he could hear it. But then, instead of feeling the harsh touch she feared, a warm, wet towel softly grazed her face. She opened her eyes slowly, blinking at the sight of Ishaan gently wiping her down, his expression one of pure tenderness.

There was a heaviness in his actions-an unspoken emotion. It was as though he was washing away not just the dirt and grime from the night, but also the burdens she carried on her soul.

After a few moments, he handed her a towel. "Change your clothes," he murmured softly. "Call me when you're done."

She nodded, still dazed by his gentle touch, and watched as he stepped out of the washroom, closing the door softly behind him.

Ten minutes passed, and the door creaked open again. Manali stepped out, moving slowly towards the bed. Every muscle in her body ached from the injuries she had sustained earlier. She had forgotten the pain in the chaos of the hall, but now, as the adrenaline subsided, it returned in full force, making each step feel like a battle.

Ishaan, noticing her discomfort, moved quickly. He picked her up again, his touch as gentle as ever, and laid her on the bed. His fingers brushed her cheek lightly before he handed her a couple of pills.

She scrunched up her face in protest, pushing the medicine away with a childish pout. "I don't want to take them," she whined, crossing her arms.

Ishaan raised an eyebrow, caught between amusement and frustration. "Why not?"

"Yeh kitni gandi hoti hain! Mujhe nahi leni yeh medicines," she sulked, sounding like a stubborn child refusing their vegetables.

A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he knelt beside her, his eyes locking with hers. He hadn't seen her like this before-so vulnerable, yet so determined. "How else will you recover from your injuries?" he asked, his voice soft but firm.

Her lower lip jutted out in a pout. "But they're so bitter," she whined again, her voice laced with reluctance.

He let out a deep sigh, pretending to think. "What if I promise you some ice cream after this?" His tone was teasing, but his eyes shone with affection.

Her eyes brightened immediately, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Really?" she asked, her voice filled with childlike wonder.

"Yes, really," he said, chuckling softly at her innocence.

Manali narrowed her eyes at him, not quite trusting his offer. "I don't trust you. Promise me!" she demanded, her tone serious despite the playful situation.

"Okay, promise. When you take your medicine, you'll get a cup of ice cream," he said with a small grin, raising his hand as if swearing an oath.

Manali finally smiled. "Aap itne bhi khadus nahi ho," she teased, flashing him a playful smile as she reached for the pills.

Ishaan watched her intently as she swallowed the pills, grimacing slightly. He couldn't help but feel a warm tug in his chest. Despite the situation, she was starting to trust him, even if only a little.