HUKUMAT : WAR FOR THRONES

Whispers of desire

Manali woke up before Ishaan that morning. He looked so peaceful, almost like a baby while he slept, his hair tousled and lips slightly parted. She rested her head on her palm, watching him for a while, feeling a wave of affection wash over her. After gathering her courage, she leaned in and softly kissed his head. "Good morning," she whispered, closing her eyes in anticipation. Just as she did, she felt his lips brushing against hers, igniting a rush of warmth within her. A blush crept across her face, and she ran to the washroom with a shy smile, her heart racing.

After 30 minutes, Manali emerged, dressed casually in a hoodie and jeans, her damp hair wrapped in a towel. She walked over to the bed, determination in her eyes, and shouted into Ishaan's ear, "Uth jaiye!"

Startled, Ishaan's eyes snapped open, and he was greeted by her bright, happy face. "Morning, baby girl," he whispered in his cozy voice, pulling her close with an easy smile that made her heart flutter. "Let me teach you a new lesson today," he said, his eyes filled with playful mischief. He looked deeply into her eyes, leaving his sentence unfinished, then gave her a quick smooch that sent butterflies swirling in her stomach. Following that, he kissed her forehead tenderly.

"Got it, baby girl? And remember, I want this every morning from now on," he declared before heading to the washroom.

Manali struggled to control the blush spreading across her cheeks and the rapid beat of her heart. She could still feel his touch lingering on her skin, the warmth of his kiss wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. Smiling to herself, she blow-dried her hair and got ready, the anticipation of the day making her feel alive.

Soon, everyone gathered in the dining hall. The air was filled with tension as Shivay and Manali were pacing around, stressed and holding their books, their minds racing with last-minute revisions.

"What's going on?" Ishaan asked as he entered, sensing the anxiety in the room.

"Aaj humara exam hai," Manali replied, her baby face revealing her worry.

"Why are you both so stressed?" Ishaan inquired further, concern etching his features. But before she could respond, Akshat chimed in.

"They're both in the same class, but I'll sit in another class for the exams. So they have to manage on their own," Akshat teased, shooting them a smirk.

Ishaan noticed the four worried eyes staring at him. "Khud toh padh liya aur ab hume bata rahe ho," Manali mumbled under her breath, pouting in frustration, which made her look even cuter and elicited a chuckle from Ishaan.

"Why are you two so worried?" Anika asked between bites of food, trying to lighten the mood.

"They'll take away my scholarship if I don't score above 95%. If that happens, how will I pay for my college fees?" Manali's voice broke, her eyes filling with tears as the weight of her worries crashed down on her. She held her head in her hands, clearly overwhelmed by the pressure.

"Maanu, don't think too much," Anika said soothingly, pulling her into a comforting hug.

Manali's breathing became erratic, and she couldn't sit still. Suddenly, she screamed in pain, clutching her head. Ishaan, who had been drinking water, was so startled by her cry that he crushed the glass in his hand. Ignoring the cuts on his skin, he rushed to her side.

"Baby girl, what's happening? Tell me!" he asked, panic filling his voice, his eyes wide with concern.

"It's a migraine attack," Anika explained, her voice calm yet urgent, handing Ishaan two pills. "Give these to her."

Ishaan quickly took the pills and gently gave them to Manali, whispering soothingly, "Shhh, relax. Take a deep breath." His voice was like a balm, and she could feel the tension starting to ease as she focused on his comforting presence.