A Knife on His Lap|| Bodyguard AU

A past for a past

~Nariya Patel~

I sighed with relief as I extended my weary limbs. The day had taken a toll on my still-recovering self, and I relished the simple joy of regaining some much-needed strength, especially considering the revelations from my guardian. My father, a figure perpetually shrouded in mystery, had always been an enigma to me. I knew he had transitioned from being a university professor specializing in blockchain research to becoming the CTO of the company co-founded by my mother and him. However, beyond these basic facts, I had never delved into the details of his life.

The truth was, advancements in technology, especially those pertaining to emerging technologies, remained a perplexing realm for me, stretching the limits of my comprehension. My mind was besieged by a multitude of questions, the events of the day adding to the confusion. A respite from the chaos was something I earnestly desired.

Perhaps sensing my somber mood, Alexie took the initiative to soothe me, a gesture that I found exceptionally considerate. I decided to retreat to the bathroom, stealing a glance at my reflection in the vanity. My face appeared notably puffy, particularly my bloodshot eyes. Letting out a sigh, I approached the washbasin, filling it with cold water. I dipped my face into the refreshing liquid multiple times, hoping to alleviate the puffiness. After patting my face dry, I observed a reduction in swelling, although the redness in my eyes lingered.

Turning my attention to the wardrobe, I chose to don some comfortable sweatpants and a cozy hoodie, both graciously provided by Alexie. Finally relenting to his generous offer, I acknowledged that it didn't seem likely he would reclaim these items. Therefore, I resolved to make use of them without hesitation.

Unlocking my door, my eyes widened as I was greeted by utter darkness in the halls. "Wha-" I breathed.

"Nari," a voice, familiar and comforting, called out, instantly calming my reflexes. I looked in the direction, spotting a silhouette shrouded in darkness, the origin of the voice.

"What is all this?" I inquired, confusion lacing my voice.

"Well, you'll see," Alexie approached me, his light steps becoming noticeable only when he stood right beside me. "It's a surprise. Can you wear this blindfold for me?" he asked.

Without reluctance, I took the blindfold and donned it, severing even the faintest trace of light from my room and leaving me entirely cut off from my surroundings. As I groped the air, a sense of loss enveloped me, and a fleeting panic started to settle in my skin. However, it was short-lived when a cold hand clasped mine, guiding me towards an unknown destination. The absence of one sense heightened the others, and I could discern, as a cold breeze brushed against my face, that he had led me outside.

"Wait," he instructed, and I could sense the soft, cozy fur of warm slippers engulfing my feet. "Now, remove your blindfold," he continued.

Carefully peeling off the blindfold, my eyes required minimal time to adjust to the twinkling fairy lights that bathed the backyard in a soft glow. The setup, though simple, exuded an elegant charm that invited coziness into the otherwise chilly atmosphere. As my gaze swept across the scene, the focal point became apparent—a sizable white screen stood prominently with a projector positioned in front, flanked by a plush loveseat. Behind that, a meticulously arranged grill setup completed the ensemble, ensuring seamless access to both the projector and loveseat. Importantly, the screen's view remained unobstructed from any vantage point, offering a perfect visual experience to anyone within the setup.

Diligence brightened my previously dulled eyes as I marveled at the expertly executed arrangement that somehow avoided feeling overly extravagant. "Wow," I exclaimed, turning my attention to the man beside me, dressed similarly in comfortable attire. "It's so..." Words failed me as I struggled to articulate the depth of my appreciation. A small, giddy feeling welled up in my chest, and I beamed a smile at him. "Thank you so much," I expressed genuinely.