LOVERS FOREVER

Chapter 10 - His Hurtful Past

A warm silence settled between them, thick with unspoken emotions as Ishqi remained in Ahaan's embrace, seeking comfort and finding solace in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

A: mere liye asaan nahi hoga, Ishqi (he murmured, his voice a low rumble against her ear) past ke baare mein bataana.. it is... painful.. but I promise.. mai tumhe sab btaaunga.. bas thoda waqt do mujhe.. I will tell you everything. Just give me some time..

Ishqi understood. The vulnerability in his voice spoke  about the hurt he carried. She nodded, her fingers tracing comforting circles on his back.. 

I: mai intezaar karungi AVM.. she whispered, her voice thick with love and support.

Ahaan pulled back slightly, cupping her face in his hands. His gaze softened as he wiped away a stray tear that clung to her eyelash. 

A: achha, ab rona band karo (he said gently, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips) let's get back to normal..

The playful glint in his eyes, a flicker of the Ahaan she knew and loved, sent a wave of relief washing over Ishqi. Maybe, just maybe, they were turning a corner.

I: Normal? (Ishqi repeated, mimicking his tone with a playful smile) mujhe yaad nahi aa raha kab normalcy mein aapki daant shaamil thi..

Ahaan chuckled, a genuine sound that warmed the room. 

A: ha toh tumhari harkat hi aisi thi na.. (pause) chalo utho ab.. mujhe pata hai tumne kuch khaaya nahi hoga.. khaana kha lete hai.. phir so jaayenge.. boht thak gaya hu..

Before Ishqi could protest, Ahaan scooped her up in his arms, the familiar strength sending a jolt through her. He carried her bridal style into the kitchen, depositing her gently onto the counter.

A comfortable silence filled the air as Ahaan dished out some rice and dal.. Ishqi watched him, a newfound appreciation blooming in her chest. He wasn't just strong and handsome; he was kind, considerate, and capable – a perfect blend of all the qualities she loved. They ate in silence, savouring the simple act of being together.

When they finished, Ishqi, emboldened by the newfound closeness, reached across and scooped up a bit of rice mixed with dal, holding it out to Ahaan.

I: lijiye.. ab aapki baari..

Ahaan chuckled, leaning in to take the bite from her spoon. Their eyes met, a spark of unspoken emotions passing between them.

Later, as they settled into bed, a sense of peace descended upon them. Ahaan held Ishqi close, his arms wrapped protectively around her. It had been a long time since they'd embraced like this, truly embraced, not just bodies pressed together but souls intertwined.. Ishqi leaned into him, her head nestled comfortably against his chest. The rhythmic beat of his heart was a lullaby, calming her anxieties and lulling her towards sleep.

As she drifted off, she felt a soft kiss graze her cheek. It was a simple gesture, yet it spoke volumes. It spoke of forgiveness, of a new beginning, and of a love that had weathered the storm and emerged stronger.

Sunlight peeked through the gaps in the curtains, painting delicate stripes across Ahaan's face. He stirred, the remnants of a restless sleep clinging to him like cobwebs. A fleeting memory of the previous night, of Ishqi nestled close and the promise that hung heavy in the air, brought a tender smile to his lips.

But as consciousness fully returned, a wave of anxiety washed over him. The peace of the night felt fragile, threatened by the reality of the day that lay ahead. Work, demanding and relentless, loomed large on his horizon.