LOVERS FOREVER

Chapter 11 - Clouds of Doubt and Skies of Love

The first rays of dawn gently nudged Ahaan awake, his head throbbing with the remnants of the previous night's alcohol. He groaned, rubbing his temples as memories of his drunken confession to Ishqi flooded back. A wave of guilt washed over him, anticipating her anger, her disappointment.. this was not how he was supposed to reveal the past to her.. 

He expected her to be furious, to question his judgment, to accuse him of running away from his pain.. But as he sat up on the bed, the sight that greeted him was far from what he had imagined.

There, on the bed-side table, was a tray laden with steaming hot parathas, his absolute favorite, gobhi ke parathe. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, filling him with a sense of warmth and comfort.

Ishqi stood there arranging the plate for him, her face etched with a gentle smile, her eyes radiating love and understanding. She turned to him, her voice soft and soothing. 

I: Good morning AVM.. dekhiye breakfast laayi hu aapke liye.. aur wo bhi aapke favourite..

Ahaan's heart skipped a beat. He looked at her, his eyes wide with surprise. 

A: tum... tum gussa nahi ho mujhse..?

Ishqi chuckled, her laughter like a melody to his ears. 

I: gussa kyu hongi? mujhe achha laga ki aap mujhpe trust karte hain.. aapne apne puraane ghaav mujhe dikhaye.. par aapne ye sab nashe mein kaha.. achha hota agar aap ye sab tab share karte jab aap sober hote.. par koi na..  aapne mujhse share ki.. yahi kaafi hai..

Ahaan's guilt began to melt away, replaced by a sense of gratitude and relief. Ishqi's understanding, her acceptance, was a balm to his wounded soul. He reached out to her holding her hand..

A: Ishqi.. (he whispered, his voice filled with emotion) thank you.. For being here.. mujhe samjahne ke liye.. for not judging me..

Ishqi smiled, her eyes twinkling with love. 

I: mai aapko nahi samjhungi toh aur kon samjhega..? mai humesha aapke saath hu.. chahe jo ho jaaye..

Ahaan pulled her into his arms, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. He felt a surge of protectiveness towards her, a desire to shield her from any pain, to cherish her forever.. He gently lifted her onto his lap, her warmth spreading through him. 

A: itna tasty breakfast leke aayi ho.. tumhe apne haathon se khilaunga mai..

He took a paratha and fed it to her, watching her face light up with delight. He did the same for himself, savouring the familiar taste, the memories it evoked.

In that moment, amidst the aroma of the favourite food, the warmth of their embrace, and the unspoken words of love, Ahaan realized that he had found not just a lover, but a confidante, a soulmate. Ishqi was his anchor, his strength, his guiding light in the darkness.

As the morning sun cast its golden rays upon them, Ahaan and Ishqi shared a quiet moment of intimacy, their love a silent promise of a future filled with healing, understanding, and unwavering support. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, their bond growing stronger with each passing day..

Ishqi, breaking the comfortable silence, gently touched Ahaan's cheek..

I: achha ek baat aur.. (she said softly) maa bahut gussa thi kal raat.. aapko aise dekh ke..

Ahaan's face fell. The guilt he thought he had overcome crept back in. "Maa?" he murmured, a pang of regret tightening his chest..

I: jaake unse baat kijiye.. wo samajhengi..