Love's Renewal

Chapter 28

The morning light crept into the room, and Karishma's eyes fluttered open first. As she gazed down, her heart swelled with love and affection. Haseena was wrapped in her arms, snuggled deep into her embrace. Karishma's face broke into a wide smile, her eyes shining with warmth. She gazed at Haseena's peaceful face, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. Karishma's smile grew wider.

Karishma thought to herself,
"I wish every day could start like this." She savored the warmth of Haseena's body, the softness of her breath on her skin, and the sweet sense of tranquility that filled her heart. In this moment, everything felt perfect, and she longed to freeze time, to make this instant last forever. The world outside might be unpredictable, but in Haseena's embrace, Karishma found her haven, her happy place. She closed her eyes, her smile still radiant, and whispered to herself,
"I want to wake up like this every day, with Haseena in my arms, and love in my heart."

Haseena's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with the sight of Karishma's smiling face. But instead of returning the smile, Haseena's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly pulled away from Karishma's arms. She sat up, her back straight, and her voice laced with an apology.
"I'm so sorry, hame..ha..hame maaf kar dijiye, hame pata nai kab hum aise apke pass.."

"It's okay, Haseena,You needed comfort, and I was here for you. That's all that matters."
She reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind Haseena's ear.

"No apologies necessary, aap fresh hoke ajaye, let's have breakfast together"

Haseena nodded, still looking a bit sheepish, and quickly got out of the room. She headed to the bathroom to freshen up, and emerged a few minutes later, looking revitalized.

The two women made their way to the dining table, where Santu, Shivani, Pushpa, and Noor were already gathered.
Haseena took their seats, and the group began to chat as they passed dishes and served themselves.

Santu's eyes locked onto Haseena's face, and her expression turned concerned.

"Haseena, are you okay? You look a bit off-color," she said, her voice laced with empathy. "You're usually radiating energy, but today you seem...dull."

"Hum theek hai santu, wo bas tired hogay the work se" Haseena said quickly, her voice a little too bright. She forced a smile onto her face, trying to convince the others that she was fine.

"Accha, ek leave toh le liya kar haseena, you should rest" santu said.

Haseena nodded.

"Here, have a bite," Santu said, feeding a morsel to Shivani, who blushed and giggled. The tender moment was infectious, and the mood at the table shifted. Haseena's face relaxed into a genuine smile, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"Oo wow, look at those love birds!" she exclaimed, her voice teasing but affectionate. The tension earlier seemed to dissipate, replaced by the warmth and joy that radiated from Santu and Shivani's loving exchange. Karishma chuckled and playfully rolled her eyes, while Pushpa and Noor grinned at the happy couple. In that moment, love and friendship filled the air, and Haseena felt grateful to be surrounded by people who cared so deeply for each other.

"Haseena, stop it... you too have a girlfriend, who is more romantic than us," Santu said with a playful wink. "She even sings songs for you!" Santu's words were laced with teasing, but Haseena's heart skipped a beat as she remembered the charade they were still maintaining. She forced a smile, her eyes locking onto Karishma's, who was watching her with a knowing glint in her eye. Haseena's mind raced as she tried to keep up the act, her heart pounding in her chest. But for now, she just smiled and played along, her eyes never leaving Karishma's face.