Only V

Chapter 16 - Grandpa

It had been three days since the meeting with Zeesham was scheduled for today. Akash had now shifted entirely to the lab, living in the room just adjacent to it to carry out research whenever he wanted. His once meticulous bedroom was now a chaotic mix of research papers, chemical vials, and electronic gadgets. The hum of machines and the soft glow of computer screens replaced the natural light, casting an eerie, almost otherworldly, atmosphere. Akash immersed himself in his work, the weight of urgency pressing down on him like a physical force.

Anirudh and Ishan continued their training as usual, each day a relentless pursuit of strength and skill. The training ground had become their battlefield, each session a war against their own limits and doubts.

On this particular day, Anirudh's training focused on general motor flexibility and muscle conditioning. The air in the training room was thick with the smell of sweat and the echo of his exertions. Such sessions rarely required Lector's presence, leaving Anirudh to push his limits in solitude. The absence of Lector's critical eye was both a relief and a burden, forcing Anirudh to rely entirely on his inner drive, resisting all the pain in every corner of his body with the help of his self-promise to revenge the demise of his dear friend.

Meanwhile, Ishan found himself in an eerily quiet training room, a stark contrast to the usual clamour of soldiers. The silence was unsettling. As he entered, he was greeted by Vanya, who invited him to the table with a graceful wave. The tantalizing smell of pancakes wafted through the air, teasing his senses. Although the smell of pancakes was dwelling below his nose but he took each step forward with a sharp glaze for any surprise attacks. He approached cautiously, eyes scanning for any signs of a trap, but there was nothing. No sudden movements, no hidden threats. He was on guard, leaving no blind spots but to his surprise, nothing happened, no one popped up. He reached the table and pulled out the empty chair opposite Vanya, his movements deliberate and guarded.

Vanya leaned in to pour tea for him, her smile as sweet as the aroma of the pancakes. She was as beautiful as always, her presence almost otherworldly. Ishan remained puzzled, his guard still up. "I don't tend to miss this tea, but why today?" he asked, suspicion lacing his voice.

Vanya met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a sense of tenderness that seemed to seep into his very soul. "You deserve a gift, Ishan," she said softly. Rising from her chair, she moved behind him, her movements fluid and graceful. She bent down, her hands gently caressing his shoulders and neck. "You have been working very hard, dear," she murmured, her voice like a soothing balm.

Ishan tried to turn his head to see her, but Vanya's fingertips lightly held him in place. He felt a shift within him, a stirring of emotions he hadn't allowed himself to feel. His focus had always been singular—to get stronger and save his brother. He always perceived Vanya as only his trainer. But now, something about Vanya's touch, her presence, made him pause. Her hands were delicate, their touch as gentle as the morning dew on flower petals. She felt so beautiful, so finely refined and elegantly crafted, like a porcelain figurine shaped by the hands of a master artisan. 

How could someone be so perfect, so effortlessly enchanting? His heart beat faster, a blush creeping up his neck. He felt an inexplicable draw towards her, his resolve slowly crumbling. He noticed the curve of her lips, the way her eyes sparkled with an intensity that seemed to promise both comfort and danger.

His face softened, eyes widened, losing some of their guarded edge. He allowed himself to savour the moment, to bask in the attention she bestowed upon him. Her beauty was almost overwhelming, a siren call that threatened to drown his senses. He felt a warmth spread through his chest, an unfamiliar feeling of being cared for, of being important.

Each touch, each glance, deepened Ishan's adoration for her. She spoke softly, her words wrapping around him like a silken web. "You deserve to be taken care of," she whispered, her lips close to his ear. "You deserve to be cherished."