Beautiful disaster (completed)

Chapter 38 - Stolen Moments

Kabir's pov

I shifted restlessly on the couch, the fabric scratching against my skin as I tried to find a comfortable position. The dull ache in my body had lessened over the past few days, but the forced inactivity was driving me crazy. I was used to being active, leading my team at the office, or hitting the gym to blow off steam. 

Now, I was confined to my apartment, relying on Kiara to handle everything, to ensuring I took my medication on time. It was torture for someone like me, who was always on the move.

Kiara was engrossed with work as usual, staunchly ignoring my attempts to lure her into some distraction. I stifled a sigh, knowing she was just trying to take care of me in her own way. But still, I craved some interaction beyond the mundane details of my health and her work updates.

"I'm so bored just lying here all day. at least unlock my phone. I can't even text anyone." I pleaded.

She didn't glanced up from her laptop . "I can understand you're bored .But you're supposed to be resting, you know the rules, right? No screen time more than 30 mins a day"

I sighed, sensing that Kiara was not going to budge on this. I understood her concern for my health, but I was starting to feel trapped and restless.

Over the past few days, I had gotten glimpses of a softer, caring side to her that took me by surprise. Despite our rocky history, she had stepped up to handle my illness without hesitation or complaint. It was almost as if she had slipped into the role of caretaker naturally, effortlessly.

Watching Kiara bustle quietly around my apartment, I was struck by how easily she fit into the small moments of my daily routine. Her laptop and papers littered my coffee table, her jacket draped casually over a chair, her bright scrunchies and hairpins scattered around the bathroom—small but consummate signs of her comforting presence.

I smiled to myself, thinking about how Kiara had managed to weave her way into my life so seamlessly. It was as if she had always been there, a constant presence that I had come to rely on.

I knew our unspoken tension simmered under the surface, barely held at bay. But somehow, with illness lowering my defenses, I found myself simply enjoying Kiara's company without overanalyzing things.

My gaze lingered on her intent expression as she worked. Wisps of hair framed her face and she chewed on her lower lip absently. An unfamiliar affection surged through me.

Get a grip, I told myself sternly. Clearly, the meds were messing with my head.

We had some silly argument. I tried to convince her but she was so stubborn. she was not like that school or was she? I decided to find the tv remote which she hidden somewhere.

"Aha found the remote" I grinned triumphantly. I offer her to watch her favorite movie but she hesitated, conflicting emotions playing across her face and refused.

"Well what do you suggest then?" I asked. I want to spend time with her. doesn't matter which movie we watch.

Kiara's expression softened. She glanced between me and her laptop, as though weighing something in her mind. After a moment, she sighed and stood up.

I felt a flutter of excitement as Kiara came over and settled herself gingerly on the far end of the couch. Her hair was falling across her face, and she brushed it back absently.

I enjoyed getting to witness her relaxed, casual side as we viewed the comedy she selected. Her deadpan observations and witty commentary made me laugh aloud more than once.

When she returned from the kitchen with a bowl of roasted makhana, my initial disappointment at the absence of butter-drenched popcorn quickly transformed into touched gratitude for her constant caring gestures.

"I miss popcorn" 

I made a show of grumbling for form's sake. But the truth was, something about Kiara fussing over my diet made me feel cared for in a way I hadn't experienced in a long time.

As the movie progressed, the bowl of fox nuts slowly emptied, and our laughter mingled with the sound of the television. At some point, I felt the warmth of Kiara's head against my shoulder, and a shiver ran down my spine. I dared not disturb this perfect moment, keeping my arm firmly rooted in place.

The silence that followed was anything but awkward. It was a comfortable, welcoming silence, a bridge between us that hadn't previously existed.

Dev's name whispered through my mind, a stark reminder of the complicated dynamics between us. Kiara had made her choice, and I had to respect that. But it didn't mean I had to like it.

Tomorrow I would no longer need my caretaker and Kiara would walk back out that door. Back to Dev, back to her life, one that likely no longer had space for me beyond professional courtesy.

 The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth, like a child awaiting the departure of a beloved babysitter.

No matter how I felt, Kiara had made her choice in pursuing her relationship with Dev. All I could do was cherish the memories of our time together and try not to hope for more.

I should have felt frustrated by the unfairness of it all. But wrapped in her warmth, all I felt was an overwhelming gratitude. Even if it was temporary, even if the coming loneliness would gut me, this stolen moment with her was worth its weight in gold.

Kiara shifted slightly against me, letting out a small sigh. I glanced down to see her eyes closed, long lashes fanned out across her cheeks. She looked peaceful, lips curved up slightly even in sleep. Unable to resist, I brushed a strand of hair back from her face tenderly.

Before I knew it, my eyes were drooping, and I felt myself being pulled into sleep. The last thing I remembered was Kiara's soft breathing and the warmth of her body next to mine.