An Inconvenient Flame

Chapter 37

Ishika's pov

As I come into consciousness, the first sensation I feel is a gentle pressure on my forehead.

It's soothing and oddly familiar. I lie still for a moment, savoring the comfort it brings before daring to open my eyes.

When I do, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains momentarily blinds me. I blink a few times, adjusting to the brightness, and that's when I see him.

Abhiraj is sitting beside me, his strong fingers carefully massaging my temples. His touch is cool against my skin.

"Hey," he says softly, his voice a low rumble that sends a pleasant shiver down my spine.

"How are you feeling?"

I take a moment to assess myself.

The fever seems to have broken, leaving behind only a slight chill and the irritating rashes. "Better," I croak, my voice still rough from sleep.

"The fever's gone, I think. Just feeling a bit cold, and the rashes are still there.".

Abhiraj's lips curl into a small smile, relief evident in his deep brown eyes.

Abhiraj nods, relief evident in his eyes. "That's good. The doctor said the fever should break soon. We'll keep applying the cream for the rashes."

"Hmm." I don't want to get up, but I realise how much I have troubled him since the time he has come to see me.

So collecting myself, slowly, I push myself up to a sitting position.

My back aches a little bit but it's nothing I can't handle, and I feel Abhiraj's hand on my back, steadying me.

The warmth of his palm seeps through my thin nightshirt, making my cheeks flush.

"Easy," he says, concern lacing his tone. "Take it slow."

I nod, as I lean back against the headboard, a thought suddenly strikes me.

"Ivaan!" I exclaim, looking around. "Where is he? Is he here?"

Just as the words leave my mouth, I hear the pitter-patter of small feet running down the hallway. The door bursts open, and there he is - my boy, his emerald eyes wide with excitement.

"Mumma!" Ivaan shouts, launching himself onto the bed and into my arms.

I wrap him in a tight hug, ignoring the slight discomfort from my rashes.

Tears spring to my eyes as I realize how much I've missed him. I pull him closer, feeling overwhelmed.

"Oh, my baby," I whisper, kissing the top of his head. "I've missed you so much."

Ivaan pulls back, his little hands cupping my face. "Are you okay now, Mumma? Mr.Big said you were sick."

I nod, smiling through my tears. "I'm much better now, sweetheart. Especially now that you're here."

Ivaan beams at me, then snuggles back into my arms. I look up at Abhiraj over Ivaan's head, mouthing a silent 'thank you'. He smiles back.

"Mumma, guess what?" Ivaan says, his voice muffled against my chest. "We flew on a big plane to come see you! And I saw clouds from the window!"

I laugh softly, running my fingers through his hair. "That sounds amazing, bubba. I want to hear all about it."

As Ivaan starts recounting his journey, I can't help but think how much he's grown in the short time we've been apart. And he's more articulate than I remember.