𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆'𝒔 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒉 | 18+ "ᴡhᥱrᥱ shᥲdoᥕs ᴇmbrᥲᥴᥱ ʜᥱᥲrts"

7. Moon held secrets

"Kavish,"
Ila murmured softly, breaking the comfortable silence between them. They were cuddled together after an intense makeout session—her head resting against his chest, legs tucked beside him as she sat on his lap.

Kavish hummed in response, his fingers gently threading through her hair.

"Never leave me," she whispered, so faint it was almost lost in the quiet.

Concern flickered in his eyes as he turned her face toward his. "I'll never leave you, baby. Why would you say that?"

Her eyes searched his—full of vulnerability and fear. "I love you, Kavish. But... I’m scared. What if we fight?" she asked, burying herself against his chest.

His features softened as he wrapped his arms around her protectively. "Why would we fight, baby? I won’t fight with you."

She clutched his shirt tighter. Her voice trembled. "Really?"

He nodded. "Yup. Though… small and sweet fights happen between couples, right?" he added playfully, trying to lighten the mood.

"Hmm... only small ones. No shouting, please. I get scared," Ila replied, her voice low.

---

The Next Morning

Aeni was having breakfast with her family when she spoke up, breaking the light hum of clinking cutlery.

"Muma, Papa… I want to tell you something."

"Yes, baccha? What is it?" Veeransh asked with curiosity. Zaenia, seated beside him, nodded. "Tell us."

Aeni smiled at their warmth. "Actually, Armaan and Ila are going on a trip... and they want me to come with them."

Zaenia frowned slightly. "But baby, your college is about to start. Should you really be going now?"

"Muma, there’s still time. It'll just be a short trip," Aeni pleaded sweetly.

"Let her go, Zaenia," Veeransh said gently. "She’s worked hard—she deserves a break."

Aeni beamed at her father's support. Zaenia sighed, amused by their synced alliance.

"Yes, bhabhi," Reyansh chimed in. "It’s been a while since Aeni’s gone anywhere."

Ilisha and Zavier nodded in agreement. Finally, Zaenia gave in. "Okay, okay. But keep in touch and—"

"Thanks, Muma!" Aeni squealed, cutting her off with excitement. Everyone laughed.

"Where exactly are you going?" Zaenia asked.

"Umm… I don’t know yet. Armaan says it’s a surprise," Aeni replied sheepishly.

Zaenia and Veeransh exchanged a sigh.

---

Later that Day

After breakfast, Aeni stayed home, lounging in her room. Scrolling idly through her phone, a sudden impulse struck her. She opened the search bar and typed:
Ayden Rai Singhaniya.

She found his account—bare, only a handful of photos. One was with his family. Another, an award ceremony. But one picture caught her breath.

Ayden’s upper body under a shower. Water droplets clung to his sculpted abs and chest. His head was tilted downward, lips slightly parted. Wet hair framed his forehead. One hand rested on the glass wall, frozen mid-motion.

Aeni stared, heartbeat racing. Her eyes widened, cheeks heating up with a blush. She quickly looked away, embarrassed by her own reaction—yet a soft, shy smile played at her lips.