•𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄• /𝑳𝒂𝒌𝒔𝒉𝒚𝒂 𝑺𝒆𝒏/

' 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 6 '

Lakshya's eyes fluttered open, greeting the soft morning light that filtered through the window. He lay still, his gaze drifting to Aarohi's serene form beside him. Her gentle breathing and peaceful slumber captivated him, and for a moment, he forgot to breathe.

Without stirring, he absorbed the sight of her tranquil beauty, his heart skipping a beat. Then, with a quiet resolve, he slid out of bed and padded to the washroom.

The cool water on his face and the refreshing scent of soap revitalized him. He dressed with deliberate slowness, his eyes stealing glances at Aarohi, still lost in dreamland.

Returning to the bedside, Lakshya's hand hovered above her shoulder, hesitant to disturb her. His voice barely whispered her name, "A...Aarohi."

Aarohi's eyelids fluttered, and she jolted awake, her gaze locking onto Lakshya's expectant face. For an instant, they just stared, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

Aarohi's eyes widened in alarm as she took in the time on her phone. "Shit!!" she muttered, her sleepiness instantly vanishing. She tossed the covers aside and hastily got out of bed, her bare feet padding softly on the floor as she rushed towards the washroom.

The sudden movement caught Lakshya off guard, and he watched her go with a mixture of amusement and concern. He hadn't expected her to react so strongly to the time.

As Aarohi disappeared into the washroom, Lakshya heard the sound of rushing water and muffled curses. He remained silent, observing her frantic morning routine with an unreadable expression.

Aarohi emerged from the washroom, her hair disheveled and her face flushed. "I'm so late!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with panic.

Aarohi, caught off guard by Lakshya's sudden question, paused mid-step. She turned to face him, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Where are you going?" he asked again, his tone casual, but his eyes betraying a hint of curiosity.

Aarohi raised an eyebrow, surprised by his interest. "My studio," she replied curtly, her voice still laced with a hint of irritation from earlier.

Lakshya nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he turned away. Aarohi watched him, wondering what had prompted his sudden interest in her activities. She shook her head, chiding herself for overthinking, and continued on her way to the studio.

Aarohi was about to leave when Lakshya called out to her, his voice firm but laced with a hint of desperation. "Listen, forget everything about yesterday!"

She spun around, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "What thing? I don't remember what happened 2 minutes ago, you're asking me to not remember what happened last night!" she shot back, her words tumbling out in a rush.

With that, she turned on her heel and hurried out of the room, leaving Lakshya standing alone, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. The door slammed shut behind her, punctuating her departure.

Lakshya's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. He knew he had to make things right, but Aarohi's hasty exit left him wondering where to start.

Lakshya's intense badminton practice was a welcome distraction from the tension with Aarohi. As he played, he realized he didn't need the drama and stress she brought into his life. He was better off focusing on his game and his own goals.

The thought liberated him, and his strokes became more confident, his movements more fluid. He was in his element, and nothing could bring him down.

After practice, Lakshya walked off the court, feeling refreshed and renewed. He knew he had to maintain this distance from Aarohi, for his own sanity and happiness.