ALMOST THERE

[Bonus] CHAPTER 12: "She's worth it."

[This chapter is from Shahaan's POV. ENJOI~]

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Uska hi Bana - Arijit Singh
🪐🍸🤍✨

Midnight. The time when the world is quiet, when the chaos of the day finally gives way to peace. But tonight, my thoughts are anything but peaceful.

They're filled with her-Saysha.

I know she dreads her birthday. She never says it outright, but I see it in the way she withdraws, the way her smiles become more forced as the day approaches. I've never understood why, but I don't need to. All I know is that I want to be there for her, to remind her that she's not alone.

As the clock ticks closer to midnight, I stare at my phone, debating whether to send the message I've drafted.

Is it too much? Too soon?

But then I think of her, alone in her room, probably fighting off the darkness that always seems to cloud her mind. I can't let her face it alone.

12:00 AM.

I hit send, my heart pounding in my chest. I've never been good with words, especially when it comes to feelings. But for her, I'll try. I'll always try.

I wait for her response, my mind racing with thoughts. What if she's asleep? What if she doesn't want to talk? But then my phone buzzes, and I see her reply. A wave of relief washes over me.

Her words make my chest tighten. I wish I could do more, say more, but I know that sometimes, just being there is enough. So I reply with the only thing I can think of, something simple but sincere.

I imagine her smiling, maybe even blushing a little, and it brings a smile to my own face. I don't know when it happened, but somewhere along the way, she became more than just a friend to me. Maybe she's always been. She became someone I care about deeply, someone I want to protect, even from herself.

"Goodnight, Shahaan."

I put my phone down and lie back on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. I wish I could do more for her, make her see what I see when I look at her-strength, resilience, beauty. But for now, I'll settle for being the one who's there when she needs someone.

Another buzz of sound made me pick my phone back up. Unlocking the screen, my eyes fall on an unread text from her. God, when will this girl learn to get some sleep?

"So....you remembered huh?"

"Remember what?"

If I haven't already mentioned it earlier, I'm doing it now- I excel at the art of acting oblivious.

"My birthday, dumbass."

I let out a light chuckle in the quietness of the night. Damn, even curse words sound heavenly when coming from her.

"Shehzadi, the day I forget your birthday, or the day I don't wish you-if that day ever arrives- that'll be because I died."

For a second, there's no response. No typing. Just peace and quiet. And even though I love peace and quiet, this quiet wasn't comforting at all.

Shit...Did I say too much? Did I overstep?

Relief washes over me as her reply slips into my screen, and I find myself smiling.

"Damn bro...stop making me cry at 12 am😭😭"

Stupid. Adorable. Woman.

"Very funny. Now listen to me and get some sleep, you've got a long day tomorrow. You know, replying to a thousand b'day wishes?"

"Ok yeah I should sleep.Goodnight🤍..seriously this time.😂"

"Goodnight🤍"

As I close my eyes, I make a silent promise to myself: I'll be there for her, every step of the way, no matter how dark it gets. Because she's worth it.

She's worth everything.

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Author's note: A bonus chapter because felt generous. Thank me later( or do it now by voting here💀🤏🏻)