AY HAIRAT-E-AASHIQUI
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"Someone you haven't even met or known yet, is wondering what it had be like to know someone like you........."
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Two individuals with different upbringing but more or less with similar traditional ethical values, are brou...
(NOTE - Chapters till Ch-38 are already present on -
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"There is no old self to get back to there's a new you to create and nurture...................."
As the night deepened, a quiet stillness settled over the room. The rhythmic hum of the ceiling fan was the only sound that filled the silence between them. Vatsal, lying on his back now, stared up at the ceiling, his mind whirling with thoughts. Despite the calm of the moment, he felt a slight buzz of excitement mixed with something unfamiliar—a feeling that kept him wide awake.
He couldn’t help but replay the moments that had just unfolded. “Did that really just happen?” he wondered, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. The way Shubhita had leaned into him, the feel of her hand on his—it was all so...unexpected. And yet, it felt right, like a piece of a puzzle slipping effortlessly into place.
But now, as they lay just inches apart, the comfortable silence was interrupted by a soft sound—a muffled groan that made Vatsal’s ears perk up. He turned his head slightly, peering at Shubhita in the dim light.
Her eyes were closed, her breathing steady, but her hand was pressed against her lower abdomen, rubbing gently. A wave of concern washed over him, but he remembered her earlier words and resisted the urge to fuss over her.
Instead, he decided to try a different approach. “Hey,” he whispered, barely loud enough for her to hear.
“Hm?” She didn’t open her eyes but made a small sound of acknowledgment, a bit like a grumble, as if she were already on the edge of sleep.
Vatsal grinned to himself watching her do that antic. “I guess this isn’t the time for deep conversations or grand gestures,” he thought. But then an idea struck him.
“Do you know what they say about sleeping on the floor?” he asked, his tone light.
Shubhita’s brow furrowed slightly, but she didn’t open her eyes. “What?” she mumbled, clearly not in the mood for a joke.
“They say it’s good for your back, you know. Realigns your spine, helps you grow taller.” He paused for effect, then added, “So, if you wake up tomorrow towering over me, don’t be surprised.”
At this, Shubhita couldn’t help but let out a small, involuntary laugh. She opened her eyes, just a crack, to look at him. “You’re ridiculous. I’ve been sleeping on the floor with you for over a month now. Towering!” she murmured, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice.
“Ridiculous? Maybe. But you’re smiling now, aren’t you?” Vatsal replied, his grin widening. He could feel her mood lightening, and it made him feel like he’d done something right, even if it was just a small thing.
“Maybe,” she conceded, her tone softer now, the tension easing from her features. “But if I grow taller, it’s your fault.”
“I’ll take full responsibility,” he said with mock seriousness, turning onto his side to face her more directly. “But just so you know, I won’t mind looking up at you. Might be a nice change. I dislike looking down at you every damn time.”
