Closer Than Before

Chapter 9: Why So Close?

Radhika's POV:

I felt the softest touch on my face, gently pushing a strand of hair away. My heart began to flutter even before I opened my eyes, sensing the closeness. As my eyes fluttered open, I suddenly lifted my gaze, only to collide with Samar's chin.

"Aouch," he winced, rubbing his chin, while I instinctively rubbed my own head where it had collided with his.

"I'm sorry, but what were you doing so close?" I asked, a mix of embarrassment and confusion coloring my voice.

He looked at me, still rubbing his chin, with a sheepish smile. "I just woke up and saw you. That hair was troubling you, so I thought to, you know, help."

I found myself at a loss for words, speechless by his gesture and the closeness that had caught me off guard.

I tried to stand up, but my hand slipped on the bed, and before I knew it, I fell right into his arms. Our heads bumped together again, and this time, we were left staring into each other’s eyes, our faces only inches apart.

His hands were on my waist, steadying me, and my hands were on his shoulders, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my fingers. My heart was beating so fast, I was sure he could hear it.

"I'm assuming you're checking my temperature?" he teased, breaking the silence.

I blinked, suddenly coming out of my thoughts, and quickly stood up, stepping back to create some distance. "Your temperature is fine now," I said, clearing my throat and trying to regain my composure.

"Radhika," he started, his tone more serious now, "I wanted to talk to you. Are you comfortable now?"

I swallowed hard, feeling a knot form in my stomach as I nodded hesitantly. He patted the bed beside him, indicating for me to sit.

My heart was racing so fast, it could probably win an Olympic race at this point. I sat down, trying to appear calm, but my nerves were all over the place.

He took my hands in his, his touch warm and gentle, and just as he was about to say something, the doorbell rang. We both paused, the moment interrupted. He sighed, his frustration evident, and tried to continue, but the doorbell rang again, more insistent this time.

With a resigned sigh, he stood up to answer the door. I followed him out of the room, curious to see who it was. When he opened the door, we were greeted by Vienna Didi, who had come to do the morning chores.

"Good morning, bhaiya, good morning, bhabhi," she said cheerfully, giving me a sweet smile before heading straight to the kitchen to start washing dishes.

My face flushed bright red at the word "bhabhi." The term felt too intimate, too loaded with meaning, and I was caught completely off guard.

Samar and I exchanged a glance for a split second, both of us clearly flustered. He quickly cleared his throat, trying to shake off the awkwardness.

"I'm feeling much better now," he said, turning to me with a smile. "You should freshen up while I make breakfast."

Though it was the weekend, and we didn’t have work, the atmosphere felt charged with something unsaid. As I got ready, my thoughts were spinning, wondering what Samar had wanted to say before we were interrupted.

Samar stood at the stove, focused, his hands working skillfully as he made aloo parathas. The aroma filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation. He noticed and glanced back at me with a smile, which only made my heart beat faster.