CROSSED PATHS

Chapter thirty-eight

We just hit 400+ readssss oh my goodness. I love you guys so much and thank you for giving crossed paths a chance. Enjoyyyyy ...

I gently scooped Ahlam up in my arms, cradling her like a child as she slept peacefully. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of her, so serene and beautiful.

As I carried her to my room, I couldn't shake off the memory of my sister's teasing words. 'You two looked like you were stuck together like glue!' she had said, giggling. 'I'm surprised you didn't get stuck in that awkward position forever!'

I chuckled to myself, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. Maybe it was awkward, but it was also...sweet. And I wouldn't trade that moment for anything.

I laid Ahlam down on my bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. She stirred slightly, but didn't wake up. I brushed a strand of hair out of her face, feeling my heart skip a beat.

As I looked at her, I realized that I didn't care what my sister or anyone else thought. This was my moment, my time with Ahlam. And I was going to cherish it.

I sat down beside her, watching her sleep for a while longer. Then, I leaned over and whispered, 'You're safe with me, Aina. Always.'

With that, I gently kissed her forehead and lay down beside her, wrapping my arms around her to keep her close. I know that she is supposed to be in Kausar's room,but I just couldn't help it bring her to my room. It feels right and it feels not wrong

Ahlam's eyes fluttered open, her gaze slowly focusing on the unfamiliar ceiling. She blinked, trying to remember how she got there. As she sat up, her eyes met mine, and her expression changed from confusion to shock.

'Where...where am I?' she stammered, her voice husky from sleep.

I smiled, trying to reassure her. 'You're in my room. You fell asleep, and I brought you here. I didn't want you to sleep with Kausar you know, so they won't know we don't sleep in thesame room.'

Ahlam eyes widened as she took in her surroundings. She looked down at me, and her face turned bright red. 'Oh no...I thought you were a teddy bear!' she exclaimed, her voice laced with embarrassment.

I chuckled, trying to put her at ease. 'Sorry to disappoint you. But I'm flattered you thought I was cuddly enough to be a teddy bear.'

Ahlam's gaze dropped to my arms, still wrapped around her. She gasped, trying to scramble out of bed. 'Wait, why are you...why are we...?' she stuttered, her face growing even redder.

I held her close, trying to calm her down. 'Hey, it's okay. Nothing happened. I just didn't want you to sleep inside the house cause of Ammie that's it . I didn't want to give a reason to doubt.'

Ahlam's eyes searched mine, and I could see the uncertainty there. But as she looked at me, her expression softened, and she relaxed into my embrace.

'You're so warm,' she whispered, snuggling deeper into my arms.

'I'm glad you think so,' I replied, smiling. 'I want to be your safe haven, Aina. Your place to feel protected and save with me. I will never go beyond my boundaries without your permission .'

Ahlam's eyes locked onto mine, and I saw a spark of connection there. 'I know,' she whispered, her voice barely audible.

My heart skipped a beat as I looked at her, my arms tightening around her. 'I'm glad,' I whispered back.

We lay there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the tension between us palpable. Then,Ahlam eyes drooped, and she snuggled closer to me.

'It's that fajr azaan,' she whispered, her voice fading into sleep.