Till My Last Breath

Prologue

Aryan's room was a luxurious space, befitting the son of a wealthy businessman. The walls were painted a deep, calming navy blue, and the ceiling boasted intricate molding, giving the room a sophisticated look. A large king-sized bed, with a plush, dark gray comforter and a multitude of pillows, dominated one side of the room. Across from the bed was a sleek, modern desk, cluttered with books, a high-end laptop, and a few gadgets. A pair of black leather armchairs sat near the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the sprawling cityscape. A glass bookshelf lined one wall, filled with novels and academic texts, reflecting Aryan's interests and intellect.

As they sat at the desk, surrounded by textbooks and notes, the sudden roar of thunder filled the room, causing Anaya to jump in her seat. Her eyes widened with fear as she glanced around, her fingers clutching the edge of the desk. Aryan, noticing her reaction, couldn't help but smirk. He found the way her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pressed together in anxiety somewhat amusing.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Anaya asked, noticing Aryan's entertained expression.

Aryan just shook his head, his eyes still twinkling with amusement. "It's nothing," he said, his voice laced with a teasing tone. "I just didn't know you were scared of a little thunder."

Anaya shot him a glare, trying to mask her nervousness. "I'm not scared," she defended, although the slight tremble in her voice betrayed her. "I just… didn't expect it."

Aryan chuckled, leaning back in his chair, looking far too relaxed. "Right, sure. You know, you looked like you were about to leap out of your skin."

"Very funny," Anaya shot back, rolling her eyes. "You probably knew it was going to rain today and that's why you insisted on studying here, didn't you?"

Aryan shrugged, the playful grin never leaving his face. "Maybe I just like having you around," he teased. "Or maybe I knew you'd need someone to protect you from the big, bad thunderstorm."

Anaya crossed her arms, huffing. "You’re impossible," she muttered, trying to ignore the next rumble of thunder that echoed through the room.

Another loud clap of thunder roared across the room, startling Anaya so much that she jumped up from her seat and instinctively into Aryan's arms. For a brief moment, they stood frozen, their bodies close, eyes locked. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in the quiet, tense stillness of the room.

Aryan's gaze softened as he looked into Anaya's wide eyes. He reached up, his hand moving almost on its own, and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face. His fingers grazed her cheek, lingering for a second, his touch feather-light. Anaya’s breath hitched, her cheeks turning a bright shade of red. The air between them crackled with unspoken emotions, the unplanned intimacy of the moment hanging heavy.

But the intensity of the moment became too much to bear. Anaya quickly stepped back, pulling herself out of Aryan's arms. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure, and forced a smile, her eyes darting away to avoid his gaze. "Um, sorry," she mumbled, fidgeting with the edge of her shirt. "I didn’t mean to... I just... the thunder..."

Aryan let out a small chuckle, though his heart was still racing. "It's okay," he said, his voice softer now. "I guess I’m good at protecting people from thunder after all."

Anaya managed a shaky laugh, trying to shake off the lingering sensation of Aryan's touch. "Yeah, well, don't let it get to your head," she replied, her voice still a bit shaky. She returned to her seat, her mind racing with the unexpected turn of events, as Aryan watched her with a small, knowing smile.

The rain began to fall in a slow, gentle drizzle, each droplet tapping softly against the windowpanes. The sound was calming at first, a rhythmic patter that seemed to lull the world into a quiet hush. But as minutes passed, the rain grew heavier, the droplets merging into a downpour that pounded against the windows and drummed on the roof. The once gentle sound turned into a relentless roar, filling Aryan's room with the noise of the storm.

Anaya shivered, wrapping her arms around herself instinctively as the room began to cool. The chilly air seeped in through the open windows, making her skin prickle. Aryan noticed her discomfort and got up from his chair, heading over to close the windows. He pulled the curtains shut, blocking out the gray, rain-drenched world outside. The room grew dimmer, lit only by the soft glow of the bedside lamp.

He glanced at Anaya, noticing how she was trembling slightly, her shoulders hunched against the cold. Without a word, Aryan walked to his closet and pulled out a thick, soft blanket. As he approached her, she looked up, her eyes curious. Aryan draped the blanket around her shoulders, his arms briefly encircling her. The warmth enveloped Anaya, but it was the closeness of Aryan that made her tense. Her breath caught as she felt the familiar sensation of his touch, his arms brushing against her back.

This wasn’t the first time Aryan had wrapped a blanket around her, and yet, every time he did, Anaya felt her heart race. There was something about these small, caring gestures that always stirred something deep within her. They had been friends since childhood, inseparable through the years. They’d gone to the same school, played together in their backyards, and grown up side by side. Their bond was one of comfort and familiarity, yet Anaya’s feelings for Aryan had always been more than just friendship.

She had always loved him, always wanted something more. But Aryan had never shown any sign of feeling the same way. He was charming and kind, treating her with the affection of a lifelong friend, but that was all it had ever been. At least, that was what Anaya had convinced herself. She felt her heart tighten with the familiar ache of unrequited love as she pulled the blanket tighter around her, trying to mask the way her hands trembled.

"Thank you," Anaya said softly, looking up at him with a small smile, trying to hide the emotions swirling within her. Aryan returned her smile, a glint of something unreadable in his eyes, before he stepped back, giving her space. Anaya’s heart beat erratically, caught between the warmth of his care and the cold reality of their friendship.

Despite thinking she might refuse, Aryan couldn't help but ask, “Would you like to cuddle with me?” His voice was casual, as if he were suggesting they watch a movie, but there was a hint of something more in his eyes. Anaya’s heart continued to race at the question, the word “cuddle” echoing in her mind.

They had just finished studying together, and she knew she should be heading home. Her mother and sister would be expecting her soon to help with dinner. Yet here she was, in Aryan's room, with the rain pouring outside, being asked by him to cuddle. The word seemed to freeze her in place, her mind struggling to process the shift in their familiar dynamic. They had often sat on his bed together whenever she came over to study, laughing and talking about everything under the sun. But this felt different. More intimate. More vulnerable.

Anaya’s thoughts spun as she tried to make sense of what was happening. The logical part of her knew she should make an excuse and leave, but her heart, which had long harbored feelings for Aryan, yearned for the closeness he was offering. Before she could finish thinking it through, she found herself moving towards him, almost as if drawn by an invisible force.

She sat down beside him, hesitating for a moment. Then, as if deciding to take the plunge, she leaned into him, resting her head on his chest. Aryan's arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her closer, and she felt his other hand rest lightly on her arm, holding her gently but securely. His warmth seeped through the blanket, calming her shivers and the storm inside her chest. Anaya closed her eyes, letting herself relax against him, the sound of his heartbeat steady and soothing in her ear.

For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. It was just the two of them, cocooned in a bubble of warmth and quiet, the rain a soft background murmur. Aryan’s hand brushed lightly against her arm, a soothing gesture that made her heart flutter. Anaya couldn’t help but smile, a contented sigh escaping her lips. She had always dreamed of moments like this, but had never dared to hope they would come true. Now, in Aryan’s arms, it felt like everything she had ever wanted was within reach.

Aryan tightened his hold slightly, his thumb rubbing gentle circles on her shoulder. “You know,” he said quietly, his voice vibrating through his chest, “I’ve always felt comfortable with you like this. It feels… right.”

Anaya’s heart swelled at his words, the hope she had kept buried for so long bubbling up inside her. “Me too,” she whispered, not trusting her voice to say more. They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's arms, the storm outside mirroring the emotions building between them.