OH OVERWHELMING LOVE!

✨CHAPTER 31✨

"As if just existing around you heals everything in my heart................................"

The first light of dawn peeked through the curtains, casting a soft, golden hue over the room.

Shubhita stirred, her internal clock waking her before the alarm could. She blinked a few times, pushing aside the lingering haze of sleep, and glanced over at Vatsal, who was still lost in his dreams, sprawled across the bed with his arm flung over his face. His chest rose and fell in the steady rhythm of deep sleep, completely unaware of the world around him.

Slipping out of bed as quietly as she could, Shubhita tiptoed around the room, gathering her clothes and making her way to the washroom. The cool tiles under her feet jolted her awake, and she quickly washed up, her mind already racing through the tasks ahead. Today was going to be a busy day at school, and she needed to be out the door in less than an hour.

With the water still dripping from her hair, she made her way to the kitchen, the scent of freshly brewed tea and cooking spices soon filling the small apartment. She worked efficiently, her hands moving with practiced ease as she flipped parathas on the hot tawa and stirred the chai. Every second was precious; she had to get breakfast ready and do a quick round of cleaning before she could even think about getting dressed.

Her mind was in overdrive, ticking off the mental checklist she had made. The van would be down in thirty minutes, and she hadn’t even started on her saree yet. She hurriedly wiped down the kitchen counters and placed the hot parathas on a plate, her movements quick and precise, each one designed to save time.

With the food ready, she glanced over at the clock. Time was running out, and she had to get dressed. She hurried back to the inner room, where Vatsal was still blissfully asleep. His face was peaceful, almost childlike, with no trace of the usual frown he wore when awake. She hesitated for a moment, not wanting to wake him just yet, but she knew she couldn’t afford to be late.

“Vatsal!” she called out softly, hoping to rouse him without startling him. “Breakfast is ready. You need to get up.”

No response. She sighed, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she watched him sleep. He looked so content, and for a brief moment, she considered letting him sleep a bit longer. But the clock was ticking, and she didn’t have the luxury of time.

“Vatsal!” she called again, a bit louder this time as she walked towards the closet to fetch her saree. Still nothing.

She shook her head, pulling out her dark green and black saree—her uniform. The deep green of the fabric was rich and elegant, the black border adding a touch of formality that suited her role at school perfectly. She draped the saree over her shoulder, trying to adjust it quickly, but her fingers fumbled with the pleats. They wouldn’t sit right, and the pallu kept slipping from her shoulder.

She came out of the washroom and glanced at the mirror, frustration creeping into her features. The saree just wasn’t cooperating today, and she could feel the minutes slipping away. “Vatsal, wake up!” she called out again, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

This time, she saw movement from the corner of her eye. Vatsal stirred, his eyes blinking open as he finally registered her voice. He groaned softly, rolling over to face her, his hair tousled and eyes still half-closed.

“What time is it?” he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.

“Time for you to get up,” she replied, still struggling with the saree. “Breakfast is ready, and I need to leave in less than twenty minutes.”

Vatsal sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes as he tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. He watched her for a moment, taking in the scene of her battling with the saree. A small, amused smile played on his lips as he leaned back against the wall, his gaze following her every movement.