Heal Me

22.Moonlit Confessions

**Esha's POV**

I lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling with a smile that I couldn’t seem to wipe away. The clock on my nightstand read 1:00 AM, but sleep was the furthest thing from my mind. The night was quiet, with only the faint sound of the wind rustling the leaves outside my window.

I was dressed in my favorite night suit—a soft, lavender-colored pajama set that hugged me in all the right places, comfortable yet cute. The cold night air drifted through the open window, making the thin fabric of my pajamas flutter slightly and sending a shiver down my spine. My hair, loose and wild, danced with the breeze, occasionally brushing against my face. I felt the gentle touch of the moonlight as it streamed through the window, casting a soft glow across my skin. The light seemed to caress my face, highlighting the curve of my cheek, the arch of my brow, and the fullness of my lips, making me feel like I was glowing from within.

I couldn't help but smile wider, my heart fluttering with the memory of the day. The image of Ishaan’s face was imprinted on my mind, his intense eyes and that small, knowing smile that always seemed to tug at the corners of his lips.

Ishaan—his name echoed in my thoughts, a constant presence that made my heart race and my mind whirl. I hadn’t felt this way before, not for anyone. There was something about him, something that made me feel alive in a way I’d never experienced.

I knew I shouldn’t be feeling this way. I was terrified, scared that if anyone found out, the tiny bit of freedom I had would be snatched away from me. My mother had always been strict, and if she even suspected that I was harboring these feelings, I knew the consequences would be severe. Yet, at the same time, I couldn’t deny the pull I felt towards him. My heart ached to explore these emotions, to let myself fall into them completely, to feel what it would be like to be loved by someone like Ishaan.

I could imagine it now—his arms around me, holding me close, the warmth of his body against mine, his voice murmuring soft words of affection. It was a dangerous fantasy, one that made my heart race and my mind spiral with thoughts of what could be. But what if it wasn’t just a fantasy? What if, one day, I really did find myself in his arms, feeling every emotion I had only ever dreamed of? No more tears, no more sadness—only the joy of being loved by him.

I was lost in these thoughts when my phone buzzed on the bed beside me, the screen lighting up with a notification. My heart skipped a beat, and I reached for it quickly, knowing exactly who it was. At this hour, there was only one person who would be messaging me.

I unlocked the phone and smiled as I saw his name pop up on the screen: Ishaan.

Ishaan: Hey, are you asleep?

I chuckled softly, my fingers moving to reply.

Me: No, was studying.

I knew it was a lie, and I was sure he would too. There was no way I could focus on studying when thoughts of him consumed my mind. His reply came almost immediately.

Ishaan: Liar.

I blushed, biting my lip as I tried to come up with a response. My fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before I finally typed out a reply.

Me: Okay, maybe I was just thinking…

Ishaan: Thinking about me, right?

I could almost hear the teasing tone in his message, and it made me blush even harder. He always knew just what to say to make my heart race.

Me: Maybe…

There was a brief pause before his next message came through.

Ishaan: Just maybe? You’re killing me, Esha.