The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Aarohi lay awake, her head resting on the pillow, as she gazed at Arjun, who was still sound asleep beside her. A tender smile curved on her lips as she took in the sight of him-his hair slightly tousled, his face relaxed and calm in slumber. He looked so innocent, almost childlike, in that moment. She couldn't help but reach out and brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her touch feather-light.
Arjun stirred slightly but didn't wake. Aarohi chuckled softly, feeling a warmth spread through her chest as she watched him. This was the life she had always dreamed of-the peace, the quiet moments filled with love. For once, everything seemed to be falling perfectly into place. She snuggled closer to him, breathing in his comforting scent, a sigh of contentment escaping her lips.
However, the longer she watched him sleep, the more a gnawing fear began to claw at her heart. The more she reveled in this happiness, the more anxious she became. Memories of her past flashed through her mind, the times when everything had been taken from her just as she had begun to truly feel joy. The fear gripped her tightly, and her smile faded, replaced by an expression of worry.
Aarohi tried to shake off the feeling, telling herself that things were different now, that she had Arjun by her side. But the nagging voice inside her wouldn't quiet down. What if this happiness was only temporary? What if fate had other plans for her again? What if everything she held dear was snatched away from her, just like before? Her heart began to race as the fear settled deeper within her, casting a shadow over the bliss she had been feeling moments ago.
Lost in her thoughts, Aarohi didn't notice when Arjun's eyes fluttered open. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the soft light of the room. His gaze fell on Aarohi, who was lying beside him, her eyes clouded with worry. Frowning, he reached out and placed a gentle hand on her cheek, causing her to flinch slightly at the unexpected touch.
"Aarohi?" Arjun's voice was husky with sleep, yet filled with concern. "What's wrong? Why do you look so tense?"
Aarohi bit her lower lip, struggling to find the right words. She didn't want to burden him with her insecurities, especially not after the beautiful night they had shared. But as she looked into his eyes, those eyes that always seemed to promise safety and love, she couldn't hold back. She needed to voice the fear that was eating her up inside.
"Arjun," she began, her voice shaky and laced with uncertainty. "I... I'm scared."
"Scared?" He shifted, propping himself up on his elbow, giving her his full attention. "Of what, Aarohi?"
She sat up, pulling the sheet around herself as if to shield against the invisible storm brewing in her mind. Arjun followed suit, sitting up beside her, his hand resting on her back, rubbing soothing circles to calm her.
"I've always been scared of happiness," she confessed, her voice breaking slightly. "Every time I've truly felt happy in my life, it's been taken away from me. It's like fate enjoys playing games with me. And now... now I am so happy, Arjun, that it terrifies me. I'm scared that just like every other time, this happiness will be snatched away, leaving me with nothing but pain."
Her words hung heavy in the air, the room filled with the silence of her despair. Arjun's heart ached at seeing the woman he loved in so much turmoil. He could sense the depth of her fear, the scars of her past that still haunted her. Without thinking, he reached out and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. She buried her face in his chest, her body trembling slightly as she let out a shaky breath.
Arjun tightened his hold on her, his chin resting atop her head. He could feel the tension in her, the war raging inside her mind. He took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. He needed to console her, to make her believe that she was safe, that their happiness wasn't something that could just be taken away.
