MOHABBAT-E-DIWAANGI ( Book 1)

30. care

Happy reading yrra's 💗

Avantika's pov

As I slowly woke up, adjusting my dupatta (scarf), I opened the door, and there he was-the most mesmerizing person in my life, Mr. Rajawat. "Aadish aaye the..." (Aadish had come...) I whispered in disbelief. It was surprising to see him standing there at such an odd hour when everyone else was resting in their rooms. I thought for sure he'd be asleep by now. I couldn't help but smile as I realized something: in this house, no one ever gives him the chance to talk to me, even if he tries. I secretly enjoyed watching him make his efforts, only to happily lose before his family. His attempts, though sincere, were always met with a playful defeat, and for some reason, it made my heart race just a little more.

Before I could understand anything or before he could respond, he quickly shut the door and stepped inside. He stood right against the door, his hand gripping my arm firmly.

As I looked into his eyes, I could see the tension in them, even though he remained still. And then, in the blink of an eye, he hugged me tightly, like he couldn't hold back anymore. His heartbeat wasn't normal-I could feel it pounding through his chest, echoing in mine.

"As he softly uttered the words, 'Aap thik hai?' (Are you okay?), I could sense the tension in his voice, but his arms wrapped around me with a calm that reassured me. His embrace, firm yet gentle, made it clear that he felt a sense of relief-relief that I was finally safe, finally with him.

The sight of him standing there, looking at me with those eyes filled with concern, stirred something deep inside me. I could barely hold myself together. Just as he feared losing me, I had my own fears of losing him, and I wanted so badly to tell him that. So, I hugged him back, just as he had done for me, but tighter this time. It wasn't just a hug-it was me silently telling him how much I needed him, how comforting it was to be in his arms.

Being held by him is something beyond words. It's like the world fades away, and all I feel is safety, security, and a trust that's even deeper than what I have in myself. There's a sense of home, of belonging, and I could stay like this forever.

Just as I felt he was about to pull away, something inside me resisted. I don't even know why I did it, but I clung to him for just a little longer. After all, *kahete hai na nakhre jhelne apne ke samne hi dikhaye jate hai* (they say you only show your true vulnerability, your 'nakhre'-tantrums-to the ones who care enough to bear them)."

"I wrapped my legs around his waist and clung to him like a small child seeking comfort. The height difference between us made it a bit of a challenge-his tall frame towering over mine-but in that moment, it felt effortless. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't too hard either, maybe because I was still wearing my shoes, making it easier to get a grip.

As I climbed up, the closeness between us only grew more intense. My arms tightened around his neck, and for a second, the world seemed to shrink down to just the two of us. There was something so natural about it, even playful, as if we'd done this a thousand times. The moment had an innocence to it, like a child seeking comfort in the arms of someone they trust the most. Yet, it also carried a deeper intimacy that words couldn't capture.

Despite the awkwardness of the situation-our height difference, the struggle to balance-it didn't matter. All that mattered was that I was with him, in his arms, close enough to hear his heartbeat. And for the first time in a long while, I felt safe, like nothing in the world could touch me as long as I was with him."

Author pov

As he realized what she had just done, he chuckled softly and said, "Oho, mera bachha... zara dekhein to, aaj Suraj kahan se nikla hai" (Oh my child... let's see where the sun has risen from today). His voice was playful, teasing, as he gently moved one hand down her back and the other through her hair, his touch light yet protective.