𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐰𝐢

"14. Threads of Affection"

"Shrinagar kya nikharega
Uska roop
Jisne saadgi ko apna
Gehna banaya hai"

-Fictionflare_ (Rudraksh)

In the stillness of midnight, the room was quiet except for the soft sound of breathing. Rudraksh and Ruhanika had initially fallen asleep on their separate sides of the bed, but as the night deepened, Ruhanika unconsciously shifted toward him, drawn by the warmth and comfort of his presence. In her peaceful sleep, she embraced him, resting her head gently on his chest, her body nearly hovering over him. while Rudraksh's arm had naturally wrapped around her waist. In his sleep, he clenched his fist, gripping a small section of her shirt near her waist. Ruhanika felt the weight of Rudraksh's uneven breathing against her cheek as his chest rose and fell rapidly. Confused and concerned, she slowly opened her sleepy eyes and looked up at him. What she saw startled her—Rudraksh was shifting his head from side to side, his face covered in sweat, his jaw clenched, and his breaths labored as though he was trapped in a nightmare. His hand had gripped her shirt tightly, and his other hand was clutching the bedsheet as if trying to find stability. His eyelids were shut tightly, and soft, indistinct murmurs escaped his lips. Worried, Ruhanika moved closer, trying to hear what he was saying. She gently placed her hand on his cheek, her heart beating faster as she leaned in to listen.

Rudraksh: "Noo, nahi...ba..chao, pl..ease, bac..ha lo."
(No, no... save, please... save.)

Rudraksh was restless in his sleep, murmuring a string of anxious words that echoed his inner turmoil. Ruhanika, watching him closely, felt a wave of tension wash over her.

Ruhanika: "Lagta hai inhe bhi bure sapne aa rahe hai, kitne dare huye lag rahe hai ye."
(It seems like he's having a bad dream as well. He looks so scared.)

Ruhanika noticed the anguish etched on Rudraksh's face, and her own expressions mirrored the depth of his suffering. It was as if an invisible thread connected them, allowing her to sense the weight of his pain as if it were her own. Concern filled her eyes, and her heart ached for him, making her instinctively reach out, wanting to com

Ruhanika: "Hum inhe utha denge toh shayad ye aur sehem jayenge."
(If I wake him up, he might get even more terrified.)

Ruhanika took a moment to gather her thoughts, her heart racing as she watched Rudraksh struggle in his sleep. After two tense minutes, she gently eased her shirt from his grasp, careful not to disturb him further. Sitting beside him, she scanned the room for something to help, but found nothing. Using the soft fabric of her sleeves, she tenderly wiped the sweat from Rudraksh's forehead, her movements delicate and soothing. She then let her fingers glide through his hair, caressing his head gently, hoping to provide some comfort. Leaning closer, she bent down near his face, her breath warm against his skin.

Ruhanika: "Shhh, shant ho jaiye, koi kuch nahi karega. Hum hai aapke sath, hum aur aap saath me bhoot ko bhaga denge. Shant ho jaiye."
(Shhh, calm down. No one is going to harm you. I am here with you. Together, we'll chase away the ghost. Just calm down.)

She gently caressed his head, running her fingers through his hair, and rubbed her palm against his chest to calm him, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath her touch.

Ruhanika: "Shhh bas bas, sab thik hai. Aap thik hai. Araam kijiye ab. Hum yahi hai aapke sath."
(Shhh, there, there. Everything is fine. You are okay now. Relax. I am here with you.)