Head over Heels

Chapter 3 - Khushi

🎶Awari - Ek Villain

The fireflies had escaped the barrier of the canopy above and made it to the ground. They fluttered around the space listlessly, the air enhanced by their timeless beauty.

"We should share the jacket," said Khushi, sitting up. Arnav-ji's eyes widened as she moved her bed of leaves closer to him.

"Are you sure," he asked, his voice gruff and barely audible.

Khushi nodded and lied down with her back to him, a shiver running through her that had nothing to do with the cold. Arnav-ji's breath stalled when she scooted closer until their fabrics brushed.

Khushi's back was immediately warmed with his proximity. He moved his arm above her head and draped the jacket over the pair of them. She trembled when parts of his chest brushed her skin, his hot breath fanned her neck raising goosebumps. It was like she was lying next to a furnace.

Her eyes fluttered shut, every nerve in her body tingled. She was hyper aware of his tiniest movement, every sigh. An overwhelming urge to turn towards him took over. Horrified at her impulses, she fisted her hands against her chest to resist the temptation. Eventually his slow breathing soothed her nerves, she timed hers to match his and drifted asleep.

***

Khushi felt a drop of water splash her forehead, she twitched not wanting to be disturbed. The roof is leaking again, she presumed as her muddled thoughts strayed to inform Bua-ji.

Birds chirped somewhere in the distance, which surprised her. She moved her head up to a more comfortable position, feeling her nose graze something rough.

Khushi's eyes snapped open as reality struck. She was encased in Arnav-ji's arms, her entire form in line with his. Her hands were twisted in Arnav-ji's waistcoat, holding him close.

Chagrin taking center stage, she looked up at his face - his features were smooth in his sleep, the stubble had grown since yesterday. His fringe covered his forehead haphazardly, she couldn't help but concede, so handsome!

She squirmed and took his name, freeing her hands from his waistcoat and tried to add distance between them. He murmured something unintelligible and tightened his arms around her, bringing her closer. Khushi's lips brushed the hollow of his neck sending shivers down her spine.

"Arnav-ji," she repeated with more conviction. He jerked awake, his gaze scanning the vicinity and eventually settled on Khushi. His eyes widened and he was off of her in an instant, stealing the warmth with him.

Khushi sat upright and adjusted her pallu. Arnav-ji looked away, he ran his fingers through his hair and surveyed their tent. It was brightly lit, sunshine seeped in from every corner.

"Khushi...I," he began slowly. "I'm sorry about-"

"No," cut in Khushi and blushed, heat pooling her cheeks. "Thank you, it was c-comfortable and I wasn't cold."

Arnav-ji opened his mouth to speak, but seemed to change his mind. The silence dragged, Khushi's hands fluttered around the leaves, she planned to tidy up but stopped, this isn't your bedroom, Khushi!

"H-how are your injuries," she asked tentatively.

Arnav-ji glanced at the cuts on his arm and felt the one at his neck, the paste was completely dry, there were no new signs of bleeding. "They are healing well," he commented. "Your nuska worked great."

Khushi smiled in gratitude, the awkwardness melting away to be replaced by a sense of camaraderie.

"We should freshen up and head back soon," mumbled Arnav-ji and removed their makeshift door branch.