My Safe Haven

Chapter : 10: Autumn Leaves

Warning:- Mental health themes, emotional distress, romantic relationships, injury and accidents, flashbacks, intense emotions. Reader discretion is needed. ⚠

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Thoughts are in italic...

Saras's POV

As Saras opened his eyes, he was greeted by a stunning white customized ceiling adorned with sky blue intricate works. "Beautiful," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

The room was shrouded in darkness, except for the sunlight peeking through the cream-colored curtains. He slowly sat up, taking in his surroundings. The room was spacious yet cozy, exuding a delicate and classy ambiance that felt oddly familiar. Saras's frowned, massaging his temples to alleviate the throbbing pain that had become too intense to ignore.

He got off the bed and wandered around the room, trying to make sense of his jumbled thoughts. What's wrong with me? This place? What's happening?

His gaze landed on the bedside drawer, and he walked towards it with a sense of purpose. He opened the middle drawer without hesitation, as if he knew something was waiting for him. And to his surprise, something was. "An album?" He opened it, and his eyes widened in astonishment. Pictures of him with his family filled the pages, capturing memories of parties and gatherings they had organized.

Suddenly, he gasped, clutching his head with his free hand as intense pain shot through his mind. Flashes of past memories played like a video tape, transporting him to a different time...

First memory...

A happy memory surfaced, and Saras saw himself smiling at his parents. "Mom! Dad! Smile!" Click. "Perfect," he said, admiring the photo he had just taken.

"Suru, you're capturing every single thing at this point," Bhavneet said, chuckling lightly.

"Uncle Neet, of course, I'm going to capture everything. Today's my Ri's first birthday. These are our memories; I'll cherish them forever." Saras replied, eager to preserve the moment.

Second memory...

The happy memory gave way to a chaotic one. Saatvik tried to reassure a panicking Saras, who was struggling to sit still after his parents told him about their desire for him to meet his potential suitor.

"Suru, my Suru, don't be nervous, okay? It'll be fine; take deep breaths." Saatvik said, trying to calm him down.

But Saras was almost having a breakdown, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "Bhaiya, what if he rejects me? What if... What if..." he stammered.

"Suru, calm down; nothing will happen." Saatvik reassured him. "And if he rejects you, then he's a complete idiot. How can someone reject such a beauty?" Gauri teased, making Saras blush furiously.

Third memory...

The chaotic scene shifted to a calm and serene one. Two beautiful men lay on the bed, embracing each other as the moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soothing glow.

"Love, tomorrow is our engagement. You excited?" Aviraj asked softly.

"Hmm, I'm a little nervous, though, but mostly excited, because... because it's you." Saras replied, smiling happily.

"I love you, Saras." Aviraj said, kissing Saras's forehead.

Saras blushed and mumbled, "I love you too, Aviraj."

-:End of memory flashbacks:-

Present ~*

Saras gasped loudly, gripping the bed to prevent himself from falling face-first onto the floor. He sat there for a moment, catching his breath. "Aviraj," he mumbled, almost like a prayer. He had finally put a name to the mysterious figure he saw in his dream.

He slowly got up, placed the album back in its original position, and left the room on shaky legs. He walked down the hallway, using the wall for support, and gazed at the pictures on the walls. Happy, smiling faces of him with his family stared back, and he smiled unconsciously.

As he continued moving, he came across a staircase. He tried to climb down, but his shaky legs weren't much help. Unexpectedly, he missed a step and slipped. He closed his eyes, bracing for the impact, but it never came. Instead, he was pulled into a warm embrace at the last minute.

He opened his eyes to meet the most beautiful pair of brown eyes. Autumn leaves?

"Suru, are you okay?! You're not hurt, right?!" The owner of those eyes asked worriedly. Saras was so captivated by those eyes that he didn't even notice the hands holding him tightly. He nodded in a trance-like state.

"Good, it's all good if you're not hurt. Now, let me help you." It wasn't a request, so Saras didn't protest. That's when he noticed the hands around him, and to his surprise, the touch didn't repulse him. For the first time, he didn't feel like shaking off those hands; instead, he wanted to hold on. The hold was tight, but he felt protected rather than trapped.

Saras gazed at the man's stunning features: jet-black hair, mesmerizing autumn-brown eyes that seemed to hide many secrets, and a sharp jawline that looked like it was carved to perfection. All in all, a very gorgeous-looking man. Saras had already realized that this man was the one from his dream – cough – memory fragments!

He looked at the man again, remembering a crucial fact: his name! He knew his name! At that moment, they were already downstairs, surrounded by concerned family members, but Saras ignored them. He also saw Bhavneet eyeing both him and the gorgeous man, but he ignored that too. His attention was solely on the man still holding him.

That man was about to speak, but Saras was faster. He whispered a word – no, not just a word – it was that gorgeous man's name: "Aviraj". Aviraj's eyes widened, and Saras saw raw emotions pouring out of his beautiful eyes. That single word was filled with longing, desperation, and utter confusion, as well as an unknown vulnerability. Saras didn't notice it but Aviraj did. He noticed it all.

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