Aashiqui Aa Gayi🧡🍁🧡 ✓

||5||

Manish sat on the couch, his body still aching from the lingering weakness of the fever. 

He watched as Disha moved around in his kitchen, her presence feeling both overwhelming and endearing. 

It had been so long since someone had cooked for him—since anyone had done something so thoughtful just because they cared. 

It was always him who prepared his meals or ordered takeout, filling the silence of his apartment with the sound of clanging pots or the hum of delivery bikes. 

But now, the soft sounds of Disha cooking in his kitchen filled him with a warmth he hadn't felt in years.

His heart danced with joy, a deep-seated yearning being met. 

He had always known he liked Disha—her smile, her energy—but this sight, of her cooking for him, made something churn inside him, deeper than mere affection. 

It felt like something much bigger. 

The thought that someone could care enough to take time out of their day just for him was overwhelming. 

His vision blurred for a second as he felt the sting of tears threatening to spill over. 

He hadn't realized just how much he craved this, how much he longed for someone to be there for him in this way.

She brought over the plate of freshly cooked khichdi, the aroma instantly making his stomach grumble with hunger. 

Embarrassed, Manish gave her a sheepish smile, but Disha just grinned, settling across from him at the dining table.

"Kya khaaya tha aapne?" she asked softly, noticing how eagerly he was about to dig into the food.

Manish hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. "Actually, kuch khaaya nahi tha. Bas fridge mein jo kuch pada tha, wohi garam karke khaa liya."

Her expression immediately shifted to concern. "Manish! Iska matlab aapne aaj subah se kuch nahi khaaya?" she scolded gently. "It's almost lunchtime! Dawai bhi toh leni hoti hai."

He shrugged, feeling a bit embarrassed under her caring gaze. "I'm fine, Disha. Aur waise bhi, kuch banane ka mann nahi tha."

As he started eating, savoring every bite of the warm khichdi, Disha hesitated for a moment before asking, "Ek baat poochu?"

He nodded, his mouth full of food, enjoying the home-cooked meal more than he thought he would.

"Aapse koi milne nahi aaya?" she asked, her eyes filled with genuine curiosity.

Manish glanced up, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Tum aayi na," he replied lightly.

Disha didn't smile back this time. "Nahi, vo niche watchman bhaiya bata rahe the... you don't have any visitors. I'm the first one?"

He paused, then nodded. "He's right. You're the first one. Usually, main kisi ko invite nahi karta. So that's why."

She nodded but her brow furrowed slightly as if contemplating something. "Ek aur baat poochu?" she asked again, her voice even softer this time.

Manish smiled, nodding. "Poocho."

Disha took a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the table. "Aapke parents kaha hai? I mean, you're sick... so I thought koi toh hoga aapka khayal rakhne ke liye."

Manish's spoon stopped halfway to his mouth. 

He swallowed the bite he was chewing, but the next words didn't come as easily.