THE IInd DECISION

35. Between us

Ayan pov:-

I woke up to the sight of Ashi sprawled across the bed, one leg dangling off the edge and the other draped lazily over me. Her mouth was slightly open, a few strands of hair sticking to her lips, and her hand lay helplessly on her forehead, while the duvet was half-covering her body and half slipping onto the floor. I stifled a laugh at the sight-she looked like a little tornado that had wrecked the bed, yet there was something irresistibly cute about it.

I reached over, gently pulling the blanket back up to cover her, tucking her in properly. Carefully, I lifted her leg off mine and placed it back on the bed, then took both of her hands and slid them under the covers. But just as I was about to move away, she grabbed hold of my hand, murmuring sleepily, "Samajh kya rakha hai apne aap ko, pati hai... pati ki tarah rahe... oldie!!"

She frowned in her sleep, still clutching my hand tightly like a child holding onto her favorite toy. I chuckled softly, shaking my head in disbelief. Even in her sleep, she managed to tease me. Her lips pouted, and I noticed how adorable she looked, like a grumpy little panda. There was something undeniably sweet about her in these moments, so defenseless and unguarded.

She shifted slightly, pulling my hand closer to her breast and nestling her head against it. My smile softened, watching her sleep so peacefully now. Cute? I thought. No, she's the cutest. A little panda.

Part of me wanted to stay there forever, letting her sleep with my hand cradled in hers, but I had somewhere important to be. I hesitated, not wanting to wake her, but gently, I slid my hand from her grasp. Just as I did, she murmured again, this time in a barely audible voice, "Mera book... he called me jaan... I'll kill him..."

I froze, my eyes widening in realization. Did I... call her 'jaan' in my sleep? I replayed the events in my head and smirked. So, she didn't like being called 'jaan'? She seemed irritated even in her dreams, her brows furrowing as if she was plotting revenge. That only fueled my playful side.

Oh, sweetheart... now that I know it bothers you, I'll call you 'jaan' every chance I get.

A mischievous grin crept onto my face, an idea forming in my head. I leaned down and softly patted her head, watching her stir slightly but not fully wake. She mumbled something incoherent before settling back into her pillow, her lips moving as though she was still arguing with me in her sleep.

I stood there for a moment longer, just watching her. She looked so small and vulnerable like this. My heart warmed at the sight, but the teasing thought lingered.

With a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips, I whispered softly, knowing she wouldn't hear me, "Don't worry, jaan... we'll settle the score soon."

I left the room quietly, still grinning, already imagining how much fun it would be to keep calling her 'jaan' until she couldn't take it anymore. After all, teasing her was becoming my new favorite hobby.

Ashi Pov:-

I woke up with a yawn, still feeling exhausted. I could barely open my eyes, the weight of last night's thoughts pulling me down. That oldie, I thought, groaning internally. Because of him, I'd tossed and turned the whole night, his words echoing in my mind. Every scenario of what he might do next played on a loop, keeping me wide awake for hours. It was only after two in the morning that I finally fell asleep.

I stretched lazily, realizing that the bed on his side looked suspiciously neat-his covers perfectly draped, sheets unwrinkled, and no trace that anyone had slept there. Typical-always so particular, even in his sleep. With a sigh, I got up and freshened up , but why did he even sleep beside me in first place?