Until I Found You

13. Interlude

Priya shifted slightly in bed, adjusting her body under the blanket as her eyes fluttered open.

The first thing that came into focus was Ram's face, directly in her line of sight.

She stilled.

He was still asleep, mere inches away from her. So close that she could even hear him breathe.

She felt tingles in her chest due to the proximity, due to the sight.

Her lips parted as she stared at his face in wonder.

The usual tension and stoic expression he had been wearing since the last couple of days was gone. In its place, a soft, peaceful smile played on his lips, making his face appear calmer, more at ease than she had seen in a long time.

His whole expression seemed lighter and more relaxed.

That made her smile.

Slowly, her eyes travelled down, and she noticed how sweetly he had one hand tucked under his cheek, causing it to squish up in the cutest way.

She felt an urge to pull it- he looked absolutely adorable like that.

Then her attention moved to his other hand, which was resting protectively over Pihu's belly.

Seeing the two like that filled Priya with a huge amount of peace and satisfaction. It was such a serotonin boost, like a warm hug for her heart.

It felt as though everything was just as it should be. Like everything she had ever wanted, everything that truly mattered, was right there in front of her, within reach.

Her heart felt full.

But the comfort in her chest felt tangled with something.

Something more complex.

Her thoughts drifted back to the night before, when she had been caught up in a web of emotions.

She had been so consumed with worry for Pihu, fearing that having played in the rain would make her sick. At the same time, she was also struggling with so many alien feelings for Ram.

Those plethora of emotions had clouded her mind to the point that she had not even fully registered the image of him- soaked wet from head to toe.

But now, as she thought about it, she realised that he was a sight to behold.

Her mind replayed the moment in detail- his dark curls dripping, clinging to his forehead, his shirt drenched and sticking to his chest and arms, and his grey sweatpants...

A faint heat crept up her neck as the images in her head turned a little more explicit.

Truly a sight to behold.

He had looked good. Better than good. The kind of good that could make her pulse quicken every time she thought about it.

Her mind, betraying her, began to wander.

And the very next moment, she started imagining different scenarios with him.

How would her hands feel in his? Would his touch feel warm or cold? If he ever held her close, would she melt into his arms? How fast would her heart race when she would be so near him? Would it make her feel safe? Or desired? Or both?

Would the scent of him- something musky- transfer to her clothes? Would he brush his fingers over her skin? Tuck her hair behind her ear? Would it send shivers down her spine?

Would his grip be firm or soft? Would his heartbeat synchronise with hers? And what about the soft whispers between them? Those comforting talks? Those soft giggles? How wonderful would it all feel?