The Mafia heart ( book 1 )

chapter 33 Morning Whispers

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, gently warming Mehek's face. She opened her eyes slowly, feeling an unexpected sense of calm. For a moment, she almost forgot where she was, but the dull ache in her body quickly reminded her of last night. She blinked, adjusting to the room, and then noticed Vikram lying beside her, sleeping peacefully.

Vikram's face looked different in sleep-calm, almost boyish, without the usual intensity he carried when awake. Mehek studied him for a moment, taking in the sight. It felt strange, but not unpleasant. She shifted slightly, wincing as a wave of soreness swept over her, reminding her of everything that had happened between them.

A part of her felt... new. She didn't want to admit it, but there was a lingering warmth in her heart, a feeling she hadn't allowed herself to acknowledge before. She took a deep breath, as if hoping to steady herself, and gently slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him.

She wrapped herself in a robe, letting her feet guide her toward the kitchen. Her mind buzzed with a mix of emotions, but she decided that for now, she would focus on something simple, like making breakfast.

A few minutes later, she was at the counter, gathering ingredients. She had just started chopping vegetables when she heard soft footsteps behind her. She turned, surprised to see Vikram standing in the doorway, rubbing his eyes with a sleepy smile on his face.

"Good morning," he said, his voice low and a bit husky from sleep. He looked at her, warmth in his gaze. "What are you doing up so early?"

Mehek quickly looked away, feeling her cheeks heat up. "Just... making breakfast," she replied softly, focusing on her chopping.

Vikram chuckled, stepping closer. "You know, I could've helped," he teased, reaching over to take a knife. "You don't have to do everything alone, Mehek."

She bit her lip, still feeling shy under his gaze. "It's... it's okay. I'm used to it."

Vikram didn't let her finish. "Well, not anymore," he said, gently bumping her shoulder. "We're in this together now, remember?"

Mehek felt her face flush even more, but she nodded, giving him a small smile. They worked side by side, chopping, stirring, and preparing the meal. Occasionally, their hands would brush against each other, and each time, Mehek felt a strange flutter in her stomach.

Suddenly, as she reached for a spice jar, Vikram's hand brushed against hers again. He looked down at her, his gaze softening, and for a moment, they simply stood there, staring at each other in the quiet kitchen.

"You know..." Vikram began, his voice barely a whisper. "I never thought I'd get to see this side of you."

Mehek looked away, feeling shy again. "It's... just breakfast."

"It's not just breakfast, Mehek," he murmured, his hand reaching up to gently tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's... more than that."

She felt her heart skip a beat. The warmth of his fingers lingered on her skin, and for the first time, she didn't pull away. Instead, she found herself looking up at him, her eyes softening.

"You're blushing," he teased, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

"I am not!" she protested, though her cheeks were clearly red. She turned back to the stove, trying to hide her face.

Vikram chuckled, leaning closer. "Oh, you definitely are."

"Vikram!" she scolded, though her tone was more playful than annoyed. She swatted his hand away as he reached for the spoon she was holding, but he only laughed, looking at her with that same, warm gaze.

Before she knew it, he had reached over, pulling her gently into his arms. She felt her breath hitch, her heart racing. His hands rested on her waist, and she looked up at him, unsure of what to do.

"Is this okay?" he asked softly, his eyes searching hers.

Mehek hesitated, feeling her cheeks burn even more, but she gave a small nod. "Yes... it's okay."

Vikram smiled, his arms tightening around her just slightly. They stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, the quiet sounds of the kitchen filling the room. For the first time, Mehek didn't feel the urge to push him away. She didn't feel the need to build walls around her heart.

Instead, she felt safe.

"Thank you, Mehek," Vikram murmured, resting his chin lightly on her head. "For letting me be here with you."

Mehek closed her eyes, letting herself relax in his arms. "It's... it's new for me too," she admitted, her voice barely audible.

They stayed like that for a few more moments until the smell of something burning broke them apart. Mehek gasped, quickly turning back to the stove to save the eggs she'd forgotten. Vikram laughed, stepping back but still watching her with that same, warm smile.

"Guess we're both a bit distracted this morning," he teased, grabbing a plate to help her.

She rolled her eyes, though there was a smile playing at her lips. "It's your fault," she muttered, not daring to look at him as she felt her cheeks flush again.

"Oh, so now it's my fault?" he chuckled, setting the table. "Well, I don't mind being blamed if it means I get to see you smile like that."

Mehek's heart skipped a beat, and she tried to hide her smile. They finished preparing breakfast, and as they sat down to eat, the atmosphere between them was lighter, more comfortable.

"Thank you, Vikram," Mehek said quietly, finally meeting his gaze. "For... for being here."

Vikram reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "Always, Mehek. I'll always be here."

She felt a warmth spread through her, a feeling she hadn't felt in a long time. For the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, she could start to heal with Vikram by her side.

And as they shared breakfast in the quiet morning light, Mehek realized that perhaps, a new beginning was possible after all.