Watching:- Emotional trauma, Mild suggestive content, Potential mental health themes, Mild domestic humor, Family drama/tension. Reader discretion is advised. ⚠
Rated PG-13.
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Thoughts are in italic...
Saras's POV
When Saras woke up the next morning, he was still on the balcony, cuddling with Aviraj on the swing. And what a lovely sight greeted him - Aviraj's gorgeous face inches from his, eyelashes fanned across his fair cheeks, giving him an almost innocent appearance. Saras was tempted to kiss him, but he hesitated, unwilling to take advantage of Aviraj's trust. The latter had left himself vulnerable in Saras's presence, and Saras was determined to respect that. He knew firsthand the pain of being stripped of consent, and he wouldn't risk betraying Aviraj's faith.
Saras gently shook Aviraj awake, but instead of releasing him, Aviraj tightened his hold.
As Aviraj's eyes slowly blinked open, his confused expression transformed the 28-year-old man into an innocent boy. Saras couldn't help but smile, but he suppressed the urge to pinch Aviraj's cheek, he would rather not get teased so early morning.
Aviraj smiled, still confused, "Good morning, Love." But Saras's smile faltered. Aviraj's morning voice was eerily reminiscent of Tamas's, sending an unsettling shiver down his spine. To avoid alarming Aviraj, Saras forced a smile, "Good morning, Raj. I'll take a shower, then call you, okay?" He gently extricated himself from Aviraj's confused grasp and swiftly retreated to his room.
Inside, Samridhi and Aarsh slept peacefully, but Gauri and Saatvik were nowhere to be found. Saras sighed and tenderly adjusted the blankets around the sleeping children.
As Saras turned to his closet, his gaze drifted to the balcony, though Aviraj was out of sight, he knew the man waited patiently, as instructed.
Saras took a shuddering breath, grabbed his clothes, and stepped into the bathroom, locking the door behind him. Leaning against the door, he struggled to process his emotions about Aviraj's unwavering patience. The man never pressured or interrupted him, always waiting for Saras to take the lead, to open up.
A soft smile spread across Saras's face. How did he get so lucky?
Saras shook off his thoughts and headed for the shower. After a refreshing rinse, he got dressed and returned to the balcony. Aviraj leaned against the swing, eyes closed, creating a serene picture. Saras smiled, reluctant to disturb him, but time was scarce.
He gently shook Aviraj awake, sending him to the bathroom for a shower. Aviraj's sleepiness was adorable, as he silently obeyed without a word, making Saras chuckle.
As Aviraj showered, Saras rummaged through his bag, retrieving clothes and a towel. He couldn't help but shake his head in amusement. How did Aviraj manage to forget the most basic essentials?
"Suru, help!" Aviraj's voice echoed from the shower.
"Coming!" Saras replied, chuckling.
He knocked on the bathroom door, and it swung open. A hand pulled him inside, making Saras yelp.
Saras gazed up at Aviraj, surprised by his mischievous grin. "Got you," Aviraj teased.
Saras almost swatted at him but instead handed him the clothes, pointing toward the shower. "Take a shower, and stop acting like a kid. I'll wake up the actual children."
Aviraj pouted, his expression infuriatingly adorable. Saras couldn't resist; he leaned in, kissing Aviraj's cheek. "There, now go shower."
As Saras fled the bathroom, Aviraj's departing chuckle sent his heart racing.
YOU ARE READING
My Safe Haven
Mystery / ThrillerSaras's life had been far from normal for the past six years. He had endured rape, abuse, and violence since he was kidnapped at the age of 20. Now 26, he yearned to escape the hellhole and the monster who held him captive - to escape HIM. Aviraj, o...
