Saga Of The Timeless (A Mahabharata Story)

69.When Hearts Collide Silently

Tvarita's POV

I felt like I'd been asleep for an eternity—the kind of sleep that feels like drifting into the gentlest depths, untouched by dreams or worries. But then, a faint movement stirred beneath me, subtle yet undeniable, pulling me from my haze of peace.

Wait...what's moving?

My heart picked up its pace as I tried to grasp my surroundings. My eyelids were heavy, but I forced them open, blinking until shapes and shadows merged into focus. Confusion tugged at me—this wasn't my room, not even close. The faint warmth of memories began to rise, fragments of the previous night coming back piece by piece, like a slow unraveling.

And then, clarity struck like lightning—I was with Arjun.

My gaze dropped, and there, just inches below, was his face, peaceful in slumber. His chest rose and fell with each steady breath, and somehow, his arms were wrapped securely around me, one hand resting on my shoulder, fingers curled as though in quiet promise. My heart raced, the intimacy of the moment sinking in, and yet I couldn't move. His presence was both soothing and jarring, like a mystery I wasn't ready to solve.

I swallowed, barely daring to breathe, my mind racing as I tried to process where I was and how I'd ended up here. I could feel the gentle rise and fall of his chest against my shoulder, his warmth surrounding me like a cocoon. I wanted to move, to slip out of his grasp, but I couldn't bring myself to break this unexpected moment.

Seeing Rajkumar Arjun so close, his face softened by sleep, I felt my cheeks grow warm, a blush creeping over me. My gaze lingered on his peaceful expression, an urge stirring within me. Almost as if by instinct, my hand moved toward him, my fingertips brushing lightly against his face. First along the curve of his brow, then tracing the line of his nose, and finally, grazing his lips. A shiver coursed through me at the touch, sending a thrill down my spine.

I sighed, pulling my hand away, embarrassed by my own boldness.

"I really hope you don't stop," a low, husky voice broke through the silence.

I froze, my heart pounding as Arjun's eyes fluttered open, a mischievous glint in them despite their grogginess. My own eyes widened in shock, caught red-handed in the act.

"You...you were awake?" I stammered, feeling heat rush to my face, my mind scrambling for an explanation.

He gave a lazy, teasing smile. "How could I close my eyes when I am with such a beautiful apsara in my arms?"

His words made my heart skip a beat, and I quickly averted my gaze, feeling a flush creep up my cheeks. I scrambled to sit up, adjusting my dupatta, every movement betraying my flustered state. He watched me with an amused glint in his eyes, clearly enjoying my reaction.

"Don't worry," he murmured, sitting up as well, his voice softening. "I only woke up a moment before you." He paused, as if savoring the moment. "Though I couldn't help but notice—you talk in your sleep."

I looked at him, horrified. "I do not!"

He chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Just a few words here and there," he said, his tone both amused and reassuring, "but I couldn't make them out."

I felt a mix of relief and embarrassment, but before I could respond, his gaze softened, his eyes meeting mine with a sincerity that caught me off guard.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" I said, a hint of offense slipping into my voice. Part of me felt exposed, caught off guard in such a vulnerable moment.

He glanced at me, a softness in his gaze that I hadn't noticed before. "You looked so peaceful," he murmured, his tone laced with tenderness. "I didn't have the heart to disturb you."