Hate ,Love and Everything In-Between (HLEIB)

Chapter 17: A Surprise

Prerna's POV
Soft sunlight filters through the curtains, bathing the room in warmth. As I stretched, a realization hits me, and my gaze drifts to my right.

Rehan lies beside me.
My smile spreads uncontrollably as I take in the sight of him. I lean in, fascinated, to study his features up close. His strong jawline, softened by the gentle curve of his lips, beckons me. I trace the contours of his face with my eyes. His nose, straight and proportional, complements his sharp cheekbones. The faint scar above his left eyebrow adds a hint of ruggedness, telling tales of a turbulent past. His eyelashes, dark and lush, flutter slightly with each breath, as if whispering secrets.
My gaze lingers on his lips, soft and inviting. I recall the fiery passion of our midnight kiss, and my heart skips a beat. The memory sends shivers down my spine.

As I admire him, time stands still. Each passing second deepens my connection to this complex, moody man. His beauty, both inner and outer, captivates me.

Rehan's eyelids flicker, and he stirs, his eyes slowly opening. Our gazes meet, and the world around us melts away. A gentle smile spreads across his face, mirrored by my own.

Rehan's POV
As I slowly opened my eyes, the warmth of the sunlight dancing across my face, I met with a vision that took my breath away.

Prerna's smiling face is inches from mine, her eyes sparkling like diamonds in the morning light. I blinked, questioning reality.
"Here you are again in my dream, Prerna," I murmured, my voice laced with sleep's residual haze. My gaze roamed over her features, drinking in the gentle curve of her lips, the soft flush on her cheeks.

I reached out, hesitant, to brush a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. My fingers grazes her skin, sending shivers down my spine. She doesn't vanish, doesn't fade away like a phantom. Instead, she leans into my touch, her smile deepening.
My heart stutters. Could this be real? Am I truly awake?

Prerna's eyes crinkle at the corners as she laughs softly. "Not a dream, Rehan," she whispers, her voice barely audible.
My gaze snaps back to hers, searching for confirmation. Her words ignite a spark within me, and I feel myself getting lost in the depths of her eyes.
I try to process the emotions swirling inside me.

"Prerna?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Hmm... Bolo." Prerna whispers, her breath dancing across my skin.
(Hmm... Say.)
My eyes widen, and I jolt upright, my mind reeling. The sudden movement sends me crashing into Prerna, our foreheads colliding.
"Ah—" Prerna gasps, her body tensing as she arches back, pain flashing across her face.

"Prerna, oh God!" I exclaim, panic setting in. I cup her face, my thumbs brushing away the creases of pain. "I'm so sorry!"

Prerna's eyes water, but she forces a smile. "It's okay...I'm fine."

I gently examine the spot where our heads collided, relief washing over me when I don't see any visible injury.
"Rehan, calm down," Prerna says softly, her hands grasping mine.
My heart still racing, I pull her into a gentle hug. "I'm sorry," I repeat, my voice muffled against her shoulder. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
Prerna's arms wrap around me, holding me close. "You didn't."

As we hold each other, my thoughts whirl. The shock of waking up to Prerna's presence still lingers, mixed with worry over accidentally hurting her.

I pull back, my eyes locked on Prerna's, realization dawning. Our midnight kiss. The memories come flooding back—passion, desire, and sensitivity.
"Prerna, I—" I begin, apology etched on my face.
But before I can utter another word, Prerna's fingers brush against my lips, silencing me.
"You didn't bring yourself here, Rehan," she says softly. "I invited you to stay."
Her words ease the tension within me.
"I didn't take advantage of you, did I?" I ask, seeking reassurance.
Prerna's expression turns gentle. "You didn't. We both knew what we were doing."