✔️WARM BLANKET: TAEHYUNG

3

~Unexpected encounter~

The slow tinkling sounds of the bells filled the room, barely audible in the stillness of the morning. Taehyung slowly opened his eyes, his gaze drifting toward the door, where the sounds seemed to be emanating from.

"Christmas," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes and getting up to investigate. Amused, he found her standing in the hall, facing the wall, a veil covering her head, the bells gently ringing with each movement she made.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice hoarse from sleep. She turned slightly, still tinkling the bell, and gestured for him to take a seat. He eyed the chair for a moment before sitting down, sighing, still waking from his slumber.

She kissed her hands in prayer, taking blessings before turning toward him. Taehyung’s eyes wandered over her, taking in the stunning sight—her veiled head and the parrot-colored Anarkali she wore. She chuckled at his gaze, her eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and warmth.

"I'll just get you water," she said, starting to head toward the kitchen, but Taehyung interrupted her.

"Chai," he said, correcting himself when he saw her confused expression. "Tea," he clarified, slightly embarrassed. He had started liking the tea she made for him, but he hadn’t told her yet, thinking she might assume he didn’t like it. She nodded, understanding his request, and hurried off to make the tea.

"Here’s your tea," she said, placing the steaming cup along with a small breakfast spread on the table. Taehyung looked up at her, his eyes slightly confused.

"When did you make all this?" he asked, eyeing the food curiously.

"Just half an hour ago, while you were still asleep," she replied with a soft smile, settling beside him.

He glanced at the frame near her, the one she had been focused on earlier. "What’s that?" he asked.

"I was praying," she explained, her usual smile lighting up her face.

"This is how you pray?" he asked, curiosity clear in his voice. She nodded, her smile never fading.

"There are many different ways, but considering the place and situation, this was the best," she said softly, her words thoughtful. Taehyung nodded, silently processing her answer.

"A... and what about that bell?" he asked, now genuinely intrigued.

"Ah, sorry if I disturbed your sleep," she began, her tone apologetic. "It’s for positive vibrations. The sound and vibration help create a good energy in the room," she explained. He nodded thoughtfully, digesting her explanation.

"A... and who's that?" he asked, pointing to the picture of Lord Krishna on the wall.

She chuckled lightly. "Lord Krishna," she replied.

"He looks like Vishnu," Taehyung said, his confusion growing. She smiled, amused by his response.

"He is an avatar of Lord Vishnu," she explained patiently, her voice calm.

"Then you should be praying to Lord Vishnu," he said, his curiosity deepening. "Why Krishna?"

She smiled softly, her eyes warm with understanding. "It depends on your belief and connection. Sometimes, you feel closer to one over the other. It’s not that I don’t pray to other gods, but right now, I have Krishna’s picture with me, so…," she explained, her tone gentle and matter-of-fact.

Taehyung nodded slowly, trying to understand the depth of her faith. Just then, the doorbell rang, interrupting their quiet conversation. Taehyung got up and approached the door, frowning when he saw the fire brigade officer standing outside.

"Yes?" he asked, slightly annoyed at the interruption.

"Sir, we received an alert about a fire in your house," the officer explained. Taehyung turned back to see her, her eyes wide with realization, and she quickly got up, pointing toward the incense. Taehyung sighed.

"Sorry, officer," he said, his voice apologetic. "It was just a home appliance that caught fire. It’s fine now."

"Can we check, sir?" the officer asked.

"No, it’s fine," Taehyung replied quickly, trying to ease the situation. "It was just a hairdryer wire that burned. I’ve taken care of it."

"Alright, sir. Please be safe. Have a great day," the officer said, and with that, the team left. Taehyung sighed in relief and turned back to her, seeing her guilt-ridden face.

"I am sorry," she mouthed, her eyes apologetic.

~

Taehyung and Jimin stepped out of the car, heading to a bakery-cafe shop, keeping their heads low so as not to be recognized. Despite their efforts, whispers surrounded them, and Taehyung could sense people beginning to recognize them.

"Seven croissants and two cheesecakes, with two iced teas," Taehyung ordered, and the middle-aged man behind the counter nodded, jotting down the order before heading to the kitchen.

"Tell me, when are we meeting her?" Jimin whispered, clearly eager.

Taehyung shot him a glare, warning him to keep it down.

"We’re surrounded by people, Jimin," Taehyung muttered, his voice low. "Not here, please."

Jimin sighed, standing upright and waiting for their order with a resigned expression.

"Here’s your order, sir," the familiar voice rang out. Taehyung looked up from his phone, his shock evident when he saw his wife standing before him, holding the packaged food. Time seemed to freeze between them. Her eyes widened, and Taehyung’s gaze was intense, as if she was caught doing something she shouldn’t have.

Jimin’s eyes darted between them, sensing the tension. "We’ll take it to go," he interjected, trying to ease the awkwardness.

Reality returned to them in an instant. Mishti quickly wrapped up the order, handing it to Jimin, her hands trembling slightly.

♡Thank You For Reading♡