Her Book Man

Chapter 7

Naina had always carried her stories inside her, weaving worlds with her words, but they had always remained locked in her mind, untold and unheard. For years, she had craved someone who would listen—truly listen—to her thoughts, her dreams, her fears. But now, as she sat across from Kabir in the quiet corner of the café, she realized that the space she had longed to fill was now brimming with something she never expected: him.

One rainy evening, the café was almost empty, the soft murmur of rain against the windows creating a perfect backdrop for Naina's quiet voice. She hesitated, then began, her words flowing out like they had been waiting for the right moment to break free.

"I’ve always wanted to write a story about a girl who could travel through books," she said, glancing up to meet Kabir’s eyes. "She could enter the pages, live in the worlds inside them... like an endless adventure. But she could never escape the book once she was in it."

Kabir leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving her. "I like that. What happens to her?" he asked, his voice warm with genuine interest.

Naina’s eyes sparkled as she continued, her passion evident. "She falls in love with the stories, with the worlds she visits, but she realizes she can never truly be a part of them. It’s like living in a dream, knowing it can never be real."

Kabir’s expression softened, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He reached across the table, his fingers brushing against hers.

"What if," he said, his voice low and tender, "the dream is real, and she just needs to find a way to bring it into her own world?"

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. She looked at him, her breath catching in her throat. He wasn’t just listening; he understood.

The moment lingered, the space between them filled with something unspoken. Naina felt her cheeks flush as she pulled her hand back, but the warmth of his touch stayed with her.

They both blushed hard....

Their first kiss

Naina (her voice barely above a whisper as she pulled back slightly): “I didn’t expect... this.”

Kabir (his thumb still lightly brushing her cheek, a soft smile tugging at his lips): “I didn’t either, but I think... I think it’s what we both needed.”

Naina (her heart still racing, searching his eyes): “Needed?”

Kabir (his gaze gentle but intense): “Yeah. You’ve always been there for me. Quietly, without asking for anything in return. And... I think I’ve been waiting for this moment—for you, for us—to be something more than just... words.”

Naina (a small laugh escaping her lips, her hands nervously twisting the edges of her sleeve): “I don’t even know how to do this... How do we go from... friends... to this?”

Kabir (his fingers tracing the back of her hand as he spoke): “We take it slow. One moment at a time. No rush. Just... us, together, figuring it out. The way we’ve always done everything. No expectations, just being real with each other.”

Naina (her voice trembling slightly as she met his gaze): “But what if it’s too much? What if I mess it up? What if I’m not... enough?”

Kabir (lifting her chin gently with his fingers so their eyes locked again, his expression tender): “Naina, you are more than enough. You’ve always been enough. I’m here because... because I want to be. I want this—whatever it is. With you.”

Naina (her breath catching in her throat, her eyes searching his face, trying to understand the depth of his words): “And... what about me? What if I ruin everything?”

Kabir (his voice soft, yet certain): “You won’t. Not with me. We’re in this together, Naina. No matter what happens.”

Naina (her fingers brushing his hand, the warmth between them undeniable): “I’ve never felt this... connected to someone. I never thought it would be like this.”

Kabir (a small, tender smile playing on his lips as he gently caressed her hand): “Sometimes the best things are the ones we least expect. I think... I think this is one of those moments. And I’m glad it’s with you.”

Naina (her chest tightening with emotion, her voice barely a whisper): “I’m scared, Kabir. But I think... I think I want this. I want you.”

Kabir (his expression softening, leaning in close to her, his voice barely audible): “Then let’s take this one step at a time, Naina. No pressure. Just us. Together.”

They stood there for a long moment, the world around them seeming to disappear once again, leaving only the quiet rhythm of their hearts beating in sync. The connection between them felt tangible, like something they both knew they were meant to explore, without the need for any further words.

Naina (after a long pause, with a soft smile): “I think... I think this is the beginning of something beautiful.”

Kabir (his eyes shining with a mix of hope and affection): “It is. And I’m glad I get to share it with you.”

With those words, the world outside the café could have been spinning for all they cared. For in that moment, all that mattered was the warmth between them—the unspoken promises and the quiet love growing between Naina and Kabir.

Naina: I love you

Kabir: I love you too

Naina: It's just like Rom-coms
_________

~~~~~
Guyzzz, they kissed
Finally