Roommate (ASHAANGI)

thirty eight

Hey guys!
I noticed the last chapter didn’t get as many comments, so I’d really appreciate it if you could drop your thoughts and let me know what you think! It helps keep me motivated to write more.
I know I can't expect the same response I received before I took my break, but I truly hope you’re still enjoying my work.

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Later that night, Saesha decided to take a shower, even though the thought of it made her stomach twist. She hated water, feared it like it could swallow her whole, but she didn’t want Akshay’s mom to suspect anything. Standing in front of the shower, her hands shook as she turned the tap. The sound of rushing water made her freeze. She reached out, letting a few drops hit her palm before jerking her hand back, her chest tightening like she couldn’t breathe.

Tears welled up, as her mind raced with panic. She pressed a hand over her mouth, muffling her sobs, telling herself to just get it over with.With trembling legs, she stepped into the shower. The water hit her skin, and her body went stiff, every muscle locked in fear. Her breath came in short gasps, and she had to grip her arms to stop herself from bolting out.

It wasn’t courage, just pure will to stay put, even though the fear didn’t budge. The water mixed with her tears as she stood there, stiff and frozen, counting the seconds till she could get out. She hated every moment, but at least she didn’t run.

After what felt like an eternity in the shower, Saesha finally stepped out, wrapping a towel around herself. The cool air hit her damp skin as she walked into the dark room, her thoughts still heavy from the fear she’d faced.

She was about to scream when she saw a shadow,a man,standing there. But before a sound could escape her lips, a hand clasped over her mouth.

Her heart pounded, panic rising, until she caught the scent of his cologne. Her body stilled. She knew that scent.

"It’s me, Bella" Akshay whispers, his voice low and familiar as he pulled her close, his arm snaking around her waist. Her breath hitched as she realized it was him, standing there like he couldn’t stay away any longer.

"What are you doing here?" she whispers back, her heart racing as she looks around, afraid his mother might catch them, but at the same time, she's so relieved to see him. She missed him more than she could even admit to herself.

"I came here to see you. I missed you so much" he murmurs, dropping his forehead against hers. The warmth of his touch makes her close her eyes, and for a moment, she just breathes him in, savoring the feeling of him being so close again.

"I missed you too, but what if—" She starts to speak, but he pulls his forehead away from hers and gently presses a soft kiss to her forehead. The simple, tender action makes her breath catch in her throat.

"She’s asleep," he reassures her, his lips still lingering on her forehead, breathing in the comforting scent of vanilla and coffee that clings to her. He knows she’s flustered, and a part of him wants to switch on the light, just to see her face, to fully take in her expression right now.

"Akshay..." she sighs, her face flushing as she shoves him back slightly, suddenly remembering she’s only wrapped in a towel. "I—I have to change. I’ll be right back," she says quickly, not meeting his eyes. She grabs the clothes from her bed, clutching the towel tighter around her.

Akshay watches her with a grin, amused by her flustered reaction. But once she disappears into the washroom, he gets comfortable, flipping on the light and sitting on the bed. He picks up the book she was reading and examines it, glancing at the pages without really taking anything in.

A few minutes later, Saesha returns, but Akshay's attention isn’t on her clothes,his eyes go straight to her swollen, red eyes. The puffiness is unmistakable, and his heart sinks. She had been crying in the bathroom. His fist clenches at the thought, rage simmering just beneath the surface. All he wants to do is hold her, protect her from whatever pain she’s carrying.