I am his Bride... { an Indian BL saga }

Day after Karwachauth (ZaynArthit)

The sun was just beginning to rise when Arthit stirred from his sleep, the soft light filtering through the windows of Zayn's apartment. It took him a moment to remember that he wasn't in his own room but had spent the night on Zayn's couch. The wall clock read 7:00 a.m., and faint clattering noises echoed from the kitchen.

Stretching lazily, he made his way toward the sound, still groggy. There, Zayn stood by the stove, focused on cooking. Without a word, Arthit walked up behind him and wrapped his arms around Zayn's waist, resting his head on Zayn's shoulder.

"Good morning, bhaiya..." he mumbled sleepily.

Zayn smiled at the warmth in Arthit's voice. "Good morning, Jaan. How was your sleep last night? Koi problem toh nahi hui na couch pe?" (You didn't have any problems on the couch, right?)

Arthit shook his head, pulling himself closer to Zayn. "Aapki neend kaisi gayi?" (How was your sleep?)

"Hmm, it was good," Zayn replied, turning off the stove. He pulled Arthit to face him, wrapping his arms around him and rocking him gently from side to side.

Arthit raised an eyebrow, a hint of mischief in his voice. "Khana jal gaya toh?" (What if the food gets burnt?)

Zayn chuckled. "Nahi jalega. Tumhara college hai na aaj?" (It won't. You have college tiday, right?)

"Haan..." Arthit sighed, resting his head on Zayn's chest. "Woh khadus accountancy professor meri jaan lekar hi maanega..." (Yes... That cranky accountancy professor won't take a breather till he kills me...)

"Kya hua? Homework nahi kiya kya?" Zayn teased, patting Arthit's back. (What happened? Did you not do your homework?)

"Homework kar liya," Arthit grumbled. "That man just hates me. All because some girls keep lurking around me. Ab main ladkiyon ko accha lagta hoon, toh woh kya meri galti hai?" (I did my homework.)(Now if the girls find me attractive, is it my fault?)

Zayn's grip tightened slightly, a possessive edge creeping into his tone. "Un ladkiyon ko bol dena ke tumse door rahen, aur main Raksha Bandhan pe personally tumhare college jakar har ek ladki se tumhe rakhi bandhwaunga. You are mine." (Tell those girls to stay away from you, and I will personally visit your college on Raksha Bandhan to ensure every one of them ties a rakhi on your hand.)

A soft laugh escaped Arthit as he cupped Zayn's cheeks. "Meri aankhen toh bas tumko talashti hai. Toh koi aur mujhe dekhe, isse kya fark padta hai?" (My eyes always search for you. What does it matter if someone else is looking at me?)

Zayn leaned into Arthit's touch, his gaze soft. "But still, you are only mine." He kissed Arthit's palm.

"Sirf tumhara," Arthit replied earnestly. "Iss dil mein kisi aur ka khayal tak aaye, toh isse main nikal ke fenk doon. Yeh sirf aur sirf tumhara hai." (Only yours. If this heart even dares to think about someone else, I'll throw it away myself. This belongs to you and you only.)

Zayn's lips curled into a smile. "Aaj itni romantic baatein kaise nikal rahi hain tumhare muh se?" (Why are you suddenly being such a romantic today?)

Before Arthit could respond, his alarm blared from the living room. He groaned, pulling away reluctantly. "Oh no! College ke liye late ho jaunga! Bhaiya, main aapko saari romantic baatein text kar dunga. Abhi chhodo!" (Oh no! I'll get late for college! Bhaiya, I'll text all the romantic speeches to you. Leave me now!)

Zayn chuckled, placing a quick kiss on Arthit's forehead before letting him go. "Jao, jaake ready ho jao. Main drop kar dunga." (Go, get ready. I'll drop you off.)

Twenty minutes later, Arthit emerged from the bathroom, fully dressed. Zayn handed him a lunchbox.

"Yeh lo, tumhara lunch," Zayn said. "Tumhare ghar jaisa accha nahi hai, but abhi ke liye kaam chala lo. Aur breakfast bhi ready hai." (Here, your lunch. It's not as good as what you would have got from your home, but this will have to do it for now. And breakfast is ready too.)