Beneath The Storm (Completed)

Chapter-63: Threads of Friendship

Dear Readers.
My exams are coming. So I wouldn't be able to upload till 30th March. So the next update will come in April.
And I promise to compensate of this with your most anticipated chapters.

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The penthouse was bathed in silence, the kind that lingered in the deep hours of the night.

The only sound was the rhythmic ticking of the antique clock in the hallway and the faint rustling of the city breeze against the glass windows.

Inaara stirred in her bed, her throat dry with thirst.

With half-lidded eyes, she reached for the water bottle on her nightstand, only to find it empty.

A sigh left her lips.

"Maybe I forgot to bring it tonight", she thought, rubbing her eyes sleepily before stepping out of her room.

The house was dark, save for the soft glow from a small lamp in the living room.

As she walked past, a figure caught her attention.

Atharv.

He was slumped on the sofa, his head tilted slightly to the side, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.

A few documents lay scattered beside him, his iPad resting on the coffee table, its screen turned off.

He must have been working late… and dozed off.

Inaara stood there for a moment, observing him.

He looked different in his sleep—vulnerable, exhausted.

There were faint creases on his forehead, as if even in slumber, his mind was tangled with worries.

But what struck her the most was how he had wrapped his arms around himself, as if seeking warmth.

A flicker of concern crossed her eyes.

Without a second thought, she turned around and walked to her room.

Within moments, she returned with a soft, woolen blanket in her hands.

She carefully unfolded it and draped it over him, tucking it gently around his broad shoulders.

The movement was subtle, almost hesitant, as if afraid to wake him.

For a second, she paused, her gaze lingering on his face.

So much had changed… and yet, had anything truly changed?

With a silent sigh, she turned and walked toward the kitchen, leaving behind nothing but the warmth of the blanket and an unspoken care.

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Morning arrived with golden sunlight streaming through the large windows.

Atharv stirred, the warmth around him making him shift slightly.

His fingers brushed against the soft fabric draped over his body.