Beneath The Storm (Completed)

Chapter-74 : From Strangers to Family

The soft morning light spilled through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room.

A warm beam fell on Inaara's face, making her squirm slightly in her sleep.

She instinctively snuggled closer to something warm and comforting.

The more she pressed against it, the more enveloped in warmth she felt.

A small, content sigh escaped her as she buried her face deeper into the cozy embrace.

But moments later, she frowned faintly, feeling a weight resting against her waist.

Half-asleep, she shifted slightly, only to feel a strong hand tightening around her back.

Confused, her brows furrowed as she slowly blinked her eyes open - only to find herself staring at the sharp line of a familiar jaw.

All traces of sleep evaporated from her body in an instant.

Horror and panic flickered through her chest when realization dawned - she was curled up against Atharv.

His arm was securely wrapped around her waist, anchoring her close, their bodies tangled intimately under the shared blanket.

Thankfully, Atharv was still lost in deep sleep, his breathing even and soft.

Inaara's heart raced wildly. She tried to move her head slightly to assess the situation and found that Atharv hadn't crossed his side of the bed - it was she who had, unknowingly in her sleep, snuggled right into him.

A fresh wave of embarrassment washed over her.

She mentally scolded herself, cheeks burning.

Seriously Inni, could you not control your snuggling instincts for one night? she thought, mortified.

Holding her breath, she carefully and painstakingly untangled herself from his arm, moving inch by inch to avoid waking him.

Once free, she quickly slipped off the bed, her feet making the lightest sound against the floor.

Without daring another glance at the peacefully sleeping Atharv, Inaara hurried into the washroom, her heart still thundering against her ribs.

---
After breakfast, Tara tugged at Inaara's hand excitedly, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Chachi, let's go! Frog Chacha will take us for ghoomi ghoomi!" she chirped loudly.

Inaara's brows shot up as she turned to look at Atharv, questioning him silently.

He only smiled - that slow, teasing smile - and said, "I want to take you somewhere. Let's go."

"But Nani ji..." Inaara hesitated, glancing towards the house.

"I talked to her already," Atharv reassured, nodding casually. "Come on."

Soon, the three of them settled into the car.

Atharv was behind the wheel, Tara bubbling with chatter from the backseat while Inaara sat beside him, quietly soaking in the passing scenery.