ℂ𝕆ℂ𝕂𝕋𝔸𝕀𝕃𝕊 𝕎𝕀𝕋ℍ ℂ𝕌ℙ𝕀𝔻

𝟲𝟰

𝙿𝚜𝚢𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝙰𝚝𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗
>>>>–––– 💘 ––––<<<<

The soft hum of the television was the only sound in the early morning quiet. Outside, the sun had just begun to rise, its first golden rays slipping through the sheer curtains and bathing the living room in a warm, gentle light. On the couch, Avi stirred first. His lashes fluttered as he blinked himself awake, the unfamiliar stillness around him registering slowly. Then he felt the weight on his shoulder—light, warm, and oddly comforting. Ananya’s head rested against him, her breath slow and even, her hand curled loosely over his arm as if it belonged there. He didn’t move. Something about the moment—its softness, its quiet—anchored him. The storm in his mind from last night hadn’t vanished, but this… this felt like a small reprieve.

Beside him, Ananya stirred not long after. Her brows furrowed ever so slightly as she adjusted, her limbs tingling with sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, hazy with confusion until they locked onto Avi’s shoulder—her current pillow. She stiffened for a second, blinking rapidly as the situation clicked into place. Her eyes flicked up to meet Avi’s, and to her surprise, he was already looking down at her. There was no awkwardness in his expression, only quiet surprise and something else… something that lingered just behind his eyes. It wasn’t a smile, but it wasn’t indifference either. For a brief, fragile second, it felt like time had paused between them.

Just before either of them were about to say something—anything—a soft gasp broke the silence, sharp and unexpected. Both of them turned instinctively toward the sound, their heads swiveling in perfect sync. And there, standing at the edge of the hallway, was the home manager. The middle-aged woman now stood frozen like a statue, her eyes wide as saucers. Her gaze darted between the two of them—the intimate posture.

Realizing she had possibly just walked in on a scene straight out of a drama serial, the woman let out a flustered noise, spun on her heel, and scurried away with remarkable speed.

Ananya blinked quizzically, cocking her head slightly in confusion. Then she heard Avi clear his throat. She turned to look at him, only to follow his gaze down—and suddenly froze. Her hands were still wrapped around his arm, and to her horror, she realized her legs were sprawled comfortably across his lap. A soft gasp escaped her as she quickly pulled away, straightening herself and brushing her hair behind her ears in a flurry of embarrassment.

Avanga yaartayum solla matanga. I'm sure she's going to pretend that never happened

( She wont tell anyone, I'm sure she's going to pretend that never happened )

she muttered, half to him and half to herself, her voice low and uncertain.

Avi gave a quiet sigh and nodded, dragging a hand through his already-messy hair as he stood up.

Adhuvum nalladhu dhan

(Probably for the best.)

Ananya glanced at him, her expression unreadable. Yeah... probably for the best, she echoed silently. Maybe it was. Maybe it was easier if they both pretended last night never happened—pretended they hadn’t fallen asleep like that, close and strangely comforted by each other. Like it was normal. Like it meant something.

As Avi began to walk away, Ananya called after him softly,

Avi

He paused, didn’t turn around, but tilted his head slightly in acknowledgment.

Ananya hesitated, then asked,

Are you... okay?

There was a brief silence. Then he replied, his voice low and flat,