Beneath The Storm (Completed)

Chapter-85 Fear Inherited, Love Chosen

The morning sun filtered in through the sheer curtains, casting a golden hue across the room.

The air was warm, quiet, and still-like the world itself was holding its breath, letting them exist in their own bubble.

Inaara stirred gently, her lashes fluttering as sleep gave way to wakefulness.

Her arms were curled against the warmth beside her.

She blinked once, then twice-only to find a pair of intense eyes already watching her.

Atharv.

He was lying on his side, propped up slightly on one elbow, his gaze fixed on her with a soft, unreadable expression.

A lazy smile tugged at his lips.

Inaara smiled, her voice still laced with sleep.

"Good morning..."

"Good morning, baby," he replied, his voice husky and tender.

She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and tilted her head.

"What are you looking at me like that for?"

Atharv let out a breath, as though trying to find the right words.

"I'm admiring you," he said, brushing his thumb against her cheek.

"And wondering if last night was just a dream... or if it really happened."

Inaara leaned in without hesitation and placed a gentle kiss on his jaw.

Her lips lingered there for a heartbeat before she whispered, "It's real, Atharv. The beginning of our future."

And then, like a child claiming her comfort, she snuggled against his chest, her fingers clutching his shirt as if anchoring herself to this moment.

He wrapped his arms around her, smiling into her hair.

She murmured softly, "How did we even get here last night?"

Atharv chuckled.

"You fell asleep in the living room. I, your very devoted husband, carried you to bed."

Inaara tilted her head up to look at him, eyes gleaming.

"I love you, Atharv. So much."

"Oh God," he groaned playfully, burying his face in her neck.

"I can never, ever get over this version of you."

Just then, a loud bark echoed from behind the bedroom door.

Atharv sighed deeply, lifting his head with a scowl.

"And here comes the villain of my love story..."

Inaara broke into laughter just as Atharv pressed a button on the wall panel.

The bedroom door slid open smoothly, and in bounded Dobby-their overenthusiastic golden retriever.

Tail wagging, tongue lolling, eyes shining with happiness.