𝓑𝓻𝓸𝓴𝓮𝓷.

Chapter - 32

Shivanya ~

I woke up before the alarm and for a few seconds, just laid there, breathing in the calm. Then I turned my head and there he was.

Vihaan was still asleep beside me, lying on his side, one hand tucked under the pillow, his face softer than I ever got to see when he was awake. The crease between his brows had smoothed out, and the faintest hint of stubble shadowed his jaw.

I couldn't help but smile, my heart doing that quiet, stupid flip it had started doing ever since we got married. He looked so different like this. So calm, unguarded and almost boyish.

For a moment, I let myself watch him. His breathing was slow and even, and a strand of his hair had fallen across his forehead. I had the strangest urge to reach out and brush it back, but I stopped myself. Instead, I shifted carefully so I could sit up against the headboard. The movement must have disturbed him because a moment later, his eyes fluttered open.

"Morning," I said.

He blinked, as if remembering where he was, and then his gaze settled on me. "Morning, Sunshine," he murmured back, voice low and warm.

"Sorry," I said softly. "Did I wake you?"

He shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I would rather wake up to you than the alarm."

That single line made my chest tighten in the best way. "It's still early," I told him, though I couldn't keep the smile off my face.

"Does not matter," he whispered, eyes still half‑closed. "Stay, please."

Neither of us moved for a while. Then, slowly, he reached for my hand under the blanket, his thumb brushing lightly over my knuckles.

"Big trial?" he asked, voice still rough from sleep.

"Yeah," I nodded, my heart beating faster at how gently he was holding my hand. "Medacare this morning."

"You are brilliant, just remember that." he murmured, his eyes steady on mine.

"And you?" I asked softly. "Your meeting?"

He nodded, still not letting go of my hand. "Long, probably. But let's not think about that yet."

I glanced at the clock, then back at him, and for a moment, it felt like the rest of the day could wait.

"I should get up," I whispered, trying myself to move out of the bed to begin the day.

"Not yet," he said, giving my hand the slightest tug until I settled back beside him.

For a few more minutes, we lay there, facing each other. His hand rested against my wrist, warm and steady, and I let my eyes trace the line of his jaw, the way the morning light softened his features.

Finally, he shifted, brushing a loose strand of hair away from my face. "Go win your case, beautiful." he said, voice low and sure.

"And you," I whispered back, "go win the rest of the world, Mr. Raichand."

His mouth curved into a slow, sleepy smile. "Only if I get to come home to you."

I felt my face warm at his words, but I didn't look away. "You will now, always." I promised and then stood up.

In the mirror, I caught a glimpse of him stretching, his hair still messy from sleep. For some reason, just watching him do something so ordinary made my chest feel oddly full.

I went to the bathroom to freshen up and took a long bath because I had the time and by the time I walked out in my changeover kurti and salwaar, there was a mug of coffee waiting for me on the nightstand.