Chapter 27

Suffocation. Helplessness.
That's what I'm feeling right now.

Like invisible hands wrapped around my throat, cutting off every ounce of oxygen, and I couldn't do anything to stop it.

Red eyes screamed at him to stop, to let go of her throat, to let her breathe. The trust had broken somewhere in between when he whispered dreadful things to her.

She never expected this from him. It was love that she thought they shared, but only lies and toxic obsession lingered in the air.

A knot of anticipation formed in the pit of my stomach as I finally saw her screaming and throwing her hands up to protect herself, to let herself breathe.

Would he beat her more to hurt her physically, or just a few wounding words to wreck her emotionally?

But to my surprise, he didn't let go of her throat, and my stomach curled in fear. My eyes burned at the scene in front of me, and my hand fisted the comforter I was wrapped in.

I looked at Veer, who was fully invested in the thriller movie he had picked. His arm rested behind me on the couch, giving me the embrace I needed.

Yet, forming a single word was too hard for me at this point. I swallowed down, my eyes flickering to the screen again. The single screams had now turned into a mutual fight.

"Veer," my voice was barely audible as I called him out. Touching his arm gently with my cold hand, I gave it a shake, finally grabbing his attention.

I bit my lower lip before speaking, "Can we watch another movie? With no... uh... fighting scenes?" His brows furrowed, and my fingers grasped his t-shirt unknowingly.

His eyes lowered to his arm, seeing my grasp on his t-shirt, then back to me. He inhaled deeply and nodded, silently switching the movie that was about to end to a new rom-com one.

"You should've told me that you didn't like thriller movies that much, that you're just a rom-com girl—" he paused, then an oh escaped his lips, "not a girl, wifey."

My eyes narrowed at him, and I dug my nails slightly into his arm, earning a soft chuckle from him. "I'm not just a rom-com girl. I can watch other genres too," I told him, feeling slightly embarrassed.

So what if I can't watch horror movies? Because then I'll think about those disgusting-faced ghosts whenever I'm alone, thinking they might be lurking around me, tempted to capture my soul.

And that's not the worst scenario. What if they made a fool of me by doing something crazy, like climbing on a wall backward with a creepy smile? That would be so eww.

He hummed, looking at the screen while I stared at him, then I felt his hand, which was resting behind me on the couch, slowly wrap around me, engulfing me in a hug.

My head rested against his chest, eyes stuck on the screen before me. The suffocation I was feeling before was gone. In his arms, I didn't feel that.

And that is weird. Extremely.

Because why am I feeling heat all over my face and the beat of my heart thrumming right against my ears?

"Care to tell me what the other genres are?" His breath fanned against my head, as if he was looking down at me. And the way I could hear a smile in his voice was evident that he was teasing me.

I knocked my head against his chest in irritation. "Drama," I hit him with my head once again before saying the other genre, "fantasy," another hit, and this time a groan came from him. "Sci-fi."

"Okay, okay, bahot ho gaya apne pati pe zulm." He held my head not so firmly against his chest and took a deep breath.

I didn't even hit him that hard. What's with him and his heart anyway?

I huffed loudly, watching the new rom-com movie he had played. And it wasn't even a few minutes when he started to pat my head, causing a few strands of hair to fall over my face.

Something fluttered in my stomach, like an anticipated knot, but it wasn't fear. It was nervousness. I shook my head and clicked my tongue.

"Tang nahi karo, Veer." I complained, keeping my eyes on the screen, too scared that my heart might do its favorite thing if I looked into his warm black eyes.

He chuckled, resting his head over mine. A sense of comfort filled me. It's shocking how I feel comfortable around him, not that he's not a good man. He is, very much.

It's just, over the last 3 years, I've never felt this comfortable around any male. Ivan was good, and Ekansh was bearable, but this, this is much different.

Veer is different.

𖤐

Insane.
I think I'm going insane.

Because no one has ever told me that baking a cake is not as easy as making bread and jam. You have to make the mixture on your own, and for the love of God, you can't mess with its consistency.

And I'm telling you this from the experience I gained in a single day. I have already tried to make two batches of cake and ended up burning them because the batter was too sweet to bake.

"Aghh," I groan in frustration as I mix the batter endlessly, just to get lumps. But after a few more whisks, the batter is ready. I carefully scoop it into the circular baking pan.

Placing the pan into the preheated oven, I lean back against the counter, inhaling a relaxing breath.

I swear to God, I'm never baking a cake again. If it weren't for Ahaan telling me about Veer's birthday this morning, I wouldn't be making this cake right now.

At night, at 11:20—forty minutes before his birthday starts.

I know I could have ordered one, but since the past week when we shifted, he has been cooking breakfast, sometimes lunch if we are home, and dinner for both of us.

His gesture touched my heart—how he always makes healthy breakfasts: pancakes, toasts, yogurt parfaits, which I hate, but he still makes them for himself.

It's not like no one has ever cooked for me, but this is the first time someone has cooked only for me. And it made me feel a little special.

Turning around, I start to prep the frosting using my tablet to check the difficult instructions. After twenty minutes of arduous work, the chocolate frosting cream is ready.

I put the bowl in the fridge and sneak a peek at Veer, who is sleeping soundly on the couch. And thanks to all my efforts, I'm trying not to make a single noise so he won't wake up.

I bite my lower lip, feeling a bit—okay, a lot—nervous. Hoping he might not wake up anytime soon so I can decorate the cake better.

My phone buzzes on the counter, indicating the oven timer is about to beep, and as I try not to make any noise, I open the oven a few seconds before it starts to beep.

Feeling impatient, I reach out to take the cake out only to burn myself because I forgot to put on the damn mitts. Biting back a yelp, I hurriedly rummage through the whole counter for the mitts.

Taking the cake out after putting the mitts on, I quietly place it on the counter, letting it cool for 10-15 minutes as per the instructions.

Till then, I start cutting fresh fruits for decoration—different types of berries and kiwis.

Twenty minutes later, I'm done with the cake. I even tried to write "Happy Birthday" with some leftover cream in the middle of a fruit ring.

I was about to put the candles on it when I feel something fluffy against my leg, prompting a sudden yelp from me. The candles slip from my hand, making a low sound against the floor.

Annoyance fills me as I look down at Bella. By now, I'm pretty sure she hates me to her core.

"Seriously? You're awake this late?" I whisper, crouching down to collect the candles. In response, she lets out a meow, a high-pitched one.

Aur zor se chilla le, pura ghar utha de.
Pure surprise ki band baja degi ye.

She bites a candle, trying to eat the wax, and I close my eyes to regain some strength. "Ye koi khane ki chiz thodi hain," I whisper, holding her face to open her mouth.

If she bites me, I'm going to throw her on Veer. Let the sharp claws of hers scratch his handsome face. A birthday gift from Bella, I would say.

"Come on, it's not healthy for you," I tell her, finally taking the wax out of her mouth and cleaning the crumbles off her face.

"What are you doing here?" A voice startles both me and Bella. Husky, deep, and the type of voice that sends shivers down your spine.

I look up at him hesitantly, nervousness prickling inside me. His eyes were fixed on me, not even bothering to look around, which made me even more nervous.

He took a step forward. "Siya, I'm asking you." I bite down on my lower lip, trying to form sensible words.

I inhale deeply and slowly stand up. "Uh, I was making a c-cake," I stuttered at last. He looks at the cake beside me on the counter.

And countless questions float in my mind. What if he doesn't like it? What if it makes him mad because some men don't like to celebrate their birthdays? What—

What if the cake doesn't turn out good and tastes bad? That would definitely hurt my inner cook.

Before he could say anything, I turn to put the candles on the cake. "It's your birthday, so I thought I should, well, um— surprise you?" It shouldn't sound like a question, but it did.

A beat passed when he didn't say anything. I turn to him. "Aapko pasand nahi aaya?" I ask in a low voice, my stomach twisting as his eyes stare at me so intently.

Can he stop looking at me, for God's sake?

"I—this cake is for me?" He asks, looking somewhat dumbfounded, because isn't it obvious? I shake my head at his stupid question.

"Nahi, vo Bella ka mann tha, toh uske liye banaya," I reply sarcastically with a small smile. And God help me, why is he so tall that I have to look up? It makes my neck stiff sometimes.

Instead of saying something, he chuckles and holds my hands in his, bringing them closer to his chest. "You didn't have to do it," he says softly, his intense black eyes softening.

"But I wanted to," I whisper. I wanted to, uh—um repay the kindness he has shown me since we got married. It's a silly reason, I know but I think I'm going to believe that.

Because my heart is too fragile for another disaster.

My heartbeats intensify as I nervously bring his hand forward, placing a soft kiss on the back of it. "Happy birthday, Veer." I chew on my inner cheek in anticipation because this kiss wasn't even on my bucket list for the next few years.

Or maybe. shut up.

Suddenly, he went silent, his eyes stuck on the lipstick imprint of mine that was on the back of his hand.

I hurriedly turned around to search for a tissue paper as I sensed he didn't like lipstick on his hand. But all of a sudden I felt his hand on my face, gently turning towards him.

Then he leaned forward, and my breath hitched. My eyes closed on their own even when I tried really hard to keep them open.

His breath fans near my cheek then I felt soft pair of lips on my left cheek followed by a soft murmur, "Thank you Siya," a small smile spreads on my lips and he leans to kiss one more time.

"It means so much to me that you put in so much effort for me. It truly made me happy." He murmured with a cute smile on his face.

I lean back to look at him properly, "Cake cut kare?" I asked because internally I was eager to see him tasting the cake. The one I put efforts in.

He nodded stepping back to give space, I lit the candles and hold the cake in front of him. "Don't forget to make a wish." I said, looking him through the candles.

The light illuminates his eyes, they sparks with every flame of the candles. Warm and soothing.

He chuckles and nods then closed his eyes to make a wish. My smile grew impatiently thinking what he might have wished for. Maybe something for his own good or family.

Finally opening his eyes he blew out the candles and placed the cake on the counter. We cut it in silence then he offered me the first piece of it.

And the cake did turned out good, I mentally patted my shoulder for that.

We sit on the couch after taking two plates of cake with us and played a movie. It was almost 1am at night when we start to fell sleepy.

Well there's a secret, we watch movie everyday that I chose only to end up sleeping next to each other. It's silly how I always play a movie only to sleep after 20-30 minutes of it.
It's been 2 weeks since we shift in this beautiful penthouse and neither of us slept in our respective rooms for once after the first day of shifting.

All we do at night is, we play a movie after dinner and fell asleep shortly after the starting of it then in morning we act normal.

My head kept falling on his chest as I struggle to watch the movie. I clutched the duvet I was draped in when I felt cold and lean towards Veer.

Then I feel a gentle pat on my cheek, "Thought I should tell you that your cake is finished." He said in a low voice, my eyes squint in confusion.

"Huh?" I asked absentmindedly feeling extremely tired.

"Our babies ate them." He murmured.

"Babies?" My eyes were barely open while saying and I rest my head on his chest.

He's blabbering anything. When did we have babies, not a baby but babies. He's definitely in sleep right now.

"Bella and Bruno, our babies. Itni jaldi bhul gayi." He whispered and realisation hits me. So, we did have babies.

I nod my head against his chest, "Good then, let them eat once in a life wali treat." I said. I don't give Bruno sweet treats because it's not healthy for them.

"But you made it for me." He said accusingly.

I inhaled deeply, half of my mind was still dreaming while I said, "To dubara bana dungi."

"Pakka?" He asked and I nod against his chest. "Haan pakka, now soo jao, Veer. I'm tired." I murmur finally falling in my sleep slumber.

𖤐

I woke up at the sound of Bruno's constant barking. Sitting up I groaned in pain, two weeks and my bones start to hurt from sleeping on couch.

I think I'll sleep in my room from now on. So what if I can't sleep alone now? I can manage. It's better than have a permanent sore neck and back.

I looked at Bruno. A few bread crumbs were stuck in his long fur. "Why are you so angry in the morning?" I asked cleaning his face with half open eyes.

He licked my hand and rested his head on my lap, ready to sleep. I massage his head for a few minutes before getting up.

Walking into Kitchen I get myself a galas of water, thinking I ignored the mess I create last night but in reality the mess was already gone.

The baking powder boxes, half-cut fruits, whisks, spoons, and empty wax wrappers, everything. The counter was clean as new.

I quietly put the glass down. God, will this man ever let me do the cleaning? because every mess I've made since marrying him, he's the one who ends up cleaning it.

I was about to get in my room when I heard his voice as he walked out the gym room in nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist.

My cheeks heated up and I try to step inside my room, but he called me out, "Siya," I looked at him silently praying to god that thodi sharam de do isse, how can he roam around half naked in house.

"Huh?" I hummed, my heart raced as he walked toward me, his eyes narrowing at my feet.

"Where are your slippers? Kitni baar kaha hai always wear them, it's cold." He said with concern laced in his voice.

The fresh droplets glided down his well-maintained chest. They trail down and disappeared under the— oh my god.

Besharam to mein hu.

I hurriedly rummaged through the living room and found my slippers. Keeping my eyes down I walk into my room and closed the close.

I took a deep breath as I sat on the bed, trying to regain my senses. I shouldn't be looking at him like that, not when he is half naked.

I sit there for few minutes before getting a shower. I wore my basic pink t-shirt and white stripped pajamas. After doing my skincare I walked out of my room.

And there I saw him making pancakes for breakfast. I walked to him, "I can help you know na." I said, standing beside him and watching him flip the pancakes.

He was now wearing a white shirt with black pants. His jacket was on the counter chair. The sleeves were folded to his elbows, and the tie was a bit loose.

"Or you can sit there," he suggested in an obvious tone, instantly pointing to the counter chair in front of us. I huffed and sat there, resting my face in my palms.

"You cleaned the mess I made," I pointed out, feeling guilty that it's always him who cleans up after me.

He hummed as he poured some caramel sauce on the pancakes, then sprinkled some sea salt on top of them, just as I liked.

"But I made that mess, I should be the one who should clean it. Not you." I said softly, taking the plate he slid towards me.

"I didn't marry you to make you clean the house." His voice was gentler than ever. I opened my mouth to deny it, but he shook his head and pointed down at the plate, telling me to eat.

Once he was done, he sat beside me. We ate in silence until I stood up to place the plate into the sink, "Thank you for the breakfast." I said offering a subtle smile to him as I return and sit on my place.

He smiles and wipes my lips with his hand, probably cleaning up the crumbs around there. He did it so nonchalantly as if it were in our daily routine.

"Would you like to go with me for a movie?" He asked tucking a loose strand behind my ear. No matter how many times he does, it always sends shiver down my spine.

I nod meekly, my fingers fumble with the t-shirt I'm wearing. Why it's so hard to say no to him? Why every time I just nod whatever he say?

I think I need to see, Shriyanshi. I desperately need therapy because I assume he's doing some magic on me.

"I'll book the tickets then," he said, his smile widening showing his dimples.

"No thriller or horror ones, okay?" I said and he nodded.

"I'm going to the office for a few hours, I have an important meeting to attend, okay?" He informed, mussing my hairs playfully.

"Okay but don't be late." I got off the chair after saying this and hurriedly walked towards Bruno to fill his bowl with food, the same for Bella as well.

Because no matter how much she hates me, I gotta do my job of feeding them regularly.

After that, I got into my room and went straight to the closet. I have to choose a good outfit. It's been years since I last went to see a movie in a theatre.

"A dress or a suit?" I murmured to myself, shuffling through the hangers.

I stop at the navy blue halter neck dress; it's a maxi dress that flows elegantly on my body. And I have to tie the neck part which creates a small bow at the back of my neck.

Taking it out I place it on the bed and just then my phone rang. Seeing the caller I'd, I picked it up.

"Good morning, ma'am." Ivan greets in his usual tone.

"Morning, Ivan. It's good that you called, I'd like to inform you that I won't be coming today so reschedule all of my meetings." I said looking through my jewellery section.

"Okay ma'am. But what about the executive-invoice bill that you've to sign today?" He asked.

"Send me the bill I'll do the e-signature, okay." I took out the blue and white diamond pendant I have. It will perfectly match the dress.

"Got it." I hung up the phone and slumped on my bed, which I haven't really used. It has the best mattress, yet I can't sleep on it.

I wait for an hour, scrolling through some reels, invoices and gallery until Ivan send me the bill. I opened my tab and signed in with the Apple Pencil.

It was almost 12 till I read through the other documents he had sent me and marks some points for him to improve.

After that, I watched some television because Veer had gone to his office for a few hours as he had a really important meeting. Who had meetings on their birthdays?

Few hours passed and finally he came home, "I practically ran to open the door and welcomed him. Something flickered in my heart.

"I hope I'm not late, am I?" He asked as I gave him a glass of water. I shook my head in denial watching him roll his sleeves.

He checked his wristwatch and looked up at me, "We've got 40 minutes till the show starts, go and choose a shirt for me." I nod and turn on my heels only to pause when I realise what he had said.

"Aapke kapde mein select karu?" I asked pointing a finger towards me.

He nodded, "And here I thought I would get a nice treatment since it's my birthday." He amused and I narrow my eyes at him.

What's with this nice treatment now?

"But how will I know ki aapko kya pehna hain?" I questioned.

He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, "Whatever you like." He said, throwing his arm around my shoulder to lead me to his room.

Well, actually, he gave me his room and moved to the guest room. The room in which I found myself after the deadly hangover.

He took me to his closet, and I chewed on my inner cheek, feeling shy. Going through his shirts, I pulled out the black one.

"This one?" I asked turning to look at him, only to find him gone. A second later the sound of water running came from his bathroom, indicating that he went in.

I laid down the shirt on the bed and quietly went in my room to get ready. It took me 30 minutes to do my makeup and get dressed.

I ignored the slightly loose knot behind my neck as I put on my black YSL heels. Seeing myself one last time in the mirror, I thought of reapplying my cherry red lipstick.

There was a knock on my door. A few seconds later, Veer opened it. He stepped inside walking towards me with a knowing smile. My eyes frowned at confusion.

My eyes remain at him through the mirror until he stand just beside me. I turned, placing the lipstick on the table.

My breath hitched when he leaned in, caging me between the dressing table and himself. His hands rested on the either side of me on the table.

I gulped, mustering up some courage, "Ab kya chahiye aapko?" I asked as he kept looking at me.

He leaned in some more until there were only a few inches between our faces. My heartbeat quickened. " A kiss. Don't you think it's due since the moment you wished me?" His eyes lowers to my freshly red stained lips.

"A kiss?" I repeated, watching him nod slowly.

I got on my tip toes, palming his face in my small hands. He looks at me as if couldn't believe, I smile sweetly. Then I pulled his cheeks, hardly.

"You're cute, asking for a kiss, Mr. Oberoi ." I said trying to hide my laughter in my voice. His expressions turned to betrayal and I laugh.

I patted his cheeks and turned, "Can you tie this for me? It's loose." I asked, showing the knot of my dress.

He untied the knot and I place a hand in front of my chest. Fearing the dress might fall. "You looked like a devil in angle's disguise." I gasped dramatically at his comment.

"A devil? Just because a kiss?" I questioned and he nodded.

I turn when he was done tying the knot, the bow was cute and so does this birthday boy. I quickly place a peck his cheek, "Chalo, we're already getting late." I divert the topic walking out of the room, he followed me.

"You're looking beautiful." His voice deep, and a scent of aftershave filled my senses. That I haven't noticed before. I looked around before settling my eyes on him as we step into the elevator.

The black shirt with black pants somewhere goes well with my navy blue dress. And I did not choose purposely the black colour for him.

"And you're looking classy." I commented. And he opens the door for me, raising a brow in question.

I rolled my eyes and closed the door. He started the car and in 25 minutes we reach our destination.

Walking inside the screen room, I found it partially mild filled. He leads me up to the vip recliners, holding my hand so I won't trip and fall.

"What type of movie is it?" I asked feeling curious even though it's about to start.

"A romcom as you like it." He leans against the leather recliner and looks at me from beneath his lashes.

I smile and look forward as I couldn't hold his gaze any longer. It feels like he's looking into my soul digging every secret I've hurried inside.

Through the whole movie, I laugh, giggle, blush and felt awkward on the kiss scene at the end as it reminded me of our kiss.

Whenever I think of that night, I can still feel the touch of his lips against mine. That feeling was pure bliss which I don't want to feel fucking at all.

It was already sunset when we settled in the car. That's when my phone pinged with a notification, and I opened it. It was from Ahaan,

Ahaan : Hey, bhabhi. Can you bring bhaiya home? We've planned a family dinner for him. And don't tell him okay.

A family dinner? I frowned on how I'll convinced him. Still I replied him with a thumbs up emoji.

I watch outside the window for few minutes before turning towards Veer, "Veer, Let's go home."

"Hmm?" He hummed in question.

"To Maa and Papa. It's your birthday na, let's go." I said. A smile formed on his lips.

"That's where we're going, Siya. Maa called me telling that they arranged a family dinner." He shrugged, then added "Though it was supposed to be a surprises but Maa couldn't stop herself."

"So, Maa told you secretly?" I asked.

He nodded and I lean back onto the seat. So even Ahaan didn't know that Maa had already told Veer about the family dinner.

I opened the chat and turn the thumbs up emoji to the thumbs down emoji.

"Music?" I asked but my fingers were already on the player. He smiled and I took that as a yes.

Changing few channels of radio I played the one which has a song playing. No offence but I hate the talk shows on radios.

I relaxed on the seat, the song starts. My mind was too occupied with the skyline of the city that I couldn't focus on the lyrics but when I did embarrassment consumed me.

It was a steamy song, ang laga de.

I hurriedly turned off the radio not even looking at his face for any type of expressions. No songs in car ever again—ever.

The ride went silent till home. Veer had intertwined our hands when we enter inside and met by the flood of wishes and hugs.

Then we ate dinner after Veer cut the cake. Unknowingly it reminded of the last night where he said thank you with few kisses on my cheeks.

Not lips.

Maa lead us to the living room holding Veer's hand. Signalling something to Ahaan, she said "I want to dance with my boy." A cute smile was on her face.

Papa laughed shaking his head. The soft music plays as Veer said, "I'd love it, Maa."

Suddenly Ahaan came on my side grinning, "And I want to dance with bhabhi." He announced holding out a hand for me.

"You won't." Veer's reply came instant with a sharp tone he never used on me.

Ahaan frowned,"Bhabhi dekh rahi ho, how territorial he has become since marriage." He exclaimed dramatically.

"I think a dance with you won't harm him." I said taking his hand. Ahaan hold my both hands in his and move along the song.

He circled us around Veer and Maa prompting laughs from elders. And my heart flutters when my eyes meet the black ones for a fraction of second.

"Tum mil mujhe akele, mein karata hoon tujhe tandav." Veer mocked annoyance flickering his eyes.

"Bhabhi!" Ahaan whined with some fear his eyes. As if he's really scared of him.

I looked at Veer, our eyes met, and I narrowed mine before murmuring, "He won't, I promise." I said with a chuckle when he raise his brows in question.

For a whole hour, we danced and laughed. When we walked out, Maa gave a kiss to Veer on his cheek wishing him birthday once again and Papa hugged him.

𖤐

We reached home in half hour, the drive was slow and soothing. The cool and fresh air was hitting my face all the time.

Once inside, I lazily stepped out of my heels. My toes were hurting the most, and even the lightest stretch of my muscles caused so much pain.

I walked into the living room and was about to slump onto the couch when I felt a tug on my wrist, and I was turned around.

My breath hitched as my hands instinctively rested on Veer's firm chest. "Veer kya kar rahe ho!" I exclaimed when he starts to move slowly with small steps.

"Dance," He answered, holding my hand against his chest more firmly but in hurtful way.

I narrowed my eyes at him, "My feet's are paining that I might actually fall right here." My voice was barely a whisper.

He stopped and placed my hands on his shoulders, "Then step on mine, but let me have a dance with you, hmm?" He requested in sweet voice, his eyes warm.

"But how can I— it'll hurt you." I tried to say but he shook his head.

"It won't, I promise." He pleaded.

I inhaled deeply, "Don't tell me afterwards that your feet are hurting, I won't massage them." I try to joke as I place my foot over his.

He chuckled helping me to stand properly. I should breathe less so I won't feel heavy.

"It's okay, I'll massage yours since they're in pain right now." He tells.

I gasp and hit his chest lightly, "You won't." He laughed at my gesture, shaking his head in denial.

I closed my eyes, letting him guide my body with his hands on my waist, his legs leading each step. My hands wrapped around his neck, my head almost resting against his chest.

"We don't have any song." I murmur looking up at him. The only warm whitish colour light was on casting a soft glow on his face.

He nods and place his hand behind my head to gently push it against his chest. Then I heard it— his heartbeats. "Now you have a song."

"What about you?" I asked not bothering to look at him.

"Would you prefer if I listen to yours the same way you're listening mine?" He said and I roll my eyes at his teasing.

"Shut up and dance." I muttered.

And he danced with me almost in his arms, moving with every rhythm I listen to his heart. We moved in circles, few steps forward and backwards.

I felt knots in my stomach whenever our eyes meet, it seemed too intense yet comforting at the same time.

It's funny how I feel so comfortable around him, so open and fresh. As if my lungs recognised how to breathe probably after years.