This man had a way of making her feel everything all at once. 
It was overwhelming, terrifying, and yet... comforting.
"Ek din tum mujhpe pura trust karogi" he said, tilting her chin back toward him. "Aur us din, tumhe koi ajeeb nahi lagega. Sirf yeh lagega ki yeh—hum—hamesha se aise hi the."
Lavika held his gaze, her heart hammering against her ribs. "Aur agar aisa din nhi aya toh?"
Ishaan's lips twitched into a small, knowing smile. "Aayega. Kyunki tum chahti ho ki aaye."
She swallowed, unable to deny it.
Silence stretched between them before Ishaan brushed his knuckles against her cheek. "Ab so jao, jaan. Subah tak sab kuch thoda kam ajeeb lagega."
Lavika didn't argue this time. 
With his warmth surrounding her and his steady heartbeat beneath her ear, she allowed her eyes to close.
Maybe—just maybe—he was right.
ʚɞ
The golden morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the room.
Lavika stirred slightly, warmth cocooning her in a way that felt both foreign and familiar at the same time. 
Her lashes fluttered as she slowly opened her eyes, and the first thing she registered was the steady rhythm of a heartbeat beneath her ear.
For a second, she forgot where she was.
Then, the realization hit her—she was still wrapped in Ishaan's arms, her cheek pressed against his chest, his arm draped protectively around her waist.
Her breath caught.
Ishaan was still asleep, his grip on her relaxed yet firm, as if even in unconsciousness, he wasn't willing to let go. 
His light brown hair was slightly tousled, his features softer in slumber, making him look almost... peaceful. 
The sight did something strange to her heart.
She carefully lifted her head, trying to move away without waking him. 
But the moment she shifted, his grip tightened.
A low, sleepy groan rumbled in his chest. "Kahan ja rahi ho, jaan?"
Lavika stilled. "Ishaan..."
His eyes were still closed, but a slow smirk tugged at his lips. "Subah subah bhaag rahi ho mujhse?"
She huffed, attempting to push his arm away. "Main bhaag nahi rahi hoon. Sirf uth rahi hoon."
He cracked one eye open, amusement flickering in his gaze. "Uthne ka itna shauk hai toh pehle ek proper good morning toh keh do."
Lavika rolled her eyes. "Good morning, Ishaan."
He grinned, tightening his hold before nuzzling into her hair. "Ab thoda aur ruk sakti ho?" His voice was still rough with sleep, making her heart stumble.
She swallowed, willing herself to ignore the way her stomach flipped. "Mujhe fresh hona hai."
Ishaan sighed dramatically, finally letting her go. "Thik hai, jao. Par wapas aana."
Lavika shook her head at his antics, quickly slipping away before he could change his mind. 
As she freshened up, she stared at her own reflection in the mirror.