𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐭�...

Make sure to click on ⭐️ before reading!

||Your touch is my peace||

As soon as Ishaan left, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

The room still carried his presence—the scent of his cologne lingering in the air, the warmth of his touch still ghosting on my skin.

I shook my head, willing myself to focus on something other than the fact that he'd be back.

Because of course, he would.

I walked straight to my room and grabbed fresh clothes before heading to the bathroom.

A hot shower was exactly what I needed to shake off the drowsiness of the morning.

Standing under the stream of water, I let my mind wander.

He's getting too comfortable teasing me like this.

My lips twitched.

And worse?

I let him.

Once I was done, I dried my hair, slipped into a comfortable outfit, and stepped out.

The apartment was a mess—pillows slightly out of place, coffee cups on the table, and a few things scattered around from the night before.

Cleaning was therapeutic, so I got to work, dusting the shelves, arranging the cushions, and wiping the kitchen counter.

Just as I finished, my phone buzzed with an incoming video call.

Maa❤️

A smile tugged at my lips as I settled onto the couch, answering the call.

"Arey, Lavika!" Maa's excited voice filled the screen, and beside her, Baba was adjusting his glasses. "Tu kaisi hai, beta?"

"I'm good, Maa. Aap dono kaise ho?"

"Bilkul badhiya!" Maa beamed. "Holi ki tayyariyan chal rahi hain. Tu kab aa rahi hai?"

I leaned back, tucking my legs beneath me. "Do-teen din mein, but sirf ek ya do din ke liye. Hospital ka kaam hai na..."

Maa's expression turned disapproving. "Hamesha kaam, kaam, kaam! Beta, thoda time nikalna chahiye."

"Baba, aap samjhao na Maa ko" I pleaded playfully, making Baba chuckle.

"Beta, hum toh bas keh rahe hain ki iss baar toh proper Holi mana le. Adya ki shaadi ke baad yeh uski pehli Holi hai hamare ghar pe."

I smiled. "I know, Baba. Let's see, kab Ishaan tickets book karta hai. Tab hum dono saath aa jayenge."

Maa's face lit up at the mention of Ishaan. "Haan, haan! Waise woh kaisa hai? Kaam kaafi busy rehta hoga uska?"

Busy toh rehta hai, par mujhe pareshaan karne mein bhi equally time nikalta hai.

"He's fine, Maa" I answered simply, glancing at the clock. "Okay, I have to go now. Duty time."

Maa nodded. "Accha beta, khud ka dhyaan rakhna. Aur Holi ke liye jaldi aa jaana!"

"Haan, haan! Pakka."

After ending the call, I grabbed my hospital bag and headed out.

It was already past 11:30 AM, and my shift started at noon.

──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

Walking through the glass doors of the hospital, I felt the familiar rush of routine settle over me.

The smell of antiseptic, the soft beeping of monitors, the murmurs of conversations—it was all second nature now.

I stopped by the reception to check the patient list before heading to the locker room to change into my scrubs.

By the time I stepped into the general ward, my mind was already in work mode.

A small boy, around six, sat cross-legged on the bed, fiddling with his IV tube. I sighed, walking over to him.

"Arjun, kitni baar bola hai ki IV se mat khelo?" I placed my hands on my hips, raising an eyebrow.

He grinned cheekily. "Par doctor didi, bore ho raha tha!"

I chuckled. "Acha? Toh yeh batao, kal wali 온라인카지노게임 kaun si thi?"

His eyes lit up. "Woh jisme super doctor sabko bacha leti hai!"

"Toh aaj uska next part sunna hai?" I asked, picking up his chart.

He nodded enthusiastically, settling back as I checked his vitals.

Once I was done, I moved on to the next patient—a woman recovering from surgery.

I checked her reports, adjusted her medication schedule, and made a few notes before heading to the emergency wing.

ER was a different world altogether.

A trauma case had just come in—a man in his late 40s with a severe head injury from a road accident.

The team worked quickly, stabilizing him while I assisted with wound cleaning.

My hands moved on autopilot, the weight of responsibility pressing against my shoulders.

"BP stable?" I asked one of the nurses.

She nodded. "For now, yes."

I exhaled.

Good.

That's one less thing to worry about.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of rounds, patient updates, and back-to-back cases.

By the time my shift was nearing its end, exhaustion was beginning to creep in.

I had just stepped into the lounge for a quick breather when my phone vibrated.

My Shaan🏡🫶🏻:
Done for the day, doc?

I rolled my eyes, but a small smile played on my lips.

Me:
No. Some of us actually work, Mr. CEO.

A reply came almost instantly.

My Shaan🏡🫶🏻:
And some of us are waiting for you to come home so they can bother you again.

I shook my head, amusement bubbling in my chest.

Me:
Try not to miss me too much.

This time, there was a pause before his response came.

My Shaan🏡🫶🏻:
Too late for that, jaan.

My fingers froze over the screen.

I swallowed, the weight of his words settling deep in my chest.

But before I could think too much about it, a voice snapped me out of my daze.

"Dr. Mehra, we need you in Ward 6!"

Shaking off the moment, I slipped my phone into my pocket and rushed back to work.

Duty first, distractions later.

I took a sharp breath, pushing away the effect of Ishaan's words, and hurried toward Ward 6.

The tension in the air was thick the moment I stepped inside.

An elderly man lay on the bed, his breathing shallow, his wife standing beside him, wringing the edge of her saree.

The monitor beside him showed an erratic heart rate.

"BP dropping" a nurse reported, her voice tense.

I stepped forward, slipping on gloves. "Get me his latest reports. Oxygen support at 5 LPM. How long has he been like this?"

"Five minutes now. Complaining of breathlessness since morning" another doctor answered, flipping through his chart.

I turned my attention to the patient. "Sir, can you hear me?"

He gave a weak nod, barely managing to open his eyes.

I placed my stethoscope against his chest, listening for any abnormalities.

His lungs sounded congested, and the slight bluish tinge on his lips raised an alarm.

"Order a chest X-ray and an ECG immediately" I instructed. "Start nebulization, and keep his vitals under close observation."

The team moved swiftly, everyone knowing exactly what to do.

In moments like these, there was no space for hesitation.

"Doctor..." The elderly woman's voice quivered as she reached for me, her eyes brimming with worry. "Woh... woh theek ho jayenge na?"

I offered a reassuring nod. "Hum poori koshish kar rahe hain, aunty. Aap fikar mat kariye."

She clasped her hands together in gratitude, but I didn't have time to linger.

There were more patients to check, more lives depending on us.

I spent the next few hours attending to rounds, assisting in minor procedures, and signing off reports.

The hospital never truly quieted down, not even for a second.

By the time the clock struck 8 PM, I was finally able to take a breath.

Grabbing a quick coffee from the vending machine, I slumped onto a chair in the doctor's lounge.

My shoulders ached, my feet protested every step, but my mind was still running through patient updates.

Then, my phone buzzed again.

My Shaan🏡🫶🏻:
Done playing doctor for the day?

I huffed out a tired chuckle, shaking my head.

Me:
You do realize my shifts don't end at a set time, right?

My Shaan🏡🫶🏻:
Yes, but I'm still allowed to complain about how long they are.

I smiled, taking a sip of my coffee.

Me:
I'll be home soon. Don't get too lonely without me.

The reply came almost instantly.

My Shaan🏡🫶🏻:
That's impossible, jaan.

My breath caught.

There he was again—being all... Ishaan. Smooth, teasing, but undeniably sincere.

Before I could think of a response, a nurse peeked into the lounge.

"Dr. Mehra, there's a patient asking for you in the private ward."

I sighed, setting my coffee aside. "I'm on my way."

Whatever Ishaan was doing to my heart?

That was something I'd deal with later.

Right now, I had a job to do.

The hospital never sleeps.

And neither do I.

Hours blurred into each other as I moved from one ward to another.

The elderly man from Ward 6 had stabilized for now, but there were more patients to attend to, more emergencies to handle.

My phone buzzed a few times—probably Ishaan—but I barely had time to glance at it.

Coffee became my only sustenance.

Food? Forgotten.

Rest? A luxury.

By the time the clock struck midnight, I had downed at least four cups of coffee, my stomach twisting in protest.

I knew I should eat something, but the thought of sitting down for even a second felt impossible.

"Dr. Mehra, patient in Room 14 is asking for you."

I nodded at the nurse, pushing away my exhaustion as I made my way toward the private ward.

My legs ached, my head felt light, but I kept going.

──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

This girl is impossible.

I stared at the untouched food on the reception counter, irritation flickering in my chest.

The nurse had just informed me that Lavika hadn't eaten all day—just coffee.

No real food.

No breaks.

I clenched my jaw, placing the bag on the counter.

"Dr. Mehra ke liye hai. Usko kehna ki yeh finish kare warna mujhe khud aana padega."

The receptionist nodded, slightly wide-eyed at my tone.

But I wasn't joking.

If Lavika didn't eat, I would personally make sure she did.

A part of me wanted to stay, to drag her away from whatever she was doing, but I knew she wouldn't listen.

She was stubborn.

Just as dedicated to her work as I was to mine.

With a sigh, I turned and walked out, knowing she'd come looking for me the moment she saw the food.

──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

I had just finished checking on a patient when a nurse handed me a bag.

"Dr. Mehra, someone left this for you at the reception."

I frowned, taking it from her.

The aroma hit me instantly—warm, home-cooked food. I peeked inside to find a neatly packed meal: soft paneer parathas, a small container of dal, some rice, and my favorite chocolate pastry.

Only one person could've done this.

I didn't even stop to think.

I bolted out of the private ward, my eyes scanning the corridors, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Where was he?

"Ishuuu!" I called out, turning a corner. Nothing.

I rushed to the reception, breathless. "Woh... jo yeh food diya tha, kaha gaye?"

The receptionist gave me an apologetic smile. "Woh toh ja chuke."

Gone? Just like that?

I huffed in frustration before pulling out my phone and dialing his number.

He picked up on the first ring.

"Ishuuu, yaar!" I groaned. "Mil kar toh jaate atleast! Ek hug toh banti hi thi."

A deep chuckle echoed through the phone. "Sach mein?"

Before I could answer, warm arms wrapped around me from behind.

I gasped, my entire body freezing for a second before melting into his familiar embrace.

His arms tightened, his chin resting on my shoulder as he murmured, "Jaan, bas ek hug se kaam chal jayega?"

I let out a shaky breath, gripping his hands around my waist. "For now... haan."

His grip didn't loosen, and neither did my hold on him.

For a moment, I forgot about the beeping monitors, the exhaustion, and the endless responsibilities pressing down on me.

All I could focus on was the way Ishaan's arms felt around me—solid, warm, grounding.

I turned slightly, tilting my head up to look at him. "Tumhe pata hai na, yeh sab unnecessary tha?"

His brow arched. "Kya?"

I gestured to the food bag clutched in my hand. "Yeh itna saara khaana, mujhe force karne ka tareeka—"

Ishaan cut me off with an unimpressed look. "Acha? Toh agar main yeh nahi karta, tum kya karti? Agle din tak sirf coffee pe chalti rehti?"

I opened my mouth to argue but... he had a point.

He sighed, shaking his head. "Jaan, tum doctor ho, patients ka dhyaan rakhti ho, lekin khud ka nahi."

My throat tightened at the concern in his voice. I hated how well he read me.

How he noticed things that even I ignored.

"Ishaan..."

"Kuch mat bolo"  he muttered, pulling me into him again. "Bas suno."

I let him hold me, my heart thrumming erratically.

His fingers brushed through my hair as he spoke, voice low, firm. "Agar tum apni care nahi karogi, toh main karunga. Tumhe khud par dhyaan dena padega, Lavika. Aur jab tak tum nahi karogi..."" He leaned down slightly, whispering near my ear, "...tab tak main yeh sab karta rahunga."

A shiver ran down my spine.

I pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze. "Matlab roz aake khana dene waale ho?"

Ishaan smirked. "Agar tum samajh jao, toh shayad na aana pade."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't stop the small smile tugging at my lips. "Theek hai baba, kha lungi."

His smirk softened into something more tender. "Good girl."

My face heated. "Ishaan!"

He chuckled, brushing a thumb against my cheek. "Chalo, ab jao aur khana khao. Nahi toh sach mein tumhe yahaan se uthake le jaunga."

I narrowed my eyes. "Tum kar bhi sakte ho."

He grinned. "Mujhe test mat karo, jaan."

I let out a breath, knowing I had lost this argument. "Fine. Lekin sirf isliye kyunki mujhe pasand hai ki tum mere liye yeh sab karte ho."

Ishaan's eyes darkened slightly, something unreadable flickering in them. "Jaan, mujhe tumhare liye sab kuch karna pasand hai."

My breath hitched.

I looked away, trying to steady my heart. "Main ja rahi hoon."

I turned to leave, but before I could take a step, Ishaan grabbed my wrist and spun me back around.

"Ek aur cheez."

Before I could react, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss against my forehead.

"Take care, okay?" he murmured, his voice impossibly gentle.

I barely managed a nod.

And just like that, he walked away, leaving me standing there with a full heart and an empty stomach.

I sighed, looking down at the bag in my hand.

Guess I was finally eating tonight.

──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

I lost my hour count at this point.

Honestly, I had no idea how long I'd been in the hospital.

Days and nights blurred together, blending into a haze of white coats, beeping machines, and the faint scent of antiseptic.

But you know what? I didn't care.

Because I finally saw him.

After what felt like ages, I finally met Ishaan.

Even if it was brief, even if I was still exhausted beyond words—just that moment with him was enough to make everything feel a little less heavy.

I sighed, rubbing my temples as I finished the last of my rounds.

Another hour passed.

Maybe two.

Then, the words I had been waiting for:

"Dr. Mehra, you can go home now."

Oh, thank God.

I stretched my aching arms before grabbing my bag.

It was early morning, the streets outside still quiet, the sky painted in hues of soft orange and pink.

Now, the real problem—how the hell do I get home?

Cab? Not available.

Bus? Not running yet.

My life? A joke.

But whatever.

I could walk.

It wasn't like I hadn't done worse during my shifts.

The only issue? I was running on zero sleep.

My brain felt foggy, my legs heavy, but I had no choice.

At least there was one good thing.

My holiday got approved.

Four days.

That's all I got, but I wasn't complaining.

Four days off for Holi.

Four whole days where I wouldn't have to be surrounded by hospital walls.

I grinned, already excited about the break.

And the first thing I was going to do? Call Ishaan.

I couldn't wait to hear his voice when I told him.

──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

I took a deep breath, tightening my grip on my bag as I stepped onto the near-empty street.

The air was cool, the early morning silence stretching around me.

The exhaustion in my bones screamed for rest, but the thought of finally being home—finally sleeping in my own bed—was enough to keep me going.

I checked my phone.

4:57 AM.

My feet dragged against the pavement as I started walking.

The distance wasn't impossible, but with my sleep-deprived state?

Each step felt heavier than the last.

A yawn escaped me.

Just a little more, Lavika.

You got this.

I fished out my phone, my fingers moving on autopilot as I dialed Ishaan's number.

One ring.

Two.

Three.

"Lavika?" His groggy voice filtered through the speaker, thick with sleep.

A soft smile tugged at my lips. "Good morning, sleepyhead."

There was silence for a beat, and then—"Jaan, where are you?"

My steps slowed. Uh-oh.

"I... hospital se nikal gayi. Abhi bas ghar ja rahi hoon."

His voice sharpened instantly. "Kaise ja rahi ho?"

I hesitated. "Walk kar rahi hoon."

Big mistake.

"Tum pagal ho?" His voice lost all traces of sleep. "Itni subah, akeli, bina kisi ride ke?"

"Ishaan, relax. It's peaceful. Main bas chal rahi hoon."

His response was swift. "Kaha ho?"

I glanced around. "Umm... hospital se thoda aage. Bas dus minute door."

"I'm coming."

I stopped mid-step. "Wait, what?"

"I'm coming to get you, Lavika. Don't move."

I blinked. "Ishaan, tumhe—"

The line went dead.

I groaned, pressing my forehead with my palm.

Great.

Now, not only was I sleep-deprived, but I had also managed to activate Ishaan's full overprotective mode.

Guess I wasn't walking home alone anymore.

──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

I stood there, gripping my phone, half tempted to just keep walking.

Dus minute ka toh rasta hai. Itna bhi bada issue nahi hai.

But knowing Ishaan?

Agar main hilli bhi, toh mujhe dhundne ke liye pura sheher ghoom lega.

I sighed and rubbed my temples, exhaustion creeping into my bones.

My body was already threatening to give up on me, so maybe... just this once, I'd let him win.

The street was quiet, dimly lit by the soft glow of streetlight.

The occasional chirp of birds signaled the arrival of dawn.

I hugged my arms around myself, stifling another yawn.

Minutes passed.

Then—the low purr of an engine.

I turned just as a sleek black car pulled up beside me.

The window rolled down, revealing Ishaan.

His light brown eyes were dark with something between worry and irritation, his hair slightly disheveled from sleep.

He didn't even let me speak. "Get in."

I opened my mouth, but one look at his expression, and I knew better than to argue.

With a sigh, I pulled the door open and slipped into the passenger seat.

The second I settled in, the warmth of the car wrapping around me, a heavy silence fell between us.

Ishaan didn't start the engine immediately.

Instead, he just sat there, gripping the steering wheel, his jaw tight.

I shifted uncomfortably. "Ishaan, mujhe pata hai tum gussa ho—"

"You don't know." His voice was low, controlled, but I could hear the frustration laced within it. "Tumhe bilkul nahi pata, Lavika."

I turned to face him fully. "Ishaan—"

"Do you even realize," he exhaled sharply, finally looking at me, "ki kitna irresponsible tha yeh?"

I frowned. "It was just a walk—"

"It was four in the morning. You were alone." His fingers flexed around the steering wheel. "Kya tumhe ek baar bhi khayal nahi aaya ki kuch bhi ho sakta tha?"

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

Because... he wasn't wrong.

Ishaan shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "Jaan, tum meri jaan ho. Tumhare saath kuch ho jaata toh?"

My breath caught in my throat.

I wanted to say nothing would have happened, that he was overreacting.

But the rawness in his voice, the way his hands tightened as if holding himself back...

It hit me.

This wasn't just about me walking home alone.

This was about his fear.

His need to protect, to make sure i'm fine and fit.

──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

I swallowed, watching Ishaan's clenched jaw, the storm still evident in his eyes.

Mera toh bas walk karne ka plan tha, lekin ab lag raha hai jaise maine koi crime commit kar diya ho.

I gave him my best puppy eyes. "Ishaaaaannn..." I stretched his name, nudging his arm gently. "Samajh gayi na... sorryyy my sugar plum, my honey, my darling, my cutie pie, my everything—"

He exhaled sharply, turning to face me, eyes narrowing. "Bas, bas! Bohot ho gaya."

I pressed my lips together, stifling a laugh.

Ishaan shook his head, but I could see the irritation melting away. "Theek hai, aage se mat karna. Warna driver rakhwa dunga aapke liye."

My eyes widened. "Driver? Matlab?"

He smirked, mischief dancing in his gaze. "Phir mana bhi nahi kar paoge jaise abhi kar rahi thi. Got it, love?"

I groaned, throwing my head back against the seat. "Tum impossible ho."

He hummed, finally starting the car. "And you're reckless."

I rolled my eyes, but a small smile tugged at my lips.

The car moved through the quiet streets, and my body relaxed into the seat.

That's when I remembered—my holiday.

I turned to him excitedly. "Oh! Mera chhutti approve ho gaya."

Ishaan glanced at me. "Really?"

I nodded eagerly. "Haan! Chaar din ki chhutti mili hai."

His lips quirked up. "Hmm. So doctor sahiba ab araam karegi?"

I grinned. "Aur sirf main nahi. Hum dono saath mein jaayenge India."

That caught his attention.

His brows lifted. "India?"

I nodded, eyes twinkling. "Adya bhabs ki pehli Holi hai. Aur mujhe yaad bhi nahi pichli baar kab Holi celebrate ki thi."

Ishaan's entire expression softened.

"Humari pehli Holi..." he whispered, a dreamy smile forming on his lips. "Meri berang duniya mein tum rang ban kar aayi."

Arre arre, yeh banda toh full filmy mode pe chala gaya.

I bit my lip, warmth spreading through my chest. "Filmy Ishaan?"

He smirked. "Filmy hoon, toh hoon. Tumhare liye hoon."

I rolled my eyes, but my heart?

It flipped.

We talked for a bit more, our voices growing softer as exhaustion started winning over me.

The warmth of the car, the rhythmic sound of the engine, and Ishaan's presence beside me—it was all too comforting.

My eyes fluttered shut, and before I knew it... sleep pulled me under.

──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

The moment her breathing evened out, I glanced at her.

Lavika had fallen asleep.

Her head had lolled slightly to the side, her lips parted just enough to let out soft, steady breaths.

Strands of her hair had slipped over her face, and she looked... peaceful.

I exhaled, my grip on the steering wheel loosening.

Pehle mujhe gussa dila diya, phir bholi si shakal bana kar sorry bol diya, aur ab itni masoomiyat se so rahi hai.

Unbelievable.

A smirk tugged at my lips, but the next second, my chest clenched.

She was exhausted.

Completely drained.

I reached out, gently brushing a stray lock from her face.

Her skin was warm under my fingers, soft—too soft.

Kisi chhoti si cheez se bhi nishan par jaaye.

Meri jaan.

I let my fingers linger for a second longer before I pulled back.

We reached her apartment soon enough.

I parked, turning to wake her up—but the second I saw her, I stopped.

Itni pyaari lag rahi hai ki uthane ka mann hi nahi ho raha.

A sigh escaped me as I shut off the engine.

Fine.

Agar meri jaan itni bechain hokar kaam karegi, toh responsibility bhi meri hai.

I unbuckled her seatbelt carefully, making sure she didn't stir.

Then, without a second thought, I slid one arm under her knees and the other around her back, lifting her into my arms.

The moment she felt the shift, she let out a sleepy whimper, burrowing into my chest.

Her scent hit me—something soft, something warm, something purely Lavika.

My possessiveness instantly flared.

Koi aur usse iss tarah dekh bhi le toh bhi bardasht nahi kar sakta.

I carried her inside, her small frame molding against mine like she belonged there.

Like she was meant to be in my arms.

Reaching her bedroom, I carefully lowered her onto the bed.

She stirred, blinking up at me with sleepy, drowsy eyes. "Ishaan...?"

My lips curved. "Shh. So jao."

She hummed, already sinking back into the pillow.

I sat beside her, fingers trailing over her cheek.

Bas dekh raha tha.

The way her lashes fluttered, the way her lips parted slightly, the way she turned her face toward my touch as if she craved it in her sleep.

Something in my gut tightened.

She had no idea what she did to me.

I leaned in, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Then her cheek.

And then—just because I couldn't help myself—I brushed my lips over hers.

Soft.

Barely a whisper.

But her breath hitched.

And just like that, the exhaustion I had seen a moment ago was replaced by something else.

Something deeper.

I smirked. "Meri jaan, so rahi thi?"

Her lashes fluttered open, a slight pout forming. "Tumne uthaya..."

I leaned closer, my nose grazing hers. "Bas check kar raha tha ki kitni gehri neend mein ho."

She narrowed her eyes, her voice still thick with sleep. "Tum shararti mode pe ho."

I chuckled, fingers trailing down her arm. "Aur tumhe koi problem hai?"

She opened her mouth—probably to say yes—but then I slipped my hand under the blanket, brushing my fingers over her bare waist where her shirt had ridden up.

Her breath hitched.

"Cheating" she murmured.

I grinned. "Sab kuch fair hai, jaan."

She whined, trying to turn away, but I caught her wrist, pulling her back toward me. "Mujhse bhaag rahi ho?"

Her cheeks flushed. "Mujhe neend aa rahi thi..."

I leaned in, my lips grazing her ear. "Toh so jao, jaan. Tumhe sone se kisne roka?"

She sucked in a sharp breath, her fingers fisting my shirt. "Tum."

I chuckled. "Acha?"

I let my fingers ghost over her waist again, feeling the way she shivered.

I could push, I knew I could—but she was exhausted, and as much as I wanted to keep touching her, I knew she needed rest more.

So, instead, I kissed her forehead again.

A lingering promise.

"Goodnight, meri jaan" I murmured.

She let out a small sigh, relaxing into my hold. "Goodnight, Ishaan..."

I pulled her close, letting her drift off against me.

And with her warmth in my arms, I followed soon after.

──★ ˙🧷 ̟ !!

Lavika had completely melted into my arms, her body curled into mine, her breathing steady.

But the way she was sleeping—her jeans still on, her hoodie bunched up uncomfortably—I frowned.

Yeh ladki bilkul bhi dhyaan nahi deti apne comfort ka.

I sighed.

Agar maine nahi kiya, toh yeh aise hi so jaayegi, uncomfortable hokar.

Carefully, I shifted, making sure she didn't wake up.

My fingers went to the button of her jeans, working quickly but gently.

The fabric was snug against her skin, and as I slid them down, my gaze trailed over her legs.

Fuck.

I swallowed hard.

Why the hell was this suddenly feeling... different?

Shaking off the thought, I focused on the next task—her hoodie.

It had ridden up, exposing the soft skin of her stomach.

I gritted my teeth.

Yeh bas ek normal cheez hai, Ishaan.

She trusts you.

Tu bas uska dhyaan rakh raha hai.

And yet, as I pulled the hoodie over her head, my knuckles grazing her sides, she let out a tiny whimper.

Meri jaan...

I froze.

Her head lolled to the side, her hair falling over her shoulder, her body shifting slightly—as if she felt my touch even in her sleep.

My breathing turned heavier.

She was in just her undergarments now, her curves illuminated by the dim glow of the bedside lamp.

My eyes roamed over her, over the delicate slope of her neck, the way her collarbone dipped, the way her lips parted ever so slightly.

I should stop.

I really should.

But then—she moved.

Her body arched ever so slightly, and the sound that left her lips—soft, barely there, but enough to send a jolt straight through me—destroyed my restraint.

Before I knew it, I was leaning in.

My fingers ghosted over her bare waist, feeling the way her skin responded, the way her breath hitched.

Her lips.

Meri jaan ke lips.

I dragged my thumb over her lower lip, and she whimpered again, this time my name.

A groan rumbled in my chest.

Fucking hell.

"Lavika" I murmured.

Her lashes fluttered open, confusion flickering in her sleepy eyes. "Ishaan...?"

And then she realized.

Her gaze dropped—her state of undress, my hands on her, the heat between us.

A slow, deep blush crept up her neck. "Tum...?"

I smirked. "Tumhare kapde uncomfortable the. Maine bas—"

"Bas?" She whispered, her fingers clutching my shirt.

Meri jaan.

Itni bhi masoom nahi hai jitni dikhne ki koshish karti hai.

Her eyes were hazy, pupils dilated, and when I moved closer, she didn't pull away. Instead, she tilted her head up, her breath mingling with mine.

Fuck it.

I crashed my lips against hers.

She gasped, but I didn't let her pull back.

My fingers tangled in her hair, my body pressing her deeper into the mattress.

Soft. Warm. Mine.

Her hands fisted my shirt, pulling me closer.

I groaned against her mouth, tilting her chin up so I could deepen the kiss.

Meri jaan ka taste... addictive.

I nipped at her lower lip, and she let out a sound that nearly undid me.

My hands slid lower, tracing the curve of her waist, the dip of her spine.

She arched into me, her body molding perfectly against mine.

The air between us turned thick.

Too thick.

My hand hovered near the clasp of her bra. One flick, and it would be gone.

She didn't stop me.

In fact, her nails dug into my back, her hips shifting beneath mine, her breath coming out in short, desperate gasps.

God, I wanted to ruin her.

I started to pull the strap down—

And then she whispered, breathless—"Ishaan..."

I stilled.

Her voice was soft, hesitant.

Not a no, but... not a yes either.

For a second, I just looked at her.

Her cheeks were flushed, lips swollen from my kisses, eyes still dazed.

But there was something else too—something unsure.

Meri jaan.

I let out a slow breath, pressing my forehead against hers. Control, Ishaan.

And then, gently, I pulled the strap back up.

She blinked, surprised.

I smirked, pressing one last kiss to her lips. "Jab tum puri tarah meri ban'ne ko tayyar ho... tab rukne ka sawal hi nahi uthta."

Her breath caught.

I pulled the blanket over her, adjusting her comfortably before lying beside her, wrapping her in my arms.

She didn't say anything.

Just curled into me, her fingers tracing my jaw, her heart thudding against mine.

Her breath evened out again, her warmth pressed against me, her fingers still lazily tracing my jaw as if she were anchoring herself to me.

But sleep?
Not a fucking chance.

Meri jaan had no idea what she did to me.

Her scent clung to me, intoxicating, and the memory of her body arching under my touch was a slow, torturous burn in my veins.

Every part of me ached to claim her, to pull her impossibly closer, to hear her breath hitch the way it did when I kissed her just right.

But... I had seen it in her eyes.

That slight flicker of hesitation.

Not a rejection.

Just... uncertainty.

And I would be damned if I did anything before she was completely, irrevocably mine.

A smirk tugged at my lips as I brushed a stray strand of hair from her face.

Jab yeh ladki tayyar hogi, tab sirf main nahi... yeh khud bhi ruk nahi payegi.

The thought sent a dangerous thrill through me.

For now, I forced myself to ease my grip, letting her shift comfortably against my chest.

But the way her thigh brushed against mine? The soft, unconscious sigh that escaped her lips?

Fucking hell.

I clenched my jaw, exhaling slowly.

Control. Just a little longer.

Then—she stirred.

Her lashes fluttered open, confusion hazy in her dark eyes. "Ishaan...?"

Meri jaan. So pure. So fucking tempting.

I brushed my thumb over her cheek. "Hmm?"

She blinked, sleep still heavy in her gaze. "Kyun jaag rahe ho?"

A slow smile tugged at my lips. "Tumhare saath itna waqt mila hai... sone ka mann kaise kare?"

Her cheeks turned the lightest shade of pink. "Shut up" she mumbled, burrowing deeper into me.

I chuckled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "So jao, jaan."

She sighed softly but didn't move away.

Instead, her fingers found my collar, curling into the fabric.

Like she needed to hold onto me, even in sleep.

Meri jaan.

I smirked against her hair, closing my eyes.

───────── ౨ৎ ─────────

SOO MANY "MERI JAAN" HAYE!

Please leave a review!..🫶🏻