By your side

The next morning

My eyes opened, with sunlight streaming through the window. We were still naked under the sheets. I could feel his body pressing into mine and his breath moving rhythmically. I carefully untangled myself from him. He protested in his sleep, but then nestled his head in the pillow. I tiptoed towards his closet and pulled out a shirt. I put it on. It smelled like him. He was tall—much taller than me so his shirt reached my mid-thigh. I found a brand new toothbrush in the bathroom and freshened up.

We had skipped dinner last night, so I was starving. I walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge. There was some bread, eggs, milk, and some leftover food.

"He needs some groceries," I said to myself.

I pulled out some eggs and toast and made scrambled eggs. I was so preoccupied with the preparations that I didn't notice Ishaan approaching from behind. He gripped my waist and hugged me from behind, kissing my neck. His morning stubble scraped against my chin.

"What are you doing?" He spoke.

"Making breakfast. Would you like some scrambled eggs?" I asked, turning around to face him with a smile.

Ishaan nodded and said, "Um, I would love to have you." He nipped my earlobe.

"Ishaan, I am starving." I chuckled and gently pushed him away. "Lucky for you, the scrambled eggs will be ready in just a few minutes. Let's eat before we devour each other." I winked playfully, causing him to laugh.

"Let's devour each other first!" His hands roamed over my belly.

I whacked his hand away. "Save that for later," I teased, giving him a playful shove. "I am not falling for your charms. We'll have breakfast, then you are going to drop me home like a good boy. Ok?" I turned back to the stove, feeling a mix of anticipation and amusement.

He tried to kiss me and said, "Hmm, can I kiss you, please? Just one?"

I chuckled and turned my head, evading his attempt. "Nope, not until we've brushed your teeth," I replied with a mischievous grin. "You'll have to wait a little longer for that kiss."

He pouted, feigning disappointment. "So, you would let me do so after I brush?" he said, giving me a hopeful look. I couldn't help but laugh at his impatience, knowing that the wait would only make the kiss more satisfying.

I raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Maybe, if you're lucky," I teased, enjoying the playful banter between us.

Playfully, he rolled his eyes and was ready to get the task over with. "Alright, alright. I'll brush my teeth, but don't think you can keep that kiss from me for too long," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

While I was preparing breakfast, he left to get dressed.

I smiled to myself and thought about how lucky I was to have someone who could make even the simplest tasks feel like fun and exciting adventures. I didn't have to wait long; he grabbed me as soon as he returned.

"Wait... Ishaan. I am still cooking." I said, trying to suppress a laugh as he pulled me into a tight embrace.

He grinned mischievously and whispered, "Breakfast can wait, but this kiss can't."

Our lips met in a sweet and passionate kiss, momentarily forgetting about the breakfast that was still cooking. The warmth of his touch and the taste of his lips made me forget about everything else at that moment.

"Shall we eat?" I asked, and after he had broken the kiss, my face was red like a tomato. Ishaan chuckled and nodded; his eyes were still filled with affection. "Let's eat," he replied, his voice filled with a hint of playfulness. We both laughed, feeling the hunger grow stronger than we finally made our way to the breakfast table.

" These tastes amazing!" He said this while chomping on eggs and bread.

I smiled and said, "It's just eggs and bread; nothing special."

"But it's the way you make it that makes it special," Ishaan replied, his eyes sparkling with admiration. I blushed, feeling a warmth spread through my chest.

"Thanks." I said, feeling a surge of happiness at his compliment.

"Can you please drop me home after this? Shweta is back."

"What's the hurry we've had all day?" Ishaan shrugged.

"And what would we do all day?" I asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Ishaan grinned mischievously and whispered, "I have a few ideas in mind."

I blushed again. "Ishaan last night..." I trailed off, my voice filled with a mix of hesitation and excitement. Ishaan's eyes widened, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"That was mind-blowing." He cut me off before I could finish my sentence. I concurred with him. It was as lovely as I had imagined.

"By the way, Shweta has left me five missed calls and several messages. She seemed to be upset."

Ishaan's mischievous grin turned into a concerned frown.

" Why so?"

"I don't know. She isn't responding. So please drop me home."

"What if I don't?" He raised his eyebrows.

I chuckled, knowing he was just teasing. "Well, I guess I'll have to find another way home then."

"Alright, I'll drop you." He laughed.

As we drove, I couldn't help but wonder why Shweta was so upset. I hoped that she and Gaurav were getting along. Everything between Ishaan and me had changed. I wanted Shweta to be as happy as I was. When Ishaan parked his car. I turned to face him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Instead, he started kissing my lips. Since yesterday, we have kissed so many times that I have lost track.

"I love you, Ishaan," I said after the kiss ended.

He smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. " I love you too, Aadya."

When I reached home. Shweta was in the living room smoking. She only smoked when she was tense. I could tell something was bothering her, so I sat down next to her and asked if everything was alright.

"Shweta? What happened?"

"You tell me? How was it?" She gave a sly grin.

I looked at her, confused, not understanding what she was referring to. "How was what?" I asked, hoping for some clarification.

"Oh, come on! Don't be so coy. You stayed over at Ishaan's place. I know everything."

I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment as I realised what she was insinuating. "Oh, that! It was nothing like that, Shweta."

Aadya, you are glowing. "My best friend is a woman now. Aww!"

I blushed even harder at her teasing. "Shweta, stop it! It's not what you think." I tried to hide my growing discomfort with a nervous laugh.

"Why are you smoking inside the house?" I asked, hoping to change the subject.

Shweta sighed and flicked her cigarette ash into the tray. "Gaurav and I broke up".