Love Across Time

Forty Eight

-𝓤𝓷𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓴𝓮𝓷 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓭𝓼, 𝓤𝓷𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓪𝓭𝔂 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽-

"Are you okay?" Arjun's voice was filled with concern as Aanya rested her head on his shoulder, seeking comfort from his warm embrace. She closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh, feeling the weight momentarily lift off her shoulders.

Arjun couldn't help but be curious about her well-being. "Are you hurt somewhere?"

Aanya gazed up at him, finding solace in his tender gaze. "You're dying to know, aren't you? Just stay silent for a moment." Arjun shrugged, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Aanya's face softened with a smile as she snuggled closer to him, their bodies entwined in a comforting embrace.

Arjun continued, his voice filled with tenderness. "Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?"

A playful glint appeared in Aanya's eyes. "Actually, there is something you can do for me. Keep me company so I don't unleash my wrath upon unsuspecting victims."

Arjun laughed, pretending to cower in fear. "Oh no, should I be scared for myself then?"

Aanya nudged him. "Don't worry, you're safe... for now."

Arjun feigned a look of horror, dramatically placing a hand over his heart. "Oh, the impending wrath of Aanya! I better start running now!"

Aanya rolled her eyes, unable to contain her giggles. "You wish! Besides, where would you go? You're stuck with me!"

"Well, in that case, I guess I'll just have to endure your fierce presence. Pray for me, everyone!" he laughed, feigning defeat and resting his head on the wall.

Aanya slapped him on the shoulder, laughing along. "You're being too melodramatic. That's my signature trait. Plus, I could never be angry with you. You're too adorable to get angry."

Aanya's cheeks turned a rosy shade as she realized what she had blurted out, her heart racing. Arjun couldn't help but blush, a sheepish smile appearing on his lips, feeling the depth of his emotions for her.

Aanya stood up abruptly, her voice trembling slightly. "Um, I think I should go now," she managed to say, her voice betraying her flustered state. Arjun nodded, his gaze fixated on her every move, unable to tear his eyes away from her. He closed his eyes momentarily, noticing how she accidentally stepped on her lehenga. Aanya stumbled forward, her eyes tightly shut. "Yes, go ahead and embarrass yourself," she muttered under her breath, steadying herself, feeling her heart race.

"You're going to break a bone someday if you keep falling like that," Arjun teased her.

Aanya shot him an irritated glare. "I take back what I said. You're definitely not cute."

Arjun chuckled softly as she made her way towards her room, his heart filled with love and joy.

His smile faded as he remembered her red arms. He knew he definitely needed to have a word with Jayadrath and Duryodhan. The image of her teary eyes flashed in his mind, prompting him to clench his fist as he made his way towards Duryodhan's chamber.

Aanya entered Dushala's chamber, her eyes darting around anxiously, only to find it empty. Concern etched onto her face, she sighed and began to retrace her steps. However, a faint sound of stifled tears caught her attention, freezing her in her tracks. Her heart sank, and she pivoted, intently following the sound as it grew louder, coming from behind the bed.