HIS LITTLE LOVE

23

In the subtle light of the early morning, noor slowly opened her eyes, greeted by the soft glow of dawn. As her gaze shifted, she realized Arjun was right there, peacefully sleeping beside her , she smiled softly but then reality hit her and she again turn to him

"Wait, when did he...? How long has he been here?" She whispered to herself

She observed the peaceful expression on his face, lost in the tranquility of slumber. The realization that he had joined her in the night brought a mix of surprise, warmth and shyness.

"Well, good morning, sneaky sleeper. What other surprises do you have up your sleeve?" She said smiling and kissed his forehead shyly as she gently brushed a strand of hair from his face

Deciding not to disturb his peaceful sleep, she quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him. The morning sunlight painted the room in soft hues as she tiptoed towards the window, stealing a moment to herself.

"Everything's so peaceful but for how long . I wonder how my parents will react to all this , i just hope they wouldn't be disappointed on me ." She sighed looking down at colourful garden and after a while she went inside

Leaving him to enjoy a bit more rest, she decided to freshen up before going down so she took her clothes and went inside the bathroom , As she returned from the bathroom, the sound of the door closing gently stirred him from his slumber. Arjun blinked, adjusting to the morning light, and noticed her standing there with a smile.

"Good morning. Did I miss anything interesting while I was in dreamland?" Arjun said stretching his hands

"Well, you missed the sunrise sneakily joining our morning. But I have a feeling you planned it that way." She chuckled narrowing her eyes

"Maybe I did. Sunrises are overrated; waking up next to you is the real highlight." Arjun said grinning

" Very Smooth, Mr. Sneaky Sleeper. But I'll let it go." Noor said playfully while trying to hide her blushing cheeks

He, now fully awake, decided to turn the tables a bit. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he pretended to just notice his surroundings.

"Wait, did I fall asleep in your room? How did I get here?" He said feigning innocence making her to raise her eyebrows at him

"Oh, very funny. Nice try, but I caught you red-handed. Sneaky sleeper strikes again." Noor said laughing

"Well, I can't resist the allure of your room. It has this magnetic pull, you know." He said grinning playfully before getting up from bed and taking steps to her

"Magnetic pull, or did someone just want a cozy morning cuddle?" Noor asked mischievously

Their playful banter filled the room, mischievous glint passed through his eyes

" And what if I want something more than just a cozy morning cuddle?" he asked in husky morning voice, pulling her by waist making her weak on knee, she wrapped her arms around his neck shyly , biting her lips she meet his gaze

He look down at her lips before tracing her lips with his fingers " getting shy now , are we?" He asked pulling her more closer

" Arjun we need to go down " she said breathlessly

" I know but I'm helpless , your presence is like gravitational force that always pull me to you" he said leaning in but before he could do anything an unexpected knock on door disturbed them, they look at each other before noor pushed him away quickly and checked if she's looking presentable

She went to door not before pushing Arjun behind the door who look at her in amusement but said nothing

She opened the door finding tannu standing there with crossed arms " mom is calling you down sleepyhead , aren't you hungry yet " tannu asked

" Umm y..yeah yeah I'm very hungry" she said with difficulty as Arjun is drawing patterns on her hand that is holding the door knob , she tried to free her hand but he tightly hold it

" Alright then let's go, what are you waiting for " she asked in confusion

" You join everyone, I'll be there in a minute " noor said smiling a little

" Alright i guess " tannu frowned and left

Noor turned to face him sighing" Arjun leave me please, they are waiting for us" she whined making him chuckle

" Alright I'll but after my morning kiss " looking at his face she sighed

" Ok fine but close your eyes " noor said smiling sweetly, he narrowed his eyes thinking how come she agreed so fast but nevertheless he closed his eyes leaning down a little

She mischievously look at his face and lean closer to him making him unknowingly lose his grip and she grinned , quickly kissing his cheek she run out of room

In shock he look at the place she was standing few seconds ago before stepping out of room looking at her disappearing back he shouted " yeah that's cheating, come back here you..."

She stopped and look back and again runaway not before showing him her tongue, he chuckled shaking his head at her childishness  .

She was going down the stairs when she heard some voice from living room and her eyes widened with surprise and joy as she recognized her father's familiar voice. Without hesitation, she rushed to the living room, her steps echoing with excitement.

"Dad! What are you doing here? This is such a pleasant surprise!" Noor exclaimed excitedly

"Surprise indeed! Well how can I stay there knowing my princess got back home after so long. How's my little sunshine doing?" Her father said smiling softly

"I'm doing great, Dad. And you just made my day. But weren't you guys supposed to come tomorrow?" Noor said hugging her father

"Your father just wanted to see his daughter as soon as possible. So we come back after checking on that lady" Her mother said smiling

" Only my dad loves me " Noor said grinning

" Are you sure about it " her mother said teasingly making her blush and everyone laughed happily looking at her reaction , she just hided her face in his father's chest who caressed her head lovingly

The living room, now filled with the warmth of family, became the backdrop for a reunion that added an unexpected layer of joy to the morning.