Shadows Of Autumn

Chapter 2

Was supposed to update on Diwali, but... *sigh*. Khair here's the next chapter. 

Also lemme clarify certain things before you begin. Abhira and Armaan conceived a year into their wedding, true. But it wasn't really very soon. They got married after about two years of courting, thriving in their respective careers along with placating everyone in the family, especially Kaveri, to approve their wedding. Also Abhira was like four months into her pregnancy when the accident took place :( 

As always, eager to know what you think about this update. 

*****

Waking up with his wife in his arms was, for Armaan, the most perfect way to start his day. The warmth of her body against his, the rhythmic sound of her breathing and the way her hair cascaded across his chest creating a sense of tranquillity that wrapped around him like a cosy blanket. Gently, he loosened his arms from around her, moving with a careful grace so as not to disturb her sleep. He took a moment to simply admire her, his smile growing as he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, tucking it delicately behind her ear. He had stayed awake for much of the night, vigilant in case she experienced another nightmare. Thankfully, to his relief, she had drifted into a deep sleep after his lullaby.

With a tender smile, he leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead, letting the kiss linger for a moment, before pulling back. Armaan settled against the pillows again, content to remain in this moment a little longer, his gaze soft and affectionate as he traced the lines of her face. The morning light seeped in gently, casting a soft glow over Abhira's features. He watched her with a quiet reverence, studying the delicate flutter of her eyelashes, the gentle curve of her lips, and the peacefulness in her expression that made his heart ache with love.

Minutes passed in serene silence, with him lost in his thoughts and the pure, simple joy of having her close. Then, he noticed a faint movement, a tiny crease in her brow, as her lashes slowly lifted. She blinked sleepily, her gaze adjusting to the soft morning light before finding his eyes. Her lips curled into a small smile, and a gentle blush tinged her cheeks as she realised he had been watching her.

"Good morning, my silly girl," he whispered, reaching out to stroke her cheek with his thumb. She nestled into his touch, her sleepy smile widening as her hand found his, resting over it.

"You stayed up watching me?" she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep but laced with a gentle teasing.

Armaan chuckled softly, his thumb tracing lazy circles on her cheek. "Couldn't help it," he replied, his gaze unwavering. "You were finally resting peacefully. I wanted to keep it that way." His voice was low, tender, filled with a warmth that seemed to seep into her very bones.

Abhira's smile softened, and she squeezed his hand, drawing herself closer to him, her face half-buried against his chest. "I slept so well because of you," she whispered. "I think you scared those nightmares away."

A spark of pride lit his eyes, and he dipped his head, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Good. I'll chase them away every night if I have to." His arms tightened around her, as if he could shield her from every worry or fear. "As long as it means I get to see you this peaceful in the morning."

For a moment, they simply held each other, breathing in sync, savouring the stillness of the morning. Abhira's hand moved to his chest, her fingers splayed over his heart feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips. "Thank you for being here, for always understanding," she murmured, her tone growing softer, more vulnerable.

Armaan's expression softened as he cupped her face, tilting it up so she was looking into his eyes. "Abhira, you never have to thank me for loving you. There's nothing I'd rather do than be by your side, through every dream, every nightmare, and every shadow." His gaze held hers, filled with an earnestness that made her heart swell.