ADHURI KAHANI: A tale of an amnesic bond

BONUS TWO

INAAYA'S POV

I gulped, my throat suddenly dry as my mind raced ahead to what was coming next. I had the entire night to prepare for this—I tried. I spent hours running through every possible scenario, anticipating every reaction, every word that might be said. Sleep had been out of the question. And yet, despite all of it, I still wasn't ready. My heart pounded, my hands clenched at my sides, and no amount of mental rehearsal could change the fact that the moment I had been dreading was finally here.

"Are you okay, Plum?" Ishaan's voice was gentle yet firm, pulling me out of my spiraling thoughts. His warm hand found mine, fingers intertwining effortlessly, as if reminding me that I wasn't alone in this. That I never had to be.

I swallowed hard, my throat dry despite the whirlwind of emotions storming inside me. It still amazed me—how he always knew. How he could read me without a single word, without me having to explain.

I took a sip of my butterscotch boba, nodding in response because I was too nervous to speak. Ishaan glanced at me, his eyes soft with concern, before shifting his focus back to the road.

"You're sweating, baby," he said with a slight chuckle, his voice laced with amusement.

I didn't answer, just kept my gaze fixed ahead, my fingers tightening slightly around the cup. The resort's entrance came into view, and my heart pounded harder. Taking a deep breath in, I exhaled slowly, trying to steady myself. Whatever happened next, I had to face it. 

Ishaan parked the car and pulled the handbrake before turning to face me. His eyes, filled with love, concern, and pride, held me captive. Without a word, he leaned in from his seat, closing the space between us. One of his hands found my waist, while the other cupped my cheek, his thumb gently stroking my skin.

I closed my eyes, drawing in a deep breath. His warmth, his presence—it was my anchor.

"I'm with you, Plum. I won't let anything happen to you," he whispered, his voice steady and unwavering.

I nodded, because I knew—no matter what happened—he was truly with me. When I opened my eyes, he was already looking at me, his gaze soft and filled with nothing but love.

I smiled. "I'm ready."

He leaned in just a little more, pressing a kiss to my forehead, then my right cheek, then my left. He moved down to the tip of my nose before finally reaching my lips, where he placed a lingering kiss—no movement, no urgency. Just reassurance. Just love.

"I love you," I murmured against his lips.

"I love you more, Plum," he replied, his voice a promise, a vow.

He stepped out of the car, walked around, and held my door open. I took his hand as I stepped out, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. Without a word, he moved to the back seat, retrieving the bag that held our swimming clothes.

Yes, our swimming clothes. That meant I was going into the water too.

It had been my idea. I wanted to face my fear, to finally break free from it. When I told Ishaan and asked for his help, he had agreed instantly—his enthusiasm making me both nervous and grateful.

We started walking toward the swimming pool area of the resort, and as we did, my heart warmed at yet another realization. He could have taken me to any regular practice pool, but instead, he had booked the entire swimming area of the resort—just for us.

Not only to give me privacy but also to ensure I felt comfortable. A public practice pool would have been crowded, filled with serious swimmers, carrying a professional, almost intimidating atmosphere. But here, in this serene setting, I wouldn't feel overwhelmed.