"Her smile not only made his day but also melted his heart."
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Aahana.
Oh, how the name suited her perfectly. She sure was a stream of sunshine. Bright and chirpy all the time. In fact, she had become his warmth and joy. Everything she did, deliberately or unknowingly, made him feel something. Now if you asked him what it is that he feels, he will be tongue-tied, for what he feels is new, raw, and deep.
He didn't even know if the 'feelings' were real.
Of course, it wasn't love. The very thought had him shuddering in fear. Yes, he was scared of the L-word because all it brought with it was hell and sadness and he had no shame in admitting it to Aahana.
Aahana was immensely sad but she didn't let his words affect her. Instead, she decided to focus on the big day, his birthday. Just as planned, she gifted him a neatly wrapped square box. But he refused to accept anything she gave to him, calling the idea 'absurd'. It felt like a slap in the face. All she could do was stare at him teary-eyed and quietly scurry to her.
Atharva felt his insides tear with guilt.
Why must I be so damn rude?
He groaned in sheer frustration and moved his hand across his face. His eyes landed on the table where she'd put the gift and he was tempted to just see what she could possibly give him.
He quickly scanned the room before picking up the tiny box and headed to his room. He shut the door and ripped open the box to find a nice photo frame. It had their picture, the one in which he was glaring at a broadly smiling Aahana. This instantly made the corner of his mouth curve upwards slightly and he shook his head.
Silly, silly woman.
Later that afternoon when Aahana came out of her room to prepare for lunch, she couldn't help but notice the empty table.
She grinned.
Ah, so my idea wasn't that absurd.
This went on for an entire month, she would give him something every day and it literally made him feel special, not to mention the light pecks she showered on him. At first, it was hard for him, her closeness, her touch, everything about her gave him a mini heart attack but now he was kinda getting used to her.
She was different he had realized. So very different.
Soon the big day arrived and to say Atharva was nervous would be an understatement of the century. He was as fidgety as a bride-to-be. Aahana couldn't help but chuckle at him and he wouldn't stop scowling at her.
But she knew better than anyone. As she helped him with his suit jacket, she took his hand in hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. "We are together in this, alright?"
