L
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It was already late night when Haniya and Kashvi finally reached the hotel. Everyone was exhausted after the long day, and the hallways were quiet, lights dimmed. They exchanged goodnights and went to their separate rooms.
Haniya placed her shopping bags on her bed, but her eyes kept drifting to the small velvet box—the bracelet she bought for Aarav. The thought of giving it to him made her stomach flip, but in a good way.
After a moment of hesitation, she grabbed the box and slipped out into the hallway. Her heart quietly raced as she stopped in front of Aarav's door. She knocked gently.
The door swung open almost immediately.
Aarav stood there in a loose black t-shirt, hair slightly messy, eyes warm and alert as if he had been waiting for her. The moment he saw her, his gaze softened.
"You're back," he said quietly.
Before she could reply, Aarav wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her inside, closing the door behind them in one smooth motion.
She stumbled lightly into his chest. "Aarav… what are you doing?"
"Bringing you in," he said simply, voice low.
"You scared me," she whispered.
"Why? I always know when you're the one knocking."
Her cheeks warmed instantly.
His hand stayed on her waist as he asked, "So… what did you buy?"
She held the velvet box out, suddenly shy. "For you."
"For me?" He blinked, surprised, then opened it.
His eyes softened even more. "Haniya…"
He looked at her, really looked. "It's perfect."
"You like it?" she asked.
"I love it," he replied and fastened it onto his wrist, admiring it.
Then he stepped closer—so close she could feel his breath.
"And now," he murmured teasingly, "about the kiss you owe me."
She swallowed. "You really don't forget anything."
"I don't forget your promises," he whispered.
Haniya placed her hands on his chest and leaned up, pressing her lips to his. The kiss was soft at first—warm, slow—Aarav's hand cupping the back of her waist, pulling her in. The kiss deepened naturally, both of them moving closer without thinking.
When they parted, she was breathing lightly.
"That was just the beginning," he whispered, brushing his thumb along her cheek.
She blushed and looked down. "Aarav…"
He lifted her chin gently. "Come here."
He sat on the bed and tugged her gently into his lap. Haniya curled against him, arms around his neck. He kissed her again—this time slow, warm, taking his time like he wanted to memorize every second.
Her fingers slid into his hair while his hand traced her back, drawing lazy circles that made her shiver softly.
"You're looking at me like that again," she whispered.
"Like what?" he murmured, kissing the corner of her mouth.
"Like you're going to melt me."
Aarav smirked a little. "Maybe I am."
She hid her face in his neck for a moment, flustered, but he tilted her chin up again and kissed her, deeper this time. She kissed him back just as sincerely, holding onto him like she didn't want to let go.
Minutes passed—slow, intimate, filled with quiet breaths and soft smiles. They lay back slightly, still tangled together, kissing between small giggles and shy glances.
Eventually, Haniya grew sleepy and rested her head on his chest, her hand still loosely gripping his shirt.
"You're tired," Aarav whispered, brushing her hair back.
"Hm… a little," she murmured.
"You can sleep here."
She didn't even respond—she had already drifted off in his arms.
Aarav looked at her, his expression softening in a way only she could bring out of him. He wrapped the blanket over both of them and pulled her closer.
She fit perfectly against him.
He kissed her forehead lightly. "Good night, angel."
She didn't wake. Her breath was slow and peaceful against his chest.
Aarav closed his eyes too, one arm still around her waist as he drifted to sleep—holding her in the quiet warmth of the night.
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If you want Chapter 49, just say "Ch 49"!