Chapter 11

As the hot water cascades down my face, it immediately eases the physical and mental ache.

Once I adjust under the hot water, my mind drifts back through our conversation.

The minute he mentioned his big brother I recalled the first memory I ever had.

The memory I had got in the hospital when he told me his name.

I distinctly remember the crowd cheering his name while I sat beside a guy who looked so much like him cheering for him too.

And I now know that it had to be his brother. Of course, he would be there on his little brother's big day.

The more I stand under the hot shower the more relaxing I feel.

I can feel all my worries get washed away.

I don't know for how long I just stand there enjoying the hot water.

Soon I feel the water going cold, so I step out of the shower.

I wrap myself in the fluffy towel and walk out of the washroom.

I open the closet to search for something comfy to wear.

All I want to do today is have a normal boring day without any shocks or surprises.

I settle on a comfy looking hoodie and baggy pants.

As I wear the hoodie over my head I get the cozy feeling.

Damn it smells so good.

Once dressed I walk down the stairs to find him.

I need to talk to him.

In fact, apologize.

I have been so rude to him when all he was trying to do was help me.

I reach the living room to find it empty.

I walk into the dining room leading to the kitchen only to find it empty too.

Where did he go?

My thought immediately goes to when I asked him to leave me alone once he told me everything.

I needed some time for myself.

Was I too harsh?

God, I hope not.

After searching almost the entire house I give up.

Where did he go?

Please don't tell me he left.

No. No. No.

I start to panic.

Wait. Maybe he is back up in his room?

I jog up the stairs as fast as I can and knock on his door.

No response.

My heart is thrumming as I turn the knob.

It clicks open.

I slowly walk inside, only to find it empty.

I start to completely panic, I can't find him anywhere. What do I do now?

Maybe he's gone out? I should wait for him in the living room.

As I turn to leave the room, I hear a door opening behind me.

I see the balcony door open behind the huge curtain and he enters with a dejected look.

This room had a balcony?

When he looks up he is surprised to find me standing in the middle of the room.

"Maahi?" he asks.

I feel immense relief wash over me as I see him in front of me.

Without another thought, I run over to him and wrap my arms around him.

He steps back due to the force I hug him.

I didn't know what I would do if I wouldn't have found him.

For a second I thought he left.

He's all I have. He's the only person I know. The only person I can rely on, the only one I can trust.

He is taken aback by my uncanny behavior and so am I.

But I still don't let go of him.

I need this, I need him at the moment. I need his comfort.

He's the only one who can tranquilize my horrid thoughts and feelings.

I feel my heart still beating loud. I bet even he can feel it.

That's when I feel his arms around me.

I sigh in content as I rest in his chest.

My safe place.

"Baby? Are you alright?" he asks me softly. I can hear the confusion in his voice. I can feel his hands rubbing my back soothingly.

I just hug him tighter, refusing to answer or to let go.

"Maahi.. what's wrong? " he asks as he runs his hands through my hair. I can tell he's worried by his tone.

"Where were you? I searched for you everywhere... I thought. . I thought you left." My voice comes out muffled as my face is pressed against his chest.

"What? No baby! Of course not! I got a call, so I was on the balcony, talking." he says as he tries to pull back to look at my face.

I finally let go of him, I realize a few tears have slipped through my eyes.

He cups my face in his large hands and wiped away the few tears with his thumb gently.

God. I am an emotional mess. I was always a little too sensitive, but lately, I have become worse.

He probably thinks I am an emotional fool. Always crying. Feels like that's all I have been doing since I woke up.

"Maahi?" his voice brings me back from my thoughts.

"I am right here baby. I will never leave you alone. Remember that." he says with a frown covering his beautiful face as I look into his eyes.

"I am sorry. It's just, with all that's happening lately, I feel a little paranoid." I say lamely and look down at my hands that are playing with the hem of my hoodie.

"You have nothing to apologize for. I understand." He says as he holds my chin and lifts my head, making eye contact again.

"You know what I think? " he asks as I continue to look at him.

I look at him expectantly waiting for the answer.

"I think that you are the strongest and the bravest person I have ever come across. The way you are dealing with everything, taking in everything makes me feel proud." He says while gently caressing my cheek.

I feel tears pool in my eyes as I hear him say such loving words to me.

He always knows what am thinking and says the right thing.

I don't know why, even though I have hardly known this man for 2 days, it feels like he's the closest person to me.

His closeness doesn't feel wrong, it feels safe.

The sound of his soft breathing feels like a lullaby that I have been listening to for years.

In short, he feels home.

During all these thoughts, I don't know when and how I have leaned closer to him. My hands are fisted tightly on his t-shirt, pulling him closer.

That's when I realize he's so much taller than me.

I reach correctly to his heart.

I feel his breath fan on my face, as he leans in too.

His face is only inches away from mine.

I suddenly see the uncertainty flash across his face.

I know he wants this too I can see it in his eyes.

But, he slowly pulls away, still looking at me.

"Not the right time baby. You aren't thinking straight at the moment. You are emotionally drained. I don't want you to do anything that you will regret later." He says as he holds my hand that is still clutching his t-shirt tightly.

That's when I snap out of the haze.

Oh god.

Was I just begging him to kiss me?

A wave of embarrassment flashes my face. Not only did I try to kiss him, but I also got rejected.

Just when I thought I cannot make a more fool out of myself,

BAM.

Stupid me. Stupid me.

Stupid silly me.

I release my hold on his shirt and take a step back. My face is flushed with embarrassment. I have no idea what to say or even how to behave at the moment.

When I look up at him, he's staring at me with those gorgeous brown eyes, a small smile playing on his lips.

He takes a step closer to me and places a light kiss on my forehead.

"You have nothing to be embarrassed about love." He says, still smiling down at me and eyeing my hoodie.

"Sorry. My mind is just all over. "I say, I bet my face is a shade of bright red.

He's still smiling down at me, his smile is broadened even more. And he keeps glancing at the hoodie am wearing. Do I look funny? May be am just acting funny.

I bet he's enjoying my situation.

Just then something clicks me.

I look at him and say...

"How about we start over? As friends?"

"Sure. Of course love. Anything you want." He says sweetly, his eyes still twinkling slightly with amusement.

I return his smile, thinking why is he so amused, and turn to walk out of his room.

Just when I am about to leave, he says...

"By the way, you look cute in my hoodie."