Journey to unknown

The warmth of Ahana's body against his was something Aksh never thought he would crave so deeply. Yet, here he was, holding her in his arms, her soft breaths fanning against his collarbone as she absentmindedly played with the fabric of his shirt.

The conversation about the red dress lingered in the air like an unsolved puzzle.

It wasn't just a dress.

It wasn't just a nightmare.

It was a connection, a piece of a forgotten past neither of them fully understood.

"Aksh…" Ahana whispered, her voice hesitant, as if scared to break the moment.

"Hmm?" His fingers traced soothing patterns along her back.

"Can we… go to India?"

Aksh stilled.

She pulled back slightly, looking into his hazel eyes. "I haven't seen my mother in so long. She's the only one in my house who truly loves me. And after everything that's been happening, I just… I need to see her."

Her words carried a weight that Aksh could feel deep in his chest.

It wasn't just about seeing her mother.

She was seeking something familiar, a sense of safety in a world that had suddenly become terrifying and uncertain.

He cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "We'll go."

Ahana's eyes widened, her lips parting slightly. "Really?"

"Of course." His tone was firm, final. "If that's what you want, then we'll leave as soon as possible."

A soft smile bloomed on her lips, but Aksh saw the flicker of relief in her eyes—the kind of relief that came from finally feeling heard.

He wasn't sure what awaited them in India, but one thing was certain—this trip would change everything.

---

The Journey Begins

The next morning, Aksh wasted no time. Within hours, a private jet was arranged, tickets booked, and security doubled.

Mr. Jung, his ever-loyal right hand, ensured that every step of their travel was secure.

"Are you sure about this?" Mr. Jung asked quietly as they stood near the runway, watching Ahana approach in the distance.

Aksh's gaze didn't waver. "She needs this. And I need answers."

Mr. Jung studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Then I'll make sure nothing interferes."

Ahana reached them, dressed in a soft, pastel-colored outfit that made her look delicate, almost ethereal. She clutched her sketchbook tightly, her fingers slightly trembling.

Nervous.

Aksh didn't say anything, but he reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. The simple touch was enough to ground her.

"You're safe with me," he murmured, and Ahana nodded, squeezing his hand slightly.

The dim golden lighting of the private jet cast a warm glow over Ahana's face as she gazed out of the window, lost in thought. The sky outside stretched endlessly, painted in hues of orange and deep indigo, the vastness making her feel small.

But the warmth beside her—the presence of Aksh—kept her grounded.

The hum of the jet was steady, almost lulling, but her mind wasn't at peace. India. Home. Her mother. The red dress that haunted her. The nightmares. And now… Aksh.

So much had changed.

She turned her head slightly to look at him. He sat beside her, legs stretched out in a relaxed posture, one hand lazily resting on his lap while the other held a crystal tumbler filled with whiskey.

Those hypnotic hazel eyes weren't on her, but she knew he was aware of her every movement.

He always was.

"You're staring," he murmured, his lips curving into a smirk, eyes still fixed ahead.

Ahana felt heat rush to her face. "No, I wasn't!" she quickly denied, turning back toward the window.

Aksh chuckled, the deep sound sending a shiver down her spine.

"Liar."

She huffed, crossing her arms. "You're so full of yourself."

"Maybe," he admitted, shifting slightly so that he was facing her. "Or maybe I just know when a girl can't take her eyes off me."

She turned sharply, glaring. "I was just—"

"Admiring me?" He tilted his head, his voice smooth, teasing. "I don't blame you. I do have that effect."

Ahana rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."

Aksh's smirk widened, but instead of continuing his teasing, he leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Are you nervous?"

Ahana faltered. "About what?"

"Going back home."

She swallowed. "A little."

A muscle in Aksh's jaw ticked as he studied her, then he set his glass down and reached for her hand. The moment his warm fingers enveloped hers, she let out a shaky breath.

"You're not alone, Ahana," he murmured, thumb rubbing slow circles over her skin. "I'm here."

Something in her chest tightened at his words.

She wasn't sure what had changed between them, but there was a softness in Aksh now—one that wasn't there before.

And it was dangerous.

Because it was making her fall deeper.

---

At some point in the flight, exhaustion won over Ahana, and she found herself nodding off. She tried to fight it—tried to stay awake—but the steady warmth of Aksh's hand in hers and the rhythmic hum of the jet made it impossible.

She didn't know when it happened, but when she woke up, she was no longer in her seat.

She was on him.

Her head rested against his chest, his strong arms wrapped securely around her as if she belonged there.

She blinked, dazed, as she felt his slow, steady breathing beneath her.

God, he smelled good.

The faintest hint of expensive cologne mixed with something uniquely Aksh—a scent that made her feel dizzy, safe, trapped all at once.

She tried to move, but his grip tightened.

"Don't," he mumbled sleepily, voice thick and raspy.

Ahana stilled. "Aksh—"

"Just a little longer," he muttered, eyes still closed. "Stay."

Her heart slammed against her ribs.

How could she say no when he sounded like that?

So vulnerable.

So unlike the ruthless, dangerous man she had seen before.

She sighed softly, relaxing against him.

And as his hand slowly, lazily trailed up and down her back, lulling her into comfort, she realized something.

No matter what happened…

No matter how much she tried to fight it…

She was falling.

Hard.

And she wasn't sure if she'd ever be able to stop.

---

The flight attendant gently woke them up when they were close to landing.

Ahana blinked away her sleepiness, suddenly hyper-aware of her position—half on top of Aksh, his arms still caging her in, his hazel eyes watching her with an intensity that made her breath hitch.

She moved to pull away, but Aksh didn't let go.

Instead, he lifted a hand and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You look cute when you sleep," he murmured, his voice still laced with sleep.

Her cheeks burned. "Shut up."

He smirked, but something about the way he was looking at her made her heartbeat unsteady.

It was like he was memorizing her.

Like he knew something she didn't.

Like this moment—this warmth between them—was something fragile… something he wasn't sure would last.

Ahana felt it too.

A shift.

Something about this trip wasn't just about going home.

Something was waiting for them.

And deep down, she knew—whatever it was, their lives would never be the same again.