Unspoken Moments

Aditya stirred awake as the soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. His arms felt heavy, and as he glanced down, his breath hitched slightly. Avira was nestled against him, her small hands gripping his shirt tightly, her face resting just near his chest.

For a moment, he didn't move. He just stared at her—at the way her lashes fluttered lightly in sleep, her breathing soft and steady, and how peaceful she looked in his arms. So different from last night. The memory of her shaking form, her terrified cries, and the way she clung to him in her nightmare flashed through his mind.

A strange feeling tugged at his heart. She trusts me. Even in her subconscious state, she had sought refuge in him. That realization did something unexplainable to him.

Carefully, without waking her, he loosened her grip on his shirt and slid his arm from under her. She let out a small, sleepy sound, shifting slightly but not waking up. Aditya exhaled, then ran a hand through his hair before heading to freshen up.

Downstairs, he moved into the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves. It had been a while since he'd made breakfast for someone else, but today, it felt necessary. If she was going to wake up in his house, he wanted at least one part of her morning to feel normal.

Meanwhile, upstairs…

Avira stirred, her head throbbing slightly. She slowly opened her eyes, adjusting to her surroundings. The unfamiliar ceiling confused her at first. Then, it hit her.

This isn't my home.

Her eyes widened. Memories of last night rushed in—her panic attack, the way Aditya had held her, soothed her nightmares.

And then…

The kiss.

Her breath hitched, and instinctively, she covered her mouth with her hands. Oh God. I kissed my boss. My insanely powerful, intimidating, and ridiculously attractive boss!

"What have I done?" she whispered, shaking her head furiously as if that would erase the memory.

A fresh wave of panic settled in her chest. Did he realize? Does he know about my panic attacks? She scanned the room. Where is my phone? My bag?

As if answering her unspoken worries, a deep voice rang from the doorway.

"Don't worry. Your belongings are safe—with Ananya."

Avira froze. Slowly, she turned her head to see Aditya leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, looking as composed as ever.

She swallowed, her embarrassment creeping up. She wanted to leave, to escape before she did something else utterly humiliating.

Gathering herself, she swung her legs off the bed, ready to stand, but her foot got tangled in the blanket. A sharp gasp left her lips as she stumbled forward, bracing herself for impact—

Only to land straight into a strong, familiar embrace.

Aditya caught her effortlessly, one arm wrapped around her waist, the other steadying her shoulder. Their faces were mere inches apart, his warmth surrounding her, his scent intoxicatingly close.

A deep silence stretched between them. Her heart pounded.

Realizing their position, she gently pushed against his chest, creating some distance.

"I… I want to go home," she mumbled, looking anywhere but at him.

Aditya's expression remained unreadable. "Today is off. Get freshened up and come for breakfast."

"I'd rather—"

"Avira," he cut her off, his tone firm yet calm, "I won't repeat myself."

She swallowed her protests. She had learned by now—when Aditya Singh said something, he meant it.

A Little Surprise

Avira sat at the dining table, fidgeting slightly as she took in the sight before her. A full, homemade breakfast was laid out—toast, scrambled eggs, fresh juice, and even something that smelled distinctly like homemade parathas.

"You made all this?" she asked, surprised.

Aditya, who was sipping his coffee, raised a brow. "Who else would?"

She hesitated before taking a bite. The flavors burst in her mouth, and she couldn't hold back her reaction.

"Wow… this is actually really good!" she said, her tone filled with genuine delight. "I mean, even I can't cook this well."

Aditya watched her silently, a small flicker of something unreadable in his gaze.

As she continued eating, a small bit of sauce lingered at the corner of her lips. Without thinking, Aditya reached forward and wiped it off with his thumb.

The movement was instinctive. Effortless.

But the moment their eyes met, the air between them shifted.

Avira felt her breath hitch as his fingers brushed her lips. Time seemed to slow, and for a split second, she saw something in his eyes—something deep, something unreadable.

But just as quickly as it came, he leaned back, his expression neutral once more.

"Let me know when you're done. I'll drop you home."

Avira quickly nodded, her heart still racing.

This man… He was dangerous. Not in the way she feared, but in the way he was making her feel.