Chapter 4: The Quiet Awakening
Morning light crept through the curtains
Asha brushed her hair, glancing at him
Karma
The man with no past
His breathing steadied Bruises faded
But silence stayed
He opened his eyes
"You're awake," she said.
"What day is it?"
"Wednesday."
"How long was I out?"
"Two days."
He gave a slow hollow nod.
"Hungry?"
"I don't know."
"Pain anywhere?"
"Everywhere."
He tried to sit She helped
No flinch
Pain didn't belong anymore
"I'll make something light."
He nodded.
But his eyes watched everything.
Kitchen
Rachel leaned on the counter
"He's awake," Asha said.
"Quiet. Calm."
"Still looking like a Greek god?" Rachel teased.
Asha gave her a look. "Focus."
"No memories yet?"
"None. But he's studying everything — like learning the world."
"That's not amnesia," Rachel said.
"That's instinct."
Living Room
Karma sat alone
Staring at hands
Spun a fork between fingers
Fast. Precise. Too natural.
He froze
Didn't know why
Didn't know how
Set fork down before Asha returned
Later
Asha handed soup
"Thank you," he said.
"Stronger."
"I feel wrong."
"How?"
"Something in me waiting."
"Lived together four years?"
"Yes."
"Always like this?"
"Quiet. Mysterious. Strong."
He said nothing
Look said no belief
Accepted
For now
Instinct never sleeps
It only waits for a reason to wake