Oxygen To My Heart - Accidental Romance Part 2

 

Oxygen to My Heart — Bonus Chapter: Accidental Romance (Part 2)

This story is a work of fiction. All characters and events are fictional.

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Dinner Diaries

The door clicked shut behind Adeel uncle and Faiqa aunty, and the house exhaled.

Naeema, Mahir, and Maria made their way back to the living room, Mahir and Maria already locked in some low-grade argument that had clearly been simmering since the driveway.

Maria flopped onto the couch with a sulky expression, arms crossed.

Aaryan looked between them, amused. "Kis baat pe behas chal rahi hai?" (What's the argument about?)

Maria mumbled something unintelligible, still pouting.

Mahir rolled his eyes, dropping onto the other end of the sofa. "Main keh raha tha baad mein raat ko jake le aaonga toothbrush aur kapde. Ye behas kar rahi hai ke abhi jaon—kyunke isko apna charger chahiye." (I was saying I'll go later at night to get your toothbrush and clothes. She's arguing that I should go now—because she needs her charger.)

Aaryan's lips twitched. He gestured toward his phone, plugged into the side table. "Ap mera charger le lein." (You can use my charger.)

Maria's face transformed instantly—pout gone, replaced by a bright, victorious grin. She bounced up from the couch, already reaching for it.

Naeema settled into her armchair, remote in hand, clicking the TV on. "Han, wese bhi abhi kahin nahi jana. Pehle khana kha lo, phir jake lana jo bhi lana." (Yes, anyway, no one's going anywhere right now. First eat, then go get whatever you need.)

Maria paused mid-step near Aaryan's phone, glancing at the screen. "Ap ke phone mein to sirf seven percent hai. Utar dun?" (Your phone only has seven percent. Should I unplug it?)

Aaryan looked up at her, and something in his gaze softened. "Ji, utar dein." A pause. "Ap sath hongi to main phone ka kya karunga?" (Yes, unplug it. When you're with me, what will I do with a phone?)

Maria's cheeks flushed. She bit back a grin, pulling the charger and handing his phone to him before retreating to the sofa.

Aaryan caught Mahir's eye and gestured vaguely toward the TV. "Mahir, tum TV pe koi movie laga lo. Main pizza order kar leta hoon." (Mahir, put on a movie. I'll order pizza.)

Before Mahir could respond, Naeema's voice cut through like a gentle warning shot.

"Bilkul nahi. Mere drama ka time hai. Uske baad dekhna." (Absolutely not. It's time for my drama. Watch after that.)

She turned to Maria, who had settled beside her, leaning comfortably against her shoulder. "Maria, tum dekh rahi ho na ye wala drama?" (Maria, you watch this drama, don't you?)

Maria nodded eagerly. "Main aur Ammi roz dekhte hain. Lekin kal meri episode miss ho gayi—college ka kaam kar rahi thi." (My Ammi and I watch it every day. But I missed yesterday's episode—I was doing college work.)

Naeema's entire demeanor shifted into full aunty-mode, her eyes lighting up with the importance of the update. "Han, khair hai. Kal ki episode mein bas uski naand use ghar se bahar nikal rahi thi, aur ladke ne aake nahi diya. Slow motion mein bas gate se enter hi ho raha tha, par pohancha nahi. Aj hoga asal—uski asliyat samne aa jayegi." (Yes, it's fine. In yesterday's episode, her sister-in-law was throwing her out of the house, and the guy hadn't arrived yet to stop it. In slow motion, he was just entering the gate, but he hadn't reached. Today it'll actually happen—his true nature will be revealed.)

Mahir leaned toward Aaryan, muttering under his breath with a smirk, "Meri Ammi ko drama ka naam nahi pata hota. Bas kehti hai, 'wo Ali wala drama lagao,' 'Hamza wala lagao.'" (My mother doesn't know the names of dramas. She just says, 'put on that Ali one,' 'put on the Hamza one.')

Aaryan chuckled quietly. "Han, inka bhi yahi haal hai. Inko drama ka naam pata hota hai, characters ka nahi. Bas ho kya raha hai episode—wo pata hai." (Yes, mine's the same. She knows the drama's name, not the characters' names. Just what's happening in the episode—that she knows.)

Naeema's head snapped toward them, eyes narrowed in playful warning. "Beech mein mat bolo. Dialogue samajh nahi aa rahe." (Don't interrupt. I can't understand the dialogue.)

Maria jumped on the opportunity, leaning forward to add her own two cents with exaggerated innocence. "Han, nahi to! Disturb kar rahe hain." (Yes, exactly! They're disturbing us.)

Mahir and Aaryan exchanged a glance and promptly shut up, sinking back into the sofa cushions like scolded schoolboys.

The opening credits rolled. Naeema settled deeper into her chair, satisfied.

Aaryan waited a beat, then reached over and tugged lightly at Maria's sleeve. She turned, and he gestured subtly toward the empty space beside him. Come here.

Maria's eyes sparkled with mischief. She shook her head slowly, deliberately, and then leaned further into Naeema, wrapping her arms around her future mother-in-law in an exaggerated display of affection.

Aaryan's eyebrows rose. Oh, really?

He shifted on the couch, making a small show of adjusting his position—his injured foot, the careful movement, the slight wince he may or may not have exaggerated.

Maria's head snapped toward him immediately.

Before she could overthink it, she was already scooting closer, concern overriding her teasing.

Aaryan hid his smile poorly.

The moment she was within reach, his arm slid around her waist and tugged her firmly against his side. He leaned in, lips brushing her ear as he murmured, "Ap mere liye ruki hain… ya Ammi ke liye?" (Are you here for me… or for Ammi?)

Maria shrugged, tilting her head with mock innocence. "Of course, Aunty ke liye. Ap to injury karwake bethe hain. Apka kya faida mujhe?" (Of course, for Aunty. You're the one sitting there injured. What good are you to me?)

Aaryan's eyes glinted. He dipped his head, catching the shell of her ear gently between his teeth.

Maria squirmed, a breathless laugh escaping her.

He dipped his head instead, breath grazing her skin as he nuzzled the curve of her neck just behind her ear, his voice dropping to a slow murmur. "Konsa faida chahye apko mere se? Banda hazir hai." (What benefit do you want from me? I'm right here.)

Maria's face went crimson. She elbowed him lightly, using her shoulder to push his face away while trying very hard to look unaffected. "Kuch nahi. Door hoke bethiye. Main drama dekh rahi hoon." (Nothing. Sit away from me. I'm watching the drama.)

Aaryan smiled, utterly unbothered. He squeezed her cheek affectionately, then pressed a kiss there before settling her more comfortably against his side.

She tried to focus on the screen. She really did.

But every few minutes, he'd drop a kiss on her temple. Then her cheek. Then the corner of her jaw.

And when he really wanted to watch her squirm, he'd press his lips to the side of her neck—soft, warm, lingering just long enough to make her breath hitch.

Maria glared at him each time, cheeks flaming.

He only smiled, utterly unrepentant.

Because the night was young. The house was warm. And she was here, in his arms, exactly where she belonged.

He had hours still to spend with her.

And he intended to make the most of every single one.

---

Movie Night

The drama's ending credits rolled, and the empty pizza boxes lay scattered across the coffee table. Aaryan stretched slightly, mindful of his foot, and glanced around the room.

"Chalo, ab koi movie laga lo." (Come on, put on a movie now.)

Naeema groaned as she pushed herself up from the armchair, one hand pressing against her lower back. "Han, ab tum log dekho. Main zara namaz padh aaon." She shook her head at the TV, still processing the episode she'd just watched. "Bekar episode thi. Time waste kar diya." (Yes, you all watch now. I'll go pray. It was a useless episode. Just wasted my time.)

Maria yawned, curling deeper into the couch cushions. "Koi romantic movie dekhte hain." (Let's watch a romantic movie.)

Mahir's head snapped toward her, already shaking. "Ji nahi. Abhi Now You See Me ka teesra part aaya hai—wo dekhte hain." (No way. Now You See Me 3 just came out—let's watch that.)

Maria's face crumpled into a pout. "Abhi neend aa rahi hai, nahi? Dimagh wali movie dekhne ka dil nahi chah raha." She turned, abandoning her brother entirely, and fixed her gaze on Aaryan. "Acha, aap bataein." (I'm feeling sleepy, okay? Don't feel like watching a brainy movie. Fine, you decide.)

Mahir threw his hands up. "Wo to tumhari hi side lenge na." (He's going to take your side anyway.)

Maria huffed without looking away from Aaryan. "Aap chup karein." Then, softer, to him: "Bolein na, aapko kya dekhna hai?" (You be quiet. Tell me, what do you want to watch?)

Aaryan tilted his head, a slow smile spreading across his face. He was teasing her, flirting shamelessly every two seconds, and she was absolutely here for it.

His thumb traced a lazy circle over her hand. "Mujhe to aapko dekhna hai." (I just want to watch you.)

Mahir made a retching sound and turned away, already scanning the TV list for romantic movies because he knew—he absolutely knew—he'd lost this battle before it even began.

"Han, ye kar lo pehle," he sulked, scrolling through options. (Yes, do this first.)

Maria, completely unconcerned that Mahir was already capitulating, continued her romance campaign. Her fingers played idly with the veins on the back of Aaryan's hand. "Ji nai mai puch rahi hun Mere ilawa kya dekhna hai?" (No, I'm asking—what do you want to watch besides me?)

Aaryan didn't even glance at the screen. His entire focus was her—the way her lashes fanned when she blinked, the slight pout of her lips, the warmth of her skin under his fingers.

"Han, Mahir," he said absently, "romantic movie laga do." (Yes, Mahir, put on a romantic movie.)

Mahir rolled his eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn't get stuck. "TV pe bhi thoda sa dekh lein. Maine romantic movies hi search ki hain." (Look at the TV a little. I've already searched for romantic movies.)

Maria giggled, finally glancing at the screen. She immediately shook her head. "Nahi, English nahi dekhni. Bollywood lagain—Main Hoon Na dekhte hain." (No, don't want to watch English. Put on Bollywood—let's watch Main Hoon Na.)

Mahir's jaw dropped. "Pachaas baar dekh chuke hain! Nahi lagaonga." (We've seen it fifty times! I'm not putting it on.)

Maria raised an eyebrow, utterly unbothered. "Aap behas kyun kar rahe hain jab aapko pata hai aapki nahi suni jaegi?" She turned to Aaryan, seeking backup. "Haina?" (Why are you arguing when you know no one's going to listen to you? Right?)

Aaryan hummed in agreement, still staring at her.

Mahir pointed an accusatory finger at him. "Meri behn ko ghoorna band karein." (Stop staring at my sister.)

Aaryan's smirk was slow and deliberate. "Abhi to sirf dekh raha hoon. Raat to abhi baaki hai, Mahir." (Right now I'm just looking. The night is still young, Mahir.)

Mahir mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like "astaghfirullah" under his breath, feeling very much like he'd somehow stumbled into someone else's date night.

He put on Main Hoon Na.

Maria beamed, leaning comfortably against Aaryan's side. "Aapko to pata hai ye meri favourite movie hai." (You know this is my favorite movie.)

Aaryan pressed a kiss to her temple, voice warm against her skin. "Aapko pata hai aap mera favourite sab kuch hain." (You know you're my favorite everything.)

Maria rolled her eyes, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. She stretched, starting to get up. "Pani pee ke aati hoon. Aapke liye laaun?" (I'm going to drink some water. Should I bring you some?)

Aaryan shook his head, letting her go reluctantly, his eyes already tracking her movement out of the room and counting the seconds until she returned.

When she finally came back, Aaryan patted his lap in invitation.

Maria shook her head instantly. "Nahi, nahi. Kuch ho gaya to paon ko." (No, no. What if something happens to your foot?)

Before she could protest further, Aaryan's hands found her waist and pulled her gently but firmly onto his lap, settling her sideways against his chest. She sat gingerly, still worried.

Mahir interrupted immediately. "Nahi betho yaar—" He caught himself, pointing vaguely between them. "Nahi, meri behn hai isliye nahi keh raha, but Aaryan bhai, kuch ho na jaye. Paon mein zor padega." (Don't sit, man—I'm not saying this because she's my sister, but Aaryan bhai, something might happen. Pressure will go on your foot.)

Aaryan curled Maria closer, his arm secure around her waist. "Nahi kuch hoga." (Nothing will happen.)

Maria adjusted herself carefully, still half-convinced she was going to hurt him. Mahir kept glancing over, ready to intervene if Aaryan so much as winced.

Aaryan gestured to the paused TV. "Play karo." (Play it.)

The movie started, filling the room with its familiar opening scenes. But Aaryan's attention wasn't on the screen. His fingers played idly with Maria's hair, caressing her scalp in slow, soothing motions, watching as her eyelids grew heavier and heavier.

Within twenty minutes, she was fast asleep on his chest, her breathing soft and even.

Aaryan smiled down at her, then caught Mahir's eye. His voice dropped to a whisper.

"Mahir, beta, pehle jake ghar se samaan le ao—isse pehle ke uncle aunty so jayein. Bara to bajne wale hain." (Mahir, son, go get the stuff from home first—before uncle and aunty fall asleep. It's almost twelve.)

Mahir yawned, stretching his arms over his head. "Sahi baat hai. Pajame mein toh soya nahi jata mujhse waise bhi." (Good point. I can't sleep in these pajamas anyway.)

Aaryan nodded toward the shelf. "Gate ki aur gadi ki chabiyan shelf pe rakhi hain. Dhyan se jana." (The gate and car keys are on the shelf. Go carefully.)

Mahir nodded, yawning again, and slipped out the front door.

Aaryan reached over to lower the TV volume, then settled back with a contented sigh. Maria slept soundly on his chest, her face peaceful, lips slightly parted. He pushed a strand of hair away from her face, then traced the back of his finger gently over her lashes.

They fluttered slightly but didn't open.

He smiled, feather-light, and continued tracing—her brows, the bridge of her nose, the curve of her cheek, stopping at her lips.

His voice was barely a murmur, meant only for her sleeping ears.

"So kyun gai aap? Kiss to reh hi gayi." (Why did you fall asleep? The kiss is still pending.)

He sighed, then pressed his lips to the bridge of her nose, lingering there for a moment.

"Uth jaaingi to karunga." (When you wake up, I'll do it.)

He didn't realize Naeema had emerged from her room until she settled onto the couch and asked, "Kya karoge?" (What will you do?)

Aaryan blinked, coming back to himself. He looked at his mother, utterly unashamed.

"Kiss."

Naeema's face went pink. "Haw! Besharam! Mujhe kyun bata rahe ho?" (Oh my! Shameless! Why are you telling me?)

Aaryan laughed, delighted by his mother's sudden bashfulness. "Apne hi pucha tha." (You asked yourself.)

Naeema shook her head, exasperated, but her gaze dropped to his raised, bandaged foot. Concern crept into her voice. "Aaryan, paon theek hai is tarah? Dard to nai horaha." (Aaryan, is your foot okay like this? Isn't it hurting?)

Aaryan huffed a laugh. "Uffo, bhai! Paon pe lagi hai, upar toh nahi. Mujhe kuch nahi ho raha. Aap log yaad na karain toh mujhe yaad bhi na aaye ke koi chot lagi hai." (Oh, please! It's on my foot, not above. Nothing's happening to me. If you all don't remind me, I won't even remember I'm injured.)

Naeema's expression was skeptical, but fond. "Yaad tumhe waise bhi kaise aayegi? Jo chahye tha wo to mil gaya—balke kehna chahiye, mil gai." She tilted her head, eyes narrowing playfully. "Suno, khud hi toh nahi chot lagwa li tumne is chakkar mein?" (How would you remember anyway? What you wanted, you got—or rather, should I say, who you wanted. Listen, you didn't get yourself injured on purpose in all this, did you?)

Aaryan yawned, laughing softly. "Kya ho gaya hai, Ammi? Ab aisa bhi nahi hai." A pause, then a mischievous glint. "Lekin idea accha hai. Next time yahi karunga." (What's happened to you, Ammi? It's not like that. But it's a good idea. Next time I'll do the same thing.)

Naeema raised a hand in mock threat. "Thappad lagaongi main." (I'll slap you.)

The front door opened, and Mahir walked in, carrying a small bag. "Ye lo, Maria tumhara charger bhi le aaya, aur headphones bhi." (Here, I brought your charger too, Maria, and headphones.)

Aaryan pressed a finger to his lips immediately. "Shh. Ahista, ahista." (Shh. Slowly, slowly.)

Mahir's eyes went wide as he noticed Maria, still fast asleep on Aaryan's chest. "Ye kab soi?" (When did she fall asleep?)

"Movie ke beech mein hi so gayi thi." (She fell asleep during the movie.)

Mahir frowned, stepping closer. "Uthao yaar isko. Ye jo abhi soi hai, toh subah tak nahi uthegi. Aapke paon pe kuch ho gaya toh—" (Wake her up, man. If she's asleep now, she won't wake till morning. If something happens to your foot—)

Aaryan shook his head firmly. "Nahi kuch hota. Abhi aankh lagi hai, foran nahi uthana chahiye—dimagh pe zor padta hai. Abhi thodi der sone do." (Nothing will happen. She just fell asleep, shouldn't wake her immediately—it strains the mind. Let her sleep a little while.)

Mahir shrugged, changed into his night clothes, and settled on the other end of the couch with the halwa Faiqa aunty had sent along. He and Naeema chatted softly, their voices low murmurs in the background.

Aaryan rested his face against Maria's head, his eyes growing heavy. The medication, the late hour, the warmth of her body curled against his—it all pulled him under.

Within minutes, he was asleep too.

Naeema noticed first. She nudged Mahir gently, nodding toward the couple on the couch. "Ye dekho zara in dono ko." (Look at these two.)

Mahir looked, and his expression melted into something between fondness and exasperation. He pouted dramatically.

"Itna single maine poori life nahi kiya jitna is saal kiya hai, Aunty. Ye dono bohot jalate hain." (I haven't been this single in my whole life as I've been this year, Aunty. These two make me so jealous.)

Naeema chuckled, leaning over to press a kiss to the top of his head. "Koi pasand hai to bata do, mai Faiqa ko mana lungi." (If there's someone you like, tell me, I'll convince Faiqa.)

Mahir smiled despite himself, settling back to finish his halwa while the TV played on, soft and forgotten, and the couple on the couch slept on, wrapped in each other.

---

Late Night Talks

Naeema's hand shook Aaryan's shoulder lightly, her fingers brushing through his hair with maternal tenderness. He blinked awake, disoriented for a moment—then remembered where he was. On the couch. With Maria still draped across his chest, sleeping soundly.

Naeema patted his head. "Aaryan, ander leit jao ab. Aise to thak jaoge." (Aaryan, go lie down inside now. You'll get tired like this.)

Aaryan hummed in agreement, still half-asleep. He caressed Maria's head gently. "Maria."

She stirred, eyes fluttering open—and then immediately went wide as she registered her position. She sprang off him so fast she nearly stumbled.

"Haye Allah! Main aise hi so gayi?" Her hands fluttered helplessly near him, wanting to check but not sure where to start. "Aap theek hain? Kuch hua to nai? Kya time ho raha hai?" (Oh God! I fell asleep like this? Are you okay? Nothing happened? What time is it?)

Mahir appeared in the doorway, now in his comfortable shalwar kameez, looking far too amused for this hour. "Subah ke saat baj rahe hain. Tayyar ho jao, tumhe college chhod ke aaunga." (It's seven in the morning. Get ready, I'll drop you to college.)

Maria's jaw dropped. "Hein?!" (What?!)

Naeema patted Mahir's shoulder fondly, scolding lightly. "Nahi, abhi raat ka ek baj raha hai. Aur tum dono hamare ghar mein ho, college bhi nahi jana subah." She glanced between the sleepy couple. "Main sone deti, lekin aise tum dono subah akde hue uthte—isliye utha diya." She turned to Aaryan. "Chalo, ab kamre mein jake so jao." (No, it's one in the morning. And you're both in our house, no need to go to college in the morning. I'd let you sleep, but like this you'd both wake up stiff in the morning—so I woke you. Come on, go to your room and sleep.)

Aaryan pushed himself up slowly, Mahir moving to help with the crutches. "Nahi nahi, main fresh ho gaya hoon. Abhi nahi sona." (No no, I'm fresh now. Don't want to sleep yet.)

Naeema nodded, conceding. "Acha, chalo. Jo bhi karna hai ab, lekin bed pe leit jao tum." (Okay, fine. Whatever you want to do now, but at least lie down on the bed.)

Mahir walked with Aaryan toward his room, Aaryan stretching his neck with a grimace. "Itna uncomfortable, Aise kaise saunga, Mahir?" (So uncomfortable, how will I sleep like this, Mahir?)

Mahir nodded sagely, a discussion only those two understood. "Han, kuch to karna padega. Ek idea hai." (Yes, something needs to be done. I have an idea.)

Maria followed them, but Mahir turned and closed the door right in her face.

She blinked at the wood. "Kya—?" (What—?)

From inside, Mahir's muffled voice: "Kahan mooh uthake andar aa rahi ho? Sabr karo, change karna hai Aaryan bhai ne." (Where are you walking in with your face held high? Have patience, Aaryan bhai needs to change.)

Maria pouted at the closed door, then turned and padded back to Naeema, who was already gathering extra pillows and blankets from the closet. They arranged them together in comfortable silence, Maria carrying the stack toward Aaryan's room.

When she pushed the door open, Aaryan was exactly as she'd left him—still in his shalwar kameez, leaning against the headboard while Mahir propped his injured foot on a pillow.

Maria frowned. "Kahan change kiye kapde? Wohi to pehne hain." (Where did you change? He's wearing the same clothes.)

Mahir shot her a look. "Tum chup raho." (You be quiet.)

Naeema swept in behind Maria, depositing the pillows on the bed. "Acha, Mahir, tum Aaryan ke kamre mein so jaoge. Aur Maria mere kamre mein." She surveyed the bedding arrangement. "Ye dekh lo kis ko konsa takiya suit karta hai, wo rakh lo, bachon." (Okay, Mahir, you'll sleep in Aaryan's room. And Maria in my room. See which pillow suits who, and arrange them, children.)

Aaryan's head snapped up. "Maria aapke saath kyun soyegi?" (Why will Maria sleep with you?)

Naeema's eyebrow rose. "To kya tumhare saath sulaon?" (So should I have her sleep with you?)

Aaryan shrugged, utterly unbothered by the question. "Aur nahi to kya? Meri biwi hai." (What else? She's my wife.)

Naeema ignored him completely. "Chalo, Maria, chalein." (Come on, Maria, let's go.)

Aaryan's voice took on a distinctly sulky tone. "Acha, abhi kyun leke ja rahi hain? Abhi to koi nahi so raha. Jab sone lagenge, to bhej dunga." (Okay, why are you taking her now? No one's sleeping yet. When we're about to sleep, I'll send her.)

Naeema considered this, then nodded. "Theek hai. Par zyada nahi jagna. Bas thodi der aur jaag lo." (Fine. But don't stay up too long. Just a little while longer.)

She left, pulling the door closed behind her.

Maria's face lit up. She climbed onto the bed immediately, already settling back into her spot against his side—until Mahir caught her arm.

"Ab goud mein nahi bethna." (Now no sitting on his lap.)

Maria's pout was instant and dramatic. "Kyun?" She turned to Aaryan, expecting backup. (Why?)

Aaryan nodded slowly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Sahi keh raha hai. Aap yahan aise beth jain." He pulled her against his side instead of onto his lap. (He's right. Sit here like this.)

Maria's confusion deepened. "Paach minute mein aisa kya ho gaya ke ab main nahi beth sakti?" (What happened in five minutes that I can't sit there now?)

Mahir glared. "Chup raho." (Be quiet.)

Maria pouted at Aaryan, who simply chuckled and pulled her closer, offering no explanation. She smiled at him anyway, because how could she not?

He smiled back.

Mahir finally settled onto the bed with a sigh. "To phir kya plan hai? Kya karna hai jaag ke?" (So what's the plan? What do we want to do while awake?)

Aaryan perked up. "Coffee peete hain." (Let's have coffee.)

Mahir nodded. "Haan, theek hai. Kaun banaega?" (Yes, fine. Who'll make it?)

Aaryan and Maria looked at him. And kept looking.

Mahir blinked. "Mujhe to aati hi nahi banani." (I don't know how to make it.)

Aaryan's smile turned mildly sarcastic. "Koi baat nahi. Banate banate seekh jaoge." (No problem. You'll learn by making it.)

Mahir huffed, pushing himself off the bed. "Ye to seedha kamre se nikalne ka tareeqa hai." He shot them both a look as he reached the door. "Ajeeb badtameezi hai." (This is just a way to get me out of the room. Such rudeness.)

The door clicked shut behind him.

Maria immediately turned to Aaryan, curiosity burning. "Kyun nahi beth sakti main goud mein?" (Why can't I sit on your lap?)

Aaryan chuckled, pinching her cheeks gently. "Use your imagination, baby."

Maria thought for a second. Then another. Then gave up entirely. "Khair, ab hum baatein karte hain." (Anyway, now let's talk.)

Aaryan took her hand, running his thumb over her knuckles, memorizing the feel. "Acha, pehle aap ye batao—aapko kaise kapde pasand hain?" (Okay, first tell me this—what kind of clothes do you like?)

Maria's eyes lit up with immediate suspicion and delight. "Ab konse gift ki tayyari kar rahe hain? Abhi to meri birthday mein bhi time hai." (Now what gift are you preparing for? There's still time for my birthday.)

Aaryan's expression shifted to mock-offense. "Itna predictable ho gaya hoon main?" (Have I become that predictable?)

Maria leaned comfortably against him, victorious. "Ji bilkul." She grinned. "But to answer your question—mujhe har waqt hoodie aur pyjama mein ghoomne mein maza aata hai. Aur achi si baarish, aur saath mein mere songs? Phir to maza hi aa jayega." (Yes, absolutely. But to answer your question—I love wandering around in hoodies and pajamas all the time. And nice rain, and my songs with it? Then it'll be perfect.)

Aaryan tilted his head. "Acha? Maine to bahut kam pehne hue dekhe hain aise aapko." (Oh? I've rarely seen you wear those.)

Maria nodded earnestly. "Han, wo to zyada tar main shalwar kameez hi pehnti hoon na, par mujhe bilkul nahi pasand." (Yes, I usually wear shalwar kameez, but I don't like it at all.)

"Wo kyun?" (Why?)

She launched into an animated explanation, her hands moving as she talked. "Ammi kehti hain, aisa lagta hai jaise hanger pe kapde latke hain. Aur phir main flat bhi hoon na, to bilkul aisa hi lagta hai—hanger pe latke hue." (Ammi says it looks like clothes hanging on a hanger. And since I'm flat too, that's exactly what it looks like—hanging on a hanger.)

Aaryan's brow furrowed. "Flat... matlab?" (Flat... meaning?)

"Han na, flat." And before he could process, she pressed her hand to her chest and slid it down, demonstrating the flatness with complete seriousness. (Yes, flat.)

Aaryan bit the inside of his cheek, hard. He covered his face with one hand, pinching the bridge of his nose, because if he looked at her right now—so serious, so earnest about this—he was going to lose it completely.

"Maria," he managed, voice strained, "aap flat nahi hain." (Maria, you're not flat.)

She was still on it, utterly convinced. "Arey hoon! Dekhein, aap—" She put her hands on her hips, pushing her chest out slightly to prove her point. (I am! See, you—)

Aaryan looked away so fast his neck protested. He ran his hand down his face, barely suppressing a chuckle. "Nahi, mujhe nahi dekhna. Main keh raha hoon na, aap nahi hain." He gently pushed her hands down and pulled her close before she could demonstrate anything else, a permanent smile etched on his lips. (No, I don't want to see. I'm telling you, you're not.)

Maria continued, undeterred. "Han, to khair, mujhe isliye hoodie bohot pasand hai—kuch pata nahi chalta, bandar andar mota hai ya patla. Pata hai kaise kaise naam rakhte hain log mere? Haddi. Dhancha. Single pasli. Phook marungi to ud jaogi." She pouted dramatically. "Main to isliye aapki goud mein nahi bethi aaj tak—phir aap kehte ke meri haddiyan chub rahi hain." (Yes, well, that's why I love hoodies—you can't tell if the person inside is fat or thin. You know what names people call me? Bone. Skeleton. Single rib. 'If I blow, you'll fly away.' That's why I've never sat on your lap till now—you'd say my bones are poking you.)

Aaryan had been half-listening, half-watching the way her lips moved when she talked. My little bird is chattering so much today. If I steal a kiss in between, she'll get conscious. Some other time.

He blinked, catching the tail end of her rant. "Hmm?" Then registered her words. "Nahi, mujhe aapki koi haddi nahi chubhi. Don't worry." (No, no bone of yours has poked me. Don't worry.)

Maria turned to face him properly. "Pakka? Kyunke mujhe pata hai main peeche se bhi flat hi hoon." (Sure? Because I know I'm flat from the back too.)

Aaryan couldn't hold back this time. He laughed, resting his forehead on her shoulder, ears turning red. "Yaar, Maria." (Oh, Maria.)

Maria chuckled along, finding her own statements as absurd as he did. "Han na? Sahi to keh rahi hoon." (Yes, right? I'm speaking the truth.)

He lifted his head, leaned in, and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Aap mujhe kisi bhi angle se—" Another kiss to the other cheek. "—flat, 3D, circle, triangle—kuch nahi lagti." His thumb traced over her lips, his eyes following the motion before meeting hers. "Aap bas mujhe achi lagti hain. Aur bohot zyada achi lagti hain." (You don't look flat to me from any angle—flat, 3D, circle, triangle—nothing. You just look good to me. And very, very good.)

He kissed the tip of her nose instead.

Maria smiled, soft and warm. "Theek hai. To main kya keh rahi thi?" (Okay. So what was I saying?)

Aaryan sighed, smiling, and settled in to listen to her chatter away, hoping time would freeze right here.

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An hour or two later—neither of them could say for sure—Mahir pushed the door open and walked in.

"Aa jaaon main ab?" (Should I come in now?)

Maria blinked at him. "Coffee kahan hai?" (Where's the coffee?)

Mahir settled onto the bed, unbothered. "Waqai banani thi? Mujhe laga bahar nikalne ka bahana hai." A pause. "Khair, main to call pe baat kar raha tha." (Did you really want it made? I thought it was just an excuse to get me out. Anyway, I was talking on the phone.)

Maria's eyes narrowed with immediate suspicion. "Itni raat ko itna der se aap kis se baat kar rahe the?" (Who were you talking to so late at night for so long?)

Mahir shrugged. "Dost tha." (A friend.)

"Aisa kaunsa dost hai jis se itni raat ko baat karte hain aap?" (What kind of friend do you talk to this late at night?)

Mahir glared. "Tum chup raho. Ayi badi amma-daadi ban rahi hai." (You be quiet. She's become such a grandmother.)

Before Maria could retort, Naeema poked her head in. "Bachon, ab so jao. Itni raat ho gayi hai." (Children, sleep now. It's gotten so late.)

She walked in and settled on the edge of the bed. Mahir immediately got up to let her sit against the headboard properly.

Aaryan looked at her. "Aap nahi soeen abhi tak?" (You haven't slept yet?)

Naeema adjusted her dupatta. "Bas, abhi namaz padh ke farigh hui. Ab lait rahi thi to socha dekh loon, kuch chahiye to nahi?" (Just finished my prayers. I was about to lie down, but thought I'd check if you need anything.)

Maria quickly shook her head. "Nahi, Aunty, thank you. Kuch bhi nahi chahiye. Main bas aa rahi thi sone ke liye." She started scooting toward the edge of the bed. (No, Aunty, thank you. Don't need anything. I was just coming to sleep.)

Aaryan's hand shot out and pulled her back. "Kyun? Sona hai? Abhi nahi sona." (Why? Want to sleep? Not sleeping yet.)

Naeema stared at her son. "Tumhe kab se raaton ko jaagne ka shauq ho gaya hai? Itni high potency ki medicines hain, dimaag phir jayega. Soge nahi to." She gestured at his face. "Ankhen dekho apni—laal ho rahi hain neend se." (Since when have you developed a hobby of staying up at night? You're on such high potency medicines, you'll lose your mind. If you don't sleep. Look at your eyes—they're getting red from sleep.)

Aaryan pouted. "Sone se time waste hoga, yaar. Seedha subah aankh khulegi, phir inke jaane ka time ho jayega." He crossed his arms. "Main nahi so raha abhi." (Sleeping will waste time, man. I'll wake up straight in the morning, and then it'll be time for her to leave. I'm not sleeping now.)

Naeema's voice sharpened with maternal authority. "Mahir aur Maria ko to sone do." (At least let Mahir and Maria sleep.)

Aaryan thought for a moment, then lit up. "To Mahir so jayein—Azlan bhai ke kamre mein. Main aur Maria baatein kareinge. Maria ko bhi nahi sona. Aur agar sona hoga, to so jayenge yahan—" He patted the bed beside him, caught Naeema's glare, and backtracked smoothly. "—aapke paas aake." (Then let Mahir sleep—in Azlan bhai's room. Maria and I will talk. Maria doesn't want to sleep either. And if she does want to sleep, we'll sleep here—next to you.)

Naeema shook her head, already standing. "Aaryan, so. Aur sone do. Azlan jaisi harkatein mat karo." She held out a hand to Maria. "Aao, Maria." (Aaryan, sleep. And let others sleep. Don't do things like Azlan. Come, Maria.)

Maria immediately started scooting toward the edge again.

Aaryan didn't let go of her arm. "Aur batayen na, Ammi? Aur kya kya karta hoon main Azlan bhai ki tarah? Sari buraiyan kar dein aaj." (And tell me, Ammi? What other things do I do like Azlan bhai? List all my faults today.)

Naeema threw her hands up, exasperated but smiling. "Dekho zara, kaise bachon jaisi harkatein kar raha hai. Azlan kia karta tha aise? Jab TV band karne aate the uska?" (Look at this, how he's behaving like a child. What did Azlan used to do like this? When they'd come to turn off his TV?)

Aaryan pulled Maria back, stubborn and adorable. "Han, aur kya karta tha? Kaun kaun?" He tugged her closer. "Bethein, bethein, Maria. Abhi nahi jana. Abhi Ammi kisse sunaayegi." (Yes, and what else did he do? Who all? Sit, sit, Maria. Don't go yet. Now Ammi will tell stories.)

Maria, finding his stubbornness and cuteness absolutely endearing, settled back beside him and hugged his arm.

Naeema shook her head, smiling, and sat back down. They could stay awake a little longer.

Mahir chuckled from his spot on the bed, making faces at Aaryan. "Pata nahi kya nazar aata hai aapko is chudail mein." (Don't know what you see in this witch.)

Aaryan buried his face in Maria's hair. "Sab kuch." (Everything.)

And they all started chatting the night away—Naeema's stories, Mahir's complaints, Maria's laughter, Aaryan's quiet smiles.

But Aaryan wasn't really listening to the words. He was just content, having Maria beside him, watching her smile, hearing her talk, feeling her warmth.

The night stretched on, golden and perfect.

And he wished it would never end.

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CHAPTER NAVIGATION
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An injury, a sleepover, and a house full of love—sometimes the best moments are the ones you never planned....or plan?

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