"Her smile not only made his day but also melted his heart."

Aahana.

Oh, how the name suited her perfectly. She sure was a stream of sunshine. Bright and chirpy all the time. In fact, she had become his warmth and joy. Everything she did, deliberately or unknowingly, made him feel something. Now if you asked him what it is that he feels, he will be tongue-tied, for what he feels is new, raw, and deep.

He didn't even know if the 'feelings' were real.

Of course, it wasn't love. The very thought had him shuddering in fear. Yes, he was scared of the L-word because all it brought with it was hell and sadness and he had no shame in admitting it to Aahana.

Aahana was immensely sad but she didn't let his words affect her. Instead, she decided to focus on the big day, his birthday. Just as planned, she gifted him a neatly wrapped square box. But he refused to accept anything she gave to him, calling the idea 'absurd'. It felt like a slap in the face. All she could do was stare at him teary-eyed and quietly scurry to her.

Atharva felt his insides tear with guilt.

Why must I be so damn rude?

He groaned in sheer frustration and moved his hand across his face. His eyes landed on the table where she'd put the gift and he was tempted to just see what she could possibly give him.

He quickly scanned the room before picking up the tiny box and headed to his room. He shut the door and ripped open the box to find a nice photo frame. It had their picture, the one in which he was glaring at a broadly smiling Aahana. This instantly made the corner of his mouth curve upwards slightly and he shook his head.

Silly, silly woman.

Later that afternoon when Aahana came out of her room to prepare for lunch, she couldn't help but notice the empty table.

She grinned.

Ah, so my idea wasn't that absurd.

This went on for an entire month, she would give him something every day and it literally made him feel special, not to mention the light pecks she showered on him. At first, it was hard for him, her closeness, her touch, everything about her gave him a mini heart attack but now he was kinda getting used to her.

She was different he had realized. So very different.

Soon the big day arrived and to say Atharva was nervous would be an understatement of the century. He was as fidgety as a bride-to-be. Aahana couldn't help but chuckle at him and he wouldn't stop scowling at her.

But she knew better than anyone. As she helped him with his suit jacket, she took his hand in hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. "We are together in this, alright?"

He nodded hesitantly. "But are y-you sure it's a good idea? I mean I don't think I can fac-"

Aahana shook her head and smiled encouragingly. "She won't be there Atharva. I promise." Her voice was just above a whisper.

"What if she-"

"Ugh Atharva. Shut up already or else I will kiss you."

And that made him seal his lips immediately.

Aahana laughed. "Aren't you the cutest?" She kissed his cheeks.

Atharva having taken off guard cursed under his breath and stepped back, before clearing his throat. "I think you should get ready."

"Yeah. I'll be quick." She giggled seeing his flaming cheeks.

Aahana hadn't been lying. Atharva was surprised when she came out of her room, wrapped in a gorgeous teal-colored saree. Her hair was simply left open, descending her waist and her face had the least makeup on. Yet nobody would look as beautiful as her in just 15 mins.

"Ta-da. I am ready." She announced and walked towards a gaping Atharva.

"You really are quick." He nodded in approval, still not believing his eyes.

She winked. "Let's go birthday boy."

He sighed and raked a hand through his hair before walking out and into his car. Aahana now could feel the tension roll off Atharva in waves as he drove to his parent's house.

Even she felt like it was a bad idea. What if Urvashi turned up suddenly? No... She shook her head.

By the time they reached, Atharva was a wrecking ball of nerves. Aahana turned towards him and gave the most reassuring smile she could muster up.

Atharva took a deep breath to calm himself. Okay, I can do it. No big deal. He repeated before getting out of his car. Aahana followed after him.

They walked up to the front porch and rang the doorbell, waiting. Aahana felt her eyes widen. She had forgotten to tell Atharva they were to leave shortly.

Shit!

Before she could speak a word, the door opened and they were pulled into the house by a very excited Nisha and Naina.

They were greeted by the whole family. Well, excluding Urvashi. She was invited to Atharva's birthday but the venue and timing had been altered to befool her.

Atharva let his eyes roam around and he was relieved when he couldn't find her. His questioning gaze zeroed on Aahana to which she gave a dazzling smile.

Poor Urvashi, Aahana thought.

"Alright. So today we all are here to celebrate Atharva's Birthday." Harshvardhan announced with twinkling eyes. "But they have a flight to catch so without any delay, let's celebrate."

"Uh, which flight is he talking about?" Atharva asked confusedly.

Aahana standing beside him gave a sheepish smile. "We are uh y'know... It's a surprise." She finally said.

He gave a blank expression. "Look, you wanted me to celebrate. Here I am but I am not going anywhere with you. Just cancel whatever plans you've made."

Aahana shook her head. "No, I won't cancel anything. We will leave in exactly 20 minutes."

Atharva was about to protest but he was called to cut the cake. He huffed and walked to the center of the room. All this reminded him of his childhood. He could still recall every detail of his birthday parties when his maa was alive.

Not to forget her home-baked cake.

His heart clenched and he felt a sharp pain in his chest.

Maa.

Why did you leave me?

He was snapped out of his thoughts when he felt a hand clutch his in a tight grip. He glanced at Aahana. She had a soft smile plastered on her face as she handed him the knife.

"God." He muttered but gave a forced smile to everyone as he cut the cake. Thankfully, only close relatives and family were present, or else he would have never come.

Next was the dance, Atharva vehemently refused and went to sit on a chair. "I can't dance, y'know."

"So you've told. But you've to dance today."

"You cannot force me in everything." He gritted out.

"What? I-I don't force you." Aahana blinked innocently.

He chuckled humorlessly and shook his head. "You don't? Really?"

"Only sometimes. " She bit her lip and looked everywhere but at him.

"Oh sometimes?"

"Okay fine. I do force you but that's for your good. So I am gonna force you again and we are going to dance." She grabbed his hand and stood up.

Now Atharva had no choice. All eyes were on them.

His jaw ticked and his hands balled into fists. But Aahana ignored it and pulled him to the dance floor.

Atharva was as rigid as a stone. She drew small, soothing circles on the inside of his palm, reluctantly making him loosen his fingers. Taking his hands, she placed them on her hips whilst her arms snaked around his neck, nearing him to her.

He sucked in a breath and froze even more if that's possible. The position was too intimate. He couldn't handle it. Surely they had been like this several times now, but this was different. People were watching them, every move they were to make.

"Hey hey, look at me," Aahana called him softly. But he wouldn't listen. He was off. He looked ready to leave already. She placed a hand on his cheek and that was the last straw. He instantly took a step back even though they were still in each other's arms.

"Either we dance or we go on the trip you have planned. Choose wisely."

She pouted and took a step front. "A little of both please."

"Nah."

"Yeah"

"Nah"

"Ye-"

They hadn't realized that they were already dancing, slow and rhythmic in accordance with the music until Aahana felt Atharva's hand unconsciously inch upwards to her waist and feel her exposed flesh.

Now it was her turn to freeze. She was breathless.

Their eyes widened in unison and they were caught in the moment. All they could see was each other, feel each other and for once everything was forgotten as silence ensued. They wished to be together.

Something clicked within Atharva. That weird feeling again.

He gulped and broke free from her grasp. He wouldn't look at Aahana now. He was afraid to feel.

"Uh, we should leave. Wouldn't want to get late."

Atharva cleared his throat and nodded. "Yeah, let's go."

Aahana hid a smile as they both made their way towards their family. "Dad we gotta go now."

"Sure dear but could you wait for a few mins? Urvashi wanted to see Atharva but now she isn't even here..."

"Um uh..."

"No, dad. We will be late." Atharva spoke on behalf of Aahana. She was a stuttering mess when it came to making excuses.

Harshvardhan nodded understandingly and let them leave. Others followed suit and bid them goodbyes.

Aahana sighed in relief once they hit the road. She was glad to have not encountered that filthy bitch.

Just then, her phone pinged.

"Urvashi is on her way back to Saxena Mansion and she looks furious."

Aahana giggled childishly as she read the text. She was glad to have already exited the mansion at the right time or else who knew what that sick woman would've done to Atharva this time.

She had indeed succeeded in keeping Atharva safe.


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