I shake my head again. “Aditya, I really don’t—”
He raises an eyebrow. “Just take a bite. Humour me.”
I let out a small sigh, knowing he won’t give up. Reluctantly, I take the sandwich from him. “You’re annoyingly persistent.”
He smirks. “That I am.”
I take a small bite of the sandwich before looking at him. “Thanks.”
He shrugs, offering a small smile. “Bringing coffee and a sandwich was no hardship.”
“Not for the coffee.” I shake my head before adding. “For being here.” My voice is quieter now, more sincere.
He meets my gaze, and for once, there’s no teasing in his eyes—just something softer. “Where else would I be?”
His words send an unexpected flutter through my stomach, and for a moment, I find myself looking into his eyes, warmth settling in my chest. But I quickly shake it off, clearing my throat.
“You can really go home, Aditya. I’m fine now,” I say, trying to sound firm.
“Stop arguing.”
I open my mouth to protest, but stop myself. Instead, I just shake my head and take another bite of my sandwich. “Fine, suit yourself.”
He grins in victory.
I finish my sandwich in silence, then turn back to Mom, watching the steady rise and fall of her breathing. But what adds to my comfort is Aditya’s presence beside me, and for once, I don’t mind having him here with me.
God, what’s happening to me?
I steal a glance at him from the corner of my eye. His eyes are on me, and I hope like crazy that he can’t read the strange chaos he’s stirring inside me. I quickly pep-talk myself and remind myself—this is Aditya, the same annoying jerk who proposed out of the blue, flaunting his money. The one who’sbeen with endless women. But deep down, my heart whispers something different. Why does it feel like he’s someone I can trust? Someone I can…
I shake my head, pushing the thought away. Maybe it’s just exhaustion.
Or maybe…
I don’t even want to finish that thought. Instead, I take a deep breath, focusing back on Mom, pretending my heart isn’t acting ridiculous.
Chapter 12
Aditya
Leaning against the corner of the room, my chest tightens as I watch Sana. Her fragile form glows in the dim light, and she’s gently stroking her mother’s head, holding her hand as though afraid to let go. A fierce protectiveness rises within me, the anguish on her face cutting into me.
I want to go to her, pull her into my arms and shield her from everything that hurts. I want to kiss away her worries, remind her that she’s not alone—that I’m here, always. But I can’t.
But one thing’s damn clear—those walls she’s built? They’re coming down. She’s not going to carry any more sorrow on her own. From this day forward, I’m right there beside her, through every storm, every pain. I won’t let her face a damn thing alone. Not on my watch.
Minutes pass, and I glance down at my watch. It’s ten at night. Sana hasn’t moved an inch.
A heavy sigh escapes my lips as I push off the wall and walk towards her. Reaching her, I place my hand gently on her shoulder. She flinches slightly before looking up, her tired eyes meeting mine. My heart twists painfully, aching for her.
“You need rest,” I murmur, nodding towards the sofa across the room.
She exhales sharply, almost like a scoff. “I can’t.”
But I don’t move, my gaze steady. “You can. And you will.”
Her lips part as if to argue, but then she just shakes her head and lets out a bitter laugh. “You really are stubborn.”
