Saisha's pov:

A soft warmth surrounded me as I slowly stirred awake. My body still felt weak, but the feverish heaviness had lessened. The room was dim, the curtains drawn, allowing only a sliver of golden morning light to seep in.

I blinked, adjusting to the soft glow - and that's when I noticed him.

Pranay.

He was sitting beside me, his head resting against the headboard, eyes closed. His hand was still loosely wrapped around mine, as if even in sleep, he refused to let go.

Something in my chest tightened.

Memories of last night flooded back - the way he had carried me, the way he had wiped my forehead with a wet cloth, the way he had patiently fed me soup and made me take my medicine.

He had stayed up all night for me.

Had he even slept?

I studied his face, noticing how exhausted he looked. Dark circles lined his eyes, his usually sharp features softened in sleep. His fingers twitched slightly around mine, as if making sure I was still there.

I swallowed past the sudden lump in my throat.

Slowly, carefully, I squeezed his hand. Warm. Steady. Safe.

I hadn't realized how much he did for me - how much he cared.

I had always known Pranay was kind. He was patient with me, respected my space, and never forced me into anything. But last night had been different.

Last night, he had been my anchor.

Something inside me shifted at that thought.

Before I could dwell on it further, he stirred. His fingers tightened slightly around mine, his lashes fluttering as he slowly opened his eyes.

The moment his gaze met mine, his entire face softened.

"Aishu..." His voice was rough from exhaustion. "How are you feeling?"

Warmth spread through my chest at the concern in his tone.

"Better," I whispered. "Because of you."

He let out a breath, relieved. "You scared me last night, you know."

I bit my lip, feeling a wave of guilt. "I'm sorry."

He shook his head, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Just take care of yourself, okay?"

I nodded, unable to look away from him. Something was different.

The way my heart raced. The way his touch lingered.

The way, for the first time, I wasn't just grateful for him - I was beginning to see him.

Not just as my husband. Not just as my friend.

But as someone I wanted to hold on to.

Before I could stop myself, I lifted his hand in mine and pressed a soft kiss against his knuckles.

His breath hitched.

When I looked up, his eyes were wide, frozen in shock. I wasn't sure why I did it. Maybe it was gratitude. Maybe it was something deeper.

But when I saw the way his entire body stilled at my touch, the way his fingers trembled slightly against mine, I knew one thing for sure - something between us had changed.
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The house was quiet, except for the soft ticking of the clock. I lay in my bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to sleep, but my heart felt restless. Something was missing.

For the past few weeks, everything had changed - college, new friends, books, photography, a life I had never imagined for myself. But despite everything, the nights still felt empty.

I turned to my side, hugging the pillow. I knew Pranay was just in the next room, sleeping on the couch like always. I hated it. Why did he have to sleep there? We were married. He was my husband. He was my Pranu.

I sighed, memories flashing in my mind.

The way he took care of me when I was sick. The way he smiled when I called him 'Pranu' for the first time. The way he held my hand gently when I was scared to take my first flight.

I closed my eyes tightly. Why did it feel like something was pulling me toward him?

I sat up, feeling the cool night air brush against my skin. Before I could overthink, my feet had already carried me to his door.

I hesitated for a second, then slowly opened it.

There he was. Pranay.

Fast asleep on the couch, his face looked tired. He had been working all day, yet he never complained. He always put me first.

I swallowed. Maybe I was being selfish, but I couldn't go back now. Taking a deep breath, I softly called, "Pranu..."

His eyes fluttered open, hazy with sleep. "Aishu?" His voice was groggy, confused. "What happened?"

I clutched my fingers together, suddenly feeling nervous. "Pranu... can you-" I hesitated, but then forced myself to say it, "Can you sleep with me in our room?"

He blinked, fully awake now.

"Aishu..." He sat up, searching my face, concern flickering in his eyes. "Why? Did something happen?"

I shook my head. "No... nothing happened. I just... I don't like sleeping alone anymore." My voice dropped to a whisper. "I don't want you to sleep here."

For a moment, he just stared at me.

Then, he let out a small, soft breath, like he had been waiting for this moment too. "Okay."

He didn't ask me again. He didn't tease me. He just nodded and got up, following me to our room.

As we both lay down on opposite sides of the bed, a quiet warmth spread inside me. This was right.

I turned my head slightly, watching as he closed his eyes.

For the first time in a long time, I felt safe. I felt home.

And that night, I slept peacefully.

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