HAZEL ARORA

"Morning, darling." He said in a raw morning voice as I slowly opened my eyes. "Slept well?"

I nodded, "Morning, handsome." He was there on my bed, sitting like a dream. His handsome features accentuating with the dimples that popped every time he smiled. I kissed his dimple softly.

"Long night again tonight?" he asked dipping his head down to kiss my head. I nodded curtly.

"What's the worst that could happen?" he said and chuckled at his own words.

I froze. Anything could go wrong. Just because we have had narrow escape most of the times, it didn't mean we were completely safe. The battle wasn't still over yet. And I couldn't even afford to imagine something bad happening to him.

No! Fuck never!

"Look at me." he said in a concerned voice. "We are not dying, OK? If that's what worrying you."

"Yeah I am hoping so." I said in a low tone.

He only embraced me and I melted into a puddle. We stayed for a while that wa, sitting in silence. Nobody had to speak anything; the silence was extremely comforting for the both of us.

***

Just as I was about to my hands in Mr. Yukizo's briefcase, I found my own throat being grabbed hurriedly. We had come to Rue Cler to do another Mission. I couldn't even scream, and before I knew it, Ayushmann's hands were on my injurer's neck. I broke free from the strangling arm and I kicked another of the men's back with my elbow. I rushed around to catch the suitcase but Mrs. Yukizo had came forward and hit my across my cheeks. She began using moves what counted as Martial arts technique. I was fucked. Ayushmann was fighting off their bodyguard while I was trying to not get kicked by Mrs. Yukizo. In a swift of motion, I turned around to get my knife that was tied up to my thigh.

Sooner, I found myself hitting on her slender legs. She fell down and ducked her head with her hands. She looked readily unconscious. The suitcase was still residing merrily in her right hand. I slashed the back of her right hand and retrieved the suitcase. Just as I turned back, she screamed, "You will pay for this, bitch!"

And before I knew it, she had taken the pocket-knife out of my hand and slammed it right on my open biceps. I screamed in agony but hit her face with the suitcase. Ayushmann shortly came towards me, his own face slightly covered in blood, grabbing me by my uninjured arm and rushing out of the establishment.

"Hazey, are you okay?" he asked in a concern and pain filled voice, when the coast was clear and our chauffeur, Roald took the suitcase.

I only sighed in response. "The hell of the woman, Yukizo! But I am OK, I think."

"No, no! This looks so painful! I am so sorry, I couldn't protect you from the attack!" Ayushmann said, his voice very gentle. He began unboxing a packet of sterile bandage and stopped the blood flow temporarily.

I winced when the bandage touch my bare skin and blood. "It's not your responsibility to protect me, Yush. I can defend myself. Besides, I just need a bandage." I replied. "Look at you."

"I am unharmed; this is not even my blood." He chuckled. "And I know, this is not my responsibility, but I want to make you feel safe, I don't want any harm sustain on you, love."

My breathing fastened but I replied nothing. The cab met with silence except for silent winces from my throat.

As soon as we reached GrewZong, Ayushmann had rushed me in to the medical room and tended me thoroughly. I watched him with amusement hiding behind my eyes. The way he held me gently and preciously made my heart beat fast times twenty. He tended and held me so carefully, I felt like the most vulnerable and protected person ever.

Knowing that he had always been there for me,

Knowing that he had always tried to comfort me from all my nightmares,

Gave me the best reassurance possible,

Tried to protect me every time we went for Missions,

Every time, he had held me close while sleeping and every time,

He made my heart flutter.

Months ago, I didn't believe I could have been tendered and taken care of with such amount of gentle affection. I didn't understand what it was, back then. But now, seeing him hold me so preciously, I knew what it was.