Haseeb entered the room almost an hour later, after finishing his discussion with his father. The moment his eyes fell on the bed, he paused. Maliha was already lying there, turned to one side, seemingly asleep. A soft sigh escaped his lips. He quietly locked the door and moved toward the wardrobe to change.

On the bed, Maliha slowly opened her eyes. The room was dim… empty. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. The memory of earlier, his closeness, his touch still lingered in her senses. As the bathroom door clicked opened, , she quickly closed her eyes again, pretending to sleep. Haseeb stepped out. His gaze instinctively moved toward her and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

He knew.

Switching off the main lights, he walked toward the bed. Only the soft glow of the dim light remained. He lay down on his side, facing her. Her back was toward him.
Silence settled between them. But it wasn’t empty.
It was full of everything unspoken. For a few moments, he just watched her. The gentle rise and fall of her breathing… The loose strands of her hair resting over her shoulder. The way she held herself still, too still.
A knowing softness entered his eyes. Slowly, he moved a little closer.

Not touching.

Just… close enough to feel her presence.

“Maliha…” he whispered softly.
No response.

His lips curved slightly.
“Sleep already?” he murmured, voice teasing but low.

On the other side, Maliha’s fingers tightened slightly over the bedsheet.nHer heart betrayed her again.
Haseeb noticed. Of course he did. He didn’t say anything further. Just lifted his hand slowly, and gently moved a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers barely grazing her skin. The touch was light. But it sent a quiet shiver through her.

“Good night…” he whispered, almost to himself.

But instead of turning away, he stayed there.
Watching.
Guarding.

Feeling something unfamiliar settle deep in his chest. And Maliha, kept her eyes closed. But sleep was far from her. Because his nearness felt louder than silence.. 

"“I can’t sleep far from you,” he whispered.

And before she could react, he shifted closer, slowly wrapping his arms around her from behind, pulling her gently into his embrace, thinking she was asleep.
But she wasn’t.

The moment his arms settled around her, her breath hitched. Her heart began to race.
Haseeb tightened his hold slightly… and then, in one smooth motion, turned her toward himself. Her eyes flew open.

He smirked.

“I knew you weren’t sleeping,” he murmured, his voice low, teasing.

He leaned closer, brushing his nose lightly against hers, and her heart felt like it would break through her ribcage. The closeness. The way he was looking at her.
It was too much.

“C-can you… move back?” she managed, her voice barely steady, trying to push him slightly.

But he caught her hand, holding it gently in his.

“It’s not like I’m going to do something,” he whispered, his tone soft… husky.

Her cheeks flushed instantly.

Her eyes dropped, unable to hold his gaze. A quiet chuckle escaped him. Then, leaning in, he placed a soft kiss on her nose.

Simple.
Gentle.

But enough to make her breath falter. Without saying anything further, he shifted back just slightly and pulled her closer again, this time more carefully, guiding her head to rest against his chest. His arm wrapped around her protectively.

“Sleep now,” he murmured.

His fingers absentmindedly brushed against her arm in a slow, calming rhythm.

Maliha stayed still for a moment…Then slowly, hesitantly. She relaxed. Listening to the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear.

Feeling safe.
Confused.
And strangely… at peace.

“I love this feeling,” he whispered, pulling her closer, caging her fully in his arms.

A soft, unknowing smile appeared on her lips.
“I’m going to miss you so much.”

Her brows furrowed slightly at his words.
“Where are you going?” she asked.

He leaned back just enough for their eyes to meet, a soft smile resting on his lips. His fingers gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

“I’m going with a client… as their legal advisor.”

“How long?” she asked, her forehead creasing.

“A week… maybe more.”
She immediately pushed him back and sat up.

“A week? Where are you going?” she frowned.

“You’ve started missing me already, haven’t you?” he teased, moving behind her. He placed his chin on her shoulder, a quiet chuckle escaping him.

“No. I mean..I was just… generally asking,” she replied, trying to stand.

But before she could move away, he caught her hand and pulled her back, wrapping his arms around her again. His chin rested on her shoulder as he hummed softly, swaying slightly.

“Aren’t you too touchy?” she said, mocking him lightly.

“You’re always trying to hold me.”

“What can I do,” he murmured near her ear, “when my wife wants me closer.”
She turned her head to look at him.

“Liar.”
She tried to free herself.

“Ask your heart,” he whispered, his voice lowering. “Don’t you want me close?”

And just like that she went quiet.
Her eyes dropped.

“Kuch bhi… let me go,” she said, composing herself, finally slipping out of his hold.

He stayed there, one hand resting on the bed, watching her. His gaze… slow, teasing, observant… moved from her face to the way she nervously tucked her hair behind her ear. And she felt it. That gaze. It made her uneasy… in a way she didn’t understand. Turning quickly, she tried to walk away but before she could take more than a step, he stood up and caught her hand.

“You can’t run from me,” he said softly.

And in the next second, he pulled her back into his arms from behind. This time, she didn’t protest. Didn’t speak.
Just stilled in his hold. And then the sudden sound of rain filled the silence. Both of them paused.
Listening. The soft rhythm against the windows.
The cool breeze,  slipping into the room. Haseeb loosened his hold just slightly, but didn’t let go.

“Stay,” he whispered.

Outside, the rain fell steadily.
And inside something between them was quietly, softly… growing.

Both of their heads turned toward the balcony door at the same time. A soft smile spread across his lips.
Without another word, he walked to the window, pushing it open slightly, watching the raindrops fall against the ground.

“It’s raining,” he said, turning back toward her, his eyes lighting up. “Let’s go.”

“Where?” she asked, confused.

But instead of answering, he grabbed her hand. And pulled her along with him.

“Haseeb...!” she called, startled, trying to keep up with his sudden energy.

But he didn’t stop. Didn’t even look back. He led her up the stairs, his grip firm yet warm, his excitement almost childlike. Her heart raced, not just from the running but from him. As they reached the rooftop, he finally stopped. Turning toward her, his eyes shining with something playful… something alive.

“You’re not going to do this,” she said, already stepping back slightly, suspicion clear in her voice.

He didn’t reply. Just smiled.And the next second, he pulled her straight into the rain.

“Aah..!” she squealed, the cold droplets hitting her skin all at once.

She tried to step back, but his hand still held hers, not letting her escape.

“Haseeb!” she laughed, breathless, half protesting, half enjoying. The rain fell steadily around them.

Soft.
Cool.
Free.

He watched her closely.
The way she reacted… The way her laughter escaped without control… The way her guard slowly slipped away.

“Relax,” he said softly, stepping closer.
“You’re safe.”

Her eyes lifted to him.
Rain droplets clung to her lashes, her hair dampening, her cheeks flushed not from shyness this time, but from the moment.

From him.
And for the first time, She didn’t try to pull her hand away.

He chuckled softly and stayed there in the rain with her.
Completely drenched.
Carefree.
Happy.

He spun her lightly, her laughter echoing under the open sky, his arms circling around her as if the world didn’t exist beyond that moment.

“I’m cold… I’m going,” she said finally, breathless, stepping back under the shelter.

As she moved away, she turned and looked at him.
Standing there in the rain. Arms stretched wide.
Smiling like he had found something he never wanted to lose.

“I love you, Maliha!” he shouted.

Her eyes widened instantly. She looked around in panic.

“Have you lost your mind?!” she whispered loudly, her heart racing. “Someone will hear you!”

“Did you hear me?” he asked, ignoring everything else, his arms still open, his eyes shining, fixed only on her.

Her breath caught. There was something in his eyes.
Something raw.
Something real.
And her heart,It started beating with his.

“I said I love you!” he shouted again.
That was it.

“Maliha I love you.!”

She rushed toward him, grabbing his arm and pulling him under the shelter.

“Shh! Are you crazy? You’ll wake everyone up!” she said, breath uneven, standing right in front of him. But he didn’t step back. Didn’t lower his gaze.

“I said I love you,” he repeated, softer this time.

Leaning closer to her.
At her height.

“I love this life… because you’re in it.”

Her fingers tightened slightly on his arm.
Her eyes lifted to meet his. No teasing now.
No escape.
Just him.

And the truth he had just placed between them.

She giggled softly, shyly pushing her wet hair back.

“You’re impossible,” she murmured, still laughing under her breath.

“And you’re testing me,” he replied.

Something in his tone made her look up.
Their eyes met. And this time, Their smiles faded into something deeper.
Heavier.
Neither of them looked away.

His gaze slowly traced her rain-soaked face,  the strands of wet hair clinging to her cheeks while her eyes lingered on him. His damp hair falling over his forehead, the droplets resting along his jaw… glistening against the roughness of his stubble. Without realizing, her hand lifted. And gently touched his jaw. The moment her fingers brushed against his skin, he caught her hand.
And slowly brought it closer. His lips pressing softly against her palm.

Her breath hitched.

Startled by the intimacy of it, she quickly pulled her hand back, her heartbeat racing wildly. Turning to leave but this time, he didn’t let her go. His hand circled her waist and in one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms.
She gasped softly, her hands instinctively rising to rest on his shoulders. They stilled. So close that their breaths mingled. Their noses brushed lightly against each other.

Their eyes locked.
Neither moving.
Neither speaking.
Just… feeling.

“You can’t escape now,” he whispered.

And slowly, he leaned closer. Closing the distance between them.

Not rushing.
Not forcing.

Just letting the moment pull them in. Her eyes fluttered shut for a brief second… Then opened again. As if she wasn’t ready to lose even a second of him.
And there they remained, on the edge of something new. Something deeper. Their hearts beating in the same rhythm..
Waiting.

Her eyes slowly fluttered closed in anticipation.
Her breath stilled as she waited.
For him.
For this moment.

And then he closed the distance. His lips touched hers.
Softly.
Gently.

Like he was afraid the moment might break if he rushed it. Her fingers tightened into his shirt, clutching it instinctively, as a shiver ran through her. The world around them faded. The sound of rain…
The cold air… Everything disappeared.
It was just them.  And their first kiss.
It wasn’t demanding.
Nor hurried.

Just a soft, lingering touch.
Two hearts quietly learning each other.
Feeling something new.
Something deep.
Something unforgettable.

After a few seconds that felt like forever, he slowly pulled back. Both of their eyes opened at the same time. And once again, they got lost in each other.
No words.
Just breaths.
Just heartbeats.
Just that silent understanding…
That something between them had changed forever.

Neither of them moved.
Neither spoke.
Neither tried to break the moment.
They were still lost in the lingering warmth of that first touch… the memory of each other’s lips. Their eyes met again. This time deeper, stronger.
Something had changed.

And without a word, they both leaned in again. This time, there was no hesitation. No uncertainty. Just a pull they couldn’t resist. Their lips met once more but this time passionately, deeply as if claiming the other. Their nose tangled with each other, breaths uneven but not letting go of each other.

Maliha’s arms wrapped around him as she melted into his arms, giving in to the moment she hadn’t even realized she had been holding back or desiring for. And Haseeb, for him, it felt unreal. Like something he had imagined but never thought he would truly feel.

To be this close to her.
To be wanted by her.

The rain continued to fall around them.
Soft.
Endless.

Almost as if it was wrapping the moment in its own quiet rhythm. His arms held her closer, not tightly, but protectively While she stayed there, leaning into him, no longer trying to pull away.

It wasn’t just a kiss anymore.It was a feeling.
A realization.
A beginning.

And in that moment, with the rain falling around them, with their hearts finally in sync,
Everything felt… right.

Slowly, they pulled apart. Their breaths uneven.
Foreheads resting gently against each other.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Just… breathed.
Just… felt.

Then slowly, their eyes opened.
And met again. A deep blush spread across Maliha’s cheeks. Her gaze dropped instantly, unable to hold his any longer. Haseeb watched her quietly. A softness settling in his expression. His hand lifted and his thumb gently brushed against her lower lip.

Her heart skipped.
Then raced.

“I’m blessed…” he whispered.

His voice made her look up again.

“For being able to kiss these pink rose petals.”
Before she could react, he leaned in once more and placed a soft, fleeting peck on her lips. Her breath caught. Her cheeks deepened in color.

And this time, she didn’t know where to look.
While he just stayed there, Watching her.
Smiling softly as if he had found something he never wanted to lose.

As he pulled back, a soft smile lingered on his lips while she stood there, completely flustered, unable to even look at him. A quiet chuckle escaped him. And before she could react, he pulled her into his embrace.

This time, she didn’t resist. Instead, she wrapped her arms around him, a shy smile forming on her lips as she leaned into him. He exhaled softly, holding her closer, As if this nearness had already become something he needed. She closed her eyes, resting against him when suddenly, avoice echoed from the other side.

“Haseeb? Maliha? Why are you both on the roof?”
Mr. Isham.

Both of them froze.
Their eyes snapped open.

“Dad,” Haseeb whispered under his breath.

Maliha instantly tried to pull away, panic rising within her.

But he didn’t let her.

“We need privacy, Dad!” he shouted back casually.

Maliha’s eyes widened. She immediately hid her face in his chest, burning with embarrassment.

“Idiots! It’s raining. Go to your room before you both get sick and get your privacy there!” Mr. Isham’s voice came again, annoyed yet amused.

Haseeb chuckled softly. Then looked down at her.

“What do you say, Mrs.?” he teased, eyes gleaming.

“Shut up,” she muttered, pushing him back.

Without another second, she turned and walked quickly toward the stairs, almost running.

“Hey, wait for me!” he called, laughing as he followed her.

And just like that between shy glances…
Soft smiles and racing heartbeats. They left the rain behind but carried the moment with them.

They returned to their room, completely drenched.
But their lips carried quiet smiles. And their hearts still fluttered with everything that had just happened.
Without saying much, both moved in opposite directions to change. Yet even in silence, their minds stayed tangled in the same memories.

The rain.
The closeness.
The kiss.

Maliha stepped out of the washroom first. Her damp hair falling over her shoulders, a towel in her hands. As she lifted her gaze, Her eyes met his. Haseeb stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his shirt. But the moment he saw her, he stopped. A soft smile formed on his lips.Her cheeks turned pink instantly.Lowering her gaze, she walked slowly toward the mirror, standing beside him but carefully avoiding looking at him.

She began drying her hair. Trying to act normal.
Trying to calm her racing heart. But his gaze, It stayed on her.
Steady.
Warm.
Unmoving.

Her fingers faltered slightly.
“Don’t… look at me,” she murmured, turning her face slightly away.

A quiet chuckle escaped him.
Before she could react, he stepped closer. And wrapped his arms around her from behind.
She startled.
Her breath catching.

“Nervous?” he whispered near her ear.
She didn’t reply.

Didn’t trust her voice. His hold softened.
Not tight.
Just… there.
Reassuring.

“You don’t need to be,” he said gently. “We lived the best moment tonight…”
A pause.
His voice lowered.

“But we don’t have to rush anything.”
Her hands stilled.

“We’ll take our time,” he continued softly.

“I’ll wait… until you’re fully mine.”
Her cheeks burned deeper.

“Shut up,” she said shyly, pushing him back lightly.

And before he could tease her again, she quickly moved to the bed, sitting down and hiding her face slightly.
He watched her.
Smiling.
Then followed.

She lay down, turning slightly away, but he didn’t let the distance stay. Gently, he pulled her closer. Guiding her head to rest against his chest. His arm wrapped around her protectively.

“Let me sleep like this,” he murmured.

“I have to leave early in the morning.”

Her heart sank slightly at his words.
The reminder.

“I’ll miss you,” he whispered, holding her a little tighter.
Maliha closed her eyes.

Listening to his heartbeat.
Breathing in his scent. And for the first time, She didn’t feel confused.
She just felt…
Close.