Mikael and Alina stepped into their new apartment. It was a one BHK apartment, still, it was bigger than Mr. Agarwal's PG. Alina slowly held Mikael's hand and they passed a smile at each other. The main door opened into the living room close to the dining table, which had an attached open kitchen and a balcony. There was a common bathroom opposite the bedroom.

Alina walked in and opened the door into the bedroom. The room had a double bed, a bathroom, and a tiny balcony. Looking around, she thought the apartment was decent. But for some reason, she missed the villa Haider had gifted her. This entire house would fit in just one room of that place. Her smile faded.

'Lovely apartment. Your choice is so good.' Mikael complimented her. Alina smiled at him and then side hugged him. She sighed resting her head against his chest. Soon, the duo began unpacking and settling in.

They had come in the evening and they were done by night.

'Uff!' Alina huffed closing the wardrobe. She placed her palm over her rumbling stomach and whined about being hungry.

'I have you sorted.' Mikael called out from the dining room. Alina frowned and walked out of the room. She was amazed as she watched him takeout food items from a cardboard box.

'You are hungry, right?' He asked, eyeing her. She nodded rapidly. He chuckled, - 'Tell me, ma'am, what would you like to eat?'

'Wow! You can cook?' She asked as she excitedly tugged her hair behind her ears. Mikael nodded and enquired again.

Alina thought for a minute before answering - 'I want-- fried rice—and-- schezwan chicken.' She said with a wicked smile. She assumed he didn't know how to cook those, but he surprised her once again.

'I love cooking.' He informed whilst taking out more items from the box, - 'Have been cooking since a teenager.' – he paused to chuckle, - 'Amaal hated it and—', - he looked at Alina and frowned. She smiled at him and held his arm.

'And I love listening to you.' She sighed dreamily. Mikael smiled and moved her hands away. He asked her to freshen up and she insisted he also relaxed. He agreed without much protest.

Alina washed her face and changed into a grey two-piece night suit. She tugged down the top and bit her lip debating if she should wear a nightie? Or if this was making her look childish? After some time, she removed the two-piece and wore a cream short nightie and tightened the night robe. Pushing back all her thoughts, she began to quickly braid her hair, then made it rest on her shoulder and sighed deeply.

When Alina entered the hall, Mikael was working in the kitchen. The smell of food floated into her nose and she inhaled deeply. Her lips formed a small, slow smile.

Alina walked into the kitchen and patted Mikael's back, taking him by surprise.

'Um, I don't have schezwan's sauce. Will chili sauce and ketchup be okay?'

She pretended to think and then nodded. She got interested as he narrated everything he was doing. The aroma kept tantalizing her and Alina could feel her mouthwatering.

Mikael looked on as Alina rubbed her palms together and kept gushing praises.

'Okay, enough. First taste and then talk.' He said with confidence. Alina raised her eyebrows at him and gestured him to sit beside her. Mikael sat down and she forwarded him a plate. Then, took a generous amount of helping of food for herself.

After she tasted his food, she began to shower him with some more compliments. Mikael's chest puffed up with pride and he thanked her, - 'Now, you are just pampering me.' He chuckled. Alina laughed and held his hand,

- 'Actually, yes.' She teased him and chuckled after he had stopped grinning.

Soon they were done with food, then together they washed the dishes and left it on the drying stand. All the while, they spent throwing glances and smiles at each other. After that, they decided to call it a day. Things became awkward as they had only one bedroom. Alina had no problem in sharing the bed with Mikael, but he was reluctant.

'Chill, I don't mind. I used to share a bed with Haider.' Alina said mindlessly. Mikael stiffened and pressed his lips tightly.

'I am not interested in knowing your past's intimate life.' He said, waving his hand in annoyance.

She looked at him and frowned, then she smiled holding his shoulder and looping one arm with his, - 'We just slept side-by-side. So, relax, Okay.'

Mikael exhaled deeply and tilted his head to look at her, - 'I don't care.' – he cupped her face gently, - 'past is supposed to be just that, past. We should focus on our present.' He said calmly. Alina stared into his eyes and slowly nodded. Mikael leaned and kissed her forehead. She closed her eyes, smiling.

They decided, their sleeping arrangements to be-- Alina on the bed and Mikael in the living room. He teased her about watching TV all night and she countered him by saying he would get dark circles and be late for office as well.

Alina settled in her bed, removed her night robe, and laid on her left side. Before going to bed, she felt tempted to check her mobile and blinked at a message from Meera. It was an image. She clicked on it and her eyes widened, - 'Oh my God! Mikael!' She screamed, leaping from the bed, and dashed out of the room.

Oh, What could be the message *thinking hard* 

Anyway, my lovelies, how was the Chapter? Drop your thoughts and comments, please *smiles*, and Stay Tuned for the next update *lots of love* *hugs and kisses*