Ishika Sharma

I gradually wake from the embrace of sleep, my senses slowly coming to life. The gentle light of the morning pours through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. It dances across the surfaces, filling the space with a warmth that feels like a quiet, comforting hug. The room, bathed in the peaceful light, tells me everything I need to know: the darkness has gently retreated, and a new day has begun its journey.

Siddhartha is beside me, still asleep, his chest rising and falling in the calmest rhythm.

My body feels heavy but in a pleasant way, completely at ease. I glance  at him, his features relaxed and peaceful in the quiet of the morning.  His arm is draped over me, and I feel the comforting weight of it against my body.

For a moment, I just lie there, enjoying the stillness, the quiet connection  between us. I can't believe last night actually happened. My first time. I hadn't known it would be like this—so gentle, so full of care. I close  my eyes again, savoring the peace, the feeling of being close to him.

Siddhartha stirs next to me, his hand lightly brushing my hair from my face. I open my eyes to find him looking at me, a soft, sleepy smile playing on his lips.

" Good morning " he murmurs, his voice rough from sleep but still warm.

I smile back, feeling a little shy despite the comfort of the moment.

"morning." I murmur , my eyes looking at everywhere but his eyes.

He stretches a little, and I watch as the muscles in his arms flex.

"You doing okay? there isn't much pain right ? " he asks, his fingers gently grazing my cheek. It's a small gesture, but it feels significant, like he's making sure I'm still okay after everything . I nod, feeling safe, content.

"Yeah... I'm fine. " I reply.

Siddhartha smiles again, leaning in to press a kiss to my forehead. His lips linger there for a moment, soft and tender, and I can't help but close my eyes, soaking it in. Everything about this feels right.

After a beat, Siddhartha pulls away, getting out of bed with a groan.  says, his voice still husky with sleep. "  I'll make us breakfast, us . You just relax. I'll take care of you. "

If it was another day , I would've teased him about him making breakfast. As his breakfast skills are as much non-existent as mine. But I remain silent. I couldn't help but find my cheeks getting warmer .

I nodded my head while looking down . He leans towards me and pecks my forehead again . Then he leaves still wearing only his joggers . Behind his back , my nail marks grins at me making me shy .

Feeling a flutter in my chest , I can't believe how sweet he is, how kind. He makes me feel cared for in a way I never imagined I'd experience. I pull the blankets around me a little tighter.

But just as I start to drift back into the peaceful haze of morning, my phone buzzes on the nightstand. At first I try to ignore it . But t's repeatative ringing doesn't let me ignore the call. I picked up my phone and saw my best friend Nidhi , calling me . I mumble into the phone, still groggy.

" Bish , where are you ? I'm standing infront of your hostel "

" What ! you came back ? ain't you coming back tomorrow? and why even you calling me girl, you have a spare key , remember. "

"  I forgot the key at my home . "

" dump bish . Okay , wait . I'm coming. I'm at Siddhartha's place only. It won't take too much time. "

" Wooh , I think , I missed some tea . "

" Shut up bish , "

With that , I cut the call and run my hand over my face . " This girl, how can she be so careless."

Shaking my head I get out of the bed , wincing a little  due to a little  soreness  .  I grabbed my sweatshirt from the couch which Siddhartha had previously kept neatly . I smile while wearing this over my sleeveless dress.

.

~•~

.

I come to the living room and See Siddhartha coming towards the bedroom with 2 plates of pancake . In his hand.

" Why did come outside? I was bringing breakfast in bed . " He asks me then he adds " and Don't worry, these are edible. "

A laugh leaves my mouth hearing him. " I belive you , Mr caring Boyfriend . But I need to go.  Nidhi came back and she forgot her key home. "

" What ! But I planned to cuddle whole day with you . " He pouts which makes him look so adorable. I reach towards him and pecks his lips .

" I'll quickly come back. " I tell him .

" Quickly, I doubt , considering how you two talk . But I'm counting on " coming back". This peasant can only wait now. "

" such drama queem you are , man! "

" It's King , tesoro , don't change my gender. " He says while making adorable face . Who would belive this man's same as last night .

Shaking my head I was about to reply. But the doorbell rang . Siddhartha put the plates on center table and reaches the door .

Upon Opening , the door reveals Siddhartha's best friend, Abhishek  .

" You won't believe what I got--- " smiling widely he shows Siddhartha a  bag  . It seems heavy . But before he can finish his sentence, he sees me . Then looks at Siddhartha.

"  Oh- Ishi-Ishika is here . " with wide eyes he says this to Siddhartha.

" YeS , ABhiShEk . IsHiaKa  iS heRe ." Siddhartha tells him while oddly stressing on one after syllable .

Upon drowning in realization,Abhishek greets me .

"Hello!"

Awkwardly smiling he scratches his neck . My presence here seems very unexpected of him. Suddenly I felt shy . True this is not the first time I'm here at Siddhartha's apartment. But sure this is the fisrt time , I'm here this early morning.

My cheeks flush with embarrassment. I try to hide it, but I can't help the rush of pink coloring my face.

"Hey, Abhishek , " I say, smiling sheepishly, my eyes darting away from him. I know he  must be able to tell I just woke up here, that I wasn't exactly planning on leaving. My mind races, my pulse quickening with the awareness  of the situation.

" I'm coming later then , Siddhartha---"

" No , no, I'm leaving actually... you guys carry on. " before Abhishek could complete his sentence I say .

"You're leaving already? You sure you don't need a little more time here? " Abhishek  asks then looks at Siddhartha, his face adoring with a teasing grin.

I feel myself turning even pinker, but I manage a small laugh. too busy to notice Siddhartha expression.

" I've got to go. Nidhi needs me. " Saying this I quickly ran away from there . Still in disbelief  how come a person like me become this shy .

" Nidhi will freak out once I tell her what just happened."

~•~

I am halfway through the apartment gate, When My phone rang again . Knowing it was Nina , I ignore It . Bish will yell at me if I pick it up . I tugged my hairs behind my ears . and that time.  I realized, My ears were empty.

My earrings. I left them in Siddhartha's room. Sighing I turn back and go towards Siddhartha's apartment as it's only a minute away.  Plus that earring is my favorite one . has a blue crystal on it.

~•~

Upon reaching Siddhartha apartment door ,  I was about to knock on the door , But I find it already opened. So I pushed the door aside. I open my mouth to call Siddhartha. But .

But I hear a clear loud voice of Abhishek  which makes my brows knitted .

"So you finally won the bet, huh? "

" Bet ?." I frawn hearing Abhishek 's words . But his next words make me freeze. I feel as if someone terribly snatched air from my lungs.

" Ishika  was finally in your bed."

Please Do vote and comment . It'll encourage me to write further.

Please follow me on my insta id " miaphren " to get spoilers of this story .