A Warm Embrace!

I was standing near the entrance door, with one foot on the leather-upholstered stool, buckling up my heels, when the entrance door unlocked. I looked up, and it was him. 

As I caught his glimpse, I moved my arms forward, and he slid his hands around my waist, the warmth of his palms seeping through my clothes, wrapping his arms around me and enveloping me in his warm embrace, familiar scent – a mix of fresh air and his cologne. 

As soon as I felt myself against his chest, the soft fabric of his shirt a gentle caress against my skin, I closed my eyes. His hands moved up and down on my waist, the gentle pressure soothing, relaxing me. 

I tightened my grip as I hugged him over his shoulders, as if trying to hide myself in his arms. His grip tightened more around my waist, and I could hear his heartbeat, strong and steady, – certainly, he could feel mine too.

And then, he picked me up in his arms, and my feet swung in the air. The soft fabric of his shirt brushed against my skin. A soft smile spread on my face as he twirled around with me in his arms. And then he stopped and I stepped down, still enveloped in his arms, placed my hands on his chest, looked up at him.

"I've missed you so much", he said. 

I looked down and then he held my hand in his hand, leading to the lounge, as i was walking behind him while holding his hand. He sat on the couch, opened his arms, I sat in his lap. He enveloped me in his warm embrace, my head rested on his shoulder, my forehead rested against his jawline. 

The One That Got Away!

 

         I was lying on the couch, with my legs in his lap as he sat beside me. His fingers were tracing patterns on my calf as we watched Netflix. 

"Want some fruit?" he asked.

I nodded, and he got up, went to the kitchen, and grabbed some fruit from the fridge. 

Instead of watching the show, my eyes fixed on him as he sliced the fruit facing me. My fingers, curved, covered my lips as my nails touched my lips; my cheeks blushed. Then, his eyes met mine, and a gentle smile played on his lips. I felt a flutter in my chest, and my cheeks grew warmer, the blush deepening. My fingers remained curved, covering my lips, as if trying to hold in the emotions swirling inside me. 

The sound of the knife slicing through the fruit was soothing, but my attention was fixed on him. He finished slicing the fruit and walked back to the couch, a plate in hand. 

Meanwhile, I placed my legs on the center table near the glass of water. 

"Here you go," he said. 

Instead of taking the plate, I moved my hand forward so he could hold mine. He looked confused, took my hand in his, and then I pulled him onto the couch to sit beside me. 

As he sat, I grabbed his collar and pulled him close. As I was bending my legs on the couch from the center table, the glass beside my legs slipped and fell, shattering on the floor but i didn't care. His gaze shifted instantly as he heard the noise of the glass cracking into pieces, but I placed my index finger under his chin, moved his face towards me.

He looked me in the eyes and placed the fruit plate beside him. His hands reached my waist, and then I stood on my knees on the couch and moved to his lap, still on my knees in his lap. His hands held my thighs, my wrist on his shoulder, and my hands around his neck. My gaze fixed on his lips, our lips inches apart, and then I burst into laughter and placed my forehead on his shoulder. 

He realized I was just messing around and said, "Ah, you got me." He placed his hand behind my back and hugged me tight, and we both started laughing.

A Peaceful Moment!

        

It was almost 3 in the morning when we reached home. I entered the house barefoot, shrugged off my coat, and placed it on the couch before heading straight to my room.

 He entered the house after parking the car, holding my heels in his hand, and placed them near the entrance door. 

I casually threw my phone onto the mattress and positioned the pillow near the footboard on his side of the bed. I lay on my stomach, parallel to the footboard.

He entered the room behind me, and a warm smile spread across his face as he caught sight of me. He kissed my head and sat on the bed across from me. 

We started talking, and I shared gossip I'd heard at the family gathering, while he filled me in on what was happening there. Our laughter and giggles filled the room, and we lost track of time.

"Can you guess how long we've been talking?" he asked. "Without looking at the time," he added. 

"I don't know. How long has it been?" I asked. 

"Two hours. It's been two hours," he said with a smile. 

"Seriously!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in wonder, and my lips curling into a sweet smile as I blushed. 

He nodded and said, "These two hours could turn into three, four, or five. I can listen to you all day long."

"Sometimes I talk a lot, and then I realize I'm talking too much, so I try to refrain myself," I said. 

"Never do that in front of me. You can talk to me about anything, anywhere, anytime",he said.

"Even if I'm not around, I'm just a call away. I'll listen to you," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. 

"Okay," I replied, looking out the window.

The sky was starting to dawn, and the light was peeking through the windows. The cool breeze was blowing, the leaves were rustling in the wind, and the chirping of the birds filled the atmosphere. 

"It's so peaceful, isn't it?" I said. "You know, I love this peace," I added. 

"I know," he said, his voice calm and gentle.

"Okay, do one thing. Lie back and close your eyes," he said, kneeling on the ground near the bed. 

"While your eyes are closed, listen to the rustling of the wind through the leaves and the chirping of the birds, and then tell me how you feel", he added.

"Okay," I said with excitement, and he brought his cheek close to my temple.

"Breathe in," he whispered, his voice calm and gentle. 

"Breathe out." 

"Breathe in", his voice barely above the whisper.

"Breathe out." 

"Breathe in." 

"Breathe out." 

"I could fall asleep in this peace," I said, bursting into giggles and turning my face to the opposite direction.

"Despite the fact that I've been sleeping for hours on our way home," I added.

        A warm smile spread across his face, and he kissed my hair, and then placed his pillow parallel to mine and lay beside me, sliding his arm around my waist and pulling me close. My forehead rested against his cheek, and my hand was on his chest.

The Unspoken Tension!

        A notification popped up on my phone — a text from him announcing his arrival. I ignored the message and walked toward outside.

As I stepped out of the salon in a stunning lavender lehenga, the warm sunlight danced across the intricate embroidery, while he was standing infront of the salon. He straightened up from leaning against his car, his gaze lingering on me with admiration. 

I avoided eye contact, my gaze drifting away, and he sensed my reluctance. I started walking towards him, the rustle of my lehenga's fabric echoing softly with each step. 

        As I approached the car, he opened the door for me, carefully arranging my lehenga to prevent it from getting caught, his fingers brushing against the fabric. The air conditioning's gentle hum enveloped me as I settled in.

After closing the door, he got into the driver's seat and started the car. I looked out the window, trying to distance myself from him.

When we arrived at our destination, he opened the door for me. As I was about to step out of the car, he offered his hand for support, anticipating my need for help in the heavy lehenga. 

I gazed at his outstretched hand for a moment, a mind still simmering with anger. With family members watching us from the entrance, I discreetly placed my dupatta in his hand instead of taking his, subtly conveying my desire to keep him at a distance without drawing attention.

        As we entered the grand marquee, the soft glow of the chandeliers above cast a warm ambiance, and the hum of conversation filled the air. The scent of fresh flowers wafted through the room, mingling with the faint aroma of food from the buffet. 

After greeting everyone, he pulled out a chair for me, so we could sit together. However, I ignored him, pretending not to notice, and walked to the other side of the table, the cool glass of the table a subtle comfort against my fingertips as I grasped the edge, I sat across from him. 

For a moment, he stood there, watching me walk away from him, knowing well that I was intentionally ignoring him. Then, he walked towards me and sat beside me.

        As we stepped out of the marquee, the cool night air enveloped us, a welcome contrast to the warmth we'd left behind. The soft glow of the fairy lights and lanterns still twinkled within the marquee, but outside, the dimly lit surroundings seemed subdued in comparison. 

The soft rustle of my lehenga swishing against my legs as I moved. I picked the front of my lehenga in my hands, feeling the intricate embroidery beneath my fingertips, and was about take a step down, when he extended his hand to help me down the step, but I glanced at it from the corner of my eye and looked away. 

I walked past him, leaving his outstretched hand hanging in the air, and headed straight to the car, which the valet had brought around to the front of the marquee. 

The scent of polished leather wafted up as I settled into the passenger seat beside the driver's seat, he got in after me, took the driver's seat, and started driving, the warm glow of the dashboard lights casting a soft light on the interior.

        When we arrived home, the car stopped at the main gate, and the sound of gravel crunching beneath the tires filled the air. I opened the door, got out barefoot, feeling the cool breeze on my skin and the rough texture of the driveway beneath my feet. I left my heels in the car, having grown tired of wearing them the whole time. 

Meanwhile, the gardener opened the main gate, its creaky hinges echoing through the quiet air. I entered the house, the heavy lehenga swaying against my legs as I walked, its intricate fabric weighing me down. The delicate embroidery rustled softly against my palms as I held it up from the front, the gentle sound accompanied by the subtle jingling of my anklets and the soft swish of the fabric against my skin while he observed me from the car. 

The scent of jasmine wafted through the air, from the lawn outside, carried in through the open glass door. The sweet fragrance mingling with the faint fragrance of perfume on my skin as I walked towards my room to change, the familiar comfort of my space enveloping me like a warm hug.

In the meantime, he parked the car, the sound of the engine dying down and the crunch of gravel beneath the tires signaling the end of our journey.

        As I entered my room, the air was filled with the scent of roses. A stunning bouquet of nearly 100 red velvet roses adorned my bed, with a small box nestled beside it. 

I walked towards the arrangement, my fingers grazing the soft petals with a gentle touch, feeling the delicate texture and slight give of the rose's velvety surface. The soft rustle of the petals and the faint hum of the air conditioner in the background created a soothing melody.

I knew instinctively that Mustafa had arranged this romantic gesture. I opened the box, the creak of the lid broke the silence, revealing a beautiful gold bracelet that sparkled in the light. 

For a moment, I got lost in my thoughts, but then my reverie was replaced with a sudden burst of action. I closed the box and placed it on the couch, then carefully lifted the bouquet off the bed and dragged it down to the floor. I positioned it in the corner of my room, standing it upright with the stems wrapped in the sheets. 

        And then, I headed to the washroom to change out of my dress. After changing, I came out of my room, wearing a scoop neck loose Tshirt and stood near the kitchen counter, pouring water into a glass. The cool liquid splashed against the glass, and the sound of it filled the air.

From there, I spotted him standing on the porch, holding my heels in his hand—the same ones I had left in the car moments ago. He was engrossed in conversation with the gardener near the entrance door.

He caught sight of me from the corner of his eye. I picked up the glass and went into my room, thinking he'd head to the study room upstairs to rest, as he had slept there the night before. 

However, as I turned to dim the lights in my room, I saw him sitting in the lounge outside, waiting for me.

As I saw him, I slid into bed, pulled the blanket up to my waist, and turned my back to him, pretending to sleep rather than talk. 

He sensed I was ignoring him and got up, dimming the lounge lights before heading upstairs. I didn't bother to turn or look. I closed my eyes and fell asleep soon after.

        It was two in the morning. I was in a deep sleep when I felt him gently running his fingers through my hair. I opened my eyes slightly and saw him near my bed. 

As our eyes met, my gaze drifted away, and I let out a silent sigh. Not again, I thought. The last thing I wanted was to face him.

I sat up in bed, and he knelt down beside it, taking my hands in his gently but firmly. 

"You know why I came here," he said, looking at me. 

I kept my gaze on the floor, neither speaking nor showing any expression.

"I miss you," he continued. 

"I missed you so much. I came to apologize. I'm sorry. Please forgive me." His eyes searched for a reaction, but I remained still. 

"Say something," he added.

"What should I say?" I asked without looking at him. "What do you want me to say?"

He sat beside me, facing me, and held my chin, turning my face toward him. 

"Please forgive me. I can't live like this", he said.

I turned my face away again, and he pulled me close, hugging me. While i remained still, my hands resting limply in my lap.

"I love you," he said. "I love you so much. You know I loved you more than anything in my life. I promise I'll never do that again", he said and kissed my head as he held me. 

        As I freed myself from his hug, the soft fabric of his shirt brushed against my skin. He looked at me, his eyes searching for answers, and asked, "Can I stay here tonight?" 

I knew he hadn't slept well in the study room the previous night, so I let out a sigh and hummed in agreement. 

I placed cushions in the center of the bed, creating a barrier between us, lay down on my side, feeling the coolness of the sheets against my skin, turned my back to him, pulled the blanket up to my waist, and closed my eyes to sleep. 

For a moment, he sat there, watching me, before getting up to turn off the lights and lying down on the other side of the cushions.

        In the morning, the warm sunlight streaming through the window woke me up. I found myself wrapped in his arms, my hands tucked under my chin against his chest, my forehead against his chin, and his arms wrapped around my waist. 

The scent of his cologne lingered on his shirt, and his chest rose and fell with each gentle breath. I looked up at him, and he was still fast asleep. I glanced around, noticing that the cushions I had placed between us the night before were now on the couch near the bed, softly illuminated by the morning light. I wanted to get out of his arms, but I was wrapped too tightly. 

Instead, I stayed still, pondering how I'd ended up in his arms. When I felt him stir, I closed my eyes, pretending to sleep.

He shifted slightly to get a better look at me, then pulled me close, his warm breath on my hair, kissed my head, and hugged me tightly. 

        Afterward, he got up carefully, trying not to disturb me, and held my hand in his. The back of my hand rested in his palm as he slid my wedding ring back onto my finger—the same ring I had thrown at him during a tantrum. 

The metal felt cool against my skin, as he put the ring back in place, he kissed my head and left the room, the door creaking softly as it closed behind him. I opened my eyes, and my gaze lingered on the wedding ring on my finger. I kept looking at it for a while, lost in thought. 

As it Rains!

As I stood near the entrance door in front of the wide glass wall, lost in thought, gazing out at the rain-soaked view, the droplets on the glass created a soothing melody.

Suddenly, he appeared out of nowhere and wrapped his arms around me from behind, his warm breath on my neck sending shivers down my spine. My arms rested on top of his, and he gently kissed the side of my head, his lips brushing against my hair. 

As he did, his cheek came to rest against the side of my head. In that cold evening, his warm embrace was everything that I could have ever wanted. 

I turned to him while still in his arms, placed my hands on his chest, felt the steady beat of his heart, looked up at him, and said, "I want to go for a walk... outside... in this rain... with you". 

"Lady's first," he replied with a smile.

        As I got out of his arms while smiling, I placed my hands on my thighs, held the fabric of my gown in my palm, and ran away from him towards the outside, the sound of the rain growing louder. 

He picked the umbrella from the holder beside the entrance door, opened it with a soft whoosh, and started walking behind me while covering me with it. 

The scent of wet earth and leaves filled the air as we walked. I gazed at the rain-kissed view, feeling refreshed and alive, my eyes sparkling with excitement as a sweet smile spread across my face.

"You love the rain, don't you?" he said while looking at me, his voice low and gentle. 

"Of course, it's my favorite, even if it's winter or summer," I replied, feeling the cool raindrops on my skin as I stepped up onto a small wall, about 1 or 2 ft high, beside the plants. 

"Be careful," he said, while holding my hand. 

"Oh, don't worry, it's fun," I said while walking on the thin, small wall. "I won't fall," I added. 

"Even if you fell, I'd hold you," he said with a smirk. 

I blushed while looking at him. And then, I stepped off the wall, I held my gown up in one hand, while the other hand was securely in his. I deliberately placed my foot into the puddle of water that had gathered beside the wall. 

The cool water enveloped my feet as i was wearing strappy heels, and I looked up at him, my eyes sparkling with mischief, and giggled. 

His face lit up with a warm smile as he gazed at me, clearly delighted by my happiness.

Without warning, I kicked a splash of water onto him, and took off running, my giggles echoing through the air. 

He chased after me, his footsteps pounding the ground, and soon caught up to me. 

He wrapped his arms around me, his hands slid across my stomach, pulling me close to his chest. I felt myself collide with him, and my giggles intensified. Then, in a joyful spin, he twirled me around, our laughter mingling together in the rain-soaked air.

A Night of Love & Laughter!

I was going to his family's house for a merienda, dressed in a navy blue velvet fit-and-flare dress, in the car, minding my own business. I thought I was going to attend this get together without him and he'd join me later. Then, the car stopped, and I leaned forward to see through the windshield why it had stopped. It was him. 

He asked the driver to get out of the car and take his car home, saying he'd take me to the destination. The driver did exactly as he was asked. He took the driving seat, looked at me through the rearview mirror, and said teasingly, "I'm here at your service, ma'am." 

I blushed and grabbed both sides of the front seat with my hands as I approached the passenger seat, placing my heel on the seat. His eyes locked on my calf muscle for a second. Then, he took my hand, placed it on his shoulder, and his hand reached to my waist to hold me while holding my other hand in his. As his hand reached at my waist, I felt a spark of electricity. His eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. "I've been wanting to do that all night," he said, his voice low and husky. 

I blushed, feeling a flutter in my chest. While sitting "What's that?" I asked, trying to sound casual. He leaned in closer, his face inches from mine. "I've been wanting to hold you close all night", he whispered. I looked away while blushing and pushed him away by placing my hand on his chest, he smiled and started the car.

        As we reached the destination, he got out of the car and opened the door for me. I stepped out, he took my hand and pulled me close. 

"Shall we make an entrance together?" he whispered, his breath tickling my ear. 

I nodded, feeling a rush of excitement.

        After merienda at his family's house, we all went out to get in the cars for a walk in the fresh air. And the cars stopped near the park. As we strolled along the lake's winding track. The cool breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers. The branches of the trees swayed gently in the wind, their leaves rustling softly. The lake's calm surface reflected the cloudy sky, creating a sense of perfect symmetry.

While everyone else chatted and laughed, I walked ahead, lost in thought, taking in the peaceful atmosphere. The cool weather and serene environment seemed to quiet my mind, and I felt my worries fade away. 

Mustafa noticed my silence and approached me, his footsteps quiet on the path. He wrapped his arm around my waist, his touch warm and comforting. 

"What happened? Is there anything disturbing you?" he asked, his voice low and concerned.

I looked up at him, feeling a sense of gratitude for his thoughtfulness. 

"No, not at all," I said, smiling. 

He searched my face, his eyes narrowing slightly as if asking, "You sure?" 

 "I'm just enjoying this environment. It's so peaceful", I reassured him.

He nodded, his expression softening, and took my hand in his. His hand was warm and strong, enveloping mine in a gentle grasp. 

"You know, this is my favorite spot in the whole city," I said, feeling a sense of connection to the place. 

"I can spend the whole day just sitting here, watching the lake," I continued, feeling the stress melt away. 

Mustafa smiled, his eyes sparkling with the idea, and said, "Let's make it a regular spot for us, then".

"I'll bring you here whenever you need a break from the city chaos," he said, his voice filled with promise. 

I nodded while squeezing his hand gently. The peaceful atmosphere and each other's company made everything feel right with the world. 

        As we were walking, there was a spot where a singer was performing a live show under the cloudy sky. Some people were sitting, while others were standing and watching the performance, moving their bodies to the music. The dim lights of the venue cast a romantic glow over the scene, and the twinkling stars above added to the magic.

We stopped, our gazes exchanged, then he took my hand, and we entered the open-air spot. Then, he pulled me close, one hand holding mine while the other wrapped around my waist; I placed my hand on the back of his shoulder, with my arm resting on his biceps. I raised an eyebrow, looking at him with a smile, and we started dancing.

The singer's soulful voice filled the air as we swayed to the rhythm, our bodies moving in perfect harmony. The world around us melted away, leaving only the melody, the beat, and the gentle pressure of his hand on my waist. 

I twirled between his arms, feeling the freedom and exhilaration of the moment. The cool night breeze rustled my hair, carrying the distant sounds of the city into the background.

Then, with a sudden pull, he drew me close, and I felt myself hit his chest with a gentle force. I felt the warmth of his body, the gentle pressure of his fingers on my skin, and the soft fabric of his shirt against my palm.

My leg naturally wrapped around one of his knees, and I slowly slid it down to his feet, our bodies still swaying to the rhythm.

And then, I swayed away, our hands still touching, and he rolled me around his arm with a gentle force. The music seemed to guide us, and our movements became one. 

Finally, I came to rest in his arms; I laid down in his arms while he was holding me by the waist, and then he pulled me up with a gentle force. I started giggling, feeling safe and connected in his arms. 

Everyone started clapping and hooting. I turned around, blushing, while still in his arms. I nodded slightly and then Mustafa kissed my hair with a smile.

"Wanna enjoy a ride?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement. 

"Umm," I said, hesitating for a moment as I scanned the colorful array of rides. 

"Yeah, that one," I said, pointing to the chair swing ride, my eyes lighting up with anticipation. 

He smiled, nodded, and led the way to the swing, his hand wrapping warmly around mine.

As we reached the ride, he pulled up the barrier of the chair and helped me sit down, his hands brushing against mine as he guided me into place. He released the barrier, and I felt a slight jolt as it clicked into position. 

The ride attendant, dressed in a brightly colored uniform, approached me, but Mustafa gestured him off with a confident smile. "I'll take care of it," he said, his voice low and smooth.

Mustafa helped me buckle up the belt, his fingers grazing against my waist as he adjusted the strap. 

"Comfortable?" he asked, and I nodded.

The ride attendant's voice boomed through the speakers, announcing that the ride was about to start. 

Mustafa kissed my hand, his lips warm and gentle, and stepped back while my eyes followed him as he stood there, watching us with a warm smile.

As the ride started, his brother, sitting in the next chair, shouted, "Whoo-hoo!" and asked everyone to join in. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and shouting, and I couldn't help but giggle and hoot along. 

As we soared through the air, I caught Mustafa's gaze, and his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled.

"Are you having fun?" his brother asked, his voice carrying over the din of the ride. 

"Of course! I'm loving this ride!" I replied, my voice barely audible over the roar of the ride.

As the ride came to a stop, Mustafa approached me, unbuckling the belt and helping me get off the ride. 

"Oh, I'm feeling vertigo," I said, giggling and stumbling slightly. 

He wrapped his arm around my waist, his touch warm and reassuring. 

"Let me help you," he said, his voice low and gentle, as he prepared to scoop me up in his arms.

"No, no, not here. I can walk," I said, while  placing my hand on his chest, my voice firm.

He chuckled as he noticed my hesitation, and nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement. 

I wrapped my hand around his biceps, and we walked out of the riding area together. 

        He walked away to get tickets for the bumper car rides, the sound of laughter and revving engines filled the air. I sat on the bench in front of the ride area. 

When he returned with the tickets, he casually handed them to me, his fingers brushing against mine. I took a look at the tickets and handed the tickets back to him, and his concerned eyes fixed on me.

"You go. I don't want to join; my head is still spinning from the chair swing ride", I said.

"Then I'm not going either. I'm staying here with her," he said, giving the tickets to his cousin. 

"No, no! You go! I'm fine. I'm going to watch you guys from here," I said with a reassuring blink, trying to convince him that I was okay. 

He nodded, and they all headed off to enjoy the ride. I watched them, laughing and bumping into each other, their joyful shouts and giggles carrying through the air.

        As I sat there, an elderly lady came and sat beside me on the bench. I smiled at her, and she smiled back, her eyes crinkling at the corners. I could sense she thought I was waiting for my child, to get off the ride. 

But as the ride ended and Mustafa came bounding towards me, a warm smile spread across my face. The elderly lady's gaze followed him, and she seemed captivated by his good looks. (She kept looking at him the whole time).

Mustafa reached out his hand, and I placed both of my hands in his, feeling the warmth of his palm. 

"Feeling better?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.

 I nodded, and he pulled me towards him. 

"I want to eat. I'm craving something," I said. 

"Okay, what are you craving?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with interest.

"Crisp sphere eaten," I said, my excitement evident in my voice. 

The sound of sizzling food from the nearby stalls made my mouth water. 

"Let's go then," he said, his arm wrapping around my waist. 

"Let me ask them if they'll join us," I said, turning to call out to the others.

"Oh, they'll come after us and join," he said, his arm tightening around me. 

I gave him a look and playfully jabbed him in the chest, and he chuckled. 

"Anyone craving crisp sphere eaten?" I asked, turning to the others. 

Everyone agreed with excitement, their faces lighting up at the prospect of food.

        His brother handed me the cold coffee in a sealed cup with a wide white straw, its icy contents rattling softly as he placed it in my hands. I didn't have the heart to tell him I detested coffee, so I accepted it with a polite smile. 

To pretend I was drinking it, I brought the cup close to my lips, the chilled glass a stark contrast to the warmth of my skin, and held the straw between my lips, but didn't take a sip. 

Meanwhile, Mustafa appeared beside me, a glass of fresh juice in hand, its vibrant color and enticing aroma a welcome respite from the bitter scent of coffee. 

''Didn't you hate coffee?" he asked with curiosity, his eyes sparkling with amusement. 

''Oh, I do,'' I replied, relieved. 

He chuckled, took the coffee cup from me, the straw still bearing the faint imprint of my lipstick, and handed me the fresh juice. 

To my surprise, he raised the coffee cup to his lips and casually took a sip from my lipstick-stained straw. 

"Should we play Ludo?" his brother asked, a mischievous glint in his eye. 

The others eagerly agreed, and the air was filled with excitement. 

"No, I don't think I can," I said hesitantly. "I don't even know how to play." 

His brother chuckled. "Don't worry, we'll teach you. Just come and join us." 

I couldn't resist their enthusiasm, so I agreed. Mustafa suggested forming partnerships, and the others nodded in agreement, and Mustafa became my partner. 

As we played, Mustafa skillfully made clever moves on my behalf, and I'd occasionally come up with a suggestion that Mustafa would thoughtfully incorporate into his strategy.

To my surprise, I won despite not knowing how to play – and everyone, including Mustafa, lost the game!

Everyone started teasing Mustafa, saying, "You went easy on her, didn't you?" 

His brother joked, ''Mustafa's got a soft spot!''

I blushed, looking at Mustafa with a smile.

"I'd lose every game in the world if it puts a smile on her face", he said while nodding his head good-naturedly.

The atmosphere erupts in a fit of hooting and giggles, with everyone playfully teasing Mustafa about his romantic declaration. 

The air was filled with laughter and playful jabs, and I felt happy to be surrounded by such warm and caring people

        They stopped the cars near an ice cream station, and the guys jumped out to order ice cream for everyone after asking for our flavor preferences. 

Meanwhile, we waited outside by the cars, feeling the cool gentle breeze in front of the colorful ice cream station. The sweet aroma of waffle cones and melting chocolate wafted through the air, teasing our taste buds.

As the guys returned with our treats, Mustafa handed me my cone. I looked down, carefully taking the cone from his hands, to make sure I didn't drop ice cream. 

As I looked up at him, I saw that his eyes had been fixed on me the whole time, and his gaze lingered on me, as if he was admiring me - I could tell he was fascinated by me.

In his lingering gaze I felt the world melt away, leaving only the soft rustle of leaves and the cool breeze brushing against us.

Moments of Vulnerability!

 

        I entered home after attending an event, wearing a wine-red sleeveless gown, left my heels at the entrance, lay down on the couch, and drifted off to sleep as I was feeling tired. 

After almost an hour, I woke up due to the guilt of sleeping in makeup and went to the bathroom to remove it. 

I placed my hands on the edges of the basin, looked in the mirror, and saw that the makeup was still intact, the blow-dried hair was looking great, the red lipstick was still in place, and the Smokey eyes were a little watery. I looked like a heroine who's depressed over her career. Too tired to bother, I decided to leave the makeup on.

Meanwhile, he arrived home, I turned to exit the bathroom, and as I stepped out, he entered the room, his eyes fixed on me. 

He was stunned, and said, "You look breathtakingly gorgeous." 

As he moved forward, he offered his hand for me to take. I placed my hands in his, and he pulled me close. 

As I blushed while looking at him, I placed my forehead on his shoulder, and my cheek almost touched his. 

He felt the warmth and placed his hand on my forehead, saying, "You're burning with fever." 

"Maybe, I've been feeling tired", I replied. 

He picked me into his arms, carried me to the car, and drove me to the doctor.

        The next morning, he placed the thermometer on my forehead to check my temperature. I opened my eyes slightly as I woke up. 

He was sitting beside me, smiling, and said, "Your body temperature is normal now," while placing the thermometer on the side table. 

"Take some rest; you'll recover soon. I've alerted the house-help, they'll take care of you," he continued.

"Are you going?" I asked, while getting up to sit.

 "Yeah, I have a meeting at the office. I'll be back in a couple of hours," he said, getting up from the bed. 

"Call me if you need anything," he added.

I hummed softly in response. He kissed my forehead and went outside the room.

As he was walking out of the house for his office, but then he stopped, turned, and came to me as I was still sitting on the bed. I turned back to see him, my eyebrows furrowed and my eyes fixed on him, thinking about what he might have forgotten. 

Instead, he said, "I wanted to say something to you last night, but I couldn't find the time". 

"You were looking breathtakingly beautiful yesterday. You know you're so beautiful. I don't know how I got you", he continued.

The furrows on my eyebrows smoothed out in an instant, my cheeks blushed, and my lips curled into a sweet smile. 

        In the evening, as the door unlocked, he walked in, and I smiled as he kissed me hello on the head while passing behind the sofa. But his gaze lingered, and he sensed the tiredness on my face. 

He sat down beside me, and I rested my head onto his chest, feeling the warmth of his body envelop me. His arm wrapped around my waist, and I slid his hand from my waist to my lower abdomen and placed my hand on his. 

I closed my eyes, hoping the gentle pressure would ease my cramps. He sensed that I wasn't feeling well. He kissed my head, wrapped a blanket around me, and with very light pressure, his hands moved in a circular motion from left to right, massaging my lower abdomen. 

After a while, he got up and fetched a heating pad, warming it up while reheating some chicken broth. He returned with a mug of steaming broth and the heating pad. 

I looked up at him, my eyes filled with gratitude, my lips curled into a sweet smile. 

He whispered, "anything for you, my lady!"

Beyond The Facade!

 

It was 11 at night, and he was late. I was in my bed, scrolling through reels, when I heard the main door unlock. I knew it was him. He entered the home, his footsteps quiet on the floor, and placed his keys in the bowl on the entrance table. As he entered my room, I pretended to be sleeping, my eyes closed, and my body still. 

He was dressed in a black suit, his black hair styled in a pompadour with an undercut, and a trimmed black beard that made him look like a mafia boss. He removed his coat and casually threw it on the couch, picked up his ledger from the side table on his side, and then sat on the bed across from me, his back resting against the headboard, and his eyes fixed on the ledger. 

I could sense his tension. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm light on his face, highlighting the furrows on his brow. His fingers moved swiftly through the pages, his expression a mix of concentration and concern. The silence in the room was almost palpable, broken only by the occasional rustle of pages or the soft creak of the bed.

I remained still, pretending to be asleep, unsure of how to react. I was lying there, facing him, watching him over my left hand, as I rested my left hand over the pillow right beside my face, and my right hand held the corner of the blanket, just under my chin. I considered reaching out to him, but something held me back, perhaps because I was scared of him. He seemed like a stranger, someone I didn't know. I'd never seen him like this before.

He caught my gaze from the corner of his eye and turned to me, his expression softening. Sensing my uneasiness, he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me close. His lips brushed against my forehead in a gentle kiss, and then he enveloped me in a warm hug. My forehead rested against his neck, and I continued to pretend to be asleep. His voice was low and soothing as he whispered, "I love you, I'll always love you, no matter what. I've got nothing without you. Now sleep, like you've got nothing to worry about." His words were a balm to my soul, calming my fears and wrapping me in a sense of safety.

        I don't remember when I drifted off to sleep in his arms. But when I woke up in the morning, he wasn't there. I thought he must have left the house for his office. I got up, brushed my teeth, and washed my face. 

As I stepped out of the room, he was standing in the kitchen with his back to me, still dressed in his black button down shirt as a few buttons undone while his shirt sleeves rolled up, revealing his forearm muscles, busy searching for something in the pantry. 

Meanwhile, some pasta was boiling in a pot on the stove. The aroma of boiling pasta and sizzling garlic wafted through the air. I wondered where the chef was and what he was doing in the kitchen! Yet I didn't say a word.

He sensed me there, turned to the stove, and said, "I'm making some pasta for you, your favorite!" 

In my thoughts, I was like, "For me? Why? Didn't he have office today?" 

He said, "I took a day off today." A question raised in my mind. "To spend some time with you," he said after a pause.

Still lost in thought, I stood there as he turned to me, his eyes locking onto mine. He grabbed my waist, and my heart skipped a beat as he lifted me onto the kitchen counter. 

With his hands resting on the counter beside me, he leaned in close and said, 'You're quiet. I didn't hear a word from you since last night. You've never been like this.' 

I looked down, trying to avoid his gaze, but he gently took both of my hands in his and asked, 'What happened? Did I do something to upset you? Say something!'

I looked up at him, his eyes filled with concern. "When you left the house yesterday after that call from work, you weren't in a good mood. The anger was palpable on your face. And when you came back, you were still upset. I've never seen you like that. I... I just... I don't know what I'm feeling!", I said.

He noticed the distress in my eyes and gently brushed a strand of hair behind my ear, his other hand still holding mine. "I said it before, and I'm saying it again: I love you. I'll always love you. I could never be angry or upset with you. That side of mine is for the world."

His voice softened as he continued, "You know, around you, I forget everything – my anger, my worries. Everything dissipates with just a look at you." He kissed my hand, his lips warm against my skin.

'Are we good?' he asked. I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. 

He smiled, reached out, and kissed my head. 

'I'm always here for you,' he whispered. 

'Now we should eat; it's almost ready – starving you would ruin the romance,' moving to the stove, he said with a chuckle.

"Mustafa", I called out his name while sitting on the counter. 

He turned to me attentively. I moved my hands forward to hold his. He quickly held both of my hands, his concerned eyes fixed on me. I tightened my grip, looking away, and said, 'You really love me that much?'. 

'Ofcourse, more than anything', he replied. I moved forward and kissed him on the cheek. 

With one arm behind my upper back and the other under my thighs, he picked me up in his arms, teasingly saying, 'You might have other plans, don't you want to eat?' 

I blushed and hit him with a playful jab on the chest. He chuckled, took me to the dinning table.

'Let me set the table for you', he said. 'I think it's ready', he added. 

'Yeah, smells amazing,' I said with a smile. He chuckled and stirred the pasta, the aroma wafting through the air once more. 

'Told you I'd make your favorite,' he said with a smile, serving the pasta onto plates and setting the table. We sat down together, and the first bite was like a taste of heaven.

And then he got up and headed to the living area, my gaze shifted to him while I held my fork in mid-air, pausing mid-bite. 

        The music started playing, and a smile spread across my face, but I tried to hide it. He came to me, extended his hand, and asked, 'May I have this dance?' 

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by the request, and my heart skipped a beat. His eyes sparkled with amusement as he smiled. I hesitated for a moment, the clink of silverware against the plate the only sound, before gently placing the fork on the plate. 

I placed my hand in his, feeling the warmth of his touch as he wrapped his fingers around mine. As I stood up from the chair, the soft fabric of my night gown rustled against my skin. 

''You know I'm bad at it," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. 

"Don't worry, I'm here for you,"  he replied, his breath whispering against my ear, sending shivers down my spine and then he pulled me close, one hand holding mine while the other wrapped around my waist; I placed my hand on the back of his shoulder, with my arm resting on his biceps. 

        As we swayed to the music, the soft melody wrapped around us, and he lifted my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. I twirled against him, the fabric of our clothes rustling softly, and he pulled me close, his chest firm against mine. 

I felt myself collide with his chest, the warmth of his body radiating through my skin. Our eyes met, and he tightened his grip around my waist, his fingers tracing the curve of my waist. Our bodies aligned perfectly, and I could feel his heartbeat, steady and strong, against my chest. The scent of his cologne wafted up, a subtle yet intoxicating aroma that drew me in. 

He stood still, his gaze locked on mine, his breath whispering against my skin. With our faces inches apart, time seemed to stand still, and I forgot how to breathe, the only sound being the soft hum of the music and the beating of our hearts.

I placed my hand on his chest, my gaze drifting downward. As I broke eye contact, he sensed my hesitation and loosened his grip around my waist. 

Yet, I remained nestled between his arms, my hand still resting on his chest, fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt. His concerned and confused eyes lingered on my face, searching for answers. 

I looked up at him, and without a word, I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug. His arms slid around my waist, his hands grasping my sides, holding me firmly in place. As I closed my eyes, I felt a deep sense of peace wash over me, like I'd finally found what I'd been searching for forever. 

He gently tightened his grip, and in that moment, all I wanted was for time to stand still, to spend the rest of my life enveloped in the warmth and safety of his arms.

        As I pulled back, "There's something I need to tell you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. 

"Wait here for me," I added, and went to the bedroom to get the file. 

As I was coming back to him, with the file in my hand, I suddenly felt unwell. A wave of dizziness washed over me, and the room began to spin. I stood there, placed my hand on the cool granite countertop of the kitchen counter, and looked at him, but everything was a blur. 

"Mustafa," I whispered, my voice shaking slightly, and then the file in my hand dropped to the floor, and I collapsed.

In an instant, he was beside me, catching me in his arms. He swept me up and carried me to the bed, cradling me with care. 

        As I regained consciousness, his worried face came into focus. I sat straight up on the bed, my eyes searching for the file. I spotted it on the side table beside the bed.

Watching my eyes on the file, he held my hand in his, his touch sending a surge of comfort through me. 

I looked at him, his eyes fixed on me.

"I've seen the reports. Is it true? Are you really...?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation, my eyes searching for his reaction.

A tear flowed from his eyes, and his lips curled into a smile. He kissed my hand, the warmth of his lips spreading through my fingers. 

"You just made me the happiest person in the world. You just gave me the whole world", he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

"It's the day I've been dreaming of since the day I met you. I can't wait to be a father," he added, his voice filled with emotion, and then he kissed my head, hugging me tightly. 

A perfect day!

As we arrived home after attending an event, he stepped out of the car and opened my side of the door. "I don't want to... I'm too tired for this. I'm not going in there", I said. 

He smiled. With one hand sliding behind my back and the other under my thighs, he picked me up in his arms and took me to the room, laying me on the bed. 

"Don't you want to change your dress?" He asked as he knew I couldn't wear makeup to bed, since I'm always concerned about my skin. "No, but I have to," I said. He smiled and walked towards my wardrobe to pick a nightgown while I got up and went to the bathroom to remove my makeup.

As I was washing my face, he entered the washroom, as it was wide open, handed me the nightgown, and asked, "Is it good?" I nodded. "Tell me anything you want; I'm waiting outside," he said, while gently closing the washroom door.

After a few minutes, I stepped out of the bathroom, feeling refreshed and clean in my nightgown. He was sitting on the bed, scrolling through his phone, but looked up as I came out. 

A soft smile spread across his face, and he set his phone aside. "Feel better?" he asked, opening his arms for me. "Hmm," I said. He lay down with me in bed, wrapping me in his arms. My forehead rested against his neck, and both of my hands were near his chest as I played with the button on his shirt.

"You know, I'm tired of these night outs," I said. "I want to go for brunch, enjoy the sunlight in this cold. It's been weeks since I've gone for brunch. Will you take me?" 

He chuckled softly and replied, "Of course, I'd love to take you out for brunch. We can go somewhere cozy and enjoy the morning together. When were you thinking? This weekend?" he asked, his fingers tracing patterns on my back. "Tomorrow morning?" I quickly said with excitement.

He laughed, a low and warm chuckle. "Tomorrow morning?" he repeated, his voice filled with amusement. "You're really craving that brunch, aren't you?" He pulled back slightly, just enough to look into my eyes, and I could see the spark of humor dancing in his own. I nodded enthusiastically. 

He chuckled again, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Alright, tomorrow morning it is," he said. With his words, I felt my body relax further, letting out a soft sigh as he held me closer. The stress of the night seemed to melt away, replaced by the warmth and comfort of his presence. I felt my eyelids growing heavy as he stroked my hair gently.

        The next morning, I don't know when he woke up, got dressed—I was sleeping. He came to wake me up, almost lay beside me, resting his head on the punch while placing his elbow on his pillow, with the other hand stroking through my hair. 

"Don't you wanna wake up, Sleeping Beauty?" he asked. "Uh-huh," I hummed softly. He kissed my head. "Have you done something to your lashes?" "Uh-huh," I hummed again. "Is it mascara?" "Uh-huh," I said. "They look great!" he said. I smiled.

"It's almost 1 pm, and someone asked me to take them out for brunch," he said. I placed my hand on his abs and pushed him away. He chuckled and kissed me on the head.

        I got up, stepped into the bathroom, took a quick shower, got out of the shower area wrapped in a towel. As I wrapped the soft, fluffy navy blue towel around me, the warmth of the shower still lingered on my skin. The sound of dripping water echoed faintly in the bathroom, a gentle reminder of my recent shower. 

I stood in front of the basin, applied my makeup, the scent of foundation and mascara filling the air. The familiar ritual was calming, but my mind was still reeling from the unexpected encounter.

I turned to get out of the bathroom, but as I stepped out, wrapped in the towel, I thought he must be outside. Instead, I found him sitting on the couch in front of me, his eyes locked onto mine. 

I took steps back into the bathroom, hid myself behind the wall, with a tilt of my neck, looking at him. Seeing me self-conscious, he looked down in an instant, his eyes avoiding mine.

"I need to go to my closet to get the dress," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah... Yeah... Sure... I'm... I'm outside...," he said nervously, getting up and heading outside.

        "I don't know how you wake up early in the morning, even on weekends", I said while stepping out of the room, wearing a baby pink co-ord set. 

He smiled while looking at me. I handed him my bracelet and held out my wrist to him, continuing, "I think I take up your share of sleep too" while he chuckled and tied up my bracelet. 

"It's good. I think that's why you always look refreshed and have that glow," he said, while kissing my hand.

        When we arrived at the restaurant, the warm sunlight and gentle breeze greeted us. "Would you prefer sitting inside or outside?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with consideration. 

"Definitely outside," I replied, smiling. "You know I love dining al fresco." He chuckled, "Yeah, I know. But I wanted to make sure you're in the mood for it today." He pulled out the chair for me and sat across from me, asking, "Comfortable?" 

The aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewing coffee wafted out, making my stomach growl with anticipation. I nodded, and said, "Please order something. I'm starving!" He laughed and asked, "Okay, what would you like to have?" 

"French toast with fresh fruit and orange juice," I said, my eyes lighting up. "And please skip the syrup and powdered sugar on top?" I added. He smiled and began ordering, while I took in the view, feeling grateful for the lovely setting.

        As he got free from the waiter, I looked at him with a mischievous smile. His eyes questioned 'what?' I placed my elbow on the table with my hand open towards him, suggesting an arm-wrestling match. 

He was taken aback, but smiled instantly. He placed his elbow on the table and held my hand with a gentle yet firm grip. 'Don't smile, I can defeat you easily,' I said, raising an eyebrow.

My eyes sparkled with determination, while his smile hinted at amusement. He placed his other hand on the table, close to my elbow, covering it between his thumb and index finger, perhaps to prevent my elbow from slipping.

I tried to pin his hand to the table with all my might, but couldn't budge it – and he wasn't even exerting any force. Then, he started relaxing his hand, and I pinned it down. 'Told you,' I shrugged. He chuckled and said, 'Yeah, you're strong. I accept my defeat.'

        As I pinned his hand down, an elderly woman from the next table looked over, a warm smile on her face. "Ah, love is in the air, isn't it?" she said, her eyes twinkling with knowing. 

"The way you two look at each other, it's like the whole world has melted away. You can see the adoration in his eyes, dear." She nodded towards him, who blushed slightly, looking away with a shy smile. 

I felt my cheeks heat up, and then he said, "Anyone can fall in love with her, don't you think?" 

The elderly woman laughed, her eyes shining with delight. "Especially someone as charming as you, young man. Love looks goods on you two".

"Thank you, that's very kind of you to say," he said, nodding at her with a smile.

        In the meantime, our food arrived. "I almost forgot how delicious they made it here," I said while taking a bite. "You like it?" he asked while looking at me with a smiling gaze. "Like? I love it!" I said. He chuckled. 

"I don't know why I'm craving sweet dishes a lot these days," I continued. "If this continues, I'm gonna gain weight," I said consciously. 

He chuckled, and said, "You always look beautiful no matter what," his eyes locked on mine. "You glow from within, and that's what truly makes you beautiful." I looked at him as if I didn't believe that. 

"That sparkle in your eyes when you're passionate about something is captivating," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "It lights up your whole face and makes you even more stunning." 

"Sparkle? In my eyes? Seriously?" I said, not believing him. "Wanna see a demo?" he said, pulling out a box from his coat and placing it on the table beside my plate in front of me. 

        I looked up at him with a question in my eyes. "It's for you," he said, while observing me attentively. I opened it, and there was a gold pendant necklace. 

I looked up at him, and he said, "Here's that sparkle I was talking about" , his eyes shining with warmth. A sweet smile spread across my face. 

"When did you get that?" I asked curiously. "Today, in the morning, when you were sleeping like a baby. I saw you were excited for today last night, so I thought, why not make it more beautiful or memorable for you?" he said. 

I looked at the pendant, feeling touched by his thoughtfulness. "It's beautiful," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. He smiled, relieved that I liked it. "I'm glad you like it," he said. 

"Let me help you put it on," he offered. The pendant sparkled against my skin, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest. "Thank you," I said, looking up at him with gratitude. He leaned in, his face close to mine. "Anything for you," he whispered.

        "What's next?" he asked after our brunch, his voice low and smooth as he leaned back in his chair. "I don't know, maybe we could go for a walk," I said.

"That sounds lovely," he said, smiling, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "The park nearby is beautiful this time of year." He glanced at his watch and said, "We have plenty of time before it starts getting cold." 

He signaled the waiter for the check; when it arrived, he paid with a swipe of his card. He stood up, offering me his hand. "Shall we?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. 

"Yup," I said, and took his hand, feeling the warmth of his skin as we walked out into the bright sunlight. The warm sunshine and gentle breeze enveloped us, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft chirping of birds. 

        "Why are we going this way?" I asked while walking with him. "The park is on the other side," I continued. "You'll know in a moment," he said, and then we stopped in front of a boutique. 

"Want to do some shopping?" he asked, looking at me with a smile. "Why not?" I said with excitement.

        As we stepped into the boutique, the soft sound of the doorbell above the entrance announced our arrival. The store was a treasure trove of stylish clothing, accessories, and shoes, with racks and shelves neatly arranged to showcase the latest fashion trends.

The scent of luxurious fabrics and perfumes wafted through the air. The boutique's interior was sleek and modern, with polished wooden floors and elegant lighting fixtures. Soft music played in the background, complementing the sophisticated atmosphere. A sales associate greeted us warmly, offering assistance as we browsed through the racks.

Mustafa nodded toward a section of the store, saying, "Let's check out the new arrivals." I followed him, my eyes scanning the latest fashion trends. 

As we browsed, he picked up a few items, suggesting they would look great on me. "Try this one," he said, holding up a beautiful dress. "I think you'd look amazing in it." 

"I don't know," I said, hesitating. "It's a bit bold for me." 

"Come on, it'll be fun," he encouraged, handing me the dress. "Go try it on, and I'll wait here."

I took the dress and headed to the dressing room. A few minutes later, I emerged, feeling confident and stylish in the dress. "What do you think?" I asked, twirling around. 

"I think it's perfect," he said, his eyes sparkling with approval. "You look stunning." "I think I might get it," I said.

As I bought some dresses, I said, "I think I'm done." He said, "You know, I think you should get a few more things." 

"I don't know," I said. "I think I've got enough for now." He took my hand and led me to the shoe section, saying, "Don't you want to find some pairs to go with these dresses?" He picked up some pairs of heels and said, "These would look perfect."

"Let me try them on," I said, taking them from him. As I slipped my feet into them and looked in the mirror, I said, "I have to agree – they do look perfect. I'll take them," I said, smiling at him.

The sales associate rang up our purchases, and as we left the boutique, he turned to me and said, "You look happy. I'm glad we did this." 

"I am," I said, smiling up at him. "I needed a little retail therapy." 

He smiled back and took my hand, saying, "Anytime. I'm always up for a good shopping trip."

        As we walked back to our car, he asked, 'Shouldn't we drive to the park instead?' I hesitated, 'I don't know... I thought we left the car here and then visited the park, getting back to the car afterward.' 

He chuckled and began loading the shopping into the backseat. "Yeah, we can do that, but the problem is you'll get too tired walking all the way to the car." I smiled, nodded in agreement, "I like it when someone knows me better than I know myself".

He smiled and opened the door for me. I slid into the passenger seat, and he closed the door gently before moving to the driver's side. 

        After a while, we reached the park and parked in the designated lot. He got out, opened my door, and offered his hand. I smiled, placed my hand in his, and stepped out of the car. As he closed the door behind me, and we strolled hand in hand into the warm sunlight.

The cool breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park. The sky was painted with hues of orange and pink, a perfect backdrop for our evening walk.

        As we strolled through the park, I suddenly stopped and said, 'Wait.' He turned to me, concern etched on his face, but his expression softened as he saw me struggling with my heels. 

I bent one knee, balancing on one foot as I removed my shoes, my hand instinctively reaching out to grasp his bicep for support. His hand was warm on my back, steadying me.

        Once I'd slipped off my heels, I let out a sigh of relief as my feet sank into the cool grass. It felt heavenly. 

He picked up my shoes and started walking behind me. I turned to him, my eyes sparkling with mischief, and said, 'Try chasing me,' taking a few steps backward, my gaze never leaving his. 

A sly smile spread across his face as he picked up his pace, his eyes locked onto mine with a playful glint. I giggled and turned, taking off in a sprint across the grass. 

My feet felt free and light without the heels, and I reveled in the sensation of the cool breeze rushing past my skin.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden light over the park. The trees cast long shadows across the grass, and the atmosphere was filled with a sense of magic and possibility. I felt alive, carefree and happy.

He chased after me, his footsteps pounding the ground behind me. Suddenly, he caught up to me, pulled me close, his arms wrapping around my waist, with one hand behind my back and the other under my thighs, and picked me up in his warm embrace. 

As he held me close, I wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling safe and loved. He buried his face in my hair, and I could feel his warm breath and then he kissed my head. I giggled again, and he chuckled, his chest vibrating against mine.

        After a while, we settled onto the nearest bench, and he leaned back, opening his arm for me to lean into. I sat beside him, wrapped in his warm embrace, my head resting on his shoulder, and his neck against my forehead. 

As we gazed out at the breathtaking view, I felt a deep sense of peace wash over me. The western sky was painted with hues of reddish-orange, a stunning backdrop as daylight transitioned into darkness.

"I think we should get going, or else you'll get cold; it's started getting cold," he said. 

I looked up at him while my head was still on his shoulder. "I want to stay a little longer here," I said. 

He looked at me and said, "Okay, whatever you say," while removing his coat and placing it on my shoulders, holding me tightly close to him again.

        As it got dark, "Now, we should go," I said, sitting straight up. He got up and knelt down in front of me. "Okay, you must be hungry. What do you want to have?" he asked while helping me put on my heels. 

"Mmm," I said, thinking. He looked up at me while holding me, his fingers sliding under my knees as he finished tying my heels. 

"Ramen," I said with excitement. 

He chuckled and said, "Alright, Ramen it is," with a smile, helping me up from the bench.

As we walked back to the car, his arm around me kept me warm, and I felt grateful for the thoughtful gesture. 

        Once we were in the car, he started the engine and turned up the heat. "So, which Ramen place do you want to go to?" he asked, glancing over at me. 

I thought for a moment before responding, "That new place downtown, Convince Ramen, sounds good." He nodded and began navigating through traffic.

As we drove, the darkness outside seemed to heighten the sense of intimacy between us. The warmth of the car and his company made me feel cozy and content. 

        When we arrived at the Ramen shop, he parked the car, and we stepped out into the cool night air. Took my hand in his, we walked toward the restaurant, the aroma of steaming noodles and savory broth drawing us in. 

He pulled a chair for me, placing it near the counter close to the window at the Ramen station, where the soft glow of the neon signs outside cast a warm light on the windowpane.

As I sat, I tried to take his coat off my shoulders, he took it and draped it over the back of my chair. 

Then, he grabbed two aluminum boxes and filled them with water, placing them on the stoves, which soon began to simmer and whistle softly.

While he grabbed some Ramen and toppings,  carefully added the noodles and toppings to the aluminum boxes, his hands moving with a practiced ease. 

The sizzling of the ingredients and the clinking of utensils created a lively atmosphere. I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and hunger as I watched him prepare our meal.

Meanwhile, I started watching the view outside the window, taking in the view of the twinkling city lights and the distant hum of traffic while the winter night air was crisp and cold outside. 

"Almost ready," he said, smiling at me as he stirred the Ramen. 

I smiled back, feeling grateful for the warmth and comfort of the Ramen station on a cold winter night. The sounds and smells of the food surrounded us, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Finally, he handed me a steaming hot bowl of Ramen, and I wrapped my hands around it, feeling the warmth spread through my fingers. 

The aroma of the broth filled my senses, and I took a sip, savoring the rich flavors of the Ramen. It was perfect. 

        After having Ramen, when we settled into the car, "We should go home now," I said while removing my heels. " I'm missing my bed now," I continued with a smile. 

He chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, it's been a long day,"  he said, starting the car and adjusting the heater to a comfortable temperature. 'But I'm glad we could spend some time together,' he added, glancing at me with a warm smile.

I smiled back, feeling grateful for the company. As we drove through the quiet streets, the only sound being the soft hum of the engine and the occasional passing car, I felt a sense of relaxation wash over me.

        As we reached home, I opened my side of the car's door and walked into the house barefoot, leaving my heels in the car. 

He entered the house after me, with my heels in his hands, and placed them near the shoe rack beside the entrance. 

While I sat on the couch in the living room, he said, 'I'm going to get fresh and change. I'll be back in a couple of minutes,' and went to his closet.

I fell asleep on the couch, overcome with exhaustion. I was lying on one side, with my back close to the backrest, one hand near my face, and the other under my chin. 

When he noticed me sleeping, he thoughtfully brought a blanket and covered me. As he leaned in close, his one hand rested on the couch near my stomach, while the other hand was on the backrest. 

He gently kissed my forehead, and I briefly woke up, but feeling comforted by his care, I drifted back to sleep. He sat on the coffee table, quietly watching over me