Chapter 45

Morning sunlight filtered softly through the balcony curtains, spilling warm golden light across the apartment.

The faint scent of wet soil drifted inside from the balcony where Kiki sat peacefully after being watered earlier, and somewhere in the background soft music hummed low enough to feel more like warmth than sound.

The apartment felt alive.

Not loudly.

Not chaotically.

Just… loved in.

Eraya stood in the kitchen quietly cutting fruits into careful little pieces, her loose hair falling over one shoulder while steam rose gently from the tea she had set to boil.

Every few seconds a small smile appeared on her lips before disappearing again, like she was replaying something in her mind.

Which she absolutely was.

Parvati’s voice.

Her teasing.

Her warmth.

The way she had said,

“You sound happy, Eraya.”

And somehow that one sentence had settled somewhere deep inside her chest.

Happy.

Was she?

Her fingers slowed slightly over the knife.

Then unconsciously,

she smiled again.

A real one this time.

Soft.

Warm.

Unhidden.

Because she truly was happy.

For the first time in years.

Before she could drift further into her thoughts though,

two familiar arms suddenly wrapped around her waist from behind.

Eraya startled softly.

Then immediately relaxed.

Because she knew that hold now.

Knew that warmth.

Knew that clinginess.

Zivah rested her chin dramatically on Eraya’s shoulder with the deepest sigh imaginable.

“Why,” she asked in a sleepy voice, “did my wife abandon me in bed?”

Eraya laughed softly.

“I was making breakfast.”

“That sounds fake.”

“It is called responsibility.”

“It is called betrayal.”

Eraya shook her head fondly while trying to continue cutting the fruits.

Trying being the important word.

Because Zivah was holding her like a backpack.

“Zivi…”

“Hm?”

“I cannot move.”

“You are moving perfectly fine.”

“You are literally hanging on me.”

“That is love.”

“That is a koala.”

Zivah burst into laughter directly against her shoulder.

The vibration made Eraya smile wider.

God.

She loved this laugh.

Loved how easily it filled spaces.

Loved how naturally it made the apartment feel alive.

Zivah tightened her hold slightly before nuzzling her cheek against Eraya’s shoulder lazily.

“You escaped too early.”

“We have college.”

“That sounds like future us problem.”

“It is present us problem.”

“No. Present me wants cuddles.”

“You had cuddles all night.”

“And I suffered every second after you left.”

Eraya physically laughed at that.

“You are impossible.”

“And deeply loved.”

Unfortunately,
that was true.

Very true.

Zivah noticed the way Eraya’s smile softened and instantly melted a little herself.

God.

This girl.

Every expression Eraya made felt precious to her.

Without thinking, she pressed a gentle kiss against Eraya’s temple.

The action was effortless now.

Natural.

As if her body had memorized affection before her mind even processed it.

Eraya paused slightly.

Still affected every single time.

Then she quietly resumed stirring the tea while Zivah shamelessly refused to let go.

After a moment, Zivah spoke again.

“What did you talk about with Parvati di?”

The question came lightly.

Curiously.

But beneath it was something sincere too.

Because Zivah genuinely cared about the people Eraya loved.

And cared even more about what they made her feel.

Eraya noticed that immediately.

Which naturally made her decide to tease her first.

Just a little.

“Oh,” she said thoughtfully, “many things.”

Zivah narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“That sounds dangerous.”

“It was a private conversation.”

“With my own Parvati di?”

“She is my di first.”

“Traitor.”

Eraya giggled softly.

God.

Even giggling felt natural around this girl now.

Zivah squeezed her waist dramatically.

“What did she say?”

“She said you are annoying.”

“That is fake.”

“She said you are dramatic.”

“That one is believable.”

“And clingy.”

“That one is extremely accurate.”

Eraya laughed again.

Zivah just stared quietly at her profile for a moment.

The laughter.

The ease.

The softness.

Months ago Eraya barely spoke above a whisper.

Now she teased her while making breakfast.

The realization alone made something ache warmly inside Zivah’s chest.

Her hold softened unconsciously.

Then she kissed Eraya’s shoulder lightly.

“Tell me properly.”

This time her voice came quieter.

Softer.

More genuine.

Eraya finally stopped teasing.

She turned slightly inside Zivah’s arms just enough to look at her.

And immediately,
Zivah’s expression melted.

Because Eraya was looking at her with that look again.

That unbearably soft one.

“She was happy for me.”

Zivah smiled instantly.

But Eraya continued before she could flirt.

“She said… now she does not need to worry about me anymore.”

The kitchen went quiet.

Not awkwardly.

Tenderly.

Zivah stared at her for a moment.

And suddenly every joke disappeared from her face.

Because she understood exactly what that sentence meant.

How much fear Parvati must have carried watching Eraya suffer all those years.

How much helplessness.

How much silent worry.

And now somehow,
She trusted her with Eraya.

Trusted her enough to finally breathe easier.

Something deep inside Zivah shifted emotionally.

Her arms slowly tightened around Eraya again.

But this time carefully.

Like she was holding something precious.

“You will always have me.”

Her voice came soft.

Certain.

Completely unwavering.

Eraya’s breath caught slightly.

Because Zivah always said things like that so naturally.

As if staying was easy.

As if loving her was the simplest thing in the world.

Zivah leaned closer until her forehead rested lightly against Eraya’s temple.

Then whispered quietly,

“And I am never going to let Parvati di worry about you again.”

That did it.

Absolutely did it.

Eraya melted completely.

Something warm flooded her chest so suddenly that for a second she forgot how to breathe.

Because nobody had ever sounded this sure about keeping her.

Nobody.

Her eyes softened instantly.

And before she even realized it herself, she leaned backward slightly into Zivah’s hold.

Trusting.

Comfortable.

Safe.

Home.

Zivah noticed immediately.

Of course she did.

And her expression softened with so much affection it almost hurt.

God.

She loved this girl.

So much.

Without another word she kissed Eraya’s temple again.

Slowly this time.

Lingering.

The tea simmered softly nearby.

Morning sunlight wrapped around them gently.

And for one quiet moment,
the entire world felt impossibly soft.

Then suddenly,
something hissed loudly.

Both of them jumped.

Eraya turned instantly.

“The toast!”

Zivah burst into laughter immediately while Eraya hurried toward the toaster in panic.

“You distracted me!”

“I was expressing love!”

“You burned breakfast!”

“That sounds like teamwork.”

Eraya stared at the slightly overcooked toast with betrayal.

Zivah shamelessly walked beside her and picked up a slice dramatically.

“Hm.”

“What hm?”

“Crunchy.”

“It is burnt.”

“It has personality.”

Eraya physically laughed again.

“You are ridiculous.”

“And still your favorite person.”

Unfortunately,
also true.

Very true.

Eraya sighed dramatically before placing plates on the table.

Tea.

Fruits.

Toast.

And the potato sandwiches Zivah secretly loved.

The moment Zivah noticed them,
her entire face lit up.

“You made these?”

Eraya nodded softly.

Instantly Zivah stood straight.

Then without warning she cupped Eraya’s face dramatically.

“You are the love of my life.”

Eraya burst into helpless laughter.

“It is just breakfast!”

“No. This is devotion.”

“You are overreacting.”

“You made potato sandwiches.”

“That is not a personality trait.”

“It should be.”

Eraya shook her head fondly while trying to sit down.

But before she could,
Zivah pulled her back gently by the wrist.

“Hm?”

Instead of answering,

Zivah leaned forward and pressed another soft kiss against her forehead.

This one slower.

Fuller.

More emotional somehow.

Eraya blinked softly.

And Zivah smiled at her expression.

“What was that for?”

“For existing.”

“That makes no sense.”

“It makes perfect sense to me.”

God.

This girl.

Eraya genuinely did not know what to do with someone who loved her this openly.

So freely.

Like affection was not something to hide.

They finally sat down together.

Or at least tried to.

Because the moment Eraya sat properly,

Zivah dragged her chair closer using one hand.

Eraya looked at her flatly.

“What are you doing?”

“Closing emotional distance.”

“There was no emotional distance.”

“There could have been.”

“You are impossible.”

“And clingy.”

“You admitted it yourself.”

“That does not mean I will stop.”

Eraya laughed quietly while pouring tea for both of them.

The domesticity of it all hit her suddenly.

The shared breakfast.

The teasing.

The sunlight.

Zivah sitting beside her looking half sleepy and fully in love.

For years Eraya had imagined adulthood as survival.

Loneliness.

Fear.

Never this.

Never warmth.

Never someone stealing burnt toast from her plate while grinning proudly.

Zivah noticed her going quiet.

Immediately.

Always immediately.

Her expression softened.

“What happened?”

Eraya looked at her for a moment.

Then quietly admitted,

“Nothing.”

“That is suspicious.”

“I was just thinking.”

“Dangerous.”

Eraya smiled softly.

Then after a small pause she whispered,

“I like this.”

Zivah blinked.

“This?”

Eraya nodded slightly.

“The mornings.”

Her voice became quieter.

“The breakfast… the teasing… you hugging me while I cook…”

Something inside Zivah completely melted.

God.

This girl had no idea what she did to her.

Zivah slowly reached for her hand beneath the table.

Intertwining their fingers naturally.

Then she kissed the back of Eraya’s hand gently.

“This is forever now.”

Eraya’s breath caught softly.

Forever.

Such a terrifying word once.

Now somehow,
with Zivah,
it sounded safe.

Her eyes softened again.

And Zivah nearly lost her mind seeing that look directed at her.

“You know,” Zivah said dramatically after a moment,

“I deserve appreciation too.”

“For what?”

“For emotional support.”

“You burned the toast.”

“I burned it lovingly.”

“That is not better.”

“It is romantic.”

Eraya laughed so hard she nearly spilled her tea.

And Zivah immediately looked victorious.

There it was again.

That laugh.

Her favorite sound in the world.

Honestly,

Zivah thought she could spend her entire life chasing that sound and still never get tired of it.

The morning continued slowly after that.

Softly.

Comfortably.

Like neither of them was in any hurry to leave the warmth they had built together.

And somewhere between shared tea, stolen toast, lingering touches, and quiet laughter,

Eraya realized something terrifyingly beautiful.

Home had never been a place for her before.

Until Zivah.

The afternoon air outside the college carried the soft warmth of fading sunlight as the four of them finally reached Anamika and Shivani’s apartment after an exhausting day.

Well.

Three exhausted people.

And one Shivani.

Which automatically meant chaos.

The moment they entered the apartment,

Shivani dramatically threw her bag onto the couch and stretched her arms like she had returned from war.

“I have decided something important.”

Anamika, already removing her shoes calmly, sighed knowingly.

“That sentence never ends well.”

Zivah immediately narrowed her eyes too.

Eraya simply stood there quietly beside her, watching all three of them with soft amusement already visible in her eyes.

Shivani suddenly pointed toward Eraya with full seriousness.

“I want more bonding time with Eraya.”

Zivah gasped.

“Excuse me?”

“I barely got her for one semester before you married her and kidnapped her emotionally.”

“I did not kidnap anyone.”

“You absolutely did.”

Eraya physically laughed at that while Zivah looked deeply offended.

Anamika dropped onto the couch lazily.

“Shivi, you saw her literally this entire day.”

“That is not enough.”

Then dramatically,

Shivani turned toward Eraya.

“Eraya, do you love me?”

Eraya blinked.

Then smiled helplessly.

“Yes”

“See?” Shivani pointed proudly at Zivah.

“She said yes.”

“That is not what she meant!”

“Too late.”

Anamika burst into laughter while Zivah groaned loudly.

“This house is against me.”

“Correct,” Shivani replied proudly.

Eraya laughed again.

And immediately,

all three of them softened slightly at the sound.

God.

They all loved hearing her laugh now.

Especially Zivah.

Who looked at Eraya like her laughter alone could heal global problems.

Shivani suddenly clapped once dramatically.

“Ice cream.”

Anamika looked up instantly.

“Now that is a good idea.”

Zivah nodded immediately too.

Eraya, meanwhile, looked adorably confused.

She had not really eaten many different ice cream flavors before.

Most things in her life earlier had been simple necessities, not little indulgences.

And somehow,

Zivah noticed that instantly.

Of course she did.

She always did.

“What flavor do you want?” Shivani asked excitedly while opening a delivery app.

Anamika answered immediately.

“Chocolate hazelnut.”

“Predictable, Mika.” Shivani said automatically while leaning against her shoulder.

Anamika smiled softly at that.

Then Shivani looked toward Zivah.

“And you?”

“Cookies and cream.”

“Also predictable.”

“I am a simple woman.”

“You are a menace.”

Then Shivani turned dramatically toward Eraya.

“And what about our Eraya?”

Eraya froze immediately.

Four pairs of eyes looked at her.

Well.

Three.

Because Anamika was already distracted reading reviews.

Eraya blinked softly.

“I… don’t know.”

Zivah’s entire expression softened instantly.

God.

Sometimes the smallest things made her chest ache.

Because Eraya genuinely looked unsure.

Like she was afraid to choose wrong.

Zivah quietly shifted closer beside her on the couch.

“What kind of flavors do you usually like?”

Eraya thought carefully.

“I like mango.”

Shivani immediately grinned.

“That is adorable.”

“Why is mango adorable?”

“Because you are saying it.”

Zivah rolled her eyes while Eraya laughed softly.

Then suddenly Zivah snapped her fingers.

“Mango passion fruit.”

Eraya turned toward her immediately.

“It is good?”

Zivah looked personally offended.

“Have I ever lied to you about food?”

Shivani snorted.

“Yes.”

“That was one time.”

“You said spinach pasta would heal my soul.”

“It had potential.”

“It tasted like depression.”

Eraya burst into laughter while Anamika physically leaned against Shivani laughing too.

Meanwhile Zivah ignored all accusations and looked back at Eraya seriously.

“You will like it.”

And honestly,

that was enough for Eraya.

She trusted Zivah far too easily now.

Completely.

Without hesitation.

So she nodded softly.

“Okay.”

The simplicity of it made something warm spread through Zivah instantly.

God.

This girl trusted her so much.

Even with tiny things.

Even with ice cream.

And somehow that mattered deeply to her.

Shivani placed the order dramatically before throwing herself across Anamika’s lap sideways.

“I am starving.”

Anamika absentmindedly played with Shivani’s hair immediately.

“You said that twenty minutes ago too.”

“I become hungrier when ignored.”

“You are literally lying on me.”

“Not emotionally.”

Zivah groaned.

“You two are unbearable.”

Shivani pointed toward her lazily.

“Says the woman who stares at Eraya like she invented happiness.”

“Because she did.”

Eraya immediately flushed.

Anamika burst into laughter.

“See? This is why I enjoy watching both of you.”

“Traitor,” Eraya muttered softly.

Anamika grinned.

“Too late. You are both entertaining.”

The teasing continued endlessly while they waited for the ice cream.

At some point Shivani moved from Anamika’s lap and dragged Eraya beside her on the carpet near the coffee table.

Zivah watched suspiciously.

Very suspiciously.

Especially when Shivani casually threw one arm around Eraya’s shoulders.

“This feels right.”

“It does not,” Zivah replied instantly.

Shivani ignored her.

“Eraya, you should stay here.”

“Excuse me?” Zivah sat up immediately.

Anamika laughed so hard she nearly dropped her phone.

“Yes,” Shivani continued shamelessly,

“we will build a better life together.”

Eraya looked between them helplessly.

Then quietly whispered,

“Zivi looks like she wants to fight you.”

“She absolutely does,” Anamika confirmed calmly.

Zivah crossed her arms dramatically.

“I am being bullied in front of my own wife.”

“Correct,” Shivani nodded proudly.

Then finally,

the doorbell rang.

Instant chaos.

Shivani jumped up first.

“My children are here.”

“It is ice cream,” Anamika deadpanned.

“Exactly.”

Within minutes all four tubs sat open across the coffee table while everyone settled around it.

Shivani immediately grabbed spoons dramatically.

“Okay. Distribution ceremony.”

“You are insane,” Zivah informed her.

“Yet beloved.”

Then Shivani handed everyone their flavor carefully.

Anamika’s chocolate hazelnut.

Zivah’s cookies and cream.

Her own strawberry cheesecake.

And finally,

Eraya’s mango passion fruit.

Eraya stared at it curiously.

The soft yellow-orange swirls looked pretty.

Fresh.

Bright.

Almost summery.

Zivah watched her carefully.

“Nervous?”

“A little.”

“Just try it.”

Eraya nodded softly and took a small spoonful.

The moment the flavor melted on her tongue,
her eyes widened slightly.

And that single reaction made Zivah instantly grin.

“You like it.”

Eraya looked at her.

Then nodded immediately.

“It is really good.”

God.

The satisfaction on Zivah’s face looked ridiculous.

Like she personally invented mangoes.

“I told you.”

Shivani groaned dramatically.

“She is smiling like she won a Nobel Prize.”

“I basically did.”

Anamika laughed quietly beside her.

Then suddenly,

Shivani’s eyes sparkled dangerously.

Which was never good.

Before anyone could react,

she scooped some of Eraya’s ice cream
dramatically and held it near her mouth.

“Eraya, taste test.”

Eraya blinked.

Then naturally leaned forward slightly and took the bite.

And that,

that was the exact moment disaster struck.

Because Shivani smirked immediately afterward.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

Directly at Zivah.

Oh no.

Anamika physically covered her face already laughing.

Zivah narrowed her eyes instantly.

“Shivani.”

“Hm?”

“Feed your own girlfriend.”

Shivani gasped dramatically.

“Possessive behavior.”

“You literally did that to annoy me.”

“And it worked beautifully.”

Eraya looked between them laughing helplessly.

Meanwhile Zivah immediately moved from the couch and sat directly beside Eraya on the carpet.

Close.

Very close.

Their shoulders touching instantly.

Mine energy radiated from her entire existence.

Shivani burst into louder laughter.

“Oh my god she got jealous.”

“I did not.”

“You relocated.”

“I wanted better seating.”

“You almost climbed into Eraya’s skin.”

Anamika nearly choked laughing.

Eraya’s cheeks turned pink while Zivah glared at everyone.

“This is harassment.”

“No,” Shivani corrected proudly,

“this is entertainment.”

Then she dramatically scooped another spoonful toward Eraya again.

Zivah instantly intercepted it midway and ate it herself.

The entire room went silent for one second.

Then Anamika collapsed laughing.

“ZI!”

Even Eraya covered her mouth laughing.

Meanwhile Zivah sat there chewing proudly.

Shivani stared in betrayal.

“You ate Eraya’s bite!”

“Find your own wife.”

“Oh my god.”

Anamika physically leaned against the couch laughing uncontrollably.

“You two are actually children.”

“Correct,” Shivani muttered.

Then suddenly she narrowed her eyes.

“Oh. Okay.”

Before anyone understood,

she stood dramatically, walked straight toward Anamika, and plopped directly into her lap.

Smoothly.

Comfortably.

Like she belonged there.

Which she absolutely did.

Anamika automatically wrapped one arm around her waist without even thinking.

The ease of it made Eraya soften quietly.

God.

They fit together so naturally.

Shivani then grabbed Anamika’s spoon dramatically.

“If I cannot feed Eraya, I will annoy my own girlfriend.”

“You already annoy me daily,” Anamika replied calmly.

“Yet you are obsessed with me.”

“Unfortunately.”

Shivani grinned proudly before taking a bite from Anamika’s chocolate hazelnut.

Then another.

And another.

Anamika stared flatly.

“Are you planning to leave me any?”

“No.”

“That is my flavor.”

“It is our flavor now.”

“You literally ordered your own.”

“I changed emotionally.”

Eraya laughed so hard she bent forward slightly.

Zivah instantly steadied her gently with one hand near her waist without even realizing she was doing it.

Anamika noticed immediately.

So did Shivani.

The two exchanged a knowing look instantly.

Hopelessly in love.

Both of them.

Then Shivani dramatically fed Anamika a spoonful finally.

“There. Equality.”

Shivani smiled softly before leaning forward
and kissing Anamika’s cheek suddenly.

Quick.

Natural.

Affectionate.

Anamika immediately melted.

“Okay never mind you can steal my ice cream.”

Zivah gagged dramatically.

“Disgusting.”

“Says the woman intercepting spoons out of jealousy.”

“That was tactical.”

Eraya laughed again.

God.

Zivah could listen to that forever.

Eventually the chaos softened slightly into comfortable conversation.

Music played quietly in the background.

Ice cream melted slowly.

Shivani continued sitting in Anamika’s lap like it was legally assigned seating.

And beside Zivah,
Eraya quietly kept eating her mango passion fruit ice cream.

Every few bites she smiled slightly.

And every single time,

Zivah noticed.

Finally she leaned closer.

“So?”

Eraya looked at her.

“So?”

“The flavor.”

A tiny smile appeared instantly.

“I really like it.”

That was it.

That was genuinely enough to make Zivah absurdly happy.

Like she had accomplished something important.

She smiled softly at Eraya.

“Told you.”

Eraya nodded obediently.

“You were right.”

Shivani physically groaned.

“Oh my god she trusts her blindly.”

“Yes,” Zivah replied proudly.

“I regret being introduced to you two.”

“No you do not.”

“…No I do not.”

Anamika smiled quietly watching all three of them.

Then softly said,

“You know what I like most?”

“Hm?” Eraya asked.

Anamika looked at her gently.

“You laugh a lot now.”

The room softened instantly.

Eraya stilled slightly.

Shivani’s teasing expression faded into warmth too.

And beside her,

Zivah’s fingers quietly intertwined with Eraya’s.
Comforting.

Certain.

Eraya looked down for one tiny moment before smiling softly again.

“I think…” she whispered quietly,

“I like laughing with all of you.”

Something emotional passed across everyone’s faces immediately.

Especially Zivah’s.

God.

She would spend her entire life protecting that smile if she had to.

And honestly?

She probably would.

Night had settled softly around the apartment by the time the chaos of the day finally faded.

The laughter.

The teasing.

The endless arguments between Shivani and Zivah.

Everything had slowly quieted into a calm warmth that only existed late at night.

The balcony curtains swayed gently with the breeze.

Kiki rested near the railing, leaves moving slightly under the moonlight.

And inside the bedroom,

Eraya sat cross-legged near the headboard with Brownie in her lap while Zivah walked in carrying a familiar glass.

Apple mint water.

The moment Eraya saw it, her entire face brightened.

“There it is.”

Zivah chuckled softly.

“You sound emotionally attached.”

“I am emotionally attached.”

That made Zivah laugh quietly as she handed her the glass carefully.

Eraya took it immediately with both hands and drank a sip.

Her eyes instantly softened.

“This has become my favorite drink.”

The words were simple.

But the effect they had on Zivah was not.

Something about hearing Eraya call something her favorite because of her always made warmth spread through Zivah’s chest.

She leaned one shoulder against the wardrobe and crossed her arms dramatically.

“See? My influence.”

Eraya looked up from the glass.

“No, Zivi. Your obsession.”

“My obsession keeps you alive.”

“It also forces me to drink strange healthy things.”

“It is literally apple and mint.”

“You sound like Shivani defending her weird noodles.”

“That was one time.”

“You burnt the water too.”

Zivah gasped loudly.

“She told me many stories.” Eraya said giggling.

“Oh, that woman is dead to me.”

Eraya laughed softly into the rim of the glass.

And the sound immediately made Zivah forget her fake annoyance.

It always did.

The room felt warm tonight.

Safe.

The kind of warmth that slowly settled into bones without asking permission.

After Eraya finished the drink, Zivah took the empty glass from her hands and placed it aside before reaching toward the bedside drawer.

Eraya already knew what she was taking out.

The cream.

Ever since the night she had shown Zivah the scars scattered along her upper back and waist, this had quietly become part of their nights.

A routine.

Gentle.

Unspoken.

Loving.

Zivah sat behind her on the bed and patted the space softly.

“Come here.”

Eraya obeyed immediately, shifting carefully until her back rested against Zivah’s front.

The oversized t-shirt slipped slightly from one shoulder as she moved.

Zivah’s eyes softened instantly at the sight of the faint healed marks along her skin.

Some had faded now.

Some still remained stubborn.

But none of them made Zivah look at Eraya differently.

If anything,

they only made her more protective.

More careful.

More devoted.

Zivah opened the cream quietly before rubbing some between her fingers.

The room stayed silent for a moment except for the faint sound of traffic outside.

Then,

Eraya spoke softly.

“You know, if someone saw us right now they would think I am very dramatic.”

Zivah frowned immediately.

“You are not dramatic.”

“I need medicine every night.”

“You need care every night,” Zivah corrected softly.

Eraya went quiet.

That tone.

That softness.

It always did something strange to her heart.

Zivah carefully applied the cream along the scar near her shoulder blade.

Gentle.

Patient.

Like she was handling something precious.

Eraya’s eyes slowly fluttered shut.

The touch no longer made her tense now.

Before,

being touched had always made her body prepare for pain.

Now,

her body relaxed instead.

That realization still overwhelmed her sometimes.

“Does it hurt?” Zivah asked quietly.

“A little.”

Zivah immediately softened further.

Her fingers became impossibly careful after that.

“You should have told me earlier when it hurt.”

Eraya smiled faintly.

“You already worry too much.”

“I will worry more.”

“That is exactly my point.”

“Good.”

Eraya laughed quietly.

Then after a pause,

“Zivi?”

“Hm?”

“You really take care of me.”

Zivah stopped moving for half a second.

The sincerity in Eraya’s voice always hit harder than dramatic declarations ever could.

Because Eraya never exaggerated.

If she said something,
she meant it fully.

Zivah resumed applying the cream slowly.

“Someone should.”

Eraya instantly turned slightly.

“That sounds sad.”

“It is not sad.”

“It sounds sad.”

Zivah sighed dramatically.

“Fine. Someone should take care of you because you are terrible at taking care of yourself.”

“There. Better.”

“Very demanding woman.”

“You married me.”

“I did.”

And she sounded absurdly proud about it too.

Once the cream was done, Zivah closed the tube and reached for the moisturizer bottle next.

Eraya immediately smiled knowingly.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Zivi.”

“You know the rules.”

“There are no rules.”

“There are now.”

Eraya laughed softly while Zivah squeezed some moisturizer onto her fingertips dramatically.

Then,
like every night,

she dabbed some onto Eraya’s cheek carefully.

Eraya stayed still now because she already knew what was coming.

Zivah used her finger to draw a tiny heart shape against her cheek.

Very focused.

Very serious.

Like an artist creating a masterpiece.

“There,” she declared proudly.

“Amazing art skills.”

“I know.”

“You literally failed art in school.”

“That information was private.”

Eraya burst into laughter.

And before she could tease again,

Zivah leaned forward and kissed the moisturizer heart softly.

Exactly where she always did.

A tiny ritual.

One that somehow made Eraya blush every single time.

Even now.

Even after so many kisses.

“You laugh every time,” Zivah pointed out suspiciously.

“Because you are ridiculous.”

“You adore me.”

“That too.”

Zivah grinned victoriously before pulling her properly into her arms and falling backward onto the bed dramatically.

Eraya let out a surprised laugh.

“Zivi!”

“You are kidnapped.”

“You said you do not kidnap people.”

“I evolved.”

Eraya shook her head helplessly while settling against her chest anyway.

Brownie got trapped between them for exactly three seconds before Zivah removed the teddy bear with deep betrayal.

“This thing is ruining my marriage.”

Eraya laughed harder.

“You are jealous of cotton.”

“I am jealous of emotional intimacy.”

“You are impossible.”

“And yet loved.”

That softened Eraya instantly.

The teasing.

The laughter.

It always melted so naturally into something tender with Zivah.

Like even jokes became affection around her.

The bedroom lights were dim now.

Only the warm bedside lamp remained on.

Eraya rested her chin lightly against Zivah’s shoulder while Zivah absentmindedly played with her fingers.

Then suddenly,

Zivah spoke again.

“Eraya?”

“Hm?”

“We have not gone out.”

Eraya blinked.

“We do go out.”

“No,” Zivah corrected immediately.

“Not properly.”

Eraya looked confused.

“We go to college together. Nursery. Restaurant. Anu and Shivi’s place-“

“That is not a date.”

The word made Eraya pause.

Date.

No one had ever said that word to her before like this.

Softly.

Excitedly.

Like loving her was something joyful instead of burdensome.

Zivah noticed the silence and immediately looked down at her.

“What happened?”

“You mean… a real date?”

“Yes.”

Eraya stared at her for another second.

Then quietly,

“We are married.”

“That makes it even more important.”

The sincerity in her voice made something warm bloom inside Eraya again.

Zivah suddenly sat up slightly, excitement slowly appearing on her face.

“Oh my god.”

Eraya blinked.

“What?”

“We should go tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

“Zivi-“

“Tomorrow.”

Eraya laughed softly at the determination in her tone.

“You already planned this?”

“No.”

“You definitely did.”

“I am improvising romantically.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

“It is attractive.”

“It is concerning.”

Zivah dramatically ignored that.

Then suddenly her eyes widened slightly.

“Oh wait.”

“What?”

“I can surprise you.”

Eraya narrowed her eyes immediately.

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No surprises.”

“Yes surprises.”

“Zivi.”

“Eraya.”

“Tell me.”

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“Just a little hint.”

“No.”

“You are smiling too much. That means it is something dramatic.”

“It is not dramatic.”

“You once brought home three plants because I said one flower looked pretty.”

“That was romance.”

“That was gardening.”

“That was devotion.”

Eraya buried her face into the pillow laughing while Zivah looked very proud of herself.

Then Eraya looked back at her suspiciously.

“At least tell me what to wear.”

“Clothes.”

“Very helpful.”

“I know.”

Eraya lightly smacked her shoulder.

“Zivi.”

But Zivah stayed firm.

Completely stubborn.

“No clues.”

“You are evil.”

” Yet You love me.”

Unfortunately,

that was true.

And both of them knew it.

Eraya sighed dramatically before settling back against her again.

“Fine.”

“Fine.”

“But if this surprise is bad then I am taking Brownie’s side forever.”

Zivah gasped.

“You fight dirty.”

“I learn from the best.”

That made Zivah laugh loudly.

Then softer now,

she wrapped both arms around Eraya properly and kissed her forehead.

Then her temple.

Then one cheek.

Then the other.

Then her nose.

Each kiss slower than the last.

Each one lingering.

Eraya immediately started laughing again.

“Zivi stop-“

“No.”

“You are attacking me.”

“With love.”

“That sounds illegal.”

“It should not.”

Another kiss.

Another laugh.

Another soft moment that settled carefully into both their hearts.

Finally Zivah rested her forehead against Eraya’s gently.

“I love you.”

The words came naturally now.

Steady.

Certain.

Like breathing.

Eraya looked at her for a moment.

Then narrowed her eyes suspiciously again.

“You are distracting me from the surprise.”

Zivah burst into laughter.

“You are unbelievable.”

“You started this.”

Still,
even while pretending annoyance,
Eraya’s expression softened.

And quietly,
very reluctantly,
she whispered back,

“I love you too.”

Zivah immediately grinned.

“There it is.”

“Goodnight, Zivi.”

“Goodnight, Eraya.”

And wrapped together beneath the soft blanket, with Brownie abandoned dramatically near the pillow, they slowly fell asleep smiling.

Morning sunlight slipped softly through the curtains, painting warm golden lines across the bedroom.

Everything was quiet.

Peaceful.

The kind of silence that only existed before the world fully woke up.

Zivah opened her eyes slowly.

For one disoriented second, she simply stared at the ceiling.

Then she felt warmth against her chest.

And instantly remembered.

Eraya.

A smile spread across her face before she even looked down.

Eraya was asleep in her arms exactly the way she had fallen asleep last night, one hand curled near Zivah’s shirt while Brownie remained abandoned somewhere near the edge of the bed after being “removed from the marriage,” as Zivah had dramatically declared.

A few strands of Eraya’s hair rested across her cheek.

Her breathing was soft.

Peaceful.

Safe.

And Zivah genuinely thought she could spend hours just looking at her.

The excitement from last night returned immediately.

Date.

They were going on a date today.

An actual proper date.

Not college.

Not grocery shopping disguised as romance.

Not accidental moments with friends around.

Just them.

And for some reason,

the thought made Zivah more nervous than basketball finals.

She looked down at Eraya again.

Still asleep.

Still holding onto her shirt unconsciously.

And something in Zivah’s chest softened so much it almost hurt.

Carefully,
very carefully,
she brushed Eraya’s hair away from her forehead.

Then leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss there.

Eraya stirred slightly.

Zivah froze immediately.

But Eraya only sighed softly and moved closer in sleep.

That nearly destroyed Zivah emotionally.

“Oh, you are adorable,” she whispered helplessly.

Another kiss.

This time on her temple.

Then one near her eyebrow.

Then her cheek.

Because apparently Zivah had no self-control when it came to this woman.

Still half asleep, Eraya frowned softly.

“Mhm…”

Zivah instantly bit back a smile.

“Go back to sleep.”

Eraya relaxed again immediately.

Trusting her completely.

That trust still overwhelmed Zivah every single day.

Carefully untangling herself from Eraya’s hold,
she slipped out of bed slowly so she would not wake her.

The moment the warmth disappeared from the bed, Eraya unconsciously reached toward the empty space.

Zivah stared for a whole five seconds with a ridiculous amount of affection.

Then she quietly tucked the blanket around her properly before leaving the room.

The apartment was cool and silent in the early morning.

Zivah stretched once before immediately reaching for her phone.

She walked toward the balcony near Kiki’s stand and dialed a number she had not called in months.

After three rings,
A sleepy old voice answered.

“Who is calling this early?”

Zivah grinned instantly.

“Uncle Omkar.”

There was silence.

Then suddenly,

“ZI?”

“Yes.”

“You are alive?”

“That sounds dramatic.”

“You vanished for months!”

“I was busy.”

“With basketball?”

“With life.”

The old man laughed warmly from the other side.

Omkar uncle owned a tiny rooftop café hidden near the mountain roads outside the city.

It was small.

Quiet.

Warm.

Mostly visited by travelers and couples who liked peaceful places.

Years ago, during one of her worst phases, Zivah used to drive there alone at night.

The old man never asked questions.

He simply gave her coffee and let her sit in silence.

Eventually they became friends.

“Tell me,” Omkar uncle asked suspiciously.

“Why are you suddenly remembering this old man?”

Zivah leaned against the balcony railing.

“I need a favor.”

“Aha.You sound dangerous.”

“I need the rooftop café today evening.”

“For what?”

“All of it.”

“All of it?”

“Yes.”

“Zi,” he laughed loudly,

“what are you planning?”

Zivah smiled helplessly.

“A date.”

There was complete silence.

Then,

“A WHAT?”

Zivah burst into laughter.

“A date.”

“You?”

“Yes.”

“The same girl who once said romance is a scam?”

“People change.”

“You hated couples.”

“I still do.”

“And now?”

“Now I am the couple.”

Omkar uncle laughed so loudly Zivah had to pull the phone slightly away from her ear.

“Who is she?”

“My wife.”

Silence again.

Then much softer,

“You got married?”

Zivah smiled unconsciously.

“Yeah.”

“When were you planning to tell me this?”

“Long story.”

“Zi!”

“I know, I know.”

“You disappeared and suddenly you have a wife?”

“Technically yes.”

Omkar uncle sounded personally betrayed.

“At least tell me her name.”

“Eraya.”

The smile in Zivah’s voice was impossible to hide now.

And the old man immediately noticed.

“Oh…”

“What?”

“You are gone.”

“What does that mean?”

“You are deeply in love.”

Zivah rolled her eyes instantly.

“That obvious?”

“Very.”

She laughed softly before looking back toward the bedroom door unconsciously.

“She likes quiet places,” Zivah murmured.

“And mountains. And flowers. And peaceful things.”

“You sound whipped.”

“I probably am.”

“That girl changed you completely.”

Zivah went quiet for a moment.

Then honestly,

“She did.”

The old man softened instantly hearing that tone.

“Done. Café is yours today.”

“Really?”

“Yes.But only because I want to meet the woman who made Zivah Varma romantic.”

Zivah groaned dramatically.

“I was always romantic.”

“You once compared love to food poisoning.”

“That was before Eraya.”

Omkar uncle laughed again.

“What time are you coming?”

“Around evening.”

“I will arrange everything.”

“And uncle?”

“Hm?”

“Make it cozy.”

“Oh ho.”

“I am serious.”

“So am I.”

Zivah smiled softly.

“Thank you.”

After ending the call, she stayed in the balcony for a moment.

The morning breeze moved gently around her.

And for the first time in years,
she felt excited about something simple.

Not victory.

Not achievement.

Just,
spending time with someone she loved.

The thought alone made her grin like an idiot.

Eventually she went inside and started preparing breakfast.

Fruits.

Toast.

Tea.

And of course,
apple mint water for Eraya.

Because apparently it had become essential to
survival.

By the time she was cutting fruits, sunlight had filled the apartment properly.

And behind her,

soft footsteps approached.

Before she could turn,

two sleepy arms wrapped around her waist from behind.

Zivah froze immediately.

Eraya rested her forehead lightly against her back.

“You disappeared.”

Zivah melted on the spot.

She turned around instantly, abandoning the knife dramatically.

“There she is.”

Eraya looked adorably sleepy.

Hair messy.

Eyes barely open.

Still wrapped in one of Zivah’s oversized shirts.

And Zivah genuinely forgot how language worked for two seconds.

Eraya frowned softly.

“Why are you staring?”

“Because you are unfairly beautiful in the morning.”

Eraya immediately looked away with a small embarrassed smile.

Zivah stepped closer and pulled her gently into her arms.

Then kissed her forehead softly.

“You woke up early,” Eraya murmured.

“So did you.”

“You were not there.”

The words were simple.

But Zivah immediately remembered how miserable she felt whenever Eraya woke up before her and disappeared from the bed.

Now Eraya had experienced it too.

And somehow,
that made her ridiculously happy.

“You missed me?”

Eraya looked at her flatly.

“You ask obvious questions.”

Zivah grinned.

“Very good. We are emotionally dependent now.”

Eraya laughed softly.

Then looked around suspiciously.

“You woke up early only for breakfast?”

“Wow. You think so little of me.”

“I think accurately of you.”

“I am hurt.”

“You are dramatic.”

“I am romantic.”

“That too.”

Zivah leaned closer immediately.

“Actually I woke up early because of our date.”

Eraya blinked.

“You are that excited?”

“Yes.”

The honesty in the answer made Eraya stare at her.

And something warm settled inside her chest again.

Nobody had ever looked excited to spend time with her before.

Wanted her before.

Looked at her like she was something precious before.

But Zivah did.

Every single day.

Zivah brushed her thumb gently along Eraya’s cheek.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You look happy.”

“I am happy.”

Eraya smiled softly.

And Zivah immediately leaned down to kiss the corner of her mouth.

Quick.

Warm.

Gentle.

Eraya blinked in surprise.

“Zivi.”

“What?”

“You are being extra affectionate.”

“It is date day.”

“That is not an excuse.”

“It absolutely is.”

Eraya laughed again.

And Zivah felt victorious immediately because morning laughter from Eraya genuinely felt better than caffeine.

Then suddenly Eraya narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“You still are not telling me where we are going?”

“No.”

“Just one clue.”

“No.”

“Mountains?”

Zivah’s face betrayed her instantly.

Eraya gasped.

“It is mountains!”

Zivah groaned loudly.

“You are evil.”

“You literally react with your entire face.”

“I should stop loving you openly.”

“That is impossible for you.”

Unfortunately,

that was true.

Zivah dramatically sighed before pulling her closer again.

“You ruined the surprise.”

“I only guessed mountains.”

“You still ruined it.”

Eraya smiled into her shoulder softly.

And for a moment,
they simply stayed like that in the kitchen.

Wrapped around each other.

Morning sunlight around them.

Kiki visible through the balcony.

The smell of fruits and mint filling the apartment.

Peaceful.

Home.

Then quietly,

Eraya spoke near her shoulder.

“Zivi?”

“Hm?”

“I think this is my favorite part of life.”

Zivah stilled.

“What is?”

“This.”

She looked up slowly.

“You.”

That was it.

Absolutely finished.

Zivah’s soul left her body.

She dramatically dropped her forehead against Eraya’s shoulder.

“You cannot say things like that in the morning.”

“Why?”

“I become emotional.”

Eraya laughed softly again and gently stroked her hair.

“Poor Zivi.”

“Do not mock my feelings.”

“You are cute when emotional.”

“I am always cute.”

“That is true.”

Zivah immediately looked up proudly.

“See?”

Eraya smiled helplessly.

Then Zivah suddenly kissed her forehead again before stepping back reluctantly.

“Now go freshen up.”

“You are throwing me away?”

“I am preparing for romance.”

“That sounds concerning.”

“It should.”

Eraya laughed while walking backward toward the bedroom.

But before disappearing,
she looked back once more.

And saw Zivah staring at her already.

Like always.

Like she could never look away for too long.

Eraya smiled softly at that.

Then disappeared into the room while Zivah stood there smiling to herself like a complete fool.
_____________