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Haniya slowly opened her eyes. For a moment she didn't even remember where she was. Then she saw Aarav sleeping beside her, his arm loosely around her waist, his face calm and soft. A warm smile spread across her lips. She felt her heart flip just watching him breathe.
She shifted a little, just to look at him more clearly. Aarav's eyes opened instantly, like he had been awake the whole time. Haniya blinked.
"You're awake?" she whispered.
Aarav smiled lazily and pulled her closer. "I have been awake for a while," he admitted. "I was just pretending… because I like when you stare at me like that."
Her cheeks heated. She hid her face against his chest and hugged him tightly. Aarav laughed softly and wrapped both arms around her, holding her with the same warmth she felt last night.
"You hugged me like this in your sleep too," he said. "You didn't even let me move."
"Liar," she murmured, hitting his chest lightly.
"I'm serious," he said. "You were holding me like you were scared I'd disappear."
Haniya didn't reply. She only tightened her arms around him again, surprising even herself. Aarav kissed her forehead gently.
"Last night…" Aarav whispered, his voice low and warm, "are you going to pretend it didn't happen?"
Haniya looked up at him slowly. His eyes were fixed on her, full of that same fire, that same softness.
"I didn't forget anything," she said quietly.
Aarav smirked. "Good. Because I'm not planning to forget a single second."
She hid her face again, embarrassed, but he caught her chin lightly and made her look at him.
"I loved… every moment," he said softly. "You were perfect."
Haniya's breath caught. "Stop talking like that," she whispered.
"Why?" he teased. "You were the one who—"
"Aarav!" she pushed him and covered his mouth with her hand.
He laughed and kissed her palm, sending a shiver up her arm. They stayed like that for a long while, talking in low soft tones, teasing each other about last night, remembering small moments, smiling like idiots.
Finally Aarav leaned back and asked, "So… what are you wearing tonight?"
Haniya smirked. "Secret."
"Oh really?" Aarav raised an eyebrow. "You're doing this on purpose."
"Hmm," she hummed teasingly. "You'll see tonight."
He narrowed his eyes, staring at her with playful suspicion. "Then at least tell me the color."
"No."
He leaned closer. "Tell me."
"No."
He sighed dramatically. "Fine. But if you look too good, then I'm not letting you walk away from me tonight."
She pushed him lightly and sat up. "I really have to go before someone sees me."
Aarav sat up too, immediately alert. "Wait, let me check the hallway first."
But she stopped him. "No. If you open the door, it will make noise. I'll handle it."
She slipped out of the bed, fixed her hair, and quietly opened the door just enough to peek outside. The hallway was empty. She quickly stepped out and closed the door behind her, her heart beating fast as she walked toward her own room.
Once inside, she exhaled a huge breath and smiled like an idiot before getting ready. She washed her face, did her routine, chose a simple outfit for the morning, and headed downstairs for breakfast.
The dining area was full of chatter already. Everyone was talking excitedly about tonight's big party.
As soon as Haniya walked in, Vivaan waved. "Look who finally woke up! Princess Haniya!"
She rolled her eyes and sat down. "Shut up, Vivaan."
Harsh leaned forward. "So… tonight's party is at your home, right?"
Haniya stared at him. "Yes."
Vivaan almost squealed. "Bro, do you guys even understand how big her house is? It's literally a mansion-mansion. Not normal people mansion. Like… ultra-rich mansion."
Harsh nodded dramatically. "Of course it is. She's the president's daughter. What else do you expect?"
Haniya sighed. "Stop exaggerating."
"No, no," Vivaan continued, pointing at her. "We've literally seen her father's interviews. Your house is insane. And… AND…" he raised a finger, waiting for effect, "she owns a black card."
The whole table gasped like it was a scandal.
Kashvi folded her arms. "You told me that card was just normal."
"It is normal for me!" Haniya protested.
"Normal??" Harsh grabbed his head. "Do you know only billionaires use that card?"
Vivaan leaned back dramatically. "I feel poor sitting next to you."
Haniya groaned. "Guys, stop making a big deal."
"But it IS a big deal!" Vivaan argued. "Your card limit is literally unlimited! You can buy a whole building with that!"
Aarav, who was quiet until now, looked at Haniya with a small smile. His eyes were warm, soft, and only she could understand what that smile meant.
Haniya raised an eyebrow at him. "Why are you smiling like that?"
"Nothing," Aarav said softly. "Just looking at you."
Her heart flipped again. She quickly looked down at her plate, pretending to be busy eating.
Vivaan saw it. "Ayyoo look at these two. Flirting early in the morning."
Haniya flicked a piece of bread at him. "Eat your food and shut up."
Harsh laughed. "Someone's in a mood today."
"Yeah," Kashvi added with a grin, "our queen is glowing."
Haniya froze for a second.
Aarav nearly choked on his food.
Vivaan gasped dramatically. "Why is she glowing?? Aarav, explain."
"Shut. Up." Haniya threw another piece of bread.
Everyone burst into laughter, teasing her without mercy, while she replied savagely to each one, acting unfazed, hiding the blush that kept threatening to appear.
Deep down, though… she felt warm. Loved. Safe. And excited for tonight.
Because tonight… she would be at home.
And Aarav would see a different side of her.
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