17 | nazdeekiyaan

                                    

                                          
17 | nazdeekiyaan
                          
"Tumhe door janne de rahe ho lekin yeh dil ke pass rakh rahi ho." 
                          
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    The curtains added a glow to the morning light. Bani's face took on the appearance that he wanted to photograph, so beautiful. He wanted to cherish this moment as it brought her skin into focus, not yet aligning with the warmth of who she is, for she was still in the land of dreams. He brought her body close so that their hearts synchronized. He would embrace her till she was awake, until the light was strong enough to bring her into the present to him. 
                          
    He was reminded of the incident that happened over a week ago, when she had her panic attack and had to be rushed to the hospital. He was still worried about her health. He made sure she didn't work and that she rested for at least the first few days after. He took care of her day and night, almost afraid to leave her. He kept reassuring her as much as he could, trying to rest her doubts, fears, and insecurities. 
                          
    He lazily nuzzled her neck, hand tracing circles on her stomach, gripping on to her waist. He needed to feel her, to be assured that this was his reality. She was real and she was his. He took in her scent, the one that now seemed slightly different. He couldn't quite figure out what it was, what had changed about the way she smelt. He tried coming closer but his beard started to tickle her and bring her back into the light. She opened her eyes slowly and turned to look at her husband. Her eyes shone bright, beaming to see him. She came closer, allowing him to hold on tight. 
                          
    "Jaan, kaam ke liye nahi jana aaj?" She asked looking at the clock. 
                          
    "Nahi," he mumbled and pressed his lips against the skin of her neck. 
                          
    "Kyun?"
                          
    "Tumhe chodne ka mann nahi hai." 
                          
    She smiled and caressed his cheek. He asked, "Can we go for breakfast together somewhere? I have a long day and I really want to spend more time with you."
                          
    "You mean we're going on a date?" She asked excitedly. 
                          
    "Yes sweetheart." 
                          
    She brimmed with happiness. "I know a place. Let's go there. I'll get ready!" She leaped out of bed in a rush and then back tracked, remembering something she had to do. She went back into bed, gave him a kiss on the cheek. 
                          
    "Good morning jaan." 
                          
~
                          
    He pulled a chair for her at breakfast and she sat down. He was about to sit across her but she held his hand, calling him near her. She asked him to bend and when he did, she cupped one cheek and kissed the other. 
                          
    "Sweetheart?" 
                          
    "You look unbearably handsome today jaan," she whispered in his ear. 
                          
    He grinned from ear to ear, his heart doing a happy dance. It was so easy to make this man happy, all he needed was some attention from his wife and that would do it. He went to sit opposite her and they ordered their meal. Bani's drink arrived but she refused to have it.
                          
    "Sweetheart, kya hua? Drink achi nahi lagi kya?" 
                          
    "Mujhe nahi peena," she pouted. 
                          
    He asked her again what happened and she put in another straw and pushed the drink to the middle of the table. She said she would only drink if he had it with her if not she wasn't going to. He shook his head at her antics and chuckled before sipping it with her. She locked eyes with him and refused to look away, wanting to drown in those eyes of his that day. But the waitress came over with their food and the moment, unfortunately, passed.