Zain brought Aanya home. Aanya's steps faltered slightly, and as she looked at the house, her eyes lit up with excitement. "This is my husband's house!" she said softly. She quickly turned to face Zain and rested her shoulders lightly against his.
Zain's heart raced, and a lump caught in his throat as she came so close. He leaned slightly to look at her, noticing the flush on her cheeks and the carefree smile on her face. He placed his right hand gently on her waist and slowly leaned his lips toward hers, ready to kiss her.
Suddenly, Aanya widened her eyes and whispered his name in a soft, playful tone, "My dear husband, will you make noodles for me? I'm really hungry."
Zain quickly pulled back his face a little, narrowing his eyes slightly, and swallowed hard. "What? But you already ate your fill at Huan Jing's place," he asked, surprised.
Aanya tilted her head slightly from right to left with stubbornness and pursed her lips. "I don't know! But right now… I just really feel like eating noodles."
Zain stroked her waist gently with his fingers, suppressing a laugh. "Alright." Aanya happily rested her head on his chest and lightly tugged his shirt with her fist. "My dear husband, you're so good," she said in a very soft voice.
Zain's breath caught for a moment, as if he'd forgotten to inhale. His eyes reflected the love and affection he felt for her.
Aanya then stepped slightly forward, moving away from his chest. "Hurry up! I'm hungry!"
Zain smiled and bowed his head slightly. "Alright, I'll make them, my dear wife."
He prepared noodles for her and carefully placed the plate on the dining table. He sat beside her chair, resting his elbows on the table, watching her eat.
After finishing, Aanya rubbed her stomach with both hands and said, "The noodles were delicious. I'm full," as she stood up.
Suddenly, her feet slipped slightly due to drowsiness.
Zain quickly stood and leaned forward, placing one hand on her wrist and the other firmly on her waist, pulling her toward him in one swift motion.
They were now very close, their space nearly nonexistent. For a moment, they looked at each other without blinking. Zain slowly lowered his gaze to her lips.
Aanya took a deep breath, and without thinking, kissed him in a haze of intoxication. Zain closed his eyes and tightened his hold on her waist.
Aanya raised both her hands and placed them on Zain's shoulders, pulling herself even closer.
After a while, she lightly rested her head on his chest, rubbing her cheek against his shirt. Her cheeks were still flushed, and she seemed half-asleep. "I'm feeling sleepy, hubby," she murmured softly.
Zain lifted one hand to stroke her hair gently, smiling faintly. "Alright, I'll put you to sleep in your room."
Aanya lifted her chin and made a childish pout, saying, "No! I want to sleep in your room. I'm scared of sleeping alone."
Zain tilted his head slightly to the right, narrowing his eyes. "But you've been sleeping alone all this time, haven't you?"
Aanya leaned closer, holding his hand and whispering softly into his ear, "Yes, but Huan Jing and I watched a horror movie, that's why I'm scared."
Zain tried to suppress a laugh but eventually chuckled. Aanya clasped her hands together, bowing her head slightly, and pleaded lovingly, "Please!"
Zain took her along to her room. Aanya happily plopped down on the grand bed.
Zain rested his elbow on the bed. "Alright, you sleep here, and I'll sleep on the sofa."
Half-asleep, Aanya quickly sat up and reached out to stop him from going to the sofa. "No! Sleep beside me! What if a ghost attacks me?" she said dramatically.
Zain bit his lips to stop his laughter. "Alright," he said, lying down gently on her side.
Aanya took a few long breaths and fell into a deep sleep.
Zain slowly lifted his hand remove to her glasses. He noticed she had gripped his hand tightly. He tried to pull it away, but her hold didn't loosen.
He placed her glasses on the bedside table with one hand and, with the other under his head on the pillow, looked at her.
A soft smile appeared on his face, quickly giving way to a deep thought. He looked at her lips; the sudden warmth of their kiss lingered in his mind.
He whispered softly, his voice heavy with breath,
"Whether you remember or not… tomorrow, everything will change. I don't know… what I truly want."
He slowly turned his head away as if trying to escape the thought, then closed his eyes. His hand remained close to his heart.