The weather changed suddenly.
Cold winds. Silent skies.
And inside the mansion…
Anaya was burning with fever.
Her body felt weak.
Her head heavy.
But still… she tried to stand.
"I'm fine…" she whispered to herself.
Because she didn't want to depend on anyone.
Especially him.
But the moment she took a step—
Everything went black.
She collapsed.
"Anaya!"
Kabir's voice echoed in the room.
He caught her before she hit the ground.
His grip tight.
His eyes… filled with something unfamiliar.
Fear.
"Idiot," he muttered.
"You can't even take care of yourself."
He carried her to the bed.
Carefully.
As if she might break.
The doctor came.
"High fever," he said.
"She needs rest. And someone to stay with her."
Kabir didn't reply.
But he didn't leave either.
Night fell.
The entire mansion was quiet.
But in her room…
Kabir was sitting beside her.
He placed a cold cloth on her forehead.
Gently.
Again and again.
Anaya opened her eyes slightly.
Everything was blurry.
But she saw him.
"You…" she whispered weakly.
Kabir looked at her.
"Don't talk."
"I'm okay…" she tried to say.
"Shut up," he said softly.
But this time…
There was no anger.
Only concern.
She tried to sit up.
But her body trembled.
Kabir immediately held her shoulders.
"Careful."
His touch was warm.
Safe.
Anaya's heart beat faster.
"Why… does this feel different?"
"Why are you doing this…?" she asked slowly.
Kabir froze for a moment.
Then looked away.
"I don't like problems in my house."
Anaya smiled faintly.
Even in her weak state.
"You're lying…"
Kabir looked at her again.
Annoyed.
But silent.
Minutes passed.
Silence filled the room.
Then suddenly—
Anaya held his hand.
Weakly.
Kabir froze.
His entire body stiff.
"Don't go…" she whispered.
"I feel… scared…"
Something broke inside him.
Something he had locked for years.
Slowly…
He tightened his grip around her hand.
"I'm here," he said quietly.
"Sleep."
And she did.
Holding his hand.
Like it was her only support.
Kabir didn't move the whole night.
Not even once.
He watched her.
Her peaceful face.
Her soft breathing.
And for the first time in years…
His heart felt calm.
Morning came.
Sunlight filled the room.
Anaya opened her eyes.
She felt better.
She looked beside her.
The chair was empty.
Kabir was gone.
"Was it all a dream…?"
She sat up slowly.
And then—
She noticed something.
On the table…
A tray of warm food.
And medicine.
Her eyes softened.
A small smile appeared.
"He stayed…"
Outside the room…
Kabir stood silently.
Leaning against the wall.
He looked tired.
Like he hadn't slept.
But his eyes…
They weren't cold anymore.
"Why does her pain… affect me?"
Inside…
Anaya touched her heart softly.
"Why do I feel safe… with him?"
And without realizing—
Both of them had taken one step closer.
❤️