Coffee Stains and Midnight Cravings

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Dhruvin stirred awake, the morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. His gaze landed on Aashna, curled up beside him, stripped bare in the soft sheets, her arm draped over his chest, her breathing steady and peaceful. His heart clenched at the sight of her—ethereal, delicate, and utterly breathtaking. The dim sunlight kissed her skin, accentuating the gentle rise and fall of her bare shoulders. He traced his fingers lightly over her arm, marveling at how something so perfect, so beautiful, was here with him.

Guilt gnawed at him, overshadowing the euphoria of last night. He had failed her before. He hadn’t been there when she needed him the most. But now, he vowed silently, he would spend a lifetime making up for it. One day, he would marry her. One day, he would give her everything she deserved.

A sleepy murmur escaped her lips as she shifted, her hand brushing against his arm. Dhruvin held his breath, but she only buried her face deeper into the pillow, oblivious to the storm brewing inside him. A small smile tugged at his lips.

How did she manage to look both fierce and utterly defenseless at the same time?

Unable to resist, he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, then another to her cheeks. The warmth of his lips stirred her awake, her lashes fluttering as she slowly opened her eyes, meeting his adoring gaze. A sleepy smile tugged at her lips before she pulled him closer and kissed him. A kiss that started as lazy and tender but quickly turned into something more—something desperate, needy.

Before long, they found themselves tangled in each other again, limbs intertwined, gasps and moans echoing in the quiet morning. This time, there was no urgency, just an unspoken understanding, a silent promise exchanged with every caress, every kiss, every whispered name.

He cupped her face, his thumb grazing her lips as he searched her eyes. "I love you, Aashna." He crashed his lips onto hers, pouring every ounce of emotion into the kiss.

They made love again, this time slower, deeper, more intense. Every touch was a reassurance, every whisper a vow. He memorized every inch of her, the way her breath hitched, the way her fingers clutched onto him like he was her anchor. And in that moment, he knew—he was hers, completely, irrevocably.

Afterwards, they lay together, wrapped in each other’s warmth, bodies slick with sweat, breathing in sync. Aashna rested her head on his chest, tracing patterns on his skin, while Dhruvin buried his face in her hair, inhaling her scent, letting the moment etch itself into his memory. Something about her looking so unguarded made his chest tighten.

He got up first, stretching lazily before offering her a hand. She hesitated but took it, letting him pull her up.

Later, after a shower, Aashna playfully nudged him. "You know, it's been almost a year of us dating, and you haven’t even taken me on a proper date."

Dhruvin raised an eyebrow, grinning. "Oh? And what would my lady like?"

She crossed her arms. "A proper Mumbai date."

"Your wish is my command, Babba."

Their first stop was Ram Ashraya, a small yet famous eatery known for its authentic South Indian breakfast. They sat across from each other, devouring crisp dosas and strong filter coffee. Aashna took a sip, only for a thin coffee mustache to form above her lips. Dhruvin chuckled, leaning over to wipe it away with his thumb. Then, deciding against subtlety, he leaned in and kissed her.

"Hmm. Coffee tastes better like this," he murmured against her lips, making her swat his arm.

"You seem to know your way around,” she remarked, stirring her coffee.

Dhruvin shrugged, tearing a piece of dosa. “This place is iconic. Also, the best way to experience Mumbai is through its food.”

She hummed in agreement, taking a bite. “Not bad, Deshmukh. You might just be growing on me.”

He smirked. “That was always the plan.”

From there, they made their way to Taraporewala Aquarium. The salty air clung to them as they walked along Marine Drive, Dhruvin slipping into an easy storytelling mode about the city’s history, its secrets. She listened intently, her eyes shining with curiosity. He had always admired how deeply she absorbed stories—as if they were something sacred.

Inside the aquarium, she pressed her face close to the glass, watching the jellyfish float with ethereal grace. He stood behind her, hands stuffed into his pockets, watching her instead.

“You know,” he said, leaning closer, “they say jellyfish have no brains. Kind of like Manan.”

She snorted, elbowing him. “Rude. But accurate.”

They spent hours wandering through exhibits, bickering, teasing, stealing glances neither acknowledged. They walked through the dimly lit corridors, watching the vibrant fishes swim around in their enclosures.

"That one looks exactly like you," Aashna said, pointing at a pufferfish.

Dhruvin scoffed. "Excuse me? That is offensive."

"How so? You puff up just like that when you're mad!"

He narrowed his eyes playfully before pulling her into a hug. "And you, Babba, are definitely that goldfish. All innocent and small but secretly the smartest one here."

By the time evening rolled around, they found themselves at Dadar Chowpatty, sitting on the sand with cups of cutting chai and bhelpuri,  watching the sun set over the Arabian Sea. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, the waves gently lapping against the shore.

Dhruvin turned to her, brushing her hair back. "Aashu, will you come to my place tonight? Your parents and Aryan aren’t home, and I don’t want to leave you alone."

She hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay."

At his house, they spent time with Aaji and Aajoba, who fussed over Aashna like she was their own granddaughter. After dinner, the two retreated to his room, settling in comfortably—Aashna curled up with a novel, while Dhruvin absentmindedly played a game on his phone.

"What do you want to do in the future?" he asked suddenly.

She glanced up. "I want to go to the UK with my scholarship, complete my master’s, work in a publishing company, and eventually write my own novel."

Dhruvin’s eyes softened. "You will, Aashu. You’re the smartest person I know."

She smiled. "And you? What about your future?"

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Something in mass media, maybe photography or directing short films. I haven’t figured it out completely."

"You will. You’re incredible at it," she assured him.

They sat in comfortable silence before Dhruvin stretched. "I’m hungry."

Aashna checked her phone. "It’s already 11:30 PM. Too late to cook. Don’t worry, I’ll order something."

A few minutes later, she grinned at him. "I ordered McDonald's."

Dhruvin turned to her, his gaze intense yet filled with warmth. "Meri happy meal toh tum ho."

Aashna burst into laughter before pulling him in for a kiss. "You’re such a flirt."

After their meal, they curled up together in bed, limbs entangled. Dhruvin brushed his fingers through her hair. "Are you feeling better?"

She met his gaze, nodding. "I am. Thanks to you."

He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. "I’ll always be here, Aashu. Forever."

She snuggled closer, her heart swelling with warmth. "Forever."

And as they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other, everything felt right.

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Author’s Note

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