Night fell.
A storm brewed outside.
Inside—
Tension filled the air.
The power suddenly went out.
Darkness.
Ayaan immediately ran to Ananya.
"Mama!"
"It's okay," she whispered, holding him.
Aarav stood up carefully.
"I'll check the fuse."
Lightning flashed—
Illuminating the room for a split second.
Ananya's eyes met his.
Too close.
Too intense.
Too real.
The lights came back.
But something had changed.
Later that night—
Ayaan slept between them.
On the same bed.
Aarav lay on one side.
Ananya on the other.
Neither of them slept.
"Don't get used to this," Ananya whispered.
Aarav turned slightly.
"Too late."
Her heart skipped.
And she hated it.