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Zayd's pov ── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

I was lost in the kind of sleep that wraps around you like a cocoon, where the world fades away, and all that exists is a serene, comforting darkness. It was peaceful, the kind of sleep that makes you feel like nothing could ever disturb it. But then, I felt it—a feather-light touch near my heart, a sensation that tickled and pulled me toward consciousness. I tried to ignore it, to sink back into the warmth of my dreams, but then I heard it—her voice.

"Zayd, utho na...!"

[Zayd, wake up..]

Rida's soft giggle pierced through the fog of sleep, a sound so sweet and familiar that it brought a lazy smile to my face, even in my half-conscious state. Her voice was like a melody that I never wanted to stop playing. I could feel her presence, warm and close, teasing me awake.

But I wasn't ready to wake up, not just yet. Still caught in that delicious limbo between sleep and wakefulness, I reached out blindly, my hand finding her waist. With a gentle tug, I pulled her onto the bed beside me, feeling the soft, smooth skin beneath my fingertips. Her skin was bare, and the realization stirred something deep inside me. She must be wearing something that left her stomach exposed—a crop top, maybe. The idea was too tempting. I buried my face against her stomach, inhaling her scent, the warmth of her skin urging me to hold onto this moment a little longer.

"Thori der aur, meri jaan..." I murmured, my voice a low, sleepy rumble as I snuggled closer, trying to ignore the world beyond the bed.

[A little longer my love..]

But Rida, ever the stubborn one, wasn't about to let me have my way. "Tum uth rahe ho ya mai jaaun?" she asked, her voice holding that playful threat that always made my heart race.

[Will you wake up or should I leave?]

I couldn't help but chuckle at her tone, even as I tightened my arms around her, pulling her fully into the bed. Rolling over, I wrapped her in my embrace, burying my face in her neck. She let out a surprised scream, her laughter ringing out as she tried to wriggle free, but I wasn't letting go. Not yet.

Just when I thought I could steal a few more moments of this bliss, a loud, unfamiliar voice cut through the haze of my dream. My eyes shot open, the warm, comforting world of Rida and sleep shattering around me.

What I saw wasn't Rida's beautiful face but...Aman? My right-hand man?

What the—?

Reality crashed down on me like a bucket of ice water. I quickly shoved Aman away, horror and embarrassment flooding my senses as I realized what had happened. "What are you doing in my room—and in my bed?" I demanded, my voice harsher than I intended.

Aman, looking thoroughly spooked, straightened up and tried to explain, "Sir, you... you pulled me into the bed. I came to wake you up, but you were... smiling and mumbling something in your sleep."