Awkward Heartstrings (HEARTSTRINGS SERIES-1)

Aadya pov

The first sliver of dawn peeked through the curtains, painting the room in soft pink and gold. I stirred, a happy warmth spreading through me as I remembered Reyansh was in the next bed.  I stretched, a smile tugging at my lips. Today was going to be good.

Quietly, I slipped out of bed and tiptoed to the kitchen. The familiar, comforting scent of flour and sugar already danced in my head, a prelude to the morning's baking. I knew Reyansh would be up soon, and I wanted to surprise him with something special – a little "I missed you" baked into every bite.

Chocolate chip cookies.  His absolute favorite. The recipe was practically memorized, a well-loved ritual passed down from Mom. I gathered the ingredients, moving quietly and efficiently, careful not to wake anyone. The gentle clinking of bowls and measuring spoons filled the quiet morning, a soft baking symphony.

As I worked, my thoughts drifted to Reyansh. I pictured his sleepy smile, the crinkles around his eyes when he laughs. I thought of all the things I wanted to tell him, all the missed moments from the last two months.  Baking these cookies felt like a way to say all those things I couldn't put into words, a tangible "I love you" in the form of warm, gooey goodness.

Soon, the kitchen was filled with that irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies – a promise of warmth and comfort.  I carefully arranged them on a plate, adding a little note: "For the sweetest guy I know." Cheesy, I know, but it's true.

Just then, I heard soft footsteps coming towards the kitchen. My heart did a little flip. I turned around, a big smile ready, excited to see Reyansh's face when he saw his surprise.

Bathed in the soft morning light, Reyansh was leaning against the doorframe, watching me with this sweet, amused look.  I hadn't even heard him come in!

"What are you up to?" he asked, his voice still a little sleepy and rumbling. "Since when are you a morning baker?"

I jumped a little, surprised. "Oh! You're up already," I said, my cheeks getting all warm. I hadn't realized he was there. "I… I just wanted to make you something," I mumbled, gesturing to the plate of cookies.

"A little… welcome back treat."

His smile got even wider, and my heart did a little flutter. He walked over, and I could feel my cheeks getting even hotter.

"Welcome back treat, huh?" he teased, but his voice was soft. He picked up a cookie, and I watched as the chocolate chips melted a little on his fingers.

"They smell amazing." He took a bite, his eyes closing. "Mmm," he murmured. "These are incredible, Aadya. Seriously, you're the best."

I beamed, all my shyness melting away. "I'm glad you like them," I said, so happy he did. "I put in extra chocolate chips, just how you like."

He chuckled. "You know me too well," he said, taking another bite.  Then, he leaned in and kissed me softly on the forehead. 

"Thank you," he whispered. "This was the perfect start to the day."  And just like that, the whole kitchen felt warm and cozy, filled with the smell of cookies and… him.

The warmth of the moment, the sweet taste of the cookies, the quiet happiness of the morning – it all felt so perfect. But as we stood there, sharing cookies and comfortable silence, a shadow fell over Reyansh's face. He took a deep breath, and I could see the light in his eyes dimming.

"Aadya," he said, his voice hesitant. "I… I have to go back tomorrow."

The word hung in the air, so heavy and sharp against the sweetness of the morning. My smile faltered, and my heart sank a little. I knew he couldn’t stay forever, but hearing it, so soon after he arrived, made it feel so much more real, so much more painful.