SECRETLY MARRIED ENEMIES

I woke up in the middle of the night.

My neck was sore, my arms heavy—and then I realized why.

I had fallen asleep on her lap.

Her back was against the edge of the bed, neck tilted awkwardly, her body slumped in the most uncomfortable position—yet somehow, she hadn't moved.

She'd let me sleep like that.

I sat up slowly, careful not to wake her, and gently slid my arms under her to lift her. She stirred a little, a small frown creasing her brows as I placed her softly on the bed.

I grabbed the nearest pillow, tucked it beneath her neck, and pulled the blanket over her.

Just as I was about to turn away—

She held my wrist.

Half-asleep, eyes still closed... but her voice came out soft and sleepy:

"Mr. Rude... ab rona mat, thik hai?"

["Mr. Rude... no more crying, okay?"]

I froze for a second... then chuckled.

"Yes, my little chaos," I whispered.

She smiled. A sleepy pout forming on her lips.

"Main nahi hoon little chaos... main ek IAS hoon..."

["I'm not, little chaos... I'm an IAS officer..."]

And just like that—she was out again.

A smile tugged at my lips as I watched her.

Even in sleep, she managed to argue.

Even in sleep, she managed to calm the storm inside me.

Then I shifted to the couch again, pulling my own throw over myself, heart just a little lighter than before.

But I didn't turn away.

I stayed.

My eyes... still on her face.

She looked calm in her sleep. Too calm for someone who flinches at every unknown message, who freezes at the sight of a courier, who checks over her shoulder even in broad daylight.

And yet... she still hadn't told me the truth.

"I know, Kavisha... tumne abhi bhi mujhe sach nahi bataya."

["I know, Kavisha... you still haven't told me the truth."]

I ran a tired hand through my hair, eyes never leaving her.

"Pata nahi tum kis cheez se itna darti ho... aisa kaunsa raaz hai tumhara..."

["I don't know what scares you so much... what secret of yours is this..."]

There was no answer, just her steady breathing.

But I kept going. Not for her to hear. For me to let it out.

"Lekin thik hai..."
"Agar tum mujhe nahi batana chahti... toh thik hai."

["But it's okay..."
"If you don't want to tell me... that's fine."]

A pause.

My gaze softened, but my jaw clenched.

"Main ab apne tareeke se pata lagaunga."
"Kyuki ab main tumhe aur aise darte... aur sehamte hue nahi dekh sakta."

["I'll find out in my own way now."
"Because I can't see you scared... and trembling like this anymore."]

I stared at her for a moment longer.