Shallow silence followed before the birds began their chorus. Shashwat stirred, a long, deep yawn stretching his frame, but as his senses returned, he realized he wasn't lying on his pillow.

He looked down, his amber eyes widening in surprise as he found himself still anchored in Siya’s lap. She was sitting propped up against the headboard, her back straight and her eyes were on his face. The moment his eyes met hers, a soft calm smile broke across her tired features. She leaned down, her lips warm and chaste as she pressed a tender kiss to his forehead.