Bunny's POV
I sat in the backseat of Aarav's car, wrapped in his jacket.
His scent — familiar and warm — was the only thing grounding me right now.
He hadn't spoken much since we left that awful place.
Just held my hand the entire way. Tightly. As if he feared I'd disappear if he let go.
And truth be told… I didn't want him to.
The silence was comforting. Safe.
But my thoughts were loud.
What if he hadn't come?
What if that man had…
I clenched my fists.
Then his voice broke through the stillness.
Aarav (softly):
"Next time… don't ever get into a car unless I'm the one behind the wheel."
I looked at him. His eyes were focused on the road, but his jaw was tight. Angry.
Bunny:
"I didn't know… I thought…"
Aarav (cutting in):
"I'm not blaming you. I'm blaming myself. I said I'd be there — and I wasn't."
Bunny:
"You saved me. That's what matters."
He finally looked at me. His hand squeezed mine tighter.
Aarav:
"I nearly lost you."
There was pain in his voice — real, raw, unfiltered.
I leaned my head on his shoulder.
Bunny:
"But you didn't."
---
Later – Aarav's Apartment
He insisted I stay with him.
I didn't argue.
I showered and changed into one of his shirts — oversized, soft, and scented like him.
When I stepped into the living room, he was waiting with hot chocolate.
Aarav:
"No caffeine. You need to sleep. And eat something."
I sat beside him on the couch. He placed the mug in my hands but didn't let go.
Our fingers overlapped. Warmth passed between us.
Bunny:
"You're being gentle. That's scary."
Aarav (smirking slightly):
"I almost lost the girl I love. That tends to change a guy."
I blinked.
Love?
He looked straight into my eyes. No teasing. No smirk.
Just truth.
Aarav (calmly):
"Yes. I said love. And no, I'm not taking it back."
Bunny (whispering):
"You're serious."
Aarav (nodding):
"Have been for a while. I was just… waiting for the right moment."
Bunny:
"And almost getting me kidnapped felt like a sign?"
Aarav:
"If that's what it took for you to finally take me seriously… maybe."
I chuckled softly.
And then leaned in, resting my head against his chest.
Bunny (quietly):
"You're annoying. But I think I love you too."
He didn't reply with words.
Just wrapped both arms around me.
And held me — like he'd never let go.
---