Chapter Seventeen: A Moment to Breathe

The night air was cool against Tara’s skin as she and Abhay moved through the deserted streets. Their temporary hideout was a small, abandoned cabin tucked away in the woods, far enough from the city to keep them off the radar—for now.

Abhay walked ahead, his usual guarded stance in place, but Tara could sense he wasn’t as tense as before. Maybe, just maybe, the ice around him was starting to crack.

By the time they reached the cabin, exhaustion tugged at Tara’s limbs. "If I don’t get some sleep soon, I swear I’m going to pass out in the middle of a gunfight."

Abhay shot her a look as he checked the locks on the doors and windows. "That’s not exactly reassuring."

She plopped onto an old couch, kicking off her shoes. "Neither is your face, but here we are."

For a second, he just stared at her, and then, to her utter shock, he huffed out something that almost resembled a laugh.

Tara gasped dramatically. "Was that a laugh? Did the Abhay just—?"

"It was not," he cut in, shaking his head, but the corner of his lips twitched.

She grinned. "You so laughed. Admit it."

Ignoring her, he walked toward the small kitchen and rummaged through the cabinets. She stretched out on the couch, watching him.

"So, Batman, do you cook, or are we surviving on air and attitude?"

Abhay glanced over his shoulder. "There’s instant noodles. That work for you?"

She made a face. "Do I look like someone who lives off instant noodles?"

He turned back to the cabinet. "You look like someone who’d burn water."

Tara gasped, sitting up. "Excuse you! I happen to be an amazing cook!"

Abhay crossed his arms, a challenge in his eyes. "Prove it."

She narrowed her gaze. "Fine. Move aside, Mr. Broody, and watch the master at work."

She took over the tiny kitchen space, rummaging through what little supplies they had. There wasn’t much to work with, but she found some eggs, bread, and a few spices. In no time, the cabin was filled with the warm aroma of scrambled eggs and toast.

Abhay watched, arms still crossed. "Didn’t think you had it in you."

She flipped her hair dramatically. "I’m full of surprises."

He shook his head but took the plate she handed him. They ate in a comfortable silence, the tension from earlier finally easing.

As Tara finished her food, she glanced at Abhay. "You know, you’re kind of cute when you’re not scowling at the universe."

He choked slightly on his toast, coughing before giving her an exasperated look. "I do not scowl at the universe."

She smirked. "Oh, you so do."

He sighed, finishing his food. "You talk too much."

She leaned in slightly, her voice teasing. "And yet, here you are, listening."

Something flickered in his eyes, something she couldn’t quite place. But before she could push further, the lights flickered, then went out completely.

Tara groaned. "Perfect. Just what we needed—romantic mood lighting."

Abhay sighed, standing up. "I’ll check the generator."

She reached for her phone flashlight and followed him. "Oh no, you’re not leaving me alone in the dark. That’s how horror movies start."

He looked at her. "You’re more dangerous than any horror movie villain."

She grinned. "Aww, was that a compliment?"

Abhay shook his head, but there was something softer in his expression this time. Maybe, just maybe, he was starting to let her in.

And Tara? She wasn’t going to let him push her away.

Continues in the next episod

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