The soft winter sun filtered through the curtains, touching the edges of the room with a gentle warmth. Hiten stirred awake to the faint hum of the city outside, the chill in the air just enough to make the blankets feel extra cozy. He stretched and glanced at Aarya, still wrapped in her blanket, her hair falling softly across her face.
A small smile tugged at his lips. "Morning, sleepyhead," he whispered, nudging her gently.
Aarya murmured, half-asleep, "Five more minutes…"
"Nope," Hiten replied, voice calm but firm. "It's New Year morning. Time to start fresh… and besides, I've made something for you."
Her eyes fluttered open, squinting at him. "Something?"
Hiten handed her a cup of steaming coffee. "Finish this first, then we can talk, eat, and plan our resolutions."
She took it, rubbing her eyes. "You're way too serious for this hour… but fine."
They sipped in comfortable silence, the kind of quiet only long companionship could allow. Hiten finally broke it. "Last year… it was a whirlwind, wasn't it? Exams, weddings, trips… and somehow, every chaotic moment was better because you were there."
Aarya's eyes softened. "Yeah… I never realized how much I'd… rely on you. Not just for fun or teasing… but for calm, for support."
Hiten leaned back, looking at her seriously. "I've felt the same. You've always been… well, you. And it makes everything brighter."
She smiled, her cheeks slightly pink. "You've gotten so poetic, Hiten. Every year, it seems you have more depth than before."
He shrugged lightly. "Excuse me, Miss. I'm a poet. Remember that. Can't help it."
Aarya laughed softly, shaking her head. "I'll hold you to that."
After a few more quiet moments, Hiten reached out and gently pulled her close. Aarya blinked, surprised for a second, then relaxed into the hug. His arms were warm, steady, and safe around her.
"I… feel really happy right now," she murmured into his chest.
"Me too," Hiten replied softly. "Always… when I'm with you."
They stayed like that for a while, letting the calm of the morning wrap around them. Outside, the city was slowly waking, but inside, it felt like their own little world.
After the hug, Aarya reached into her bag and handed him a small box. "I got this for you," she said, smiling shyly. "For New Year."
Hiten opened it carefully, revealing chocolates wrapped in a tiny ribbon. His eyes softened. "You remembered I love these," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Thank you… really."
Aarya teased lightly, nudging him. "Not too flustered, Dumbo."
He grinned. "Excuse me, Miss Angry Muffin, I'm a poet. Flustered is part of the charm."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her laughter.
They finished breakfast, chatting about hopes and resolutions. Hiten promised to make more memories, surprise her, and always be by her side. Aarya promised to trust him, embrace adventures, and continue sharing her playful yet thoughtful side.
Later, they moved to the window, looking out at the soft winter sunlight and the quiet streets. Hiten's voice became soft, almost poetic. "I think… this year will be different. New beginnings, small joys, everything… with you."
Aarya blushed, looking away briefly before smiling. "Yeah… together, everything feels… right."
Hiten's hand found hers, a gentle squeeze. They didn't need to say more; the comfort of that touch said it all.
The chapter closed with the sun rising higher, bathing them in warmth. The world outside was just starting its year, but for Hiten and Aarya, the morning was already perfect — a promise of shared moments, quiet love, and endless possibilities ahead.