If someone had told me a year ago that I would be moving into a modern apartment with an ancient warrior king, I would have laughed in their face.

And yet, here we were. I think I said these lines before .

Sandhya had recently bought a new apartment, and since Rudraksha couldn’t exactly stay at my house without my parents losing their minds, she offered it as a temporary place for him.

“It’s perfect, Aaru!” Sandhya had grinned when we got here. “Top floor. Amazing view. And best of all—” She wiggled her eyebrows at me. “You two will have some alone time.”

I choked. “SANDHYA!”

She cackled, tossing the apartment keys at me. “Relax, it’s just for a bit! I have to go finalize some paperwork, and you two can settle in. Enjoy your little ‘sleepover.’”

I glared at her as she winked and left, leaving me alone with a six-foot-something king who looked way too comfortable in his new surroundings.

Rudraksha smirked at me. “Your friend is... amusing.”

I sighed, shoving the keys into my pocket. “You have no idea.”

The apartment was spacious and minimalistic, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The furniture was sleek and modern, with a cozy living room, kitchen, and bedroom.

Rudraksha walked around, inspecting everything with curiosity, his golden eyes scanning the place like a king surveying new land.

He walked to the window, looking out at the city below. "This place is... high."

I laughed. "Yeah, we’re on the top floor."

He nodded approvingly. "I like it."

I smirked. "What, is the Maharaja of Vyantara impressed?"

He gave me a side glance, lips curling into a smirk. "Your world is... different. But I can see why you like it. It is more exciting than mine."

I raised an eyebrow. "So, you don’t want to go back?"

He shrugged. "I never said that. But now, I understand why you were hesitant to stay in Vyantara. It is just because our worlds are different."

I sighed, leaning against the counter. "No... it’s because of my parents. My life. The dreams I have here."

He turned to me, his expression curious. "What is your dream?"

I hesitated, then smiled. "To discover something historic. To mark my name in history. To make my parents proud."

He was silent for a moment before nodding. "That is a worthy dream."

I grinned. "Glad you approve, Maharaja."

I stared at him, tilting my head. "You know... you could use a little haircut."

His brows furrowed. "What is wrong with my hair?"

I chuckled. "Nothing! But it’s just a bit... wild. A trim would suit you."

He crossed his arms, looking amused. "You dare suggest I change my appearance?"

I grinned, walking up to him. "Trust me, Maharaja, you’ll look even better."

He smirked. "Is that possible?"

I rolled my eyes. "Wow, someone’s full of himself."

He chuckled. "You said it first."

Before I could argue, he moved on to another topic— namely, the kitchen appliances.

First, he opened the fridge and immediately stepped back.

"Why is it cold inside?" He touched a water bottle, his expression suspicious.

I laughed. "It’s called a refrigerator. It keeps food fresh."

He narrowed his eyes. "Sorcery."

I rolled my eyes. "Technology."

Then he discovered the air conditioner.

The moment the cold air hit him, he tensed, his muscles tightening.

"Who is breathing on me?"

I lost it. I laughed so hard, I had to hold onto the counter for support.

"Rudraksha—oh my god—it’s not a person, it’s an air conditioner! It cools the room!"

He scowled at the machine, muttering, "Unnatural."

I shook my head. "Oh, you’re going to have so much fun here."

Sandhya texted me later:

"I’ll tell your parents you’re staying at my place for a sleepover. You owe me one. Enjoy your night with your BOYFRIEND 😉."

I groaned, but I wasn’t exactly complaining.

That night, I decided to cook dinner.

And by “cook,” I mean boil instant noodles.

Rudraksha watched me the entire time, his arms crossed, his expression both fascinated and concerned.

"You eat this?" he asked as I stirred the pot.

I grinned. "Yes, your highness, this is called instant noodles. It’s the lifeline of students and lazy people everywhere."

He picked up the packet, reading the back. "No real ingredients. Just... powder and dried noodles?"

I rolled my eyes. "It’s delicious. Trust me."

When it was done, we sat on the couch, eating straight from the bowls.

He took a bite. Then another.

Then he nodded slowly. "It is... acceptable."

I grinned. "See? Told you."

He smirked. "Still, it is nothing compared to the food in Vyantara."

I sighed dramatically. "Well, excuse me, Maharaja. Next time, I’ll make a five-course meal."

He chuckled. "I would like to see that."

After dinner, I decided to introduce him to Google.

"This," I said, showing him my phone screen, "is Google. It can answer any question."

His eyes narrowed. "Any question?"

I smirked. "Try it."

He thought for a moment, then said :

"How to win a battle against 10,000 men."

I burst out laughing. "Rudraksha! That’s not what people use Google for!"

He raised an eyebrow. "Then what do they use it for?"

I grinned. "Memes."

He frowned. "Memes?"

I showed him one. He stared at it for a long moment, then sighed. "Your world is strange."

I laughed, nudging his shoulder. "You’ll get used to it."

After spending hours talking, teasing, and laughing, the room grew quiet.

I was sitting on the couch, and Rudraksha was beside me, his arm resting on the back.

It felt... nice. Comfortable.

I turned to look at him, and to my surprise, he was already watching me.

My breath hitched slightly. His golden eyes were intense, yet soft.

I swallowed. "What?"

He didn’t answer right away. Then, finally, he murmured, "I like it here."

My heart skipped a beat.

"...You do?"

He nodded, his voice quieter now. "Not just because it is different. But because... you are here."

I felt warmth spread through my chest.

I was about to say something when he suddenly reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

My heart was racing now.

I wasn’t sure who moved first, but suddenly, we were so close, our noses almost brushing.

The air between us felt thick, charged with something undeniable.

He leaned in slightly. "Aranya..."

I exhaled, my voice barely a whisper. "Yeah?"

And then—

The door slammed open.

"HEY LOVE BIRDS, DID I MISS ANYTHING?!"

I jumped back, turning to see Sandhya grinning like an idiot.

Rudraksha sighed. "I dislike your friend."

I groaned, covering my face. "Me too, Rudraksha. Me too."