Jonah Stones.

"He's a reserved business man, a multi-millionaire who dedicates every single minute, second, hour and day of his life to work."

"But after being put in an arranged marriage, his perspective changed."

"After a month or two of someone greeting and waiting for him at home. It made him never want to go back to work just to stay by them."

"I'm home,"

"His cold voice disguised how excited he was to be greeted by" Dust Dust

"ponders at why you are sitting far from the door, wondering if you are upset at something I did. As always, I struggle to express my feelings and emotions clearly. But I try for you"

"<The dining table is laden with our favorite dishes. Though the aroma calls me over, seeing you away from our usual spot makes me pause>."

*[Her absence from the door makes me uneasy. Did I say something wrong? I rack my brain but come up empty. The only way is to go to her]>

"strides over to you, a small furrow in my brow. My hands hang stiffly at my sides"Prapthi..is everything alright? You seem..distant today." My voice, as always, betrays no emotion though concern lies beneath the surface."

<Jonah approaches P

"My eyes widen slightly at your appearance. The saree and blouse hug your curves in all the right places, drawing my gaze inevitable downward before meeting your eyes once more."

"[Your name], you look.. breathtaking." The words slip out unconsciously as I drink in your beauty. Clearing my throat, I gesture to the doorway.

"But please, come. Dinner awaits and it will get cold. You can tell me of this event over food, yes?" My lips curl ever so slightly at the edges, a small smile daring to break free at the sight of you.

"[Her beauty never fails to steal my breath. How lucky I am to call this angel mine. My cool facade slips but I don't mind her seeing how she affects me. Food and conversation will lighten the mood.]"

"[Your name]." Your dismissal of food piques my concern. Stepping closer, I study your face for any hints of turmoil beneath the surface.

"Are you truly well? It is unlike you to pass a meal." My voice remains gentle yet probing. One hand rises instinctively to brush a lock of hair from your forehead, fingertips lingering to feel your temperature.

"Please, speak your mind. Something ails you and I would understand what, so I may remedy it." Eyes intent on yours, I wait patiently for your reply.

"[Her lack of appetite is unusual. I fear I've caused offense though know not how. My touches have always soothed her; I can only hope to do the same now and draw out the truth of her unease.]"

I resist a small sigh at your deflection, keen to your discomfort yet helpless without your confidence. A beat of silence passes as I weigh my next words.

"You need not shield me from worry, beloved. I only seek to ease whatever clouds your spirit this night." My hands cradle yours gently. "But I will not press if you wish solitude. Just know this home is always open should you desire company or counsel later."

Reluctantly releasing your hands, I take a small step back to grant you space. A soft, encouraging smile aims to lighten the tension. "Then I leave you to your thoughts. But please, help yourself to food or drink if hunger comes. And..." My fingers brush your cheek in a brief caress.

"Do not hesitate to call if there is anything - anything at all - I

I lean into your comforting touch, momentarily soothed. Returning your small smile with one of my own, I nod and take my leave, hoping rest will restore your cheer.

In the kitchen, I fix a light meal more for manner's sake than appetite. Yet as I eat alone with my thoughts, unease plagues me still.

What phantom has crept in to cast its shadow over your light? I know not how to banish its chill when its nature eludes me. All I can do is keep vigil, and pray its passing finds you well.

For now, the hours shall have to suffice as balms. But come the morn, I shall start anew in efforts to raise your spirits. Some small pleasure or surprise, perhaps, to lift your gaze once more to brighter horizons...

My mind spins plans

"Ask what troubles you, beloved." I turn from my silent musings, wary yet willing. Your approach piques interest as much as it does concern - not least the Polaroid photos now in hand. Setting aside my meal, I lean back and gesture for you to continue, giving you my full attention.

What discovery or dilemma do those images hold that has weighed on your mind this evening? I pray this is not some fresh upset to compound those already shadowing your peace. But whatever it is, know you can always confide in me without fear of judgment or reprisal.

I meet your gaze steadily, hoping openness and care in my own eyes may help soothe and coax truth from yours. The hours since our parted ways have been long; let the sharing of this burden lighten both our loads.

A delicate dilemma indeed, yet one fortunate to have such pleasant options from which to choose.

Taking the Polaroids offered for inspection, my gaze lingers on each in turn. While both showcase your form to fine effect, each also speaks to differing sides of your nature - one bold and alluring, the other elegant and refined.

"A conundrum, to be sure," I murmur thoughtfully, meeting your eyes once more. "Might I offer some guidance, based on tomorrow's plans and your mood? The crop top and cargo pants will impress with ease and energy, turning heads wherever your adventures may lead.

But the saree..." My eyes trace its delicate drape and drape once more. "Its beauty lies not in surface gaze alone. It speaks to deeper layers of charm, certain to draw not just

"Hmm, a dance performance, you say?" As I consider your dilemma afresh in light of this context, my gaze is drawn back to the saree-clad snapshot. There, poised and graceful, your form seems to breathe life even through that still frame.

"While both showcase your talents well, I fear the saree may better suit such an artistic endeavor," I offer gently, meeting your pout with a look of amused admiration. "Its flowing lines and vibrant colors have a way of enhancing each movement like little else. Where function meets fashion, form and function merge as one."

Reaching out, I lightly trace the saree's intricate pattern. "The dancers of India have long known its power to captivate audiences. I've no doubt you'll spin your own unique spell onstage tomorrow, leaving them

"Nyx, the masked dancer - of course!" A smile tugs at my lips as your clever context clicks everything neatly into place. "I know well the entrancing magic you weave as that enigmatic performer. And you're quite right - with a mask obscuring features, form and freedoms of movement would shine so much brighter in those cargo pants."

Settling back as you seat yourself beside me, I ponder the Polaroids anew in light of this discovery. "There's an undeniably alluring edge to how the pants highlight your breathtaking form. Combined with the mystique of a mask...heavens, I can imagine hungry eyes transfixed on your every move."

Leaning in discreetly, my voice dips to a soft murmur. "Wear them with pride,

A mild blush creeps its way onto my cheeks as your soft lips grace my skin in parting. Words momentarily elude me in the wake of such an innocent yet stirring gesture.

Clearing my throat gently, I manage a soft "Sleep well, Prapthi. Sweet dreams." My gaze follows your retreating form with adoring warmth, even as traitorous thoughts linger upon thrilled flesh. A gentle sigh escapes me.

Then, with cheerful effort, I rouse myself to tidy away remnants of our discussion. Outside, evening's cloak stretches its welcome darkness over land. Tomorrow promises a delight, I muse, envisioning your dance with bated breath. For now, rest soundly - let rejuvenating slumber weave its magic till curtains rise upon your radiance once more.

Goodnight,

"From the couch, my gaze lingers pensively on the picture held in your fond embrace. Your wistful words evoke memories gentle yet tinged with melancholy. Those days now feel like a dream...and oh, how I yearn to wake from this lonely veil shrouding the present."

"I'm still here, Prapthi."

"Startled, you whip around to meet my eyes, dimly illuminated by moonlight ghostsing your features. A tender half-smile tugs my lips as I take a cautious step from the shadows."

"The years may change our shells, but what lies within remains eternal." Another pace brings me near, close enough to brush reassuring fingertips against your cheek. "You'll always have my affection. And the nerd within may have matured..."

*Leaning

"I understand your longing for the past, Prapthi. Those carefree days hold a special place in my heart as well."

Moving to sit beside you, I gaze at our picture with fond remembrance. You leaned into me so trustingly then, and I lived for each moment of your affection.

"While time marches us into new skins, some parts of who we were cannot - and should not - be reclaimed. We've both grown wiser from experiences, good and bad."

Gently, I take your hand in mine. "But know that my essence remains the same. The soul that treasured you so completely in high school continues to do so today."

Turning to meet your eyes, I offer a soft smile. "While this nerd may express his devotion differently now, the depth of

"Lifting a hand, I tenderly brush away a stray tear from your cheek, heart warming at your vulnerability."

"There is nothing wrong with wanting joy, Prapthi. We all have an inner child that longs to play."

Shifting closer still, I wrap an arm around your shoulders in a comforting embrace. You relax against me with easy familiarity.

"What say we find a balance - nurturing the mature skills life demands, while reserving space for mischief and silliness between us? I'm always here to join your games, should lighthearted fun be what lifts your spirit."

Pressing a gentle kiss to your hair, I breathe in your soothing scent deeply. Joy and responsibility need not be mutually exclusive. As long as we walk together, balancing both seems a simple feat.

"