Innocent Love

••••♡♡♡ You are visiting and old place, but im seeing my home again♡♡♡••••

Author's POV:

They used to be inseparable. Because their fathers were brothers, the two cousins practically grew up together.

They spent their childhood like best friends,going to school together, playing in the park, and running around the streets as free as little birds.

But their happy days were cut short. One day, the girl's father had to transfer his business to America, forcing them apart and leaving behind a quiet, empty space where their laughter used to be.

Now, almost a decade later, they are finally coming back. Time has changed them both completely; she has grown into a beautiful teenage girl, and he has turned into a handsome young boy.

Author's pov end.

♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎

"Amaan!!! Come downstairs and help me set the table!" his mom called from the main floor.

Today was finally the day. After almost twelve long years, his uncle was returning, bringing along his wife and daughter.

"Coming, mom!!!" he replied from his room. He stood in front of the mirror, trying on one outfit after another, desperate to look his absolute best. There was no doubt he was a naturally charming boy with soft features and a bright complexion, but today, "good enough" wasn't enough.

His favourite cousin, his childhood best friend, was arriving. His excitement was a nervous, fluttering thing in his chest. He couldn't help but wonder what she looked like after all these years.

Honestly, he hadn't seen her face since the day she left. Due to difficult family circumstances, their families had slipped into almost complete silence over the last decade, with no contact to bridge the gap.

He fixed his shiny, silky black hair with a brush, studying his reflection. He looked incredibly charming, wearing straight black pants, black and white balenciaga jacket with a black shirt underneath, a black digital watch on his wrist and white sneakers that gave him the perfect blend of a cool yet sweet look.

Adjusting his shirt one last time, he hurried downstairs. As he entered the lounge, his mom caught sight of him and smiled knowingly.

"Wow... someone is super excited to see his favourite cousin, huh?" She said softly. Amaan smiled shyly, quickly looking down to hide his blushing face as he began setting the plates on the dining table.

While his mom slipped back into the kitchen, his dad entered the house, carrying heavy bags of fresh bakery items for the guests. Amaan placed the last plate down, walked over, and carefully relieved his dad of the bags. His father smiled warmly, assessing his son's outfit.

"Someone is looking extra charming today." Amaan looked at his dad, letting out a soft, nervous cough. "Dad!!! Mom was just teasing me, and now you too... please stop." Completely flustered, he felt his cheeks burn. His dad laughed, patting his shoulder affectionately. "Okay, okay."

Amaan carried the bakery bags into the kitchen. His mom was standing by the counter, meticulously arranging fresh fruit slices on top of a beautiful mango custard. Amaan stepped closer, a gentle smile tugging at his lips as he peered at the bowl. "Is this for her?"

His mom smiled softly, nodding as she carefully placed the dessert into the freezer. "Of course it is," she murmured tenderly. "I still remember how she used to beg me for this every single week when you two were little."

Amaan's smile deepened, a wave of pure nostalgia washing over him. Noticing his expression, his mom asked softly, "By the way, Amaan... do you actually still remember your childhood with her, or has it faded?"

Amaan looked at her, finding the question almost amusing. How could he ever forget? Leaning his back against the counter, he smiled warmly.

"Of course, mom... I remember every single thing." He looked away, his eyes growing distant as the memories flooded back. "I remember how we used to play in the nearby park. The way she used to cry just because she wanted more chocolate than me." He chuckled softly, the sound full of affection. "She was the cutest."

His mom listened quietly, watching the genuine warmth in her son's eyes before she gently began unboxing the bakery treats. Amaan paused for a beat, his voice dropping to a softer, more curious tone. "Mom... I wonder... how cute she must look now? I mean, she's a teenager like me now."

His mom gave him a soft, mysterious smile. "I won't answer that. You're going to see it with your own eyes very soon."

At her words, a sudden rush of giddiness hit his stomach, and his cheeks burned again. He smiled softly, looking down. "Yeah... I'll have my answer soon."

••••••••••••

After some time, the sharp ring of the doorbell echoed through the house as he was helping his mom.

Amaan's breath hitched instantly.

Are they already here? It was much earlier than the arrival time his uncle had given. He nervously ran a hand through his hair, his heart hammering against his ribs as his mom said, "Amaan! Go check the door. It might be the parcel I ordered a few days ago."

"Okay, mom," he nodded silently. He walked toward the front door, his pulse racing for no logical reason at all.

The moment he swung the door open, his eyes widened in a mix of shock and pure joy. His uncle stood on the threshold, a massive smile on his face. "Uncle!!!" Amaan smiled warmly, his voice thick with emotion. His uncle laughed warmly at Amaan's stunned reaction, opening his arms wide and pulling the boy into a tight, fierce embrace.

"Oh, my boy... I didn't even recognize you for a moment. You have grown into such a handsome young man." Amaan smiled through the rush of emotion, hugging him tightly back before gently pulling away to greet his aunt.

She was smiling warmly at him, and Amaan bowed slightly with a respectful, tender smile.

And then... his eyes fell on her.

Standing right beside her mother was... Anaya. She was looking shy, delicate, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Amaan's heart completely skipped a beat.

Looking at her innocent figure, it felt as though the cute child from his memories had magically transformed into a beautiful doll. For a few agonizing seconds, he literally forgot how to breathe. Her quiet, innocent aura was incredibly heartwarming.

He was still caught in his trance when his dad's booming voice shattered the silence from behind him.

"Oh my god... I am the happiest man today!" his dad shouted happily, rushing forward to wrap his brother in a tight, emotional hug.

The two brothers held onto each other deeply, tears welling in their eyes as they gripped each other's shoulders, letting years of separation melt away.

Amaan's mom stepped forward with a tender smile, embracing Amaan's aunt just as tightly. No words were spoken, and none were needed. The thick silence between them spoke volumes of the harsh realities of life that had kept them apart for twelve long years.

But while the elders were completely lost in their emotional reunion, what about Amaan and Anaya? They just stood there like two islands, trapped in a shy, heavy silence. The awkwardness of a decade-long gap stretched between them.

Anaya kept her eyes lowered in pure shyness. But Amaan? He was entirely speechless, completely captivated.

When their eyes finally collided for a brief second, she immediately looked down. Amaan couldn't help but smile at her, enduring shyness before looking away to give her space.

As the elders finally stepped back from their emotional hugs, Amaan's dad bowed slightly to his sister-in-law. Then, his eyes landed on Anaya, and his face lit up.

"Anaya... look at you! Oh my god... am I looking at a pretty doll?" he laughed with pure joy, pulling her into a gentle, welcoming embrace. She smiled softly, hugging him back tightly, which brought radiant smiles to everyone's faces.

But Amaan? His heart was doing backflips. Excitement and sheer happiness surged through him just seeing his favourite person standing in his living room again.

••••••••••

Once the heavy emotions of the greeting settled, Amaan's dad guided everyone into the lounge. But even as they all sat down comfortably, Amaan's gaze remained anchored to his "pretty doll."

She was so painfully shy that she couldn't bring herself to look up, sitting protectively close to her mother. She looked exceptionally beautiful, wearing a soft white hoodie with delicate pink bows printed neatly along the sleeve hems, paired with matching pink trousers. Everything about her radiated a soft, comforting vibe. Her dark hair was gathered into a loose ponytail, with a few stray, silky strands gently brushing against her cheek.

H

er hands rested innocently in her lap, her feet pressed tightly together like a child too nervous to even alter her posture in a room full of people.

•••••••••

"Let's get freshened up, and then I need to eat... I'm absolutely starving!" Anaya's dad announced, with a hearty laugh. The room chuckled softly in response.

Amaan's mom turned to her son. "Amaan, go show them to their rooms."

Amaan nodded obediently, standing up to guide his uncle and aunt. As they moved, Anaya quietly rose to her feet, trailing behind them with the quiet, hesitant steps like a shy kitten. Amaan stole a quiet glance back at her before leading the way down the hall.

"Uncle, this is your and Aunt's room," Amaan said, wheeling their heavy luggage inside and placing it carefully against the wall. His uncle nodded gratefully, stepping inside with his wife.

Turning back, Amaan saw Anaya standing perfectly still near the doorway. She looked slightly confused and lost, clearly waiting for him to guide her to her own space, especially since her bags were nowhere to be seen.

Amaan swallowed the sudden lump of nervousness in his throat, forcing his voice to be as gentle as humanly possible.

"Umm... your room is just down the hall, in the right corner."

She looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes before looking to her mother for reassurance. Her mom smiled warmly, busy adjusting their bags. "Amaan, go ahead and show Anaya her room. She is far too shy to ask for herself." Amaan shared a soft smile with his aunt before turning around, finding Anaya's large, expressive eyes locked completely onto his.

"I'll show you," he whispered, walking down the corridor as her quiet footsteps followed close behind.

Reaching the door, he turned the handle with a quiet click and held it open, stepping aside so she could enter first. She gave him a fleeting, innocent glance before walking in, and he followed, closing the door softly behind them.

Immediately, she noticed her luggage resting neatly by the bed. He had already moved it there earlier, completely unnoticed by anyone else.

An awkward, shy silence settled over the room. Finally, clearing his tight throat, he asked softly, "How... how are you?"

She looked at him with those big, innocent eyes, her fingers nervously gripping the soft hem of her hoodie.

"I'm... fine," she replied. Her voice was incredibly breathy and soft, like sweet honey melting over warm butter. An involuntary smile instantly broke across Amaan's face just hearing it.

"How... are you?" she asked back, her voice barely a whisper as she quickly looked back down at the floor. He gazed at her, his expression melting into pure tenderness. His heart swelled to maximum capacity just because she had actually spoken to him.

"I'm fine," he replied softly.

A tiny, bittersweet ache tugged at his chest. He could tell she was still deeply uncomfortable and guarded, but he kept his emotions calm and steady. He knew he just needed to be patient and give his childhood bestie all the time she needed to feel safe again.

Amaan looked at her silently as she kept her gaze lowered.

Smiling warmly, he said softly, "This is your room... Mom adjusted everything already, so every essential thing should be there. But still, if you need absolutely anything... just tell me or mom."

Anaya listened quietly, then gave a slight nod as she looked up at him. She was still far too shy to speak, her large eyes filled with pure innocence. He stared at her for a deep moment before clearing his throat. "Okay... you can freshen up. I'm going to... help mom."

She gave him another small nod, which was more than enough to satisfy his heart for now.

With that, he stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. His heart was hammering against his ribs, completely captivated by her innocent eyes. Just the memory of her sweet face brought a lingering smile to his lips that he couldn't shake off.

The moment he left, Anaya slowly unzipped her luggage. She pulled out a fresh set of soft, comfortable clothes and walked toward the bathroom to wash away the exhaustion of the long, tiring flight.

•••••••••••••

Downstairs, Amaan was busy placing the serving dishes on the dining table alongside his mother. A moment later, Anaya's parents entered the dining area, wearing soft, happy smiles. Watching Amaan handle the household chores so naturally and effortlessly brought a genuine sense of warmth to their hearts.

Anaya's dad took a seat and said softly, "Amaan... you really impress me. Seeing you help your mom around the house like this is truly heartwarming." Amaan and his mom smiled at the compliment, and his mom added tenderly, "He is always like this. He never hesitates to help me. In fact, he always used to say, 'Mom, I bet Anaya helps her mom just like this over in America."

The table erupted into soft laughter at her words, leaving Amaan feeling incredibly embarrassed and flustered.

As he offered a shy, self-conscious smile, then his dad walked into the room.

"Where is my doll? Hasn't anyone called her down for dinner yet?" Hearing his dad's words, Amaan looked up quickly, his eyes darting silently over to his mom. His mom smiled understandingly.

"No worries, she must be resting a bit after the heavy jetlag.

Amaan... go ahead and call her down for dinner." Hearing the cue, Amaan nodded instantly and walked toward her room almost at the speed of light.

Stopping outside her door, he swallowed his nervousness, knocked gently, and called out softly, "Anaya... dinner is ready. Everyone is waiting for you."

He stood there patiently for a few seconds. Then, the door clicked open.

Amaan's breath caught. Anaya was standing on the threshold, looking up at him innocently. She had changed into yellow trousers and an oversized, soft shirt covered in tiny, printed butterflies. She looked so incredibly cosy and cuddly that Amaan's heart was screaming internally, desperate to just pull her into a tight, protective hug just.

Gulping hard, he managed to say softly, "Um... dinner is ready." She nodded slightly, stepping out into the hallway. She began walking toward the dining area, and he followed silently right behind her.

The moment she stepped into the room, everyone's faces lit up with soft smiles. Her dad opened a welcoming arm from his chair. Understanding the gesture, Anaya walked over and wrapped her arms softly around his shoulders from the side. He kissed her temple affectionately, murmuring, "Come on, sit here, my princess."

She scanned the table and suddenly realized there were only two empty chairs left, and they were right beside each other. She looked at her mom silently, a quiet plea for help in her eyes, but her mom just gave an understanding, encouraging smile.

"Go ahead and sit there, sweetie."

Anaya nodded silently, but before she could pull out the chair, Amaan did it for her. Anaya looked at him innocently, and he smiled, sitting down right beside her, his face perfectly calm, while his heart was practically dancing with joy internally.

They all began eating while the parents kept up a stream of light, easy conversation. Anaya ate silently, listening intently to the elders' talk, while Amaan stole small, lingering glances at her with every single bite he took.

Everyone was completely absorbed in eating and chatting when, suddenly, Anaya broke into a sharp cough. Every eye at the table immediately turned to her, filled with instant concern and worry. Amaan, however, looked entirely panicked, his heart leaping into his throat.

"Anaya... sweetie,what happened," Amaan's mom said softly, gently patting her back. Anaya coughed again, her breath catching as her large eyes pooled with unshed tears. Seeing the painful glisten in her eyes, Amaan didn't hesitate for a second; he filled a glass to the brim with cold water and pushed it toward her immediately. She caught his eye briefly, offering a quiet look of gratitude before taking the glass and sipping it slowly. The table watched her anxiously, but inside, Amaan's heart was in absolute distress.

After a few tense minutes, her coughing finally subsided, and she took a few deep, stabilizing breaths to calm herself down.

Anaya's mom rubbed her arm soothingly. "Eat carefully, Anaya." Anaya looked at her mom innocently, her voice tiny and laced with regret. "I just took the first bite of rice... and it was so spicy."

The moment the words left her mouth, Amaan's eyes dropped to her plate, which held only a tiny mound of rice. Without a word, he slowly but deliberately pushed her plate aside, stood up, and rushed toward the kitchen. The family looked after him in utter confusion, completely thrown by his sudden departure. Anaya looked at her mother innocently, and her mom simply shrugged, having no idea where he had vanished.

A few minutes later, Amaan returned, carefully balancing the large bowl of mango custard in his hands. He placed it gently on the centre of the table, causing the elders' faces to melt into warm, knowing smiles at just how deeply concerned he was for her.

Pulling a small dessert bowl toward him, he scooped a generous portion of the custard into it. He slowly placed it right in front of Anaya, his voice dropping into a gentle cadence.

"Eat this... it will ease your burning throat. Mom made it especially for you."

Anaya listened to him quietly, a sudden wave of warmth washing over her heart at the small, incredibly thoughtful gesture.

She glanced at her mother silently, only to find everyone at the table already smiling fondly at them. Turning her attention back to the dessert, a wave of profound nostalgia hit her just looking at it.

She lifted the spoon and took a bite. The cool, sweet cream instantly coated her burning throat, and her heart felt a sudden, bittersweet jolt from the days of her childhood. She looked up at Amaan's mom, her eyes wide with innocent wonder.

"This... it tastes exactly like it used to."

Amaan's mom smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling. "Oh dear, I made it especially for you. I knew you would still love it because it used to be your absolute favourite when you were a little kid." The entire table smiled warmly at the memory, and Anaya offered a soft, genuine smile as she continued to eat. Beside her, Amaan finally felt a profound sense of peace wash over him, relieved that she was no longer hurting.

•••••••••••••••

After dinner, everyone moved into the lounge. The elders held warm mugs of coffee and tea, chatting comfortably. The two fathers drifted into deep discussions about business and deals, while the mothers conversed happily about everything else, their faces bright with laughter.

Amaan and Anaya sat quietly side by side on the couch, holding their own mugs of coffee as they watched the family. While Amaan occasionally engaged in the elders' conversation, Anaya remained entirely in her own world, silently staring down at the floor with every slow sip she took.

Amaan watched her profile in the quiet space between them, gathering his courage to speak.

"Anaya..." he said softly.

The sound of her name made her look up instantly. The moment those big, innocent eyes locked onto his, Amaan swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry.

"Umm... are you getting bored?" Hearing his question, Anaya gave a tiny, subtle shake of her head. "No." He nodded silently, pausing before asking the question that had been weighing on him. "Then... why have you been so quiet ever since you arrived?" Anaya swallowed nervously at his words, her eyes dropping back down to her mug as she murmured softly, "I... I am just like this. I don't speak much."

As those words left her lips, Amaan's eyebrows knit together in confusion, a touch of vulnerability and eagerness entering his eyes. "Since when? I remember, Anaya... you used to talk so much." His voice carried a faint trace of hurt, an echo of the past pulling at him.

"We used to talk the whole night through, sitting out on the terrace... Remember?"

She listened to his words, then gave a slow, hesitant nod. "I remember a... a little. But now... I'm just like this."

Amaan gazed at her, his heart aching with worry. Slowly, he slid just an inch closer to her on the couch, careful to remain at a respectful distance so he wouldn't make her uncomfortable.

"Do you want to... come up to my room?" he asked in the gentlest tone humanly possible. "I kept all of our childhood memories safe... do you want to see them?"

She blinked innocently, her gaze dropping to her lap in sudden nervousness. Amaan understood instantly. She was anxious about stepping into his room after so long, perhaps a little frightened to rewind the clock and face the childhood they had left behind. Still, Amaan kept his eyes fixed on her, full of quiet hope.

Swallowing hard, she whispered, "I have to ask mom first."

Amaan's face instantly broke into a relieved smile, and he nodded in complete understanding. "Of course... go ask Aunt."

Anaya stood up from the couch, her steps slow and hesitant as she walked over to her mother. Amaan's eyes followed her every move. Sensing her daughter's nervous presence, Anaya's mom looked up with a soft, comforting smile.

"What's wrong, Anaya?"

Standing close to her side, Anaya whispered softly, "Mom... Amaan wants to show me his room."

A chorus of soft smiles rippled through the adults. Her mom replied gently, "Then go ahead, sweetie."

A wide, bright smile stretched across Amaan's face upon hearing the permission. Still, Anaya turned her eyes toward her dad, seeking double assurance. Her dad met her gaze with a warm smile and a single, reassuring nod. It was a silent gesture, but one completely overflowing with trust and love.

Anaya nodded quietly, turning to walk back toward Amaan. Seeing her approach, he immediately stood up from the couch, his smile never wavering.

The elders quickly plunged back into their laughing and chatting, their attention shifting away from the teenagers. They trusted their children deeply, and Amaan was entirely prepared to protect that sacred trust.

He looked at her silently, his eyes drifting down to her hands, which were almost entirely swallowed up by the oversized sleeves of her yellow shirt.

Anaya noticed his gaze but stood perfectly still. Slowly, hesitantly, Amaan extended his hand. He moved with absolute care, his fingers gently brushing against the fabric of her sleeve first, a silent, unspoken question, asking if it was okay to hold her hand.

Anaya swallowed hard, her eyes fixed on the floor, but she didn't pull away. To Amaan, that quiet stillness was the only green light he needed.

Very slowly, very gently, he slipped his fingers beneath her sleeve and cradled her hand in his. The sensation was so incredibly delicate that it felt as though the softest feather had just landed in his palm.

He looked at her quietly, and she finally raised her eyes to meet his. Her soft hand rested securely in his grasp, looking and feeling exactly the way it had all those years ago when they were just children. Hand in hand, they used to run through the streets and conquer the local park.

The touch felt intensely familiar to both of them, a conduit of deep care and pure innocence, instantly breathing life into the memories of their golden days.

Amaan gave her hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze, a silent promise that everything was okay, and that they were still the same best friends they had always been.

She blinked up at him innocently. With a soft, tender smile, he turned and led her toward his room, where the beautiful treasures of their childhood were waiting to be rediscovered.

••••••••••••••••••

Hi, dear readers! Honestly, I'm so nervous but incredibly excited to share this story with you.

I truly hope you enjoyed Part 1!

Just a quick reminder before we dive deeper: this story is purely a work of fiction. I hope you can just read it as fiction, enjoy the sweet, cute moments between the characters for what they are, and let yourself get lost in their world!

Please leave your honest thoughts and reactions in the comments section. Hearing from you means so much to me and keeps me motivated.

Part 2 will be posted very soon, and I can't wait to see what you think.

Thank you so much for reading! ❤️

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