@all-cf-me ( ishani x seth )
Taru is sprawled across Ishani’s chest, milk-drunk and heavy with sleep, one tiny fist tangled in the collar of her mom's shirt like she’s afraid the world might shift if she lets go. Ishani hasn’t moved in nearly an hour. She won’t risk it. The crib Seth built stands a few feet away. Empty.
Ishani’s eyes are half-lidded with exhaustion, hair falling loose around her shoulders. There’s a cooling mug of tea on the table beside her, long forgotten. When the door opens, she stiffens — not in fear. Just instinct. She doesn’t look at him right away.
“She just fell asleep,” Ishani says quietly, voice low and rough from disuse. “If you slam anything, I’m handing her to you for the next four hours.” There’s no bite to it. Just truth.
After a moment, she lifts her eyes to Seth. Studies him. Measures the space between them the way she always does. Then, almost reluctant — “You can come closer. Just… slow.”