Wheeling Gull Isle mere haath mein

the whine reached his ears, and he turned, eyes growing even softer than before.

"chikni raat."

he said it quietly enough that she might not hear him, but she, perhaps, could read it on his lips. he strolled toward her, fear and exhilaration together bunching his muscles 'til they were taut as anything. he wanted to embrace her, but held back, aching with the effort. he licked his lips and sighed, staring at her for a long time in silence before speaking.

"it's good to see you," aditya murmured. the understatement hung between them for a moment, tenuous but hopeful. "how are you?" how are the babes? he did not hate the pups; he just wished they were his.