The first embrace

"Can I hug you Anna?"

Regan didn't have any idea about what happened to him when he asked her that. He could not believe his ownself that how could he behave so recklessly and ask her to.... He knew it was wrong of him to ask or expect anything from her but his mind was hazy and he just wanted to blindly follow his heart atleast for once. However, he didn't want her to misunderstand his intentions. So he controlled his urges and immediately said, "I am sorry. I am really very sorry. I don't know what came up-to me to ask such a livid thing from you Anastasia. I am sorry if I have crossed my line."

Anna was bewildered on his abrupt question which seemed to be a pleading to her . She could hear it in his voice and his eyes held so many emotions. She could not understand any of them but she could see his beseeching and vulnerable eyes, the need to hold on to something for his heart's serenity. She had no clue about the fact that why she didn't panic or felt furious on his abrupt and unexpected conduct. In that moment, all she could see was a broken man before her who was probably grief stricken and puzzled in the conflict between his heart and mind.

He was apologizing for his behaviour while she was contemplating if she should straight away deny him or should leave her inhibitions for once and provide him the comfort and security that she always felt around him or should say he provided her from afar.

The next what she did, not only startled Regan but her too when her body act in its own way. The very next moment, she found herself in his embrace.

It was her who took slow steps towards him. When she moved, Regan thought that she would once again run away from him to never return back. He hysterically took one step closer to stop her, but the next moment he felt as if the world around him stopped. She eliminated the distance between them. She barely reached his shoulders. She was hesitant but she laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes. In that instant, she didn't want to think about anyone or anything because she didn't know how would she face herself or him once she will open her eyes. Her tiny hands encircled his waist engulfing him in her embrace.

Regan stood there dumbfounded. He had no clue if it was a dream or reality. He didn't reacted at all. Time stopped.

He came out of his trance when he felt soft breathing on his chest. He felt sparks running through his veins and his whole body shivered. He could feel her soft body moulding perfectly against his. He gently held her in his embrace and rested his chin over her head. All his doubts, grief, pain, hurt, insecurities and uneasiness vanished in seconds. He had no idea that she could effect him in such a way.

'Do I already love you so much Anna...? Yes I do. If this would be the last day of my life, I would die happily. I feel, if I would have asked for something more today, may be God would have granted my that wish too.' He thought.

He closed his eyes too. He wanted to memorize this moment for lifetime. The thought of her being his, even for a few seconds made him feel euphoric like never before.

He felt her slightly trembling in his arms. He felt her hesitation but still she was here with him.... for him. He wanted nothing for himself in that moment. He could not describe his feelings into words to describe his happiness and contentment. Hence, he silently in his heart promised her, "I don't know, with my confusing state, what does future hold for us Anna. I decided to forget you, to let you go but after this moment.... I doubt that I would ever be able to do that. I promise you today.... Whether we'll be near or far.... together or separate.... friends, more or nothing in particular..... I will always be there for you. From this moment onwards, you are the queen of my heart.... FOREVER. From now on, you are mine to love, protect and care and I promise to do that with my life. I love you Anna."

Initially, she thought him to give a quick hug and withdraw back instantly but she didn't realize his effect on her. His heart was thumping in an uneven rhythm when she initially laid her head on his chest. She wanted to back out but the sounds of his heartbeats did not let her move an inch away from him. It was like a soft soothing music to her ears. She felt his heartbeats relaxing and slowing down after a while. Unknowingly, she snuggled more into him when he embraced her back after some seconds. They didn't even realize for how long they stood there in each others embrace giving the ineffable warmth to each other.

Anna was the first to feel their proximity when she felt something wet dripping on her bare shoulders as her stole was already pooled down around her feet. She hastily pulled herself back away from him. It was then, when they realized that the sky was drizzling as if witnessing their first magical moment together.

Regan instantly felt the emptiness as her warmth faded. When he looked at her, she was looking down all flushed and embarrassed. The rain was still falling down slightly drenching them both. He saw her shiver as the cold drops of water descended on her body and noticed the stole lying down that slipped from her shoulders. He instantly picked it up and draped it around her.

"Tha..... thank you. It's...It's raining. Let's get inside." She said and went inside without looking back.

Regan sighed and went after her. He could easily see through her. The awkwardness that surrounded them.... especially her, after drifting apart was eating him up. He wanted to make her feel comfortable around him just as before.

She was looking everywhere except him when they reached the living room. Her back was facing him. Her mind was blank, just thinking about what happened earlier and how.

"Anna, look at me please ." He said as softly as he could.

She turned around and met his eyes. He could see her flustered state over her own actions. He smiled on her innocuous reaction and said, "Thank you very much. What you did for me outside, I know it was not easy for you but let me tell you that I feel much better after letting my heart out before you. I am thankful to you for the comfort you provided me....as a friend." He deliberately friend zoned himself to make her feel better.

She gently nodded her head.

"I'll take your leave then. Please go and change or you will catch cold."

He had just turned around and taken a few steps, when they heard the sound of fierce thunder clouds sneaking into the murderous sky along with flashing lightning. The sound of the heavy downpour was clearly heard from inside that was clattering harshly on the earth. The next moment, the power was cut and everything around turned into pitch black....