When we reached the airport, my eyes immediately found Aarne. My heart sank. So she was coming along too. Of course she was—why wouldn't she? He couldn't even go on a trip without his fiancée tagging along. My jaw tightened. I turned away, ignoring her, and sat on the waiting bench. Our flight was still an hour or two away.
Manya sat beside me gently.
Manya (softly): "Samira, please don't be angry. They're getting married soon. It's normal for them to go on trips together. He can't be yours anymore. I'm just telling you as your best friend—I don't want you to get hurt."
Me (quietly): "I know… but my heart doesn't listen."
Manya: "Then what will you do?"
Me (determined but sad): "That's why I'm leaving for abroad next month. I'll not even come back during vacations. I'll bury my love inside and live without it."
At that very moment, Sarthak's deep, devilish voice cut through the air.
Sarthak: "What are you two whispering about?"
He sat beside me, as if he had appeared out of nowhere.
Manya (teasing): "Nothing, Brother! You never told us you're going on a pre-engagement trip with Aarne and calling this a business trip just to punish us!"
Sarthak (defensive): "No… that's not it…"
Aarne interrupted smoothly.
Aarne: "Hey, Sarthak, can you buy some coffee for us? We have to wait for a while."
Sarthak (reluctantly): "Okay… what should I bring?"
Manya (pretending to think): "I want… carc…"
Sarthak (interrupting with a grin): "I know what you and Samira want. I'm asking Aarne."
Aarne (smiling, precise): "I want a charcoal-black chocolate frappe with whipped cream. And please don't add pumpkin or strawberry seeds—I hate them!"
Sarthak (sighing): "Fine. I'm going. Anyone coming?"
I spoke without thinking.
Me: "I'll come. I'm getting bored anyway!"
Without waiting, I got up and followed him into the café.
The Coffee Shop
As I entered, I overheard two girls at a nearby table whispering excitedly.
Girl 1 (whispering): "He's so handsome… he's my dream guy. Should I go ask his name?"
Girl 2 (whispering): "Oh my god…"
Without realizing it, I stood behind them.
Me (smirking): "He's getting engaged this month. There's no chance for you now."
The girls jumped, startled, and turned toward me.
Just then, Sarthak appeared, holding the order list.
Sarthak: "Hey, let's go now. Here's your order, Samira. Your usual—simple, not-so-sweet coffee with coconut milk, chocolate, and whipped cream."
Me (smiling genuinely): "Thanks, Brother! Let's go."
I left the café before the girls could recover.
Back at the Waiting Area
When we returned, I noticed something. Manya's eyes lit up like a kid's when she spoke to a boy with a sweet smile—but I knew it wouldn't last.
Manya (cheerfully): "Brother, meet him! He's my friend's cousin, Jai."
Sarthak (with his devilish grin): "Your friend's cousin… or your boyfriend?"
The air froze for a second, and we all went silent. Before it got awkward, Jai spoke.
Jai: "Hey Manya, I'll be heading now. See you at college!"
Manya (smiling): "Bye, Jai!"
Sarthak (half-laughing, half-angry): "Manya, if I sa—"
Just then, an announcement blared through the speakers:
"Passengers on flight 768B, boarding is now open. Please proceed to the gate."
We hurriedly gathered our suitcases and walked toward the gate. As we moved, I caught Sarthak's face twist with anger. I've only seen him that way twice—once when I got caught at the club, and once before, some days ago, when something dangerous seemed to be happening. I shivered and quietly followed him into the plane.
Inside the Plane
While searching for my seat, Manya came over.
Manya: "Samira, sit with me!"
Me: "Okay, I'll sit with you."
But just as we were about to sit, Sarthak's voice sliced through the moment.
Sarthak (sternly): "Go sit with Aarne, or she'll be bored."
His eyes flashed with warning. Without arguing, Manya stood up and went to sit beside Aarne. I sat next to Sarthak, who placed his bag beside me.
A Glimpse of Tenderness
After some time, while pretending to study, I found myself watching him sleep peacefully. His face, relaxed and unguarded, looked impossibly handsome. My mind betrayed me.
Why are you so handsome and still do things that make me want to come closer?
Why… why do you stay so far, when you can't be mine forever?
My eyes filled with tears. On impulse, I reached toward him, almost touching his arm. But before my fingers could graze his skin, I snapped back to reality and pulled my hand away. I buried myself in my books, forcing my heart to obey.
The Sandwich Order
A little while later, he stirred and opened his eyes.
Sarthak: "Do you want to eat something?"
Me (hesitant but hopeful): "Yes… a double cheese sandwich with coconut milk, please."
Sarthak (smiling slightly): "Okay."
He pressed the call button. A flight attendant arrived.
Airhostess: "Sir, how can I help you?"
Sarthak: "One double cheese sandwich with coconut milk and one black coffee, please."
Airhostess: "Would you like anything else, sir?"
Sarthak: "No, thank you. But please don't add sugar to the coconut milk or the coffee."
Airhostess: "Noted, sir. Thank you!"
When she left, I turned to him.
Me (curious): "Brother Sarthak… how do you know I don't eat sugar?"
He smirked.
Sarthak: "Because Aunty told me when I first came to your house—that you're allergic to it."
Me (softly): "Ohhh…"
The tray arrived a little later.
Sarthak: "Here you go. Thank you!"
Me (smiling, delighted): "Wow! It's so beautiful… and tasty too!"
I grinned like a kid, and everyone around smiled at me.
Sleepless and Silent
After eating, I dozed off for a while. When I woke up hours later, one thought struck me immediately.
I should ask him where he went last night… but what right do I have to question him?
With that thought, I hugged my blanket and closed my eyes again.
Landing and Departure
Two hours later, the announcement echoed:
"Flight has landed. Please prepare to disembark."
I grabbed my bag and suitcase and hurried toward the gate. The bus was about to leave, so I practically ran to it and slid into my seat, heart racing.
At the entrance, Sarthak's assistant waited with a car. We got in, and the journey to the hotel began—all of us silent, carrying our secrets, longings, and uncertainties into a place that promised new adventures, but also deeper mysteries.