Posted:
Hello,
Reviving an old short story. Not quite sure whether Arnav and Khushi fans still exist, read, etc.
It will be short, however, as to boast slightly... different from anything else previously written.
I couldn't figure out an ending earlier therefore it was abandoned.
It has taken two years to flesh out the entire thing.
The response shall decide whether I should continue here.
Enjoy.
(L)
I
The corner of Sumner Avenue and Beacon Street was giddy with mirth, and alive with loud voices. The atmosphere around that particular house was full festive and it seemed to the other neighbors a rather odd scene seeing so much activity going on in the middle of November. Though not freezing temperatures had yet engulfed around their beautiful town of Avalon, the holiday traffic had slowed down during the mid September. The neighbors still stood around to watch their Indian American counterparts hoist lights around the fairly modern, classical American suburban house. It seemed rather unorthodox since Halloween had passed, and Christmas was yet to come that they would go through so much trouble.
It wasn't until the smell of delicious food, some spicy, other sickly sweet that Ms. Leigh concluded of a highly crowded party. It was confirmed the next morning as the occupants of the festive house, Mr. Shashi Gupta and Mrs. Garima Gupta, drove all over their neighbourhood to deliver glittery silver invitation cards for their daughter's upcoming wedding in two weeks.
The house had already filled up with some guests choosing to come early, which caused irritation to crease the bride's forehead. But, she felt relieved that they left her alone for the most part, and went to enjoy the surroundings of her town. Her once upon a time beautiful town. It was not beautiful to her anymore.
She made her way through the piles of clothes that covered her floor, kicking a few bags out of her way, and sat with a huff in front of her vanity. She saw her own reflection staring back at her, but something about it sent a terrible ache in her chest clouding her eyes.
No, she chastised herself. Don't let yourself get consumed with that thought again. It has been ages and you have come so far. But a part of her whispered, this isn't how I imagined myself on the fortnight.
In haste she grabbed the toner from the vanity, and roughly scrubbed her face with the damp cotton pad. Any minute Shyam was due, and she cursed herself for taking too long in the shower, and then with her hair dryer. She hastened her pace; futilely trying to hide the dark lines under her eyes, tell tale signs of lack of sleep.
After a few attempts she was satisfied with the natural look of her makeup, she slipped into her denim skinny jeans, and almost slipped on those million bags littering her floor. "f**k.
Her phone chimed... f**k f**k f**k... she ran into her closet, and picked the first black chiffon blouse her eyes lay on, and clumsily slung her YSL bag on her shoulder. She ripped her phone from the charger, plucked her jacket from her bed, barreled towards the door.
She almost headed straight into an entity... a loud ooph left her throat as she steadied herself.
She then noticed a man giving rigorous instructions to a team of what she assumed to be his assistants. "Sorry, miss, he apologized to her. Instead of saying anything back she waved at them, and sped down the stairs. As she neared the living room, she could hear so much commotion that all she wished for was to disappear to her favorite place in the world. The caf by the water.
But she did not have any more time to spare as a loud honk brought her back to her surroundings. She was surprised that she heard the car honking in the chaotic mess of her house. She quickly flipped her jeans slightly over her ankles, slipped her Adidas superstars, and before she could be harassed by any of her relatives, left the overbearing house.
"Hi, sweetheart, chimed in her ears when she slipped into the car. She turned to glance at her fianc's direction. She smiled at him and he leaned forward to give her peck on her lips. No, it doesn't feel right.
"Hi.
"And how are you this fine morning, he grazed his hand over her left shoulder, snaking it around her luscious hair resting at the nape of her neck, as she leaned into his touch for an unknown comfort he proceeded to slide a lock behind her ear. Khushi closed her eyes scared that if he gazed into her eyes, he would find out what she saw in her own reflection. Mistaking that as encouragement Shyam continued to coo into her ear. This is nothing compared to the heavenly touches of once upon a time. She growled in frustration at that part of her mind that seemed to have taken a slightly higher decibel in the past few weeks.
Pushing him away from her Khushi took a deep breath. His brows knotted in confusion at her action. "What's wrong, Khushi?
She fixed a tight smile at his direction, "Just the house has literally come alive.
The white lie came so easily to her that it took her by surprise. Understanding her frustration he once again moved closer to her. His presence, however un-soothing, placated her slightly. He held her chin as if taking to a child that irked her as always but he proceeded to give her a lingering kiss. "It will be over soon, and then it will be just us.
Somehow that thought was scary but she chalked it all to wedding jitters, still unable to explain the sudden ache that ricocheted in her chest again. Her throat clogged up, and she simply nodded at his direction.
He started the car engine and she slipped on her aviators... some would say to shield from the morning sun, others would tsk at that lame excuse.
Being back home again to Avalon was surreal. Those hidden feelings of once upon a time were all around her once again. The air around her was laced with heavy, unsaid, heartbroken, aching feelings... that were the only thing Khushi remembered from her drive into the town with Shyam.
The lunch at the restaurant by the pier was fine. Their talks were limited to the wedding and for that Khushi was thankful. She thought if she tried to talk it would come out in broken sentences, and messed up garbled meanings. Shyam was able to fill the silence between them just fine, and they decided to take a walk by the pier.
The water once home now reminded her of just another part of the past. She craned her neck to something he said, and nodded. She had no idea what he asked her but concluded that it must have been about coffee when she saw him retreating into the nearby caf. Not her favorite but it would suffice.
She took a long deep breath, sitting on one of the wooden benches facing the water. She took off her aviators wanting to observe the boats dancing gracefully on the water... however closed her eyes pushing her face towards the sky, enjoying the feel of sun peppering her with warmth. It felt almost nice.
She had no idea what she was doing. Just till late week she was absolutely fine with the idea of getting married. It was completely logical that this would be the next step. She had a good career as a celebrated writer albeit under a pseudonym, she was nearing her thirties, and Shyam was a good match... granted that they were introduced just six months ago through her parents' common friends... but somehow it was good... it made sense. But ever since she came back... and it wasn't as if she had not come back before... but this time you know why you can feel it in the air...
She growled again, gritting her teeth... shut up, shut up, shut up...
"Here you go, black, no sugar, low fat... a voice broke her inner tirade, and she opened her to see a hand extending her drink. As she sipped onto her drink sitting next to Shyam she let her gaze fan over his features. Nice hair, though in her opinion he used too much product to keep it in place, his forehead completely devoid of any imperfections, straight nose, pointy chin, dark mahogany eyes, sunken cheeks, and thin lips... he was a completely fine man.
Flashes of another face clouded her vision... no, some faces are meant to be forgotten.
"Is there something on my face? he questioned her intrigued gaze. Khushi being caught flushed pink under his gaze. She smiled at him and shook her head.
"I am sorry I am being such a horrible company... she muttered trying to hide her face behind the veil of her straight jet black hair.
"I am having a good time, so there are no complaints whatsoever, he soothed her worries. Khushi knew that he was being a too nice so she placed her head on his shoulder. He slid her arm around her, and adjusted her slightly.
"I know I should be showing you around my town... you were so welcoming back at your place. I think yesterday's shopping trip, right after landing did not sit well with me.
He squeezed her shoulder in return.
"So, how was your flight?" She spoke looking at the seagulls finally making an appearance as lunchtime rush started around the pier.
"I was surprised that you came so early. I thought you weren't coming until a week before the wedding."
"I thought so too but I decided to take some time off and just come early." He untangled his arm, turned his neck towards her, "I thought we could use these couple of weeks to just be with each other."
A genuine smile perked Khushi's face... he actually genuinely cared about her... and though it was not love, it could perhaps one day become that. Love...
Khushi squeezed his hand that rested on her thigh.
"But mom and dad are not due until a few hours so I suppose the wedding won't be kicking off for sometime... but I am glad about that."
"Me too," Khushi found her place back on his shoulder. "It seems to me that everyone just forgets about the couple and cares about everything else... prime example being my household." She complained at her own house somehow turning against her. Or maybe it only felt like to her.
Her loud phone broke their moment and Khushi apologized.
"Hey, mom... no I told you last night I was going to show Shyam around...
Khushi bit her lip in slight irritation. "Yes, I know they are staying at the lodge, I just thought it would be better to spend some time... of course I am coming back in a bit... mom, I am hanging up now. She placed her phone back in her bag, turning towards him.
"Everything all right? he inquired.
Khushi turned to face him, lifted her legs, crossing them into an Indian sitting style. She screwed her smile back on... it seemed to her that lately all she had been doing was faking smiles to everyone. "Yeah, it just seems like my mother forgot about our meeting, and then proceeded to remind me that I need to get ready for the family dinner... she shook her head. "I don't get it... there are still six hours until our reservation.
Shyam laughed at her animated tone, loving the fact that she relaxed for the first time since they met that morning.
"You think that is funny... she complained in good humour.
He mimicked her tone back at her as if to prove a point, and delight filled his eyes as Khushi's rib ticking laughter echoed around them. His eyebrows rose in surprise, and his throat tickled as his own laughter matched hers. Everyone on the pier started to pass the laughing couple curious looks. Khushi looked into his eyes as her vision clouded with tears. A second later her eyes fluttered past his shoulder and saw something in the background that caused her breath to hitch and laughter to die down instantly. Goosebumps formed all over her skin, and she blinked a few times to clear her vision.
Could it be?
The air around her became heavy... she could feel it in her lungs. The sun no longer felt nice, and the water smelled like bleach assaulting her nose... she shook her head. Stop it.
Shyam completely missing this change rose from his seat, his laughter dying down, and threw away his cup into the trash. When he returned moments later she saw Khushi staring towards the far end of the pier. He followed her gaze and found it resting on nothing.
"Earth to Khushi..." he waved his hands in front of her face to break the concentration.
Khushi sheepishly mumbled 'sorry' and rose from her seat, trashing her own cup. She clutched her jacket around her frame.
"Isn't that a souvenir shop? Do you mind if we drop in for a few moments?"
Khushi too flustered at her own feelings simply shook her head. Shyam two steps ahead of her walked towards the shop as Khushi trailed behind in slow steps. As she entered the shop she instantly knew she should have refused. Shyam was busy looking at the post cards however she found herself going towards the corner of the shop and picked up the book: The history and travel of Avalon. She flipped through the book, trying to remember which page it was... ah, she halted at the page committed in her memory.
The biggest catch of the decade.
The photo was frozen in time... the size of the mackerel was unlike any other, and the eyes of the owner beaming was unlike any other as well. The slight disgust that crinkled her nose presently was also present in the photo as well... the precious memory forever etched in the book. Her with the rambunctious hair, flushed cheeks, and oversized jacket and boots. Him with that bumpy nose, pearly teeth, perfect sun kissed skin, greenish brown eyes, clutching the mackerel in one hand, and pointing at himself as the king of the sea with her on by his side.
A chuckled escaped at the image they made.
"Sweetheart, come here I want to show you something."
She quickly shut the book, wanting to preserve this secret, and placed it back on the rack again with others... at least fifty copies.
She sauntered over to Shyam and helped him select a post card that he could add to his wall back home. Personally she thought collecting post cards was childish, for she herself collected key chains... but only from places truly dear to her.
As they proceeded to ring in their purchase an old man emerged from the back of the shop.
"Ready?" He asked.
When he looked over his moon spectacles his face broke into a warm smile. "Why it is good to see you here after so many years."
Khushi instantly regretted setting foot in the shop. How could she think that he wouldn't be here?
She merely smiled at his question and practically dragged Shyam out of the shop as the old man's voiced continued, "the other one hasn't set a foot back here in so long..."
She didn't want to hear any more.
"Whom was he talking about?" Shyam questioned with curious eyes when they both drove out of the parking lot.
"Oh nothing, just the old man has lost his mind, mistakes people all the time." She waved her hand in nonchalance, and relieved that Shyam bought it.
f**k the old man with the memory of a dolphin.
Suddenly she couldn't wait to get back into her over crowded house, locked in her room until she absolutely had to leave again.
She waved Shyam with a hug and peck on the cheek. She didn't care that he looked rather hurt for it was best to leave his car as soon as she could.
When she opened her house door, the people seemed to have doubled. And it had only been three hours since she had been gone.
"Khushi, there you are... wait where are you going?"
She had no idea who called out to her, and to her it seemed like everyone was. She quickly waved at all of them as they harassed her with questions until her mother and father were able to distract them.
She hurried up the stairs and went straight towards her room pausing to see that her room's double French doors were now decked with streams of marigold and lilies. The smell over powered her senses, and wished she could pause all this. She shut herself in her room, and ungracefully slid down the door in a confused mess.
Logic slowly seemed less logical at the moment. Pull yourself together. But all she wished for in that moment was to be the same eighteen-year-old girl in that picture.
~~0O0~~
It seemed to him that the one thing he could truly rely on was the warm sun. It was never a disappointing sight. All through his drive as Baby purred under him he looked forward to the light glinting off the water, as the water seemed like glass, and one with the sky. Thinking about that sight alone made his bones ache like an old, familiar feeling.
True to his memory everything looked exactly the same. The light reflecting off the pier blinded him momentarily and he relished the feeling. Something about this was home. The water... the smell... the feeling... that face. His insides quaked slightly... and he took a deep breath.
He picked up his beaten leather bag and proceeded to move towards his destination. The drive was long including the ferry ride, and his bones rattled... he needed a long shower, some food and sleep. His eyes hurt... completely bloodshot from the past few days. He couldn't remember how long it had been since he actually stopped and really thought of what happened.
It wouldn't be a lie to say that a part of him was relieved. But part of him couldn't help but wonder how his life would have turned out if his actions were different. But he couldn't let his mind wander there. He felt like a balloon floating around in the sky... not quite sure where he belonged any longer.
He rang the bell at the reception of the lodge. There was no one within an earshot. He licked his dry lips truly wishing to get to his room fast.
"Oh, hi there... what can I help..." the sentence was stopped midway.
"Oh sonny boy! How good it is to see you!" Exclaimed the man behind the counter.
Arnav smiled at the old man as he came forward to give Arnav a long hug.
"Hey Barty... its good to see you too."
"Wow," regarded the old man, "I can barely fit my arms around you anymore!"
Arnav, relieved that the old man had moved behind the desk, shrugged his shoulders.
"I heard about you know... I just wanted to offer my condolences."
Arnav with all his might nodded somberly. Before any other thought on this matter made his headache worse he spoke, " I just need a room for a few days."
"Of course. Er, what about the..." but he was interrupted by a young teenage boy huffing while running down the stairs.
"Geez, the hot water is acting up again..." he complained loudly not acknowledging the new company.
Arnav muttered under his breath. He just wanted a shower and a bed.
"Uh, sorry." The teenager mumbled when he saw that he interrupted perhaps a rather important conversation.
"Uh"... the old man scratched his beard. He looked at the computer for room allocation, "it seems like the wedding party has booked the entire lodge but... ah, I can get you in the last room."
Arnav took his keys and gestured to the teenager cum bellhop, "nah, I got it."
He mounted the stairs when he heard "its good to see you again, sonny."
After a shower, some room service, and a nap he was back to feeling refreshed. He looked at the time while stretching and realized he slept for about five hours.
There was a knock on his door... when he opened his door the sheepish looking teen was back.
"I am sorry Mr. Raizada... I wasn't aware who you were."
He reminded Arnav of himself ages ago. Prancing around the pier, troubling people, brashly running around the lodge.
He shook his head, "it's all good. What's your name?"
"Akash."
"Nice to meet you, Akash. Would you mind telling the kitchen to send some grilled cheese and tomato soup?"
"Of course."
Arnav waited for more than forty minutes for his food to arrive. By the time he had finished unpacking his bag though there weren't too many clothes.
By the time his food arrived he was famished. Normally he would be irritated but the kitchen staff informed him about a reservation for dinner of about thirty guests for that evening taking most of their time.
He waved at the waiter and tipped him.
Arnav stepped out of the lodge... after almost bumping into a few people trying to get the lodge restaurant ready for dinner.
The lodge was perfectly set in the center of the pier. Two islands on each side jutted outward toward the ocean. They resembled that of an angel's wings. From where his gaze could carry he could see the faded sun at the horizon... he knew the minute powdery blues, peachy oranges and slivers of green would only last a few minutes before darkness completely engulfed them.
The pier lights started to come alive one by one. He decided to take a stroll along the pier as the smell of freshly powdered donuts consumed him. God, it had been ages...
~~0O0~~
Khushi locked everyone out of her room. f**k, just leave me alone!
Why was it so damn important for all of them to give their opinions were beyond her!
She didn't really care how she looked. It's not as if she had not ever seen Shyam before. He knew what she looked like, and she could care less about the dinner. She just wished she had not agreed to come back to Avalon for the wedding. She should have held her ground!
Was she looking completely ridiculous in her burgundy spaghetti dress? Even the A-line silhouette that appeased her when she bought it was ... throwing her off.
f**k Avalon!
Why was she behaving like this? Get a f**king grip!
She opened her door, ready to see Shyam. Perhaps he could coo into her ear and make her forget everything else.
"Ready?" Asked Lavanya. "You look lovely..."
"Thanks... you look beautiful too, Luv."
She was glad that Lavanya had finally arrived albeit slightly later than her... the only other person whom she could trust with most of her secrets.
It had got cold by the time she reached the pier with everyone in tow. Instant goose bumps formed all over her skin... her frame huddled into her coat.
"Someone is looking rather hot," Shyam murmured into her ear. She blushed at the compliment... but it just isn't the same, is it?
However that moment didn't last too long. Her face contorted in confusion... did she honestly forget where exactly she would dine tonight?
Raiz Lodge and Restaurant...
Of course, it would be here. Silly girl!
"Hello Aunty and Uncle," Khushi moved to hug Shyam's parents... "How was your journey?"
"Oh you look breathtaking, yes we arrived just some time ago... it was rather fun travelling via a seaplane." His mom was quick with pleasantries, leaving them alone... Khushi liked that. She left them alone and right now she needed some space.
They quickly found their seats with Khushi sitting next to Shyam. Their parents and other extended family occupying the rest of the seats. When Shyam laughed at the joke flowing between him and his cousin he leaned in to whisper something in her ear... his cologne's whiff infused in her... minty and savory... making her suddenly nostalgic for a familiar smell of soap, sea, and cedar.
She closed her eyes... what the hell was wrong with her!?!
The food was delicious and Khushi's favourite desert melted her forlorn thoughts about the wedding into the background. Everyone had sort of mingled within each other, completely leaving the pair alone.
She sat back eyeing how everyone was so comfortable with each other... then why was she being so distant? She couldn't answer that question. Shyam was huddling closer to others, engaged in a fierce battle over the upcoming selection of the world cup soccer team. If there was one thing he got heated over, it was soccer. Khushi never liked the game, and neither understood it. Shyam had given up on trying to garner any interest from Khushi. He still kept his left hand on her thigh but never really taking that any further.
She wanted to feel it, the all-consuming want to need him, want him, feel him... but it didn't happen. Perhaps, after the wedding, it would just happen. She was happy at the thought that he was safe, he was good... he would never break her heart... that was the only thing she ever wished for.
She excused herself to visit the bathroom, but the sounds outside distracted her. She turned on her heel to head out of the restaurant, and walked towards the water. It was cold outside... her breath fogged but the idea of going back inside was not appealing.
The smell carried her over to the place she never frequented for ages... the delicious, buttery, cholesterol laden donuts being fried glazed her eyes in hunger. After grabbing an entire bag of those small donuts she found a bench facing the pier. She was back there for the second time that day...
She leaned back, peering at the sky, knowing that it would be as clear in the night as it was in the day. Shyam's big jacket fell off her shoulders that he had given to her after sensing her cold hands. She took a mouthful of donuts until she felt a little sick from the sugar rush. She held the donut, closed one eye, and tried to use the other one as a telescope... peering through the tiny hole, focusing on a particular constellation... the dragon.
"I thought it would be you...
That voice... she turned around in a sudden rush, wide eyes, staring back at source of her nostalgia... soap, sea, cedar... and heartbreak. ❤️
Reviving an old short story. Not quite sure whether Arnav and Khushi fans still exist, read, etc.
It will be short, however, as to boast slightly... different from anything else previously written.
I couldn't figure out an ending earlier therefore it was abandoned.
It has taken two years to flesh out the entire thing.
The response shall decide whether I should continue here.
Enjoy.
(L)
I
The corner of Sumner Avenue and Beacon Street was giddy with mirth, and alive with loud voices. The atmosphere around that particular house was full festive and it seemed to the other neighbors a rather odd scene seeing so much activity going on in the middle of November. Though not freezing temperatures had yet engulfed around their beautiful town of Avalon, the holiday traffic had slowed down during the mid September. The neighbors still stood around to watch their Indian American counterparts hoist lights around the fairly modern, classical American suburban house. It seemed rather unorthodox since Halloween had passed, and Christmas was yet to come that they would go through so much trouble.
It wasn't until the smell of delicious food, some spicy, other sickly sweet that Ms. Leigh concluded of a highly crowded party. It was confirmed the next morning as the occupants of the festive house, Mr. Shashi Gupta and Mrs. Garima Gupta, drove all over their neighbourhood to deliver glittery silver invitation cards for their daughter's upcoming wedding in two weeks.
The house had already filled up with some guests choosing to come early, which caused irritation to crease the bride's forehead. But, she felt relieved that they left her alone for the most part, and went to enjoy the surroundings of her town. Her once upon a time beautiful town. It was not beautiful to her anymore.
She made her way through the piles of clothes that covered her floor, kicking a few bags out of her way, and sat with a huff in front of her vanity. She saw her own reflection staring back at her, but something about it sent a terrible ache in her chest clouding her eyes.
No, she chastised herself. Don't let yourself get consumed with that thought again. It has been ages and you have come so far. But a part of her whispered, this isn't how I imagined myself on the fortnight.
In haste she grabbed the toner from the vanity, and roughly scrubbed her face with the damp cotton pad. Any minute Shyam was due, and she cursed herself for taking too long in the shower, and then with her hair dryer. She hastened her pace; futilely trying to hide the dark lines under her eyes, tell tale signs of lack of sleep.
After a few attempts she was satisfied with the natural look of her makeup, she slipped into her denim skinny jeans, and almost slipped on those million bags littering her floor. "f**k.
Her phone chimed... f**k f**k f**k... she ran into her closet, and picked the first black chiffon blouse her eyes lay on, and clumsily slung her YSL bag on her shoulder. She ripped her phone from the charger, plucked her jacket from her bed, barreled towards the door.
She almost headed straight into an entity... a loud ooph left her throat as she steadied herself.
She then noticed a man giving rigorous instructions to a team of what she assumed to be his assistants. "Sorry, miss, he apologized to her. Instead of saying anything back she waved at them, and sped down the stairs. As she neared the living room, she could hear so much commotion that all she wished for was to disappear to her favorite place in the world. The caf by the water.
But she did not have any more time to spare as a loud honk brought her back to her surroundings. She was surprised that she heard the car honking in the chaotic mess of her house. She quickly flipped her jeans slightly over her ankles, slipped her Adidas superstars, and before she could be harassed by any of her relatives, left the overbearing house.
"Hi, sweetheart, chimed in her ears when she slipped into the car. She turned to glance at her fianc's direction. She smiled at him and he leaned forward to give her peck on her lips. No, it doesn't feel right.
"Hi.
"And how are you this fine morning, he grazed his hand over her left shoulder, snaking it around her luscious hair resting at the nape of her neck, as she leaned into his touch for an unknown comfort he proceeded to slide a lock behind her ear. Khushi closed her eyes scared that if he gazed into her eyes, he would find out what she saw in her own reflection. Mistaking that as encouragement Shyam continued to coo into her ear. This is nothing compared to the heavenly touches of once upon a time. She growled in frustration at that part of her mind that seemed to have taken a slightly higher decibel in the past few weeks.
Pushing him away from her Khushi took a deep breath. His brows knotted in confusion at her action. "What's wrong, Khushi?
She fixed a tight smile at his direction, "Just the house has literally come alive.
The white lie came so easily to her that it took her by surprise. Understanding her frustration he once again moved closer to her. His presence, however un-soothing, placated her slightly. He held her chin as if taking to a child that irked her as always but he proceeded to give her a lingering kiss. "It will be over soon, and then it will be just us.
Somehow that thought was scary but she chalked it all to wedding jitters, still unable to explain the sudden ache that ricocheted in her chest again. Her throat clogged up, and she simply nodded at his direction.
He started the car engine and she slipped on her aviators... some would say to shield from the morning sun, others would tsk at that lame excuse.
Being back home again to Avalon was surreal. Those hidden feelings of once upon a time were all around her once again. The air around her was laced with heavy, unsaid, heartbroken, aching feelings... that were the only thing Khushi remembered from her drive into the town with Shyam.
The lunch at the restaurant by the pier was fine. Their talks were limited to the wedding and for that Khushi was thankful. She thought if she tried to talk it would come out in broken sentences, and messed up garbled meanings. Shyam was able to fill the silence between them just fine, and they decided to take a walk by the pier.
The water once home now reminded her of just another part of the past. She craned her neck to something he said, and nodded. She had no idea what he asked her but concluded that it must have been about coffee when she saw him retreating into the nearby caf. Not her favorite but it would suffice.
She took a long deep breath, sitting on one of the wooden benches facing the water. She took off her aviators wanting to observe the boats dancing gracefully on the water... however closed her eyes pushing her face towards the sky, enjoying the feel of sun peppering her with warmth. It felt almost nice.
She had no idea what she was doing. Just till late week she was absolutely fine with the idea of getting married. It was completely logical that this would be the next step. She had a good career as a celebrated writer albeit under a pseudonym, she was nearing her thirties, and Shyam was a good match... granted that they were introduced just six months ago through her parents' common friends... but somehow it was good... it made sense. But ever since she came back... and it wasn't as if she had not come back before... but this time you know why you can feel it in the air...
She growled again, gritting her teeth... shut up, shut up, shut up...
"Here you go, black, no sugar, low fat... a voice broke her inner tirade, and she opened her to see a hand extending her drink. As she sipped onto her drink sitting next to Shyam she let her gaze fan over his features. Nice hair, though in her opinion he used too much product to keep it in place, his forehead completely devoid of any imperfections, straight nose, pointy chin, dark mahogany eyes, sunken cheeks, and thin lips... he was a completely fine man.
Flashes of another face clouded her vision... no, some faces are meant to be forgotten.
"Is there something on my face? he questioned her intrigued gaze. Khushi being caught flushed pink under his gaze. She smiled at him and shook her head.
"I am sorry I am being such a horrible company... she muttered trying to hide her face behind the veil of her straight jet black hair.
"I am having a good time, so there are no complaints whatsoever, he soothed her worries. Khushi knew that he was being a too nice so she placed her head on his shoulder. He slid her arm around her, and adjusted her slightly.
"I know I should be showing you around my town... you were so welcoming back at your place. I think yesterday's shopping trip, right after landing did not sit well with me.
He squeezed her shoulder in return.
"So, how was your flight?" She spoke looking at the seagulls finally making an appearance as lunchtime rush started around the pier.
"I was surprised that you came so early. I thought you weren't coming until a week before the wedding."
"I thought so too but I decided to take some time off and just come early." He untangled his arm, turned his neck towards her, "I thought we could use these couple of weeks to just be with each other."
A genuine smile perked Khushi's face... he actually genuinely cared about her... and though it was not love, it could perhaps one day become that. Love...
Khushi squeezed his hand that rested on her thigh.
"But mom and dad are not due until a few hours so I suppose the wedding won't be kicking off for sometime... but I am glad about that."
"Me too," Khushi found her place back on his shoulder. "It seems to me that everyone just forgets about the couple and cares about everything else... prime example being my household." She complained at her own house somehow turning against her. Or maybe it only felt like to her.
Her loud phone broke their moment and Khushi apologized.
"Hey, mom... no I told you last night I was going to show Shyam around...
Khushi bit her lip in slight irritation. "Yes, I know they are staying at the lodge, I just thought it would be better to spend some time... of course I am coming back in a bit... mom, I am hanging up now. She placed her phone back in her bag, turning towards him.
"Everything all right? he inquired.
Khushi turned to face him, lifted her legs, crossing them into an Indian sitting style. She screwed her smile back on... it seemed to her that lately all she had been doing was faking smiles to everyone. "Yeah, it just seems like my mother forgot about our meeting, and then proceeded to remind me that I need to get ready for the family dinner... she shook her head. "I don't get it... there are still six hours until our reservation.
Shyam laughed at her animated tone, loving the fact that she relaxed for the first time since they met that morning.
"You think that is funny... she complained in good humour.
He mimicked her tone back at her as if to prove a point, and delight filled his eyes as Khushi's rib ticking laughter echoed around them. His eyebrows rose in surprise, and his throat tickled as his own laughter matched hers. Everyone on the pier started to pass the laughing couple curious looks. Khushi looked into his eyes as her vision clouded with tears. A second later her eyes fluttered past his shoulder and saw something in the background that caused her breath to hitch and laughter to die down instantly. Goosebumps formed all over her skin, and she blinked a few times to clear her vision.
Could it be?
The air around her became heavy... she could feel it in her lungs. The sun no longer felt nice, and the water smelled like bleach assaulting her nose... she shook her head. Stop it.
Shyam completely missing this change rose from his seat, his laughter dying down, and threw away his cup into the trash. When he returned moments later she saw Khushi staring towards the far end of the pier. He followed her gaze and found it resting on nothing.
"Earth to Khushi..." he waved his hands in front of her face to break the concentration.
Khushi sheepishly mumbled 'sorry' and rose from her seat, trashing her own cup. She clutched her jacket around her frame.
"Isn't that a souvenir shop? Do you mind if we drop in for a few moments?"
Khushi too flustered at her own feelings simply shook her head. Shyam two steps ahead of her walked towards the shop as Khushi trailed behind in slow steps. As she entered the shop she instantly knew she should have refused. Shyam was busy looking at the post cards however she found herself going towards the corner of the shop and picked up the book: The history and travel of Avalon. She flipped through the book, trying to remember which page it was... ah, she halted at the page committed in her memory.
The biggest catch of the decade.
The photo was frozen in time... the size of the mackerel was unlike any other, and the eyes of the owner beaming was unlike any other as well. The slight disgust that crinkled her nose presently was also present in the photo as well... the precious memory forever etched in the book. Her with the rambunctious hair, flushed cheeks, and oversized jacket and boots. Him with that bumpy nose, pearly teeth, perfect sun kissed skin, greenish brown eyes, clutching the mackerel in one hand, and pointing at himself as the king of the sea with her on by his side.
A chuckled escaped at the image they made.
"Sweetheart, come here I want to show you something."
She quickly shut the book, wanting to preserve this secret, and placed it back on the rack again with others... at least fifty copies.
She sauntered over to Shyam and helped him select a post card that he could add to his wall back home. Personally she thought collecting post cards was childish, for she herself collected key chains... but only from places truly dear to her.
As they proceeded to ring in their purchase an old man emerged from the back of the shop.
"Ready?" He asked.
When he looked over his moon spectacles his face broke into a warm smile. "Why it is good to see you here after so many years."
Khushi instantly regretted setting foot in the shop. How could she think that he wouldn't be here?
She merely smiled at his question and practically dragged Shyam out of the shop as the old man's voiced continued, "the other one hasn't set a foot back here in so long..."
She didn't want to hear any more.
"Whom was he talking about?" Shyam questioned with curious eyes when they both drove out of the parking lot.
"Oh nothing, just the old man has lost his mind, mistakes people all the time." She waved her hand in nonchalance, and relieved that Shyam bought it.
f**k the old man with the memory of a dolphin.
Suddenly she couldn't wait to get back into her over crowded house, locked in her room until she absolutely had to leave again.
She waved Shyam with a hug and peck on the cheek. She didn't care that he looked rather hurt for it was best to leave his car as soon as she could.
When she opened her house door, the people seemed to have doubled. And it had only been three hours since she had been gone.
"Khushi, there you are... wait where are you going?"
She had no idea who called out to her, and to her it seemed like everyone was. She quickly waved at all of them as they harassed her with questions until her mother and father were able to distract them.
She hurried up the stairs and went straight towards her room pausing to see that her room's double French doors were now decked with streams of marigold and lilies. The smell over powered her senses, and wished she could pause all this. She shut herself in her room, and ungracefully slid down the door in a confused mess.
Logic slowly seemed less logical at the moment. Pull yourself together. But all she wished for in that moment was to be the same eighteen-year-old girl in that picture.
~~0O0~~
It seemed to him that the one thing he could truly rely on was the warm sun. It was never a disappointing sight. All through his drive as Baby purred under him he looked forward to the light glinting off the water, as the water seemed like glass, and one with the sky. Thinking about that sight alone made his bones ache like an old, familiar feeling.
True to his memory everything looked exactly the same. The light reflecting off the pier blinded him momentarily and he relished the feeling. Something about this was home. The water... the smell... the feeling... that face. His insides quaked slightly... and he took a deep breath.
He picked up his beaten leather bag and proceeded to move towards his destination. The drive was long including the ferry ride, and his bones rattled... he needed a long shower, some food and sleep. His eyes hurt... completely bloodshot from the past few days. He couldn't remember how long it had been since he actually stopped and really thought of what happened.
It wouldn't be a lie to say that a part of him was relieved. But part of him couldn't help but wonder how his life would have turned out if his actions were different. But he couldn't let his mind wander there. He felt like a balloon floating around in the sky... not quite sure where he belonged any longer.
He rang the bell at the reception of the lodge. There was no one within an earshot. He licked his dry lips truly wishing to get to his room fast.
"Oh, hi there... what can I help..." the sentence was stopped midway.
"Oh sonny boy! How good it is to see you!" Exclaimed the man behind the counter.
Arnav smiled at the old man as he came forward to give Arnav a long hug.
"Hey Barty... its good to see you too."
"Wow," regarded the old man, "I can barely fit my arms around you anymore!"
Arnav, relieved that the old man had moved behind the desk, shrugged his shoulders.
"I heard about you know... I just wanted to offer my condolences."
Arnav with all his might nodded somberly. Before any other thought on this matter made his headache worse he spoke, " I just need a room for a few days."
"Of course. Er, what about the..." but he was interrupted by a young teenage boy huffing while running down the stairs.
"Geez, the hot water is acting up again..." he complained loudly not acknowledging the new company.
Arnav muttered under his breath. He just wanted a shower and a bed.
"Uh, sorry." The teenager mumbled when he saw that he interrupted perhaps a rather important conversation.
"Uh"... the old man scratched his beard. He looked at the computer for room allocation, "it seems like the wedding party has booked the entire lodge but... ah, I can get you in the last room."
Arnav took his keys and gestured to the teenager cum bellhop, "nah, I got it."
He mounted the stairs when he heard "its good to see you again, sonny."
After a shower, some room service, and a nap he was back to feeling refreshed. He looked at the time while stretching and realized he slept for about five hours.
There was a knock on his door... when he opened his door the sheepish looking teen was back.
"I am sorry Mr. Raizada... I wasn't aware who you were."
He reminded Arnav of himself ages ago. Prancing around the pier, troubling people, brashly running around the lodge.
He shook his head, "it's all good. What's your name?"
"Akash."
"Nice to meet you, Akash. Would you mind telling the kitchen to send some grilled cheese and tomato soup?"
"Of course."
Arnav waited for more than forty minutes for his food to arrive. By the time he had finished unpacking his bag though there weren't too many clothes.
By the time his food arrived he was famished. Normally he would be irritated but the kitchen staff informed him about a reservation for dinner of about thirty guests for that evening taking most of their time.
He waved at the waiter and tipped him.
Arnav stepped out of the lodge... after almost bumping into a few people trying to get the lodge restaurant ready for dinner.
The lodge was perfectly set in the center of the pier. Two islands on each side jutted outward toward the ocean. They resembled that of an angel's wings. From where his gaze could carry he could see the faded sun at the horizon... he knew the minute powdery blues, peachy oranges and slivers of green would only last a few minutes before darkness completely engulfed them.
The pier lights started to come alive one by one. He decided to take a stroll along the pier as the smell of freshly powdered donuts consumed him. God, it had been ages...
~~0O0~~
Khushi locked everyone out of her room. f**k, just leave me alone!
Why was it so damn important for all of them to give their opinions were beyond her!
She didn't really care how she looked. It's not as if she had not ever seen Shyam before. He knew what she looked like, and she could care less about the dinner. She just wished she had not agreed to come back to Avalon for the wedding. She should have held her ground!
Was she looking completely ridiculous in her burgundy spaghetti dress? Even the A-line silhouette that appeased her when she bought it was ... throwing her off.
f**k Avalon!
Why was she behaving like this? Get a f**king grip!
She opened her door, ready to see Shyam. Perhaps he could coo into her ear and make her forget everything else.
"Ready?" Asked Lavanya. "You look lovely..."
"Thanks... you look beautiful too, Luv."
She was glad that Lavanya had finally arrived albeit slightly later than her... the only other person whom she could trust with most of her secrets.
It had got cold by the time she reached the pier with everyone in tow. Instant goose bumps formed all over her skin... her frame huddled into her coat.
"Someone is looking rather hot," Shyam murmured into her ear. She blushed at the compliment... but it just isn't the same, is it?
However that moment didn't last too long. Her face contorted in confusion... did she honestly forget where exactly she would dine tonight?
Raiz Lodge and Restaurant...
Of course, it would be here. Silly girl!
"Hello Aunty and Uncle," Khushi moved to hug Shyam's parents... "How was your journey?"
"Oh you look breathtaking, yes we arrived just some time ago... it was rather fun travelling via a seaplane." His mom was quick with pleasantries, leaving them alone... Khushi liked that. She left them alone and right now she needed some space.
They quickly found their seats with Khushi sitting next to Shyam. Their parents and other extended family occupying the rest of the seats. When Shyam laughed at the joke flowing between him and his cousin he leaned in to whisper something in her ear... his cologne's whiff infused in her... minty and savory... making her suddenly nostalgic for a familiar smell of soap, sea, and cedar.
She closed her eyes... what the hell was wrong with her!?!
The food was delicious and Khushi's favourite desert melted her forlorn thoughts about the wedding into the background. Everyone had sort of mingled within each other, completely leaving the pair alone.
She sat back eyeing how everyone was so comfortable with each other... then why was she being so distant? She couldn't answer that question. Shyam was huddling closer to others, engaged in a fierce battle over the upcoming selection of the world cup soccer team. If there was one thing he got heated over, it was soccer. Khushi never liked the game, and neither understood it. Shyam had given up on trying to garner any interest from Khushi. He still kept his left hand on her thigh but never really taking that any further.
She wanted to feel it, the all-consuming want to need him, want him, feel him... but it didn't happen. Perhaps, after the wedding, it would just happen. She was happy at the thought that he was safe, he was good... he would never break her heart... that was the only thing she ever wished for.
She excused herself to visit the bathroom, but the sounds outside distracted her. She turned on her heel to head out of the restaurant, and walked towards the water. It was cold outside... her breath fogged but the idea of going back inside was not appealing.
The smell carried her over to the place she never frequented for ages... the delicious, buttery, cholesterol laden donuts being fried glazed her eyes in hunger. After grabbing an entire bag of those small donuts she found a bench facing the pier. She was back there for the second time that day...
She leaned back, peering at the sky, knowing that it would be as clear in the night as it was in the day. Shyam's big jacket fell off her shoulders that he had given to her after sensing her cold hands. She took a mouthful of donuts until she felt a little sick from the sugar rush. She held the donut, closed one eye, and tried to use the other one as a telescope... peering through the tiny hole, focusing on a particular constellation... the dragon.
"I thought it would be you...
That voice... she turned around in a sudden rush, wide eyes, staring back at source of her nostalgia... soap, sea, cedar... and heartbreak. ❤️
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