'When is this plane ever going to take off!,' grumbled, a girl around her twenties. 'And I am so hungry too. I honestly don't understand why they can't just serve us food while we wait,' she said, this time a bit louder rubbing her stomach in annoyance.
Precisely at that moment a man the almost the same age, approached to the next seat beside her. He sat himself down and eyed the odd, beautiful girl. Somehow with all commotion that was taking place inside her brain, she did not seem to notice the stranger's presence.
'It's going to take off soon. Patience is a virtue.' Finally she landed back to reality when she heard the man's voice, right beside her. The stranger, who by the way was stunningly good looking, was seated comfortably.
'And who might you be?', the annoyance in her tone was not missed. Extending his hands he replied.
'I am Arnav, Arnav Razaida. What's your name?'
'Khushi Gupta... and just for the record Arnav Razaida, I do have patience. However right now I am not in the mood for it. I haven't eaten anything in hours and it's driving me crazy!'
'Here, have this until we actually get something to eat,' he handed her a packet of crisps. She eyed the packet, which was still in his grasps. Guilt washed over her at the rudeness she displayed for him before. Overwhelmed by this small, but kind gesture, she slowly took it.
Quietly she spoke. 'I am sorry for being rude. Being hungry really brings out my ugly side. I am a food addict you see, and a coffee addict, and a chocolate addict, and a-'
'Yes, you love food. I can tell,' he cut her off, amused. A shy smile graced her face when she realized she was blabbering again.
'Sorry I tend to talk a lot too.'
'I don't mind,' he smiled, 'and I hope you blabber for the rest of this flight because it's going to be a long one.'
'Ooh, okay!,' excitedly she began to speak, ' So where are you from? Oops, sorry. Obviously you're from India, but what were you doing in Thailand? Oops, sorry if I am prying,' she apologized, wondering whether she has asked too much.
Arnav just smiled in return. 'You were not prying. I was just taking a holiday because I needed some time out from India. What about you? If you don't mind me asking of course.'
'I was visiting family. Having mixed feelings about going back to India. It's fantastic to be home, but at the same time I have to get back to working.' She sighed. He nodded his head in understanding. 'Yeah I know. I am having conflicting feelings as well. What kind of work do you do?'
'Well I am an-' The sudden jerk of the plane moving interrupted their conversation. Khushi grabbed Arnav's hand, tightly in fear. She squeezed her eyes shut and leaned more towards his warm body. He wasn't aware why the emotions cropped up, but the sudden urge to protect her, possessed, over his body and he held her closer; very tightly and secure.
Eventually after a few minutes the plane took its course and calmness eased in to the atmosphere. 'Hey it's okay, everything is okay now,' Arnav gently whispered in to her ears. Warm breath washed down her neck, sending shocking chills to her spine. Her body slightly jerked at the power of them.
Finally she pulled away from his hold. Blood rushed to her fair cheeks immediately, when it dawned on her that she sought comfort in a strangers arms. 'Thanks.. it was unexpected.' Her reply came out as a whisper.
He nodded in understanding. 'That is alright. Do you want me to get some water?'
'No thank you. I am alright now.'
An awkward silence settled between them. Although it could not be explained as awkwardness either. There was a shift in the air between them, which neither of them realized at that instant. Unable to bear the silence between them, Arnav decided to break it.
'So Khuuushi,' he drawled, bored. 'Entertain me. Tell me about yourself.'
Another chill shocked her spine at the sound of her name from his voice. She ignored the weird sensations and replied. 'If I am doing that then you will too. Deal?'
'Deal.'
'Well okay... I am Khushi Kumari Gupta, age 25. Loves to eat and sleep, but sadly cannot because the world has forced me to work. Very friendly and outgoing, but very easily annoyed. Um... I tend to act like a guy at times. I love animals, especially dogs. Addicted to chocolates and coffee as I mentioned before. I tend to have a very bad memory... Um... What else... Oh yes! I was trying to tell you before too. I am an-'
'Excuse me,' the air hostess interrupted, gaining Arnav's and Khushi's attention.
'Yes?', Arnav asked.
'Sorry to interrupt, but would you both like to eat something or drink anything?'
Khushi's eyes sparkled with glee. 'Yes please! I will have 2 vege sandwiches and a coffee please.'
Arnav rolled his eyes with an amused smile plastered across his face at her excitement. 'And I would like one bacon sandwich and a coffee as well.'
Handing over their food and coffee the air hostess left, finally letting them enjoy their food and conversation.
'Okay so I said told you about myself. Now it's your turn,' Khushi stated with her mouth full. Arnav arched an eyebrow and chuckled. 'Well... I am Arnav Singh Razaida. I am 27 years old. I love to sleep and eat too. My favorite kind of food is Chinese and spicy foods. I love playing foot ball, but love watching Cricket. My favorite colour is blue... Um.. Greece is my dream vacation. Oh and I love coffee too... What else am I missing... Oh yes, and I have a hard time staying in one spot. Always need to be on the move. Not that out going to be honest. Kind of awkward with people. I feel like I am missing something really important, but oh well, that's all I can think of right now.'
'If you're awkward with people how come you spoke so well with me earlier. You didn't seem shy...,' Khushi asked, genuinely curious.
Realization hit him like a ton of bricks. She was right, he wasn't awkward at all when they began speaking. He was stumped. 'I don't know... I just spoke and it's weird, but I feel very comfortable speaking with you. Actually when I think about it, this hasn't happened before.'
She giggled, 'well I do have that amazing affect on people.'
'Yeah, maybe your insanity rubs off against others.'
She smacked him on the shoulder. 'Hey! I am not insane..' She received a 'yeah right' look from him at her comment. 'Okay fine so I am a little insane, but also sane.'
'Weird, because that actually makes sense.'
Both exchanged large grins and continued their ever so interesting conversation.
***
2 days later..
'Wow I cannot believe we already arrived. I didn't even feel the days pass by.' Arnav said, breathing in the Mumbai air. It was the most perfect air to inhale, but it was still home. Arnav nodded his head with agreement. 'Yeah maybe because all we ever did was talk, which was entertaining.'
Dragging their luggage's out of the airport they came to a halt. Time for good bye has arrived...
'Well... it was nice meeting you Arnav. I wish you well,' Khushi said with a small smile. The heaviness in her heart increased, yet she could not understand why.
He gulped down the uneasy emotions and smiled. 'Yeah same here. It was wonderful meeting you.' An amusing tone took over, when he said, 'take care and please stay insane.' He got another smack from her.
'Idiot. Bye!'
'Bye'
And they walked their separate ways, not knowing this was never a good bye to begin with.
***
'Okay Arnav so you will be playing Imran, and your co-star will be...'
'Arnav', a familiar voice whispered with utter shock.
'Khushi', his voice came out breathless.
Destiny smiled upon the two individuals.
'Now let the games begin.'
***
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