...Don't speak as I try to leave 'cause we both know what we'll choose,
If you pull then I'll push too deep and I'll fall right back to you...
'Cause you are the piece of me I wish I didn't need,
Chasing relentlessly, still fight and I don't know why...
Clarity by Zedd
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Chapter 7. Of Suitcases and Doorknobs
Sanyukta had never felt more annoyed. Sure, she was riding first class, there was plenty of space, the seating was comfortable, the food was nice BUT she would rather be squished into economy with a 100 more people, have obnoxious kids crawl all around her, and hit turbulence so bad that she'd kiss her life goodbye than be sitting next to Randhir Singh Shekhawat.
She threw a loathing glare in his direction literally wanting to strangle him. He hadn't left her side since they had taken a 5 hour bus from FITE to IGI Airport, a flight from New Delhi to Kullu and now as they were on another flight from Kullu to Manali. Thinking back to what he had said, she couldn't do anything about his annoying presence as he was her "leader."
"Who knows when you'll do something and cause trouble for me!"
So they were pretty much stuck together for the entire trip.
She watched him with resentment as he seemed to be so at peace with himself.
Randhir in his white button down shirt and dark blue jeans sensing her stare, glanced down at her and smirked.
He was enjoying this.
Jerk.
*********************************
Sanyukta pulled her suitcase from the luggage belt, letting it fall down and roll as she walked forward struggling to get past all the passengers making their way to their destinations. After making her way through, she came to a stop and turned around.
'Where the hell was everybody?'
Someone bumped into her making her fall. She looked up at the offender who quickly mumbled an apology and walked past her.
"What the hell are you doing?" "You've started your drama here, too?"
Randhir glared at her as she got up.
"Where is everyone?"
"God, how far can your short legs take you?!"
"As far as your above average male ego can take you."
He ignored her and looked around rubbing his head as he grabbed her suitcase and began walking.
"Just keep up," he yelled.
She trotted along, a little surprised by his actions as he cleared the path, scowling at everyone in his way.
It was as if he was being nice to her...
*********************************
They came towards the front entrance of the airport where Vardhan Sir and the group were waiting for them.
As soon as they were in sight Vardhan frowned but quickly said, "Let's go."
At that, the group followed not waiting for them to catch up.
"Where were you?" Kaustuki questioned as they caught up.
"I got lost for a second but it looks like Vardhan sir is angry with me."
"Don't worry." "Everything will be alright."
Sanyukta sighed but smiled back at her dear friend.
*********************************
It was cold. So. Freakin.' Cold.
The minute they stepped out from the taxi she felt the cold wind come in contact with her skin removing all comfort of heat from her body. She immediately grabbed her jacket and put it on, squirming in the cold.
"We'll be walking from here," she heard Vardhan instruct.
"God, it's so cold."
"Yeah," her friend shivered.
"Why did Vardhan sir choose Manali of all places?"
"..."
"Wow," was the only reply coming from her friend.
"Wow?" she turned towards her friends object of attention and gaped.
Sanyukta was at a loss of words as she stared at the stunning view. Towering above them was a range of snowy, green lofty hills. A series of houses and shops rested on the hills creating a little village. Greenery surrounded them contrasting with the orange and red buildings. They were quite away from any mountains but nevertheless, sun shining overhead, they stood on the side of a road breathing the fresh, invigorating mountain breeze. The graceful mix of nature and human civilization well displayed the exuberance of life.
She could smell the fresh aroma of sweet butter from a nearby bakery; the exotic scent of refreshing coffee toying with her senses. Her eyes grew wide with enthusiasm as she watched the people buzz about in their own manner, some alone, some with companions, and some with family. Bringing the street to life, the varying activities and vibrant exhibitions aroused a tingling excitement within her as well.
To Sanyukta, it was magnificent. She had seen beautiful scenery before but never like this one.
"Che," She heard Randhir let out a small groan as he realized how far they had to walk.
At least they didn't have to carry their luggage. He looked around watching the locals move about, developing a headache from the bustling street noise. The salty stench of fish plaguing his nostrils. He appeared annoyed at the linear array of shops exposing the colorful interiors and attracting the locals and tourists toward them.
"Tumhari problem kya hain?"
"You." "Stop looking like a goldfish."
She gave him a look of disbelief.
"But it's so beautiful," she gasped. "How can you just stand there so casually?"
He stops himself from yelling at her as he shoves his way past a crowd of bystanders; ignoring a holler from one of the shop owners as he knocks over a box of oranges.
He scoffs. "Because I've already been here."
"It's my first time," she adds.
"I can tell," he replies, sounding amused.
Her body followed Randhir as they continued to walk but her eyes remained fixated on her surroundings.
The group stopped as they came near the entrance to a courtyard. It had a nice, cultural, village feel to it. The courtyard was filled with a community of lodges that curved to form a circle. Young children brushed past them, laughing as they chased each other. She took in the sight of white and pink cherry blossom trees that were planted near every lodge. Even the pathway was appealing as they walked on the spaced apart steps. The building grew as they came upon a two-storied lodge which had a deep shade of burnt orange.
This was where they would be staying.
Everybody stared in silence, waiting as Vardhan stood by the entrance.
He stared at the silver door knob deep in thought before pulling the door open.
*********************************
Sanyukta plopped down on her bed and closed her eyes, tired from the long journey. She didn't even bother to unpack.
Their room was even more beautiful than the lobby. Warm colors mixed with the modern furniture giving the place a homey feeling. It was spacious, consisting of two small desks each carrying a cream color lampshade by their queen beds, a flat screen TV, and a wide, half open bay window letting the cold January air wisp through, sending a shudder down her spine. Thankfully she was still wearing her jacket.
She felt comfortable here.
"You were supposed to call your mom, right?" Kaustuki reminded her.
"Oh, yeah." She shot back up reaching for her phone.
"I'll make a call and be back."
"Then I'm going to take a shower after unpacking."
"Okay."
The sound of her bare feet squeaked across the hardwood floor as she opened the door and left for the lobby.
*********************************
"Haan Ma, hum theek se pohaunch chuke." "Don't worry." "Papa ko abhi bhi nahi pata?"
"Nahi, maine usse abhi tak kuch nahi bataya." "Kaise bataun?"
"Aap jaise theek samjho waise karna." "I don't think ki usse batane ki zaroorat bhi hain." "He doesn't care bas aap par aur chilayenge."
"Aisi baat nahi hain." "Tumhe nahin pata lekin tumhare Papa tumhe bahaut yaad karte hain." "Bas..."
"Bas unki ego beech mein ati hain."
"Unki naraazgi beech mein ati hain."
She rolled her eyes. "Same thing, Ma!"
"Acha, yeh batao wapas kab aogi?"
"Ek hafte ke baad."
Vaise tumhare Papa aur bhai dono ek hafte ke baad kahi zaroori kaam se Australia ja rahe hain.
"Australia?"
"Haan."
"Vapas kab ayenge?"
"Shayad ek ya doh hafte ke baad."
"Phir toh aap akeli..."
"Tumhe toh pata hain, mujhe adat hain."
"Main apke paas ajaoon?"
"Kaash," her mom sighed jokingly.
Sanyukta chuckled, knowing very well she couldn't do that. She desperately wanted to see her though. She was badly missing her. Her mother wouldn't have to be alone if she wasn't so selfish.
"..."
"Acha ab tum araam karo, lamba safar tha na?"
"Bahot lamba tha aur bahot irritating bhi," she replied, blinking back her tears.
"Acha beta, apna khayal rakhna."
"Hmn," she mumbled, feeling guilty.
"Aur kahin bhi akele mat jaana."
"Hmn" She didn't expect to get so emotional.
"Roz phone karte rehna, okay?"
She couldn't take it any longer. "Bye, Ma."
"Bye beta."
She hung up as the door to the lobby entrance opened.
"Hi!"
She was surprised at who she saw.
"Sanyukta, right?"
"Remember me?"
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Edited by Maiya. - 11 years ago
Udne Ki Aasha
