Beyond the Past

Behind the Shining Glow

The next day, Preeta and Abir's bedroom

Abir woke up groggily, rubbing his eyes. As his eyes adjusted to the light he saw that the kids weren't around, which was rarer than the blue moon. Neither was Preeta. "Pree?" he called out, however, no reply. "Pree? Kaha ho? Did she wake up already?" he said out loud in confusion. Just as he was about to call her to check, he found a note on his side table with a white rose.

Kids barged in very early, you were tired hence I took them outside. Get ready quickly. <3

He chuckled and smelled the rose, "Wah Pree." After a shower he came out, drying his head when he saw Preeta on the balcony. Sneaking in on her, he went and back hugged her, causing her to yelp.

"Abir!" she scolded with a smile. He saw a full array of breakfast dishes and drinks on the table and smiled.

He placed his chin on her shoulder and asked, "Breakfast date?" To which she nodded. "Why so romantic today, Mrs Raishinghania? It's my job to pamper you."

Preeta turned around and said, "What can I do? Mr Raishinghania is all up being the best partner, so Mrs Raishinghania has to step up her game. Else won't her 'the most romantic' title go away? Moreover, my husband what is to you? I wanna pamper him." They chuckled as they sat down next to each other. She handed him a dark pink rose, and said, "They say dark pink is the colour of appreciation and gratitude."

He smiled and smelled the rose, before side-hugging her. "Thank you."

She rest her head on his chest and said, "I know it's a lot of work for you. Handling the business, family and now Shrishti's wedding preparations. You also have to handle me. So thank you, for being here. By my side. Managing everything from business to house to unwanted people."

Abir felt giddy. He knew she would do this from time to time. Whenever he was overworked Preeta would always express her appreciation. Yet, his heart was full of warmth every time. "I like being here, by your side." She smiled and kissed his cheek. He smiled.

She urged him to eat. "By the way, I booked a full-body spa and massage session for you and King Jiju today," she informed him.

"That's great," he replied as he ate the avocado waffle sandwich, "I could use a good massage. But what about Shrishti, won't she freak out if we are not here? She was stressed about her wedding dress."

"Of course she is!" Preeta rolled her eyes. "She has no idea what she wants. The only thing knew she wanted was the colour maroon, but now she changed her mind," she complained, "I don't know how is she going to manage. It's only two weeks. Other than clothes, there is jewellery, invitations, rituals..."

"It's okay," he replied and fed her some of the waffles, "if she can't we can ask the wedding planners to handle everything. From A to Z."

"I know," she nodded, "but even they will need some sort of ideas from Shrishti and she is too panicked to think properly."

"Hmm."

"What hmm?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"Abir..."

"Look," he replied calmly, "Shrishti is the bride, it's natural for her to be panicked. Just let things go with the flow. Moreover, a huge chunk of the shopping is already done. So don't worry."

"Maybe," she sighed.

"Anyway, in things about fashion don't we have Sona..." he looked up with wide eyes to see Preeta's face full of smiles.

"Great idea!"

"NO! Horrible idea," he replied.

"I will call..."