Love or Game (Complete✅)

Chapter 57- "Homecoming..."

"Manik, don't drink so much. You won't be able to board the flight, damn it."

Alara said sternly though her eyes are still fixed to the road ahead. I wave away her scolding and pour some more liquor into my mouth.

"You are so desperate as well as in hurry to throw me out of this city, right? Like Nandini!"

I scoff and look out of the window.

"You didn't allow me to drive; I agreed. You forced me to sit in your car; I agreed. You even put my Champ's Captain America's car into the garage; I accepted that too. Now, don't disturb me. And about my booze, well I am used to it. I have the capacity to be drunk without letting anybody know. So, chill! They won't stop me to board my flight because I won't show my intoxicated state."

I utter confidently. Alara mouths with a soft giggle,

"It is already showing, Malhotra. You are sounding funny and obstinate like a kid. And all credits go to this booze. Well, I didn't allow you to drive because I love my life. Secondly, nobody was there to take care of my car so I had to ride it. And most importantly, you can't take your Champ's car to India right now. So, I suggested you keep it in a garage so that after some days, you can make the decision whether you want to sell it off or bring it to your country."

She has logic but my stubborn mind refuses to accept. I turn at her and mutter in an adamant tone,

"It belongs to Champ and it will be."

Alara glances at me and bobs in assurance,

"Okay, got it now let me drive peacefully. We are already late."

She again concentrates on the road and simultaneously I on my booze. It's feeling giddy a bit but I am alright. I perhaps dozed off for a moment; a slight push on my shoulder makes me awake. Alara calls me,

"Manik, we have reached. Wake up. You only have 15 minutes to report. Hurry up!"

I strain my eyes to observe the surroundings and gradually sink into the situation. Oh..so it's time to say the final goodbye. I get down from the car. Alara is standing nearby me.

"Where is your that cab driver? He was supposed to bring your luggage, right?"

She mouths concernedly. I look here and there but can't see a single sign of Samuel. She is right. I am late but he is super late. I smile at her and utter sarcastically,

"I think God wants me to leave everything behind me over here. Except.."

"Except the memories. Manik..I am still asking you. Is it your last decision? You are again doing wrong, Man. You misunderstood her words."

She sounds intense. Her eyes have hope. I wobble in deny and reply in a dry tone,

"No, this time I am doing exactly what she wants. Bye, Alara. Thanks for listening to me. I won't forget you."

I hug her and turn on my heels to leave. Only then, Sam's yell halts me,

"Señor! Your bags. I am sorry for being late."

I turn and Alara giggles out,

"It seems this city doesn't even want to keep your memories."

.................................................

The girl opens the passenger seat and the sight numbs my limbs. I have never felt so happy, shocked and blessed all at a time in my life. A surprised whisper escapes my open mouth,