Sweet 'n' Sour | ✔

fifty-three

53. raat abhi kaafi lambi hai (the night is still too long)

Warning// mature themes in the later part of the chapter.

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- priya -

I find it surprising to be the one saying this, but things are working out just fine for me nowadays. The day I first met Aditya, initially, I used to think of it as a mere, beautiful coincidence. But now I want to say it's fate. Just like how it is in the books he reads. Everything happens because of it's fate. Coincidence is too vague of a word to describe the moment we crossed paths. I would like to believe it's when the universe looked down on us and said, ah, these two, they are meant to be. Utter nonsense, I know, but hopeful nonetheless.

"Priya!" He smiled down at me, the sides of his face glowing in the bright, flashy neons, swallowing him in the darkness frequently. But he was tangible to me.

I smiled back, throwing my arms around his neck as I pulled him down for a kiss. I've gotten quite bold since coming to Europe for our honeymoon. It's been only a week but I've kissed him publicly far too times to count. It must be the liberation or maybe how the people around us do not care a whit.

Presently, he had dragged me to this stupid open party that we received the pamphlet of this morning. I was not interested but then he said he had never been to such parties as a teenager or even an adult, and he would regret it if he missed another opportunity like this. Divya hopped on the same boat as him, forcing her husband into it as well but upon coming here the two went off to have their own fun while Aditya and I were left awkwardly to figure out on our own.

A few drinks in and we realised what crazy feels like.

I don't think I was in my right mind. I was too drunk, too free, and too wild. I don't remember feeling like this ever. It's a new, unexplored, unknown feeling, as though if I don't limit it, it'll consume me.

Aditya held me tight, not letting me separate from him. I knew I could trust him. He wouldn't let me go astray, he would be right by my side.

"Aditya!" I screamed over the sound of music.

He raised his brows, leaning down to hear me clearly.

"Let's get out of here, it's suffocating," I said, flapping my crop top to signify how sweaty I was. He grabbed my hand, glaring at me sharply to stop me from revealing anything that can't be seen by anyone except him.

I smiled mischievously.

"C'mon," holding my wrist tighter, he guided me through the sea of people. With bodies bumping and apologies thrown around, we finally escaped the cramped place.

Stumbling down the stairs, I bent to catch my breath, my hands on my knees as I breathed harshly. The music vibrated in my veins, thrumming along with my heart in the chest. I sucked in a deep breath and stood straight, tasting the saltiness of the air in my lungs.

"Want to sit down somewhere quiet?" He lifted his head, breathing through his mouth.

I nodded my head.

"Let's find a place," standing straight, he began to walk and I followed along.

We ended up closer to the nearby lake, it was colder here. The deck was supported by the wooden beams lodged in the water. I sat down after removing my sneakers and let my legs hang off the edge, my toes touching the surface of the cold water. Aditya plopped down beside me before he lay backward, crossing his arms beneath to cushion his head.

"I can't see the stars," he murmured.

I followed his gaze and looked up, nodding in agreement at his observation.