Nayab, a brilliant and meticulous MBBS student, possesses a mind built for calculations and precision. Her dreams are set on excelling in her medical career, leaving no room for frivolities or romantic distractions. Meanwhile, Danish, a vivacious an...
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The venue for the mehendi function was the sparkling swimming pool of the resort. The theme was bohemian. Dreamcatchers, tassels, and fairy lights hung from every corner, creating a magical ambience. Colorful rugs and cushions were scattered across the ground, inviting guests to relax and soak up the beauty of the surroundings. The groom was dressed in a kurta in pale white color, whereas the bride was decked in a sharara and crop top in the same color but with intricate details and patterns all over it in multi color. The bridesmaid and maid of honor were wearing their outfits in magenta pink to contrast perfectly with the bride.
Nayab, wearing a lehenga and choli without any dupatta, was getting her henna done. But her mind was replaying the conversation that took place between her and Simran yesterday.
"He kissed me."
"I told you that it is a date." After that Simran continued, "So what happens now?"
"What do you mean?" Nayab was still sporting a dreamy smile.
"I mean, you live in Delhi. He lives in London. Will this, whatever it is between you two, become more than just these casual flirtings and dates? And if yes, how is it going to work?"
That made Nayab's smile disappear really quickly. She hadn't thought about it. For the first time in life, she hadn't planned ahead for the future before getting herself into something. For the first time, she was just going with the flow and enjoying it. But Simran's one question had suddenly complicated everything.
She wasn't sure if she wanted something serious and long-term with him. But even if she did want it, how was that going to happen? He had his life, his business, his family in London. He couldn't possibly drop all that for her. She was in the middle of her MBBS degree here. And long-distance relationships were definitely not her cup of tea. She had seen friends struggle with it in the past, and the thought of not being able to see him all the time didn't settle well with her.
But let's say, hypothetically, they agree for the long-distance thing for a couple of years, then what? Where are they gonna settle down eventually? She couldn't leave India, not only because of her studies but because it was her home. And why would he leave London and come to live with her in a country where he had lost both his parents?
Sitting in the mehendi function, Nayab faked a smile for everyone. But from inside, she was feeling torn. On one hand, she had found someone who made her heart skip a beat and brought a smile to her face. But on the other hand, the practicalities seemed invincible.
After the mehendi of the bride was done, it was time for the photo session. All the bridesmaids and maid of honor were called forward to pose with the bride. Simran sensed that something was off about Nayab, and she figured it must be the conversation they had yesterday.
When it was time for the bride and maid of honor's snaps, Simran whispered into Nayab's ears while smiling into the camera, "Are you okay?"
Nayab nodded.
"Look, if it is bothering you so much, just talk to Danish." Simran suggested. "If one thing I've learnt in my relationship is that communication is the key."
Nayab sighed nervously and nodded again.
After the photos were done, she wandered a little away from the crowd, near the swimming pool. Her mehendi was dry by now. She was looking at Simran and Andag getting their couple pictures done from afar when a bowl of brownie and ice cream appeared in front of her.
"Your favorite," Danish said when she looked sideways at him.
She gave a small smile that obviously didn't reach her eyes. It would be easy to say goodbye to him and leave at the end of the wedding if he wouldn't remember such small details about her. She thought as she took the bowl from him. But she didn't eat it.
"What's wrong?" He caught on to her strange behavior.
She contemplated for a second whether she should tell him the truth or hide it behind some excuse. But then she also thought what good it'd do to not tell him. They're going to leave for their respective cities after the wedding anyway. She might as well just communicate with him rather than living in regret all her life for not trying.
"Danish.." She tried to find the right words, "what are we?"
He frowned. "What?"
"What are we?" She deepened, "What is this that is going on between us? And more importantly, how does it end?"
The way his expressions changed, she knew that he understood what she meant. "Nayab..you know my life is in London. And even if I wanted to, I can't move back to India. It is just too damn painful."
"I know.." She whispered. "I know."
They stayed quiet for a few seconds before she spoke, "My life is in India. And I can't leave it."
He nodded at that.
"I guess it was just these six days, then!" Danish exclaimed with a sad smile.
"Yes, six days, which ends tomorrow." She chuckled, "We were too good to be true anyway."
"At least we'll have some good stories to tell our respective grandkids."
"Will you stay in touch?" She asked.
He looked unsure. "Do you think that'll be a good idea, given all those feelings we felt with each other?"
She scrunched her nose. "I guess not."
"Hey, but contact me when you're getting married. I'd love to plan your big day." He joked with her.
That made her roll her eyes. "You sure you'd be able to see me with someone else, Mr Vaziri?"
He shrugged casually. "I might punch him right in the face a day before the nikah so he looks hideous during the ceremony."
She gasped and hit his shoulder. "You did not just talk about hitting my future husband."
He rubbed where she had hit him and gave her a traitorous look. "And you did not just hit me for another guy."
"I think I just did," She smirked and took the first bite of the dessert he had gotten her. His demeanor changed from joking to admiration as he watched her eat.
Although he teased Nayab, trying to put on a brave face, deep down he was wracked with pain. The thought of never seeing her again after tomorrow felt like a knife in his heart. The kind of heartache he had not felt since he lost his parents. As a helpless 10-year-old, he couldn't control the inevitability of death, but this time it was different. He knew what was going to happen, and he still couldn't do anything about it. Nayab had become a special person in his life, and the mere thought of losing her forever made him feel powerless and alone. It was as if the universe was conspiring against him, snatching away everything he held dear, leaving him with nothing but the unbearable weight of his emotions. He wished he could turn back time, undo everything that had led to this moment, and somehow make it all go away. But as much as he wanted to, he knew deep down that he couldn't. All he could do was accept the fact that they were going to throw away something that had the potential of becoming amazing, only because the odds were not in their favor.
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I know you guys must not be expecting an update like this. You'd be expecting romantic kisses and sweet nothings. But their actual situation had to catch up on their dreamy times.
Vote up. And comment what do you think will happen next!
